# The Staffordshire Signal CIC > Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Enjoy our monthly print magazine, local news, and events calendar. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### The Staffordshire Signal: The County's Independent Lifestyle Magazine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T14:51:16.000Z ### **Discover Staffordshire** The *Staffordshire Signal* is a high-quality lifestyle magazine celebrating everything that makes our county shine. From our heritage and ceramics to hidden countryside gems and community heroes, we bring you stories that matter, without the noise. --- ### **Read the Digital Archive** Explore every issue of the *Staffordshire Signal* right here. Our digital edition is free to read for everyone, forever, so you can catch up on local stories at your own pace. --- Get the Signal through your letterbox While our magazine is free to find in the community, you can guarantee every issue arrives at your door by becoming a ****Magazine Member**. For just ****£5 a month**, we handle the postage and packaging so you never miss a story! [SUBSCRIBE FOR HOME DELIVERY ](#/portal/signup) --- ### **Find a Free Copy Near You** We are proud to distribute free copies across Stoke-on-Trent and the towns and villages of Staffordshire. You can find us in shops, libraries, independent cafés, and community venues. [****View the List of Pick-up Locations**](https://www.google.com/search?q=/where-to-find-the-signal/&authuser=4&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![CTA Image](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20251024_143343-1.jpg)](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/find-a-copy/) Click here to find out where you can pick up a physical copy of The Staffordshire Signal magazine. [FInd a Copy ](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/find-a-copy/) 💡 Serving the entire county, including ****Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Leek, Stafford, Stone, Uttoxeter, Cannock, and Lichfield.** --- ### **What’s Inside Every Issue?** Each edition of *The Staffordshire Signal* is a deep dive into the heart of our county, curated across our eight signature categories: - **Ceramics:** Celebrating our world-famous pottery heritage and the modern makers shaping the industry today. - **Culture & Community:** The heartbeat of Staffordshire, highlighting local arts, grassroots projects, and the people bringing us together. - **History & Heritage:** Uncovering the fascinating stories, industrial milestones, and hidden history that shaped our towns. - **Taste & Living:** Your guide to the best independent food, drink, and lifestyle finds across the county. - **Country & Creatures:** From the rugged Moorlands to the trails of Cannock Chase, we explore our stunning landscapes and local wildlife. - **Active Life:** Inspiration for getting outdoors, from local walking routes to wellness and grassroots sports. - **Business & Education:** Shining a light on Staffordshire’s enterprising spirit, local innovation, and the future of our schools, colleges and universities. - **Analogue & Digital Life:** Navigating the balance between our traditional roots and the modern, connected world we live in. --- ### **Your stories, your Signal** Got a stunning photo of the Peak District? A hidden history of your street? Or a local hero we need to interview? We are always looking for fresh voices and perspectives from across the county. [Get Involved](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved/) ### What’s On Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/whats-on-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:09:57.000Z ### **The Community-Powered Events Guide** Welcome to your curated guide to life across the county. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Stoke-on-Trent, art exhibitions in East Staffordshire, or guided walks through the Roaches, *The Staffordshire Signal* connects you to the heart of our community. ### **Explore Every Corner of the County** Our events guide is built by the people of Staffordshire, for the people of Staffordshire. We cover everything happening in: - **Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme:** From heritage tours at the kilns to the latest indie gigs. - **The Staffordshire Moorlands:** Farmers' markets in Leek and outdoor adventures in the Peaks. - **Stafford, Stone & Uttoxeter:** Local festivals, craft fairs, and community celebrations. - **Cannock Chase & Lichfield:** Seasonal events, nature trails, and historic tours. **Why list with us?** As a **not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC)**, our mission is to make local information accessible to everyone. We don’t charge for listings, and we don’t use trackers. Just honest, local stories and the best things to do this weekend. ### Get Involved URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T10:59:08.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/close-up-of-people-s-hand-working-on-computer-2026-03-18-10-42-54-utc-2-1-1.jpg) ## Submit Content Got a story to tell? Share your local news, community feature, or announcement with us to be featured in The Staffordshire Signal. [SUBMIT](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1M5vbc1BRjZ%5FpaEKq1wVP5gcamMQwVJ-2Rhlm4HdY3mq24Q/viewform?usp=header&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/pages-of-book-curved-into-a-heart-shape-close-up-2026-01-08-22-28-04-utc-2-1-1.jpg) ## Advertise with Us Promote your business to thousands of local readers. Request our media pack today and discover the opportunities to feature in The Staffordshire Signal. [ENQUIRE](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise-with-us/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/old-film-camera-and-a-roll-of-on-wood-2026-03-24-05-12-03-utc-2-1.jpg) ## Photography Competition Enter our monthly competition for the chance to see your photo on the front cover of The Staffordshire Signal and win a £25 Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Gift Card, spendable at dozens of local shops, cafés, and attractions. Runners-up will also feature inside the magazine. Each month has a different theme - submit your best shot today. [ENTER HERE](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/photography-competition/) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/golden-retriever-dog-pet-retriever-2026-01-07-01-03-13-utc-2-1.jpg) ## Staffordshire Pet Spotlight Show off your furry, feathered, or scaly friend! Share a photo and a fun fact for the chance to feature in our monthly, double-page Staffordshire Pet Spotlight and celebrate pets from across the county. [SUBMIT YOUR PET](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-pet-spotlight/) ### Submit Content URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/submit-content/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T14:07:11.000Z Got a story to tell? Share your local news, community feature, or announcement with us to be featured in The Staffordshire Signal. ### Advertise with Us URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise-with-us/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T08:32:37.000Z Promote your business to thousands of local readers. Request our media pack today and discover the opportunities to feature in The Staffordshire Signal. ### Photography Competition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/photography-competition/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T09:14:17.000Z Enter our monthly competition for the chance to see your photo on the front cover of The Staffordshire Signal and win a £25 Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Gift Card, spendable at dozens of local shops, cafés, and attractions. Runners-up will also feature inside the magazine. Each month has a different theme. This month we are looking for Autumn in Staffordshire. Submit your best shot today. [CLICK HERE TO ENTER](https://forms.gle/t4SjZCx6epDo8KJz6?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire Pet Spotlight URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-pet-spotlight/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T10:57:51.000Z Show off your furry, feathered, or scaly friend! Share a photo and a fun fact for the chance to feature in our monthly, double-page Staffordshire Pet Spotlight and celebrate pets from across the county. [SEND US YOUR PET](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPjZqD9%5Fg4iPpndIiy-n3eau5KfdVdsExd8Q%5F3LKu53t%5FU1Q/viewform?usp=publish-editor&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Contact Us URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/contact-us/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T11:08:30.000Z The Staffordshire Signal is more than just a magazine; it is a movement to ensure our county is seen, heard, and properly represented. From the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to the halls of Parliament, we are here to tell your stories. ## Our Team 📞[01782 438268](tel:01782438268) ****PR -** submissions@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk Contact for: Press releases, stories, tips and editorial. ****Jenna Goodwin** | **Editor & CEO* | jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk Contact for: Editorial direction, press invites, and mission-led partnerships. ****Natalee Trowbridge** | **Business & Operations Manager* | natalee@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk Contact for: General operations, distribution, and community projects. ****Chrissie Woodward** | Relationships Manager | chrissie@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk Contact for: Advertising, sponsorship, and commercial partnerships. ****Will Barnett** | **Junior Reporter* | will@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk Contact for: Politics and regeneration, pitches, features, and local interviews. --- [Submit a News Tip](submissions@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Official Supporters of The Staffordshire Signal ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/WAS_Primary-Logo_CMYK-2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/VAST-logo--1--2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/SSLA-Logo--Horizontal--print-300dpi--1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/SOT_CC_BID_LOGO--1---1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/nscrp-city-of-stoke-on-trent-fix--1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/logo--3--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/logo--1---1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/image001--1--2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DF-Logo--1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/BID-Logos-01--2---1--2.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/4-case--1--2.png) ### Our Mission URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T07:47:37.000Z ## A Different Kind of Local News Local journalism in the UK is in crisis. The Government's own 2026 Amplify report confirmed it: a democratic emergency, a "market failure," 4.4 million people living in news deserts. Historic titles absorbed by distant corporations. Newsrooms hollowed out. "Local" news decided hundreds of miles away by people who have never walked the streets of Stoke-on-Trent or the Moorlands. The Staffordshire Signal exists to do the opposite. We are proof that a different model works, one built on people rather than profit, on trust rather than traffic. ## Who We Are, and Who Pays Us The Staffordshire Signal is published by The Staffordshire Signal CIC, a Community Interest Company. That legal structure matters, because it is our financial disclosure as much as our identity. As a CIC, we operate under an asset lock. Every penny of surplus we generate is legally required to stay in Staffordshire and fund public interest journalism, it cannot be extracted as profit or paid out to shareholders, because we have none. We are funded through local advertising, magazine sponsorship, reader memberships and donations, and, where we're successful, public funding such as the DCMS Local News Fund. We hold no political affiliation and no ideological allegiance beyond a fierce belief that Staffordshire deserves better coverage than it has been getting. Where we take a position, it is on the side of accuracy, fairness and the public's right to know, never on the side of a party or a cause. We are regulated by IMPRESS, the independent press regulator, and held to its Standards Code on accuracy, fairness and transparency. You can read more about how we handle errors on our [Corrections and Clarifications](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/corrections-and-clarifications) page, and how to raise a concern on our [Complaints Procedure](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/complaints-procedure) page. ## What We've Built in Our First Year We didn't just talk about a better model, we built one. **The printed magazine.** A high end, tactile publication distributed free across the county, because we believe the "analogue life" deserves a place alongside the digital one, and because not everyone in Staffordshire is online. **The Staffordshire Signal Weekly.** Our quality email newspaper, delivered free to inboxes every Wednesday, built to be read calmly, without the pop-ups, auto-play videos and clickbait that make so much local news unreadable. **The Staffordshire Signal TV.** Long-form documentary and video journalism, produced in genuine partnership with T Level Media students from City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College. Our first major project, a documentary on Foxfield Colliery, including a rare interview with one of the last living miners from the site. This is investment in the next generation of Staffordshire journalists, not just content. **Investigative and accountability journalism.** From animal welfare prosecutions to planning and heritage battles across the county, we report the stories that affect people's lives, not just the ones that generate clicks. **A growing team.** What started as one person with a radical idea has become a newsroom, with junior reporters, student placements, and volunteers who believe in what we're building enough to give their time to it. ## Where We're Going This is the beginning, not the finish line. We are working to expand Signal TV further, extending student placements to Stoke-on-Trent College, universities, colleges and local high schools, so that more young people get a genuine route into local journalism. We are developing a dedicated Signal app, bringing our news, TV and audio together in one calm, ad-light space designed around our readers rather than an algorithm. We are launching a weekly audio bulletin, so the Signal can be listened to as a podcast as easily as it can be read. And we continue to pursue public funding, including the DCMS Local News Fund, to grow all of this sustainably, without ever compromising our independence or our asset lock. ## The Three Pillars of the Signal **People over profit.** Our mission is our bottom line. Every surplus is reinvested in Staffordshire to keep independent journalism free and accessible, forever. **Collaboration over competition.** We don't own the news, we share it. We work alongside local makers, students, charities and diverse voices to reflect the real character of the county. **Accessible information.** The public record belongs to the public. We provide a clean, ad-light, paywall-free space for the news and information that shape people's lives, in print, online, on screen and, soon, in audio. ## Why This Matters Now The Government's 2026 Local Media Action Plan calls for "strong, plural, locally-rooted media." The Staffordshire Signal is Staffordshire's answer to that call, built here, accountable here, and reinvested here. **Together, we are stronger. Together, we are Staffordshire.** ### **Our Official Supporters** A healthy newsroom requires partnership. We are proud to stand alongside the institutions, universities, and businesses that share our vision for a self-confident, well-informed Staffordshire. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/WAS_Primary-Logo_CMYK-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/VAST-logo--1--1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/SSLA-Logo--Horizontal--print-300dpi--1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/SOT_CC_BID_LOGO--1---1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/nscrp-city-of-stoke-on-trent-fix--1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/logo--3--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/logo--1---1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/image001--1--1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DF-Logo--1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/BID-Logos-01--2---1--1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/4-case--1--1.png) ### Partner with The Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T10:51:46.000Z ### Staffordshire’s Premier Independent Media Ecosystem In a digital world filled with intrusive pop-ups, autoplay videos, and sensationalist clickbait, your brand deserves a dignified home. The Staffordshire Signal offers a **100% brand-safe, ad-clutter-free environment.** When you advertise with us, you aren't just buying "clicks"- you are investing in the **regeneration of local journalism.** As a non-profit CIC, our surplus revenue is reinvested back into the county, making your marketing budget a force for local good.Reach the readers who actually live here. We're independent, non-profit, and owned by nobody but Staffordshire. When you advertise with us, you're not just buying space, you're keeping local journalism free for the people who read it. | 40,000+Readers reached every month across print, digital and video | 4 channelsMagazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and the website, working together, not sold in isolation | 100% localEvery penny stays in Staffordshire, funding real reporting | | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ### What you get | A campaign, not just an advertCoverage across whichever mix of magazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and the website suits your budget and your customers, built around your story rather than a set template. Our digital magazine also carries its own banner sponsorship, if you'd rather sit alongside the issue than inside it. | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Readers who trust what they're readingWe're independent, non-profit and a regulated member of IMPRESS, so our audience reads us because they trust us, not because an algorithm put us there. That trust extends to the businesses we feature. | | Options that fit, not a fixed rate cardTell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll shape something around it, whether that's a full campaign or a modest starting point. Where it's useful, we can also set up trackable QR codes or offer codes, so you can see exactly which channel is bringing customers through the door. | ### Booking now: our Autumn, Halloween and Bonfire Night Special Edition This one runs in the magazine through October and November, with matching editorial coverage on the website and in Signal Weekly to drive extra traffic your way. Book before 21 August and your one off price is the same as our 12 month rate. Take a look at our current advertising pack for the full picture: [The Staffordshire Signal Advertising Pack 2026](https://zenflip.io/view/the-staffordshire-signal-cic/the-staffordshire-signal-advertising-pack-2026?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### See what this could look like for you A few details is all we need, then we'll come back with options and, if it's useful, our full media pack. Prefer to talk it through first? Call Jenna on 01782 438 268 or email [jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk](mailto:jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). --- ### **Reinvesting in Staffordshire** As a Community Interest Company (CIC), every penny of our surplus is legally "Asset Locked" to support our project. Advertising with us creates paid opportunities for local creatives, keeps our platform free for everyone, and showcases the very best of our county. > **"This isn't just a magazine. It's a platform for the people of Staffordshire to be seen, heard, and celebrated."** — *Jenna Goodwin, Editor & CEO* --- ### ### Where to Find The Staffordshire Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/find-a-copy/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T14:59:37.000Z **Pick up your free copy of Staffordshire’s premier independent magazine at high-footfall venues, cultural hubs, and community spaces across the county.** Copies are collected quickly, so availability varies. If your local stockist is out, you can always read the latest [Digital Edition here](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/) or subscribe for home delivery. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- ### Distribution Map *Explore our network of partner venues across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.* --- ### Key Partner & Business Hubs - **Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce:** Commerce House, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 5BE - **Newcastle-under-Lyme BID:** 4 Fogg St E, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 2RE - **Fenton Town Hall:** Baker St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 3BX - **Civic Centre:** Glebe St, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1HH - **The Ancient High House:** 48 Greengate St, Stafford ST16 2JA --- ### Arts, Cafe & Lifestyle Partners - **Vellichor Books:** 11-12 Piccadilly, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1DL - **Barewall Art Gallery:** 2-4 Market Pl, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 4AT - **New Vic Theatre:** Etruria Rd, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 0JG - **Foxlowe Arts Centre:** Stockwell St, Leek ST13 6AD - **Leek Butter Market:** 11 Market Pl, Leek ST13 5HH - **BEAR Stone:** 57 High St, Stone ST15 8AH - **BEAR Uttoxeter:** 33 High St, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN - **Tudor House:** 79 High St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1AN - **Co-op Food - Tean:** High St, Upper Tean, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 4DY - **Caroline’s Pets:** Pettitt’s Corn Mill, Hulme Rd, Werrington, ST3 5BQ --- ### Libraries & Community Centres - **Stoke Library:** Kingsway, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 1JH - **Kidsgrove Library:** The Meadows, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 1BS - **Clayton Library:** Dartmouth Ave, Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 3NR - **Biddulph Library:** Tunstall Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 6HH - **Blythe Bridge Library:** Uttoxeter Rd, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9JR - **Cheadle Community Library:** 15a High St, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent ST10 1AA - **Eccleshall Library:** 20 High St, Eccleshall, Stafford ST21 6BZ - **Uttoxeter Library:** Red Lion House, High St, Uttoxeter ST14 7HN --- ### Become a Distribution Point Do you run a high-footfall venue in Staffordshire? We are always looking for new partners to help us get high-quality local journalism into the hands of the community. **Benefits of being a stockist:** - Drive footfall to your venue. - Support local independent media. - Association with a brand-safe, premium publication. [**Click here to email Jenna about stocking the Signal**](mailto:jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk?subject=Distribution%20Inquiry) --- ### **Can't find a copy?** If you want to guarantee you never miss an issue, we offer a **Home Delivery Service**. For just **£5 per month** (covering postage and handling), we will mail every new edition directly to your door. **Subscribe here;** ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Topics URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/topics/ Last updated: 2026-04-12T07:36:13.000Z _No content available._ ### Help us grow the Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tip-jar/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T07:21:09.000Z _No content available._ ### Advanced User Settings URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advanced-settings/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T00:26:20.000Z _No content available._ ### Group Subscriptions URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/group-subscriptions/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T00:26:20.000Z _No content available._ ### Buy a Group Subscription URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/buy-group-subscription/ Last updated: 2026-04-06T00:26:21.000Z _No content available._ ### Writers URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/writers/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T07:44:31.000Z _No content available._ ### Newsletters URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newsletters/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T07:45:03.000Z _No content available._ ### (Untitled) URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/actions/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T08:36:28.000Z #### Read the Magazine Grab a free high-quality copy in town or read the digital edition online. Enjoy pages of deep-dive local stories and heritage you can keep on your coffee table. [Read Now](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/) #### Our Mission Most news is owned by big corporations in London. We aren’t. We’re a non-profit that belongs to the people of Staffordshire. See how we’re putting our county first. [See Why We’re Different](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/) #### Get Involved This is your community newsroom. Send us a story tip, share a local event, or find out how to join our volunteer team. [Find Out More](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved/) ### Support The Staffordshire Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/support-the-staffordshire-signal/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T15:39:06.000Z _No content available._ ## Posts ### Free Creative Workshop at Spode Museum Explores Hidden Histories of Ball Clay URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/free-creative-workshop-at-spode/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T10:48:18.000Z A new community workshop at Spode Museum on Saturday 12th September will invite people from across Stoke-on-Trent to explore the city’s deep connections to the historic clay industry while creating mosaic tiles from original Spode ceramic shards. The event is part of Winning the Clay, an Arts and Humanities Research Council–funded research project led by Dr Rebecca Nunes, Associate Professor at Staffordshire University, in collaboration with Sophy Rickett, Reader at University of the Arts London. The project investigates the cultural, social and environmental legacies of ball clay, a rare material formed over millions of years in South Devon’s Bovey Basin and transported to the Potteries for centuries. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Ball clay’s plasticity and burning properties made it the “secret ingredient” that enabled industrial ceramics processes at Wedgwood, Spode and other major manufacturers. This small but powerful component shaped the development of sanitary ware and global ceramics production in Stoke-on-Trent. ![Bovey Heath Ball Clay](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/BOVEY_HEATH_05_small.jpg) Bovey Heath Ball Clay Despite its importance, many of the stories connected to ball clay remain unknown. Winning the Clay aims to change that by gathering community knowledge, memories and experiences, and by inviting residents to help “tell better stories” about the material’s role in shaping the Potteries. > Dr. Rebecca Nunes said “Ball clay shaped the Potteries in ways most people never knew. This workshop is a chance for local people to help us uncover those hidden stories while creating something beautiful from Spode’s own ceramic history.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/BALL_CLAY_ARCHIVE_FOR_NATIONAL_ARCHIVE.jpg) ## A hands-on creative session exploring local heritage The free workshop at Spode Museum will combine creative making with informal conversation. Participants will: - Create mosaic tiles using authentic Spode ceramic shards - Learn about the hidden histories of ball clay and its links to Stoke-on-Trent - Share their own knowledge, memories or questions about clay and ceramics - Contribute to a major research project shaping future heritage interpretation The session is open to people living in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, including former residents with connections to the ceramics industry or local clay landscapes. Although the session isn’t designed for children and the mosaic activity is not suitable for children, people interested in joining the session are welcome to bring their children along if it helps them take part. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/COLOUR_LOGO.jpg) ## Community voices needed: take part in the Ball Clay Survey Alongside the workshop, the research team is inviting residents to complete a short anonymous survey exploring what people know, or don’t know, about ball clay and its role in the Potteries. The survey takes around five minutes and will help researchers understand how local communities experience and remember the clay industry. [Home | Winning The ClayWinning The Clay — a collaborative research project exploring arts, humanities, human geography, culture and heritage.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/abstract-geometric-clay-vessel-minimal-black-white-ceb552e6-dd0b-45c3-8a50-c66e92959537)Winning The Clay![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/27f410e794036fb5-bf2c93a6-ac22-4033-9774-d0efe524f652.png)](https://winningtheclay.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Event details **Winning the Clay: Creative Mosaic Workshop** **Date:** Saturday 12 September **Time:** 10.30am – 12.30pm. **Location:** Spode Museum, Stoke-on-Trent **Cost:** Free **Booking:** Please email [info@winningtheclay.org](mailto:info@winningtheclay.org) or complete a registration form at [Events | Winning The Clay](https://winningtheclay.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke-on-Trent’s Suprising Canadian Ceramics Connection Inspires New Poetry Collection URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trents-suprising-canadian-ceramics/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T10:25:12.000Z The surprising connection between Stoke-on-Trent and a small Canadian town are among the topics explored in a new poetry collection from a Keele University Professor. Professor Ceri Morgan's debut poetry chapbook "Unstuck" features a range of poems inspired by her research on the Eastern Townships of Quebec in Canada, which uncovered an unexpected link with North Staffordshire. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Throughout her research into the regional fiction of Quebec, Professor Morgan visited Maison Merry, a small municipal museum in Magog, a town in Quebec near Montreal. During the visit, she was surprised to discover a range of Stoke-made ceramics within the museum's range of artefacts. Among the collection was a fragment of pottery from an archaeological dig in the grounds of the museum, originally built in 1821 as a home for a wealthy American industrialist. Professor Morgan believed the fragment to come from a piece of children’s tableware made by John King Knight. On contacting the museum, she was invited to view Stoke ceramic holdings in its store, mainly everyday tableware like plates and dishes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/ceri-morgan.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/pottery-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/pottery-4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/pottery-3-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/pottery-1.jpeg) Pictures show some of the Stoke ceramic holdings which were found in the Maison Merry museum in Magog, Quebec, along with a photo of Professor Ceri Morgan with her newly published poetry chapbook. This link between Magog and Stoke-on-Trent inspired a number of follow-on projects, including a "creative walk" led on Keele University's campus, where participants walked near Keele's lakes while listening to audio recorded from a lake front in Quebec to explore the connection between the two. It is also the subject of one of the poems in Professor Morgan's new collection, which features works inspired by things like her childhood, and North Staffordshire's industrial heritage. > Professor Morgan said: "I knew as soon as I saw the fragment in the museum’s display, it likely came from Stoke-on-Trent, as the family would have had the best of everything. I was very moved to see a back stamp from Fenton on the pieces in store. > > “Sharing my surprise about the finds with Quebec friends, I learned that many of them had inherited Stoke-made tea and dinner sets from parents and grandparents, testament to the importance of the region as one of the world’s key producers of everyday and art ceramics. > > “I’m delighted that through my poems and research, more people will learn about the connections between Stoke, Quebec, and other places in the world, and celebrate these international links." ### New Children’s Screen Acting Classes Launch in Stoke-on-Trent This September URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/childrens-screen-acting-classes/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T09:59:19.000Z A new screen acting school for children and young people aged 6–16 is launching in Stoke-on-Trent on September 27th, giving aspiring young actors the opportunity to learn the skills needed to work professionally in film and television. The classes, held on London Road, Stoke-on-Trent, will be managed by professional actor Andrew Ellis, known for his work in *This Is England*, *The Walk-In* and *Supertato*, and delivered locally by Stoke actor, award-winning writer and filmmaker Tori Hughes, whose credits include *The Aftermath* and *The Cycle*. The new classes will focus specifically on acting for the camera, giving young people practical experience and skills that they can take into auditions and professional work. Students will learn how to: - Act naturally and confidently for camera - Create believable characters for screen - Prepare and record professional-standard self-tapes - Understand camera technique and continuity - Improvise and think creatively - Develop confidence and performance skills - Understand what is expected during film and television auditions The classes are designed to be both educational and fun, providing a creative environment where young people can meet others with similar interests while developing their confidence and acting ability. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/792404216_17907732696534793_5643120926136181076_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/792089350_17907732687534793_4755396538239215789_n.jpg) Andrew Ellis, founder and manager of the classes, said: > “I have been acting for 20 years, starting my career in the Midlands in Nottingham. To me, giving back to the youth is important. There just isn't enough drama in schools anymore and for me that's the place you meet like-minded creative people and realise that it's OK to be a bit silly and basically be a kid for a bit.” Andrew has spent two decades working across film, television and theatre and is passionate about helping the next generation of performers understand the realities of working in the industry. The classes will be delivered by Tori Hughes, a Stoke-on-Trent actor, filmmaker and award-winning writer, bringing local industry experience and knowledge directly to young performers in the area. The launch marks the beginning of a new opportunity for young people across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire who are interested in pursuing acting, filmmaking or simply developing their confidence through performance. The first classes take place on September 27th on London Road, Stoke-on-Trent. Places are available for children and young people aged 6–16. ### Email: scene2screenmcr@gmail.com ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Inaugural Stoke Ceramics Fair to bring more than 40 makers to Stoke Minster URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-ceramics-fair/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T09:41:23.000Z More than 40 ceramic artists from across the UK will gather in Stoke on Trent this October for the first ever Stoke Ceramics Fair. Taking place inside the surroundings of **Stoke Minster on Saturday 17 October 2026**, the new event will celebrate Stoke on Trent’s internationally recognised ceramic heritage while putting contemporary makers working with clay firmly in the spotlight. Visitors will be able to browse a carefully curated collection of handmade ceramics, ranging from functional tableware and homeware to sculpture, decorative pieces and one of a kind artworks. The fair will also give visitors the opportunity to meet the artists behind the work and discover more about the makers continuing Stoke on Trent’s ceramic story today. ![Stoke Ceramics Fair](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/1-2.png) Stoke Ceramics Fair ### A new ceramics event created by local makers Stoke Ceramics Fair has been organised by three local ceramicists and will operate as a not for profit event created by makers, for makers. While Stoke on Trent is known around the world for its ceramic heritage, the fair will focus on the artists and makers continuing that tradition through contemporary work. Whether you are an avid collector, searching for a distinctive handmade gift or simply looking for an inspiring day out, the event offers an opportunity to discover craftsmanship while supporting independent ceramic artists. ### Stoke Ceramics Fair 2026 **Where:** Stoke Minster, Stoke on Trent **When:** Saturday 17 October 2026 **Time:** 10am to 4pm **Entry:** Free Refreshments will also be available. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire LGR paused as council leader claims victory URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-lgr-paused-as-council-leader-claims-victory/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T09:34:45.000Z **Statement from Councillor Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council** Last year I said: “Their game, their rules, their referee.” But I still called foul. In August, once Labour imposed its two-unitary model for Staffordshire, I said: “We needed VAR.” No wonder VAR came back with a foul. Only Labour, with its new Prime Minister, could get a penalty and still score an own goal. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Today, Labour's local government reorganisation programme has effectively ground to a halt. The Government has paused proposals in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and a number of other areas across England, whilst withdrawing previous decisions in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk after receiving what Angela Rayner described as "updated and privileged legal advice". The Secretary of State has now acknowledged that she must satisfy herself that the process is robust and complies with the law. Reform UK warned from the beginning that this process was flawed. We argued that Labour's plans were rushed, poorly thought through and failed to command public confidence. More importantly, Reform did not simply complain about it. Reform-led councils took action through the courts, raising serious questions about fairness, consultation, the Government's criteria and legal compliance. And at the eleventh hour, Labour pulled the plug, just as they did when they tried to cancel elections. For months, councils were told to work to Whitehall's timetable, commit officer time, absorb uncertainty and spend public money on a programme that Ministers are now being forced to review. Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, officers and staff worked tirelessly to meet Government demands whilst continuing to deliver vital services to residents. If the Government now believes it must stop and review the process to ensure it is lawful and robust, then it is clear those concerns were entirely justified. Many residents saw local government reorganisation for what it was: political gerrymandering dressed up as local government reform. Ministers dismissed those concerns. Yet here we are today with Labour forced to pause its flagship programme because of questions surrounding its own process and legal position. > The one piece of good news is that next year's planned Unitary and Shadow Council elections have been CANCELLED, and your traditional local council elections, on existing boundaries, will now go ahead whilst the Government's review continues. This is a significant victory for common sense, local democracy and the people of Staffordshire. However, serious questions remain. How much public money has been wasted? How many officer hours have been diverted from frontline priorities? Why were councils pushed into costly preparations before Government had satisfied itself that the process was legally sound? This Government must now answer those questions. It must also reimburse councils for the money they have spent preparing for Local Government Reorganisation. I will therefore be calling on Government to fully refund Staffordshire County Council for the costs incurred as a direct result of this flawed and now-paused process. That’s the taxpayer’s money, and taxpayers deserves it to be used in their interest. I do want to place on record my personal thanks to the staff and officers of Staffordshire County Council, who have worked hard, professionally and in good faith whilst continuing to deliver vital services for residents under the incredible pressure this Government programme placed upon them. They did the work asked of them, and they should not be left carrying the cost of a failed Whitehall process. My priority remains clear: protect services, support our staff, back our communities and businesses, and make sure Staffordshire does not lose out whilst Government works out what happens next. > We called foul. The Government has now been forced to stop the game and admit foul play has occurred. For me, the fight has never been about politicians, Whitehall or party politics. It has always been about the people of Staffordshire. We will continue to stand up for Staffordshire, continue to challenge decisions that are not in our county's interests, and continue to do what is necessary to protect our services, our communities and our local democracy. The people of Staffordshire deserve better, and I will continue fighting to make sure they get it. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Global Photography Studio Hunter Douglas Relocates to Smithfield Works in Hanley URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hunter-douglas-relocates/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T09:31:21.000Z Smithfield Works is delighted to welcome the Hunter Douglas Visualization Experience team - who are part of the world’s largest window coverings company, as the newest tenant in its modern, flexible workspace in Hanley. The Hunter Douglas Visualisation Experience team provide product photography to its parent company’s - Hunter Douglas Group - E-commerce websites, which includes top household brands such as Blinds2Go and Hillarys, as well as in nine other countries worldwide. The digital photography provider has secured an initial 12-month agreement at Smithfield Works with plans to further extend this as part of the firm’s growth strategy. Hunter Douglas Visualisation Experience was previously based in Burslem and was created following the acquisition of Amp Creative in 2023. Director Lewis Booth - who founded Amp Creative in 2017 - remains at the helm of the business and says they are already reaping the benefits of the managed Smithfield Works office space. > “We were previously in a building we owned in Burslem, which was OK, but it is so much better to be able to enjoy not just the security, but also the premium facilities which the managed office space at Smithfield Works provide,” said Lewis. > “We actually wanted to come here a year ago but the office we wanted was not available at the time, so to now be here is great for all of us and we are looking forward to a long-term relationship.” Lewis added: > “The flexibility of the office has meant we can really make it our own and we can focus more on our service output and moving the business forward. > “The location is also a bonus when welcoming clients to the office and we are hoping this will also enable us to further grow. We are already planning to welcome more local CGI artists to join our team in the near future. > “The surrounding Smithfield estate is a great place to walk around - again to welcome clients to - and even to show them some of the local attractions and enjoy the food pop-up vans and restaurants.” Adele Simmons, Community Manager, at Smithfield Works, said: > “It has been great to finally welcome Lewis and the team at Hunter Douglas Visualisation Experience to Smithfield Works. > “Lewis first approached us 12 months ago, but unfortunately then, we did not have a big enough suite available, however we constantly kept in touch. > “They have a really exciting business producing global product photography and we cannot wait to see how things develop. We have a great mixed group of businesses with us such as Ticketmaster Sport, Harrison Drury and Barclays, and it’s brilliant to now welcome Lewis and the team into one of our larger office suites.” As well as a variety of office suites, Smithfield Works also offer flexible premium co-working facilities and meeting room hire at the Hanley location. For more information about Smithfield Works please visit [smithfield-works.com](http://smithfield-works.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: ten days of free Heritage Open Days, the LoveNUL Business Awards vote, and British food on British plates URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-ten-days-of-free-heritage-open-days-the-lovenul-business-awards-vote-and-british-food-on-british-plates/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T06:00:44.000Z *Dear readers,* *On Monday we were in Abbots Bromley for the Horn Dance, the oldest tradition in the county and quite possibly the oldest in the country, watching six sets of reindeer antlers that have been carried round the same lanes for the best part of a thousand years. Standing there, it struck me that this is only the start of what turns out to be a very heritage-filled month in Staffordshire.* *Because from this Friday, Heritage Open Days throws open the doors to bottle ovens, chapels, mines, mills, museum stores and country houses across the county (and the country) for ten days, and every single one of them is free. I've spent a good chunk of time pulling every Staffordshire listing into one guide, day by day, so all you have to do is pick somewhere and go. Get your boots on and get out exploring; it won't cost you a penny.* *Elsewhere this week: Stoke-on-Trent could be getting up to 1,000 hire e-bikes, Gareth Snell has won a government pledge on British-made ceramics, the LoveNUL Business Awards public vote is open, and Signal TV went to Penkridge for a field full of classic cars.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/staffordshire-signal-tv-leaderboard-728x90.png)](https://www.youtube.com/@TheStaffordshireSignalTV?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Up to 1000 E-Bikes Could be Introduced Across Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/up-to-1000-e-bikes-could-be-introduced-across-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T19:39:26.000Z Up to 1,000 electric bicycles could be introduced across Stoke-on-Trent under recently approved plans. Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cabinet has agreed to begin procuring an operator to provide, maintain and manage an e-bike hire scheme across the city’s six towns. The scheme would operate as a commercial concession, meaning the successful company would supply and run the bicycles without an ongoing subsidy from the council. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Residents would be able to hire the electrically assisted bicycles for short journeys to workplaces, colleges, town centres and public transport connections. The council believes the scheme could reduce congestion, improve air quality and provide another option for people who do not own a car. Around 70% of car journeys are shorter than five miles, while one in four covers less than a mile. Replacing even a proportion of those journeys with cycling could release capacity on the city’s roads. Electric assistance could also overcome one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most obvious barriers to conventional cycling: its hills. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure, Planning and Regeneration, said: “Many everyday car journeys are relatively short. “E-bikes could offer a practical alternative for some of those trips, helping people travel to work, education, town centres and public transport connections. “The scheme would be provided and maintained by an experienced operator at no cost to the council, with clear arrangements in place to ensure it is safe, well managed and works for our communities.” The proposal forms part of a wider transport programme, with more than £105 million in government funding secured for investment in the city’s buses, roads, walking and cycling routes between 2026 and 2030. Similar schemes have attracted significant use elsewhere. An e-bike service introduced in Glasgow in November 2025 reportedly recorded 170,000 journeys during its first five months. ## **What are the risks?** Shared e-bike schemes can provide a useful form of transport, but their introduction has not been trouble-free in every part of the country. One of the most visible concerns is inconsiderate parking. Bikes abandoned across pavements can create obstructions for pedestrians and pose particular difficulties for wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs and people with sight loss. The proposed Stoke-on-Trent contract is expected to include designated parking arrangements and technology known as geofencing, which can restrict where bikes are ridden or returned. Repeated misuse could also lead to sanctions against individual users. Of course, those protections will need to be properly enforced. A system that identifies unsuitable parking but leaves obstructing bikes in place for several hours would do little to reassure residents. Vandalism and theft represent another risk. Other public cycle schemes have faced substantial repair costs and the disappearance or deliberate damage of bikes. Under Stoke-on-Trent’s proposed concession, the operator would carry the commercial and maintenance responsibilities, rather than the council. However, persistent vandalism could still reduce the availability and reliability of the service - or ultimately make it commercially unviable. There are also questions about cost. The council has described e-bikes as an affordable alternative, but the final hire charges will be determined through the procurement process. If unlocking fees and per-minute charges make regular journeys more expensive than travelling by bus, the scheme may appeal mainly to occasional users rather than residents who most need an affordable transport option. The location of bicycles will matter too. Concentrating them around Hanley or university areas might produce the greatest immediate demand, but it would fall short of creating a genuinely city-wide service across all six towns. Finally, e-bikes alone cannot compensate for gaps in safe cycling infrastructure. Riders need connected routes, secure parking and junctions they can navigate confidently and safely. Without them, some residents may remain reluctant to use the service regardless of how many bikes are available. ## **A promising idea - but delivery will decide its value** The proposal has clear potential. Stoke-on-Trent’s geography makes electric assistance particularly useful, while its dispersed town centres create numerous short journeys that do not always require a car. The concession model also limits the immediate financial risk to the council, although the authority could still face some costs associated with establishing and overseeing the contract. But the announcement of up to 1,000 bikes should not be mistaken for a guaranteed rollout. The council must first identify an operator capable of delivering a safe and commercially sustainable service. Council leaders have indicated that the proposal could be abandoned if procurement shows it is not viable. The real test will be whether the scheme is affordable, distributed fairly across the six towns and managed firmly enough to prevent pavement obstruction and misuse. If those conditions are met - and the bicycles are supported by safe, connected routes - the scheme is highly likely to become a practical addition to Stoke-on-Trent’s transport network. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Heritage Open Days 2026: Your Full Guide to What's On Across Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/heritage-open-days-2026-your-full-guide-to-whats-on-across-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-09-08T12:33:59.000Z Every September, places across the country open up for free, whether that means doors that are normally closed or usually charge admission, or simply a talk, walk or activity laid on somewhere that's open every day of the year anyway. It's called Heritage Open Days, and it's England's biggest festival of history and culture, run nationally by the National Trust with support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, and delivered locally by an army of volunteers, museums, churches, historical societies and community groups. This year's festival runs from **Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026**, and the national theme is **Everyday Histories**, a chance to celebrate the ordinary working lives and people who built the places we live in. Here in Stoke-on-Trent, that theme is teamed up with a special focus on our iconic bottle ovens, coordinated locally by the Heritage Network for Stoke-on-Trent. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. It isn't just an England thing either. Similar festivals are running the length and breadth of the UK this September: Glasgow's Doors Open Days, the original of its kind, dating back to the city's 1990 European City of Culture celebrations, advertises more than 150 buildings, tours, talks and performances from 17 to 20 September, while Wales marks the festival through Cadw's Open Doors programme. A batch of this year's events are also being run by Heritage Development Trusts, an Architectural Heritage Fund initiative backing community groups that rescue and repurpose at-risk historic buildings; there are 19 of these trusts operating across the UK. One of them is right here on our doorstep: **Re-Form Heritage**, which is behind the guided walks through the monuments and stories of Fenton and Hanley (part of its Centenary Restoration Fund programme), the Middleport Pottery employment-records session, and Bethesda Chapel's open days with the Friends of Bethesda. You'll find all of those marked below. Entry and Heritage Open Days activities are themselves free, though parking, refreshments and other optional extras may carry a charge at some venues, so we've flagged the ones we know about. Some events also need pre-booking, some are turn-up-and-go, so we've included that detail for every single one, along with the time wherever it's published. We've pulled together every event we could find registered across Staffordshire, listed in date order so you can plan your ten days out, with the district, time, address, whether you need to book, what it's about, and a link so you can find out more or reserve your place. A handful of listings gave conflicting information between the national Heritage Open Days site and the local Stoke-on-Trent programme, and we've flagged those rather than guessing. As ever with a festival this size, the organisers themselves say to check individual listings for last-minute changes before you set off, so we'd say the same. Right, get your walking boots on. Here's everywhere you can go, day by day. --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20240515_115055--2--2.jpg) ## Friday 11 September ### Exploring William Baker's Fenton **10am** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Meet outside Fenton Town Hall, Albert Square, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3AF · In person · Pre-booking required A guided walk around Fenton focusing on the community buildings created by industrialists William Baker and William Meath Baker, everything from factories to houses, the library, church and town hall. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/exploring-william-baker-s-fenton.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Inside the Church of Fenton **11am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Christ Church, Christchurch Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3AQ · In person · Pre-booking not required Christ Church is a Grade II listed Anglican church in the parish of Stoke-upon-Trent and Fenton, in the Diocese of Lichfield. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/inside-the-church-of-fenton-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Exploring Fenton's Monuments and Stories **1pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Fenton War Memorial, Albert Square, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 3AF · Online & in person · Pre-booking required Led by **Re-Form Heritage** as part of its Centenary Restoration Fund programme. A guided walk between Fenton War Memorial and Glebedale Park Memorial, exploring local history, community memories and the stories behind both monuments. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/exploring-fentons-monuments-and-stories.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20240515_102233-2.jpg) ### Salt, Pepper and Vinegar Bottle Ovens **1pm to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · James Kent (Ceramic Materials) Ltd, Fountain Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2HB · In person · Pre-booking not required See the three calcining bottle ovens known locally as "Salt, Pepper and Vinegar" up close, and learn how the products made there were used in the local pottery industry. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See how a heritage art pottery operates, from design and shape creation to surface decoration, and meet the skilled workers who have spent decades mastering their craft. Also running Monday 14 through to Friday 18 September, same hours. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Birthplace Guided Tours **2pm to 3pm** · *Lichfield District* · Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LG · In person · Pre-booking required Enjoy a free tour of the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/birthplace-guided-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Biddulph Grange Garden Open Gates **10am to 5pm (Bateman Walk and country park 11am to 4pm)** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Biddulph Grange Garden, Grange Road, Biddulph, ST8 7SD · In person · Pre-booking not required Walk in the footsteps of an 1850s visitor to Biddulph Grange Garden, explore the Bateman Walk into the adjacent churchyard, and for a longer walk continue through the gates onto Biddulph Grange Country Park. Also running Saturday 12 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/nationaltrust-biddulphgrange.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Showpeople of North Staffordshire **11am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required Discover the stories of North Staffordshire's travelling showpeople, the families who bring the fun of the fair to local communities, through tales, photographs and memories, at the Philip Astley Centre. Also running Saturday 12, Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, same hours. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/showpeople-of-north-staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20250410_194207-2.jpg) ### St Giles Parish Church, Newcastle-under-Lyme **10am to 1pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Church Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1QS · In person · Pre-booking not required Designed by George Gilbert Scott and built against the existing 14th century tower. See the soaring arches and beautiful stained glass, and hear the organ. Also open Saturday 12 September, 10am to 3pm, with a Family Fun Day of games, quizzes and maypole dancing. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/st-giles-parish-church-newcastle-under-lyme-2.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Chad's Church, Stafford: "Too Many to Mention..." **10am to 11.45am** · *Stafford Borough* · St Chad's Church, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP · In person · Pre-booking not required The stories of the people behind a church that has stood for nearly 900 years, including the author Izaak Walton and Victorian architect Sir George Gilbert Scott. As it's a working church, opening times sit around service times, so tours and exhibits aren't available during services. Also running Saturday 12, Wednesday 16, Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/too-many-to-mention.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20250504_125414-2.jpg) ### Wall Roman Site (Letocetum): Free Guided Tours **11am to 12pm** · *Lichfield District* · Wall Roman Museum, Watling Street, Wall, Lichfield, WS14 0AW · In person · Pre-booking required A guided tour of Roman Wall, Letocetum, led by English Heritage volunteers, taking in the remains of a Roman inn and public baths on Watling Street. Also running Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, same time. Separate from Dr Mike Hodder's Sunday 20 September tour, listed later. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/wallromantown.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Saturday 12 September ### Back to the Barracks: Hat Making Workshop and Demonstrations **11am to 3pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · The Art Studio, 5 to 7 Barracks Square, Newcastle, ST5 1LG · In person · Pre-booking not required Hat making and demonstrations with HoJo Hattery. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/back-to-the-barracks-hat-making.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Holy Trinity Catholic Church **11am to 4.30pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · London Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1LQ · In person · Pre-booking not required This historic Catholic church is 192 this year. Come and admire the stained glass, see archive extracts, and find out more about local martyr Blessed Thomas Maxfield. Guide books, a friendly welcome and a children's I-spy activity. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/holy-trinity-catholic-church.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Thomas' Church, Butterton **10am to 3pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · St Thomas' Church, Butterton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 4DU · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit the Church in the Woods, in the heart of Butterton, Staffordshire. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/st-thomas-church-butterton-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Tom Carnes Demonstration **11am to 1pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Belong Village, Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2RS · In person · Pre-booking not required Watch Tom Carnes create his famous ceramic bottle kilns live on the potter's wheel in the Bistro. See his techniques up close, with the chance to get involved and add your own decorating. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tom-carnes-demonstration.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20230211_100430-2.jpg) ### Chatterley Whitfield and Colliery Tours **10am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Unit 29B, Chatterley Whitfield Enterprise Centre, Chell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8UW · In person · Pre-booking required A Victorian time capsule, as seen on Hidden Britain by Drone and Abandoned Engineering. Chatterley Whitfield Colliery closed in 1977 and became a museum. New heritage centre; no underground tours. Also running Sunday 13, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/chatterley-whitfield-and-colliery-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book via TicketSource](https://www.ticketsource.com/chatterley-whitfield-friends?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Bethesda Chapel **12pm to 2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Albion Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1QF · In person · Pre-booking not required Once known as the Cathedral of the Potteries, this Grade II\* listed chapel seated up to 2,500 people in its heyday, making it the largest place of worship in North Staffordshire. Organised with **Re-Form Heritage** and the Friends of Bethesda. Also running Saturday 19 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bethesda-chapel.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Brilliant Bamboo Parklet: From Pottery to Bamboo **1pm to 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Behind Sainsbury's Stoke, Boothen Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4AH · In person · Pre-booking not required The organisers want to hear memories of the Trent and Crescent Potteries and George Jones and Sons. Bring your stories, photos or ceramics and help uncover the site's history. Also running Sunday 13 September, noon to 3pm (a different time to today, so see that date too). [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/-from-pottery-to-bamboo.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke Minster **Open 10am to 2pm, guided tours from 10am every half hour, last tour 1pm. Guided walk from the former Spode Factory site to the Minster, 10.30am (booking via Eventbrite)** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1LP · In person · Pre-booking required for guided tours only Explore the belfry, see the tombs of Spode and Wedgwood, two of the world's most famous pottery families, get up close to exquisite stained glass in the Peace Chapel, and take in the Minton tiles and memorial plaques. A drone photographer will also be capturing the Minster from new angles. Also open Thursday 17 September for a self-guided visit (see that date for details). [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/stokeminster.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book the Spode walk via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-the-extraordinary-in-the-ordinary-in-the-streets-of-stoke-tickets-1999022816055?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### All Saints Church, Leek **10am to 5pm** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · All Saints Church, Compton, Leek, ST13 5PT · In person · Pre-booking not required Also open Sunday 13 September, but with different hours: 10.30am to 5pm, following a 9.15am celebration service. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/all-saints-church-open-days.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Leek Quaker Meeting House *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Overton Bank, Leek, ST13 5ES · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit and learn about Quakers in Leek, and the Meeting House built in 1697\. Also open Saturday 19 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/quaker-meeting-house-hereitage-open-day.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Big Battlefield Walk Weekends: Civil War Battle of Hopton Heath 1643 **2pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Village Hall, Salt Road, Salt, Stafford, ST18 0BW · In person · Pre-booking required A guided walk exploring the registered battlefield at Hopton Heath. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/big-battlefield-walk-weekends-civil-war-battle-of-hopton-heath-1643.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Eccleshall Road Cemetery, Stafford: Open Day and Guided Tours **Tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Eccleshall Road Cemetery, Eccleshall Road, Stafford, ST16 1PD · In person · Pre-booking not required Join the Friends of Stafford Cemeteries for a guided tour, find out about the cemetery's history, and see inside the two Victorian chapels, unused since the 1960s and very rarely open to the public. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/eccleshall-road-cemetery-stafford-open-day-and-guided-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Gnosall: Old Lock-Up **10am to 12.30pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Sellman Street, Gnosall, ST20 0EP · In person · Pre-booking not required Built in the 1830s, this is one of three surviving lock-ups in the county, the other two being in Stafford and Alton. Come and see what it would have been like to be locked up in the 1800s. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/gnosall-heritage-open-day-old-lock-up.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Gnosall Parish Family and Local History Search **10.30am to 4pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Grosvenor Centre, High Street, Gnosall, ST20 0EX · In person · Pre-booking not required Access historical records of Gnosall Parish, including the 1880 Parish Map, and speak with local historians about family connections and property ownership. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/gnosall-parish-family-and-local-history-search-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/DSC03982-2.jpg) ### Tamworth Civic Society Festival *Tamworth* · St Editha's Church, St Editha's Close, Tamworth, B79 7DA · In person · Pre-booking not required The 8th annual Civic Society festival celebrating Tamworth's architecture, history and heritage at St Editha's Parish Church, plus Spital Chapel, Drayton Bassett and Wigginton. The programme also extends to Kingsbury, which sits just over the border in Warwickshire rather than Staffordshire. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/tamworth-civic-society.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *Please note: a separate listing for a "St Editha's Double Helix Staircase Open Day", also scheduled for 12 September at the same address, is showing on the Heritage Open Days site as cancelled.* ### Biddulph Grange Garden Open Gates **10am to 5pm (Bateman Walk and country park 11am to 4pm)** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Biddulph Grange Garden, Grange Road, Biddulph, ST8 7SD · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/nationaltrust-biddulphgrange.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Brindley's Mill, Leek **2pm to 5pm, last admission 4.30pm** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Mill Street, Leek, ST13 8FA · In person · Pre-booking not required A restored, water-powered corn mill dating back to 1752, attributed to canal pioneer James Brindley. Also open Sunday 13 September, same hours. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/heritage-open-days-at-brindley-s-mill-leek-staffordshire-st13-8fa.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Mow Cop Notable Natives **10.50am for an 11am start** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 53 High Street, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3PA · In person · Pre-booking not required Discover the fascinating people who shaped Mow Cop on this guided walk with an expert local historian, from the legendary Giantess of Mow Cop to the founder of Primitive Methodism. Also running Tuesday 15 September, same time. Meet at the National Trust car park below Mow Cop Castle; the walk lasts around two hours and isn't suitable for wheelchairs, limited mobility or pushchairs. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/everyday-histories-mow-cop-notable-natives.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Showpeople of North Staffordshire **11am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/showpeople-of-north-staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Giles Parish Church, Newcastle-under-Lyme **10am to 3pm, with a Family Fun Day from 10am** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Church Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 1QS · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. Games, quizzes, competitions and maypole dancing today. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/st-giles-parish-church-newcastle-under-lyme-2.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Unitarian Meeting House **10.45am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2UA · In person · Pre-booking not required A chance to view a non-conformist meeting house, one of many that developed out of the religious upheavals of the 17th century, and one of the oldest in North Staffordshire, dating to 1717\. Penkhull Village Brass Band will be playing outside at intervals. Also open Sunday 13 September for a Harvest Celebration from 10.45am. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/unitarian-meeting-house.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Chad's Church, Stafford: "Too Many to Mention..." **10am to 4pm** · *Stafford Borough* · St Chad's Church, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/too-many-to-mention.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### National Memorial Arboretum: Archiving Remembrance **11am to 3pm** · *East Staffordshire* · The National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7AR · In person · Pre-booking not required Celebrating 25 years of the National Memorial Arboretum. Explore archive treasures, meet the Archiving Remembrance project team, help identify historic items, and discover how the project is preserving the site's stories for future generations. Also running Sunday 13 September, same time. Note there's a daily parking charge on site, £5 booked in advance or £8 on the day. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/national-memorial-arboretum-archiving-remembrance.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Wall Roman Site (Letocetum): Free Guided Tours **11am to 12pm** · *Lichfield District* · Wall Roman Museum, Watling Street, Wall, Lichfield, WS14 0AW · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/wallromantown.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses **10.30am to 3.30pm, last admission 3.30pm** · *South Staffordshire* · Holy Austin Rock House, Compton Road, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6DL · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit these cosily restored rock dwellings, where families lived until the 1960s, carved into the red sandstone with dramatic views across several counties. Enjoy a cream tea in the tearoom, or take in the heathland and Iron Age hill fort of Kinver Edge outside. Also running Friday 18 and Sunday 20 September, same hours. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20230816_133706-2.jpg) ## Sunday 13 September ### Open Day at Ford Green Hall **1pm to 3.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Ford Green Hall Museum Ltd, Ford Green Road, Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1NG · In person · Pre-booking not required Find out what life was like for an ordinary person working and living at the Hall, a 1624 timber-framed farmhouse. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Brilliant Bamboo Parklet: From Pottery to Bamboo **Noon to 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Behind Sainsbury's Stoke, Boothen Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 4AH · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. Note this is a different time slot to Saturday. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/-from-pottery-to-bamboo.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### All Saints Church, Leek **10.30am to 5pm, following a 9.15am celebration service** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · All Saints Church, Compton, Leek, ST13 5PT · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. Today's opening hours are different from Saturday's. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/all-saints-church-open-days.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Lost and Found: Josiah Clowes and the Norton Colliery Canal **2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Meet at the Lychgate, St Bartholomew's Church, Norton Lane, Norton-le-Moors, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8BY · In person · Pre-booking required Join Potteries Heritage Society on the trail of a pioneering canal engineer and a forgotten branch canal. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/lost-and-found-josiah-clowes-and-the-norton-colliery-canal.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Ceramic Workshop **10am and 2pm sessions** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Belong Village, Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2RS · In person · Pre-booking preferred Join Dawn from DM Ceramics to decorate your own ceramic tile using glazes, textures and mark-making techniques, and create a hangable ceramic bottle kiln to take home. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/ceramic-workshop.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Film Show: Buffalo Bill's Visit to the Potteries **2pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · The Brampton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QP · In person · Pre-booking preferred A special archive film show from Ray Johnson about Buffalo Bill's visit to the Potteries in 1904\. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/film-show-buffalo-bill-s-visit-to-the-potteries.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Holy Trinity, Eccleshall **Windows tour at 2pm, "Building the Church" tour at 3pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Church Street, Eccleshall, Stafford, ST21 6BY · In person · Pre-booking preferred Two special guided tours, one on the windows of Holy Trinity, and one on how the church was built. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/holy-trinity-eccleshall.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Gardeners of Middleton Hall Through the Ages **11am to 4pm** · Middleton, near Tamworth, B78 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required Explore Middleton Hall and Gardens and discover the stories of its gardeners through the ages. **Note: Middleton Hall is in Warwickshire, not Staffordshire, despite its Tamworth postal address**, so we're including it here for anyone planning a day out from Tamworth rather than as a Staffordshire venue. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/gardeners-of-middleton-hall-through-the-ages.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Brindley's Mill, Leek **2pm to 5pm, last admission 4.30pm** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Mill Street, Leek, ST13 8FA · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/heritage-open-days-at-brindley-s-mill-leek-staffordshire-st13-8fa.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Unitarian Meeting House: Harvest Celebration **10.45am** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Lower Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2UA · In person · Pre-booking not required All welcome to the Meeting House's Harvest Celebration. See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/unitarian-meeting-house.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### National Memorial Arboretum: Archiving Remembrance **11am to 3pm** · *East Staffordshire* · The National Memorial Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7AR · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/national-memorial-arboretum-archiving-remembrance.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Wall Roman Site (Letocetum): Free Guided Tours **11am to 12pm** · *Lichfield District* · Wall Roman Museum, Watling Street, Wall, Lichfield, WS14 0AW · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/wallromantown.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Monday 14 September ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### In the Footsteps of Palaeontologist John Ward **2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Meet at Longton Station, King Street, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1EZ · In person · Pre-booking required Follow in the footsteps of John Ward (1837 to 1906), an amateur geologist, palaeontologist and ichthyologist known for collecting fossils from the coal mines of Staffordshire. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/in-the-footsteps-of-palaeontologist-john-ward.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Dancing Through Time: English Folk Dance **Arrive 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start** · *Lichfield District* · Bader Hall, King Edward VI School, Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DE · In person · Pre-booking preferred Join Lichfield Folk Dance Club for an evening of folk and friendship, dancing through centuries of English folk dance and exploring how dance has uplifted the lives of ordinary people through history. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/dancing-through-time-english-folk-dance-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Tuesday 15 September ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Oliver's Mill: Past Lives, Future Stories **4pm to 6pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Olivers Mill, Newport Lane, Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3NJ · In person · Pre-booking not required Step inside one of Stoke-on-Trent's remarkable surviving industrial buildings and discover its story, from the everyday working lives that supported the world-famous Potteries to ambitious plans for its future. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### A History of the Trent Valley Railway Talk **2pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Stafford Railway Station, Station Road, Stafford, ST16 2AA · In person · Pre-booking required A fully illustrated history talk about the establishment of the Trent Valley Railway Company. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/a-history-of-the-trent-valley-railway-talk-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Quest for Speed on the UK's Railways Talk **6pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Stafford Railway Station, Station Road, Stafford, ST16 2AA · In person · Pre-booking required A fully illustrated history talk about how UK railway engineers designed locomotives and trains to run at ever-faster speeds. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/the-quest-for-speed-on-the-uk-s-railways-talk.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Where Is Platform 2? A History of Stafford Railway Station **11.30am** · *Stafford Borough* · Stafford Railway Station, Station Road, Stafford, ST16 2AA · In person · Pre-booking required A special visit to Stafford train station to find out about its history. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/stafford-train-station-history-talk.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Interested in Discovering Your Family History? Free Genealogy Workshop, Shenstone Library **3.30pm to 4.30pm** · *Lichfield District* · Staffordshire County Council, Shenstone Library, Main Street, Shenstone, Lichfield, WS14 0NF · In person · Pre-booking required Find out about your family tree at this free workshop. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/interested-in-discovering-your-family-history-free-genealogy-workshop-13.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Mow Cop Notable Natives **10.50am for an 11am start** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 53 High Street, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 3PA · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/everyday-histories-mow-cop-notable-natives.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### w2R Staffordshire Energy Recovery Facility **Guided tours at 9.45am and 12.45pm** · *South Staffordshire* · w2R, Veolia Staffordshire Energy Recovery Facility, Enterprise Drive, Four Ashes, WV10 7DF · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Wednesday 16 September, below. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/2026-w2r-staffordshire-energy-recovery-facility.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Wednesday 16 September ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Lives of Potteries People **2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · The Dipping House, Spode Works, Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1BU · In person · Pre-booking not required Join Phil Rowley to explore the lives of Potteries folk in the 1930s. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/everyday-lives-of-potteries-people.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Potters' Cathedral: St Mark's Church, Shelton *Stoke-on-Trent* · St Mark's Parish Church, Snow Hill, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4LT · In person · Pre-booking not required Find out about St Mark's rich history and step inside the "Potters' Cathedral" to learn about the craftspeople who helped make it so special. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Time, Our Place, Our Heritage: Pottery People (Shelton) *Stoke-on-Trent* · St Mark's Parish Church, Snow Hill, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4LT · In person · Pre-booking not required Do you have experience working in the Potteries, or a story to share about your connection with the ceramic history of Stoke-on-Trent? Come and share it. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20240817_095923--2--2.jpg) ### Middleport Pottery: Search Our 1940s Employment Record Cards **Sessions listed at 10.30am, 11.15am, noon and 12.45pm on the national Heritage Open Days site, but the local Stoke-on-Trent programme still shows a 10am start** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE · In person · Pre-booking required Run in partnership with **Re-Form Heritage**. Search employment cards from Burgess and Leigh, recorded between 1941 and 1942\. See if you can find a relative, a family name, or even a complete stranger, and learn about their job. Also running Thursday 17 September. **The two official sources disagree on the exact session times, so please confirm directly with Middleport Pottery before you go.** [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/middleport-pottery-employment-record-cards.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Penkridge: Historic Village Walk and Penkridge Heritage Centre Visit **10am to 12.15pm** · *South Staffordshire* · Penkridge Train Station (front car park), Station Road, Penkridge, ST19 5AN · In person · Pre-booking required Explore the historic village of Penkridge and visit Penkridge Heritage Centre. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/penkridge-historic-village-walk-and-penkridge-heritage-centre-visit.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Chad's Church, Stafford: "Too Many to Mention..." **10am to 11.45am, and 12.30pm to 2pm** · *Stafford Borough* · St Chad's Church, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/too-many-to-mention.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### w2R Staffordshire Energy Recovery Facility **Guided tours at 9.45am and 12.45pm** · *South Staffordshire* · w2R, Veolia Staffordshire Energy Recovery Facility, Enterprise Drive, Four Ashes, WV10 7DF · In person · Pre-booking required A state-of-the-art waste-to-resource facility. See what happens to Staffordshire's household non-recyclable waste and how it's turned into electricity, on a guided walking tour with the option of a 360-degree VR tour too. Also running Tuesday 15 September, same times. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/2026-w2r-staffordshire-energy-recovery-facility.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Thursday 17 September ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Time, Our Place, Our Heritage: Pottery People (Middleport) *Stoke-on-Trent* · Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE · In person · Pre-booking not required As above, at Middleport Pottery. Do you have experience working in the Potteries, or a story to share about your connection with the ceramic history of Stoke-on-Trent? [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Middleport Pottery: Search Our 1940s Employment Record Cards **Session times not confirmed between official sources; see Wednesday 16 September, above** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Middleport Pottery, Port Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE · In person · Pre-booking required Run in partnership with **Re-Form Heritage**. See full listing under Wednesday 16 September, above. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/middleport-pottery-employment-record-cards.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20241029_105305--1--2.jpg) ### From Clay to Community: Discovering Everyday Histories **12pm to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Vast, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD · In person · Pre-booking not required Step into the everyday histories of the people who made Dudson, from the opening of the factory on Hope Street in 1810 to the thriving community hub it is today. Also running Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September, 10am to 3pm. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/from-clay-to-community-discovering-everyday-histories.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Archives Access: Tamworth Castle Archives **10am to 2pm** · *Tamworth* · Tamworth's Pop-Up Museum & Art Gallery, Ankerside Shopping Centre, George Street, Tamworth, B79 7LG · In person · Pre-booking not required Access also available from Tamworth Castle Grounds. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/archives-access-tamworth-castle-archives.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke Minster **Self-guided visit; guided walk from the former Spode Factory site, 10.30am (booking via Eventbrite)** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1LP · In person · No booking needed for the self-guided visit The Minster is open today for a self-guided tour only, so there's no access to the belfry or bell tower on this date. See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above, for what's on the guided-tour day. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/stokeminster.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book the Spode walk via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-the-extraordinary-in-the-ordinary-in-the-streets-of-stoke-tickets-1999022816055?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Former Spode Works Guided Tours (details to follow) **11am and 1pm, per the local Stoke programme** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Spode Works, Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1BU · In person · Booking details not yet published The local Stoke-on-Trent Heritage Open Days programme lists guided tours of the former Spode Works site today, but notes that full details are still to follow. We'd treat this one as provisional rather than confirmed, and suggest checking the Potteries Heritage Society's listings nearer the time. [Check the Stoke-on-Trent programme](https://potteries.org.uk/HeritageOpenDays?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Showpeople of North Staffordshire **11am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/showpeople-of-north-staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Friday 18 September ### Discover Moorcroft Pottery **10.30am to 4.30pm, tours at 10.30am and 12.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · W Moorcroft Limited, Sandbach Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 2DQ · In person · Pre-booking preferred See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. This is the final day the Moorcroft factory is open for the festival. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discover-moorcroft.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### From Clay to Community: Discovering Everyday Histories **10am to 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Vast, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Thursday 17 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/from-clay-to-community-discovering-everyday-histories.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20260310_125228--1--2.jpg) ### Gladstone Pottery Museum **10am to 5pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Gladstone Pottery Museum, 26 Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 1PQ · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit the only complete Victorian pottery factory left from the days when coal-burning ovens made the world's finest bone china. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/heritage-open-day-gladstone-pottery-museum.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Guided Tour **11am, 1pm and 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2AA · In person · Pre-booking required A guided tour covering key features of the public areas of the station, including Winton Square, the memorial arch and the platforms. Also running Saturday 19 September, same times. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stoke-on-trent-railway-station-guided-tour-tickets-1997723551921?aff=oddtdtcreator&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Showpeople of North Staffordshire **11am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/showpeople-of-north-staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20250514_162014--2--2.jpg) ### Shugborough Estate Open Day **9am to 5pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Shugborough Estate, Milford, Stafford, ST17 0UP · In person · Pre-booking not required Free entry to the Walled Garden, Park Farm and Mansion House, plus talks in the Chinese House and the Painted Paradise watercolour exhibition. The Mansion House, servants' quarters and Lichfield Apartment open a little later, at 11am. Access to the Lichfield apartments is via a staircase; a step climber is available for lower floors of the Mansion House only. Also open Saturday 19 September, same hours. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/shugborough-estate-open-day.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Chad's Church, Stafford: "Too Many to Mention..." **10am to 11.45am** · *Stafford Borough* · St Chad's Church, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/too-many-to-mention.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses **10.30am to 3.30pm** · *South Staffordshire* · Holy Austin Rock House, Compton Road, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6DL · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Saturday 19 September ### Arnold Bennett: Dudson Museum "Just Across the Road" **The national Heritage Open Days site lists 10am to 2pm with presentations at 11am and 1pm; the local Stoke-on-Trent programme says 10am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD · In person · Pre-booking not required The Arnold Bennett Society at the former Dudson Pottery, just across the road from Bennett's birthplace. A day of displays, discussion, presentations and screenings featuring his writings on Stoke, its folk and its industry. **The two official listings disagree on the closing time, so we'd suggest confirming with the organiser before planning a late visit.** [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/arnold-bennett-dudson-museum-just-across-the-road.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### From Clay to Community: Discovering Everyday Histories **10am to 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Vast, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5DD · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Thursday 17 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/from-clay-to-community-discovering-everyday-histories.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station Guided Tour **11am, 1pm and 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2AA · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Friday 18 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stoke-on-trent-railway-station-guided-tour-tickets-1997723551921?aff=oddtdtcreator&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Bethesda Chapel **12pm to 2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Bethesda Methodist Chapel, Albion Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 1QF · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bethesda-chapel.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Hanley Park Heritage Event **11am to 2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · The Bandstand, Hanley Park, Cleveland Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4DX · In person · Pre-booking not required Join the Friends of Hanley Park to celebrate Everyday Histories and the working lives of the Potteries. Fun for all the family as we celebrate our city's heritage and look at how the park was maintained. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/hanley-park-heritage-event.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Exploring Hanley's Monuments and Stories **The national Heritage Open Days site now lists a guided walk at 1.45pm with a self-guided trail from 11am to 3pm; the local Stoke-on-Trent programme still shows a 2pm start** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Hanley Park Bandstand, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DU · Online & in person · Pre-booking required Led by **Re-Form Heritage** as part of its Centenary Restoration Fund programme. Explore the stories of the people who shaped Hanley on a walk through Hanley Park and Hanley Cemetery, ending at Hanley Cemetery War Memorial. **The two official listings disagree on the guided-walk time, so please confirm before you go.** [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/exploring-hanleys-monuments-and-stories.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Bronze Age Gold: The Ellastone "Fastener" **2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW · In person · Pre-booking not required A free expert talk on the "Ellastone Fastener" and other Bronze Age treasures by Dr Neil Wilkin of the British Museum. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/bronze-age-gold-the-ellastone-fastener.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Bartholomew's Church, Norton-le-Moors **11am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · St Bartholomew's Church, 144 to 150 Norton Lane, Norton-le-Moors, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8BY · In person · Pre-booking not required This Grade II listed church has outstanding views towards the Staffordshire Moorlands. Visitors can explore the church and its belfry, where ringers will be demonstrating and happy for you to have a go. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20241212_131840-2.jpg) ### Trentham Parish Church Open Doors *Stoke-on-Trent* · Trentham Parish Church, Park Drive, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 8AB · In person · Pre-booking not required Trentham Parish Church opens all its doors to welcome visitors. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Time, Our Place, Our Heritage: Clay Workshop with British Ceramics Biennial *Stoke-on-Trent* · BCB Studio, 124 Church Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1BU · In person · Pre-booking not required A drop-in clay workshop in the heart of the Potteries, celebrating the people, skills and stories that have shaped life in Stoke-on-Trent. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Lady and St Peter's Catholic Church **10am to 5pm, talk and guided tour at 11am** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Our Lady and St Peter's Church, 106 Hartshill Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7LT · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit this historic Catholic church with a beautiful interior, parts of the building dating back to 1857\. See historic artefacts and areas not usually open, such as the choir loft, with light refreshments available. Also open Sunday 20 September, 1pm to 5pm, talk and tour at 2pm. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/our-lady-and-st-peter-s-catholic-church.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Inside Etruria: Past, Present & Future **11am to 3pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Etruria Industrial Museum, Lower Bedford Street, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7AF · In person · Pre-booking not required Come inside a part of Etruria you don't normally get to see, and discover the past, present and possible future of this extraordinary industrial landscape. This event runs on Saturday 19 September only; it does not repeat on the Sunday. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/etruria-valley-what-happens-next.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20231029_130801-2.jpg) ### Victorian Potters' Mill in Steam, Vintage Stationary Engine and Classic Vehicle Rallies **11am to 4.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Etruria Industrial Museum, Etruria Vale Road, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4RB · In person · Pre-booking not required Vintage stationary engines on display today, classic vehicles tomorrow. Visit the canal-side Potters' Mill (bone and flint) both days, plus blacksmith demonstrations at the canal junction. Also running Sunday 20 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Chatterley Whitfield and Colliery Tours **10am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Unit 29B, Chatterley Whitfield Enterprise Centre, Chell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8UW · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. Also running Sunday 20 September. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/chatterley-whitfield-and-colliery-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book via TicketSource](https://www.ticketsource.com/chatterley-whitfield-friends?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Brampton Museum: Costumed Tours **Tours every 30 minutes from 11.30am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Brampton Museum, The Brampton, Newcastle, ST5 0QP · In person · Pre-booking preferred Journey back to Victorian England with a fifteen-minute costumed tour of Brampton Museum and its recreated Victorian street scene. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/brampton-museum-costumed-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20230717_152823-1.jpg) ### Discovering St Margaret's Church, Wolstanton **10am to 2pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · St Margaret's Church, Church Lane, Wolstanton, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0EQ · In person · Pre-booking not required Bell ringing demonstrations, tower tours, graveyard tours, displays, exhibits, a raffle and refreshments. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/discovering-st-margaret-s-church-wolstanton-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Linocut Printing Workshop **10am to 2pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, Belong Village, Lower Street, Newcastle, ST5 2RS · In person · Pre-booking preferred Join industrial artist Gary Eite for a Linocut Printmaking Workshop, introducing the creative process of designing, carving and producing prints using traditional lino-printing techniques. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/linocut-printing-workshop.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Leek Quaker Meeting House *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Overton Bank, Leek, ST13 5ES · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/quaker-meeting-house-hereitage-open-day.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### From Weave to Wardrobe: Celebrating Textile Heritage in the Staffordshire Moorlands **10am to 3pm** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · Butter Market, Market Place, Leek, ST13 5HH · In person · Pre-booking not required Get hands-on with traditional weaving and explore Leek's textile-making past through vintage fashion displays. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/from-weave-to-wardrobe.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Behind the Scenes at the Museum Stores: Tours *Stafford Borough* · Unit G, Beacon Business Park, Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0WL · In person · Pre-booking required Go behind the scenes and discover the treasures held in the county's museum stores. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/behind-the-scenes-at-the-museum-stores-tours-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stafford Quaker Meeting House and the People Who Met There **11am to 4pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Stafford Quaker Meeting House, Foregate Street, Stafford, ST16 2PX · In person · Pre-booking not required Visit the Meeting House, built 1730 and Grade II listed, with its Women's Gallery and Elder's Bench, Victorian schoolroom, C20 extension and garden, plus a small exhibition on Stafford Quakers past and present. Refreshments available. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/stafford-quaker-meeting-house-and-the-people-who-met-there.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Shugborough Estate Open Day **9am to 5pm** · *Stafford Borough* · Shugborough Estate, Milford, Stafford, ST17 0UP · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 18 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/shugborough-estate-open-day.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Chad's Church, Stafford: "Too Many to Mention..." **10am to 2.30pm** · *Stafford Borough* · St Chad's Church, Greengate Street, Stafford, ST16 2HP · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/too-many-to-mention.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St Modwen's Parish Church **10am to 3pm** · *East Staffordshire* · St Modwen's Parish Church, Market Place, Burton-on-Trent, DE14 1HA · In person · Pre-booking not required A rare, well-preserved example of an early 18th century church. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/st-modwen-s-parish-church.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Dragon Designs: Clay Workshop **10am to 2pm** · *Tamworth* · Tamworth's Pop-Up Art Gallery, Ankerside Shopping Centre, George Street, Tamworth, B79 7LG · In person · Pre-booking not required Create a dragon-inspired clay keepsake, in a free workshop inspired by a Victorian dragon vase made by Tamworth's historic ceramics manufacturer, Gibbs & Canning. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/dragon-designs-clay-workshop.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everyday Histories: Showpeople of North Staffordshire **11am to 4pm** · *Newcastle-under-Lyme* · 25 Merrial Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Friday 11 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/showpeople-of-north-staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Sunday 20 September ### The People Who Moved the Earth *Stoke-on-Trent* · Meet outside the Visitor Centre, Etruria Industrial Museum, Etruria Vale Road, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4RB · In person · Pre-booking required Find out about the engineers, navvies and canal carriers of the Potteries' waterways with a tour around Etruria Junction and the Etruria Industrial Museum site. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Victorian Potters' Mill in Steam, Vintage Stationary Engine and Classic Vehicle Rallies **11am to 4.30pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Etruria Industrial Museum, Etruria Vale Road, Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4RB · In person · Pre-booking not required Classic vehicles on display today; see full listing under Saturday 19 September, above. Note that Inside Etruria (the site openings, separate from this rally) does not run today, only on the Saturday. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/staffordshire.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Chatterley Whitfield and Colliery Tours **10am to 4pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Unit 29B, Chatterley Whitfield Enterprise Centre, Chell Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 8UW · In person · Pre-booking required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/chatterley-whitfield-and-colliery-tours.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) · [Book via TicketSource](https://www.ticketsource.com/chatterley-whitfield-friends?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Lady and St Peter's Catholic Church **1pm to 5pm, talk and guided tour at 2pm** · *Stoke-on-Trent* · Our Lady and St Peter's Church, 106 Hartshill Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7LT · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 19 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/our-lady-and-st-peter-s-catholic-church.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses **10.30am to 3.30pm** · *South Staffordshire* · Holy Austin Rock House, Compton Road, Kinver, Stourbridge, DY7 6DL · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Saturday 12 September, above. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/kinver-edge-and-the-rock-houses.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### All Saints' Church, Sandon **10am to 4pm** · *Stafford Borough* · All Saints Church, Church Lane, Sandon, Stafford, ST18 0DB · In person · Pre-booking not required A unique behind-the-scenes tour of this Grade I listed church and ancient graveyard, from Norman origins to the present day. Family fun activities outside, and plenty of cake. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/all-saints-church-sandon-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Wall Roman Site (Letocetum): Free Guided Tours with Dr Mike Hodder **11am to 12.30pm** · *Lichfield District* · Wall Roman Museum, Watling Street, Wall, Lichfield, WS14 0AN · In person · Pre-booking required Follow Dr Mike Hodder's guided tour around Wall Roman Site to learn how historians and archaeologists have proven the importance of Letocetum. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/wall-roman-site-letocetum-free-guided-tours-with-dr-mike-hodder.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Four Online Talks on the Duleep Singh Family **Hosted via Microsoft Teams, not Zoom** · *Lichfield District* · Online · Pre-booking preferred Heritage detective Sundeep Braich presents four separate online talks at 10am, 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm, though we haven't been able to confirm which time slot matches which talk, so do check the individual booking pages below for the exact schedule: - **A Forgotten Princess: The Centenary of Irene Duleep Singh (1926 to 2026).** Sundeep Braich remembers Princess Irene Duleep Singh, described by the event organiser as the last-born Princess of Punjab, exploring heritage, belonging and identity. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/a-forgotten-princess-the-centenary-of-irene-duleep-singh-1926-2026.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - **An Everyday Life? Two English Women Who Married Indian Royalty.** In 1889, chambermaid Ada Douglas Wetherill married Maharajah Duleep Singh, linked to the Koh-i-Noor diamond. In 1898, Lady Anne Coventry married his son, Prince Victor. What do these two stories tell us about class, love and life? [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/an-everyday-life-two-english-women-who-married-indian-royalty.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - **Everyday Histories of a Prince: Frederick Duleep Singh Remembered, Death Centenary 1926 to 2026.** Described by the event organiser as the last Crown Prince of Punjab, who never set foot in Punjab and instead lived an everyday life in Norfolk. A century after his death, this talk remembers the Prince of everyday people. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/everyday-histories-of-a-prince-frederick-duleep-singh-remembered-death-centenary-1926-2026.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - **Not Your Everyday Princesses: Bamba, Catherine and Sophia Duleep Singh.** Sundeep Braich attended the press preview of Kensington Palace's exhibition "The Last Princesses of Punjab". This talk explores Princesses Bamba, Catherine and Sophia Duleep Singh, centre stage in the exhibition. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/not-your-everyday-princesses-bamba-catherine-and-sophia-duleep-singh.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20250920_110048-3.jpg) ### Ecton Copper Mine (Deep Ecton Underground Visit) **10am to 4pm. The underground tours themselves are currently showing as fully booked, though the surface features and engine house remain free to visit** · *Staffordshire Moorlands* · GA Cox Study Centre, The Hillocks, Ecton, Ashbourne, DE6 2AH · In person · Pre-booking required for the underground tour An underground visit to the 18th century workings of what was once the biggest, richest and deepest copper mine in the UK. Wellies required. [More info and booking](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/deep-ecton-underground-visit.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Cannock Chase The Cannock Chase district page on the Heritage Open Days site currently shows no events registered. However, the national listings site separately carries the following event, which appears to have been miscategorised under a different county: ### CWGC Tours: Cannock Chase War Cemetery and German Military Cemetery **10am and noon, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September** · CWGC Cemetery, Camp Road, Cannock, WS12 4PT · In person · Pre-booking required Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a tour of Cannock Chase War Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery. **The listing on the national site gives the address as "Waddington, Cannock, Derbyshire", which appears to be an error: Cannock Chase and its war cemeteries are in Staffordshire, not Derbyshire, and there is no Waddington here.** We'd suggest confirming the correct details directly with the CWGC before publicising this further, but wanted to flag that Cannock Chase isn't quite as empty as the district page suggests. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/cwgc-tours-2026-cannock-chase-war-cemetery-and-german-military-cemetery.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## Events just outside Staffordshire A few venues that come up in Staffordshire-adjacent listings, particularly around Tamworth, are actually over the county boundary. We've included them above where they're part of a wider Staffordshire event (Tamworth Civic Society's Kingsbury leg, for instance), but the following stand as events in their own right, just outside the county, so are worth knowing about if you fancy a slightly longer day out: ### Gardeners of Middleton Hall Through the Ages **Sunday 13 September, 11am to 4pm** · Middleton, near Tamworth, B78 2AE · In person · Pre-booking not required See full listing under Sunday 13 September, above. Middleton Hall carries a Tamworth postal address but sits in Warwickshire. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/gardeners-of-middleton-hall-through-the-ages.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Moseley Old Hall (National Trust) **Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, 10am to 5pm, last entry to the Hall 4pm** · Moseley Old Hall, Moseley Old Hall Lane, Featherstone, Wolverhampton, WV10 7HY · In person · Pre-booking not required Step inside this 17th century farmhouse where King Charles II hid from Cromwell's troops after the Battle of Worcester in 1651\. See the bed he slept in and the priest hole he hid in, meet the Lace Guild in its golden anniversary year, and discover the history of wool in the Cowshed. Moseley Old Hall sits in the West Midlands, near the Staffordshire border, rather than in South Staffordshire itself. [More info](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/moseley-old-hall-national-trust-1.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) --- ## A note before you head out As the organisers themselves say, with a festival this size involving hundreds of volunteers, details can change at short notice, so it's always worth checking an event's individual listing on [heritageopendays.org.uk](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) shortly before you go, particularly for anything marked as needing pre-booking. ## Find out more - Full national listings and search tool: [heritageopendays.org.uk](https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/search-2026-events.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - Stoke-on-Trent programme, coordinated by the Heritage Network for Stoke-on-Trent: [potteries.org.uk/HeritageOpenDays](https://potteries.org.uk/HeritageOpenDays?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - Heritage Development Trusts, an Architectural Heritage Fund initiative: [ahfund.org.uk](https://ahfund.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) However you spend the ten days, whether it's at Chatterley Whitfield, behind the scenes at a museum store, or simply wandering the gardens at Shugborough, Heritage Open Days is a brilliant, free reminder of just how much history is on our doorstep here in Staffordshire. Get out there and make the most of it. Photos: Jenna Goodwin / [The Red Haired Stokie](https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Public vote opens for LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lovenul-business-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-09-07T16:39:21.000Z The shortlist has been revealed for the public vote stage of the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026, following more than 500 nominations across 13 categories. An independent judging panel reviewed all eligible nominations before selecting five shortlisted businesses in each of the six public vote categories. Voting is now open and members of the public can choose their winners at [www.lovenulawards.co.uk](http://www.lovenulawards.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Voting closes at 11.59pm on Friday 18th September. The businesses shortlisted for the public vote are: **Beauty & Wellbeing Business of the Year** Divinity Studio EM Beauty Clinic Filtr Head Spa and Treatment Rooms Funeral of Hearts Tattoo Studio The Hair House **Business Services of the Year** amb Insurance Services Ltd Hixon Group Ltd Hurrah Marketing Limelight Marketing Communications Ltd SaferHandCare **Café & Coffee Shop of the Year** Anasma Greek Bakery Boba Trent Café Java No. 21 Cafe and Sandwich Bar Piccoloco **Hospitality Venue of the Year** Amore Italian Restaurant & Cafe Breeze Bowls Fresco Mellards Bar The Clubhouse Stoke **Pub, Beer & Ale Venue of the Year** Bridge Street Ale House Mellards Bar The Crossways The Victoria (Little Vic) Tiny Tennessee **Retailer of the Year** Blacks Menswear Exhibit Florist Hollies Haberdashery Sparrowhawk Vintage Tony Price Butchers Charlotte Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > “We were incredibly impressed by both the number and quality of nominations received this year. More than 500 nominations were submitted across the 13 categories, with some really thoughtful examples of the difference these businesses and individuals make. It was great to see such strong representation from across the town, including businesses that have opened more recently as well as those that have been part of Newcastle-under-Lyme for many years. > > “The judging panel had some very difficult decisions to make when selecting the shortlist. We’d now encourage people to read about each of the shortlisted businesses, choose who they feel deserves to win and cast their votes before Friday 18th September.” The remaining seven awards will be decided by the judging panel with finalists for Customer Service of the Year, New Business of the Year, Market & Event Trader of the Year, Visitor Experience of the Year, Community Connector of the Year, Newcastle Ambassador of the Year and Unsung Hero of the Year being announced on Monday 14th September. Hosted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District, the LoveNUL Business Awards return for their fourth year on Friday 9th October. The judging panel includes representatives from the Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Board and organisations from across the town. These include Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Heywoods, New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Keele University. Many are also supporting the awards as sponsors, alongside Titanic Brewery, Thompson Wright, University of Staffordshire, We are Staffordshire and 6 Towns Radio. ### Voting is open from Friday 4th September until 11.59pm on Friday 18th September at [www.lovenulawards.co.uk](http://www.lovenulawards.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The winners will be revealed at the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 at St Giles’ Church on Friday 9th October. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Wheels Motor Show 2026 at Penkridge, Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/wheels-motor-show-2026-at-penkridge-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-09-07T16:16:08.000Z Penkridge Markets turned into a petrolhead's paradise on Sunday (6 September) as Wheels Motor Show returned for 2026, drawing car enthusiasts from across Staffordshire and the wider Midlands. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The show, which welcomes all makes and models but leans happily towards the classic, retro, performance and American end of the spectrum, packed the site near Stafford with everything from immaculate British classics to thundering American muscle. Beyond the vehicles themselves, the day had the relaxed, friendly feel that makes the smaller regional shows such a draw. Owners were happy to chat, bonnets were up, and there was no shortage of people leaning in for a closer look at the engine bays. The Staffordshire Signal TV was there to capture it all, and you can watch our full video from the show below. Wheels Motor Show runs at Penkridge Markets, Penkridge, Stafford. Details of future events can be found at [www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk](http://www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Video: Jenna Goodwin / The Staffordshire Signal. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### MP Gareth Snell Calls for British Food to Be Served on British Plates as Government Pledges Procurement Reform URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mp-gareth-snell-calls-for-british-food-to-be-served-on-british-plates-as-government-pledges-procurement-reform/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T13:26:54.000Z Stoke-on-Trent MP Gareth Snell has secured a commitment from the Prime Minister Andy Burnham to use public procurement more effectively to support British industry, including the ceramics sector that is at the heart of the Potteries' economy. During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, Gareth Snell MP urged the Government to go further in its commitment to serving British food across the public sector by ensuring it is served on British made ceramic tableware. Gareth highlighted the importance of ensuring that taxpayers' money supports jobs and manufacturing here in the UK. Speaking in the House of Commons, Gareth said: > "I welcome what he said about serving British food across the public estate in this country, but may I push him further to suggest that British food should be served on a British plate, made by British ceramics, and that the houses that he wishes to build should be made with British bricks? Could I encourage him to go as fast as he can on rewiring public procurement, so that British jobs in this country can be benefited by the British taxpayers' pound?" In response, the Prime Minister praised the Potteries and recognised the vital contribution of the ceramics industry to the region and the national economy. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham said: > "I will be a staunch defender of the Potteries in this House... I know the crucial importance of the ceramics industry to that part of the country." > "I do think that there is much more that we can do with public procurement in Britain to support crucial industries; I do not think that we have done enough in the past." The Prime Minister confirmed that social value weighting can be applied across public procurement, making it more likely that contracts are awarded to British-based businesses, and pledged to challenge the practice of sending contracts overseas. Gareth said the exchange demonstrates the strength of the case for backing British manufacturing and protecting skilled jobs in Stoke-on-Trent: > "The Potteries has been making world class ceramics for centuries, employing highly skilled workers and exporting products across the globe. Every effort should be made to ensure that only British made products are used in our schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. > "Public procurement can be a powerful tool for supporting local jobs, growing British manufacturing and strengthening our economy. I welcome the Prime Minister's recognition of our ceramics industry and his commitment to ensuring more public contracts benefit British manufacturers." ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Eccleshall Show returns tomorrow for a great family day out in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/eccleshall-show-returns-tomorrow-for-a-great-family-day-out-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T13:10:05.000Z Eccleshall Show returns on Saturday 5 September 2026, bringing traditional country competitions, family entertainment and classic vehicles to The Parks in Sugnall. Around 5,000 people attend the popular show each year, which takes place in the rolling grounds on the outskirts of the historic market town of Eccleshall. Organised by volunteers to raise funds for charities, the event offers something for all ages across three large fields. ### Equestrian events and classic vehicles The show’s extensive equestrian section will feature show jumping alongside ridden and in-hand competitions. Visitors will also be able to explore a huge classic-vehicle display featuring more than 500 vehicles. Entertainment in the main ring will include a headline act, a public dog agility competition, children’s sports and flyball. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/786303484_1128620159814868_988328960361363939_n-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/484447755_672001658810056_8625597360158738440_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/493696649_736355275708027_8912622094642313257_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/546057070_822575830419304_2209702069221168542_n.jpg) Photos by Eccleshall Show ### Horticulture, crafts and family entertainment Inside the Horticultural and Craft marquee, judges will search for the best blooms, heaviest vegetables and champion crafts. There will also be a selection of popular children’s competitions. Dog owners can enter their pets into the companion dog show on the day, with pedigree and novelty classes offering plenty of opportunities for Staffordshire’s prize pooches. Other attractions will include a farrier display, brass band performances, Punch and Judy, a children’s fun fair and static engines. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/514910246_761105803232974_6158142934177564905_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/719483237_18092382044145560_4974312732924915059_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/531549541_797242336285987_4708729571513001613_n-1.jpg) Photos by Eccleshall Show ### Food and shopping at Eccleshall Show Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared traditional refreshments in the WI Refreshments marquee. A fresh food area and shopping marquee will also feature a range of food stands, while trade and charity stalls will be located throughout the showground. Eccleshall Show takes place at The Parks, Sugnall, on Saturday 5 September 2026. [Buy tickets for Eccleshall Show 2026](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eccleshall-show-2026-tickets-1993182174539?aff=erelexpmlt&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/501296751_736354732374748_5152576402967446096_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/483977645_672676068742615_8330711896675087352_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/748718862_18098593715145560_7867578251656121729_n.jpg) Photos by Eccleshall Show ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Cobridge Day of Action Brings Partners and Community Together URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cobridge-day-of-action-brings-partners-and-community-together/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T10:34:14.000Z Partners and community volunteers joined forces together in mid-August to carry out a day of action across the Cobridge area. Teams from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Police, the DVLA, local charities and groups of local children took part in a comprehensive environmental clean-up of streets, alleyways, gulleys, gardens, parks, street furniture and open spaces in the neighbourhood. In preparation for the Day of Action, the environmental crime team identified 96 properties in the Cobridge area with waste within the gardens. Formal warnings were issued and, during Tuesday’s exercise, it was noted that 41 of these properties had cleaned their gardens while the remaining 55 properties received further warnings in readiness for enforcement action. Elsewhere: - The council parks team cut back and cleaned the Cobridge park boundary - The waste services team visited 42 shops, alongside an environmental enforcement officer, giving advice and guidance on waste management - Two new double bins were installed on Elder road by the park entrances - The DVLA conducted a walkabout to target untaxed vehicles - The council’s private sector housing team paid several visits to known empty residential properties, including three with prohibition orders – a formal legal notice banning or restricting the use of all or part of a residential building. Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing, said: > “The strength of purpose demonstrated by these partners pulling together for a common cause in Cobridge was only matched by the community spirit shown by them and the neighbourhood they serve. > > “Members of the council’s environmental crime team worked with officers from trade waste and visited local businesses to educate on waste disposal whilst the highways team attended with the gully tanker to cleanse a number of drains throughout several targeted streets in the area. > > “Adding to this effort, council teams cleared fly-tipping from the roads and alleys, and also tidied the streets – ably assisted along the way by Police Community Support Officers, police cadets and local children who helped with a community litter pick. > > “Our focus is on keeping the community safe, clean and welcoming through education, engagement and, if required, enforcement.” Sergeant Nathan Moghaddam, of the Stoke-on-Trent north local policing team, said: > “This was a successful day working alongside a number of local partners. > > “Officers assisted colleagues from Stoke-on-Trent City Council with an environmental clean-up of local areas whilst engaging with local residents. > > “We will continue to work alongside local partners to make Stoke-on-Trent a safer place for people to live and work.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Multi-million-pound Watermill School expansion ready to open its doors for children with SEND URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/watermill-school-expansion/ Last updated: 2026-09-04T10:02:46.000Z A brand-new multi-million-pound school complex is getting ready to welcome dozens of new pupils from the start of next week. Up to 70 new school places have been created as part of the £11.5 million project, helping children access the education and support they need in Stoke-on-Trent. The new facility has been constructed on Turnhurst Road, in Packmoor, to provide more first-class learning opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The complex – which will be known as Watermill Brindley and is an expansion of the existing Watermill School – has been built on the site of the former Middlehurst School, which was closed in 2014 and demolished in 2022\. It has been funded through the city council’s Schools Capital Programme. Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “We are absolutely delighted that the new Watermill School site is ready to welcome pupils and we are pleased to see the number of SEND school places increased in the city. > > “We are proud to have been able to support the school to expand to enable it to continue to deliver vital learning experiences for children, while supporting and promoting inclusivity, diversity and equality. > > “We are committed to working with our trusted partners to ensure children and young people with SEND in the city can grow and thrive, and that starts with making sure that they can access the right support at the right time.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/23846657-7b2e-402b-9db3-b0b0fcdd813f--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/Watermill-School-group-shot.jpg) Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for growth, regeneration and transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “Not only will this new school extension provide 70 much-needed places for children and young people with SEND, it has also helped to bring life back to a brownfield site which had been vacant for many years. > > “We are committed to supporting families in Stoke-on-Trent through our plans to regenerate empty parcels of land, transform our transport network and help people to improve their skills and education through projects such as this one.” Over the next few weeks, pupils will be enrolled at the new, two-storey learning facility. It comes after Stoke-on-Trent-based Seddon Construction Ltd, who were the main contractors for the project, officially handed over the building last month (August). David Williams, Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove said: > “Families across Stoke-on-Trent and Kidsgrove regularly contact me about issues accessing SEND services. This new facility will make a huge difference to young people and their families. > > "I was delighted to officially open Watermill's extension and I am confident that the wonderful team there will continue to go from strength to strength as they support local students with their education. > > "This is a great example of what can be achieved when local and national government work together with partners like Watermill to deliver for our communities." Jason Dimelow, Contracts Manager at Seddon Property Services, said: > “Delivering a specialist school for children and young people with SEND requires a different level of consideration around how the building will support pupils with a wide range of additional needs. From the design of the learning spaces through to the wider school environment, creating an inclusive space that works for pupils and staff has been central to the project. > > “We’re extremely proud to have worked closely with Watermill School, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and our project partners to deliver a modern facility designed around the needs of its pupils. The ribbon cutting marks an important milestone in the transformation of the former school site, and we’re excited to see the new students welcomed into the school over the coming weeks.” Watermill School, which became an Academy in 2019 as part of the Orchard Community Trust, provides support for a wide range of pupils, aged between three and 16\. Pupils at the school all have learning difficulties of some kind - this may include moderate, severe, physical and multiple learning difficulties and autism. Jen Lomas, Head Teacher at Watermill School and Gill Howell, Chair of Trustees, said: > “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of the new Watermill Brindley Special School site as part of Orchard Community Trust. This important investment reflects the strength of our partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Seddons, whose collaboration and commitment have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. > > “The new facility will provide additional specialist school places, helping to meet growing demand across the city and ensuring more children and young people can access high-quality education and support close to home. We look forward to seeing the positive impact our new provision will have for pupils, families and the wider Stoke-on-Trent community.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Newcastle MP Adam Jogee to introduce School Road Safety Bill URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-mp-adam-jogee-to-introduce-school-road-safety-bill/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T12:39:32.000Z The proposed legislation would require local authorities with responsibility for road infrastructure, like Staffordshire County Council, to prepare and publish road safety plans tailored for every school within their locality. Instead of relying on the one-size-fits-all policies that are currently in place, it demands action, driven by the experiences of those in the community, tackling the specific hazards faced by pupils and parents at each school. Too often, concerns about road safety outside schools become trapped in lengthy reviews and consultations with parents and teachers, and local residents, repeatedly raising the same issues without seeing action. The Bill would require local authorities to move beyond simply identifying problems and instead develop clear, school-specific plans to address them. The Bill comes after increasing concern from parents and teachers across Newcastle-under-Lyme – raising issues with dangerous crossings, speeding vehicles, and poor visibility near school gates. Most notably, the Bill is informed by the tireless campaigning of parents at Meadows Primary School, and many local residents, in Madeley following a serious collision in December 2025, when a local parent was struck by a speeding vehicle while walking his daughter to school. Adam Jogee MP said: > “No child, no parent, no carer, nobody – in Newcastle-under-Lyme or anywhere else in England – should be at risk of injury, serious injury, or indeed death, when on the journey to school. > > *“My Bill will force those who dither and delay to take their responsibilities seriously. We need action, not warm, weasel words about understanding the problems. This is about ensuring that everyone feels safe on their journey to school, by requiring all local authorities to develop and implement a bespoke road safety plan for every school in England.”* ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Historic Upper Tean church bell rings again with £1,000 JCB donation URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tean-church-bell-donation/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T12:27:01.000Z JCB is helping ring the changes in a Staffordshire Moorlands village with a £1,000 donation towards its church bell renovation project. The digger giant pledged support to Christchurch at Upper Tean, near Cheadle, for the newly restored bell which had been silent for more than a decade. Village businesses and parishioners clubbed together to fund the £8,500 restoration of the bell which dates back to the church’s founding in 1842, while the JCB donation will meet essential future maintenance costs. Since its relaunch last June, the bell has once more become a welcome part of village life. Team Vicar for Uttoxeter Area of Parishes, The Rev Joe Cant, said four parishioners share bell-ringing duties calling worshippers to Wednesday and Sunday services as well as pealing out to celebrate weddings. Meanwhile for funerals an age-old tradition has been revived with the bell striking three times to mark the death of a male and three times two for a female parishioner, followed by one ring for each year of their life. Rev Cant added: > “The bell also holds a special place in the village’s history as its sister bell called employees to work each day at the historic Tean Mill which was a big employer. That bell went missing when the mill was renovated and turned into flats, so some villagers are particularly protective of this remaining one. > > “We really appreciate the support from JCB and knowing we have the costs already covered for the next round of maintenance gives us great peace of mind – it would take a lot of coffee mornings for us to raise this kind of money.” To find out more about Christchurch, Upper Tean services and events visit [www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4563/](http://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4563/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Stoke-on-Trent Reviews Rough Sleeping Support Ahead of Christmas URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rough-sleeping-support/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T12:22:15.000Z The council is considering a range of options for future provision, including alternative locations and different models of accommodation and support. The review will also consider how services can be provided in appropriate locations, ensuring provision is well distributed across the city and suitable for both service users and local communities. This will build on the success of a recent pilot for a night shelter in Burslem, which is coming to an end this month. The night shelter has had a positive impact, supporting 96 people over the six-month period. While the pilot demonstrated the value of providing a safe place for people sleeping rough to engage with support services, the dormitory-style model and requirement for people to leave during the day are not considered the best approach for longer-term provision. The council is now looking at alternative models that can provide more appropriate accommodation and enable better ongoing engagement with people sleeping rough, while also considering the impact on local communities and businesses. The council will work with Swan Bank Church and Adullam, who ran the Burslem night shelter, alongside its own Rough Sleeper Team and partners including VAST, as it develops its future approach. The Rough Sleeper Team will also continue to work directly with people sleeping rough, offering support and helping them access accommodation and other services where appropriate. Discussions will also continue with Swan Bank Church about how the existing night shelter could potentially be used for emergency provision during periods of extreme weather. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “We welcome last week’s Government announcement of the new national drive to get everyone in for Christmas and in particular the funding to help people leave the streets behind, move into secure homes and get the support they need to rebuild their lives. > > “The Burslem night shelter has shown what we can do by simply providing a bed and a safe space to engage with support agencies and we will take the learning from that project into new schemes we will develop to meet the Government’s target of getting everyone off the streets of Stoke-on-Trent. > > “But we know that for people who have experienced entrenched rough sleeping, a bed alone isn’t always enough. We need to provide the right support alongside accommodation to help people make a lasting move away from the streets. > > “We are looking carefully at different locations and models that could provide the right type of support, while also considering the needs of local communities and businesses. > > “I have heard from local residents of the Kiln Gate area and understand the concerns they have about increased ASB in a residential area. Our teams are working hard to find alternative solutions. > > “In the meantime, our Rough Sleeper Team will continue to engage with people sleeping rough and provide support to help them move away from life on the streets.” People concerned about someone sleeping rough can report it through StreetLink at [https://thestreetlink.org.uk/](https://thestreetlink.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Alternatively, concerns about rough sleeping can be reported to the council on 0800 970 2304. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Two Stoke-on-Trent premises closed after £24,000 illegal products seizure URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/two-stoke-on-trent-premises-closed-after-24-000-illegal-products-seizure/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:44:35.000Z Two premises have been issued with closure notices by the city council’s trading standards team. UK Mini Market in Hanley saw seven test purchases of counterfeit cigarettes made between July 2025 and July 2026\. This led to 160 packets of illegal cigarettes, 16 pouches of illegal hand rolling tobacco and 52 pots of illegal shisha being seized, which were all hidden in a roof cavity on the premises. Moorland Vapes had an inspection in May 2026, which seized 71 packs of illegal cigarettes and 1,140 non-complaint vapes. Despite warnings following this action, a test purchase of counterfeit cigarettes was subsequently made. The retail value across both premises totalled nearly £24,000, with nearly £20,000 at Moorland Vapes. Both premises have been ordered to close for three months. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/FB_IMG_1788431998162.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/FB_IMG_1788431995934-1.jpg) Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “We will not tolerate the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and I welcome these closures. > > “This work is part of our wider commitment to keep streets safe and create a cleaner city where legitimate business is not undermined. You will face consequences if you choose to sell illegal products.” Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes and underage sales can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit [www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards](https://www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New Padel Xero courts open in Cannock URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-padel-xero-courts-open-in-cannock/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:38:00.000Z Cannock residents can now try one of the UK’s fastest growing sports following the official opening of Padel Xero. The brand new padel facility offers premium courts for players of all ages and skill levels, from complete beginners to those looking to play competitively. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash and is played on an enclosed glass court. The accessible and social sport has continued to grow in popularity across the UK. Founded by Chris Blair, Padel Xero aims to become a local sports hub that promotes health, wellbeing and social connection within the Staffordshire community. > “We are so excited to bring padel to Cannock. It's an incredible sport because anyone can get involved. Our goal is to make this facility a welcoming space for everyone in the community, from beginners to competitive players,” said Chris Blair, Founder of Padel Xero. ![Padel Xero](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-03-113048.png) Padel Xero ### Padel Xero welcome event An official welcome event will be held on 3 October at Padel Xero, Unit 14 to 16, Lakeside Business Park, Walkmill Lane, Cannock, WS11 0XE. Visitors will be able to enjoy free court sessions, live coaching demonstrations and plenty of freebies. Courts will be available to book through Playtomic. For more information, visit [www.padelxero.com](http://www.padelxero.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or follow @PadelXero. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Wheels Motor Show returns to Penkridge Market this weekend URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/wheels-motor-show/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T10:03:39.000Z The all makes, all eras show at Penkridge Market will feature an impressive collection of cars, vans, lorries and bikes. Visitors can expect a fantastic variety of vehicles, including modified and performance cars, classics, vintage models and modern supercars. There will be something for everyone, whether you are feeling nostalgic while looking at cars from the past or admiring up close the sports cars that pass you on the road each day. ### The vehicles on display will also be in the running for awards during the show. \*Best In Show \*Best Modified \*Best Pre 2000 \*Best post 2000 \*Show and Shine \*Most Original ![Wheels Motor Show - 2026 Trophies](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/Screenshot-2026-09-03-110235.png) Wheels Motor Show - 2026 Trophies Want to show your car? Head to their website for discounted tickets [www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk](https://www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Food and drink will be available on site, alongside stalls filled with motoring goods and craft items. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/790970179_1073842495141392_662903588632915176_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/789959593_1073842165141425_4607117402110754177_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/789594913_1073841958474779_1534960961652811481_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/476354866_474732852380282_2886722357617509134_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/504273004_122147907860071170_84947270493577505_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/473245379_122137592000071170_6887119259958735257_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/473062002_122137591838071170_4678203695160307663_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/472929533_122137443020071170_1848016906064418993_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/472803202_122137443080071170_3326216192123808830_n.jpg) Wheels Motor Show - Watermarked photos kindly provided by [https://www.iandlphotos.com/](https://www.iandlphotos.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Venue Penkridge Market Stafford Road Penkridge Staffordshire ST19 5AP ### Sunday 6th September 2026 10am Tickets, Vehicle entry and further information are available from [www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk](https://www.wheelsmotorshow.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/790512718_122175568328071170_4428769100286519594_n-1.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New gates to protect historic Stoke Town Hall from anti-social behaviour URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-gates-to-protect-historic-stoke-town-hall-from-anti-social-behaviour/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T08:39:16.000Z The improvements will deter anti-social behaviour, enhance security and create a safer environment for everyone who uses the building. The work to the building’s portico on Glebe Street will take place this weekend (Sunday 6 September). The work follows ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour around the Grade II\* listed Town Hall and forms part of efforts to create a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone who uses the site. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Although the Town Hall portico is no longer the building's main entrance, the doors continue to be used during civic events, weddings and other functions. Gates were part of the original design before being removed several decades ago, meaning the new gates actually restore a feature of the historic building. ![Market and Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent: lithograph](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/45/45/Resource/9710-0.jpg) Market and Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent: lithograph'East Front of the Intended New Market and Town Hall, Stoke-Upon-Trent, Dedicated to the Subscribers,' \[built 1834-5\]. Showing the elevation of the east front. A classical building with a central portico ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=9710&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track The new gates have been carefully designed to complement the building's historic character while providing an additional layer of security. A second heritage-style gate will also be installed between the Civic Centre and The Glebe public house. The gate will not be attached to the historic walls and will provide a secure area for staff entering and leaving the Civic Centre outside normal operating hours. The scheme has been carefully designed to protect the Town Hall's historic fabric. The gates will be fixed into mortar joints rather than the stonework itself, and the council's heritage architect has worked closely with the installation team to agree a methodology that safeguards the building's significant features. > Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: "People tell us they're fed up with seeing anti-social behaviour affecting our public spaces. They want cleaner, safer and more welcoming places, and that's exactly what we're delivering. > > “Stoke Town Hall is one of the city's most important civic buildings and a key part of our heritage, so it is vital that we take steps to protect it and the people who use it. > > "Reinstating these gates will help us address anti-social behaviour, improve security for staff and visitors and create a more welcoming environment around the Town Hall and Civic Centre. > > "This project forms part of our wider work to tackle anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and create cleaner, safer and more welcoming public spaces across the city." The works are being funded through the Government-backed Design Out Crime scheme and support wider efforts to improve safety and security across Stoke-on-Trent's town centres and public spaces. The work will require a temporary pavement closure on Glebe Street immediately outside the Town Hall entrance. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the installation is expected to be completed within the day. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Hanley and Burton named among England’s 10 greatest pub towns URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hanley-and-burton-named-among-englands-10-greatest-pub-towns/ Last updated: 2026-09-03T08:09:07.000Z Two Staffordshire towns have been named among England’s greatest places for a pint, with both Hanley and Burton earning a place in a national top 10. The Telegraph included the two Staffordshire locations in its list of [**England’s 10 greatest pub towns**](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/0215ae7f319e52f9?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), compiled by travel writer Will Hawkes following research for the publication’s 2026 guide to the UK’s best pubs. The list celebrates places with strong traditional pub cultures, affordable pints and community focused pubs, putting Hanley and Burton alongside destinations including Ludlow, Halifax, Hastings, Huddersfield and Stockport. For Staffordshire, having two places included in a national list of just 10 is a welcome recognition of the county’s long standing pub and brewing heritage. ## Hanley praised for its traditional pubs Hanley was singled out from Stoke on Trent’s six towns, with The Telegraph describing it as perhaps the strongest of the six when it comes to pubs. The [**Coachmakers Arms**](https://www.coachmakersarms.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) was highlighted for its traditional layout, including its cosy lounge, small snug and central passageway. Also recognised was the [**Golden Cup Inn**](http://thegoldencupinn.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), which has recently undergone a £250,000 restoration. The Telegraph noted the pub’s family connection, explaining that it was once run by owner Steven Buckley’s grandmother, Betty, while also highlighting the restored exterior and its dark green tiling. Its inclusion places Hanley alongside some of England’s better known destinations for traditional pubs, while drawing attention to a side of the city centre that can sometimes be overlooked. ## Burton’s brewing history puts it among England’s best Burton’s place on the list is closely linked to the town’s remarkable brewing heritage. Once at the heart of the global brewing industry, Burton remains home to major brewing operations today, while generations of beer making have left behind a strong collection of traditional pubs. The Telegraph highlighted several, including the [**Coopers Tavern**](https://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk/taphouse/coopers-tavern-burton/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), [**Devonshire Arms**](https://camra.org.uk/pubs/devonshire-arms-burton-upon-trent-124038?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and [**The Elms**](https://www.dorbiere.co.uk/the-elms/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The [**Burton Bridge Inn**](https://burtonbridgeandheritage.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) was particularly praised. The pub has its own brewery at the rear and was described as a fitting place to reflect on Burton’s brewing tradition. Although Burton’s brewing industry is smaller than it once was, the town’s pubs remain a visible connection with the industry that helped shape its history and identity. ## Two Staffordshire towns in England’s top 10 Hanley and Burton are joined on the list by Dudley, Halifax, Hastings, Huddersfield, Ludlow, Ramsgate, Southsea and Stockport. Their inclusion puts two very different parts of Staffordshire into the national spotlight. For Burton, it is recognition of a brewing story known far beyond the county. For Hanley, it shines a light on traditional pubs that continue to form part of Stoke on Trent’s character. And for Staffordshire as a whole, it is another reminder that some of England’s best loved pub culture can be found much closer to home than people might expect. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire’s 50 Lost Country Houses Could Represent £44.9m a Year in Vanished Heritage Value URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshires-50-lost-country-houses-could-represent-44-9m-a-year-in-vanished-heritage-value/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T13:08:45.000Z At least 50 country houses have disappeared from Staffordshire’s landscape, taking with them not only historic buildings, but workplaces, family stories and connections to communities across the county. New analysis by Family Tree suggests Staffordshire’s lost country houses could represent around £44.9 million a year in potential heritage value when compared with the contribution made by surviving historic houses today. The research identified at least 50 named country houses in Staffordshire that have been demolished, ruined or otherwise lost as major historic homes. Using the modern historic house economy as an illustrative benchmark, Family Tree estimates those properties could represent around £44.9 million a year in foregone economic activity, with approximately £29.9 million potentially linked to spending within local economies. The organisation says Drayton Manor, near Tamworth, provides one of Staffordshire’s clearest examples of just how much can disappear alongside a country house. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## The lost Drayton Manor The former Drayton Manor stood at Drayton Bassett and was once connected with the Peel family. The house was demolished in the late 1920s, although the wider site would later become associated with leisure use and what is now Drayton Manor Resort. For Family Tree, however, the story of lost country houses is about far more than grand architecture or aristocratic families. Country houses were also significant places of employment. Domestic servants, gardeners, cooks, grooms, stable hands, carpenters, builders, estate workers and local suppliers could all find their livelihoods connected to these estates. The houses and the families who occupied them also influenced surrounding roads, parks, farmland, trades, housing and communities. For people tracing their family history today, understanding those connections can provide an important piece of the puzzle. Knowing that an ancestor worked on a particular estate, supplied goods to a country house or lived within a community shaped by one can add valuable context to a family story. ![Drayton Manor, Fazeley](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/208/234/Resource/33609-0.jpg) Drayton Manor, FazeleyDrayton Manor was the home of the Peel family and was built by Sir Robert Peel's father in about 1790\. This house was demolished in 1830 and the new house shown here was completed in 1833, designed by ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=33609&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track ## Putting people back into Staffordshire’s history Helen Tovey, Editor of Family Tree, said: > “Drayton Manor is exactly the kind of place that shows why lost country houses still matter. > > “It was not just a grand home. It was a workplace, a local landmark and part of Staffordshire’s story. > > “Behind houses like Drayton Manor were servants, gardeners, cooks, tenant workers, estate staff, local suppliers and families whose lives were tied to those places. > > “When a house like that disappears, we lose more than architecture. We lose part of the local context that helps people understand where their families worked, lived and belonged. > > “That is why family history is not just names and dates. It is about putting people back into the places, jobs and communities that shaped their lives.” The Staffordshire research forms part of wider work by Family Tree examining Britain’s lost country houses and what disappeared alongside them. Country house historian Matthew Beckett puts the number of lost country houses across the UK at 3,054, with more than 2,000 recorded in England alone. At the same time, surviving historic houses continue to make a considerable economic contribution. Historic England records that Historic Houses represents 1,450 independently owned historic houses, castles and gardens across the UK. In 2022, those places generated £1.3 billion for the UK economy, supported more than 32,500 full time equivalent jobs, hosted 26,000 cultural events, appeared in 4,100 days of filming and spent more than £156 million on repairs and maintenance. ![Drayton Bassett - 'Drayton Manor': sepia drawing](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/45/44/Resource/8318-0.jpg) Drayton Bassett - 'Drayton Manor': sepia drawing'Drayton House, Staffordshire, the Seat of the Right Hon\[orable\] Sir Robert Peel, Bart., M.P.' Showing an Elizabethan style mansion. Built on the site of an earlier Manor House, which was demolished, ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=8318&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track ## How the £44.9 million figure was calculated Family Tree used the £1.3 billion contribution from 1,450 historic properties as a benchmark. Dividing that figure across the represented properties produces an average contribution of approximately £897,000 per site each year. Applied to the 50 named lost country houses identified in Staffordshire, that produces a potential annual heritage economy value of around £44.9 million. Using an approximate assumption that two thirds of spending would remain within the local economy gives a possible Staffordshire economic value of around £29.9 million each year. The figure is intended as an illustration rather than a formal valuation. Not every lost Staffordshire country house would necessarily have developed into a visitor attraction, hotel, wedding venue, filming location or events space. Instead, Family Tree says the calculation provides a sense of the potential economic and local history value that disappeared alongside these buildings. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/image.webp)](https://www.family-tree.co.uk/family-tree-live?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Family Tree Live coming to Staffordshire The analysis comes ahead of Family Tree Live, which will take place at Statfold Country Park near Tamworth on 22 and 23 May 2027. The two day family history event is organised by Family Tree, part of Warners Group Publications, and sponsored by Ancestry. Visitors can find out more through the Family Tree Live website. ****Family Tree Live** ****Where:** Statfold Country Park, near Tamworth ****When:** 22 and 23 May 2027 ****Website:** [https://www.family-tree.co.uk/family-tree-live/](https://www.family-tree.co.uk/family-tree-live/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [Learn more ](https://www.family-tree.co.uk/family-tree-live?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: Historic England's Spode Works concerns, Stoke's city status protected, and our first Signal TV documentary URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-historic-englands-spode-works-concerns-stokes-city-status-protected-and-our-first-signal-tv-documentary/ Last updated: 2026-09-02T06:00:14.000Z *Dear readers,* *It's been a big week for the county's heritage and its politics, Historic England has weighed in on the Spode Works demolition plans, and Stoke-on-Trent's city status has finally been settled for good as councils prepare for the biggest shake-up in decades.* *We've got proper Signal news too. Filming has almost wrapped on our first ever Signal TV documentary, telling the story of Foxfield Colliery through the eyes of the miners, railway volunteers and museum staff who keep it alive, alongside T Level Media students from City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, who've spent weeks learning what it means to sit with someone and really listen. Watching it come together has been one of the highlights of our year, and we can't wait for you to see it.* *And a huge thank you to everyone who backed our crowdfunder. We didn't quite hit the target, but every single pledge helps us do more of exactly this, students behind cameras, more documentaries, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. We're genuinely grateful to every one of you!* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### School Streets scheme extended around Sandon Primary Academy in Meir URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/school-streets-scheme-extended-around-sandon-primary-academy-in-meir/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T17:24:22.000Z Drivers in Meir are being urged to check restrictions around Sandon Primary Academy as Stoke-on-Trent City Council extends its School Streets scheme to cover more roads. The existing scheme on Harrowby Road was introduced in September 2025 and restricts non-residential vehicles from entering the School Streets zone around Sandon Primary Academy and Rosy Cheeks Nursery at school start and finish times. Following feedback received since the original scheme was introduced, the council has decided to extend the area covered. Anson Road, Loxley Place and Stockfield Road are being added to the scheme, alongside an extension further along Harrowby Road. The council's consultation documents state that the amended Experimental Traffic Regulation Order comes into operation on Wednesday 2 September 2026. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## When do the restrictions apply? According to information issued directly to residents and parents by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the restrictions apply during term time between: **8.15am and 9.15am** **2.45pm and 3.45pm** The council's existing School Streets information also lists these times for Sandon Primary Academy and Rosy Cheeks Nursery. Drivers should pay particular attention to the signs in the area, as enforcement is carried out using traffic enforcement cameras. A Penalty Charge Notice can be issued to the registered owner of a vehicle which enters the restricted area without an exemption while the restrictions are in force. ## Which Meir roads are affected? The extended School Streets area covers: - Harrowby Road - Anson Road - Loxley Place - Stockfield Road The council's live traffic consultation system now lists all four roads as part of its School Streets programme. The changes are intended to prevent non residential cars, vans and lorries from entering the designated roads during the morning and afternoon restrictions. Residents and businesses with vehicles registered to an address within the restricted area can apply to the council for a free exemption. Emergency vehicles and other authorised vehicles are also exempt from School Streets restrictions. ## Why has the scheme been extended? Stoke-on-Trent City Council says Sandon Primary Academy and Rosy Cheeks Nursery were originally selected because of ongoing traffic issues affecting parents, residents and businesses with school traffic. School Streets are designed to reduce the number of vehicles immediately around schools at busy times, helping children cross roads more safely, reducing congestion and improving traffic flow. The council also says the schemes are intended to improve air quality and encourage more children to walk and cycle to school. The authority's wider School Streets programme now operates at a number of schools across Stoke-on-Trent. ## Further parking restrictions are also planned The changes go beyond the School Streets zone itself. A statutory public notice published on 26 August confirms that new no waiting restrictions are also being introduced around Normacot Grange Road. These include restrictions on both sides of Dentdale Close and Kingsdale Close for 10 metres from Normacot Grange Road, together with additional sections of Normacot Grange Road. The council says the School Streets scheme will continue to be monitored to determine whether further changes are needed. ## Residents can have their say As the changes are being introduced through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, people can experience the amended scheme while the council monitors how it works. The information supplied to residents states that comments or objections can be submitted until **5pm on Monday 1 March 2027**. Comments can be sent to the council's traffic orders team, quoting reference **DF/TM/ETRO/05/2025 (as modified)**. The council's online consultation system also provides information about current School Streets proposals and allows residents to submit comments. [View Stoke on Trent City Council's School Streets information](https://www.stoke.gov.uk/schoolstreets?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) ### A note on the published times There is currently a discrepancy between documents published about the extension. The information supplied to residents states that the afternoon restriction ends at **3.45pm**, which also matches the council's main School Streets webpage. However, the statutory public notice published on 26 August gives an afternoon period ending at **4pm**. Drivers should therefore check the restriction signs displayed on the affected roads before entering the zone. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** ### Stoke-on-Trent's city status to be protected as councils prepare for shake-up URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trents-city-status-to-be-protected-as-councils-prepare-for-shake-up/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T15:43:32.000Z Stoke-on-Trent will not lose its city status when local government reorganisation sweeps away the current council structure, the city council has confirmed. In a statement issued this week, a Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: > "Stoke-on-Trent will not lose city status as a result of Local Government Reorganisation. Plans have been in place for a long time to safeguard the city's status, using a statutory order." ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Why city status was ever in doubt Stoke-on-Trent has held city status since 1925, when it was granted by Letters Patent from King George V. The city marked its centenary only last year. But that status is legally tied to the council the letters patent were served on, and under local government reorganisation, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, along with every other district, borough and county council in Staffordshire, is set to be abolished by 2028 and replaced by new unitary authorities. That created a genuine risk. If the old council ceases to exist and nobody has explicitly carried the status forward, city status does not simply transfer of its own accord. There is a cautionary tale close to hand. Rochester in Kent lost its city status in 1998 when the issue was overlooked during the creation of Medway Council. Nearly three decades on, it has never got that status back. Council officers in Stoke warned earlier this year that regaining city status after the fact could mean a "complex and unnecessary bureaucratic undertaking", precisely the outcome nobody in the Potteries wants to see repeated. ## The fix: Charter Trustees The safeguard the council has settled on is the creation of a Charter Trustees body, a mechanism available under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007\. Charter Trustees exist specifically to carry forward the ceremonial and historic rights of a former council area, including maintaining the office of Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor. Under the plans, when the new North Staffordshire unitary authority takes over from Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, the Charter Trustees would preserve Stoke-on-Trent's city status and mayoralty, alongside Newcastle-under-Lyme's much older borough status, which dates back to 1173. This week's statement is effectively the council confirming, in plain terms, that this safeguard has been built into the statutory order rather than left to chance. ## The wider picture Local government reorganisation will see all ten of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's principal councils abolished and replaced with two new unitary authorities, one covering the north of the county and one covering the south. The new arrangements are not expected to be in place until 2028, and existing councils continue to deliver services as normal in the meantime. For residents, the day-to-day changes are still some way off. But for a city whose name and identity have been bound up with its status for a century, this week's confirmation closes off one of the more symbolically important questions hanging over the process. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New vision could transform the future of Chatterley Whitfield URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-vision-could-transform-the-future-of-chatterley-whitfield/ Last updated: 2026-09-01T14:23:48.000Z A new vision could bring Chatterley Whitfield back into sustainable use as a centre for heritage, innovation and clean energy while protecting one of England’s most important surviving industrial sites. The proposals will be considered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cabinet on 8 September. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## A new future for Chatterley Whitfield Covering around 100 hectares, Chatterley Whitfield is the most complete surviving deep coal mining site in England. The Scheduled Monument contains several Grade II and Grade II\* listed buildings, but remains on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The site’s inclusion highlights the scale of the challenge involved in protecting its buildings and securing its future. Under the new vision, Chatterley Whitfield could become a major heritage and economic asset for Stoke-on-Trent, with its industrial legacy supporting new commercial uses and investment. The plans focus on three main areas. These include celebrating and using the site’s heritage to support its regeneration, exploring commercial opportunities such as a data centre and minewater heat technologies, and opening up more of its heritage and natural environment for people to experience. Income generated through new uses could then be reinvested into securing, restoring and preserving the site’s historic assets. ![New vision could transform the future of Chatterley Whitfield](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20230211_120013.jpg) ## Further studies and investment Initial studies have already helped to shape the vision. If the proposals are approved, £185,000 from the council’s capital contingency fund will support further work to develop the scheme and help secure direct investment in Chatterley Whitfield. The council would also progress technical studies, discussions with potential investors and engagement with stakeholders. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “Chatterley Whitfield is one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the country. As the most complete surviving deep coal mining site in England, it deserves a future that matches its significance. > “We’ve been clear that Stoke-on-Trent is facing a heritage emergency and we need to find a sustainable way forward for Chatterley Whitfield > “By bringing heritage together with new commercial uses, we have an opportunity to change the narrative around the site – turning it from a potential risk and liability into a genuine asset for the city. > “This vision gives us a way forward that can protect what makes Chatterley Whitfield so important while creating new opportunities for investment and bringing the site back into active use. > “Chatterley Whitfield helped power Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial past. Through heritage, innovation and clean energy, this vision could see it play a part in powering our future too.” ![New vision could transform the future of Chatterley Whitfield](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/09/20230211_114335--1-.jpg) ## Protecting Chatterley Whitfield’s mining collection Cabinet will also be asked to approve the transfer of historic mining artefacts to the Chatterley Whitfield Friends. The volunteer led organisation has played an important role in preserving the site’s heritage and already operates its Heritage Centre and Remembrance Garden. The proposed transfer would help secure the future of a collection containing mining artefacts, documents, plans and equipment. Nigel Bowers BEM, Chair of the Chatterley Whitfield Friends, said: > “Exciting times ahead. The 'Friends' are glad to see movement and it is nice to see that, working with our local councillor, the voice of Whitfield is being heard. It’s our hope that the planned development will benefit the historic buildings on site and secure its future.” If approved, the vision could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Chatterley Whitfield, combining its nationally important mining heritage with opportunities for investment, innovation and clean energy. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Historic England raises concerns over Spode Works demolition plans URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/historic-england-raises-concerns-over-spode-works-demolition-plans/ Last updated: 2026-08-29T11:54:41.000Z Of everything raised during the consultation on Capital & Centric's plans for Spode Works, the response objectors have been waiting for longest is the one that arrived last: a formal letter from Historic England, dated 21 August 2026\. Historic England is the government body that advises on England's historic buildings, it's their job to tell councils whether a development harms something worth protecting, and how much that matters. Their letter is the single most important document in this whole planning story so far, but it's also written in planning language that doesn't mean much if you don't do this for a living. So here's what it actually says, in plain terms. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### **A quick reminder: what's actually being proposed** Capital & Centric want to redevelop part of the old Spode Works site. Some buildings would be repaired and reused, some new ones added (including padel courts and a café), and a number of the old factory buildings would be knocked down completely. This article focuses on that last part, the demolition, because it's what Historic England's letter is mostly about. ### **Why buildings that don't look "listed" are actually protected** Here's the bit that surprises a lot of people. The buildings due to be demolished, known by codes like 8P, 8T and 8V rather than proper names, don't appear on the official heritage list in their own right. If you looked them up individually, you might not find them at all. So why does it matter that they're being knocked down? The answer is something called "curtilage listing." Think of it like this: when a building is given listed status, the protection doesn't stop at that one building's front door. It also covers other structures within its grounds, its "curtilage", as long as those structures have been there since before 1 July 1948\. So even a fairly ordinary-looking outbuilding or shed can end up legally protected, simply because it's stood next to a listed building for long enough. That's exactly the situation here. The main listed building at Spode (a group of structures near the Church Street entrance, officially Grade II listed) has these demolition-target buildings sitting within its historic grounds. So legally, knocking them down isn't like demolishing a random old shed, it counts as altering part of a listed building. We know this isn't just a technicality because of the paperwork itself. Alongside the normal planning application, Capital & Centric also had to submit something called a Listed Building Consent application. You only need one of those if you're doing work to something that's actually listed. The fact that one exists, covering exactly these buildings, is the developer's own confirmation that this protection applies. Worth being precise here, though: not every single building carries the same confirmed status. The developer's own heritage report describes some, like 8P, as definitely "listed by curtilage." Others, like 8L, are described only as "potentially" curtilage listed, and a few, including 8N and part of 8K, are said not to be curtilage listed at all, they're protected only because of how they sit within the wider listed setting, a related but slightly weaker form of protection. The overall picture, that this counts as work to a listed building, still stands, but it isn't a uniform status across every building on the demolition list. ### **What Historic England actually said, in plain English** **The bits they like:** Historic England is happy with the overall idea of bringing this part of Spode back to life. They specifically welcome the plan to repair, rather than demolish, the buildings known as 8S and 8U (their letter actually says "8S and 8V," but that looks like a typo on Historic England's part, since 8V is the building they go on to say they're worried about demolishing a few paragraphs later, and every other document, including the application itself, only proposes repairing 8S and 8U). They're also pleased that one particular building, called Gordon House, a 1960s shop building that isn't historic itself, is coming down. They say removing it will let people actually see the China Halls building properly for the first time in years, and will let the Rose Garden next door be made bigger. **The bit they don't like:** Their concern is specific, not sweeping. They're not objecting to the whole scheme, just to how much is being knocked down, and whether the reasons given stack up. In their own words: "We have concerns over the level of demolition of buildings proposed, and the justification for their removal." They point to three specific parts of the plan where they think the developer hasn't made a strong enough case: part of a building called 8E, part of a building called 8T, and a building called 8V. For 8T, they say the developer hasn't properly explained what will replace the demolished part, or why it needs to go at all. For 8E, they'd rather see it kept whole unless a much better reason is given for removing part of it. **The most damaging point in the letter:** This is the one that matters most. Capital & Centric commissioned their own engineers to check the condition of the buildings before applying to demolish them. That report, done by a firm called Stand Consulting Engineers, is the developer's own evidence, not an objector's. Historic England quotes it directly: the buildings "are in a very poor condition due to water ingress and past poor maintenance, but it is nevertheless structurally feasible to retain and repair with some rebuilding." In other words, the developer's own expert says these buildings could be saved. Historic England is essentially asking why they aren't being. **One more concern, about what replaces the demolished buildings:** Once some of these buildings come down, the plan is to fill the space with padel courts (a racket sport a bit like a smaller, enclosed version of tennis). Historic England isn't against padel as such, but they worry that permanently filling that new open space with courts will actually make the area feel more cramped and less welcoming than leaving it open would, and could get in the way of other businesses who might want to use that space. **Their overall conclusion:** Historic England says the application, as it currently stands, contains some harm to the site's heritage value that they don't think has been properly justified. That's a formal, technical finding, referencing specific government planning rules (the "National Planning Policy Framework"), and it carries real legal weight with the council. But they end on a constructive note, saying they want to keep working with the council and the developer to sort out these issues, and expect more information and another round of consultation before this is settled. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-29-115506.png) **What's happening to each building, in plain terms** - **8K and 8L** — Built between the 1920s and 1970s. Not historically important on their own, and boxed in by other buildings around them. Historic England hasn't objected to these coming down. - **8N and 8O** — 1950s sheds. The developer's own heritage report describes 8O as having "no architectural or historic features," and assesses 8N in similar terms. Neither is challenged by Historic England. - **8V** — An older building, from the late 1800s to 1920s, once used for making moulds and storage. It's genuinely in bad shape, part of it has already collapsed, and it's currently being held up with temporary props. It's still one of the three buildings Historic England wants a better explanation for demolishing. - **8C** — One of the oldest buildings on the whole site, dating from before 1833\. Sadly, its roof has already caved in and it's not safe to go inside. The developer argues that, in its current ruined state, it's actually making the area look worse rather than better. Historic England hasn't disputed this one. - **8P** — This one stands out because, unlike every other building, it doesn't get its own detailed write-up in the developer's heritage report. ACAVA studio holder Paul Riley had already told us it was linked to his organisation, pointing to the application's own drawings, which show 8P's stairwell entrance and individual studio spaces. We put this to Capital & Centric directly, and they've now confirmed occupancy themselves, and gone further: they won't demolish the building until a new space is ready for those artists to move into, "We won't be able to demolish it without creating a new facility for the artists to move to. If they don't want to, then we won't demolish the current building." - **8T and 8E (parts of)** — The other two buildings Historic England has specifically asked for a stronger case on. - **Gordon House** — Not actually part of the old pottery factory at all. It was built in the 1960s as shops with offices above, on the site of a much older theatre and cinema. It isn't listed, and both the developer and Historic England agree that taking it down is a good idea in heritage terms. One thing still needs resolving first, though: the council's own ecology adviser has flagged that the bat survey for this building hasn't been completed, so it can't be signed off until that's done. ### **So what happens now?** In practical terms, Historic England's letter means the application can't simply be approved as it stands. The council legally has to take this advice into account, and Historic England themselves have said they expect "further information, clarification and re-consultation," planning-speak for the developer likely needing to go back, answer these concerns properly, and possibly let people have their say again on any changes. Historic England's letter is specifically about the Listed Building Consent application, 26/LBC/00612, and that application has its own deadline, 11 September 2026, sooner than most people following this story probably realise. (The separate full planning application, 26/FUL/00608, has a later deadline of 16 October 2026, but the two are linked, and neither can really move forward on its own.) Combined with a separate objection from the council's own highways team (about traffic and parking, a different issue we will cover soon), it looks increasingly unlikely either application will be decided on time without some kind of delay or amendment. *Have information relevant to this story? Get in touch: jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### First Signal TV documentary nears completion as students and miners bring Staffordshire's history to life URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/first-signal-tv-documentary-nears-completion-as-students-and-miners-bring-staffordshires-history-to-life/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T15:05:58.000Z The documentary, produced by [The Staffordshire Signal TV](https://youtube.com/@thestaffordshiresignaltv?si=rBwrAbi05hkeRZjN&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), tells the story of Foxfield Colliery and the adjoining railway, through the eyes of the people who know it best. Over recent weeks, T Level Media students from City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College have been filming on site, interviewing former miners and volunteers about the industry's history and what it still means to those connected to it today. The students already have camera and production experience through their studies. What this project has asked of them is something different: sitting down with real people, listening properly, and taking the responsibility of telling someone else's story seriously. The film brings together two very different generations. On one side, students at the start of their careers, learning what it means to hold someone's story with care. On the other, miners and volunteers who spent decades underground or keeping the sites running, given the chance to have their history heard by people genuinely willing to listen. The Staffordshire Signal TV was set up to give students exactly this kind of opportunity: real cameras, real stories, and real skills, built around the place they call home, rather than one person filming alone. The Foxfield documentary is the first in what The Staffordshire Signal hopes will become an ongoing series of local documentaries, made in partnership with students across the county. That expansion is part of what the Signal's current crowdfunder is raising funds for, alongside developing the Signal's app and reaching more of Staffordshire with more stories, in more formats. Filming is expected to be complete within the coming weeks, with the full documentary to follow. **To be the first to know when the documentary is released, subscribe at** [**www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk**](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/)**.** **The Staffordshire Signal's crowdfunder is currently live, raising funds to make more documentaries like this one possible.** [**Back it here**](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)**.** [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Not all heroes wear capes - care home searches for Stafford champions URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/not-all-heroes-wear-capes/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T15:01:02.000Z A new care home in Stafford is asking the community to nominate its local heroes – with the winner rewarded with a cash prize. Care UK’s Hartwood, which is due to open in November, is searching for people or organisations that go above and beyond for their community, friends or family and have a positive impact on the local area. The worthy winner of the competition will receive £500 for their heroism and will be presented with the funds as a VIP guest at the care home’s grand launch event in the new year. > Katy Anderson, Home Manager at Hartwood, said: “Everyone has an unsung hero in their life – the person who organises everything, is always there for whoever needs them and never shies away from lending a helping hand. > > “Here at Hartwood, we want to say thank you to those people who consistently go the extra mile in our community, whether they’re a volunteer at a local charity, the leader of a community group or simply a devoted friend. > > “We’re inviting locals to share their stories so we can say thank you with a well-deserved treat. We can’t wait to read lots of heartwarming entries!” Those wishing to nominate a local hero can do so by visiting [here](https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/hartwood-stafford/local-hero-competition?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) before 11.59pm on Friday 25th September and explaining in 100-400 words why their nominee deserves to be rewarded. Once open, Hartwood will provide full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, it will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. To find out more about the home, please call Customer Relations Manager Charmaine Nicolson on [charmaine.nicolson@careuk.com](mailto:charmaine.nicolson@careuk.com) or visit [careuk.com/hartwood](https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/hartwood-stafford?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Adult learning move to improve facilities and access to employment support URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/adult-learning-move-to-improve-facilities-and-access-to-employment-support/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T14:54:40.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Adult and Community Learning (ACL) service is moving to a new home in Stoke, bringing education, skills and employment support together in one location. The service will be based at Swann House on Boothen Road and offers learning opportunities for Stoke-on-Trent residents aged 19 and over. The move will give learners access to improved facilities and a modern learning environment, while giving the service greater flexibility to grow and develop in response to demand. Adult and Community Learning will also be based alongside the council’s employment and skills teams, allowing residents to access education, careers advice and support into work from one location. Bringing the services together will provide more joined-up support for people looking to gain new skills, progress their careers or move into employment. The move supports the council’s wider ambitions to improve opportunities for residents, develop skills across the city and ensure high-quality learning remains accessible to everyone. Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “The work our Adult and Community Learning team do is so important, as they provide opportunities for many residents and support them with their ambitions. > > “Whether it’s improving job prospects or increasing confidence, the service help so many people in the city. This move to Swann House will ensure more joined up working and improved resources, so this amazing work can continue to prosper and more people can enhance or learn new skills in a supportive environment.” The ACL team are currently taking places for courses starting from September 2026, including maths and health and wellbeing. For more information and to view all courses, visit the website: [https://www.stoke.gov.uk/info/20027/adult\_education](https://www.stoke.gov.uk/info/20027/adult%5Feducation?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Emmaus North Staffs partners with Little Steps Big Dreams to further expand community support URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/emmaus-north-staffs-partners-with-little-steps-big-dreams-to-further-expand-community-support/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T14:03:47.000Z Emmaus North Staffs has announced a new partnership with a parent support group who will be delivering workshops and support to local families. Community Interest Group - Little Steps Big Dreams - provides support to parents throughout Stoke-on-Trent who may be facing financial, health and employment challenges. The CIC will be running workshops and open days at the Emmaus North Staffs store, in the Potteries Centre, as well as working closely with the charity to see how the two organisations can support more people by building on their partnership. Founder of Little Steps Big Dreams, Kaylee Bloor, said: > “Little Steps Big Dreams was born from my own experiences as a young parent navigating challenges around health, education, employment and financial stability. > > “I know first-hand how overwhelming those barriers can feel, especially when you’re trying to create the best possible future for your child, and it was that journey which inspired me to establish the Community Interest Company, with the aim of supporting parents and families who may be facing similar challenges and helping them access opportunities, build confidence and realise their potential.” Little Steps Big Dreams also act as a donation bank and provides baby and children’s essentials to families who may be experiencing financial or other difficult situations. Kaylee added: > “Our partnership with Emmaus North Staffs is incredibly meaningful to us. Their support provides an opportunity for us to connect with local families and begin building a stronger support network within the community. > > “Part of our work sees us supporting families with baby-related needs such as providing nappies, clothes, bottles, feeding equipment, toys and other essential items, which can be donated to us at the charity shop. > > “Where possible, we work on an individual basis to understand what each parent or family needs and provide suitable donations accordingly. This means we can offer practical, immediate support rather than simply providing a standard package of items. > > “The space at Emmaus North Staffs is therefore really valuable to us, as it provides somewhere for us to receive, sort, store and organise donations before they are passed directly to families who need them.” Executive Lead of Emmaus North Staffs, John Webbe, said: > “Kaylee has been doing fantastic work in establishing Little Steps Big Dreams. > > “As a charity ourselves, we support hundreds of families each year, which includes providing essential furniture items. Plus we also support families via our Beds for Kids campaign where we provide brand new bed bundles for children who do not have a bed of their own. > > “We also have our own National Lottery funded Home and Hope project where our experienced support workers offer personalised, compassionate support, working alongside individuals and families to help them overcome challenges and build confidence for the future. > > “Therefore, partnering with other organisations like Little Steps Big Dreams, will allow us to further our mission of helping more people and to encourage them to thrive within the community.” For more information about Little Steps Big Dreams please call into the Emmaus North Staffs shop or find them on Facebook @[LittleStepsBigDreams](https://www.facebook.com/people/Little-Steps-Big-Dreams/61574968088387/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Zx4Gf5KK6OH5oukh&share%5Furl=https%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.facebook.com%25252Fshare%25252F18t9cBBKAC%25252F%25253Fmibextid%25253DwwXIfr) For more information about Emmaus North Staffs and any of their projects please visit their website [HERE](https://emmaus.org.uk/north-staffs/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### City council steps in to protect Stoke’s historic Falcon Works URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/city-council-steps-in-to-protect-stokes-historic-falcon-works/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T13:49:11.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council is stepping in to secure and protect the one of the city’s most important historic buildings after its owner failed to take action. Work will begin at Falcon Works on Sturgess Street, Stoke, after concerns were identified about the condition of the site and the risks created by unauthorised access to the building The council will carry out the work itself to protect the site and prevent further deterioration. Costs incurred will be recovered from the owner. The action follows a long-running effort by the council to secure improvements at the site. The owner previously failed to comply with a Section 215 notice requiring repairs and maintenance works designed to help prevent further deterioration of the historic buildings. The Falcon Works was established in 1858 and was later owned and expanded by the firm of W.H. Goss. The surviving buildings date to Goss’s occupation of the site and remain important parts of Stoke-on-Trent's industrial heritage. The site, which has been vacant for more than 35 years, includes two Grade II-listed bottle ovens and other historic pottery buildings. It has changed hands several times since pottery production ended in 1944. The building has suffered significant deterioration over many years and was damaged further by a fire in 2022\. The council's intervention is intended to stabilise and secure the site so that its condition can be fully assessed and plans developed for its long-term future. Where parts of former pottery works are found to pose an immediate danger, some elements may need to be dismantled carefully in the interests of public safety and to protect the wider site. Structures that are at risk of collapse can cause extensive damage to other historic parts of the complex if left untreated. Any works undertaken will carefully consider the impact on the wider structure, with the aim of preserving as much of the historic fabric as possible. The action forms part of the council's wider Heritage Enforcement Programme, which has dealt with more than 100 heritage-related cases since activity was stepped up around 12 months ago as part of the city's declared heritage emergency. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said: > "People across Stoke-on-Trent are tired of seeing important historic buildings deteriorate. I feel the same way. > > "That's why we declared a heritage emergency. For too long, some of our most important buildings were allowed to decline, putting at risk the heritage that makes Stoke-on-Trent unique. > > "Falcon Works is a clear example of why that action was needed. It’s been in poor condition for years and the owners have been given ample opportunity to carry out works to help protect the site, but that did not happen. As a result, the council is now stepping in. > > "Our heritage is one of the things that makes this city unique. Once these buildings are lost, they are gone for good, which is why we’re determined to act before more damage is done. > > "We've made it clear that neglecting historic buildings is not acceptable. Over the past year we have significantly increased our heritage enforcement activity and have dealt with more than 100 heritage-related cases. > > "This work is about securing the future of Falcon Works, protecting as much of the historic site as possible and showing that where owners fail to act, we will use the powers available to us to intervene and hold them to account." [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### M6toll sponsors free health checks during Driver Health Week URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/m6toll-sponsors-free-health-checks-during-driver-health-week/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T12:41:00.000Z M6toll is supporting the health and wellbeing of professional drivers by sponsoring free health checks as part of the Road Haulage Association’s Driver Health Week event. In partnership with the RHA and campaign partners for Driver Health Week, drivers will have access to a Driver Health Hub at Roadchef Norton Canes on the M6toll on Wednesday 2nd September, giving HGV drivers access to a qualified doctor and a range of free health assessments, support and advice. Driver Health Week aims to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of professional drivers, while highlighting the important link between driver health, road safety and the resilience of the haulage and logistics industry. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/M6toll-Driver-Health-Week-1.jpg) Sarah Gourlay, Head of Business Development at M6toll said: > “We’re proud to be sponsoring these important health checks as part of the Driver Health Week. Professional drivers play a vital role in keeping the country moving, but the demands of life on the road can make it difficult to prioritise their own health and wellbeing. > > “By supporting the Driver Health Hub, we’re helping to make free health assessments and professional advice more accessible to drivers while they’re out on the road. It also reinforces our commitment to being a genuine partner to the haulage and logistics industry, helping to support safer, healthier and less stressful journeys.” The initiative forms part of M6toll’s ongoing engagement with the HGV and logistics sector and its commitment to being a genuine partner to the haulage industry. Supporting drivers to take care of their health also complements M6toll’s focus on helping to make journeys safer and less stressful. M6toll will continue its support for Driver Health Week by attending and exhibiting at the Driver Health Day at Loughborough University on Friday 4th September. The event will bring together representatives from government, transport, healthcare and academia to discuss the future of driver health and wellbeing. Through its sponsorship of the driver health checks, M6toll hopes to encourage more professional drivers to prioritise their wellbeing and access valuable health advice while they are out on the road. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Family fun day returns to Northwood Park this bank holiday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/family-fun-day-returns-to-northwood-park-this-week/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T12:43:30.000Z Families can enjoy a packed day of entertainment when the NBH101 and Chit Chat 4 U All Fun Day returns to Northwood Park in Stoke-on-Trent. The community event will take place on Monday 31 August 2026 from 11.30am until 4.30pm. Organised by Birches Head and Northwood Volunteers Community Group, Chit Chat 4 U All and Hope Community Church, the event will offer activities for visitors of all ages. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FB_IMG_1785239504470.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FB_IMG_1784920951730.jpg) ### What is included? Admission includes: - Meet the owls - Meet the reptiles - A 45ft assault course - A bouncy castle - Face painting - Live music - Character mascots There will also be artisan stalls, an ice cream van and delicious food. ### There is also a dog show run by Pebbles Legacy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot--437-.png) ### Ticket prices Advance tickets cost £2 per person or £6 for a family of four, including a minimum of one adult. Tickets purchased on the day will cost £3 per person or £10 for a family of four. Advance tickets are available from: - The Birches Head, Birches Head Road, ST1 6LL - The Northwood Inn, Botany Bay Road, ST1 6PU - The Cat Inn, Keelings Road, ST1 6PA - The Cross Guns, Vincent Street, ST1 6PW - Sam’s Kitchen Northwood, Rawlins Street, ST1 6PE - Chit Chat 4 U All Diner, Level 5 Potteries Shopping Centre, ST1 1PS ### Event details **Date:** Monday 31 August 2026 **Time:** 11.30am to 4.30pm **Location:** Northwood Park, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 2DW The organisers have thanked the event’s sponsors and supporters, including councillors Knapper, Shenton and Watson, Golocalextra Birches Head, Connect Travel, Owen Electrical & Security Ltd, Tesco Express Chell Street and Asda Tunstall. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Internationally Exhibited Artist Simmi Sandhu Brings The Divine Feminine to Great Wood Hall URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/internationally-exhibited-artist-simmi-sandhu-brings-the-divine-feminine-to-great-wood-hall/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T11:30:12.000Z Internationally exhibited artist Simmi Sandhu, who has been interviewed twice on BBC Radio about her art, returns to Great Wood Community Hall in Tean, Staffordshire, on 21 September 2026 with *The Divine Feminine: An Immersive Art & Wellbeing Experience*: a week-long solo exhibition celebrating womanhood, motherhood, identity, intuition and creative connection. Following the success of her previous Mother's Day exhibition at Great Wood Hall, Sandhu returns with her most ambitious exhibition at the venue to date. More than a traditional exhibition, *The Divine Feminine* invites visitors into an evolving creative space where art is not simply observed, but experienced. Through painting, projection, live creative practice and opportunities for participation, the exhibition explores the many facets of the feminine experience, from motherhood and body confidence to intuition, transformation and togetherness. The exhibition will feature a curated selection of Sandhu's work, including pieces from her **Mother Moon** series, celestial and planetary works, semi-abstract florals, symbolic and pop-art pieces, and angel wing and Divine Feminine-inspired imagery. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Simmi-Sandhu-Process-painting-Angel-Wings-outsdide-her-studio-in-her-garden.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Simmi-Sandhu-Your-femininity-didnt-fade-with-time-It-deepened-back-shot-text-projection-image-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Simmi-Sandhu-in-her-garden-with-her-original-Mother-Moon-painting-that-inspired-the-50-Day-Mother-Moon-painting-challenge-1.jpg) 1\. Simmi Sandhu Process painting Angel Wings outside her studio in her garden 2\. Simmi Sandhu "Your femininity didn't fade with time - It deepened." 3\. Simmi Sandhu in her garden with her original Mother Moon painting, which inspired the 50 Day Mother Moon painting challenge At the heart of the experience will be an immersive projection installation featuring imagery from Sandhu’s body-confidence and Midlife Awakening work, layered with positive words, affirmations and symbolic text. Visitors will have the opportunity to step inside the projection, with the imagery and affirmations becoming part of the space around them and, where possible, projected onto their bodies. They can have their photograph taken as part of the installation, creating a personal visual record in which they become part of the artwork and the messages of body positivity, self-expression and feminine strength. Throughout the exhibition, Sandhu will also work live within the space, allowing visitors to witness her creative process as it unfolds. The community will also have opportunities to contribute to a special collaborative artwork through creative mark-making, creating a shared piece celebrating connection and collective creativity. An artist talk, **“Reclaiming the Moon: Feminine Power Beyond the Myth,”** will draw inspiration from Sandhu's 50-day **Mother Moon** painting challenge. Created over 50 consecutive days, the collection explored five themes: fertility struggles; IVF; adoption and the many ways family can be created and found through love; mothers who are no longer with us; and a celebration of mothers in their entirety. A small selection of works from the remaining collection will be exhibited as part of *The Divine Feminine*. The talk will explore how the **Mother Moon** challenge became a creative journey through fertility, hope, loss and motherhood, while reclaiming the moon as a symbol of creation, transformation, intuition and connection. The exhibition will also feature a reading from Sandhu's forthcoming book, ***You Are A Mother In The Making: How to Get Pregnant in Your 40s When You're Struggling with Fertility***. Drawing on her own experience of becoming pregnant at 40 and becoming a mother at 41, the forthcoming book explores fertility, resilience and hope, offering insight into the deeply personal experiences that have also informed Sandhu's creative practice. Alongside the exhibition, selected interactive and Divine Feminine wellbeing experiences will offer further opportunities for visitors to connect with the themes of the project. Sandhu has developed a distinctive creative practice exploring motherhood, identity, transformation and self-expression. Alongside her independent practice, she also works with local community arts organisations, bringing art and creative experiences to a wide range of communities. Speaking about the exhibition, Sandhu said: > “I wanted to create something that feels celebratory and alive, a space where we can appreciate motherhood and the feminine experience, reconnect with ourselves, and come together through art. > > “The Divine Feminine means different things to different people. For me, this exhibition is about creating space for intuition, strength, nurture, creativity, transformation and connection. I want people to feel something when they enter the space, but also to feel that they can become part of it.” ### The Divine Feminine: An Immersive Art & Wellbeing Experience opens at **Great Wood Community Hall in Tean, Staffordshire, on 21 September 2026** and runs for one week. Further programme and event details will be announced soon. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### El Niño is coming but nature can help URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/el-nino-is-coming-but-nature-can-help/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T11:06:44.000Z As experts warn that another El Niño weather pattern could bring more extreme weather to the UK, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is restoring wetlands to help wildlife and communities become more resilient to drought, flooding and heatwaves. This summer's extreme weather has highlighted just how vulnerable landscapes can be to a changing climate. Across parts of the country, prolonged dry conditions have left rivers depleted, grasslands scorched and wildlife under increasing pressure. Scientists have forecast the return of El Niño, a climate pattern associated with higher global temperatures and an increased risk of extreme weather events. While no single weather system can be blamed for individual droughts or flooding, experts agree that climate change is making these events more frequent and more severe. In response, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is restoring wetlands including Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford and two sites in Stoke-on-Trent. This work will create natural systems that can store water during dry periods and reduce flood risk when heavy rain returns. Wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water within the landscape rather than allowing it to drain away quickly. This helps to maintain healthier habitats during drought and supports wildlife. It can also increase resilience to extreme weather, supporting communities and providing them with nature-rich greenspace on their doorstep. At Doxey Marshes, one of Staffordshire's most important wetland sites, restoration work is helping improve the natural function of floodplain habitats and create better conditions for wildlife. In Stoke-on-Trent, projects are restoring habitats and reconnecting people with nature while helping the landscape adapt to a changing climate. But the work is about more than improving individual sites. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is helping create a Nature Recovery Network across the county, connecting wetlands, rivers, grasslands, woodlands and other habitats so wildlife can move more freely through the landscape. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Riffle-in-the-River-Sow-at-Doxey-Marshes-Nature-Reserve-in-Stafford-Ebsford-Environmental.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/New-pools-at-Doxey-Marshes-Nature-Reserve-in-Stafford-Ebsford-Environmental.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Island-making-in-the-pool-at-Doxey-Marshes-Nature-Reserve-in-Stafford-Ebsford-Environmental.jpg) Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford Ebsford Environmental These connections are increasingly important as species respond to changing environmental conditions. A connected landscape is not only better for wildlife, it is also better able to store water, reduce flooding, improve water quality and withstand periods of drought. Dave Cadman, Head of Nature Recovery Networks at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: > "When we restore wetlands, we're not just helping wildlife. We're creating landscapes that are better able to cope with the challenges of a changing climate. Healthy wetlands act like natural sponges, holding water in the landscape for longer during dry periods while helping to slow and store water during heavy rainfall. > > "Through our work in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, we're restoring natural processes, creating bigger, better and more connected habitats. This work forms part of a wider Nature Recovery Network, linking habitats across the landscape so wildlife can move, adapt and thrive, while building resilience for communities too. To explore the range of solutions available, the Trust is encouraging people to attend a People’s Emergency Briefing (PEB) screening, an event bringing together local communities to hear leading voices on nature, climate and environmental action. > "The good news is there are solutions, and we see lots of incredible steps taken by those in Staffordshire who want to be part of them. You can help by being informed and asking your local councillors and MPs about what they are doing for nature. " Dave adds. For more information, visit: [www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew](https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) To find your nearest screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing, visit: [https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map](https://www.nebriefing.org/screening-map?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Last Chance to Pledge: Staffordshire Signal TV & App Crowdfunder Rewards End at 5pm Today URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/last-chance/ Last updated: 2026-08-28T07:59:29.000Z This is it. The last few hours to pledge and get something back for it, before the reward tiers disappear at 5pm today. I want to be honest about what that actually means before I ask you for anything. A year or so ago I said I was going to build something for Staffordshire. No investors, no shareholders, just a hard slog and a belief that this county deserved a newsroom that actually belonged to it. That's still happening, today or not, the campaign doesn't vanish at 5pm, it moves to Always On, so you can still support us afterwards. What today decides is whether you get something back for it, and how much we can do sooner rather than later. **What you actually get, before 5pm** From £5, you get a full year of Signal Supporter membership as a thank you, worth £24, early access to everything we make, and first look at every Signal TV video before anyone else sees it. Higher tiers get your name credited at the end of the first documentaries our students make, a permanent little mark on something new. None of this is available once we move to Always On. **What businesses get, before 5pm** If you're a business, today's rates are genuinely one off. Advertising across the magazine, Signal Weekly, Signal TV and the website, at a heavily discounted price that won't exist again once Signal TV has an established audience. You're getting in before we're a known quantity, while it's still cheap to be part of the beginning. **Where it goes** The Staffordshire Signal is a not for profit CIC, so none of this goes in my pocket. Every penny goes towards camera and editing kit for our students, towards giving the team the time to actually cover more of this county, and towards the app itself. And it stays here, spent in Staffordshire, on Staffordshire. 87 people have already backed it, knowing full well I'm not sitting on some reserve to top it up if we fall short. We're not all or nothing either, whatever's raised, we keep, so nothing given today is wasted whatever the final total looks like. **Last hours for rewards** [Back the Crowdfunder before 5pm](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Can't pledge? Tell one person, send it to your mate, share it on social media, on your story, or tell a colleague about it at work. That all helps more than you'd think.! Thank you for being part of the slog. Jenna [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Free finance workshop for rural businesses in Biddulph URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/free-finance-workshop-for-rural-businesses-in-biddulph/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T13:43:07.000Z A free event designed for rural businesses based in the Moorlands will take place at Biddulph Town Hall next month. Hosted by Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the ‘access to finance for rural business’ will set out funding options available, including grants and loans, as well as how to apply. A range of organisations that provide support to Moorlands businesses will be exhibiting at the event, including Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: > “Starting and growing a business isn’t easy, so we want to make it as straightforward as possible for people to access practical advice, funding and the right support. > > “Our programmes are continually evolving to meet the real needs of small businesses. They’ve already helped many enterprises across Staffordshire, but we want to ensure that new and growing businesses know what’s available, particularly in those crucial early stages when access to finance can make all the difference. > > “This free workshop brings that support together in one place. Businesses can find out about our Get Started and Grow programme, the Staffordshire Business and Environment Network, the Growth and Skills Hubs, Made Smarter and Staffordshire Skills and Employability, all while making useful connections over breakfast.” The event includes business support, networking and advice, with a presentation from Tom Nadin, Head of Project and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. Tom said: > “The ‘access to finance for rural business’ is a practical workshop with guidance and advice on funding and finance opportunities as well as support on creating a strong application. > > “It’s tailor-made for rural businesses in Staffordshire that are planning a new project, investing in equipment or simply looking to explore future options. > > “Alongside the chance to ask questions and get expert advice, participants can connect with other rural businesses and learn about the wider business support available in the county.” ‘Access to finance for rural business’ takes place at Biddulph Town Hall on Thursday 24th September from 9.45am. For more information or to book a free place go to: [**https://my.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-training/event-calendar/access-to-finance-for-rural-business-24sep.html**](https://my.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-training/event-calendar/access-to-finance-for-rural-business-24sep.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Sandyford fire recovery work progresses as support for residents continues URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sandyford-fire-recovery-work-progresses-as-support-for-residents-continues/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T15:09:41.000Z Recovery work is continuing in Sandyford to support families and make sure the area is safe following the major fire earlier this month. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is leading the recovery effort alongside Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, community organisations, voluntary groups and other partner agencies. Several families have now moved on from emergency accommodation into longer-term housing arrangements, including council-provided accommodation. Those most affected continue to receive dedicated support from council services, including a Housing Needs Officer and the council has co-ordinated the recovery effort, helping families access accommodation, welfare and financial support while also overseeing environmental recovery, property safety and community support activities. Over the past week, recovery work has included: - Bringing key partners together to oversee support for residents and coordinate the recovery effort. - Maintaining a dedicated 24/7 helpline for affected residents, providing advice, information and support throughout the recovery process. - Members of the council’s communities team were at Goldenhill Working Men’s Club last week with MIND and Citizens Advice supporting residents and answering queries. - Continuing to support residents affected by dangerous structures, including ongoing monitoring, site safety measures and plans for the demolition of the most severely damaged property. - The communities team has been in contact with residents via phone and WhatsApp and worked with affected residents on practical issues such as Blue Badge replacements. - Providing technical and professional advice to residents on issues including asbestos remediation, property safety, environmental recovery and housing support. - Working with VAST, Citizens Advice and MIND to coordinate practical, financial and wellbeing support. - Arranging security measures at the site following concerns about unauthorised access to damaged properties. - Undertaking asbestos inspections and clearance work, alongside environmental assessments and tree safety inspections. - Coordinating street cleansing, waste management and wider environmental recovery work in the affected area. - Supporting the public appeal established through VAST to help families and households affected by the fire. - Members of the communities team met with one of the affected families, TS Domestics and Impact Stoke to discuss offers for work Following confirmation that the fire was caused by a disposable barbecue, the council’s Trading Standards team has also been carrying out checks with local retailers. A small number of retailers in the city have been found to be continuing to sell the products despite government advice to stop doing so. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “My thoughts remain with everyone whose lives have been affected by this devastating fire. Visiting the area and speaking to residents really brings home the impact this incident has had on families and the wider community. > > "We will continue supporting residents and families for as long as that support is needed. Our teams and partners are providing practical, financial and emotional support to those affected. > > "While good progress is being made, we know the effects of this fire will be felt for some time by the people involved. > > "Anyone who thinks disposable barbecues are harmless only needs to look at the damage caused in Sandyford. Families have been displaced, homes have been damaged and a huge amout of resources have been needed to keep people safe and help the community recover.” Council officers will continue to work with residents and partner organisations as longer-term recovery work progresses. The dedicated helpline for residents affected by the fire remains available 24 hours a day on 01782 234441. Residents can also access support through Citizens Advice, MIND, VAST and other partner organisations via [www.stoke.gov.uk/supportservices](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/supportservices?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Anyone wishing to support affected families can donate through VAST’s Stand with Sandyford appeal at [www.justgiving.com/campaign/standwithsandyford](http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/standwithsandyford?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Simpler recycling collections coming to Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/simplerrecyclingstoke/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T13:28:53.000Z Residents in Stoke-on-Trent will soon benefit from a simpler, more efficient recycling collection service. The city council is set to introduce single-stream recycling, meaning all recyclable waste can be put in one bin. The move will streamline collections, reduce the number of separate collections required and provide a more customer-focused service, while residents can continue to recycle the same materials as before. Recycling boxes and blue recycling bins will no longer be collected separately. Instead, recyclable materials will be collected together in the same vehicle, making the service more efficient while making recycling easier for residents. Vehicles then take the mix to a Materials Recovery Facility, where machines and workers separate the items. For households that currently use both a recycling box and a blue recycling bin, residents will be able to place all of their recyclable materials into their blue recycling bin if they wish, rather than separating them between two containers. A small number of households that currently use recycling boxes only will remain on the existing service. These are typically properties where bins are unsuitable, such as on some terraced streets. Where changes are possible, affected residents will be contacted directly. Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, Cabinet Member for City Pride, Environment and Sustainability, at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This is about making recycling simpler for residents while delivering a more efficient service. If people see recycling boxes and blue bins being emptied into the same vehicle, that’s exactly how the new service is designed to work. > > “Residents who currently use both a box and a blue bin will be able to use just their blue recycling bin if they choose, making recycling quicker and more convenient. The materials are sorted after collection, so people can continue recycling with confidence.” Residents who currently use a recycling box only do not need to do anything unless contacted directly by the council. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Tamworth care home invites local dogs to community dog show URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/arkallmanor-dogshow/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T12:34:40.000Z The Care UK home on Ashby Road will open its doors on Saturday 29th August from 2pm to 4pm, with local residents invited to enter their dogs into a selection of fun categories. Competitions will include **waggiest tail, best veteran, best trick and best puppy**, giving dogs of different ages and talents the chance to take home a prize. An experienced Crufts dog handler will be joining dog loving residents from Arkall Manor to judge the competition and meet the visiting pooches. Winning dogs will receive treats and certificates. > “We’re excited to be inviting the local community and furry friends to our dog show for a day of tail-wagging fun. > > “Here at Arkall Manor, we’re always looking for new and exciting events to bring residents and the community together, and with many puppy-loving residents in the home, hosting our own canine competition seemed like a no-brainer. > > “We are very much looking forward to meeting lots of new faces, of the two and four-legged kind!” Samukaliso Marozo, Home Manager at Arkall Manor Entry into the dog show costs £2 per dog. Arkall Manor provides permanent and respite residential and dementia care. The home also has its own café, cinema room and hair salon, alongside spaces for residents to relax and take part in activities. ![Arkall Manor care home - Care UK](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/image--4-.png) Arkall Manor care home - Care UK ### How to book Anyone wanting to enter their dog or find out more about the event can: Call 01827 438 225 Email [reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk](mailto:reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk) Or visit the Arkall Manor page on the Care UK website. ### Saturday 29th August 2026 Ashby Rd, Tamworth B79 0BY [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Motor Match Stoke Named a 2026 CarGurus Top Dealer Award Winner URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/motormatchstoke-awardwinner/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T12:06:09.000Z Motor Match Stoke announced that it has been named a 2026 Top Dealer by CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. for shopping and buying used vehicles. Now in its 12th year, the program recognises dealerships across the U.K. that consistently earn shoppers' trust through exceptional service, competitive value, and transparent experiences. Dealership Name was named a award category name(s). > *"Being named a CarGurus Top Dealer is so meaningful because it's a reflection of the experience our customers have with us every day,"* *said* John Buckley, Head of Business, at Motor Match Stoke. > "We're grateful to our customers who have trusted us with their business and taken the time to share their feedback. This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose commitment to transparency and service has made it possible." Less than 10% of dealerships on the CarGurus platform earned a Top Dealer Award this year, giving shoppers a reliable shortlist of the top dealers in their area. Top Dealer Award winners are selected through verified customer reviews and CarGurus marketplace data. > *“Our Top Dealer Awards recognised dealerships that have earned shoppers' confidence by delivering consistently exceptional experiences and demonstrating a shared commitment to making car buying more transparent and trustworthy,"* said Sam Zales, President and Chief Operating Officer at CarGurus. > "It’s an honour to celebrate dealers like Motor Match Stoke that continue to set a high standard for customer service, transparency and value.” ### U.K. Top Dealer Award categories include: ● Top Rated Dealer honours dealerships with exceptional customer satisfaction. Winners maintained an average rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 based on verified customer reviews submitted in 2025 (minimum four reviews). ● Top Value Dealer recognises dealerships offering consistently competitive pricing. The award honours the top 100 dealers with the highest share of 2025 inventory with a "Good" or "Great" Deal Rating from CarGurus. [**Motor Match Stoke**](https://www.motormatch.com/used/cars/search?sort=price%7Casc&make=&range=&category=all&body%5Ftype=&transmission=&fuel%5Ftype=&colours=&sites=motor-match-stoke&doors=&seats=&engine%5Fsize=&features=&odometer%5Fvalue=&max%5Fprice=&min%5Fprice=&finance%5Fsearch%5Fonly=&monthly%5Ffrom=&monthly%5Fto=&tax%5Frate=&finance%5Fdeposit=20&finance%5Fdeposit%5Ftype=Percentage&finance%5Fmileage=8000&finance%5Fterm=60&page=1&status=FOR%5FSALE%5FRETAIL&status=RESERVED&status=SOLD&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Tickets Now on Sale for Stoke Book Festival 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stokebookfest/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T11:29:35.000Z Tickets are now on sale for the Stoke Book Festival, taking place from 3–10 October 2026, bringing a week of authors, stories, creativity and culture to the city. Stoke-on-Trent is getting ready for the Stoke Book Festival, with tickets now available for a selection of events across the week-long celebration. Presented by Stoke Minster in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council Libraries, Visit Stoke-on-Trent, YMCA North Staffordshire and the National Literacy Trust, the festival will bring together an exciting mix of established authors, local voices, family activities, workshops, school events and community celebrations. Taking place during the National Year of Reading, the festival aims to make the joy of books and storytelling accessible to everyone, while celebrating the creativity and cultural heritage of Stoke-on-Trent. The festival will showcase a broad mix of genres and interests, with audiences able to discover everything from crime and historical fiction to art, gardens, children's literature and local stories. The programme will also celebrate home-grown talent, including Stoke-on-Trent authors Mel Sherratt and Dave Proudlove, alongside a host of visiting writers and creative practitioners. Confirmed authors include A.J. West, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Betrayal of Thomas True and former BBC journalist and broadcaster; art historian and ceramics advocate Verity Babbs; and author and journalist Helena Attlee, whose work has explored the history and culture of gardens. ### Jacqueline Wilson welcomes Stoke's new Book Festival The festival has received a warm endorsement from one of Britain's best-loved children's authors, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, who shared her thoughts with Festival Director Simon Drakeford during their meeting to discuss the event. > “It’s great news that Stoke is launching its own very exciting Book Festival, appropriately in this National Year of Reading. I can’t imagine my life without books, and I do everything in my power to show children that books can be funny, exciting, moving, and stimulating. I make sure I have sturdy handbags so I can have a book to read wherever I go. > > “One of my all-time favourite writers was born in Stoke - the brilliant, prolific Arnold Bennett. He’d be so proud that Stoke is having its own Book Festival at last!” Her words underline the festival's ambition to celebrate both the power of reading and Stoke-on-Trent's own rich literary heritage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/SBF-Email-Banner--1--1.png) Stoke Book Festival 2026 Stoke-on-Trent is internationally recognised for its pottery and ceramics heritage, with historic names including Wedgwood and Spode, alongside its more recent profile through *The Great Pottery Throw Down*. Stoke Book Festival will bring that distinctive creative identity into its programme, celebrating storytelling alongside the city's wider artistic and cultural life. A key ambition of the festival is also to support efforts to tackle literacy poverty across the city. According to the National Literacy Trust, 31 of Stoke-on-Trent's 41 council wards had literacy levels below the national average in 2023. The festival will complement existing literacy initiatives including the National Literacy Trust's Story Quest, Stoke 100 Reads and Tales in the Park, alongside programmes delivered by Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and the city's independent and national bookshops. Tickets are on sale now, giving readers the opportunity to secure their places at the festival's announced events. Further festival events and programme announcements will be made across the Stoke Book Festival's social media channels, so audiences are encouraged to follow and keep up to date with the latest news. Follow @stokebookfestival on social media for announcements, new events and programme updates. Stoke Book Festival takes place 3–10 October 2026. The festival has been made possible through the collaboration and support of valued partners including Visit Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent City Council Libraries, Made in Stoke and YMCA North Staffordshire, with special thanks to the National Literacy Trust and the office of Gareth Snell MP for their encouragement and support in bringing the festival to life. **Tickets and further information:** [www.StokeBookFestival.co.uk](http://www.stokebookfestival.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **Social media:** @stokebookfestival [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke-on-Trent Allotment Gardeners Celebrated at Annual Competition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sotallotmentcompetition/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T09:11:47.000Z Allotment gardeners from across Stoke-on-Trent have been celebrated at the city’s annual allotment competition. The award ceremonies, held on Saturday 22 August at Dolly’s Lane in Burslem and FenPark Hilltop, brought together allotment holders from across 28 sites to celebrate their hard work and achievements throughout the growing season. Awards were handing out in categories including: - Best allotment - Best tomato - Best cucumber The annual competition recognises the passion, creativity and commitment of allotment gardeners across the city, with awards presented to this year’s winners. Winners were all gifted an allotment mug designed by local firm Moorland Pottery and presented by founder Jon Plant alongside Allotment Champion, Councillor Sarah Hill, Bee Friendly City Champion, Councillor Lyn Sharpe and local ward councillors, Councillor Mubsira Aumir and Councillor Laura Carter. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/allotments4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/allotments3-1.jpg) Stoke-on-Trent Allotments Annual Competition Councillor Sarah Hill, Allotment Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: > “Once again, it has been fantastic to see the hard work, creativity and passion of our allotment holders being celebrated. > > “Our allotments are such an important part of our communities, giving people the opportunity to grow their own food, spend time outdoors and create spaces that are enjoyed by people and wildlife alike. The standard of this year’s entries has been brilliant, and I’d like to congratulate all of our winners and everyone who took part. > > “A huge thank you also goes to our fantastic Allotments Team for organising the awards and supporting allotment holders across the city throughout the year. > > “Now, let’s get growing for 2027!” The events also provided an opportunity to promote Stoke-on-Trent’s bid to become a Bee Friendly City, with Let’s Get Stoke Buzzing attending to highlight the importance of creating spaces where bees and other pollinators can thrive. Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Bee Friendly City Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “Allotments are the bees knees for pollinators, providing a huge supply of food and habitats. > > “We know that allotments are really important green spaces in towns and city’s and can help stop the decline of bees on top of all the benefits for the people who use them. > > “So allotment holders of Stoke-on-Trent, keep on growing duck and make sure you’re ready for the 2027 competition. We’ll be rooting for you!” The city’s allotments provide valuable green spaces for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables, get active outdoors and enjoy the benefits of being part of a local community. With this year’s competition now wrapped up, gardeners can start thinking about next year’s entries. Anyone interested in an allotment plot can register their interest at: [www.stoke.gov.uk/allotments](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/allotments?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffsfireservice-recruiting/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T08:08:15.000Z Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is preparing to recruit new firefighters, giving people across the county the opportunity to join a service that responds to everything from major fires and road traffic collisions to flooding, medical emergencies and animal rescues. Applications are expected to open over the next couple of months, with anyone interested encouraged to join the service’s free email subscriber list to make sure they are among the first to hear when recruitment officially begins. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. There are no postcode restrictions, although successful candidates will be placed where vacancies are available. This means new firefighters could be asked to work at any Staffordshire fire station. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot_20260825_201524_Photos.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_193249-0---1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20251104_153242.jpg) ### More than putting out fires Being a firefighter is about far more than tackling flames. Crews can be called to various emergencies, including road traffic collisions, medical incidents alongside paramedics, flooding and animal rescues involving animals that have become trapped or need lifting to safety. It is a hugely varied role, with firefighters regularly needing to adapt quickly to situations while working to protect lives and communities across Staffordshire. The importance of the service has been particularly clear this summer. Over the past two months, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has tackled more than 1,200 outdoor fires, many of which were caused deliberately. Crews have attended incidents ranging from major building fires to grass fires and everything in between. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: > "We are facing unprecedented demand this summer, where recent wildfires have left a devastating impact on the landscape." The service added: > "We're continuing to work closely with our partners, including Staffordshire Police, to tackle fires across the county, and arrests have already been made in connection with recent incidents." > "Together, we can protect Staffordshire's amazing green spaces." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260722_202952.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC03073.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20210906_130920-1.jpg) ### How to hear about firefighter recruitment Anyone considering a career with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service can sign up to the service’s free email subscriber list. Follow [this link](https://orlo.uk/Mk50P?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and select ‘*service updates, events and campaigns*’ to receive updates about firefighter recruitment alongside other service news. For those looking for a career where no two days are quite the same, joining Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service offers the chance to become part of a team that is relied upon across communities throughout the county. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot_20260823_210932_Facebook.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260719_165837.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_192240.jpg) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: the fight over Spode Works, Tunstall's £8,000 heritage penalty, and Longton's thank you to its firefighters URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-the-fight-over-spode-works-tunstalls-8-000-heritage-penalty-and-longtons-thank-you-to-its-firefighters/ Last updated: 2026-08-26T06:00:54.000Z *Dear readers,* *This week's top story is a big one, our investigation into the fight over Spode Works, where a plan to regenerate one of Stoke's most significant heritage sites has drawn formal objections from the very artists and organisations who call it home.* *Elsewhere, a Tunstall landlord has been ordered to pay over £8,000 for letting a historic building rot, Trentham Live wrapped up a sold out weekend of music, and Longton showed its firefighters just how much the town appreciates them.* *Our Crowdfunder is still live, and there's still time, until Friday, to back the campaign and pick up a heavily discounted advertising package while you help us grow Signal TV, launch our podcast and build the app. Every pound gets us closer to our £15,000 target, and it makes a genuine difference to what we can cover.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* [**Back the Crowdfunder →**](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Firefighters tackle 40 acre grassland fire in Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/firefighters-tackle-40-acre-grassland-fire-in-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T16:56:13.000Z Firefighters are continuing to tackle a large grassland fire in Stafford after around 40 acres of land caught fire near High Offley. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.30pm today, Tuesday 25 August, following reports of a fire on land off Peggs Lane. Nine fire appliances attended the scene, where crews found multiple fields well alight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-25-17.53.38.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-25-17.53.01.png) Image - Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Firefighters are using main jets, hose reel jets, a water carrier and a wildfire hose as efforts continue to extinguish the blaze. Thankfully, nobody has been reported injured. The fire service has also thanked members of the local farming community who have been using their own equipment to help contain the fire. Please avoid the area where possible. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Tunstall landlord ordered to pay over £8,000 as heritage crackdown reaches 100th building URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tunstall-landlord-ordered-to-pay-over-8-000-as-heritage-crackdown-reaches-100th-building/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T12:36:37.000Z A company and its two directors have been ordered to pay a combined £8,386.98 after failing to carry out required repairs to a historic building in Tunstall. Nour House Ltd and its directors, Mrs Hind Nour and Mr Paul Nour, pleaded guilty to breaching an enforcement notice concerning 179 High Street. The late 19th century, three storey brick building stands within the Tower Square Conservation Area and occupies a prominent position close to Tunstall Town Hall, Tunstall Market Hall and the Clock Tower. Formerly used as a retail unit, the building retains several original architectural features. These include decorative arched window details, stone sills and mullions, brick cornicing and decorative brickwork at roof level. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Stoke-on-Trent City Council first received complaints about the condition of the property in October 2023\. Planning enforcement officers conducted several visits during 2024 and found that it was in a poor state of repair following a period of neglect. A Section 215 notice was served on Nour House Ltd on 11 March 2025, requiring repairs and maintenance work to be completed. The notice took effect on 14 April 2025 and gave the owner six months to comply. The enforcement action began before the building was damaged by fire in May. Further inspections during 2025 confirmed that the required work had not been completed. Despite repeated attempts by the council to engage with the owners, the repairs were not carried out. Failure to comply with a Section 215 notice is a criminal offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The company and its directors were ordered to pay £2,880 in fines, £4,354.98 in costs and £1,152 in victim surcharges. Mrs Hind Nour received a £660 fine, reduced to £440 following an early guilty plea. She was also ordered to pay a £176 victim surcharge and £1,451.66 in costs, bringing her total to £2,067.66. Mr Paul Nour received a £660 fine, also reduced to £440 following an early guilty plea. He was ordered to pay a £176 victim surcharge and £1,451.66 in costs, totalling £2,067.66. Nour House Ltd was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay an £800 victim surcharge and £1,451.66 in costs, giving a total of £4,251.66. The prosecution is the latest case in a citywide heritage enforcement drive which has now resulted in action being taken on more than 100 buildings. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said: > “People all across our city are sick of walking past buildings left to rot. So am I. If you own a historic building in Stoke-on-Trent and you walk away from it, we will come after you. > > “We declared a heritage emergency in this city because too many important buildings had been left to decline for too long. Since then we have taken enforcement action on more than 100 buildings, and we are restoring 24 more through our Centenary Restoration Fund. This prosecution shows that where owners ignore us, we are prepared to follow it all the way to court. > > “This building sits at the heart of Tunstall, yards from the Town Hall and the Clock Tower. It was left to fall apart by a company hundreds of miles away that decided it wasn’t their problem. It is our problem, and we have dealt with it. We will continue to do so because Stoke-on-Trent deserves better." [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Trentham Live 2026 ends on a high after four huge nights of live music URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/trentham-live-2026-ends-on-a-high-after-four-huge-nights-of-live-music/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T10:43:57.000Z Trentham Live 2026 has wrapped up after four nights of live music at Trentham, bringing together some of the biggest names in British music alongside Staffordshire talent. The event ran from Thursday 20 August to Sunday 23 August, with a different line up taking to the stage each evening and two of the four nights selling out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55476284902_9e47a2a43d.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55477668330_edf7e2ec06.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55477451754_a0ae7cc4fc.jpg) Photo Credit Ian Knight / Z70 Photography ### The Fratellis open Trentham Live 2026 The festival began on Thursday 20 August with The Fratellis headlining the opening night. They were joined by The Subways, Camens and Foarn, getting the four day event underway. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55479574080_f9db325bf5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55478191062_edcc5cd1f4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55479574075_4921522448.jpg) Photo Credit Ian Knight / Z70 Photography ### Sold out Friday night with Madness Friday 21 August saw Madness take centre stage for a sold out night at Trentham. The Coral also joined the line up, alongside local band Average Joe, giving Staffordshire talent a place on the Trentham Live stage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55481525639_b89951b66b.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55481464358_c2e5a9f99b.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55481464473_61229433a9.jpg) Photo Credit Ian Knight / Z70 Photography ### Five and The Wanted 2.0 take over Saturday Saturday 22 August brought another night packed with familiar pop favourites as Five headlined. Special guests The Wanted 2.0 also performed, with support coming from Absnt Mind and local artist Darla Jade. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55481464133_e8e31081bb.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55481464253_5d666ba37a.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/55479357849_4c63c08817-2.jpg) Photo Credit Ian Knight / Z70 Photography ### The Human League close Trentham Live The final evening on Sunday 23 August was another sell out, with The Human League bringing Trentham Live 2026 to a close. They were joined by Altered Images and Blancmange for the final night of this year's event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/TL2025_HeroPoster_Socials-1920x1080-V4a-1-1024x576.jpg) Following the weekend, Trentham Live shared its thanks with everyone involved. > "A huge thank you to all artists and, most importantly, to every single one of you who joined us." Reflecting on the atmosphere across the event, organisers added: > "From start to finish, the crowd has been absolutely brilliant, singing and dancing along to some true classics!" With four nights of live music, two sold out shows and Staffordshire artists appearing alongside nationally known acts, Trentham Live 2026 brought another busy summer weekend of music to the county. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Everything You Need to Know About Penkridge Open Air Festival 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know-about-penkridge-open-air-festival-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T10:11:11.000Z Running from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August 2026, the festival will welcome up to 2,500 people each day for a weekend built around live music, nostalgia and summer festival atmosphere. Headline performances across the weekend include 2 Unlimited on Friday, ABC on Saturday and The Drifters on Sunday, with further acts also expected to be announced. Friday will provide the energetic start to the weekend, followed by a full festival day on Saturday and a more relaxed, feel good Sunday to round off the Bank Holiday. ### More than live music Alongside the music, visitors can expect plenty happening around the festival site throughout the weekend. There will be a selection of food traders, fully stocked bars and water stations, as well as fairground rides. Entertainment will also include circus and BMX stunt shows, with workshops taking place as part of the programme. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs, while gazebos are also permitted within designated areas. Gazebo spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. They cannot be erected before the festival gates open. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/unnamed-4-2.jpg) ### VIP areas at Penkridge Open Air For those looking for a different festival experience, Penkridge Open Air will have VIP areas with a total capacity of 400 people. The VIP offering includes three bars: The Great British Beer Garden, sponsored by The Great British Beer Company RIVA Lounge, sponsored by RIVA, Stafford The Vineyard, sponsored by The Great British Beer Company There will also be two marquee areas, covered and outdoor seating, a dedicated VIP festival entrance queue and luxury toilets. The VIP areas are positioned at the sides of the festival and do not guarantee the best view of the stage. Those who already have a general festival ticket can purchase a VIP Upgrade, although this does not include admission to the festival itself. Alternatively, VIP + Entry includes both admission to the festival site and access to the VIP facilities. ### Camping arrives for 2026 Camping is available at Penkridge Open Air for the first time in 2026, making it possible for visitors to turn the festival into a full Bank Holiday weekend away. Camping options include a 5 metre by 5 metre plot for up to six people, together with a parking space. Motorhomes and live in vehicles can also be accommodated, with 16 amp power supplied. Free parking is available on site for festival visitors. ### Can you take your own food and drink? Visitors are allowed to bring some food and drink into the festival, although restrictions apply. Cold picnic foods can be brought onto the site provided they are in sealed original packaging or clear containers. Sealed bottles of water are permitted, as are empty refillable bottles. Baby formula and food needed for dietary requirements can also be brought in. All bags will be checked by the festival security team at the entrance. Alcohol, soft drinks, hot food, takeaways and barbecues are not permitted to be brought onto the festival site. Food vendors, bars and water stations will be available within the arena. ### Can dogs attend Penkridge Open Air? Dogs are not permitted at the festival. The sports grounds are owned by The Monckton Committee, which does not allow dogs on the site. ### A smaller Staffordshire festival Penkridge Open Air has a total capacity of 2,500 people, including its 400 capacity VIP areas. The smaller scale gives the Staffordshire festival a different feel to some of the country's much larger music events, while still offering three days of headline music, entertainment and activities across the Bank Holiday weekend. ### **Dates:** Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August 2026 ### **Venue:** Penkridge Sports & Recreation Centre, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Staffordshire, ST19 5QP ### ### Tickets: [https://penkridgeopenair.co.uk/festival/](https://penkridgeopenair.co.uk/festival/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Partnership working sees city’s domestic abuse rates fall URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/partnership-working-sees-citys-domestic-abuse-rates-fall/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:35:52.000Z Domestic abuse rates have improved in Stoke-on-Trent, reducing by 12.6%. Local data shows there were 26.7 cases per 1000 adults in the city in 2025, which is a decrease from 31.7 in 2023\. This means that nearly 1,000 fewer people in the city have suffered from domestic abuse in that time. The data shows that Stoke-on-Trent is outperforming England as a whole, with the national average being 27.9. The city council is working with partners across the county to support victims and end domestic abuse. This includes jointly commissioning New Era, who are a free, confidential specialist support services for those impacted by domestic abuse. The city council also support people with experience of domestic abuse through Supportive Housing, which provides accommodation, support and care in an integrated way. Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, Vice Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Domestic Abuse Partnership said: > “Domestic abuse is never acceptable and support is available both to those who are affected and those who want to take responsibility for their behaviour. > > “These latest statistics are encouraging and show that the actions we are taking with partners to reduce domestic abuse are having an impact. > > “However, this isn’t the end of the action – we still have a long way to go to ensure all perpetrators are held to account and survivors are supported. If you need support, you will be believed and you will be helped.” Anyone in immediate danger from domestic abuse should call 999\. For other support, contact New Era on 0330 303 3778 or visit their website: [https://www.new-era.uk/](https://www.new-era.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Hannah's Story URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hannahs-story/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:28:20.000Z I was contacted by Hannah after my personal story was aired in the February edition of the Staffordshire Signal. Hannah was keen to share her remarkable story with me, and I feel it’s a poignant story and well worth the read. Born at just 29 weeks by emergency caesarean section, weighing just 1.28kg (2.8lbs), Hannah began life in crisis. She spent the first six weeks of her life in a Special Baby Care Unit, where a CT brain scan revealed several cerebral (brain) bleeds believed to be “regular occurrences in low birthweight babies”. At 4 months of age, shortly after discharge, she developed RSV Pneumonia, a lower respiratory infection, causing inflammation and fluid in the lungs’ air sacs and as a result she required re-admission for ventilation. Once she recovered, she was discharged home under the care of a Paediatrician until the age of 3 yrs. From the very beginning, something didn’t seem quite right. Hannah’s left leg “had a mind of its own”, and instead of crawling she could only shuffle on her bottom. She finally began walking around 14 months of age. Her mother, already overwhelmed, found little emotional support from the family’s health visitor, who only “appeared to lack empathy”. At the age of 3, Hannah was recommended for squint surgery as she showed significant signs of a Convergent Squint from birth (misalignment and movement of one or both eyes and difficulty focusing at close range-often due to neurological or developmental difficulties) and she was managed by the Orthoptic team for her visual disorder, until it was advised that surgery was required. She was identified to be right-handed but left eye dominant, causing crossed laterality or inconsistent hand -eye co-ordination and had weak visual and spatial awareness skills. Early childhood settings were a struggle for Hannah: playgroups and nursery felt too loud and chaotic. In primary school, she battled with balance and coordination difficulties. Her parents despite showing concern were frequently dismissed by teachers suggesting Hannah was just “simply shy and lacking confidence”. It took one observant Year 3 Primary school teacher however to change the trajectory. Recognising that Hannah needed more than reassurance, the teacher pushed for an educational and health assessment. By the age of 11 Hannah was then issued with a Statement of Special Educational Needs, with some one-to-one maths support and six weeks of dedicated physiotherapy and occupational therapy being advocated, with the addition of a referral to the Visual Impairment Education Service. She was provided with a Typewriter to help develop her fine motor skills and gain accuracy with the ease of recording information. After her therapies were completed, she was simply advised to continue with a programme of home exercises and was discharged despite her gait still appearing “awkward and stiff”. Still, there was no unifying explanation and what no one seemed to do was join any of the dots. Hannah often found bruises on her left ankle without remembering any injury. Her GP requested blood tests but did not investigate further when these showed no abnormality. All that remained was a jumble of ideas from various sources but no clear name for what she was living with. High school was a very difficult time, and it felt brutal. Games teachers showed little understanding of why she struggled in the gym and on the sports field and she often felt ridiculed in front of her peers. Her unusual gait made her a target for bullying, and classmates grew impatient with her physical differences. That impatience, she says, has followed her into adulthood. Despite this, Hannah persevered and gained 4 NVQ’s at college and finally secured a NVQ level 3 in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, but only managed to secure part-time posts as a play worker. She worked as a volunteer in 2 schools whilst studying, but neither school considered her for a paid position, and she was only able to gain employment in morning and after school clubs. Due to struggling with higher levels of education and learning and with schools now asking for postgraduates in Teaching Assistant roles Hannah feels she has become obsolete. She has since studied an online NVQ Level 2 certificate in Business Admin and Customer Service as she discovered she preferred remote work, but this has come with a cost as she has quickly become more socially isolated. In her twenties she began driving lessons, hoping for greater independence. Instead, she developed double vision. Her eye surgeon diagnosed Optokinetic Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement triggered by observing large moving visual scenes such as looking out of a window). One suggestion was that she drive with an eye patch, but Hannah felt this was unsafe, so stopped driving altogether. It was another blow to her independence, her confidence, and her career prospects. As she still had no definitive diagnosis, application forms became a minefield to complete, as she never knew what to put. With her symptoms aligning closely with dyspraxia and dyscalculia she endeavoured to seek answers for her condition herself. In October 2024 at the age of 38 years, she obtained a private Consultant Neurology opinion. After a 40 -minute appointment, a detailed history and physical examination, with her mother by her side- the consultant gave her what decades of services had not: a clear diagnosis of Cerebral palsy, predominantly affecting her left side. For Hannah and her parents, the news was both devastating and validating. Despite feeling deeply let down by professionals and frustrated with the delay in time, the diagnosis has become a positive turning point in her life. It has finally given her the ability to explain her difficulties to others and to understand her own experiences with greater clarity. The response from primary care has felt underwhelming with the GP not seeming to recognise the need for follow up, or even discuss the diagnosis further and offer signposting for support that Hannah may require. She has had to navigate services herself; after finding out she did not meet the criteria for social care support. Now with help from the Citizens Advice Bureau, she has eventually secured a basic level of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). After 11 years of working in various educational settings Hannah was sadly made redundant during COVID and has been out of work since, only now managing to secure volunteer work for charities, data inputting from home. She has found it repeatedly difficult to find employment as she is constantly told that she lacks experience. Her story raises uncomfortable questions about continuity of care for premature babies, the recognition of cerebral palsy in those with milder or unilateral symptoms, plus the support available to adults who fall between service thresholds and the hidden agenda of struggling to find suitable employment when living with a disability. Hannah, however, is determined that her experience should serve as more than a cautionary tale. To families with babies in neonatal intensive care, she offers clear advice: “Voice any concerns straight away and don’t be palmed off with platitudes. Keep questioning anything that doesn’t seem right. It is about your precious child, whose early birth has turned your world upside down, and you deserve to be heard.” To children born prematurely who are now struggling at school, she wants to send hope: “You are special and life will get easier. Don’t be afraid to tell others how you feel. Speak to your parents and teachers. Real friends will understand.” For adults living with undiagnosed conditions, or misunderstood disabilities, her message is one of self-worth and discernment. “You may have insecurities due to lack of understanding but seek out people who are genuine and compassionate. Don’t waste time on people who are not.” She also urges transparency and confidence in the workplace. “When applying for employment, state your disabilities. Many companies have a Disability Confident policy. Don’t forget to tell your prospective employer about your strengths and why you would be an asset to their company or establishment. Just because I need more time to do certain things it doesn’t mean I’m not capable”. Hannah’s journey- from a neonatal intensive care cot to a late diagnosis nearly four decades later- is a story of systemic gaps, missed opportunities, and quiet resilience. It is also, she hopes, a catalyst for change. “I hope my story will help others to obtain the answers they deserve,” she says. Statistics show that Cerebral Palsy currently affects 1 in 400 children in the Uk and is the most common motor disability affecting young children. Approximately 1,800 children are diagnosed every year, and 160,000 people now live with the condition in the UK. Boys are more prevalent and babies born before 37 weeks have a higher risk, with the risk increasing with earlier gestational age. Infants weighing less than 3.3 lbs are significantly at higher risk. 80% of cases are caused by prenatal events, where the brain has not developed appropriately or is damaged, from a brain bleed, lack of oxygen or infection caught during pregnancy or premature birth. It can occur before, during or shortly after birth but is not always obvious until after 1-2 years when significant development milestones are not reached. The condition affects movement, muscle tone or posture and common symptoms include stiff muscles (spasticity), weak limbs, uncontrolled/ awkward movements, walking on tip toes, difficulty with balance and co-ordination, difficulty with swallowing , speaking or vision. In many cases the cause is unknown but It’s a permanent condition that does not worsen over time, but the severity can vary significantly. If you have any concerns regarding a child’s development, please raise these concerns with a health visitor or GP . Symptoms like those of cerebral palsy can have a number of different causes and may not be a sign of anything serious, but specialist intervention may be necessary to determine a diagnosis. (NHS. Uk, Sense.org.uk, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Hannah-1.jpg) Hannah Hannah would love to hear from you if you have had a similar life experience, or to hear your thoughts on her story, so has asked us to include her email address. Please feel free to reach out: hannah.johnson12@yahoo.co.uk ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Families Explore Caudwell Children’s Keele Centre at Inclusive Open Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/families-explore-caudwell-childrens-keele-centre-at-inclusive-open-day/ Last updated: 2026-08-24T09:27:17.000Z Caudwell Children opened the doors of its award winning International Children’s Centre at Keele on Friday 14 August, welcoming families, supporters and guests for a free Family Fun Day celebrating inclusion and the charity’s work with disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. The Staffordshire Signal attended the event as invited press, we were given a tour of the centre and experienced the wider open day. We were also joined by local mayors, councillors and the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, who attended the event to show their support for Caudwell Children and the work the charity is doing to support children, young people and families. Based on Innovation Way in Newcastle under Lyme, the centre became a busy and welcoming space for the day, with family activities, entertainment, food and opportunities for visitors to learn more about the support Caudwell Children provides. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05300.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05295.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05288.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05270--1-.jpg) ### A look inside the Caudwell International Children’s Centre We were taken on a tour of the Caudwell International Children’s Centre, giving us an opportunity to see the building and learn more about the services delivered from the Keele headquarters. Visitors attending the open day were also able to explore the centre, meet members of staff and the in house clinical team, and find out more about the support available to children, young people and their families. The day brought together families, supporters and members of the Caudwell Children team, while giving visitors an opportunity to see more of the work taking place from the Staffordshire based centre. Among those available to speak during the day were members of the charity’s clinical and family support teams, beneficiaries, supporters and the Mayor of Newcastle under Lyme, Councillor Christopher Bailey. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05403.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05308.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05299.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05272.jpg) ### Family activities throughout the day Alongside the opportunity to learn more about the charity, the Family Fun Day included a range of activities and attractions. Visitors could enjoy face painting, animal meet and greets and craft stalls, creating a relaxed family event around the more informative elements of the open day. The event was open to all families and ran until 3pm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05409.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05375.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05371.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05353.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05347.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05337.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05416.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05399.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC05393.jpg) ### A quieter start to the 2026 event Caudwell Children also introduced a quiet hour between 10am and 11am. The quieter session was created for visitors who might find the usual sights, sounds and pace of the Family Fun Day overwhelming. Numbers during the quiet hour were limited to help create a calmer environment, with visitors able to remain at the event after the main open day began at 11am. The addition reflected the wider focus of the day, offering families different ways to experience the event while learning more about the support and services available through Caudwell Children. The Family Fun Day took place at the Caudwell International Children’s Centre, Innovation Way, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 5NT. To find out more about Caudwell Children, visit their website: [https://www.caudwellchildren.com/](https://www.caudwellchildren.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Longton Community Thanks Firefighters With Care Package After Weeks of Donations URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-community-thanks-firefighters-with-care-package-after-weeks-of-donations/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T18:27:42.000Z Watch the video here on The Staffordshire Signal TV Longton has come together to say thank you to its local firefighters, with a community care package delivered to Longton Fire Station this week after a fortnight of donations from residents and businesses across the town. The appeal was organised by Emma, who runs the Love Longton community page and owns Pearl and Gray, the independent women's boutique in Longton Exchange specialising in Italian and lagenlook fashion. It followed news that Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service had dealt with around 600 fires across the county in July alone, an average of 20 incidents a day. Closer to home, crews spent almost 24 hours tackling multiple fires at Park Hall Country Park, before being called back days later to deal with further deliberate blazes. The idea was simple: nothing extravagant, just a collection of everyday treats to say "we see what you do, we appreciate you, and Longton is grateful." Coffee, tea, biscuits, chocolate, toiletries and cakes were dropped off at Pearl and Gray throughout August, with donations accepted right up to Wednesday 19th August. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260821_155204.jpg) The response went far beyond what was expected. Individuals and families called in throughout the day, and several local businesses got involved too, including Iceland, who arrived with a trolley load of supplies, Elite Fashion in Longton Market, and regular Longton Artisan and Cultural Fair trader Mobile Baa Bar. SDPrimeToys, Longton Vets for Pets, Paterson Brodie Limited, S&J Sister Travel and the office of Dr Allison Gardner MP also donated, alongside cash contributions that will go directly to The Fire Fighters Charity. Everyone who donated was invited to sign a community thank you card, which was delivered alongside the care package. Parsley and Sage Florist Stoke supplied and decorated crates for each of the station's five watches, coordinating the colours to match, and The Staffordshire Signal helped transport the donations and capture the drop-off. Emma also used the appeal as a chance to learn more about how the station operates. Longton Fire Station is made up of five watches, Red, Blue, White and Green, each with nine firefighters, plus Orange Watch's 16 on-call firefighters, including two women, currently the only female firefighters at the station. In total, 52 firefighters work across the five watches to keep the local area safe. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The campaign also earned Emma a slot on BBC Radio Stoke, where she spoke about how the appeal came together and the scale of the response from the town, despite admitting radio interviews are "way outside" her comfort zone. > A handwritten card accompanied the donations, thanking the crew for "running towards situations that most of us would run away from" and for "putting yourselves in harm's way to help complete strangers." It closed simply: "This wasn't my care package. It was Longton's." Any cash donations received as part of the appeal are being donated directly to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides specialist health and wellbeing support to serving and retired members of the UK fire services community and their families. Anyone who would also like to make a contribution can donate directly through The Fire Fighters Charity at [https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk](https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) For anyone inspired by the work of the crews at Longton Fire Station, [Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service](https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) will also be recruiting from September. Keep an eye on the service's website and social media channels for further information on how to apply and how you could become part of this fantastic team. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### M Club Opens HYROX Centre as £1 Million Fitness Tourism Vision Grows in Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/m-club-hyrox/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T09:57:14.000Z A leading North Staffordshire spa and fitness brand’s £1 million vision to expand, ‘fitness tourism,’ in the city has reached a major milestone. M Club who have sites on Festival Park in Etruria and Newcastle-under-Lyme have officially opened their HYROX Centre this week after announcing earlier this year that they had become an official HYROX affiliate. Work started in May at the Festival Park-based site to expand the size of its fitness floor to create a dedicated HYROX Centre. The first-floor gym space has now increased from 15,000 square feet to 21,000 square feet. Launched in Germany in 2017, HYROX has rapidly grown into a global fitness phenomenon, combining endurance running with functional strength workouts. The competition now hosts events in more than 30 cities across Europe, North America and Asia, attracting more than 1.5M participants in their 2025/26 season. The plan is now to expand the offering, by running simulation competitions and partnering with local hotels to bring people into the city. M Club have also just released a Weekender pass so people can take advantage of the facilities, if they are not members, helping to attract visitors to the area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Hyrox-4-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Hyrox-3.JPG) It comes as work continues on the new Padel Court facilities at M Club’s Newcastle site. It’s expected to be completed in the Autumn and means weekend visitors will also be able to take part in padel, HYROX as well as using the brand’s spa facilities. Cheshire based Pulse Fitness, which is owned by M Club owner Mo Chaudry has designed and fully kitted out the new HYROX training space and project managed by Hanley based Brada Developments. M Club Director Shanie Chaudry-Goodall said: > “Becoming an official HYROX training centre has been a hugely exciting step for us, as it allows us to offer something genuinely different for both our members and people travelling to the city to train with us. > > “HYROX is a prestigious global brand which we now have in our day-to-day training environment, giving our members and visitors access to structured workouts that replicate official competition standards. > > “We’ve invested heavily in our facilities and in training our team to deliver official HYROX sessions, ensuring everyone who trains with us receives a consistent, high-quality experience that can genuinely prepare them for competition. Our members can also benefit from early-bird access to competition tickets ahead of the general public.” Shanie added: > “But our ambition goes beyond what we can offer inside the club. We want the HYROX centre to play a part in growing the city’s visitor economy by giving people from outside the area another reason to come here. We want people to travel to the city to train and compete, but also to stay here, eat here, shop here and experience what the wider area has to offer. > > “If we can attract more people into the city through HYROX, padel and our spa facilities, that creates opportunities not just for M Club, but for local hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses. We see this as a real opportunity to bring additional tourism spend into the local economy while raising the profile of the city as a destination for health, fitness and competitive sport.” For more information about M Club please go to: [https://mclubspaandfitness.co.uk/](https://mclubspaandfitness.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Nominations open as LoveNUL Business Awards return for fourth year URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nominations-open-as-lovenul-business-awards-return-for-fourth-year/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T09:50:52.000Z The LoveNUL Business Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open across 13 categories celebrating the businesses, organisations and people that make a difference in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Hosted by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID), the awards return for their fourth year on Friday 9th October, moving to a new venue for 2026 at St Giles’ Church in the heart of the town centre. Nominations opened on Thursday 20th August and will remain open until Sunday 30th August, giving businesses and members of the public the opportunity to recognise those they believe deserve to be celebrated. ## The 2026 award categories are: Retailer of the Year Award Café & Coffee Shop of the Year Award Pub, Beer & Ale Venue of the Year Award Hospitality Venue of the Year Award Beauty & Wellbeing Business of the Year Award Business Services of the Year Award Customer Service of the Year Award New Business of the Year Award Market & Event Trader of the Year Award Visitor Experience of the Year Award Newcastle Ambassador of the Year Award Community Connector of the Year Award Unsung Hero of the Year Award Nominations will be considered by an independent judging panel, with shortlisted finalists either progressing to a public vote or being selected by the judges, depending on the award category. The 2026 judging panel brings together representatives from the Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Board, including Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), Heywoods, New Vic Theatre, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, alongside Keele University. Many of those organisations are also supporting this year’s awards as sponsors, alongside Titanic Brewery, Thompson Wright and University of Staffordshire, with further local businesses and partners supporting individual categories and the event. Charlotte Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > “The LoveNUL Business Awards are all about recognising the businesses and people behind Newcastle-under-Lyme. > > “This is our fourth year of the awards and we’ve refreshed the categories for 2026 to make sure we’re celebrating the breadth of what we have here, from our retailers, cafés, pubs and hospitality venues to brilliant customer service, new businesses, market traders, community connectors and those unsung heroes who make a difference without necessarily getting the recognition they deserve. > > “We want people to really think about who stands out to them and tell us why. We want to know the story behind the nomination, whether it’s consistently brilliant service, someone who always goes that extra mile, a business investing in the town or an individual making a real difference to Newcastle-under-Lyme. That detail really helps our judges when it comes to shortlisting.” The awards have grown considerably since their launch in 2023\. In 2025, around 600 nominations were received, more than 6,000 votes were cast and around 180 guests came together for the awards evening. Previous winners have included Divinity Studio, The Little Vic, Hurricane Gaming and Brampton Museum, while the Peter Pan Centre was recognised for its contribution to the community. Piccoloco received the Spirit of Newcastle-under-Lyme Business award and Janet Lowe from McDonald’s was recognised for her individual contribution to the town. Nominations are open now at [lovenulawards.co.uk](https://www.lovenulawards.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and close on Sunday 30th August. Public voting opens on Friday 4th September and Judges’ Choice finalists will be confirmed on Monday 14th September. The winners will be revealed at the LoveNUL Business Awards 2026 at St Giles’ Church on Friday 9th October. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Chadsmoor Pride in Place Chair Urges Residents to Have Their Say on Boundary Extension URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/chadsmoor-prideinplace/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T09:39:55.000Z Newly appointed Pride in Place Chair asks residents to have their say on proposed boundary extension Cannock Chase District Council are pleased to announce that Lynn Harley-Biggs has been appointed as Chairperson for the newly created Chadsmoor Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, alongside the newly appointed Board members. Through her involvement with the Friends of Cannock Stadium Lynn is a well-known face in the local community and will be a strong advocate for ensuring local residents and businesses are at the heart of deciding how and where the £20m funding will be spent. Lynn’s first task as Chair is encouraging local residents and businesses to have their say on proposals to extend the Pride in Place funding boundary across parts of Chadsmoor and the surrounding area. Pride in Place aims to support projects and initiatives that improve local neighbourhoods, strengthen communities and create opportunities for residents. Following discussions with local stakeholders, it is proposed that the existing funding boundary be expanded to better reflect community connections, local needs and areas that could benefit from future investment. The proposed extension, which includes the high street, would ensure that a broader range of residents, community groups and organisations, have the opportunity to access funding and become involved in projects that contribute to long-term improvements across the area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Pride-in-Place.jpg) Deputy Leader of the Council Richard Craddock said: > "I’m so pleased to welcome Lynn as Chair of the Pride in Place Board. This is an important opportunity for residents to help shape future plans within our community. We want to ensure that the funding boundary reflects the areas that identify with and can benefit from the programme. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to review the proposals and share their views." Josh Newbury MP said: > "I'm delighted that Lynn is now on board as Chair of this project. Her years of experience running a brilliant group of volunteers at Cannock Stadium, and giving hundreds of local children a magical Christmas, speak for themselves. Her passion for the area, its people and, most importantly, its future shines through. I’m looking forward to supporting Lynn and the rest of the Neighbourhood Board as they drive this exciting opportunity forward. > > "In the many conversations we’ve had about Pride in Place so far, we’ve heard loud and clear that residents want to see the boundary extended to include what they see as the heart of Chadsmoor. The high street has been a particular focus, not just in feedback on the proposed boundary, but also in the ideas residents have shared for how this incredible sum of money could benefit the community. > > "The final boundary needs to be agreed soon, but the Neighbourhood Board cannot make that decision without hearing from the community. I would encourage everyone who lives, works or volunteers locally to respond to the consultation and let us know what you think of the revised boundary." Residents are invited to review the options and indicate whether they support the original funding boundary or the proposed updated boundary. The consultation is available online at: [https://customers.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/pride-in-place-boundary](https://customers.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/pride-in-place-boundary?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The consultation closes on Friday 28 August, and all responses received before the deadline will be considered as part of the decision-making process. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Coffee#1 Opens at Trentham Shopping Village URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/coffee1/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T09:24:45.000Z Coffee#1 is excited to announce the opening of its newest coffee shop today, 19 th August. It’s located in the outdoor Trentham shopping village alongside its range of independent and well-known retailers. The store will be operated by a dedicated team of up to eight employees. Founded in 2001, Coffee#1 has spent the last two decades establishing itself as a beloved brand across South Wales, the South West, the South Coast, and the Midlands. Staying true to its core values, the brand is committed to being "locally loved" by serving exceptional coffee made by skilled baristas in a relaxed, welcoming environment where customers can unwind and enjoy their time. This new store marks a significant milestone in their ongoing expansion. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--6-.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--3-.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--7-.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--4-.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--2-.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Coffee-1-Trentham-Gardens---19-Aug-26--11-.JPG) Stacey Finn, Area Manager at Coffee#1, commented: > "We’re thrilled to be opening our next location in Trentham in a lively new neighbourhood. We’re confident Coffee#1 will fit right in. We take pride in providing a cosy space where customers can relax, enjoy delicious food, tempting cakes, and, of course, great coffee. > > The new store’s interior is designed with warmth and vibrancy in mind featuring a living-room feel, shelves filled with books and unique illustrations showcasing local history, folklore, and figures from the area. The inviting atmosphere is perfect for socialising with friends and family, or for some quiet time with a book or laptop.” Hayley Tams, Store Manager at Coffee#1, shared: > "My team and I are excited to become part of the Trentham community and to serve our new neighbours. > > Local community groups are encouraged to host regular catch-ups in the store, and dogs are welcome too. > > To celebrate the opening, we’re offering a free drink when you download the Coffee#1 app. Simply enter the promo code TRENTHAM in the app to claim your free drink voucher!" Alastair Budd, Senior Director at Trentham, said: > “We’re delighted to welcome Coffee#1 to Trentham Shopping Village and are really excited to see the doors open. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our visitors, and Coffee#1 is a fantastic addition to our existing offer. Its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and focus on quality coffee make it a great fit for Trentham, whether visitors are looking to catch up with friends, take a break while shopping or simply enjoy a coffee after exploring the gardens. We’re looking forward to seeing Coffee#1 become part of the Trentham community and wish the team every success.” [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### MP Gareth Snell welcomes launch of Prime Minister’s national drive to get everyone in for Christmas URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-everyone-in-for-christmas/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T13:23:09.000Z One month after making his first instruction as Labour Prime Minister, Andy Burnham this week (Wednesday 19 August) has announced the next steps in his national drive to end rough sleeping by announcing immediate action to offer everyone who needs it a route off the streets by Christmas. Backed by increased funding of £442 million - with £3,480,391 for Stoke-on-Trent - new accommodation and support will be rolled out across England this winter, learning from innovative approaches put into place during the pandemic. Alongside emergency accommodation to end the need for rough sleeping, the programme, fully funded within MHCLG budgets, will offer practical help with housing, health and other needs, helping people build a more stable future. In addition, the Prime Minister has announced he will host a first of its kind national summit in the Autumn to bring together leaders from across society - from business, finance, charities, health, faith communities and more - to ask what role each of them can play in ending rough sleeping. The new commitment to offer everyone a route off the streets this Christmas, along with boosted funding and a landmark summit, reflect the Prime Minister's approach of bringing everyone together in a national drive to step up and play their part in ending rough sleeping - with everyone pulling in the same direction at a local level to make real change backed by funding at a national level. Gareth Snell MP has welcomed the bold initiative for Stoke-on-Trent Central. The plans will not only change the lives of those being given somewhere to sleep and a foundation to rebuild their lives but have huge benefits for the whole country, as research from Crisis suggests preventing 40,000 people from becoming homeless for a year could save taxpayers around £370 million. Gareth said: > “I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to end rough sleeping and make sure everyone has somewhere safe to stay this Christmas. > > “Rough sleeping surged in Stoke-on-Trent during 14 years of Conservative government. The crisis became impossible to ignore as town centres such as Stoke and Hanley increasingly became hotspots for rough sleeping. > > “Today’s measures recognise that ending rough sleeping requires more than emergency accommodation alone. By combining immediate support with action on the underlying causes of homelessness, this Government is taking the decisive, joined-up approach needed to help people off the streets for good.” The government is also confirming project allocations for this programme, which includes the investment into long term accommodation announced in July. As well as off the street provision, the funding will help local areas deliver more than 1,000 settled homes over the next three years, alongside intensive wraparound support to help people rebuild their lives. Areas facing the greatest pressures will receive the largest share of support, with communities all across England getting support to address rough sleeping in their area. Working alongside councils, Mayors will play a leading role in driving local action to end rough sleeping and making the decisions that are right for their communities to deliver help where it is needed most. Alongside funding allocations, the Government is publishing guidance to help local areas mobilise quickly and deliver a consistent route off the street offer this winter. The guidance will make clear the need to ensure adequate and accessible provision for women experiencing rough sleeping, recognising that women are often underrepresented in official statistics and may be at greater risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Guidance encourages local areas to consider single sex accommodation with specialist, intensive and trauma informed support, for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. This will support the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls in the next ten years. Charities, faith groups and community organisations are at the heart of efforts to end homelessness. That is why, in addition to holding a first of its kind national summit bringing together leaders across society with a role to play, £8.4 million of the new funding is going specifically to the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund. This takes total funding allocations announced today for 100 different projects to £47 million over three years, helping small and medium-sized organisations provide life-changing support to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Together, these measures form the foundation of cross-government work to end rough sleeping at the earliest opportunity, combining immediate action this winter with lasting solutions to help people rebuild their lives for good. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Investigation launched after fire at former Hanley nightclub building URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/investigation-launched-after-fire/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T13:21:31.000Z Firefighters, police and forensic investigators attended a large fire at a commercial building on Trinity Street, Hanley, on Thursday evening. The road was closed and remained shut into Friday morning. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 7.10pm on Thursday 20 August following reports of smoke coming from the building. Five appliances and the service's aerial ladder platform attended, finding a fire on the first floor. Crews wearing breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using three main jets alongside the aerial ladder platform, and remained at the scene overnight to monitor and dampen down hotspots. Nobody was reported injured. ![Photo by OnlyDrones](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/1000004982.jpg) Photo by OnlyDrones A spokesperson for the fire service said: > "We were called at 7.10pm yesterday (Thursday 20 August) to Trinity Street in Hanley following reports of smoke coming from a building. Five appliances and our aerial ladder platform (ALP) attended the scene and found a fire on the first floor. The fire was extinguished by crews wearing breathing apparatus using three main jets and the ALP. Thankfully nobody was reported injured. Crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor and dampen down any hotspots. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing." Staffordshire Police also attended, working alongside fire crews, and is now appealing for information. Officers were called five minutes after the fire service, at 7.15pm. A police spokesperson said: > "We are appealing for information following a large fire in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called at 7.15pm yesterday (Thursday 20 August) to Trinity Street in Hanley following reports of a fire. Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The fire was extinguished and thankfully nobody was reported injured." Anyone with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage of the area at the time is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident 728 of 20 August, or via Live Chat on the force's website. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/1000004983.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/1000004984.jpg) ## The building The fire hit Trinity House, on the junction of Trinity Street and Gitana Street, a building whose ground floor was most recently home to Groove Castle nightspot. Groove Castle opened in December 2023 but closed within twelve months, and the premises had previously traded as TTL nightclub before that. By Friday morning, the front of the building showed scorch marks and some windows on the upper floors were missing. The fire comes only weeks after Stoke-on-Trent City Council backed a planning application to convert the first, second, third and fourth floors of Trinity House into 19 flats, after an earlier scheme for 23 apartments across the whole building was refused in January. Those upper floors had been in long-standing office use. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/1000004985-1.jpg) ## Third building fire in the city this week Trinity Street is the second significant building fire in Stoke-on-Trent this week, after crews closed High Street in Tunstall to tackle a blaze on Tuesday night. It also follows another building fire in Hanley in recent weeks, on Stafford Street on 9 July, which saw six fire engines, police and utility engineers called out. The Staffordshire Signal will bring you further updates on the cause of the Trinity Street fire, and what it means for the flats scheme approved for the building, as they become available. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Midlands Air Ambulance Charity reassures people of Staffordshire: ‘We continue to serve you’ URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/midlands-air-ambulance-charity-reassures-people-of-staffordshire-we-continue-to-serve-you/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T11:16:24.000Z Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has reassured the people of Staffordshire that it continues to serve them. Its CEO, Hanna Sebright, spoke out after the announcement this week that Stoke Air Ambulance, which has never been operational, is closing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260707_154955_73db025d.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Hanna-Sebright--CEO--Midlands-Air-Ambulance-Charity-1.jpg) Hanna Sebright, CEO, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity She said: > "To minimise the risk of misinformation and rumours at this time, we want to be very clear: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has served the people of Staffordshire, including Stoke, for the past 35 years and we continue to serve the people of Staffordshire. > > “There is no organisational or operational connection between the two charities, nor has there ever been. They are entirely separate. It is important to note, too, that Stoke Air Ambulance has never operated as an air ambulance service. > > “We have been contacted by a number of people who supported this failed venture, and we would like to express our sincere sympathy to those affected.” Hanna gave this reassurance as Midlands Air Ambulance Charity prepares to unveil its first Manifesto this autumn. The document marks 35 years of operation. It charts the organisation’s growth from a single helicopter, flown five days a week and chained to a tree overnight in 1991, to today's 24/7 lifesaving service, rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, responding to around 4,000 callouts a year across six counties (Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) serving a population of around 7m people. The Manifesto will set out Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's vision for the future, framing it as a “strategic regional asset” and outlining key priorities and ambitions for the years ahead. Hanna added: > "It is important to remember that Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no government or NHS funding. Instead, we rely entirely on our generous private donors for the £20 million a year that keeps our 24/7, year-round service running. > > "As we mark 35 years of saving lives and improving recovery outcomes for patients, we have reasons to feel proud, and as we look to the future, we are ambitious to build on this strong foundation and protect this strategic regional asset for many decades to come." [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### £135,000 Lyme Valley Pump Track Moves Forward - 5 Years After Residents Called for Action URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/135-000-lyme-valley-pump-track-moves-forward-5-years-after-residents-called-for-action/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T17:26:37.000Z Plans to create a modern, all-weather pump track at Lyme Valley Parkway are moving forward - five years after residents first called for the existing facility to be upgraded. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved the use of £135,000 secured from housing developers to fund the project. The existing BMX track, which was installed around 20 years ago, will be remodelled, extended and resurfaced with tarmac. It will become an all-weather facility suitable for cyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders and rollerbladers of different ages and abilities. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Specialist contractors have already produced initial designs for a purpose-built circuit featuring rollers, banked corners known as berms and flowing turns. The track is intended to be accessible to beginners taking their first steps in wheeled sports while providing a challenging facility for more experienced riders. The Staffordshire Signal has discovered that residents were calling for similar investment as far back as 2021. A petition launched on 22nd June that year asked the borough council to upgrade the Lyme Valley track, which it described as having fallen into a state of disrepair. The petition, which attracted 92 supporters, said the park lacked action-sports facilities following the removal of skate ramps and suggested a new track could provide young people with something positive to do. It called for a tarmaced facility resembling the pump track created at Newchapel Recreation Ground. The council’s latest plans would deliver much of what the petition originally requested. Councillor Ben Simpson, Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, said the Reform UK administration wanted to deliver practical improvements that residents could see and enjoy. He said: > “We are putting money back into our communities, investing in our parks and creating places where children can be active, families can spend time together and young people have something positive to do. > “Lyme Valley is one of our borough’s most valued green spaces. We are directing investment into facilities that will make a real difference to local people.” The council will now invite tenders from potential contractors before consulting residents on the proposed designs during the autumn. Procurement information published for the project also indicates that a seating area will be included alongside the new track. The Lyme Valley facility will build on the existing pump track at Newchapel Recreation Ground and complement another track planned as part of improvements to Bradwell Dingle. Councillor Andrew Fisher, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Neighbourhoods, said the new facility would be available for families and young people to enjoy for years to come. He said: > “We were elected to put residents first, protect the places they value and strengthen our communities. > “This new pump track will give families and young people a modern facility they can enjoy for years to come.” Although the council’s approval marks an important step forward, the final design has not yet been agreed. Residents, families and users of the existing BMX track will be invited to comment through the forthcoming public consultation. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Inside the fight over Spode Works: the plan to regenerate a heritage site, and the artists who say they're being left out of it URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/inside-the-fight-over-spode-works-the-plan-to-regenerate-a-heritage-site-and-the-artists-who-say-theyre-being-left-out-of-it/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T17:03:23.000Z Capital&Centric wants to bring the old Spode Works back to life. Stoke-on-Trent City Council has backed the developer as its regeneration partner. But a planning application currently under consideration has drawn formal objections from ACAVA, the Spode Cultural Alliance, Spode Museum Trust and a string of individual studio holders, all of whom say they support redevelopment in principle and object to how this particular scheme has been brought forward. The Staffordshire Signal investigates. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC01921.jpg) ## Two hundred and fifty years in the making If you've ever eaten your Sunday dinner off a Blue Italian plate, you've eaten it off Spode. Josiah Spode set up shop on Church Street in the 1770s, and within a generation his factory had done two things that changed British tableware for good: perfected underglaze blue transfer printing, and cracked the formula for bone china. His son, Josiah Spode II, was made "Potter to the Prince of Wales" after the future king visited the works in 1806\. Blue Italian, launched in 1816, is still in production today. The pottery ran continuously on the same site for the best part of 250 years before finally closing in 2008\. The council bought the site in 2010, and Portmeirion took over the Spode brand itself, which is why you can still buy new Blue Italian today even though nothing's been fired at Spode Works for nearly two decades. In the meantime, the buildings that remain, the ones this application is actually about, have gone from national manufacturing landmark to a Historic England "at risk" listing, which tells its own story about the last 18 years. It's worth sitting with that for a moment, because it's the reason this planning application matters. This isn't a generic brownfield site with a convenient heritage backstory bolted on for the press release. It's 25% of Stoke's town centre conservation area, by the council's own appraisal, and the birthplace of an industry that put this city on maps as far away as royal dinner tables. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## What's actually on site now Spode Works isn't a derelict ruin. Since the pottery closed in 2008, the wider 10-acre site has grown into a working mixed community. Claybody Theatre has been staging productions there since 2017 and, since 2023, has been permanently based at The Dipping House, a converted industrial shed, on a lease with the council secured for a further 15 years. ACAVA runs 43 artist studios on site, alongside a public gallery and a regular programme of exhibitions and open studio events. The Potbank development, run by Spode Works Regeneration Limited (part of the Dog & Bone Group), includes a 22-room aparthotel, The Quarter restaurant and bar, and createch office space, and is itself currently expanding. The British Ceramics Biennial and Spode Museum Trust are also long-term presences on site. The council's own announcement of Capital&Centric's appointment as development partner, in May 2025, was explicit that the new partnership "does not include the whole site, which will continue to host a diverse range of tenants such as Dog & Bone Ltd, ACAVA, BCB and Claybody Theatre". What is true is that the specific buildings within this application's boundary, a cluster of former factory buildings distinct from the Potbank cluster, have been vacant for longer, in some cases since the pottery's closure, and several have fallen into disrepair. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260326_162207--1-.jpg) ## The application Capital&Centric's application to Stoke-on-Trent City Council (ref. 26/FUL/00608, with a linked listed building consent application 26/LBC/00612) covers the first phase of a wider masterplan for the site: repair and reuse of some of its oldest buildings, four new padel courts, a café, an exhibition venue in the China Halls, and the demolition of several factory buildings. In a press release issued this month, C&C's Development Director Mark Edwards said: > "Spode Works is one of the most significant heritage sites in the country and this first phase is about getting the foundations right." He added: > "All existing ACAVA and other cultural residents will not be affected or relocated by the Spode project and existing artists will be more than welcome to move into new space if they wish to or stay where they are." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260326_162122--1-.jpg) ## The objection Stoke-on-Trent City Council has received formal objections from ACAVA, the Spode Cultural Alliance (which represents ACAVA alongside the British Ceramics Biennial, Claybody Theatre, Friends of Spode Rose Garden and Spode Museum Trust), Spode Museum Trust separately, Stoke Creates, and several individual studio holders. None frame themselves as opposed to redevelopment. Paul Riley, a studio holder at ACAVA, wrote: "I also support investment in and development of Spode Works that is without detrimental effect and has a positive impact on Spode Works' cultural organisations, small businesses, artists, Stoke Town and the wider city-region." Joyce Iwaszko, another ACAVA artist, put it more bluntly: "I am opposing current plans but am in full support of the site development." Kornelia Herms, who said she has watched the site "becoming the space to explore and exhibit in by many artists and groups" over the past 12 years, wrote: "The dream was and still is, that the site will be developed further in a complimentary manner to the wider cultural ecosystem of the city and local communities. I would definitely welcome that." Susan Clarke of Stoke Creates, the city's cultural compact, described Spode as "a landmark cultural hub" that the organisation has "been promoting the potential of the site to partners and stakeholders internally and externally for the last five years." The objections centre on how this particular application has been brought forward, not on regeneration itself. The recurring points across the representations: - **Consultation.** The Spode Cultural Alliance's formal objection states that it made repeated requests over roughly 12 months for detailed site plans, and that these were not provided in a form that allowed proper scrutiny until 6 July 2026, almost a month after the application was submitted on 11 June. ACAVA's Dan Southward, in the organisation's own submission, wrote that C&C "promised to share plans before they were officially submitted... As it stands, we feel the current application doesn't address key site issues including site logistics, parking, access, phasing of works, noise, pollution, site management and heritage." Ian Mood, an ACAVA studio artist, made a similar point about the process itself: "The current planning application does not address specific concerns about how the site development will affect existing tenants." - **Space.** ACAVA's own submission states that the proposed replacement studio space does not match its current square footage, and does not include the dedicated gallery or communal space the current studios have. Dan Southward's submission adds that ACAVA's studios have operated at "between 90-100% capacity for the last 10 years," which is part of why the group says any reduction in space matters. It also describes a proposed move via a temporary space in the China Halls before a final move into the new unit. - **Padel and noise.** Several objectors, including ACAVA and studio holders Aneliya Stoyanova and Joyce Iwaszko, cite what they describe as independent UK acoustic studies showing peak padel noise of 70 to 91 decibels, and argue that the site's brick-built, enclosed courtyards will amplify rather than absorb sound. Stoyanova wrote that "the Grade II-listed Spode Works yard is a hard-surfaced echo chamber, meaning noise will be amplified by historic brickwork." \[We have not independently verified the 70 to 91 dB figure or its source, and have asked C&C for a copy of the submitted Noise Impact Assessment.\] - **Heritage and demolition.** Spode Museum Trust's Michael Escolme objected specifically on heritage grounds, pointing to the applicant's own structural condition survey (see below) and arguing that no viability case for the buildings' loss had been published. Kornelia Herms raised a related point about the China Halls specifically, saying the reduced space proposed there "making it less appealing and less useful for large events". - **Parking.** Raised in nearly every objection. The application includes no formal on-site car parking within the application's red-line boundary, relying instead on existing off-site provision nearby. - **The May 2025 commitment.** Several objectors quote a Stoke-on-Trent City Council Cabinet decision of 27 May 2025 (Section 192, clause 1.7): "Agreed (vii) – To approve the commitment that artists, arts organisations and cultural organisations already present on the Spode Site should be retained and facilitated to maintain their presence and meet their strategic development objectives as part of any approved site development plan. These organisations are ACAVA, British Ceramics Biennial, Claybody Theatre, Spode Museum Trust and Spode Rose Garden." They argue the application doesn't demonstrate how that commitment is being met for the buildings affected. One objector, ACAVA studio holder Paul Riley, states in his submission that the application proposes demolition of "building 8P/ACAVA Studios," and raises concern that the application contains no clarity on reprovision for the studios there. We have not independently confirmed current occupancy of Building 8P and have put this directly to C&C. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20241014_144624.jpg) ## What the application documents show We reviewed the application's own supporting reports rather than relying on either side's summary of them. Three things stand out. **First, C&C's own structural engineer says demolition isn't structurally necessary.** The Conservation Engineering Report, commissioned by C&C from Stand Consulting Engineers and covering buildings 8K, 8L, 8N, 8O, 8V, 8S and 8T among others, concludes: > "In general, the condition of the existing structures is not sufficiently poor to warrant demolition, and it would be feasible to carry out repairs to retain the building and extend its life. The Institution of Structural Engineers guidance is for demolition to the last resort when there is no viable alternative." The same report continues: > "We understand that non-structural considerations have concluded that there is no viable use for some of the buildings. In this case, their loss can be considered acceptable if it helps to secure the long-term use of other buildings on the site." Translated out of engineer-speak: the report's own author is saying these buildings could be repaired. The case for demolishing 8K, 8L, 8N, 8O and 8V, cleared to make way for the padel courts, rests on viability rather than structural condition. Spode Museum Trust made this same point in its formal objection, stating that no viability appraisal, marketing exercise or alternatives assessment has been published with the application. Having reviewed the document set provided, we can confirm no such appraisal appears in it. We've asked C&C directly whether one exists. **Second, the application's own documents are largely silent on Building 8P.** The application description names 8P for demolition. The Planning Statement's building-by-building assessment (Appendix 2.0) covers 8S, 8A, 8V, 8U, 8T, 8D, 8E, 8C and the 8K/L/N/O group individually and in detail, but does not include an entry for 8P. The Preliminary Structural Appraisal, commissioned separately from Civic Engineers, likewise assesses every other building proposed for demolition or partial demolition in detail, with no equivalent section on 8P. The Heritage Statement does address it, briefly, concluding that demolition would have "a neutral effect" as the building "makes a very limited contribution to the significance of the principal listed building." We've asked C&C what the plan is for 8P's current use and occupants. **Third, the council's own technical consultees have raised independent objections.** Stoke-on-Trent City Council's ecology consultee formally objected to the application on 3rd August 2026, stating that the submitted Preliminary Ecological Appraisal does not include roost assessments for Buildings 8B, 8L and Gordon House, all proposed for demolition, and that tree survey results referenced in the report have not been included. This is separate from the objections raised by artists and heritage groups. \[We are still reviewing the remaining consultee comments from Highways, Air Quality, Environmental Health, the Lead Local Flood Authority and the Environment Agency, submitted between 4 and 19 August.\] ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260326_155526--1-.jpg) ## Padel, plans and paperwork: the consultation record C&C's Consultation Report, prepared by Font Communications and submitted with the application, documents a public consultation that ran from 17 March to 6 April 2026: a newsletter to 3,050 addresses, a drop-in event on 26 March attended by roughly 300 people, and 146 questionnaire responses. That process took place before the application was submitted, and the numbers are set out in the applicant's own report. That consultation appears to have covered the broad vision for the site, gardens, food and drink, padel, and exhibition space, rather than detailed technical engagement on individual tenants' space. The specific complaint from the Spode Cultural Alliance is about the latter: detailed site plans for their own space, which they say weren't shared until after the application went in. The two aren't necessarily in conflict, but they answer different questions. It's also worth noting that some of the concerns raised in the August objections were already present in the March and April questionnaire responses recorded in C&C's own report. One respondent wrote: "As studio holders we need assurances that the cost of the studio spaces will be matched with what we are currently paying." The report's own summary of feedback states that "many respondents referred to padel as a fad." ## Where this stands The application remains under consideration. It was validated on 17 July 2026 and has an expiry date of 16 October 2026\. At this stage, the decision is delegated to planning officer David Clarke rather than scheduled for committee. The Staffordshire Signal has put the questions raised in this article to Capital&Centric and to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and will publish their responses in full as they're received. This is a developing story. --- *Have information relevant to this story, or work or are involved at Spode Works? Get in touch:* *jenna@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk* [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire Farmers Urged to Shear Sheep Despite Bluetongue Concerns URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-farmers-urged-to-shear-sheep-despite-bluetongue-concerns/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T10:07:05.000Z Staffordshire County Council has urged farmers to continue shearing their sheep where necessary, following reports that some keepers may be delaying or avoiding the practice because of concerns about Bluetongue virus. The authority said there is no evidence that keeping sheep’s wool intact protects animals from the disease. Delaying shearing during periods of high temperatures can instead expose sheep to heat stress and other health problems. Farmers who fail to protect their animals from unnecessary suffering could also face enforcement action where welfare is compromised. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting livestock including sheep, cattle and goats. It is spread by biting midges but does not affect people or food safety. The National Farmers’ Union has also warned producers to disregard misleading information advising them not to shear their animals. Clare Wise, acting chair of the NFU Livestock Board, said shearing remained an essential part of good animal husbandry and was particularly important during hot weather. Farmers are being advised to work closely with their vets, maintain appropriate hygiene measures and consider vaccination to protect their livestock. Suspected cases of bluetongue must be reported immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### £34m College Boost to Create New Classrooms and Specialist Training Facilities URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/34m-college-boost-to-create-new-classrooms-and-specialist-training-facilities/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T08:25:19.000Z More than £34 million is being invested in colleges across Staffordshire to create new classrooms, workshops and specialist training facilities. The funding, awarded by the Department for Education through its Post-16 Capacity Fund, is intended to help colleges accommodate increasing numbers of 16 to 18 year olds while preparing students for careers in sectors facing skills shortages. Staffordshire County Council worked with further education providers to make the case for investment across the county. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has secured £6.8 million towards a £13 million extension of its main building at Newcastle College’s Knutton Lane campus. The development is expected to create 16 additional classrooms and allow the college to accommodate many more students. Stoke-on-Trent College will receive £6 million to continue developing facilities designed to provide practical training for work in high demand industries. Elsewhere, Burton and South Derbyshire College has been awarded £4.9 million to replace its former engineering workshop with a purpose built learning facility. South Staffordshire College has secured £15 million for work across its Rodbaston, Lichfield and Cannock campuses. Plans include refurbished media teaching spaces and a new learning resource centre at Lichfield, alongside additional construction workshops at Cannock. More than £10 million will be invested at Rodbaston College, including expanded teaching and learning support facilities and a new Civil Engineering Centre for young people, adults and apprentices. Cllr Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, described the funding as a “huge boost” for further education. He said: > “It will give more young people the opportunity to learn in modern facilities and develop the skills they need for their future careers. > “It’s also great news for businesses, giving them access to a talented workforce with the skills our local economy needs.” The announcement comes as Staffordshire’s colleges face rising demand for places. Previous analysis by the county council and its partners estimated that an additional 4,185 post-16 places could be required by the 2029–30 academic year. The latest investment represents a significant expansion, but it may not settle the capacity question entirely. The council and education providers will continue assessing projected student numbers to establish whether the funded developments will create enough places - and identify where further investment may still be required. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir to perform charity concert for firefighters URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-male-voice-choir-to-perform-charity-concert-for-firefighters/ Last updated: 2026-08-20T08:02:46.000Z The City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir will take to the stage in Newcastle-under-Lyme this September for a special concert supporting firefighters and their families. The charity concert will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Brampton Road on Saturday 12 September, from 7pm until 9.30pm. Entry is free, with those attending invited to make a voluntary donation directly to Fire Fighters Charity. Light refreshments will be available, while guests will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the church building during the interval. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Supporting the fire services community Fire Fighters Charity provides clinical care, personal wellbeing services and practical support for members of the fire services community and their families, both during and after service. Its support includes help with physical and mental health needs, financial wellbeing and some of the challenges that can affect family life. The charity works with all 52 Fire and Rescue Services across the UK, although it remains independent and relies predominantly on voluntary funding. ## A local choir with a proud history The City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir has been part of the area’s musical life since 1950, when it began as the Parkhall Colliery Male Voice Choir. Formed by men connected to one of Stoke-on-Trent’s major local industries, the choir later adopted its current name during its Golden Anniversary Concert in 2000. Over the years, its members have performed across the country and overseas, while continuing to share their love of music and song with local audiences. The September concert offers people the chance to enjoy a special evening of live music while showing their appreciation for firefighters and supporting the wider fire services community. ## Event details **Date:** Saturday 12 September 2026 **Time:** 7pm to 9.30pm **Venue:** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Brampton Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 0QW **Admission:** Free, with voluntary donations welcomed Places can be reserved through [Welcome to Church](https://welcometochurch.org.uk/Firefighters?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Those who cannot attend but would still like to support the cause can [donate directly to Fire Fighters Charity](https://donate.firefighterscharity.org.uk/?dontype=single&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Recovery work continues following major Sandyford fire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/recovery-work-continues/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T11:01:20.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council is continuing to support residents and coordinate recovery work following the major fire in Sandyford on Thursday evening. Council officers arrived within an hour of the fire being reported and worked throughout the night alongside emergency services and partner organisations. Four households were provided with emergency accommodation for the weekend, while other affected families stayed with friends and relatives nearby. Alternative arrangements were also made for two dogs belonging to affected households. Staffordshire Police has arrested two people in connection with the incident and investigations are continuing. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Damaged properties remain under assessment Building assurance and dangerous structures officers have assessed the damaged properties and continue to monitor potential risks. Four properties have been identified as dangerous structures, while around 200 metres of security fencing has been installed around affected homes and neighbouring areas to protect residents and prevent unauthorised access. Council teams have also worked with utility providers to isolate gas and electricity supplies where necessary. The council is working with Cadent regarding the restoration of gas supplies to affected properties. The area remained a crime scene and fire investigation scene until Sunday lunchtime. Following the emergency response led by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, responsibility for coordinating the recovery transferred to the council on Monday. ## Support continues for Sandyford residents A multi agency Recovery Coordination Group has been established, bringing together representatives from housing, communities, highways, waste, finance and emergency planning. Recovery work includes street cleansing, road sweeping, gully cleaning and waste removal. Replacement bins and skips are also being provided where required. Housing, Adult Social Care and Housing Benefits teams are continuing to offer practical help and advice. The council is also working with VAST, Citizens Advice and Mind to coordinate financial, practical and wellbeing support. Council staff from social care, benefit advice and housing attended Goldenhill Community Centre on Tuesday to support residents. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This has been an extremely difficult and distressing incident for the residents affected. > > "When I visited the scene on Friday, I spoke to residents whose homes and lives had been disrupted overnight. Hearing directly from those affected brought home the impact this fire has had on families and the wider community. > > “Our priority from the outset has been keeping people safe and making sure residents have the support they need. I’d like to thank the emergency services, utility providers, community organisations and council staff who have worked tirelessly since Thursday evening. > > “Our staff have been on site supporting Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and other frontline responders. We have continued to work closely with partners throughout the response, including VAST and other organisations from the voluntary and community sector. > > “There is still work to do and we will continue to support affected residents and work with our partners as the recovery progresses. > > "Anyone who thinks fires and disposable BBQs are harmless should look at the damage caused here. Families have been displaced, homes have been affected and emergency services have had to commit substantial resources to keeping people safe. ## How to support those affected A public appeal has been established through VAST to support families and households affected by the fire. Donations can be made through the [Sandyford Fire Recovery Fund](https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/standwithsandyford?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The council has also established a dedicated 24 hour helpline for residents affected by the fire who need advice, information or support. The number is **01782 234441**. Recovery work will continue in partnership with emergency services and other organisations while monitoring and support arrangements remain in place. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: council leader accused of chamber outburst, Best of British Beer turns 15, and the Horn Dance returns to Abbots Bromley URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-council-leader-accused-of-chamber-outburst-best-of-british-beer-turns-15-and-the-horn-dance-returns-to-abbots-bromley/ Last updated: 2026-08-19T06:00:59.000Z *Dear Readers,* *This week we're looking at serious allegations against a council leader following a heated chamber confrontation, a very happy 15th birthday for one of the county's favourite beer businesses, and one of Staffordshire's oldest and strangest traditions gearing up for its return to Abbots Bromley.* *Our crowdfunder is going brilliantly so far, thank you to everyone who has backed us this week. If you would still like to help us reach our target and grow Signal TV, the podcast and the app, you can do so here:* [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *We're also delighted to welcome Yopa as the Signal's official estate agent partner this week, you'll find a few of their Staffordshire listings further down.* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Best of British Beer celebrates its 15th birthday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/best-of-british-beer-celebrates-its-15th-birthday/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T11:55:21.000Z The Newcastle-under-Lyme based business turns 15 this week and the team are raising a glass to their busiest year yet! What started off in a garden shed in 2011 has grown into the country’s biggest provider of online beer gifts, championing independent breweries and giving them an additional route to market. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Founders Will and Gill Sherwin never imagined that their idea would be so popular. > “I think we started the business at just the right time, when demand for craft beer was starting to take off.” Will said. “Back then, the number of small breweries had doubled in just a few years to around 2,000 and everyone wanted to be part of the adventure.” ![Will Sherwin - Best of British Beer](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Will-Sherwin-and-beers.jpeg) Will Sherwin - Best of British Beer [Best of British Beer](https://www.bestofbritishbeer.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) has just recorded its most successful year to date, with income topping the £3million mark for the first time, an increase of 11% on the previous year. One of the secrets to the employee-owned Company’s success has been to work with Staffordshire based businesses wherever possible. > “Our boxes are made a few miles away, our main lager supplier is Freedom brewery in Abbots Bromley, the beer and gin we use for personalisation are provided by Staffordshire Brewery in Cheddleton and even the crisps we put in our gift boxes come from Rugeley.” Gill explained. As part of their birthday celebrations, the team have created 15 collaboration brews with some of their favourite brewery partners from all over the country. What started as a plan to produce a couple of limited-edition beers quickly developed into the need for 15 different recipes, names and label designs. > “We’ve tried to create 15 different beer styles to give our customers maximum choice. “ Will explained. “We’ve had a lot of fun thinking up ideas for each label and we’ve taken inspiration from a number of different sources.” There’s a ‘Zoom Call Dachshund’ lager which refers to an online incident with Gill’s mum’s dog, and a ruby ale that celebrates the life of Philip Astley, the Father of the modern circus, born less than a mile from our office. There are two beers that reflect the pottery industry, the label on Willow Ale is a reimagining of the famous pale blue Wedgwood design and Backstamp Bitter celebrates the Stoke tradition of ‘plate turning’ to see where the product is made. [![The Best of British Beer 15th birthday collection is available to buy online for £32.99.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Staffs-Birthday-Beers-1.jpeg)](https://www.bestofbritishbeer.co.uk/best-of-british-beer-15th-birthday-case.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The Best of British Beer 15th birthday collection is available to buy online for £32.99 You can also pop into their Silverdale warehouse and pick one up at the special price of just £30.00 [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### 'Horrorshow': Stoke local stars in 'indie sleaze' Edinburgh Fringe show URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/horrorshow-stoke-local-stars-in-indie-sleaze-edinburgh-fringe-show/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T08:07:25.000Z A raw and energetic tale of class, nostalgia, and 00s festival culture, starring none other than local Stoke legend, Joe Matty, is showing at Bolton Gate Arts on 22 August. This is a preview performance, ahead of the production's Edinburgh Fringe run, which is from 25-31 August. 'Horrorshow' is the latest offering from multi-award-winning theatre company Chronic Insanity, following their previous critical successes at the Fringe and beyond. Set against the backdrop of a massive 00s music festival that swallows a local town every summer, 'Horrorshow' follows two lads, Dan and Ollie. Dan has a rucksack full of stolen weed and a plan that might just work; Ollie (played by Matty) has serious reservations and an A-level reading list. As the festival unfolds, the lifelong friends find themselves becoming strangers in a world they cannot afford to enter. ‘Horrorshow’ is theatre that hits audiences like a festival headliner. 'Horrorshow' stars Joe Matty, founder and director of local Stoke-on-Trent creative hub, Bolton Gate Arts. The show co-stars and is written by Doug Deans, who is a plawright currently under commission for Almeida Theatre. Original music and lyrics have been written by Anya Pearson, of the acclaimed feminist punk band Dream Nails, (Pearson is also the show's Musical Director). ‘Horrorshow’ is directed by Chronic Insanity AD/CEO Joe Strickland. The production features a live band playing original songs inspired by iconic, late 00’s ‘indie sleaze’ acts like The Libertines, Jamie T, and Arctic Monkeys. The band accompanies a story that tears into lad culture, class disparity and the impact of large commercial events on local communities and green spaces. Chronic Insanity has a distinguished track record of producing innovative, boundary-pushing work, including the five star Edinburgh Fringe hit '24', 23, 22’, and previous collaborations with industry giants such as The Young Vic, BBC, BFI, and Nottingham Playhouse. Artistic Director Joe Strickland says: > "With 'Horrorshow', we wanted to capture the raw, messy energy of a live gig while telling a deeply honest story about the disparities about who gets to experience cultural spaces. It’s about that specific brand of 00s nostalgia and the tension of feeling like an outsider in your own backyard. We’re thrilled to bring this production to Bolton Gate Arts, and, to give long-time fans of the venue a unique opportunity to see its founder walk the boards for one night only." ### 'Horrorshow' Preview Bolton Gate Arts | Saturday 22nd August | 6.30pm Location: The Manège Outdoor Arts Space, Bolton Gate Farm ST3 5BD 'Pay-what-you-decide' ticket scheme\*: £15 Supporter | £10 Standard | £5 Subsidised Running time (approx): 1 hour (no interval) Suitable for: 16+ (Contains strong language, threats of physical violence, drug references, and loud music) **Buy Tickets for Bolton Gate Arts:** [https://www.tickettailor.com/events/boltongateartscic/2291932](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/boltongateartscic/2291932?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) 'Horrorshow' will also run at The Edinburgh Fringe, from August 25 - 31 | 7:15pm at Summerhall (Anatomy Lecture Theatre). **Buy Tickets for Summerhall:** [https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/horrorshow/](https://festival.summerhallarts.co.uk/events/horrorshow/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Age Suitability: 16+ [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The Ballad of Maria Marten Comes to Crown Wharf Theatre This September URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-ballad-of-maria-marten-comes-to-crown-wharf-theatre-this-september/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T07:48:32.000Z An upcoming production of Beth Flintoff's critically acclaimed play, The Ballad of Maria Marten, opening at the Crown Wharf Theatre next month. Running from September 9-12, the play provides a poignant and urgent retelling of the 1827 Red Barn Murder. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1981.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1948.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG_1970.jpg) The Ballad of Maria Marten Comes to Crown Wharf Theatre While the historic case triggered a nationwide manhunt and has been a staple of British true crime folklore for two centuries, Flintoff's script shifts the focus away from the gruesome sensationalism of the murder. Instead, it places Maria Marten at the heart of her own story, celebrating her life, friendships, and agency before her tragic death. > "The murder of Maria Marten is a story that has been told and retold with much lip-smacking enthusiasm for the gruesome details," says playwright Beth Flintoff. "Here is the reversal of that telling. It's the story of Maria's murder, but it's an 'un-murdering.' It's a play about the people that experience violence; it's a play about love." Directed by Kath Stanway, the production features an ensemble of six women who utilize music, movement, and vivid storytelling to bring the narrative to life. Stanway emphasizes the importance of reclaiming Marten's voice in this modern context. > "Beth Flintoff’s brilliant play asks us to look again, beyond the murder mystery, and see Maria as a young woman with hopes and a life of her own," says Stanway. "The rehearsal process has already produced incredible goosebump moments. It’s a production full of heart and joy, despite its intensity, and we are eager to share it with the Stone community." Performances will take place nightly at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for £16 (Adults) and £14 (Concessions) through the Crown Wharf Theatre box office at [www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk](http://www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The production is recommended for audiences aged 14 and above. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New Stafford Care Home Appoints Management Team Ahead of November Opening URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-stafford-care-home-appoints-management-team-ahead-of-november-opening/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T07:37:39.000Z Katy Anderson will be taking the reins as home manager at Care UK’s Hartwood when it opens its Cannock Road doors in November. Katy brings with her 15 years of experience in the care sector, including three years as a home manager, most recently at Foxland Grange in Wolverhampton. Her professional qualifications include a degree in nursing, being a registered mental health nurse and has an RCN qualification in leadership. Katy said: > “Joining the team at Hartwood is a fantastic opportunity to embed the highest-quality standards from the beginning. > > “I look forward to seeing everyone who comes through the doors and to nurturing a strong, positive team here.” Katy describes strong leadership, clear communication and compassion as key to her role, alongside championing person-led approaches and supporting teams to grow professionally. She added: > “Seeing people live their life to the fullest and helping people when most in need is my favourite part of the role. I love talking to people and making a positive impact on someone’s day.” Alongside Katy will be Charmaine Nicolson. As well as previously holding the customer relations manager role at Care UK sister home Chandler Court, Charmaine is experienced in working closely with families in people-focused roles such as being a business owner of a premium housekeeping business, with an emphasis on helping senior clients in their homes. Charmaine said: > “I’m excited to be joining Hartwood from the very beginning of its journey. It’s a fantastic opportunity to shape a new home, build strong links with the local community and ensure that, from opening day, residents and families feel proud to call Hartwood their home.” Paula Gresham, Regional Director for Care UK, said: > “Hartwood represents an important investment for Care UK, and we are delighted to welcome Katy and Charmaine to lead the home. > > “Katy brings extensive experience in commissioning and managing care homes, as well as a strong commitment to person-led care. Having the right leadership in place is essential to creating a home residents and families can trust, and both Katy and Charmaine’s knowledge and approach will be invaluable as Hartwood prepares to open.” Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, Hartwood will incorporate plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building will be configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. To find out more about the home, please visit [careuk.com/hartwood](https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/hartwood-stafford?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Redrow Midlands Donates £3,000 to Charities Supporting Young People URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/redrow-midlands-donates-3-000-to-charities-supporting-young-people/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T07:25:06.000Z A housebuilder is helping two charities in their missions to support and educate young people. Redrow Midlands, which is building at Amington Garden Village in Tamworth, has donated £1,500 to both Kibblestone District Scout Council and the Sensory People charity. The funding will go towards improving the water infrastructure of the Kibblestone campsite and activity centre, as water for the site largely comes from its own bore hole and can therefore be very weak at peak times. By installing a local tank, the team will be able to enhance the customer experience and reduce maintenance issues. Chris Belyavin, fundraising support worker at Kibblestone District Scout Council, said: > “Projects like this may not be glamorous but they make a real difference to the customer experience and the efficiency of operations. > > “Thank you to Redrow Midlands for its support. We are very grateful!” At Sensory People, the donation will be used to fit out the equipment for its new sensory integration therapy centre in Romsley. This includes swings, mats and equipment that aid a range of movement, therapeutically assist in a child’s ability to regulate their behaviour and improve their earning outcomes. Marion Rogerson, founder and lead therapist at Sensory People, said: > “When we move into our new centre, we will be able to double our one-to-one Ayres Sensory Integration therapy offering and support more families of children and young people who have debilitating sensory processing challenges. > > “We are very grateful to receive funding for this provision from Redrow Midlands.” The donations came from Redrow Midlands’s community fund provided by the Barratt Redrow Foundation. Since its launch, the charitable arm of the housebuilder has donated more than £20 million to charities and good causes across the UK and supported the growth of charitable giving, volunteering and fundraising across the company. Joanne Watson, Sales Director at Redrow Midlands, said: > “Both charities are dedicated to improving children’s lives, and we are proud to offer these donations to such fantastic causes. > > “The Barratt Redrow Foundation is committed to helping brilliant organisations like these to support those who need it the most. We hope both charities continue to grow and provide life-changing experiences and care for children across the country.” The Amington Garden Village developments offer a choice of two, three and four-bedroom properties. These sought-after homes are part of Redrow’s award-winning Heritage Collection and are located just three miles from Tamworth’s town centre. The development provides a rural setting with excellent commuter links, including easy reach of the A5, M42 and M6 Toll. For more information about Amington Garden Village, please call 01827 952 282 or visit [www.redrow.co.uk/locations/west-midlands/tamworth/](http://www.redrow.co.uk/locations/west-midlands/tamworth/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). To find out more about the Barratt Redrow Foundation, please visit [www.barrattredrowfoundation.org.uk](http://www.barrattredrowfoundation.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Double Success for amb Insurance at Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/double-success-for-amb-insurance-at-staffordshire-chambers-business-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T06:35:03.000Z The Staffordshire-based firm was awarded the Professional Services of the Year accolade, being recognised for their focus on leadership, management, staff development, social responsibility, future growth plans and exceptional performance. To top the night off, amb also won the Responsible Business of the Year prize, which recognised the firm’s commitment to their local community, including raising £25,000 for the Peter Pan Centre, being corporate partners for Staffordshire FA, sponsoring Newcastle Town FC’s women’s team plus supporting other worthwhile causes such as The Alice Charity, Gingerbread Family Support and local foodbanks. Mark Jones, Sales & Partnerships Director at amb Insurance commented, > “We’re immensely proud to have won two awards at the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards. > > “These awards reflect our whole amazing team, whose passion, dedication and commitment to deliver exceptional service and making a positive impact, are at the heart of everything we do. > > “We’d also like to congratulate all of the finalists and winners and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce for hosting such an incredible evening celebrating everything that is brilliant about businesses in our county.” Read more about the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards [here](https://www.google.com/url?sa=D&q=https://daily-focus.co.uk/2026/07/revealed-all-the-winners-from-the-2026-staffordshire-chambers-business-awards-as-family-run-engineering-firm-take-top-gong/&ust=1787120940000000&usg=AOvVaw29EmjdJK1UR%5F8n%5Fm7fvBEi&hl=en-GB&source=gmail). The positive awards news also continues, with amb shortlisted for the Business in the Community and Small Business of the Year categories at this year’s University of Staffordshire Business Awards, which take place on Thursday 3rd September at The Catalyst building at University of Staffordshire. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Council Leader Accused of Threatening Chamber Outburst URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-leader-accused-of-threatening-chamber-outburst/ Last updated: 2026-08-18T15:30:50.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has remained tight-lipped over serious allegations surrounding the conduct of its leader during a heated encounter at the authority’s July meeting. Councillor Jonathan Gullis has been accused of shouting, swearing and making threats towards Gordon Davies, a Kidsgrove town councillor and member of the public attending the meeting on 8th July. Online accounts have alleged that fellow Reform UK councillors intervened and escorted their leader away from the confrontation. The Signal has not independently verified these accounts. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The Staffordshire Signal has also been told that a communication concerning the incident was subsequently circulated internally to Reform councillors. We have not seen that communication and cannot independently confirm its contents. The Signal put the allegations to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and asked whether the authority could provide their account of the incident. The council's response, set out in full below, was received before The Signal's published deadline. No official findings have been made against Councillor Gullis (to our knowledge), and the allegations remain disputed. But what began as an alleged confrontation within the council chamber has now spilled very publicly onto social media, producing sharply conflicting accounts of what happened that evening and reopening an increasingly bitter political feud in Kidsgrove. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## **‘A Screaming Tirade’** Mr Davies has confirmed that he submitted a complaint to the council's Monitoring Officer, who is responsible for considering allegations that councillors have breached the authority's code of conduct. In a lengthy public statement, he alleged that he approached Councillor Gullis during a recess to explain why he had previously spoken to the council's chief executive at the officers' table. According to Mr Davies, he had barely begun speaking when the council leader launched what he described as an "expletive-driven, threatening and aggressive" tirade lasting between 10 and 12 minutes. Mr Davies claims Councillor Gullis shouted remarks including "get the F out of here", "I'm going to get you" and "you're havin' it". These quotes are drawn from Mr Davies's own public statement and have not been independently verified by The Signal. He further alleges that the chief executive attempted to guide the two men apart and that another councillor put an arm around Councillor Gullis as he moved back towards Mr Davies. These allegations have not been independently verified by The Signal. It is not known how much of the encounter was captured by the council's recording equipment. Mr Davies says Councillor Gullis later gave him a verbal apology. He also claims the council initially proposed handling his complaint informally, but that he requested a formal process involving interviews and an examination of any available audio and video. A complaint is an allegation, not a finding of wrongdoing. The Monitoring Officer's consideration of the matter remains ongoing, and Councillor Gullis has not been found to have breached the council's code of conduct. ## **Gullis Hits Back (not literally)** Councillor Gullis has not addressed every allegation about the chamber encounter directly. Instead, he has published his own extensive statement accusing the Kidsgrove Independents of subjecting him to a “relentless personal campaign”. He said political criticism and scrutiny were entirely legitimate but argued that attacks on his character, employment and family had crossed a very different line. > “I have faced repeated personal insults; allegations or insinuations about dishonesty, corruption and illegality; and attacks on my private employment,” he wrote. Councillor Gullis particularly criticised the Kidsgrove Independents page for sharing the LinkedIn profile of the co-founder of the organisation which employs him and suggesting that residents might be given the individual’s contact details. > “Why should somebody who employs me and who is not an elected politician be dragged into this and face the prospect of his contact details being circulated to strangers?” he asked. > “That is not scrutinising a council decision. In my opinion, that is crossing a very different line.” Councillor Gullis said his concerns had been shaped by previous experiences of abuse in public life. He described receiving threatening correspondence, being confronted while shopping and having a family car vandalised with an offensive political insult. He also said an individual received a conditional caution earlier this year after sending threats to him online. > “Sustained online hostility does not always stay online,” he wrote. “When people know where you live and where you work, it inevitably raises concerns about personal and family safety.” Those claims deserve to be taken seriously. Robust political scrutiny never excuses threats, intimidation, vandalism or attempts to target the relatives and private employers of elected representatives. Kidsgrove Independents strenuously deny all accusations made against them, and say that all they have done is hold Reform to account and ensure the public is aware of decisions made by their councillors. However, what Cllr Gullis’ statement does not do is answer the separate questions about what took place inside the council building on 8th July. ## **From Allies to Opponents** Its fair to say that both individuals in question have history extending months before this incident supposedly took place. Councillor Gullis said Ray Williams, Gordon Davies and Georgia Shenton - now associated with the Kidsgrove Independents - had previously been involved with Reform UK. According to Councillor Gullis, Mr Williams had initially been selected as a Reform council candidate, and preparations for his campaign were underway before concerns raised by other members led the party to withdraw its approval. The Signal has not independently verified this account, and has not yet been able to reach Mr Williams for comment on this specific claim. Councillor Gullis said he and Mr Williams had previously worked together on the campaign to reopen Kidsgrove Sports Centre. He said he had praised Williams in Parliament and once encouraged him to stand for the Conservatives. That working relationship has since collapsed into an acrimonious public dispute, with accusations now travelling in both directions. Councillor Gullis characterises the Kidsgrove Independents' conduct as sustained personal harassment. Mr Davies rejects that description and accuses the council leader of attempting to "get ahead" of the possible consequences of the code of conduct complaint. Mr Davies also denies making attacks against the families of Reform councillors. Each side now says the other has crossed the boundary separating legitimate political criticism from unacceptable personal conduct. ## **Questions The Council Must Answer** There may be disagreements about what prompted the confrontation and precisely what was said. There should be far less difficulty establishing some of the basic facts. Did officers witness the encounter? Did councillors intervene? Was Councillor Gullis led away? Does a recording exist? Was an internal message sent to members afterwards? Has the Monitoring Officer received complaints from one or both sides, and what process is now being followed? The council may be limited in what it can disclose while a complaint is under consideration. Confidentiality around an unfinished standards process is important, particularly when no findings have been reached. That does not prevent the authority from confirming procedural facts or explaining how it is responding to an alleged disturbance involving its most senior political figure inside its own chamber. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council provided The Signal with the following statement ahead of publication: "Several years ago, following an incident after a public meeting, changes were made to ensure the safety of officers and elected members in non-public areas of the council building. "Following two incidents at a recent meeting of Full Council, we are reviewing those arrangements." The spokesman added: "Our complaints process has also been triggered by these incidents and that process is following its usual course. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment further at this time." The council's statement confirms that "two incidents" occurred at a recent Full Council meeting and that its complaints process has been triggered. It does not name those involved, confirm that the incidents relate to the 8th July meeting specifically, or confirm the nature of any formal investigation. The Signal has asked the council to clarify these points and will update this article accordingly. A council leader is entitled to protection from threats, harassment and incursions into his family or private employment. What he is not entitled to is breaching the council's code of conduct, or avoiding appropriate scrutiny from the media via official channels. Both principles can, and must, be upheld at the same time. For now, Newcastle-under-Lyme has two bitterly opposed accounts, an unresolved standards complaint and a council that has so far given only a limited response. The Staffordshire Signal has contacted Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and the Kidsgrove Independents to provide any further evidence or response. This story will be followed up if additional information is received. --- **UPDATE:** Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has provided me with the following statement: > “Several years ago, following an incident after a public meeting, changes were made to ensure the safety of officers and elected members in non-public areas of the council building. > “Following two incidents at a recent meeting of Full Council, we are reviewing those arrangements.” The spokesman added: > “Our complaints process has also been triggered by these incidents and that process is following its usual course. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment further at this time.” --- Therefore, the council has confirmed that an incident did indeed take place during a full council meeting, and a formal investigation is subsequently now underway. --- *This article was updated on 18th August 2026 to reflect that Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's statement was received before The Staffordshire Signal's published deadline, and to clarify the framing of the council's response.* --- ### UK’s Only Collage Art Conference Returns to Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/uks-only-collage-art-conference-returns-to-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T17:24:45.000Z The UK’s only conference dedicated entirely to collage art will return to Stoke-on-Trent this September. Contemporary Collage LIVE! 2026 will take place at the Film Theatre at the University of Staffordshire on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September. Following the success of last year’s event, the conference has been expanded from one day to two. Each morning will feature talks and presentations, followed by practical workshops led by visiting artists in the afternoon. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Weekly Staffordshire’s free, quality, digital newspaper - plus a monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The programme includes Edinburgh Collage Collective founder Rhed Fawell; award-winning design duo Dr. Me; Nigerian and London-based artist Lawrence Meju; curator Emma Campagnaro; and collage artist and creative tutor Jodie House. The event is organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme-based [Contemporary Collage Magazine ](https://www.contemporarycollagemagazine.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)in partnership with the university. Launched in 2021, the international print and digital publication is the only European magazine dedicated to collage art. Magazine founder Les Jones said: > “It’s been my ambition to create an international event that celebrates the incredible work being produced in the medium of collage, and we’re delighted to bring that event to Stoke-on-Trent once again.” He added that the artists and academics taking part would each bring their own perspective to the growing art form. The university will also host Jones’s first solo exhibition, which will be open to everyone attending the conference. Conference and ticket details are available from [**contemporarycollagemagazine.com**](https://www.contemporarycollagemagazine.com/cc-live-2026?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/cc-live_press-release.jpg) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire farmer sentenced following major animal welfare investigation URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-farmer-sentenced-following-major-animal-welfare-investigation/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T12:05:14.000Z Jennifer Bennett, aged 30, of Brookside View, Hodge Lane, Birchcross, Uttoxeter, appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 30 July. She received a 14 week suspended jail sentence, 12 months of community service, was ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge, and was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years. The case followed an unannounced inspection by Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards Animal Health Team at Brookside View on 25 March last year. During the inspection, officers found multiple cattle in extremely poor condition. Numerous animals were found dead, while others were emaciated and unable to stand. Officers also discovered cattle without adequate access to feed or water, along with calves being kept in dirty conditions. Nearly 100 cattle were removed from the farm to prevent further suffering. Many of the animals required extensive veterinary treatment, while some were in such poor health that they had to be put down. District Judge O’Connor told the court: > *“Jennifer Bennett is the person responsible for the welfare of the animals as the legal owner and there was a significant period of neglect which led to disease and death.”* Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: > *“This is another incredibly distressing animal welfare case our Trading Standards officers have had to deal with.* > > *“The suffering uncovered in this case was significant and required immediate action to protect the animals involved.* > > *“We take animal welfare extremely seriously and will not hesitate to pursue robust enforcement action where standards fall below the law.”* The investigation also uncovered suspected offences relating to cattle identification and animal by products legislation. Ms Bennett’s father, Alan Bennett, who had day to day responsibility for the care of the cattle, is due to be sentenced separately at Stafford Crown Court. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Staffordshire Crews Repair 4,750 Potholes in Record July URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-crews-repair-4-750-potholes-in-record-july/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T10:42:09.000Z Staffordshire highways crews filled 4,750 potholes in July, more than any other month in the past five years, as the Reform-led administration steps up work to tackle the county's historic highways backlog. The July total is also significantly higher than the same month last year, when 3,583 defects were repaired. The figures come as Staffordshire County Council works towards its target of repairing 40,000 potholes by the end of March 2027, supported by dedicated funding, extra crews and faster repair methods. The Reform UK Staffordshire County Council Group says the figures show highways work has not stopped and that the council is now targeting the lower-level defects residents have been raising for years. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-17-11.33.13-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot_20230503_171341_Gallery-1.jpg) Cllr Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways said: > "July's repair figures show our highways teams are delivering at pace." > > "The key difference now is that we are not only reacting to the most urgent defects. We are also going after lower-level potholes and road defects before they become bigger problems." > > "Our Roadmap to a Better Network means better planning, a whole-road approach where possible and better coordination to reduce disruption for residents." > > "There is a lot of work ahead, but the direction is clear: fix the roads, protect the network and reduce the backlog." The focus is not only on urgent safety defects, but also on the lower-level potholes and road defects that have blighted communities and built into a growing backlog over recent years. The council's Roadmap to a Better Network sets out a change in approach, focused on fixing more roads, reducing the backlog, improving value for money and keeping Staffordshire moving. The wider highways programme also includes £22 million in preventative treatments, delivering around 1.5 million square metres of work, and £15 million in full reconstruction schemes, delivering around 57,000 square metres of rebuild. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20240923_122702-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20240515_102750-2.jpg) A further £3.1 million is being invested in footway repairs, restarting maintenance work after a number of years of suspension and delivering around 74km of footway dressing this year. The Reform UK Staffordshire County Council Group says the highways programme demonstrates a clear shift from talking about the problem to delivering visible action on the ground. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### St. Margaret Ward Catholic Academy celebrates 97% pass rate for A Levels URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/st-margaret-ward-catholic-academy-celebrates-97-pass-rate-for-a-levels/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T14:05:27.000Z One of the standout achievers was Madie Longshaw, who achieved an A star in History, A in English Literature and A in Sociology, and will being going on to study History and Politics at Cambridge University from October. Madie Longshaw commented, > “I was really nervous about my History but after getting my results I feel so calm and glad my hard work has paid off. I’m really excited about going to Cambridge - it will take a bit of getting used to, but I’m looking forward to it." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG.jpg) Principal Dominic McKenna, shared his delight at the overall achievement of the learners, including Madie, saying, > "We've had a really great group of students and while we're sorry to see them go, we're delighted for them going off to bright and exciting futures. > > "We try to give them the best possible start in life, and results such as Madie's prove that the sky is the limit for your ambitions. Our Sixth Form is a nice size which allows us to offer that pastoral and academic support which can be personalised to each learner." Some results of note belong to: Krishna Ram who achieved three B grades and is going to study Medicine at Keele University Luhayych Mustafa who achieved an A and two distinction stars and will be studying Physiotherapy also at Keele Yahnah Mustafa also achieved two A stars and an A and after taking a gap year will also be studying Medicine at Keele Isabel Saunders achieved two C grades and a Distinction and is heading to York University to study Social Political Science. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Save the Date for the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance 2026, One of Staffordshires Oldest Traditions URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/save-the-date-for-the-abbots-bromley-horn-dance-2026-one-of-staffordshires-oldest-traditions/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T13:45:44.000Z The famous East Staffordshire custom is often said to date back around 800 years, with 1226 commonly cited as its unofficial starting point and the year it was first mentioned. For generations, the sight of dancers carrying enormous reindeer antlers through Abbots Bromley has brought people into the village from across Staffordshire and much further afield. The Horn Dance takes place each year on Wakes Monday, traditionally the Monday following the first Sunday after 4 September. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/5-DSC06704.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/3-DSC06770.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/1-DSC06866.jpg) ### A Staffordshire tradition unlike any other At the centre of the custom are six Horn Dancers carrying ancient reindeer antlers. They are joined by a colourful collection of characters including the Hobby Horse, Fool, Bowman and Maid Marian, alongside musicians. The dancers travel through Abbots Bromley and the surrounding countryside during the day, keeping alive one of Staffordshire’s most distinctive traditions. The antlers themselves are remarkable, with carbon analysis dating them to the 11th century, making them considerably older than the surviving written descriptions of the dance. While 1226 is regarded as an unofficial date for the beginning of the tradition, the Horn Dance has continued through generations to become one of Staffordshire’s most recognisable pieces of living heritage. ### Date: Monday 7 September 2026 Start: 8am St Nicholas' Church,Abbots Bromley, East Staffordshire With the dance returning in just a few weeks, September is another chance to head to Abbots Bromley and experience one of Staffordshire’s most unusual and enduring traditions for yourself. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### West Midlands Interchange delivers £7 million boost to Staffordshire jobs and businesses URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/west-midlands-interchange-delivers-7-million-boost-to-staffordshire-jobs-and-businesses/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T12:55:46.000Z This month, West Midlands Interchange (WMI) has launched its first Social Value Impact Report (2022–2025), revealing how the project has already delivered more than £7 million in social value across South Staffordshire, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. The report highlights how investment linked to one of the UK's largest logistics developments is already creating lasting benefits for local people, businesses and communities. The £7 million in social value delivered to date comprises: - £4.9 million supporting local business growth and strengthening the regional economy. - £2.4 million creating jobs, developing skills and improving employment opportunities. - £12,000 supporting healthier, stronger and more resilient communities. Between 2022 and 2025, WMI has: - Generated 55 full-time equivalent (FTE) local roles, including job opportunities for people facing barriers to employment. - Delivered more than 690 hours of education sessions in local schools, colleges and universities. - Provided over 500 weeks of apprenticeships and T-Level placements, helping young people develop skills for future careers. - Spent £4.81 million with local suppliers, including £2.8 million with local micro, small and medium-sized businesses, helping to keep investment within the regional economy. The report showcases inspiring local success stories, such as local student Viktoriia, who joined Winvic on a T-Level placement at WMI before securing a permanent role as a Trainee Site Engineer, subsequently winning Student of the Year at the DfE National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. Her journey highlights the real-world pathways WMI creates, sitting alongside community projects supported through volunteering, grants, and the WMI Community Fund. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-15-13.47.37.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-15-13.46.46.png) West Midlands Interchange CGI image James Markby, Managing Partner at Logistics Capital Partners, and William Oddie, Development Director at Oxford Properties Group said: > "We're incredibly proud to launch our first Social Value Impact Report and to share that WMI has already delivered more than £7 million in social value. While the development itself will bring significant long-term investment to the region, it's equally important that local people and businesses benefit today." As construction continues, WMI’s social impact will grow further, with the development projected to create up to 8,500 jobs over its lifetime while continuing to invest in local businesses, education and community initiatives. To read the full West Midlands Interchange Social Value Impact Report 2022–2025, visit: [https://www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/WMI-Social-Value-Impact-Report-2022-2025.pdf](https://www.westmidlandsinterchange.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/WMI-Social-Value-Impact-Report-2022-2025.pdf?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Longton Rallies to Thank Firefighters After an Incredibly Busy Summer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-rallies-to-thank-firefighters-after-an-incredibly-busy-summer/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T12:11:09.000Z A Longton Community Care Package is being put together for the team at Longton Fire Station, with donations being collected at Pearl and Gray in Longton Exchange Shopping Centre until **Wednesday 19 August**. The idea is simple. Fill a care package with small treats and everyday essentials for the firefighters who have spent the summer responding to incidents across the area, while giving the Longton community an opportunity to say thank you. Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service have dealt with around 1200 outdoor fires across Staffordshire in just the last 2 months. The impact has been seen much closer to home too. ### A busy summer for Staffordshire firefighters The multiple fires at Park Hall Country Park saw firefighters battling the blazes for almost 24 hours. Multiple appliances, a water carrier and rangers were involved, with crews then called back just days later following further deliberate fires. Behind every incident are firefighters working in difficult and dangerous conditions to protect communities across Staffordshire. Now Longton is being asked to show them just how much that work is appreciated. ### What can you donate? The care package does not need extravagant gifts. The aim is to collect lots of smaller items which crews can enjoy at Longton Fire Station. Donations could include: - Coffee and tea - Biscuits and chocolate - Treats and snacks - Drinks - Toiletries - Cakes or other goodies from local businesses - Little treats for the crew to enjoy Even something as simple as a packet of biscuits, a box of chocolates or a few drinks can be added to the collection. Small monetary contributions towards goodies are also welcome. > "We see what you do. We appreciate you. And Longton is grateful." ### Where to donate Donations can be dropped off at: Pearl and Gray Longton Exchange Shopping Centre The deadline for contributions is Wednesday 19 August. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/629813046_18035351582759595_7981807169453561346_n-1-1.jpg) ### Add your name to Longton's thank you card There will also be something a little more personal included with the care package. Everyone who makes a donation will have the opportunity to write or sign their name in a special Longton community Thank You card. The card will be delivered alongside the care package, meaning firefighters will not simply receive a box of treats, but a collection of messages and names from the people and businesses in the community they help to protect. Once everything has been collected, the care package will be put together and personally delivered to Longton Fire Station on behalf of everyone who has taken part. It is a small gesture after a demanding summer, but one which could send a big message from Longton. ### Because whilst they spend their days looking after us, it's our turn to look after them. If you would like to take part, make sure your donation reaches Pearl and Gray at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre by **Wednesday 19 August**. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Park Plaza Unveils Major Refurbishment as Owners Invest in Cannock Business Community URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/park-plaza-unveils-major-refurbishment-as-owners-invest-in-cannock-business-community/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T11:55:29.000Z Park Plaza, one of Cannock's most recognisable business destinations, has unveiled a striking new look following a major refurbishment project that reflects the owners' continued confidence in the local economy and commitment to supporting Staffordshire businesses. The extensive transformation has seen the development's iconic red paintwork replaced with a sophisticated navy-blue finish, creating a sleek, contemporary appearance that better reflects the modern, professional environment businesses expect today. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Park-Plaza-drone-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/park-plaze---new-modern-look-revealed.png) Before and after refurbishment shots of Park Plaza Cannock The investment comes at a time when many businesses are facing economic uncertainty and rising operating costs. Rather than scaling back, family-owned Valbrian Enterprises Ltd has chosen to reinvest in Park Plaza, reinforcing its long-term commitment to providing high-quality office accommodation for local companies. Originally constructed by the Pritchard family in the rly 2000’s, Park Plaza has been part of Cannock's commercial landscape for 25 YEARS. While the site's distinctive red-and-blue colour scheme reflected its heritage, years of weathering had left the exterior looking dated and in need of renewal. The refurbishment not only modernises the appearance of the development but also establishes a stronger identity for Park Plaza as an independent business destination, helping it stands apart while respecting its history. Since acquiring the site in 2013, Valbrian Enterprises has steadily invested in Park Plaza, creating a thriving business community that today supports a wide range of organisations, from start-ups and sole traders to growing SMEs and established businesses occupying larger office suites. The owners say the decision to invest in the refurbishment was driven by a desire to create an environment that businesses can be proud to call home. Chris Salmon, Estate Manager for Valbrian Enterprises, said: > *"At a time when economic headlines can often feel uncertain, we believe it is more important than ever to continue investing in the businesses and communities we serve.* > > *Park Plaza is home to dozens of local companies, many of them small and growing businesses that are creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. We wanted to ensure they have a workplace that reflects their professionalism, ambition and success.* > > *As a family-run business, we take a very hands-on approach. We know many of our tenants personally and understand that flexibility, responsiveness, and service matter. This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a high-quality environment where businesses can thrive.* > > *While we respect the heritage of the building, we felt it was time to create a more contemporary appearance that reflects the future rather than the past. The feedback from tenants and visitors has been incredibly positive, and we're delighted with the transformation."* Today, Park Plaza offers flexible office accommodation ranging from serviced offices for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and growing businesses through to large suites for national and international companies. The development has built a reputation for combining professional workspace with the personal service and flexibility often absent from larger corporate landlords. The site also benefits from a prominent roadside location on the A460 opposite McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, giving businesses exceptional visibility at one of Cannock's busiest gateways. The refurbishment forms part of Valbrian Enterprises' wider commitment to ensuring Park Plaza remains a modern, attractive, and competitive destination for businesses across Cannock and the wider Staffordshire region. A further advantage enjoyed by local businesses is the development's exceptional visibility. Located on the A460 opposite McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, the site occupies one of Cannock's most prominent commercial locations and is seen by thousands of motorists every day. The site's LED billboard has become a recognised local landmark, helping businesses, charities and community groups share messages, promote events, and raise awareness across the wider Staffordshire area. It reflects the owners' wider commitment to supporting local organisations and helping businesses increase their visibility. Danny Nicoll, a member of the Nicoll family which owns and operates Park Plaza, said: > *"While many outdoor advertising sites are targeted at large national advertisers, our focus has always been on local businesses and charities. As a local family business ourselves, we understand the challenges that smaller companies face, which is why making advertising accessible to local organisations remains a key part of our approach. Our billboard is both highly visible and affordable giving local businesses the chance to put their brand in front of thousands of potential customers every day.”* Combined with the recent refurbishment, the prominent roadside location ensures Park Plaza continues to stand out as a modern, professional, and highly visible business destination, reinforcing its reputation as a place where businesses can grow, succeed and be seen. More than fifty years after it was first developed, Park Plaza continues to evolve, demonstrating the confidence of its owners in both the site and the future of Staffordshire's business community. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock Could Be Saved From Demolition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/prince-of-wales-theatre-in-cannock-could-be-saved-from-demolition/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T11:42:59.000Z Senior councillors in Cannock Chase will be discussing an option to carry out a multi-million-pound refurbishment on the theatre which has been closed since April last year. The theatre had been earmarked for demolition as part of wider regeneration plans for the town centre, which have already seen the multi-storey car park coming down and the purchase and flattening of vacant retail units and Forum Shopping Centre - to create a more attractive opportunity for potential investors. Councillors will discuss a report on Thursday (20 August) which sets out two options, one of which will be to retain and refurbish the Prince of Wales Theatre. The other option is to continue with the ‘Development Framework’ which is the blueprint for the future of the town centre and would include demolition of the Prince of Wales site as part of a wider regeneration scheme, with the opportunity for a predominately residential offering with some retail, commercial, cultural and educational facilities. Council leader, Paul Jones, said that it had been made very clear by people he and his colleagues had spoken to that saving the Theatre was a priority. He continued: > “Our residents were telling us on the doorsteps that they wanted their Theatre back and we must take their views into account before coming to this extremely important decision. > > “We have asked lots of questions, and commissioned further reports, so that we can be confident we have the answers to help our discussions as a cabinet. It is crucial we come to a decision so that the programme of work in our town centre can move forward”. Plans will move ahead, with either option, to refurbish the Beecroft Road car park and improve the adjacent steps and access to the underpass. The council has around £14m remaining from government funds that it secured to help with the town centre regeneration work. The Cabinet report indicates that whatever option is chosen, work will continue to ensure any plans approved are cost effective and deliverable. To read the full cabinet report go to: [https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/meetings/agendas-reports-minutes/cabinet/20260820](https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/meetings/agendas-reports-minutes/cabinet/20260820?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Sizzlers Kidsgrove calls for community support for Sandyford fire fundraiser URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sizzlers-kidsgrove-calls-for-community-support-for-sandyford-fire-fundraiser/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T10:45:00.000Z The Kidsgrove business, which has teamed up with Amarni Jessica Rose Foundation for this event, is now asking local people, businesses and entertainers to get involved and help make the fundraiser as successful as possible. As part of the day, Sizzlers Kidsgrove are looking for stall holders, activities and entertainers who would like to take part, alongside people and businesses who may be able to offer sponsorship, donations or their time as volunteers. A charity football match will also form part of the fundraiser, with Sizzlers XI taking on a local team. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMG-20260815-WA0000-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/733209966_1719505742578593_2224944538852490602_n.jpg) ### A long history of helping the community Community support is nothing new for the people behind Sizzlers. The original Sizzlers takeaway in Abbey Hulton has previously done a great deal to help people locally, with owner Arfan Mohammed regularly stepping forward when people are facing difficult circumstances. Whatever the situation, Arfan has become known for trying to help where he can, from donating to charities to providing free food for people who need support. That same community spirit is now behind the plans in Kidsgrove, with the fundraiser aiming to bring people together while raising as much as possible for the families affected by the Sandyford fire. > Sizzlers is built by the community, for the community. ### Can you help? Sizzlers Kidsgrove and Amarni Jessica Rose Foundation would like to hear from anyone who can offer: - A stall - Activities - Entertainment - Sponsorship - Donations - Time as a volunteer ### Anyone who would like to support the fundraiser or find out more can contact **07890 021383**. Arfan, owner of Sizzlers, has also pledged to donate £1 from every order at Sizzlers Kidsgrove, to help residents affected by the fire. You can use the discount code "SIZZLERS25" to get 25% off your order. Visit their website to place your order: [https://sizzlersfastfood.co.uk/](https://sizzlersfastfood.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Major Sandyford fire damages homes as crews tackle multiple large fires in Staffordshire in 24 hours URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/major-sandyford-fire-damages-homes-as-crews-tackle-multiple-large-fires-in-staffordshire-in-24-hours/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T09:54:05.000Z We attended Sandford, Goldenhill at around 6.30pm, where flames had spread through several properties and along Sandyford Park, which backs onto nearby homes. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_195033.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_193249-0--1.jpg) Photos by The Staffordshire Signal ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_192324-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_184807.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20260813_184651.jpg) Photos by The Staffordshire Signal Residents told us the fire originated in the field before spreading faster than they were able to contain it. Joshua was among those who tried to tackle the fire during its early stages. > "It started on the grass, within 3-4 minutes I rang the fire brigade, 4 minutes later it had engulfed the back of the gardens then 10 minutes later, explosions" Eight fire appliances attended the incident and police cordoned off surrounding streets as crews tackled the blaze. The fire took hold of houses on Sandy Road and Maureen Avenue. Several houses have sustained serious fire damage, although the exact number is yet to be confirmed. Even more properties have lost gardens and sheds to the fire. This morning, Nicola Johnson contacted The Staffordshire Signal with photographs showing the devastation left behind by yesterday’s fire, revealing the extent of the damage to homes, gardens and outbuildings in the area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/31824.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/31825.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/31818.jpg) For those standing nearby and watching their homes and possessions being affected, it was an incredibly difficult scene. We cannot express how horrible it was seeing people lose all their belongings, and we really do send our sympathies. ### Community rallies around residents affected by Sandyford fire As the emergency response continued, support from the local community was strong. Residents in neighbouring streets opened their doors to people who had been evacuated from their homes. Civil Contingency Teams set up a community hub at Goldenhill Community Centre to provide help to those affected. Food and drinks were made available, alongside a generous selection of pet food donated by Vets for Pets. Officials also gathered at the centre to advise residents about what the next steps would be. Arfan Mohammed from Sizzlers Fast Food, Kidsgrove & Abbey Hulton, attended with food for those affected by the fire. Speaking to residents, Arfan said: > "You are not alone" He added: > "Sizzlers Kidsgrove is only around the corner, and when our community needs us we will be there" Arfan has also pledged to donate £1 from every order at Sizzlers Kidsgrove, starting today, to help residents affected by the fire. In a statement, he also said he will be arranging a charity football match to raise further funds. ### Multiple large fires across Staffordshire in the same 24 hours The Sandyford fire came during an exceptionally busy 24 hour period for fire crews across Staffordshire, with major incidents also reported around Marquis Drive in Cannock Chase, Park Hall, Prince Avenue in Tamworth and Mount Pleasant in Stoke on Trent. ### Marquis Drive, Cannock Chase Homes and a nearby campsite were evacuated after a significant fire spread across an area measuring around 80 metres by 80 metres. Six crews attended the incident. ### Park Hall Park Hall has unfortunately been affected by several fires this summer, but this latest incident was more severe than the previous fire. It began in a small area before the wind helped the flames spread through the already parched and burnt ground. The fire could be seen for miles, with residents in Draycott needing to close their windows to keep smoke out of their homes. ### Prince Avenue, Tamworth Fire crews were called to Prince Avenue where six gardens, sheds and hedgerows were on fire. Thankfully, the blaze was extinguished before it could reach the houses. ### Mount Pleasant, Stoke on Trent Fences, gardens and garages were affected by another large fire in Mount Pleasant, which is understood to have spread from a nearby grass area close to the A50. Crews were already attending a fire in trees near the A50, in the direction of Stanley Matthews Way, at around 5.30pm on Wednesday 12 August. Resources were split across both locations and the A50 remained closed for a number of hours while the Fire Service battled the fires. ### Please do not speculate about the causes There is currently no confirmed source for the cause of these fires and people are being asked not to speculate. The ground is extremely dry following several weeks of record breaking heat and no rainfall. Fires can start easily. While there have been confirmed arson attacks in Staffordshire this summer, these particular fires could have been accidental. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Viral coffee rave sensation Rant and Ramble to kick off Recoverfest in Uttoxeter URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/viral-coffee-rave-sensation-rant-and-ramble-to-kick-off-recoverfest-in-uttoxeter/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T14:45:21.000Z Recoverfest will begin with an almighty energy boost this September as viral wellness movement Rant & Ramble brings its headline-making Coffee Rave to Uttoxeter Racecourse. Rant & Ramble’s alcohol-free raves have captured the attention of thousands across the UK, generated more than one million views online and featured in national media. The group recently collaborated with Davina McCall’s Begin Again podcast on a sold-out London Coffee Rave attended by hundreds of people and held in support of cancer charity Maggie’s. Now the phenomenon is coming to Staffordshire for a special pre-festival event ahead of Recoverfest, the free family festival celebrating recovery, wellbeing and community. Taking place from 10.30am to 11.30am on Sunday, 6 September, the Recoverfest Coffee Rave will feature a live set from DJ PBH alongside Romi Foxx on drums. Festivalgoers can expect huge tunes, live percussion, coffee, dancing and all the atmosphere of a traditional rave – without the alcohol or the hangover. The event reflects the shared values at the heart of both Rant & Ramble and Recoverfest: connection, community, mental wellbeing and the freedom to experience joy without alcohol. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/processed-7072812B-7FAC-47F1-81E9-591B20F4E1E4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/original-EBF2A32F-A4B4-48AA-A7AB-ACAC8D563856.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/processed-E4E0F8AF-2AA8-4751-81DA-4AB409A43D09.jpeg) Rant & Ramble Recoverfest Coffee Rave Sam Wilcox, Recoverfest event organiser, said: > “This is going to be an incredible way to begin Recoverfest. Rant & Ramble has created something that feels genuinely exciting – it has all the energy, music and sense of release you associate with a rave, but it is completely alcohol-free and centred around connection and feeling good. > > “Their Coffee Raves have become a national phenomenon, so bringing that experience to Uttoxeter feels huge. Whether people are in recovery, sober curious, supporting someone they love or simply want to start their Sunday dancing with a coffee in their hand, everyone will be made to feel welcome. > > “Recoverfest is about celebrating recovery loudly and proudly, challenging stigma and showing that alcohol-free spaces can be vibrant, joyful and full of life. We can’t think of a better way to kick off the festival.” The Coffee Rave will take place immediately before the main Recoverfest programme, which runs from 12pm until 6pm at Uttoxeter Racecourse. Recoverfest is a free, family-friendly and alcohol-free festival bringing together thousands of people for a day of live music, inspirational stories, wellbeing activities, children’s entertainment and community connection. Singer-songwriter and recovery advocate Lucy Spraggan will headline the main stage, joined by Amy Jo & The Spangles, Sons of Jericho, Detox Factor Live, The Song Loft, Shook, the V62 Choir and Michelle Moss School of Dance. The wider festival will also feature resilience speaker and bestselling author Josh Connolly, yoga and meditation, breathwork, drumming, creative activities, inflatables, face painting, food, community organisations and support services. Tickets for the Rant & Ramble Recoverfest Coffee Rave cost £10 and are available now: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recoverfest-coffee-rave-hosted-by-rant-and-ramble-tickets-1997155999356](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recoverfest-coffee-rave-hosted-by-rant-and-ramble-tickets-1997155999356?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Event details ### Rant & Ramble Recoverfest Coffee Rave ### Sunday, 6 September 2026 ### 10.30am–11.30am ### Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire ### Tickets: £10 ### Featuring DJ PBH and Romi Foxx on live drums RecoverFest will take place on Sunday 6 September 2026 at Uttoxeter Racecourse from 12pm-6pm. Attendance is free and open to all. To register for your free ticket go to: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recoverfest-2026-tickets-1989296610713?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/recoverfest-2026-tickets-1989296610713?aff=oddtdtcreator&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/image.jpeg) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### First Ever Hockerhill Fest Brings Circus Skills, Bubble Displays and Taylor Swift Tribute to Brewood URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/first-ever-hockerhill-fest-brings-circus-skills-bubble-displays-and-taylor-swift-tribute-to-brewood/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T14:21:34.000Z Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn, in Brewood, Staffordshire, is launching its first ever summer festival – Hockerhill Fest – where families will have a chance to channel their inner popstar and take part in circus skills workshops. Taking place on Friday 21 August, Hockerhill Fest promises a vibrant programme of activities and live entertainment throughout the day. From spectacular outdoor bubble displays and interactive circus workshops featuring stilt walkers to face painting, Hockerhill Fest is an action-packed day out for families this August. The festival begins at 10am and runs until 4:30pm, with workshops and face painting taking place throughout the day. Guests are welcome to join for the full day or for just part of the event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/The-indoor-section-of-the-go-kart-track-at-Hockerhill-Adventure-Playbarn.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Hockerhill-Adventure-Playbarn--2--1.jpg) During the event, children will have the opportunity to explore and play in Hockerhill’s immersive indoor and outdoor play zones. Whether it’s climbing up the impressive mock oak tree, speeding down the slides or zooming along the go-kart track which winds inside the playbarn and back out again, there is something to ignite every child’s imagination. The festival features a live Taylor Swift Tribute performance in the afternoon, so that young Swifties and their parents can sing and dance the afternoon away. Refreshments and drinks can be purchased throughout the event at Hockerhill’s popular café which uses locally sourced produce to create delicious seasonal menus. Tessa Giffard, co-founder of Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Staffordshire, said: > “We're delighted to welcome families to our very first Hockerhill Fest for what promises to be a fantastic day of fun, entertainment and creative play. We've created a programme that's full of exciting activities for children, alongside live music and great food, making it the perfect way for families to enjoy the summer holidays together and giving them lots of extra things to enjoy during their visit. We can't wait to see everyone celebrating with us.” Tickets for Hockerhill Fest cost £25 per child and £5 per adult. To find out more and to book tickets please visit [www.hockerhill.com](http://www.hockerhill.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### The schedule for Hockerhill Fest includes 10.00am: Event begins 10.00am – 12.00pm: Circus workshops and outdoor bubble display 11.00am – 1.00pm: Face painting 1.00pm – 3.00pm: Circus workshops and stilt walking 1.30pm - 2.30pm: Face painting 3.00pm – 4.30pm: Taylor Swift tribute 4.30pm: Event ends [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Totally Stoked Awards 2027 open nominations to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire community heroes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/totally-stoked-awards-2027-open-nominations-to-celebrate-stoke-on-trent-and-north-staffordshire-community-heroes/ Last updated: 2026-08-13T14:05:54.000Z Run by VAST, the awards celebrate the strength and impact of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. VAST has been supporting communities in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire for more than 100 years. The charity is dedicated to developing a thriving VCSE sector and improving quality of life within local communities. The Totally Stoked Awards provide an opportunity to recognise some of the people, partnerships and projects going above and beyond for communities across the area. Charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, teams and individuals can all be recognised through the awards, with eight different categories celebrating the many ways local people are creating positive change. ### Celebrating the people behind our communities At the heart of Totally Stoked is the belief that everyone has something to give. That could be time, skills, resources or lived experience. Collectively, those contributions can help communities respond to challenges with creativity, compassion and resilience. The awards aim to celebrate the stories behind the sector too, recognising everything from grassroots community action and inspiring individuals to new ideas and partnerships bringing organisations together. For 2027, there are eight award categories available for nominations. ### Who deserves recognition in your community? The awards are an opportunity for people across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire to think about those quietly making their communities stronger every day. It could be a local organisation making a difference at grassroots level, an individual who continually gives their time to others, a new project bringing fresh thinking to a community challenge or a partnership that has achieved something greater by working together. Nominations for the Totally Stoked Awards 2027 are now open. You can find full details of the categories and make a nomination through the [Totally Stoked Awards 2027 page on the VAST website](https://vast.org.uk/totally-stoked-awards-2027/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Home-Page-Banner-Nominations-1536x576.png) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New businesses bring fresh boost to award-winning Hanley Park URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-businesses-bring-fresh-boost-to-award-winning-hanley-park/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T16:10:34.000Z Two new businesses are set to open at Hanley Park, giving visitors more choice at the city’s award-winning green space. The historic pavilion is set to welcome Tutorage CIC, which is due to open this weekend. Tutorage CIC is a community interest company that will run the café, supporting people who do not fit the traditional education system to find a different path, learn, gain qualifications, develop new skills, volunteer, meet new people, and feel part of their community. A new kiosk has also opened offering a range of children’s toys, drinks and sweets, plus other family-friendly items for visitors to enjoy. The popular ice cream van will also continue trading from the park, giving residents and visitors even more choice when spending time at one of the city’s most popular parks. The new additions come as Hanley Park celebrates retaining its prestigious Green Flag Award, recognising the park as one of the country’s best managed green spaces. Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth said: > “This is fantastic news for Hanley Park and everyone who enjoys spending time there. > > “The new businesses will enhance the visitor experience, offering even more reasons for families and residents to visit and make the most of everything the park has to offer. > > “Retaining our Green Flag Award is a real achievement and shows the high standard visitors can expect. Welcoming new businesses is another positive step in ensuring the park continues to thrive as a destination for local people and visitors alike. > > “Our teams have worked really hard behind the scenes to attract new businesses – we know how much having an eating space at the Pavilion has meant to visitors, so please join us in giving them a warm welcome and plenty of support.” A spokesperson for Tutorage CIC said: > “We are beyond excited to be bringing the Pavilion back into action. Our mission is simple - support people through experience and connection. > > “You’ll find a good brew and plate of biscuits, coffee and cake, milkshakes and flapjacks, all at affordable prices served by some friendly faces.”\*\* \*\* The café will open at 8:30am on Saturday 8 August. Please visit the Tutorage CIC Facebook page for more information. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival Reveals Full 2026 Line Up URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-under-lyme-jazz-blues-festival-reveals-full-2026-line-up/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:53:59.000Z More than 70 live performances across 23 venues will takeover Newcastle-under-Lyme this August Bank Holiday as the town’s Jazz & Blues Festival returns for its 19th year. Running from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th August, the Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival will bring 60 artists and acts to venues across Newcastle, with a packed programme of free live music throughout the Bank Holiday weekend. Co funded by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, the long running festival works with hospitality businesses and live music venue to encourage people to support local businesses and discover somewhere new alongside old favourites. This year’s programme includes performances at The Clubhouse, The Greyhound, Hogarths, Cappello Lounge, The Crossways, Artisan Tap, Yates, The Boulevard, The Shed, The Rigger and many more. Music fans can expect everything from jazz, blues and soul to funk, rock, indie and acoustic performances, with artists including Pretty Shivers, Jack Blackman, Good Habits, Barrelhouse Dukes, Ava Ralph, Funky Junction, Alisha Jean, Never Sold Owt, Ben Hemming, Gin Six, Disastrous Robots and dozens more appearing across the weekend. New for 2026, Newcastle Jazz & Blues will spill out onto the streets on Saturday 29th August, with 6 Towns Radio hosting six live performances near The Guildhall from 12.30pm. Taking place alongside the Castle Food & Drink Fest, delivered with Independent Street, the Saturday will combine live music with food, drink and artisan traders throughout the town centre, before the festival continues across Newcastle’s venues into the evening. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "The Jazz & Blues Festival has become a real highlight in Newcastle-under-Lyme's events calendar and we're incredibly proud to be working with venues to deliver its 19th year. The festival showcases not only fantastic musicians but also the brilliant venues in Newcastle. > > "Following feedback from our businesses, we're hosting the festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, allowing us to make the most of additional visitors and Bank Holiday Monday. Partnering with Independent Street and 6 Towns Radio for Castle Food & Drink Fest on the Saturday makes for an even bigger celebration and offers visitors a fantastic reason to spend the day in Newcastle-under-Lyme.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Newcastle-Jazz-and-Blues-Festival---Aslphotographystoke-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Newcastle-Jazz-and-Blues-Festival---Aslphotographystoke-5-1.jpeg) Chris Wilson, owner of The Crossways, said: > "Jazz & Blues is always one of our favourite weekends of the year. There's such a fantastic atmosphere as people move between venues discovering new artists and enjoying everything the town has to offer. It's a brilliant event for businesses and visitors alike, and one we always look forward to.” The festival begins on the evening of Friday 28th August, with performances including Set in Stone at The Clubhouse, Summer Soul Band at The Greyhound, Boogie Knights at Hogarths and Alisha Jean at The Shed. Saturday brings the biggest programme of the weekend, with 37 free performances running from lunchtime into the evening across the town, followed by another full afternoon and evening of performances on Sunday. All Newcastle-under-Lyme Jazz & Blues Festival performances are free to attend. To see the full line up, visit: [www.newcastlejazzandblues.com](http://www.newcastlejazzandblues.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). For the latest updates, follow @jazzandbluesnewcastle on social media or [www.newcastlejazzandblues.com](http://www.newcastlejazzandblues.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Work Begins on 24 Stoke-on-Trent Landmarks Through £240,000 Restoration Fund URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/work-begins-on-24-stoke-on-trent-landmarks-through-240-000-restoration-fund/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:31:08.000Z Work is set to start on revitalising 24 monuments and landmarks across Stoke-on-Trent thanks to a restoration fund worth more than £240,000. The Centenary Restoration Fund – led by the city council and Re-Form Heritage – is supported by a £240,252 grant from National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The programme will protect small but important landmarks including war memorials, tombs, fountains and sculptures across all six towns and beyond. Work is now starting on the first eight monuments (photos in order): - Cenotaph and Memorial Wall, Tunstall Memorial Gardens - Sir Henry Doulton Statue, Burslem - Swan Square War Memorial, Burslem - Drinking Fountain, St John’s Square, Burslem - Hanley Cemetery War Memorial - Statue of James Brindley, Etruria - Tomb of Josiah Wedgwood, Stoke - Glebedale Park Memorial, Fenton ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Tunstall_MemorialGardensWall_1_202603-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Burslem_HenryDoulton_1_202512.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Burslem_SwanSqMemorial_10_202512.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Burslem_St.-John-s-Drinking-Fountain-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Hanley_CemeteryMemorial_2_202603-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Etruria_James-Brindley-Statue.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Wedgwood-Tomb-1.jpeg) Conservation work will vary according to the condition of each monument and will include cleaning, vegetation and graffiti removal, repointing, repairs to stonework and paving, redecoration of metalwork and replacement of damaged components. > Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "The public support we’ve had for this scheme shows just how much these landmarks matter to people across Stoke-on-Trent. > > “They celebrate famous figures from our past, remember our war heroes and commemorate the industries that helped build our city. > > “This fund is about protecting the heritage people see every day in their own communities. We’re now getting that work underway and making sure these important landmarks are preserved for the future.” > Andrew Emery, Chief Executive of Re-Form Heritage, said: "It's fantastic to see work beginning on the first phase of the project. > > "The Centenary Restoration Fund is about more than repairing monuments. It's about helping people reconnect with the heritage around them and creating opportunities to get involved in caring for it. > > "Alongside the conservation works, we'll be working with communities, volunteers and young people to uncover, share and celebrate the stories behind these landmarks." Sites have been prioritised based on their condition, input from local communities, accessibility and potential for local engagement programmes based around the heritage assets. The programme will be delivered in four stages, including three phases of repairs and a further phase of specialist conservation works. The first phase starts this week (week commencing Monday 10 August) and continues until the end of October, while preparations for phases two and three are already underway. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Keele Legal Advice Clinics expand services with new family law clinic URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-legal-advice-clinics-expand-services-with-new-family-law-clinic/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:23:20.000Z Keele's pioneering Legal Advice Clinics offering free consultations to those in need have expanded into family law with the launch of a new service. The [Family Legal Advice Clinic](https://www.keele.ac.uk/legal-advice-clinic/familylegaladviceclinic/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) will see Keele law students, under the supervision of qualified solicitors, offering free, independent family law legal advice to members of the public, giving students valuable work experience to prepare for their legal careers. The new Family Legal Advice Clinic complements Keele's existing clinics in commercial, small claims, and personal injury law. The sessions will run on an appointment-only basis on Wednesday afternoons during term times, starting on 30th September 2026. Run from the University's Keele in Town building in Newcastle-under-Lyme, as well as virtually on Microsoft Teams, the clinic is a pro-bono service offering advice on issues such as relationship breakdown, separation and divorce; children's private law arrangements; grandparents, stepparents and Special Guardians, as well as local authority children's services' involvement. ![Keele In Town, Newcastle Under Lyme](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20250123_190251.jpg) Keele In Town, Newcastle Under Lyme Students will take initial instructions, draft attendance notes and letters of advice, as well as support with basic documentation and signpost clients appropriately, under the supervision of a solicitor employed by the University. Although staff and students from the clinic cannot take on cases or represent individuals in court, they can also signpost clients to other legal service providers and/or support agencies, where this is appropriate. > Michele Brown, Supervising Solicitor for the Family Legal Advice Clinic, said: "Through the Family Law Advice Clinic, students gain invaluable hands-on experience that builds their professional confidence, enhances their employability, and helps them develop the practical skills required for legal practice. > > "Working directly with clients enables them to appreciate the realities of family law while making a meaningful contribution to people seeking support with family law issues.” [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### JCB Hydromax Sets 406.320mph Hydrogen World Land Speed Record URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jcb-hydromax-sets-406-320mph-hydrogen-world-land-speed-record/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:12:43.000Z British engineering giant JCB has set a new world land speed record of 406.320mph with its hydrogen-powered JCB Hydromax. The car recorded the average speed 400.623 mph in its first run yesterday morning across the Bonneville Salt Flats, and 412.135 mph on its second run, giving the average of 406.320 mph - the fastest a hydrogen internal combustion car has ever travelled. Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the twin engined, 32-foot car completed the two runs required under FIA rules - one in each direction within an hour - comfortably beating the previous FIA-officiated hydrogen internal combustion benchmark of 185.5 mph set by the BMW H2R in 2004\. The record is subject to official ratification by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport. In doing so, JCB Hydromax surpassed the 350.092 mph world diesel land speed record set by JCB Dieselmax — also driven by Green, on the same salt, in August 2006\. Twenty years on, JCB has beaten its own benchmark with an engine that produces no CO₂ at the tailpipe. The speed also exceeds the 303 mph hydrogen fuel cell mark — making JCB Hydromax the fastest hydrogen-powered vehicle of any kind in history. The record - set in the Category A, Group XIV - Class 7 FIA World Flying Record Start Land Speed Record - was set using two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen digger engines, producing a combined 1,600 bhp and manufactured at the company’s engine factory in Foston, Derbyshire, UK. They are the same engines now powering JCB machines and equipment rolling off production lines in the UK as part of the company’s £100 million hydrogen programme. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/C_ENG_HYDROGEN_SHOW_2-copy.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/05_08_26_JCB_Hydrogen_JA_001.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/C_ENG_HYDROGEN_SHOW_1-copy-1.jpg) JCB Hydrogen digger and engines in the company’s £100 million hydrogen programme JCB chairman Anthony Bamford has led JCB’s hydrogen engine project and came up with the idea of a hydrogen world land speed record bid early last year. Lord Bamford said today: > “Twenty years ago we came to Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showed what British engineering could do with diesel power. Today we have done it again, this time with engines powered by hydrogen. This record was set by production-based engines, the same engines powering JCB diggers right now. That is the point of JCB Hydromax: it shows hydrogen works, and it works today at the highest level with zero emissions.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-driver-andy-green-obe-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/andy-green-obe-sat-in-the-jcb-hydromax-1.jpg) Wing Commander Andy Green OBE Andy Green said: > “Bonneville is the spiritual home of the world land speed record, and JCB Hydromax has just written itself into that history. The car was terrific, stable, strong and fast. Setting a world land speed record with hydrogen power, twenty years after Dieselmax, is a huge privilege. This record is a huge achievement by a world class team and superb technology.” JCB Engineering Director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said: > “This record belongs to the engineering team which took a hydrogen digger engine and made it the fastest of its kind on earth. This has been an amazing challenge from the outset of the it being set in February last year. We came here fully prepared, and the car delivered.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC00005.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC01131.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC00056.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-team-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/andy-green-obe-celebrates-with-the-jcb-team-1.jpg) Hydromax engineering team President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: > “This is a truly historic milestone for motorsport showcasing how innovation, performance, speed, and sustainability can go hand in hand. > “Motorsport has always been a catalyst for technological progress pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This new land speed record continues this tradition, showcasing the potential of hydrogen combustion for the future of sustainable mobility. > “For over 100 years, the FIA has proudly played a central role officiating land speed record attempts. I would like to thank our Member Club, the Automobile Competition Committee for the United States, for their support during this record attempt and offer my congratulations to Lord Bamford, Andy Green OBE, and to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement.” Wing Commander Andy Green is the fastest man on earth at 763.035 mph, the only person to break the sound barrier on land, and was the driver of JCB Dieselmax when it set the FIA world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph at Bonneville in August 2006\. That record still stands. Last week the JCB Hydromax broke through the 368.347 mph barrier at the world's leading land speed racing event. The run was completed as part of the Southern California Timing Association's (SCTA) renowned Bonneville Speed Week, setting a new SCTA record in the Blown Gas Streamliner class (AA/BGS, 500+ cubic inches) of 368.347 mph, a major milestone in the car’s development programme. The record comes ahead of the opening of JCB’s new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ 1,500 people manufacturing machines for the US market. JCB has long pushed the limits of speed and in addition to the JCB Dieselmax success, the JCB Fastrac became the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191 mph in 2019, and in 2014 the JCB GT set the backhoe loader record at 72.58 mph. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### £10 Million Investment Confirmed for Tunstall as Council Secures Extra £1.5 Million URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/10-million-investment-confirmed-for-tunstall-as-council-secures-extra-1-5-million/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T15:11:32.000Z Tunstall is set for its biggest single-year investment in years, after the council agreed an extra £1.5 million of funding for public realm and regeneration work in the town centre - taking total investment this financial year to around £10 million. The money will go towards further improvements to the town centre and Tower Square Conservation Area, better shop frontages, reducing empty units, and new planting and play area schemes. Residents will be asked for their views on exactly how it's spent. The full list of projects being funded in Tunstall this year are: - £4 million from Community Regeneration Partnership Funds for town centre public realm improvements - Up to £225,000 for Designing Out Crime works, including upgrades to the town centre and Memorial Gardens - £3.04 million to develop the former Lily Gertrude Court site, delivering 14 new affordable homes - A £700,000 S106 Affordable Fund grant, reserved for a future Tunstall Library and Baths site project once it's re-marketed for regeneration - Work with National Grid to remove and relocate the electrical sub-station inside Tunstall Baths, clearing the way for future development - The new £1.5 million investment announced today The council’s Cabinet also agreed to reallocate around £1.6 million of Levelling Up funding, originally earmarked for the Tunstall Library, Baths and Drill Hall development, after the planning application for that scheme was refused on heritage grounds - it didn't meet the standard required for transforming a Grade II listed building. That funding has a March 2028 spending deadline, so rather than risk losing it, the council is redirecting it to refurbish 10 council-owned properties on Queen Street, Burslem, adding to the multi-million-pound regeneration already under way there. > Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, said: "£10 million going into Tunstall this year is investment on a scale the town hasn't seen in a long time - real money for a town centre that's improving, new affordable homes, and safer streets people can see and feel the difference from. > > "We won't pretend the Library, Baths and Drill Hall decision isn't a disappointment. But we're not going to let good money sit idle because one scheme couldn't go ahead. We've moved it straight into another regeneration project in Burslem, so it stays working for Stoke-on-Trent instead of being handed back to Government. We are making sure Tunstall gets almost exactly the same amount of money under this new arrangement so it doesn't miss out. > > "We still want to see a future for the Library and Baths building, and we'll keep working on that. In the meantime, Tunstall gets the investment it's been promised - and residents will have a direct say in how the new funding is spent." [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### MP's Voice: A New Chance for Stafford's Young People URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mps-voice-a-new-chance-for-staffords-young-people/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T14:48:00.000Z 💡 Leigh Ingham MP for Stafford **As told to Will Barnish* Less than a decade ago, you could walk down the high street with a stack of CVs or a pen ready to fill in an application form, nip into a shop or pub, and come out with a job. Times have changed, and that's not how it works for young people anymore. As a former youth worker, I know how important it is to have opportunities for young people, with good jobs in every postcode, proper youth support, and a place to go when they need help. Often, they're told to complete an online application that gets sifted by AI, and that's before they even get to the years of experience often required for a first job. So it matters more than ever that we put measures in place to support people starting out in their careers, or simply looking for a new one. According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) grew by 89,000 between March 2025 and March 2026\. That's not the case in Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, where we continue to buck the trend, with NEET and wider unemployment rates below the national average. But I know that narrative has to change. Our young people have too much to offer, and even one young person trapped, unable to fulfil their potential, is one too many. When the Government announced its Youth Guarantee Scheme in response to the growing number of NEETs, I knew straight away we needed to bring it to Stafford. The scheme guarantees jobs for 18 to 24 year olds and includes the rollout of Youth Hubs, supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A Youth Hub will give our young people direct access to employment support, skills training and wider services to get them into work, all in one place. Joined-up support like this for 16 to 24 year olds will make a big difference. Bringing this wraparound support to Stafford will benefit our young people and the wider community too. It'll boost the local economy, bring money to our high street, and support SMEs. Youth Hubs get people through the door. What happens next though matters just as much, and that's where our colleges come in. Staffordshire has so much to offer in terms of education. We have some incredible facilities here, and it's time we built on that. Anyone who knows me knows I never miss a chance to shout about the fact that we have the best college in the country, Stafford College. The college works relentlessly to bring opportunities to young people, from apprenticeship schemes to adult courses for those over 19\. And a recent campaign I led saw them become one of just four Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence Colleges in England. That means millions of pounds of investment into new facilities and equipment, helping local young people get into well-paid, skilled jobs. It also means we can work with local employers to pioneer a hand-in-glove model, giving them access to a talented workforce skilled up in the areas that will benefit them most. Having an Advanced Manufacturing College in an area like Stafford is an opportunity most other towns simply don't have. We sit on the M6, with rail links to major cities in 30 minutes, ports and airports only a few hours away, and GE Vernova and other technical manufacturing companies right on our doorstep. Nowhere else in the country has that combination. Stafford could, and should, be the employment hub of the country. The Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College isn't the only exciting news the college has announced recently. It sits alongside the £1 million investment I secured for a high street Adult Skills Centre in Stafford, which will open up learning for mature learners, with flexible courses that can be studied online or in person. With the college putting job opportunities like this within young people's reach, we now need affordable housing and investment in the high street, so people want to lay their foundations here. I'm a firm believer that young people can achieve brilliant things if the right life chances are there for them. Securing this Youth Hub, the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College, and a new Adult Skills Centre isn't a set of one-off investments designed to grab headlines. It's the first steps in building a whole new youth and education ecosystem, one that gives our young people every reason to walk down that high street with confidence, and gives us the long-term skills to drive more investment into our area. I'm proud of what we've achieved so far, and there's more to come. 💡 MP's Voice is a regular column giving Staffordshire's elected representatives a platform to speak directly to constituents. The words and views expressed are the author's own and do not represent the editorial position of The Staffordshire Signal. [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Labour’s Angela Cooper wins Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe by-election URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/labours-angela-cooper-wins-kidsgrove-central-ravenscliffe-by-election/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T14:38:43.000Z Labour has gained a seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after Angela Cooper defeated Reform UK’s Olivia Westcott by just 26 votes. Voters in Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe went to the polls on Thursday 6th August to elect a new town councillor after the seat was declared vacant several weeks ago. The result is a notable success for Labour following the party’s heavy losses in May’s local elections, when it retained just two of the 44 seats on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. It is also one of the more ironic by-election results of recent years: had Reform UK candidate Olivia Westcott signed her declaration of acceptance of office within the required timeframe after being elected uncontested in May, the by-election would never have taken place. Westcott said at the time that a family emergency had prevented her from completing the paperwork before the deadline. She stood again for Reform UK but was narrowly defeated by Labour’s Angela Cooper. Independent candidate Georgia Shenton finished third, with Conservative candidate Cressida Dickens in fourth place. Turnout was 16.9%. You can see the full result below: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-8--2026--10_29_23-PM.png) Speaking to The Staffordshire Signal following her victory, Cooper said: > “What a result — I’m thrilled and incredibly grateful to everyone who put their trust in me. > “It was a really positive campaign, and I want to say a huge thank you to my campaign team for all their hard work, commitment and support throughout. They’ve been brilliant. > “We spoke to hundreds of residents, and those conversations — and every single vote — really mattered. The ward takes some covering, with its steep hills and long streets. It’s been physically challenging at times, but it’s been worth every step. > “Having previously served as Mayor of Kidsgrove Town Council, it feels very special to be back, this time representing Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward. > “My time as an NHS Senior Matron has also given me experience of leadership, getting results, managing budgets and making sure public money is used wisely and delivers the best possible value. > “Now the campaign is over, it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. My first council meeting is this week and I genuinely can’t wait. > “There’s such a lot to do, and I intend to bring energy, common sense and a determination to get things done. The hard work starts this week — and that’s exactly how I like it.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/a180cd84-73c4-4232-8848-512e30bc14e1.jpg) Angela Cooper signing her declaration of acceptance The Staffordshire Signal spoke to candidates before polling day as part of our coverage of the election. You can read more about each of them [here](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/kidsgrove-central-ravenscliffe-by-election-meet-the-candidates/). [ Crowdfunder is live No investors. No big backer. Just Staffordshire. Help us hit our **£15,000 target** to expand Signal TV, launch our podcast, and build the app. We built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, and it's grown into a trusted, IMPRESS-regulated newsroom without a penny of outside funding. We need your help to go further, so more local stories reach more people, free from algorithms. 40,000+ People reached monthly 5.65m Social impressions, no ad spend £0 External funding, ever Back the Signal Target **£15,000** · Closes **28 Aug** · From **£5** ](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Our Crowdfunder Is Live: Help Us Grow The Staffordshire Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/our-crowdfunder-is-live-help-us-grow-the-staffordshire-signal/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T09:16:56.000Z I'm Jenna Goodwin, CEO of The Staffordshire Signal, Staffordshire's independent media and community platform. Today I've got something a bit different to share with you, and I hope you'll bear with me. Our [crowdfunder](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) is live, and we need Staffordshire behind it. For the last year, I've built The Staffordshire Signal from nothing, no investors, no big backer, just Staffordshire's own people supporting their own newsroom. Now I'm asking you to help me take it further, growing The Staffordshire Signal TV, launching a new Signal podcast, and building the app that finally puts local news back in your pocket, not an algorithm's. Why we're doing this There are stories happening across this county every single day that never get told anywhere. Events people miss because nobody let them know. Good news, great people, small businesses doing brilliant things, the stuff that doesn't get covered because it isn't negative or dramatic enough to earn clicks elsewhere. That's not a gap in one part of Staffordshire. It's everywhere. And it's the whole reason the Signal exists. I see the good in this county every day, through my work with the Signal and through The Red Haired Stokie before it. But local media too often twists things for profit and negativity, chasing clicks rather than truth, so the genuinely good stories rarely get through. Businesses struggle to reach local people without relying on social media, and that's controlled by worldwide corporations with no interest in Staffordshire, local always loses out. I've missed events and good news myself, finding out after the fact because an algorithm decided I didn't need to see it. I wanted people to actually learn about their own local area, in a genuine, positive way, instead of missing what's happening on their own doorstep because a platform they don't control decided not to show it to them. ### **Who we are** The Staffordshire Signal launched in April 2025\. Staffordshire's independent, not-for-profit newsroom, and nowhere else's: - Not a distant regional chain covering the county as an afterthought - Not a business built to make money off local news IMPRESS regulated - Run by people who actually live here - Genuinely training the next generation of local journalists and story tellers, not just covering today's headlines We deliberately haven't sought investors. We don't want shareholders, and we don't want anyone with a stake in this telling us what to cover. We want to stay independent, because that's the entire point of what we're building. ### What this crowdfunder actually does The Staffordshire Signal TV already exists, but it doesn't yet have the kit, training capacity or time to run properly and grow. This crowdfunder builds that: Expanding The Staffordshire Signal TV so it can take on more students and cover more stories Launching a new Signal podcast alongside it Getting the app out, so you can carry all of it with you, watch, listen or read, wherever you are Everything we do stays free for the people of Staffordshire. No paywalls, no barriers, ever. ### What you get for backing us This isn't just a donation. Whatever you can give, from £5, gets you a full year of Signal Supporter membership, worth £24, early access to everything we make, The Staffordshire Signal Weekly, the digital magazine, and first look at every Staffordshire Signal TV video before anyone else sees it. If you run a business, there's a place on this page for you too, with genuine, one-off advertising value at rates you won't see again. ### How you can help Back the crowdfunder here: [https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) And if you can't back it yourself, sharing it with someone who might is just as valuable. Every share gets us in front of someone new. I'm not going to pretend this is easy. But I believe Staffordshire deserves better than a media blackout, and local people are the ones who should own their own news. Thank you for being part of this so far, and thank you in advance for whatever you can give now. Cheers, Jenna ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: drought and fires in Staffordshire, The Upper House's 30th anniversary, and Wild Edge Arts unveiled URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-drought-and-fires-in-staffordshire-the-upper-houses-30th-anniversary-and-wild-edge-arts-unveiled/ Last updated: 2026-08-12T06:00:27.000Z **Dear Readers,** This week we're looking at the stark reality of drought and fires across Staffordshire, a much-loved Longton arts organisation unveiling a new name, and a very happy 30th birthday for one of Staffordshire's favourite country house hotels. Today's a big one for us. At 10am we're launching a crowdfunder for [The Staffordshire Signal TV](https://www.youtube.com/@TheStaffordshireSignalTV?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), App & Podcast, and we need Staffordshire's help to make it happen. For the last year I've built the Signal from nothing, no investors, no big backer, just this county's own people supporting their own newsroom. Now I'm asking you to help me take it further, growing Signal TV beyond what a handful of volunteers and students can currently manage, launching a brand new Signal podcast, and finally building the app that puts Staffordshire's news in your pocket, not an algorithm's. We're hoping to raise £15,000\. Roughly a quarter goes on building and launching the app, a third goes on camera, audio and editing kit for our students and volunteers on Signal TV, and just over a third buys me and the team the time to actually get out and cover more of this county properly, on video, on the web and in print. Anything we raise beyond target goes straight back into expanding The Signal. Every supporter from £5 gets a full year of Signal Supporter membership thrown in, worth £24, early access to everything we make, and first look at every Signal TV video before anyone else sees it. If you've ever wanted to back us properly, today's the day. This link will be live from 10am today, any help you can give us, even a share on social media, will mean the world to me! [https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast](https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-staffordshire-signal-tv-app-podcast?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Until next Wednesday. Jenna ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### From Wedgwood Family Home to Staffordshire Favourite: The Upper House Celebrates 30 Years URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/from-wedgwood-family-home-to-staffordshire-favourite-the-upper-house-celebrates-30-years/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T20:57:14.000Z > *Paid advertorial* This year, The Upper House Hotel is proud to celebrate 30 years as one of Staffordshire's most loved independent country house hotels. While the hotel itself has a rich history dating back to 1845, when it was built for Francis Wedgwood, grandson of Josiah Wedgwood, it has spent the last three decades welcoming generations of guests to celebrate life's most special moments. Lovingly restored while retaining its original character and charm, The Upper House has become renowned for its warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings and timeless elegance. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/23.04.23-J-D-026.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/IMGL4366.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/01.12.23-S-E-002.jpg) ## A House With Some Serious History Built in the early 1840s for Francis (Frank) Wedgwood, grandson of Josiah Wedgwood, the house was originally called "The New Hall", later becoming known as The Upper House once Josiah's second son, Clement, bought The Lower House down the drive, making the two easier to tell apart. One of the more surprising finds came around 1850, when workers planting woodland to the east of the house uncovered a Celtic grave cut into the red sandstone rock, seven feet by two feet wide. No skeletal remains survived, but a two-edged sword and an Anglo-Saxon era iron knife were recovered and are now held in the British Museum, a hidden piece of local history the current owners are still trying to pinpoint. The house passed to the Johnson family, of Johnson Tiles fame, in 1913, later became a home for the blind and then a County Council residential home, before standing empty for several years. In 1994, it was bought and gradually restored as a country house hotel, with the Woodlands Suite added in 1998 and the Novello Room in 2010, bringing it to where it stands today. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Afternoon-Tea-Voucher-photo.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DJI_0014-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/01.12.23-S-E-014.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20.05.23-T-I-001.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/J-J-Wedd-040425-1090.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/open-day-image-pic-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Party-22.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Trestle-Table-Orangery-001.jpg) ## What Makes The Upper House Hotel Special? Set within 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland in the picturesque village of Barlaston, The Upper House offers the perfect blend of historic character and modern comfort. Every stay is personal, with 24 individually styled bedrooms, a welcoming restaurant serving seasonal British cuisine, and a team dedicated to making every guest feel at home. The hotel has built an outstanding reputation as one of Staffordshire's premier wedding venues, hosting just one wedding each day to ensure every couple enjoys an exclusive and truly personal experience. Beyond weddings, The Upper House is a much-loved venue for overnight stays, Sunday lunches, afternoon teas and private celebrations, including birthday parties, christenings, baby showers, wakes and celebrations of life. It also provides a welcoming setting for corporate events, meetings and conferences, offering flexible spaces that combine character with modern facilities. Throughout the year, the varied events programme brings the local community together with murder mystery evenings, live music nights, comedy shows, pottery workshops and festive wreath-making workshops, working alongside talented local artists and craftspeople to create memorable experiences for guests of all ages. What truly sets it apart is a commitment to genuine hospitality. Many guests return year after year to celebrate life's biggest milestones, enjoy time with loved ones, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings, becoming part of The Upper House story themselves. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Bluebell--2-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Maple-Bathroom.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Maple1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/willow2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Aynsley-New-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Beech--1-.JPG) ## Stay: Rooms For Every Occasion All 24 bedrooms are individually decorated, en suite, and set within those 10 acres of woodland and gardens, giving the hotel the feel of a restful countryside haven rather than a chain hotel with a country view. Guests can choose from Classic Double and Twin rooms, Family Rooms, Executive Rooms, or the Luxury Suite for something a little more indulgent. Booking direct with the hotel guarantees the best available rates, along with other perks not available through third-party booking sites. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Afternoon-Tea-Voucher-photo-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Wedgwood-2.jpg) ## Dine: Seasonal British Food, Done Properly The hotel's restaurant makes the most of local produce wherever possible, working alongside the Regency bar, a cosy lounge with a log fire, and a terrace overlooking the gardens. It is a menu built for lingering over rather than rushing through. The Upper House is particularly well known locally for its Sunday lunch, a proper home-cooked, locally sourced roast, and for its afternoon teas. Coffee, cake and drinks from the bar are available all day, every day, whether that is by the fire in the lounge or out on the terrace when the weather plays along. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UH-Wreaths-041224-0106-1.jpg) ## Breaks and Offers The Upper House also puts together a rotating programme of themed breaks, including a Summer Staycation Break, an Autumn Break, a Sunday Night Special, and packages built around walking, mountain biking and road cycling in the surrounding countryside. Being just five minutes from the World of Wedgwood and within easy reach of The Potteries, there are dedicated breaks for guests keen to explore Stoke on Trent's ceramics heritage, along with a Trentham Hotel Break and options for golfers. The hotel sits ten minutes from Junction 15 of the M6, making it a genuinely easy base for exploring the wider area. ## The Little Extras Well behaved dogs are welcome in the hotel's grounds and public areas (though not the restaurant), there is electric vehicle charging on site, and the surrounding gardens and woodland walks are worth exploring in their own right, history, hidden Celtic grave and all. Gift vouchers are available for afternoon tea or as monetary amounts to spend anywhere across the hotel, handy for anyone who still hasn't worked out what to get a Wedgwood enthusiast for Christmas. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/H-R-180524-045.jpg) ## Join The Celebration As The Upper House celebrates its 30th anniversary, it would love to welcome both new and returning guests to experience everything the hotel has to offer. Whether you're planning your dream wedding, searching for a relaxing countryside escape, looking for somewhere special to enjoy lunch, dinner or the renowned Sunday roast, or celebrating a milestone with family and friends, there's always something happening at The Upper House. The hotel also hosts a fantastic programme of events throughout the year, from live music and comedy nights to creative workshops, murder mystery evenings and seasonal celebrations, making every visit a little different. As part of the anniversary year, the team is especially looking forward to the 30th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday 29th August, running from 5.00pm until late. Everyone is invited to join in for an evening of live music, a traditional ceilidh band, a bouncy castle and family-friendly entertainment, celebrating 30 wonderful years of The Upper House Hotel. Tickets are just £5 per person, and the hotel would love to celebrate this milestone with the local community and guests old and new. Join us as we celebrate 30 wonderful years of The Upper House Hotel. To book a stay, reserve a table, enquire about weddings or events, or discover what's coming up over the coming months, visit The Upper House Hotel or call 01782 373790. Thirty years of unforgettable memories, and we're only just getting started. --- **The Upper House Hotel** Website: [www.theupperhouse.com](https://www.theupperhouse.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Email: [enquiries@theupperhouse.com](mailto:enquiries@theupperhouse.com) Telephone: 01782 373790 Facebook: [facebook.com/upperhousehotel](https://www.facebook.com/upperhousehotel) Instagram: [@upperhousehotel](https://www.instagram.com/upperhousehotel?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *This is a paid advertorial feature, produced in partnership with The Upper House Hotel.* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### JCB Hydromax Powers To 368.347mph On Road To FIA Record Attempt URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jcb-hydromax-powers-to-368-347mph-on-road-to-fia-record-attempt/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T11:08:15.000Z Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the car set a new record in the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS, 500+ cubic inches) class at Bonneville Salt Flats at 8:50am, 6th August 2026 (MDT), recording a speed of 368.347 mph. The success came as the engineering giant gears up for an official FIA world record attempt next week. The run was completed as part of the Southern California Timing Association's (SCTA) renowned Bonneville Speed Week, regarded as the world's premier land speed racing event, which requires teams to make two runs on consecutive days and takes the average of the maximum speeds reached. > “To reach 368.347mph is a fantastic achievement for the whole JCB Hydromax team. It shows just what JCB’s hydrogen engines are capable of ahead of our outright FIA world record attempt. This project is about proving that hydrogen power can perform at the very highest level with zero emissions, and today’s result is powerful evidence of that.” Lord Bamford | JCB Chairman Andy Green, the fastest man on earth at 763.035mph and the only person to break the sound barrier on land, said: > “It has been an absolute joy to be back on the salt, racing at Speed Week alongside some incredible teams. The Bonneville Salt Flats are the home of the World Land Speed Record, where racers get to push the boundaries of physics and innovation. This record has given all of us huge confidence in the car, the team and the quality of the engineering. With our first record in the bag, we're now turning up the power on the engines, aiming to go even faster next week.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-driver-andy-green-obe.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/andy-green-obe-celebrates-with-the-jcb-team.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/andy-green-obe-sat-in-the-jcb-hydromax.jpg) ****Andy Green, the fastest man on earth** JCB Hydromax Project Leader Ryan Ballard said: > “Speed Week is one of the most iconic and respected events in world motorsport, bringing together competitors from around the globe who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering and performance. > “We are immensely grateful to the Southern California Timing Association for the professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm with which they organise this unique event. The SCTA's commitment to land speed racing has created a platform where innovation can thrive and records can be challenged. It has been a privilege for JCB to compete here, and we'd like to thank everyone involved for making us feel so welcome as we strive towards even greater achievements on the Salt Flats.” On Wednesday (5th August 2026), the 32 foot long, twin-engined JCB Hydromax recorded a speed of 367.141mph and the next day, reached a maximum speed of 369.554mph, giving an average speed of 368.347mph, setting a new SCTA record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The result surpasses the previous SCTA record of 348.342 mph set by the Spectre Streamliner in 2010, marking the first time in 16 years the class record has been broken. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-team.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-powering-down-the-bonneville-salt-flats.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/jcb-hydromax-368mph-scta-record-1.jpg) With the SCTA challenge behind it and valuable data gathered, the JCB team is now focussing on next week's outright Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) world record bid, where the JCB Hydromax will attempt to write a new chapter in hydrogen-powered motorsport history. JCB Hydromax is powered by two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen internal combustion engines. With the engines now being turned up towards their full combined output of 1,600hp, the team will look to build on this SCTA record as it prepares for the FIA record attempt next week. Bonneville Speed Week is the world's leading land speed racing event, run by the SCTA, which governs and verifies official class records at the event. Following Speed Week, the JCB Hydromax team is remaining at Bonneville to pursue officially recognised world records under the FIA, the global governing body for motorsport. The JCB Hydromax team has been running to a strict test programme, completing 44 runs to date, building speed and confidence in the car as they push the limits of hydrogen combustion technology and showcase British engineering to a global audience. JCB’s speed attempt comes ahead of the opening of the company’s new $500 million, one million sq. ft, 400-acre factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ 1,500 people, manufacturing machines for the US market. JCB has a long history of pushing the limits of speed. In 2006 JCB’s Dieselmax streamliner clinched the world diesel land speed record, reaching 350.092 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats powered by two JCB diesel engines. In 2019, the JCB Fastrac tractor was crowned the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191 mph, while in 2014 the JCB GT set the world record for the fastest backhoe loader at 72.58 mph. *Photos provided by JCB Media Team* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Hundreds enjoy nature themed Playday with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hundreds-enjoy-nature-themed-playday-with-staffordshire-wildlife-trust/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T10:41:29.000Z Wednesday 5 August marked Playday, the national day for play. Celebrated across the UK each year, Playday calls on families, community leaders, play providers, childcare settings, and everyone working with children and young people to promote and champion the importance of play. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Playday at its headquarters near Rugeley is a popular day out for many – the event has sold out for the past two years. Activities included grass sledging, a water slide, and an obstacle course. There was also storytelling, water play in our rain garden, and arts and crafts. Families could create their own beaver dam, learn about pollinators, and also take part in a habitat match activity which was designed to help children understand what wildlife needs to survive. Popular pond dipping allows children to discover the creatures which live unseen beneath the water, and there was also bug hunting in the meadow. The outdoor classroom area provided various activities; Nordic slinging (creates a bracelet), swinging in a hammock and a mud kitchen for children to embrace their imagination and cook up some mucky delights! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Playday_wolseley_august2026_Sarah_Davison-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Playday_wolseley_august2026_Sarah_Davison-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/02_playday_wolseley_august2026_susan_freeman.jpg) People Engagement Manager for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Shelley Pattinson says: > "Welcoming families to Playday is the highlight of our year. Outdoor play is proven to be hugely beneficial to children’s development and physical wellbeing. > > “Regular time in nature boosts brainpower and emotional wellbeing. Getting children to explore and have fun in the great outdoors really helps them grow up happier and healthier, while also building a lasting love for the environment." Playday was also supported by Aiming High, a Staffordshire County Council programme which offers free activities for children and young people with SEND in Staffordshire, helping them build confidence and enjoy new experiences. Laura and her five-year-old son Jackson are just one of the families who attended Playday through Aiming High. They have attended previous sessions at The Wolseley Centre, which Jackson thoroughly enjoyed. Laura says: > “Jaxon has autism and developmental delay. He finds going out and about extremely difficult. > > “Through Aiming High, we attended the Wild Skills sessions, where Jaxon thrived. He was happy, well-regulated, and actively joined in with the many activities that the amazing staff had set up. He particularly enjoyed the water channeling activity, the Japanese Hapa Zone art activity, the music station, and the rope swing. > > “We are so grateful that he has been able to attend these sessions, as he has thrived in the safe and nurturing environment that Staffordshire Wildlife Trust have created.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Playday_wolseley_august2026_Susan_Freeman_small-6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Playday_wolseley_august2026_Susan_Freeman_small-5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Jaxon-enjoying-Playday.jpg) All upcoming Aiming High sessions can be found here: eequ.org/staffordshireaiminghigh The fun is set to continue with a variety of further activities on offer at The Wolseley Centre during the rest of the summer holidays. - Monday 10 August, 10.30am - 12pm – Wildlings (4 spaces left) - Wednesday 12 August, 1 - 3pm - Wildfamilies Minibeast Hunt & Pond Dipping - Wednesday 12 August, 2.30 – 4.30pm – Wildfamilies Beaver Quest - Thursday 13 August, 10.30 – 11.30am and 2 – 3pm – Wildfamilies Pond dipping - Friday 14 August, 10am – 3pm, drop in grass sledging\* - Monday 17 August, 10.30am - 12pm – Wildlings - Tuesday 18 August, 1.30 – 3.30pm, Wildfamilies Woodland Adventures - Wednesday 19 August, 7.30 – 9.30pm – Dark Skies - Friday 21 August, 10am – 12pm - Wildfamilies Minibeast Hunt & Pond Dipping - Monday 24 August, 10.30 – 11.30am and 2 – 3pm – Wildfamilies Pond dipping - Monday 24 August, 10.30am - 12pm – Wildlings - Tuesday 25 August, 1.30pm - 3pm – Wildlings - Tuesday 25 August, 10 – 12pm, Wildfamilies Woodland Adventures - Thursday 27 August, 10am – 3pm, drop in grass sledging\* More information about each event and to book visit: [www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events](http://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) \*No booking needed for the drop in sessions, just turn up and pay on the day. *Photos by Susan Freeman & Sarah Davison* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Three Counties Open Art Exhibition marks 30 years with biggest ever showcase URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/three-counties-open-art-exhibition-marks-30-years-with-biggest-ever-showcase/ Last updated: 2026-08-09T10:09:31.000Z The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition, which brings together artists from Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, has returned to Fenton Town Hall with more works on show than ever before. Organisers said this year's milestone event attracted the highest number of submissions since the exhibition began three decades ago, reflecting growing interest from artists across the region. The exhibition is organised by ArtsKeele at Keele University in partnership with ACAVA Spode Works, Appetite, Burslem School of Art Trust, the New Vic Theatre, Barewall Gallery, PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning), and Restoke. Kerry Jones, from ArtsKeele, said: > “To be marking our 30th anniversary with both a record number of submissions and the largest exhibition we’ve ever staged is a wonderful way to celebrate the exhibition's legacy. > “The quality and variety of work on display demonstrates the strength of artistic talent across the three counties.” This year's exhibition, officially opened by Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor Councillor Joan Bell, has attracted a record 308 submissions, with more than 140 artists now showcasing their work - the largest number ever featured. The exhibitors range from 16 to 91 years old, bringing together artists from across different generations. It features a wide range of creative work, including painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image and installation pieces. Prizes will be awarded across 10 categories. Among those exhibiting is Emily Galvin-Wilson, who became Staffordshire's first female Poet Laureate in 2017. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/em960.jpg) Emily Galvin-Wilson Emily, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: > “I didn't have the most straightforward introduction to art. At school, I was put off because I struggled with realism and wasn't encouraged to develop my artistic side. It wasn't until later that I discovered watercolour as a hobby, often using it alongside my poetry. Over time, creativity became an increasingly important part of my life, and I found myself drawn more deeply into making art. > “The piece I am exhibiting is called Take Me Out To Sea and is a mixed media abstract piece created as a response to music through synaesthesia. After having my daughter, I found it difficult to find large blocks of time to make art, and so I began to curate 15-to-20-minute playlists for myself, which created little pockets of atmosphere to complete a piece in bursts over the course of weeks. Most of my most recent work has been created in this way.” Visual artist Laurel Gallagher, a former secondary school art teacher who now works under the name Feral State, is exhibiting a self-portrait diptych, digital photograph. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Laurel960.jpg) Laurel Gallagher Laurel, who lives in Oakamoor, said: > “Art is always the thing that carries me through change. Every period of transformation in my life, art has been there. Art connects me back to myself and builds community around that connection.” The exhibition runs until Saturday, 29 August, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday, between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free, with a programme of creative events and activities taking place alongside the exhibition. For more details, visit https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/artskeele/threecountiesopenart2026/ Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Coming Soon - The Staffordshire Signal Autumn Edition 2026: Our First Special Edition Magazine, Packed With Things to Do This Autumn URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/coming-soon-the-staffordshire-signal-autumn-edition-2026-our-first-special-edition-magazine-packed-with-things-to-do-this-autumn/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T15:39:20.000Z I have a confession. Autumn is my favourite time of year, and it is nearly here! The moment the mornings turn crisp, the leaves start turning, and the first pumpkin spiced latte of the season lands in my hand, I am fully converted. Halloween, bonfire night, misty walks through heritage parkland, the whole thing. I love it. And every single year, we miss half of it. Not because it is not happening. Staffordshire is bursting with things to do this time of year, brilliant events, beautiful walks, cosy places to visit, markets, trails, fireworks displays that light up half the county. It is happening. We just do not always know it is happening, until it has already been and gone, and someone posts a photo the next day that makes my heart sink a little. I know I am not the only one. So many of you have told me the same thing. There is so much on in Staffordshire, and so little joined up way of finding it. Small events get lost. Independent places get overlooked in favour of whatever has the biggest marketing budget. And readers like you miss out on the best of your own county simply because nobody put it all in one place. So we are doing something about it. ![Knypersley Reservoir](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC02301.JPG) Knypersley Reservoir ## Introducing The Staffordshire Signal Autumn Edition This is our first ever Special Edition, and it is dedicated entirely to the best of autumn right here on your doorstep. Halloween, bonfire night, crisp days out in our county's stunning heritage spaces, the walks, the markets, the pumpkin patches, the places that deserve to be busy and are not, because not enough people know they exist. Our mission has always been the same: independent, local journalism that actually serves Staffordshire, built by the county, for the county. This edition is that mission in its purest form. We want to show off the best of what we have got, and just as importantly, help people actually find it. The magazine will be out at the end of September and will run right through October and November, so there is plenty of time for it to do its job. ![Keele University](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FB_IMG_1477406886978.jpg) Keele University ## Why we need you, if you run a business or an event Here is the honest truth. The Staffordshire Signal is free for every single reader, and that is never going to change. But free to read does not mean free to make. Every issue costs real money to write, design, and physically print and distribute across the county, and none of that happens by magic. We are a not for profit, and we cannot keep this magazine free, independent, and in as many hands as possible without the businesses and organisations who choose to support us through advertising. Every advert in this edition is what keeps the presses running and the Signal free for everyone to read. So for this edition, and this edition only, we are offering something big. If you have an autumn event, a seasonal offer, or simply a place people should be visiting this time of year, we would love to help you shout about it, and we are making it as easy as possible to say yes. We are offering our biggest discount of the year, our full twelve month advertising rate, for a single one off advert in this edition. Print and digital together, one purchase, no extra charge either way. And it does not stop at the page it sits on. We are also building dedicated autumn features across our website and Signal Weekly throughout October and November, round ups of where to go and what to do, and our advertisers get folded straight into that coverage too. That is advertising that keeps working long after the ink is dry. This offer will not hang around. To lock in this rate, we need you booked in by 21 August. If that is you, get in touch and let us tell your story this autumn. [Advertise in Staffordshire | Partner with The Signal CICPartner with Staffordshire’s premier media ecosystem. Reach 40,000 monthly readers across print and digital in an ad-clutter-free environment. Support local journalism that prioritises people over profits and connects your business with a loyal, engaged community![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/Untitled-design--6--1-52a7c537-0724-4048-9a6d-d59b462eab83.png)The Staffordshire Signal CICJenna Goodwin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/20260318_141524-2-2-1-86a3772d-f2f2-4735-bc7d-b38c8f820bb2.jpg)](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise/) ![Shugborough Estate](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20241114_145917.jpg) Shugborough Estate ## Why we need you, if you are a reader If you are not a business, you can still be part of this, and honestly, this bit matters just as much. If you have not already, subscribe to The Staffordshire Signal, free or paid, whichever suits you. Every subscriber tells advertisers that this magazine reaches real people who care about their county, and that is what keeps businesses willing to support us, which is what keeps the whole thing free. It genuinely is that simple. You subscribing helps us help you find your own doorstep. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## And if you are feeling generous We will not pretend we are above asking. Running an independent, not for profit magazine is genuinely hard work, and if you have ever read something in the Signal that made you smile, or sent you somewhere brilliant you would never have found otherwise, a small tip goes further than you would think. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Staffordshire is, without question, the most beautiful county in England, and this autumn it deserves to be seen properly. Let us show you where to go. ![Wootton Lodge](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/20251026_153326.jpg) Wootton Lodge ### Multiple Staffordshire dealerships recognised as Highly Rated in the Autotrader Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/multiple-staffordshire-dealerships-recognised-as-highly-rated-in-the-autotrader-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T15:08:16.000Z The recognition highlights the dealership’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience, with teams across the business continuing to put customers at the heart of everything they do. With more car buyers relying on online reviews when choosing where to purchase and maintain their vehicle, the Autotrader Highly Rated recognition provides an important endorsement of the service delivered by dealership teams every day. To achieve Highly Rated status, dealerships must meet Autotrader’s criteria, including: • A strong percentage of customer reviews relative to vehicle sales • An average customer rating of 4.5 stars or higher • A minimum of 10 customer reviews • Responding to 95% of 1- and 2-star reviews BYD Stoke, Stoke Audi, Stafford Audi and Stafford Land Rover have demonstrated these standards through consistently positive customer feedback and a commitment to listening and responding to customers. ![Stafford Land Rover Team - Swansway Motor Group](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Stafford-Land-Rover-Team.jpg) Stafford Land Rover Team - Swansway Motor Group John Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, said: > *“Being recognised as Highly Rated by Autotrader is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the hard work and dedication shown by our teams. Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, so receiving this recognition based on their feedback means a great deal.”* As a family owned business, Swansway Motor Group has built its success around its values of caring, honest and proud, with a genuine focus on supporting customers and communities across the UK. John continued: > *“Every review represents a customer experience and we’re incredibly proud of the teams across our dealerships who continue to go the extra mile to make buying and owning a vehicle as enjoyable and straightforward as possible.”* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Lucas Herbert and Ripper GC claim LIV Golf UK titles at JCB in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lucas-herbert-and-ripper-gc-claim-liv-golf-uk-titles-at-jcb-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-08-07T08:21:16.000Z ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_JF_B0714.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_MHB6656.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_JF_B0106.jpg) Photo credit LIV Golf The tournament was held at the JCB Golf & Country Club from 23rd to 26th July, bringing some of the world’s leading golfers to Staffordshire and we were delighted to attend as one of their official media. *Lucas Herbert didn't just win LIV Golf UK Presented by JCB 2026\. He rewrote the LIV Golf record book doing it.* Herbert led the competition from the opening day and finished an impressive final round with a 10-under 62 on Sunday to finish at 30-under for the event, a wire-to-wire victory by six shots that stands as the lowest winning score in LIV Golf League history. Along the way, Herbert also set the League record for most birdies in a single tournament with 30, and the record for most combined birdies and eagles in a tournament with 32. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC08946.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC08921.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC08917.jpg) Tyrrell Hatton gave the home crowd an Englishman in the running to root for, closing with a bogey-free 9-under 63 to finish runner-up at 24-under. The Legion XIII star was gracious in defeat, quick to credit the player who beat him. > "Obviously Lucas played amazing. I wanted to get off to a fast start, which is what I did, but unfortunately Lucas did as well," > "I'm very proud of how I played. It would have been amazing to win in front of home fans, but I tried my best. But actually, Lucas was incredible this week." Hatton said. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC09040.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC09027.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DSC09036.jpg) His performance also helped power Legion XIII to a second-place finish on the team leaderboard at 48-under, with Caleb Surratt having a great week with a T5 finish. Bryson DeChambeau placed third, while Herbert’s Ripper GC teammate Cam Smith finished fourth. > *"I knew it wasn't going to be a day where even par, 1-under was going to get it done for me. I knew I had to go out there and get it. Just kept pushing myself the whole way, and here we are… It was one of those weeks, just when you needed a good break. I played great this week, but also, I got a lot of good breaks, which is really nice. It's good to take advantage of those when they come." – *Herbert,* Ripper GC* Herbert’s performance also helped Ripper GC win the team competition. The Australian team finished four shots ahead of Legion XIII to claim its third victory of the season and its first in Europe. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_JF_B0366-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_CTA_6367.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/UK_07_26_26_JF_B0384-1.jpg) Photo credit LIV Golf ### Individual leaderboard 1\. Lucas Herbert, Ripper GC (-30, 61-66-69-62) 2\. Tyrrell Hatton, Legion XIII (-24, 66-68-67-63) 3\. Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers GC (-21, 64-67-68-68) 4\. Cam Smith, Ripper GC (-17, 69-67-66-69) T5\. Abraham Ancer, Torque GC (-14, 68-70-65-71) T5\. Caleb Surratt, Legion XIII (-14, 68-69-70-67) T7\. Charles Howell III, Crushers GC (-13, 68-70-69-68) T7\. Harold Varner III, OKGC (-13, 66-69-68-72) T7\. Laurie Canter, Majesticks Golf Club (-13, 73-66-70-66) 10\. Carlos Ortiz, Torque GC (-12, 70-68-72-66) ### Team leaderboard 1. Ripper GC (-52) – Smith (69-67-66-69), Herbert (61-66-69-62), Leishman (68-68-71-72), Smyth (71-69-78-74) 2. Legion XIII (-48) – Rahm (73-70-71-70), Hatton (66-68-67-63), Surratt (68-69-70-67), McKibbin (73-70-70-69) 3. Crushers GC (-42) – DeChambeau (64-67-68-68), Howell III (68-70-69-68), Casey (73-69-72-70), Lahiri (68-69-75-72) 4. Torque GC (-30) – Niemann (73-72-68-72), Ancer (68-70-65-71), Ortiz (70-68-72-66), Muñoz (78-70-71-68) 5. Majesticks Golf Club (-22) – Poulter (68-71-70-71), Westwood (71-70-72-75), Canter (73-66-70-66), Horsfield (73-75-71-68) ![LIV Golf Presented By JCB](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/unnamed.png) LIV Golf Presented By JCB Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Major Motorcycle Brands, Inspiring Speakers and Hands-On Experiences Come to Staffordshire for Women in Moto 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/major-motorcycle-brands-inspiring-speakers-and-hands-on-experiences-come-to-staffordshire-for-women-in-moto-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T21:52:02.000Z Taking place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August 2026, Women in Moto has become a unique fixture on the UK's motorcycling calendar. While the event was created to encourage and celebrate more women in motorcycling, it is not exclusively for women. Men and women, riders and non-riders, families, friends and anyone curious about the world of motorcycling are all invited to enjoy the weekend. Whether you're an experienced rider, considering learning, returning to motorcycling or simply looking for a great day out, Women in Moto offers something for everyone. Visitors can explore displays from leading motorcycle manufacturers, including Honda, Norton Motorcycles and Royal Enfield, alongside dealers, clubs, charities, training providers and exhibitors showcasing the latest motorcycles, rider training, travel, experiences and services available within the motorcycling community. Throughout the weekend, visitors can meet industry experts, ask questions and discover the many opportunities that motorcycling has to offer. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the Inspirational Speakers and Panel Talks, bringing together women with remarkable stories from across the motorcycle community. Visitors will hear from Zoe Wiggins, Guliafshan Tariq, Maja and Lara, together with the Women in Moto Panel, featuring Iqra Hamid, Senior Design Engineer at Triumph Motorcycles. Through stories of adventure, engineering, determination and personal journeys, the talks aim to inspire, educate and encourage more people to enjoy motorcycling. The event also offers a wide range of interactive experiences. Complete beginners can enjoy Honda's Ride Free experience, providing the opportunity to ride a motorcycle for the very first time, while full motorcycle licence holders can take part in Honda, Royal Enfield & Norton Motorycles test rides. Those looking to venture off the tarmac can also experience MotoJunkies' ‘beginner-friendly’ off-road riding sessions, offering off-road motorcycling skills in a fun and supportive environment. CBT and full licence holders can also, ‘have a go’ at MotoGymkhana (a fun cone-based motorcycle handling challenge to improve balance, precision and slow-speed control), explore the Adventure Zone and Training Zone, attend workshops and sit-down sessions, enjoy arena displays and browse the popular Gallery of Women Riders. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/motojunkies.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/fun6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/camping-ladies.jpg) ****Phil Jones Photography** Lindsay Atkinson, Founder of Women in Moto, said: > "Women in Moto has always been about bringing people together through a shared passion for motorcycling. While my mission is to encourage and inspire more women into riding, the event has always welcomed everyone. Whether you ride every day, are thinking about learning, or simply want to experience the motorcycle community, you'll receive a warm welcome. My hope is that visitors leave feeling inspired, having made new friends and discovered just how supportive and inclusive the motorcycling community really is." Visitors wishing to make a full weekend of it can take advantage of on-site camping from Friday 21 August. Friday evening's relaxed campfire gathering invites campers to bring along their own acoustic instruments, share stories and enjoy toasted marshmallows, while Saturday night's live entertainment offers another opportunity to unwind, meet fellow enthusiasts and enjoy the friendly, welcoming atmosphere that Women in Moto has become known for. Families are welcome throughout the weekend, with children under 18 admitted free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/try-ride-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/ride-free-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/crowd-and-ice-vream.jpg) ****Phil Jones Photography** Whether you arrive on two wheels, three wheels, by car or campervan, or you're simply curious to discover more about the world of motorcycling, you'll receive a warm welcome at Women in Moto. ### Event Details Women in Moto Show 2026 Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August 2026 Uttoxeter Racecourse Wood Lane Uttoxeter Staffordshire ST14 8BD For tickets, camping information and the latest event updates, visit [www.womenmoto.co.uk](https://www.womenmoto.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Drought and fires; the stark impact of climate change in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/drought-and-fires-the-stark-impact-of-climate-change-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T21:21:26.000Z Low rainfall is causing extreme concern. Last week (29 July) the Environment Agency declared drought in the West Midlands. The majority of rivers in England are running low (78%). Reservoir storage has fallen to 75.3% of capacity, and water restrictions are affecting approximately 23 million customers.\* Staffordshire Wildlife Trust nature reserve staff are on high alert. The threat of fire is higher than ever with the news reporting a continuous stream of fires devastating precious wild places, and people even being evacuated from their homes. Last week we saw fires destroy woodland near Cheadle, and heathland at Etchinghill (Rugeley) and on Cannock Chase. Sadly, raging fires and dwindling water sources are the new “normal”. Which is why it’s vital to work with nature and restore natural processes across our landscapes, making them more resilient in times of drought. We need greater natural water storage. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DJI_20260719171604_0019_D.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DJI_20260719171457_0015_D.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/DJI_20260719171322_0011_D.jpg) Park Hall Country Park fires July 2026 Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says: > “We need people visiting our nature reserves to be extra vigilant - at the first sign of fire or smoke, call 999 immediately and ask for the fire service. > “Our county is under extreme pressure - rivers, wetlands, and soil across the county are struggling following one of the driest periods on record. Many ponds and lakes have dried up, everywhere is tinder dry, and many types of wildlife is struggling to find the water and food it needs to survive. > “Each day we’re seeing fires devastate greenspaces and my team is incredibly worried. In an instant we could lose years of careful restoration work. It can take decades for land to recover from fire, even with dedicated intervention and restoration work. > “We’re also seeing the impact of climate change on many of our reserves. For example, Radford Meadows in Stafford should offer pools of water across the floodplain, yet many are drying up. It's usually a place to see masses of dragonflies and waders like lapwing and little ringed plover but right now there are so few about. What should be an oasis for nature is becoming barren.” The Trust continues its work to make its nature reserves more resilient. Creating and maintaining firebreaks to slow or stop the spread of fires. Plus restoring damaged habitats and rewetting peat so wildlife can return. Staff are also carrying out patrols of high-risk sites. > “We’re regularly stopping people from having BBQs and explaining to them why it’s not safe. We have huge signs all over our high-risk reserves but we’re still seeing people bring them without any understanding of why they can’t be used.” Jeff adds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Drought-heatwave-low-water-reservoir-AdobeStock_1716488801.jpeg) Low water levels on a reservoir Weather extremes are here to stay. We’re seeing wetter winters followed by hotter, drier summers. These prolonged periods without significant rainfall are becoming the norm as the climate changes. Jeff concludes: > “Nature plays a vital role in helping communities prepare for and adapt to drought. We know that healthy ecosystems and landscapes which hold water are essential for future resilience in times of drought, but also during high rainfall. > "Historically we altered our landscapes to move water through them as quickly as possible. While that may have helped in the short term, it is to the detriment to wetland wildlife and leaves us less able to cope when rainfall becomes scarce. By improving the way our landscape functions, we can give nature and communities a better chance of coping with the hotter, drier conditions we’re seeing. > "We’re working with landowners, local authorities, and partners to create better resilience to both drought and flooding. Work such as our project at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve will increase natural water storage and improve biodiversity and we’ll continue to do more climate adaptation work around the county.” There are lots of ways that we can all give wildlife a helping hand when it's hot. For suggestions and ideas visit: [Help wildlife in the hot weather | Staffordshire Wildlife Trust](https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/actions/help-wildlife-hot-weather?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Staffordshire residents urged to prepare as home phone changes move closer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-residents-urged-to-prepare-as-home-phone-changes-move-closer/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:59:05.000Z The exchange areas are part of the latest phase of the UK's transition from the ageing analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to modern Digital Voice services. Across Staffordshire, particularly in rural communities, many households still rely on their home phone to stay connected with family, neighbours and essential services. Understanding what the changes mean before communications providers begin contacting customers can help people prepare with confidence. While the nationwide switch-off is due to complete by 31 January 2027, many people are still unsure what the changes mean for them. Common questions include whether they'll be able to keep their existing home phone number, continue using their current handset, whether broadband is needed and what happens during a power cut. Bryn Thompson, Director at Phonely, a UK provider of digital landline services, said: > "For many households across Staffordshire, the home phone is still an important part of everyday life. The good news is that, for most people, it's possible to keep both the number they've had for years and the handset they're familiar with. > "The important thing is to understand what's changing before your provider gets in touch, rather than leaving everything until the last minute." Openreach's announcement is part of the UK's long-term programme to retire the ageing copper phone network and move to digital technology. Communications providers will contact affected customers before they are migrated, giving households time to prepare and ask questions about the changes. ### Five things Staffordshire residents should know 1. You can usually keep your existing home phone number. 2\. Many people can continue using their current handset with the right equipment. 1. Your broadband and home phone don't necessarily have to be with the same provider. 2. If you use a telecare alarm or pendant, check with your provider before switching. 3. If you're contacted about changes to your home phone, always make sure the communication is genuine before sharing any personal or financial information. Thompson added: > "The biggest thing we would encourage people to do is ask questions. There are still a lot of myths surrounding the move to Digital Voice, but for most people the process is much simpler than they expect." More information about the UK's landline switch-off and Digital Voice is available at: [https://www.phonely.co.uk/uk-digital-landline-switchover](https://www.phonely.co.uk/uk-digital-landline-switchover?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Views sought on protecting public spaces from dog fouling URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/views-sought-on-protecting-public-spaces-from-dog-fouling/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:43:17.000Z Dog fouling can spoil the enjoyment and appearance of public places including footpaths, parks, recreational areas and other open spaces. The proposed PSPO would help promote responsible dog ownership and provide enforcement powers where dog owners fail to remove dog mess from public areas. Councillor Bill Cawley, Cabinet member for Communities, said: > “Dog fouling continues to be an issue that residents raise regularly with us. Whilst most dog owners do behave responsibly, there is a small minority that leave dog mess behind in public places. > “We want everyone to be able to enjoy our shared public spaces that are safe and clean. That’s why we are considering this order but, before we make a decision, we want to hear from you. The consultation is now open and you’ll find full details, including how to respond, [on our website](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/8712/Dog-Fouling-PSPO?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) so please do get involved and share your thoughts.” The Council currently tackles dog fouling through education, enforcement, and cleaning activities. This consultation will help determine whether introducing a PSPO is necessary and proportionate. The closing date for submissions is 23 August. Anyone unable to complete the online response form can request a paper copy from Customer Services staff on Council receptions. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Former Chairman presents cheque to his chosen charity URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/former-chairman-presents-cheque-to-his-chosen-charity/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:38:47.000Z The wellness and wellbeing charity has been providing support and activities from its purpose-built Church Road base in the town for the past decade. In a typical week it works with 150 young people aged between 9 and 16, and many adults beyond that number. The money will fund a youth and mental health project lasting 15 weeks and will include activities around arts and crafts, expression, writing a journal, fitness, and healthy eating. In their work, specialist staff at the charity make it their priority to create a safe environment for young people and adults from the most deprived part of the town to open up and discuss their concerns with the encouragement and support of their peers. They will also signpost to other organisations that can provide help. Anyone wanting to find out more about BYCZ should call 01782 244288\. The charity’s website is [www.bycz.org](http://www.bycz.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Cheque-presentation-to-Biddulph-Youth---Community-Zone.jpg) At the cheque presentation outside Moorlands House in Leek are (l to r) Sharon Middling, Chair of Biddulph Youth & Community Zone (BYCZ), Antony Capostagno, Centre Manager for BYCZ, former Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC), Councillor Adam Parkes, and SMDC Councillor Connor Brady who is Secretary of BYCZ. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Warning after £1k fines following fly-tipping in Stafford Borough URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/warning-after-1k-fines-following-fly-tipping-in-stafford-borough/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T20:34:01.000Z Councillor Ian Fordham was speaking after two incidents in which rubbish was disposed of illegally in the borough. In the latest incident a variety of items from a house clearance - including chairs, plant pots, and cardboard, was dumped in a layby near the village of Gnosall (pictured). The owner was traced to an address in Nottingham and claimed he had paid £250 to a ‘specialist removal company’ he found via online marketplace, Gumtree, to get rid of the waste. The man was given a £600 fixed penalty notice by Stafford Borough Council for allowing his waste to be disposed of illegally on the A518\. He refused to give details of the company he had used, last month. Councillor Fordham, Cabinet Member for Environment at the Borough Council, urged residents to ensure those offering to remove waste were registered to do so. He continued: > “Fly-tipping, littering, and other environmental crimes, are a blight on our communities. They can cause environmental damage, they attract anti-social behaviour, make areas look untidy, and impact on the quality of life for our residents. Those residents are disgusted when people fly-tip in their community. > “It may seem like a cheap alternative paying someone to get rid of your rubbish - but if they are not a registered waste carrier then you leave yourself open to a fine or even prosecution.” The borough council tips to avoid breaking the law are: 1. Always check credentials of people offering to take rubbish [https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers](https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) 2. Ask where they are going to dispose of the waste 3. Always get a receipt More information from [https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/alternative-waste-collectors](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/alternative-waste-collectors?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) In a separate incident a delivery driver dumped a large black bag of domestic waste at industrial premises in Eccleshall. The man from Wimbourne in Dorset was hit with a £500 fixed penalty notice following the incident in June. Councllor Fordham added: > “I'd urge anyone with information on those who are carrying out fly tipping to report it to us as we will always pursue those intent on spoiling our borough.” For more details on reporting environmental crimes go to [https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/grime-watch](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/grime-watch?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### AEDdonate Celebrates Reaching 10,000 Locations Across the UK URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/aeddonate-celebrates-reaching-10-000-locations-across-the-uk/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T11:47:26.000Z AEDdonate is celebrating a significant milestone after reaching 10,000 locations across the United Kingdom through raising awareness, delivering education, providing guidance and helping communities become better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. The 10,000 locations we've reached reflect the breadth of AEDdonate's work. From schools, village halls and workplaces to pubs, places of worship, sports clubs, garden centres, community first responder vehicles, boats, buses and personal defibrillators, each one represents people choosing to be prepared to save a life. For more than a decade, the Staffordshire-based charity has worked alongside schools, sports clubs, businesses, charities, community organisations and public sector bodies, raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest, educating thousands of people, providing expert guidance and improving access to life-saving defibrillators. Through its FIRM approach – Fund, Install, Register and Maintain – AEDdonate supports organisations throughout the entire journey, from securing funding and installing equipment to registering devices on the national defibrillator network, providing maintenance support and delivering education that helps communities stay emergency ready. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Richards MBE said: > "Today, AEDdonate has reached 10,000 locations across the UK. Whether we've raised awareness, delivered education, provided guidance, supplied equipment or offered ongoing support, every location represents people choosing to make their communities safer. > When AEDdonate began, supporting 10,000 communities felt unimaginable. Reaching this milestone reminds us that lasting impact isn't created by one big moment – it's built through thousands of conversations, partnerships and people choosing to make their communities safer. > I'm incredibly proud of our team, our volunteers and everyone who has supported AEDdonate over the years. Every location represents people who cared enough to take action, and we're grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey. While we're proud of what we've achieved together, we're even more excited about helping the next 10,000 communities become better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest." This milestone reflects the commitment of AEDdonate's dedicated team, the passion of its volunteers and the generosity of its supporters, donors, fundraisers, community champions, businesses and partner organisations. Together, they have raised awareness, educated communities, improved access to life-saving defibrillators and helped ensure thousands more people are better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. AEDdonate's work goes far beyond supplying defibrillators. Through awareness campaigns, education, guidance, fundraising support, registration, maintenance and ongoing advice, the charity helps communities build the confidence and capability to respond when every second counts. As the charity celebrates reaching its 10,000th location, it is already looking ahead to the future, expanding education programmes, increasing public awareness and working with even more organisations to create communities that are ready to respond when every second counts. Jamie added: > "This milestone belongs to everyone who has supported AEDdonate over the years. To our incredible team, our volunteers, fundraisers, donors, partners, community champions and every organisation that has trusted us to work alongside them – thank you. Your passion, generosity and commitment have helped make thousands of communities safer. Together, we've reached 10,000 locations, and we're excited to help the next 10,000 become better prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest." Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Nature set to thrive as Ford Green Brook restoration creates new habitats URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nature-set-to-thrive-as-ford-green-brook-restoration-creates-new-habitats/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T11:38:14.000Z The work will improve the brook and surrounding floodplain to support more wildlife and create a better space for people to enjoy, all without increasing flood risk. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust and specialist environmental contractors will begin by preparing the area and carrying out final checks, including wildlife surveys and a fish rescue to safely move fish before work starts. The project will create a range of new habitats to help plants and animals thrive. This includes digging shallow ponds, widening sections of the brook and reshaping parts of the channel to allow the water to flow in a more natural way. These changes will create slower-moving water in some areas and deeper, faster sections in others. This variety is important for wildlife, helping different species to feed, shelter and breed. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FGB-Central-Tamsin-Harrison-3-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FGB-Central-Tamsin-Harrison-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/FGB-Central-Tamsin-Harrison-1.jpg) Ford Green Brook - photo credit Tamsin Harrison Features called riffles, shallow areas with stones that create movement in the water, will also be added to increase oxygen levels and improve conditions for fish and insects. The work will begin in the north part of the brook and move south, helping teams manage water flow and protect wildlife as the project progresses. Some trees will need to be removed to allow access for machinery. This work is planned to take place any time from week commencing the 10 August. As many trees as possible will be kept, and any that are removed will be reused to create habitats for wildlife. New growth is expected in the coming years, and the area will continue to develop over time. Ecologists will be on site to check for protected species, including birds and bats, before work begins. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Living Floodplains Manager, Victoria Bunter, says: > “We are so pleased to be able to bring real benefits to the wildlife that calls Ford Green Brook home. By creating a range of natural habitats, we’re making space for wildlife to thrive. It will also make the area a more interesting and enjoyable place for local people to visit and enjoy nature.” A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson says: > "We're pleased to support this important project covering Ford Green Brook, which will bring lasting benefits for both wildlife and local people. By creating new wetland habitats and improving the natural river environment, we're helping to make the park a richer, more resilient place for nature to thrive. We know local people care deeply about their green spaces, and once established, these improvements will make Ford Green Brook an even better place to enjoy and connect with nature." Careful planning and flood modelling have been carried out to make sure the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes. The changes will help the brook function more naturally and support a healthier environment in the long term. Once complete, the project will leave Ford Green Brook with a richer mix of wetland habitats, more wildlife, and a stronger, more resilient natural space for the future. For more information, visit: [https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew](https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Junior Drift Kartz arrival puts summer holidays on track for excitement in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/junior-drift-kartz-arrival-puts-summer-holidays-on-track-for-excitement-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T11:29:36.000Z Young thrill-seekers in the West Midlands looking for something new and exciting to do over the summer holidays can now test their driving skills with a brand-new karting experience with a difference. The all-new, all-action Junior Drift Kartz experience for children aged 8 - 17 takes place at Seighford Driving Centre in Staffordshire and can be booked through TrackDays.co.uk. It is available for youngsters or makes a great group adventure for up to six juniors to enjoy. There's also the option to book it for two or four juniors, making it an exciting outing for a smaller group of friends or siblings to enjoy. The experience uses custom built karts which are fitted out with hydraulic brakes and broad plastic wheels, all designed to make them easier to glide in and out of the corners. Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at TrackDays.co.uk, said: > "The arrival of Junior Drift Kartz couldn't be better timed with the summer holidays starting. > "It really is a karting experience for kids unlike any other they'll have tried before, while also letting them race against others." The experience starts with a welcome, introduction and safety briefing, followed by the karting action on a purpose-built outdoor circuit with the aim of learning the art of drifting. Imran added: > "High octane four-wheel adventure for youngsters doesn't come much more exciting than with these Junior Drift Kartz experiences in Staffordshire. Great fun and a magical way to add some excitement to the summer holidays." For more information about TrackDays.co.uk, and the Junior Drift Kartz experiences, visit www.trackdays.co.uk. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Pig Walk creators Urban Wilderness CIC become Wild Edge Arts URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/pig-walk-creators-urban-wilderness-cic-become-wild-edge-arts/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T11:21:36.000Z This month, Longton-based Urban Wilderness CIC will become Wild Edge Arts – a new name and brand developed with key partners, community groups and members of the organisation's Art Club, Teen Squad and creative volunteers. The rebrand reflects the organisation's evolution from creating small-scale artistic interventions across the city to becoming a long-term community organisation rooted in Longton, where it now delivers large public events, year-round creative activities and an ambitious heritage building project. The team’s much-loved events, including the Pig Walk and Winter Gathering, will continue under the Wild Edge Arts name. The rebrand has been supported through part of a grant from Arts Council England, which is also funding wider organisational development and activities. As part of the funded project, the team – who are finalists in the High Street Impact category at this year’s University of Staffordshire Business Awards – will publish a practical guide sharing its experience of community-led rebranding and organisational development to support other small-scale arts organisations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Isla-Telford---Jenny-Harper-credit-Wild-Edge-Arts.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Wild-Edge-Arts-Logo.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Isla-and-Jenny-at-the-2026-Pig-Walk-Credit-Andrew-Billington.jpg) Isla & Jenny - Wild Edge Arts - Pig Walk photo Credit Andrew Billington Co-director Jenny Harper said: > “We really wanted to keep the feel of the Urban Wilderness CIC name while developing a new identity alongside our community members which reflects our core values and our evolving work. > “Our creative volunteers usually make things with us for a specific purpose, such as costumes for the Pig Walk or the Winter Gathering, and this was a very different type of project which they fully embraced. > “They know us very well and they had some great insights into what we do which we have been able to incorporate into our new brand.” The rebrand comes as the team prepares to transform the former Barclays Bank building in Longton into a permanent creative and community hub. Wild Edge Arts has taken on a five-year lease of the vacant landmark building on The Strand and plans to relocate activities including film clubs, creative workshops, talks, photography classes and wellbeing groups from its current base in Longton Exchange shopping precinct. The three-storey building will undergo extensive improvements before opening in phases, with longer-term ambitions including artists' studios, meeting rooms, a small performance space and a café bar. Co-director Isla Telford said: > “Our practice has changed since we began in 2018\. We originally dropped into locations across the city, made short-term interventions and left, but now we are deeply embedded in the Longton community, creating large-scale events with 150 volunteers and renovating a heritage building. > “As Urban Wilderness CIC we saw ourselves as instigators. We still see ourselves as pushing and making change happen but now our role in the community and our civic responsibility is more about collaboration. > “We feel very strongly that the work that we make benefits the people who participate in it and the place where it happens. We want to spread optimism through the whole town.” Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course is coming to Tamworth Castle this month, as part of 10th anniversary UK tour URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/uks-biggest-inflatable-obstacle-course-is-coming-to-tamworth-castle-this-month-as-part-of-10th-anniversary-uk-tour/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T11:13:58.000Z The Labyrinth Challenge spans over 1,000ft with more than 34 obstacles across five zones, including climbing walls, slides, tunnels and more, and is heading to Tamworth Castle in Staffordshire on August 15th and 16th. If that’s not enough to test people’s mettle, it will be joined by the world’s biggest bouncy castle - a colossal 9,000 sq ft bouncy castle that dwarfs traditional inflatables. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Labyrinth-Tour-15.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Lab-Tour-20.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Labyrinth-Challenge-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Worlds-Biggest-Bouncy-Castle-2-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Lab-Tour-85.jpeg) The Labyrinth Challenge - **Photo credit Simply the Best Events* The nationwide tour has been organised by Simply The Best Events (STBE), who organise corporate entertainment business events and private parties across the UK, to mark a decade of the showstopping attraction. So far, people of all ages have enjoyed taking on the challenge in locations including Sussex, Cornwall and Norfolk, with more destinations planned for August and September. The Labyrinth Tour is open to people of all ages, with the opportunity to pre-book one hour time slots and work your way through the Challenge as many times as you like, enjoying unlimited fun. Children are welcome provided those under 1.2m tall are accompanied by an adult and there are also special SEN-friendly sessions with reduced numbers and low music to ensure everyone can take part. Each venue offers free parking along with refreshment opportunities, and spectators can attend for free. Corporate hire for The Labyrinth Challenge course and Bouncy Castle is also available at the Tamworth Castle event on August 15th and 16th for between 50 and 2,000 people. Tour Director Darren Berry said: > “This 10th anniversary tour has been months in the making and our events across the country so far have proved hugely popular, with people of all ages getting involved and having fun as they take on the Labyrinth Challenge Tour and the world’s biggest bouncy castle. > “We’re looking forward to heading to Staffordshire to continue the fun. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay in securing your slot.” Tour dates for The Labyrinth Challenge’s 10-year tour are as below, with tickets for the challenge and the World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle available via the Eventbrite links for each venue, including combination tickets to enjoy both in one go. Spaces are limited to first come first served. While there may be a limited amount of tickets available on the day, they aren’t guaranteed and will be at a higher price so it is advisable to book in advance to secure your place. For more information on the tour visit [https://simplythebestevents.co.uk/the-labyrinth-challenge-tour/](https://simplythebestevents.co.uk/the-labyrinth-challenge-tour/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and follow @thelabyrinthchallenge on Facebook or Instagram @labyrinthchallenge. August 15th & 16th - Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire [https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/10-year-anniversary-tour-2026-tamworth-4809020](https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/10-year-anniversary-tour-2026-tamworth-4809020?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *Photo credit Simply the Best Events*. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Relive the 90s, 00s and Classic Hits at Penkridge Open Air Festival 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/relive-the-90s-00s-and-classic-hits-at-penkridge-open-air-festival-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-06T09:27:38.000Z Taking place at Penkridge Sports and Recreation Centre from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, the open air festival will be headlined by 2 Unlimited and Basshunter on Friday, ABC on Saturday and The Drifters on Sunday. The weekend promises something different each day, from the dance anthems that filled school discos during the 1990s and 2000s to feel-good pop classics and smooth soul harmonies. More artists are expected to be announced ahead of the festival. ![Penkridge Open Air Festival - Friday](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-09.18.10.png) Penkridge Open Air Festival - Friday ### Friday: 90s and 00s throwback Friday 28 August will launch the festival weekend with an evening of huge 1990s and 2000s anthems, headlined by 2 Unlimited and Basshunter. Gates will open at 4pm, with the first day of the festival running until 11pm. Dutch-Belgian dance act 2 Unlimited became one of the biggest names of the 1990s, known for energetic dance floor anthems including *No Limit*, *Get Ready for This* and *Tribal Dance*. Swedish singer and producer Basshunter found international success during the 2000s with tracks including *Now You’re Gone*, *All I Ever Wanted* and *Angel in the Night*. Festival goers can expect big sing-along hits, nostalgic dance music and plenty of festival energy to begin the Bank Holiday weekend. ![Penkridge Open Air Festival - Saturday](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-09.53.58.png) Penkridge Open Air Festival - Saturday ### Saturday: Feel-good classics with ABC Saturday will be headlined by legendary pop group ABC, bringing feel-good anthems, crowd-pleasing classics and pure sing-along moments to Penkridge. Known for hits including *The Look of Love*, *Poison Arrow* and *When Smokey Sings*, ABC will provide the soundtrack to a full day of live music and festival entertainment. With more acts still to be announced, Saturday is set to take visitors from an afternoon in the sunshine through to an evening of celebrations. ![Penkridge Open Air Festival - Sunday](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-06-09.54.32.png) Penkridge Open Air Festival - Sunday ### Sunday: The Drifters close the weekend The festival will come to a close on Sunday with a headline performance from the legendary The Drifters. The final day will be filled with smooth harmonies, classic hits and a more laid-back atmosphere, offering the perfect soundtrack to end the weekend on a high. Known for timeless songs including *Saturday Night at the Movies*, *Under the Boardwalk* and *Save the Last Dance for Me*, The Drifters have entertained generations of music lovers. With more acts to be announced, Sunday is ideal for families, music fans and anyone looking to enjoy the final moments of the festival. ### More than live music Across the three days, visitors will also be able to enjoy food traders, fully stocked bars and fairground rides. The festival will include circus and BMX stunt shows, alongside workshops and entertainment for visitors of all ages. ### Tickets and festival upgrades Friday, Saturday, Sunday and full weekend tickets are available. Tickets are being released in phases, beginning with Super Early Bird tickets, followed by Early Bird and General Admission. > Ticket prices will increase at each phase, so festivalgoers are encouraged to book early to secure the best available price. A limited number of VIP area upgrades, gazebo area add-ons and camping add-ons are also available. ### Age policy Penkridge Open Air Festival is open to all ages. Anyone aged 17 or under must attend with a supervising adult aged 21 or over at all times. The festival operates a Challenge 25 policy, and visitors may be asked to provide identification. ### Event details **Event:** Penkridge Open Air Festival 2026 **Dates:** Friday 28th August, Saturday 29th August & Sunday 30th August 2026 **Location:** Penkridge Sports and Recreation Centre, Penkridge, Staffordshire **Friday headliners:** 2 Unlimited and Basshunter **Saturday headliner:** ABC **Sunday headliner:** The Drifters **Tickets:** Available from [www.penkridgeopenair.co.uk](https://www.penkridgeopenair.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: deliberate fires in Middleport, an MP's first column for the Signal, and a solar eclipse at Westport Lake URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-deliberate-fires-in-middleport-an-mps-first-column-for-the-signal-and-a-solar-eclipse-at-westport-lake/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:02:54.000Z *Dear Readers,* *This week we've got two derelict building fires in Middleport, Adam Jogee's first column for the Signal, and your guide to watching the solar eclipse from Westport Lake without a soggy picnic blanket.* *If you've got two minutes spare, we'd genuinely love to know what you think of the Weekly so far. It shapes what comes next, and we read every single one.* [Signal Weekly, tell us what you thinkWe’ve just changed the format of our weekly email. Takes about two minutes, and genuinely shapes what we do next.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/android_192-65420d86-a799-4bb9-9828-737fc8e41297.png)Google Docs![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/04o7dSAmtkVV3kqNTNj-4-rLr-qADxvD9xbhC-dUGQoyl_MCuZT3Q4SKgsrpjS1wENmoynd0o7vM-yw-w1200-h630-p-15156a72-f2ec-4e0b-862d-8659e10f8912)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2Wvy7CNQBRzDZvf1zclpJraWqTxEyrQIu0xJtQKYhyPdukQ/viewform?usp=dialog&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *A proper bit of news from us this week too, The Staffordshire Signal has been accredited by* [*IMPRESS*](https://www.impressorg.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)*, the independent press regulator. It means we're now held to the same standards of accuracy, fairness and accountability as titles many times our size, not bad for something that started as one woman, a laptop, and a lot of stubbornness. And tomorrow is our first day of filming with students for* [*The Staffordshire Signal TV*](https://www.youtube.com/@TheStaffordshireSignalTV?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)*, down at* [*Foxfield Railway*](https://foxfieldrailway.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)*, so keep an eye out for the results.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Firefighters tackle two derelict building fires in Middleport URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/firefighters-tackle-two-derelict-building-fires-in-middleport/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T17:11:52.000Z Firefighters were called to a derelict building on Port Street in Middleport after smoke was seen coming from the area. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service received the call at 7.45pm on Monday 3 August. One fire appliance attended the scene and crews extinguished a small fire in the roof space of the building. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Police appeal after separate deliberate fire Emergency services had also attended a separate fire at a derelict building on Milvale Street earlier that evening. Staffordshire Police were called at 5.25pm following reports of a fire inside the building and attended alongside Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. The fire was extinguished and nobody was reported injured. Police have confirmed that the cause of the fire was deemed to be deliberate and an investigation is ongoing. West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance and a paramedic officer to the scene, although crews were stood down after no patients were found. > "We were called to reports of a building fire on Milvale Street at 5.25pm yesterday (August 3), one ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. However, on arrival there were no patients found and we were stood down." Police are appealing for anyone with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time to contact them. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 661 of 3 August, or use Live Chat on the Staffordshire Police website. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Watch the solar eclipse from Westport Lake as café stays open late for special community evening URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/watch-the-solar-eclipse-from-westport-lake-as-cafe-stays-open-late-for-special-community-evening/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T15:35:51.000Z A rare astronomical event is set to light up the skies over Staffordshire this month, and one local café is inviting the community to enjoy it together from one of Stoke on Trent's most picturesque spots. Westport Lake View Café will stay open until 8.30pm on **Wednesday 12 August**, giving visitors the chance to watch the solar eclipse from beside the lake while enjoying drinks, cakes and refreshments. The family friendly evening is open to everyone, whether you are planning to meet friends, bring the children along or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the eclipse unfolds. Visitors will be able to buy solar eclipse glasses at the café, helping people watch the event safely. Throughout the evening the café will be serving hot and cold drinks, fresh cakes, counter treats, beers and wines. ## Eclipse timings If skies remain clear, visitors can expect the following schedule: - **6.14pm:** Eclipse begins - **7.10pm:** Maximum eclipse - **8.04pm:** The Moon completely leaves the Sun's disc With its open lakeside setting, Westport Lake has long been a favourite place for walkers, wildlife lovers and photographers. The extended opening offers another reason to visit, with the chance to experience a memorable natural event alongside the local community. Whether you are an astronomy enthusiast or simply looking for a different way to spend a summer evening, Westport Lake View Café hopes to make the occasion one to remember. **Event details** **Where:** Westport Lake View Café, Stoke on Trent **When:** Wednesday 12 August **Opening until:** 8.30pm **Available:** Hot and cold drinks, cakes, counter treats, beers, wines and solar eclipse glasses. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Tamworth apprentice named ‘Learner of the Year’ at the 15 th In-Comm Training Awards URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tamworth-apprentice-named-learner-of-the-year-at-the-15-th-in-comm-training-awards/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:46:47.000Z Joshua Pearce, who works for Precision Technologies, overcome the challenge of more than 20 candidates to achieve the title in front of 400 people industry guests at The Halls in Wolverhampton. He impressed the judges with his thirst for continuous improvement and helping his employer achieve operational enhancements and cost savings, not to mention working with younger students at Silverstone through the F1 in Schools competition. The apprentice has now set its sights on achieving a senior leadership role within the next five to ten years. Backed by main sponsor Ansaldo Nuclear for the first time, the 15 th annual In-Comm Training Awards also saw Aurelia Wojtowicz (Guhring) and Morgan Scott (Forbo Flooring Systems) achieve the ‘Outstanding Learner of the Year’ and ‘Most Improved Learner of the Year’ titles respectively. Bekki Phillips, Executive Director at In-Comm Training, said this was the biggest celebration of vocational learning ever held in the Midlands. > “We first launched this competition in 2009 and back then we had just 20 finalists and over 100 people attend. That was a marker in the sand, but we knew we wanted to give apprentices and employers a bigger platform to celebrate what they do. > “Fast forward to our 15 th awards evening and we’ve attracted a record-breaking 125 finalists and a crowd of 400\. They heard about tales of overcoming the odds, outstanding manufacturing performance, unrivalled learning success and companies defying tax rises and energy prices to continue to invest in their greatest asset…their people.” She went on to add: > “Joshua was rightly announced as our Higher learner of the year and highlights how quickly you can progress in your career with the right attitude and determination. > “He is a fantastic role model for others to follow and is already spreading the vocational learning gospel and getting more young people to consider a career in engineering!” The In-Comm Training Awards, which was held for the first time at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, gave finalists the opportunity to celebrate their achievements in front of their peers, mentors, and employers. In addition to the young stars, companies were also in the spotlight for the way they continue to invest in the next generation of talent and how they develop the engineers and professionals of the future. FBC Manby Bowdler and Alwayse Engineering won the Large and SME Awards respectively, with the latter impressing for the wide range of apprenticeship programmes and the way it influences curriculums and quality standards. Other winners included:  Jack Fallon (RBSL): Apprentice Ambassador  Michelle Lennon (Guhring): Apprentice Champion  Logan Stanton (Protolabs): Learner of the Year Advanced Large Company (Telford)  Leopold Magnee (Castings PLC): Learner of the Year Advanced (Aldridge)  Amelia Jarrett (RBSL): Learner of the Year Business Support (Telford)  Aaron Jamanda (Alwayse Engineering): Learner of the Year Foundation SME (Aldridge)  Samuel Conway (Konecranes Demag): Learner of the Year Foundation Large Company (Aldridge)  Ben Peate (Schneider Electric): Learner of the Year Foundation Large Company (Telford)  Joshua Banks (PCP Gratings): Learner of the Year Foundation SME (Telford)  Stephen Harrison (Collins Marston Green): Learner of the Year Higher (Large Company)  Edina Mikosz (Hyve Solutions) – Learner of the Year Professional Services (Telford)  Ranvir Janagel (Ansaldo Nuclear) – Learner of the Year Professional Services (Aldridge) Gareth Jones, Managing Director In-Comm Training, concluded: > “What an evening and what a way to celebrate all the stars of vocational learning in one place! > “It also gave us the perfect opportunity to promote this year’s ‘I’m Included, I’m In-Comm’ campaign, which focuses on inspiring more women into industry. The video, which has received 25,000 views on YouTube, was shown at the awards and the reaction was superb. > “It highlighted that all of the sector - both male and female - are fully behind creating more positive role models for girls to follow.” He concluded: > “There was also time to pay our respects to Michael Orlik, who sadly passed away earlier this year. He was a great champion of young people and through his kind £25,000 donation to our STEM fund has already helped 700 pupils gain new experiences and skills.” The In-Comm Training Awards were made possible by headline sponsor Ansaldo Nuclear and other sponsors, including aarc, Accura Engineering, Assa Abloy, Brandauer, Crowe, EAL, Gestamp and Magna Cosma Castings. For further information, please visit www.in-comm.co.uk or follow @incomm\_training on twitter ### Moorlands school digs new play kit after JCB donation URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/moorlands-school-digs-new-play-kit-after-jcb-donation/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:33:50.000Z Youngsters at St Werburgh’s Primary School, Kingsley approached the Rocester-based company after deciding to raise funds for kit to make outdoor summer playtime more fun. The Holt Lane school children took delivery of kit ranging from hula hoops and skittles to bats and balls, and put it through its paces in the playground. Year 6 pupil, Tilly, the daughter of JCB Marketing Manager Ann Bracken, and her classmates had the idea of approaching the company. Tilly said: > “It was really exciting when all of the equipment which we bought with the donation from JCB arrived in school. Having new equipment has been brilliant as we can play with it before we leave primary school and can also to see so many children across the whole school enjoying it together.” St Werburgh’s Assistant School Leader Hayley Bloor added: “We are so very proud of the children. They came up with the idea to fund raise and then had some creative discussions about what they would like and what we could aim for. “When we heard that JCB were able to kindly donate £750 for play equipment, we were all thrilled. The children then soon busied themselves planning how best to spend it so all of the pupils across the school would benefit.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Free film festival coming to the Potteries this month URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/free-film-festival-coming-to-the-potteries-this-month/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:29:29.000Z The festival is happening on Friday 14th August (New Vic Theatre), Saturday 15th August (Middleport Pottery) and Sunday 16th August (Burslem Scout Hall). The festival’s screening schedule covers documentaries, short and feature length films with a connection to the Potteries and Staffordshire and Q&A with film directors, producers and participants. Among the films available to watch are the 1940’s classic The Proud Valley, the Oscar winning The Silent Child and Running Naked which was produced by University of Staffordshire and largely filmed in Stoke Town Centre. Co-organiser Rose Hunter said: > “Our area has a fantastic history, and this festival has been organised to celebrate it. The Potteries and its people feature in so many films and documentaries that we could have run this festival all week, but we hope that the schedule we have put together celebrates the area we all know and love. And we can put the other films on next year!”. The Potteries Film Festival has been organised by volunteers who have raised money through donations from trade union branches, campaign organisations and fellow film enthusiasts so that all screenings are FREE to attend. They have also been supported in putting the festival on by New Vic Borderlines, Ray Johnson from Staffordshire Film Archive and Legendary filmmaker Ken Loach. While all the screenings are free to attend, people are kindly being asked to book their tickets in advance. Free tickets can be ordered here: [https://linktr.ee/potteriesfilmfestival](https://linktr.ee/potteriesfilmfestival?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) For enquiries, please contact Rose Hunter on nsmwag@gmail.com or Joe McCluskey on joemccluskey1983@gmail.com ## Festival screening schedule: ### Friday 14th August 2026 at New Vic Theatre 18.30 – The Jolly Potters (45 mins) 20.00 – The Proud Valley (76 mins) ### Saturday 15th August 2026 at Middleport Pottery 12.00 – Go See Fanny Deakin (90 mins) 14.00 – The Strike (60 mins) 17.00 – The Silent Child (17 mins) 17.30 – SoulBoy (80 mins) 19.00 – Running Naked (92 mins) ### Sunday 16th August 2026 at Burslem Scout Hall 12.00 – Iron Ladies (97 mins) 14.30 – The Battle for Orgreave (52 mins) 15.30 – Q&A with Kate Flannery (Orgreave Truth & Justice Campaign) and Dan Draper (Director of Iron Ladies) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Stoke-on-Trent artist Darla Jade celebrates gold export success for ‘Wish We Could’ URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-artist-darla-jade-celebrates-gold-export-success-for-wish-we-could/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:18:36.000Z The Staffordshire Signal is incredibly proud to see a local Stokie achieving such remarkable success within the music industry. Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Darla Jade has continued to build an impressive career within the electropop scene, performing at venues and festivals including Emirates Old Trafford for The Hundred and Tramlines Festival. She has also gained support from BBC Radio 1 for her latest single, “*Dirty Laundry*”, and has supported artists including Dizzee Rascal in Stoke-on-Trent, Natalie Shay in London and Camden Cox & Friends in London. Darla has performed at BBC Maida Vale for BBC Introducing, headlined The Waiting Room and had her music featured on television programmes including Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex. Her single “*Backseat Driver*” was championed by Mollie King on BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop. It also appeared on Spotify playlists including New Music Friday UK, New Pop Revolution and Fresh Finds Pop. Following the gold export success of “*Wish We Could*”, The Staffordshire Signal spoke to Darla about her musical beginnings, early inspirations and work as a songwriter. ### **How Darla Jade first became involved in music** When asked when she first got into music, Darla said: > “I got into music at a really young age, even though no one in my family worked in the music industry. My mum used to play Celine Dion to help me fall asleep, and she taught me my very first song, Eternal Flame by The Bangles. From the age of five right through to eighteen, I was always involved in performing arts and regularly took part in local amateur dramatic productions. I just loved being on stage and performing. I started gigging in pubs and clubs when I was 15, and then around 18 or 19 I began writing my own music. I've been writing and performing ever since, and it's still what I love doing most.” ### **The artists who inspired her growing up** Darla’s early listening ranged from Kylie Minogue to Kodaline, with several singers and songwriters helping to influence her development as an artist. She said: > “I used to listen to a lot of Kylie Minogue growing up. My nan only had two videos, so it was either all of Kylie’s greatest hits or Mr Blobby, which was not exactly a difficult choice haha! In my teens, my favourite band was Kodaline, and they were a huge inspiration when it came to starting to make my own music. Some of my other favourites at the time were Melanie Martinez, AURORA, Tom Odell and James Bay, all of whom influenced me in different ways.” ### **How those influences continue to shape her music** Alongside her work as Darla Jade, she is also part of the indie band søftbleach. Discussing whether the musicians she grew up listening to continue to influence her work, Darla said: > “Well, I'm also in an indie band now called søftbleach, so when I'm writing more indie-leaning material, I probably still subconsciously draw inspiration from the artists above as I listened to them so much growing up! I love writing across lots of different genres, and I think having such a varied taste in music growing up has probably helped with that. Listening to so many different styles over the years has definitely influenced the way I write and approach music today.” ### **Writing with artists from across the dance music scene** Darla also works as a songwriter within the fast-moving dance music industry and has collaborated with artists from across the scene. She said: > “I work with a lot of different artists as a songwriter in the dance music space, which is incredibly fast-paced and always evolving. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with artists including Kaskade, BLOND:ISH, Gorgon City, Alok, Nico De Andrea, Westend, INNA, Au/Ra and Rebūke, to name a few.” From performing in local amateur dramatic productions and gigging in pubs and clubs at the age of 15 to working with internationally recognised artists, Darla Jade’s career continues to grow. Her gold export success for “*Wish We Could*” marks another major achievement for the Stoke-on-Trent artist and another moment of pride for her home city. Follow Darla on socials to hear all her latest news and to find out where you can see her next **@itsdarlajade** ![Darla Jade celebrates gold export success](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/746927356_18480277738097620_3190742600156469534_n.jpg) Darla Jade celebrates gold export success ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### New report highlights significant progress as Stoke-on-Trent builds on priorities that matter most to people URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-report-highlights-significant-progress-as-stoke-on-trent-builds-on-priorities-that-matter-most-to-people/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T10:17:12.000Z The 'state of the city' report shows how the council and its partners are progressing against key priorities. And the improvements are being delivered after more than a decade of financial challenge, with local government austerity from 2010 to 2024 leading to a real-terms reduction of around 25 per cent in the council's spending power. Achievements highlighted by the report last year include: - Delivering a Centenary programme which put the national spotlight on Stoke-on-Trent, brought communities together, and created a lasting legacy - Securing £105 million from government to continue our transformation of buses and the wider transport network - Supporting more than 1,300 children through expanded Family Hub services - Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour through targeted action in priority areas including Fenton, Shelton and Tunstall - Clearing 5,977 fly-tipping incidents, with an average response time of just 2.7 days - Seizing £3.1m of illegal goods, keeping families safe from the dangers or faulty or harmful products being sold illegally - Helping 543 people into work through our JET employability programme Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > "This report shows that we are delivering real improvements in the areas that matter most to local people. From securing major investment in our transport network and helping more residents into work, to tackling crime, supporting families and keeping our neighbourhoods cleaner, we are making meaningful progress across the city. > "The progress also shows that we are rebuilding our city. This is being achieved despite more than 14 years of financial pressures, with austerity contributing to a real-term reduction of million of pounds in the council's spending power and a substantial fall in government funding. > "The latest financial settlement we have received is set out over three years and includes increased funding. While the financial challenge remains significant, it does give us the opportunity to plan better for the long term." The report also looks at a range of key statistical indicators that best reflect its priority to build a healthier, wealthier, safer, greener, cleaner, fairer and more skilled city. Infant mortality rates and adult obesity rates have both fallen since 2023, while crime and anti-social behaviour is down by nearly 25% from 14.1 cases per 1,000 population to 10.6 cases. Levels of domestic abuse have fallen by 12.6% and the number of children in need dropped from 605 per 10,000 in 2023 to 510 per 10,000 in 2025\. Average CO2 emissions per head have fallen dramatically. The city is now outperforming the national average in a number of areas, including the proportion of young people not in work, training or education. As of March 2026, the city's NEET (Not in employment education or training) level for 16 to 17 year olds was at 3% compared to the national average of 3.6%. And the council had 123 new apprentices start in 2025/26 - well exceeding its annual target of 50 - with 41 new apprentices starting between January and April 2026 alone. Councillor Ashworth added: > “While we know there is still more to do, it is encouraging to see improvements in key indicators such as reducing crime, lowering infant mortality and obesity rates, and helping more young people access education, employment and training. > "Our ambition remains clear: to build a healthier, wealthier, safer, greener, cleaner, fairer and more skilled Stoke-on-Trent. This report demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction and creating better opportunities and outcomes for residents right across our city." ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### MP's Voice: A New Government, A New Chance for Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mps-voice-a-new-government-a-new-chance-for-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T17:01:20.000Z 💡 Adam Jogee**, MP for* Newcastle-under-Lyme **As told to Will Barnish* As I write a column for the Staffordshire Signal for the very first time, it occurs to me that this is a fitting time to begin a new thing, and a new column feels like a good place to talk about the biggest new thing of all right now: a new government, and a new leader of our United Kingdom. It's worth exploring what that means for communities in the industrial heartlands like ours. Most importantly, new things mean opportunity; a new approach and a new focus, a chance for change that can be really felt here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The opportunity here, for people reading this, is plain to see. Staffordshire is a place of industry and manufacturing, of skills and smarts of graft and pride built up over generations of miners and factory workers, standing alongside the pottery and ceramics that have carried our name, and the skills and talents of our area, around the world. In his very first speech as Prime Minister, outside Number 10 Downing Street, Andy Burnham, spoke of a Britain that needs "a new political model and a new economic model" and a Britain that needs "reindustrialising." And he has talked, again and again, about towns and regions that have felt "left behind." Staffordshire, and Newcastle-under-Lyme, know exactly what that feels like. We brim with potential, and yet too often we're told that our best days are behind us, something for the history books. We can, and will, thrive if the massive potential in areas like ours is recognised and supported. ![Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Portrait_3x2.jpg) Adam Jogee**, MP for* Newcastle-under-Lyme The recognition that industries like those across North Staffordshire need attention has been pressed to the heart of government time and again, by myself and colleagues in neighbouring constituencies, evidenced by the £120m support package we secured for the ceramics industry, ensuring its future. Recognising the potential of areas like ours needs to run through how we educate our young people too. Last week, the Prime Minister announced new technical education pathways from the age of 14, so young people can begin building the technical skills tied to the jobs available to them in their areas from GCSE-level. It's a serious, overdue step towards giving technical and academic routes equal standing and equal respect, but more than that, it's a strong recognition that the number of young people not in employment, education or training is one of the biggest challenges facing our country today, and we have not provided clear enough routes for our young people to realise their talents and the potential of their future careers. Newcastle-under-Lyme is already well placed to benefit from an agenda that boosts the dignity of vocational work through our education system. Newcastle College offers exactly the kind of excellent facilities and opportunities young people need to thrive on a technical path, and the Government has now backed that offer with £6.8 million to expand its campus, on top of £2.7 million already committed to improving and upgrading its facilities. These are levels of investment to match the ambition Newcastle College has for its students, and it is exactly the kind of recognition that the nobility and dignity of skilled work deserves. The success of this new Prime Minister and new government will be the recognition of the potential of areas like ours, the recognition that we need support to thrive beyond the old assumptions of declining former industrial areas and into reindustrialisation, and the recognition that beyond all other political noise, the number one issue for most people is the cost of living. In Andy Burnham's first days as Prime Minister of our United Kingdom, I think it would be fair to say each of those challenges has been met. Every indication points to a man, and a government, that recognises our potential, our need for support to thrive and reindustrialise, and the need for support with the cost of living. The £2 bus fare cap, slashing VAT on household electricity bills, a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues, and serious first steps on the future of social care are all strongly welcome. New administrations come with new drive, new determination, new direction, and a new kind of language. But that's all only worth as much as the delivery that follows it. The test from here will be whether this recognition of our potential, and this focus on the everyday cost of living, is sustained, and whether those changes are felt tangibly here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. And that is something I will hold our new Prime Minister to at every opportunity I get. 💡 MP's Voice is a regular column giving Staffordshire's elected representatives a platform to speak directly to constituents. The words and views expressed are the author's own and do not represent the editorial position of The Staffordshire Signal. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New role created as Staffordshire prepares for biggest local government shake up in decades URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-role-created-as-staffordshire-prepares-for-biggest-local-government-shake-up-in-decades/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T07:41:30.000Z Staffordshire County Council has appointed **Cllr Rhys Machin** (Reform UK, Audley & Chesterton) as its new Cabinet Support Member for Finance & Devolution, reflecting the scale of work ahead as the county prepares for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The new appointment will support Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, Cllr Sean Bagguley, with work surrounding the council's finances, devolution and the transition towards a new system of local government. The Finance & Devolution role is a Cabinet Support Member position, not a Cabinet Member role, and replaces a previous Cabinet Support Member role. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Staffordshire. Under Government plans, the current two-tier system of local government – comprising Staffordshire County Council and the county's district and borough councils – is confirmed to be replaced by two unitary authorities, dividing services between the north and south of the county (read more [here](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/local-government-reorganisation-confirmed-staffordshires-ten-councils-become-two-but-what-does-it-actually-mean/)). However, Staffordshire County Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Lichfield District Council and Adam Jogee MP have rejected the government's decision on LGR, arguing that it either should not be proceeding whatsoever, or the north-south divide is not a suitable option. Announcing the appointment, Staffordshire County Council Leader, Cllr Martin Murray, said the role had been created because of the scale of work now facing the authority. He said the council was entering "a period of significant change", with finance, devolution and local government reorganisation expected to dominate much of the council's work over the coming months. For Cllr Machin, the appointment is less about holding a title, and more about helping navigate what he describes as one of the biggest changes Staffordshire has faced in decades. He said: > *"I'm grateful to Martin Murray and the other Cabinet members for this opportunity, having served on the county council for the past 14 months.* > *"Local Government Reorganisation is one of the biggest changes Staffordshire local government has faced in many years, and it will require considerable time and effort from officers and members alike.* > *"There are significant challenges ahead and a great deal of work to do over the coming months. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as Cabinet Support Member for Finance & Devolution, and I'm committed to working hard, learning from experienced colleagues and officers, and doing everything I can to make a positive contribution.* > *"Throughout that process, we will continue listening to residents and doing everything we can to ensure the transition is managed as effectively as possible for everyone."* Speaking to *The Staffordshire Signal*, Cllr Machin said the biggest challenge would be ensuring residents do not lose out while councils undergo such significant structural change. > *"Local Government Reorganisation is one of the biggest changes Staffordshire local government has faced in a generation. The biggest challenge now is making sure that, whatever structural changes are imposed, residents do not lose out during the transition.* > *"There will be major questions around finance, service delivery, democratic accountability, local identity, staff, assets and how the new councils are set up. It is not just a case of changing names on buildings. These decisions affect how local services are delivered and how residents are represented.* > *"I have been clear that the process has been rushed and that many residents remain sceptical. But Staffordshire County Council still has a responsibility to be at the table, scrutinise the detail and make sure the county is prepared."* He then told us more about the role and what it entails: > *"The role of Cabinet Support Member for Finance & Devolution is to support the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, Cllr Sean Bagguley, and the wider Cabinet team on work relating to finance, devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and the transition process.* > *"It is important to be clear that this is not a Cabinet Member role and it is not a decision-making Cabinet position. It is a support role. My job is to contribute to the work being done, help examine the detail, support policy development and make sure the impact on residents is properly considered.* > *"Finance and devolution will be central to the future of Staffordshire, so the role is about putting support where it is needed during a very significant period of change."* One of the biggest concerns surrounding Local Government Reorganisation has been the impact it could have on residents during the transition. Responding to those concerns, Cllr Machin said maintaining frontline services must remain the council's priority. > *"The most important thing Staffordshire County Council can do is keep residents and services at the heart of the process. People should not be left confused about who is responsible for what, and services must not be allowed to fall through the cracks.* > *"That means proper financial planning, clear communication, close working with district and borough councils, engagement with parish councils and communities, and making sure frontline services remain the priority.* > *"Residents will understandably have concerns about what LGR means for them. The Council has to be honest about the challenges, open about the process and focused on making the transition as smooth as possible."* Looking ahead, he said success would ultimately be judged not by the creation of new structures, but by how effectively Staffordshire protects local services throughout the transition. > *"Success for me would mean making a serious and positive contribution to the work ahead. I want to help ensure that Staffordshire is prepared, that risks are properly understood, and that residents' interests are protected throughout the transition.* > *"This is not about titles. It is about doing the work, learning from experienced colleagues and officers, and helping to make sure finance, devolution and local representation are properly considered.* > *"If residents can see that the Council has handled this responsibly, protected services as far as possible and fought for Staffordshire's voice during the process, then that would be a positive outcome."* Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Dr Allison Gardner MP calls for Older People's Commissioner amid national social care debate URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/dr-allison-gardner-mp-calls-for-older-peoples-commissioner-amid-national-social-care-debate/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T07:34:48.000Z Dr Allison Gardner MP has renewed her campaign for the creation of an Older People's Commissioner, arguing that older people deserve an independent champion to represent their rights, dignity and the quality of care they receive. The renewed call comes as social care has once again become a major national political issue under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Weeks into his premiership, he has set out a 3 point plan for adult social care, most notably setting out plans to create a National Care Service. Dr Gardner, who has been campaigning alongside the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention, said any reforms must ensure older people's voices are heard. She said: > "It is encouraging to see Andy Burnham putting social care back where it belongs – at the top of the political agenda. But if we are serious about reforming social care, we have to make sure older people themselves have a powerful voice in that conversation." The MP has been working with local campaigners to press ministers to establish an independent Older People's Commissioner, who would act as a dedicated advocate for older residents and help shape future reforms to the care system. > *"Working with Grey Power here in North Staffordshire, I have been calling for an Older People's Commissioner. Older people in Stoke-on-Trent South, and across the country, deserve to know that someone is standing up for their rights, their dignity and the quality of care they receive."* She believes such a role could become an important part of any future National Care Service. > *"A Commissioner could provide an independent voice for our growing population of older people and play an important role in shaping any future National Care Service. I will continue to make that case to ministers."* Highlighting the wider impact of pressures on the care system, Dr Gardner added that the effects extend far beyond those receiving care. > *"When social care fails, the consequences are felt everywhere – by older people, families, unpaid carers, our NHS and communities like ours here in Stoke-on-Trent."* She concluded by calling for politicians from across the political spectrum to work together on long-term reform. > *"Dignity must come first. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, compassion and the support they need to live well at every stage of their life.* > *"I hope these proposals can help build the cross-party consensus we need to finally give older people the social care system they deserve."* Dr Gardner said she will continue working with the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention in the meantime to ensure the experiences of older people in the area are reflected as discussions over the future of social care continue. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/kidsgrove-central-ravenscliffe-by-election-meet-the-candidates/ Last updated: 2026-08-03T07:22:10.000Z Residents across Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe will cast their votes on Thursday 6th August in a by-election to elect a new member of Kidsgrove Town Council. The vacancy arose after Olivia Westcott failed to sign the formal declaration of acceptance of office within the legal time limit, resulting in her seat becoming vacant. We previously reported on the circumstances surrounding that decision in an earlier article on The Staffordshire Signal, which can be viewed [here](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/councillor-loses-seat-on-kidsgrove-town-council-after-failing-to-formally-accept-position/). Four candidates are standing for election: - Angela Cooper (Labour Party) - Cressida Dickens (Conservative Party) - Georgia Shenton (Independent) - Olivia Westcott (Reform UK) We contacted all four candidates with the same opportunity to introduce themselves to readers, explain what matters most to them in Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe, and outline what they would seek to achieve if elected. Responses were received from Angela Cooper, Georgia Shenton and Olivia Westcott before our publication deadline. Their responses are published below. ![Angela Cooper (Labour Party)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/a8761c38-8cad-4fb7-8276-29af9d490cca.jpg) ****Angela Cooper (Labour Party)** ### **Angela Cooper (Labour Party)** > "My childhood home was near Bathpool, and Kidsgrove has been my home since the 1980s. Kidsgrove is part of who I am - we raised our children here and my grandfathers were colliers at Jamage and Parkhouse. I know this town, understand the challenges and have the experience to serve residents well. > I served as Mayor of Kidsgrove for two years through the COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted quickly, kept essential services running and supported our community through an exceptionally difficult period. I am also a retired Senior NHS Matron and former company director, with experience of working under pressure and delivering for people when it matters most. > I believe councillors should be focused on serving our community, not triggering unnecessary and costly by-elections that waste public money. > Over the past few weeks, I've spoken to hundreds of local residents, and those conversations have helped shape my priorities. > I share residents' anger about the delays, cutbacks and broken promises surrounding Town Deal projects. Kidsgrove deserves delivery on what was promised. > I'm also determined to tackle the issues residents raise time and again: the poor state of our roads, the lack of investment in playgrounds, the neglect of our parks, antisocial behaviour in the town centre, and the scourge of off-road bikes making people feel unsafe outdoors and vandalising our parks and pathways. > I also believe Kidsgrove needs its Post Office back in the town centre as soon as possible. I will continue to support every effort to make that happen. > If elected, I'd roll up my sleeves and get on with the job, just as I've always done. I'd work with the Mayor and fellow councillors to deliver Labour's pledges and make sure Kidsgrove has a strong voice as we move towards a new unitary council through devolution. > I'd help return the Town Council to accredited status, make sure every penny of taxpayers' money is spent wisely, and focus on delivering projects and getting results. > I'm calm under pressure, practical and experienced. I'll work hard, be easy to reach, listen to residents and always do my best for Kidsgrove. > I'll also stand up for Kidsgrove by holding the Borough and County Councils to account and ensuring our town gets its fair share of funding, investment and services." ![Georgia Shenton (Kidsgrove Independents)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/27593.jpg) ****Georgia Shenton (Independent)** ### **Georgia Shenton (Independent)** > "I'm Georgia Shenton. I'm 54, born in Stoke-on-Trent, and proud to have called Kidsgrove home for the past 15 years. My children go to school here, and one has SEND needs, so I understand first-hand what it means when local services let families down. Over the years I've been a governor at a special needs school and volunteered at theatres and charities, giving my time freely to causes that matter to our community. I'm standing as an Independent because I'm not here for a party or a career. I'm here for us, because I live here too. No party lines, no political games, just straight-talking, community-first representation. > The everyday issues that affect local families matter most to me: our parks and green spaces, the state of our roads and pavements, and a town centre we can all feel proud and safe in. I want children to feel safe in our parks and shoppers to feel welcome on our high street, with thriving businesses rather than empty shop fronts. I also care deeply about how our money is spent, including the Town Deal funding, and about protecting our green spaces by developing brownfield sites first. Above all, I believe residents deserve a Council that is honest, transparent and genuinely puts the community first. > I'd bring the same honest, hardworking approach that our Independent councillors Ray Williams and Gordon Davies have shown, proving you don't need a party whip to serve with integrity. My priorities would be making the Town Deal work for residents by championing the projects local people actually want; fighting for real investment in our parks, pavements and roads; protecting our green spaces; and building a stronger community through events like Party in the Park and the Kidsgrove Carnival, and exploring the return of Kidsgrove Market. > I'd also hold regular community meetings so residents' voices are always heard, and champion accountability and transparency at every turn. Kidsgrove, put your trust in me and I'll put you first, every single time." ![Olivia Westcott (Reform UK)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/27593-3.jpg) ****Olivia Westcott (Reform UK)** ### **Olivia Westcott (Reform UK)** > "I'm Olivia Westcott, a 21-year-old university student who has lived in Kidsgrove all my life. I went to school here, worked locally, and I'm proud to call Kidsgrove home. Since being elected as one of your Borough Councillors, I've worked hard to support residents, report local issues and get involved in the community. I've taken part in litter picks, helped clear neglected alleyways, and worked alongside local volunteers because I believe councillors should be visible, approachable, and prepared to lead by example. > What matters most to me is restoring pride in our community and making sure local people feel listened to. Residents want clean streets, well maintained public spaces and councillors who are accessible and willing to act on the issues that affect everyday life. I also believe it's important to support local groups, encourage community spirit and make sure taxpayers' money is spent responsibly so it delivers real benefits for residents. > If elected, I'd continue working closely with residents and community groups to improve our local area. I'd be an active and visible Town Councillor, listening to concerns, supporting local events, and helping deliver practical improvements that make a real difference. I want to build on the work I've already started as a Borough Councillor and work constructively with others to make Kidsgrove an even better place to live." The Staffordshire Signal also invited Cressida Dickens (Conservative Party) to contribute to this feature via all available contact methods. No response was received before the publication deadline. Polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 6th August, with the result expected to be declared shortly after the count concludes. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Bon appétit! Tamworth care home to host food festival for local community URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/bon-appetit-tamworth-care-home-to-host-food-festival-for-local-community/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T16:40:24.000Z On Wednesday 5th August from 10:30am-12pm, Care UK’s Arkall Manor will open its doors to families and neighbours for a food festival, inviting guests to tuck in and celebrate the nation’s shared love of great cuisine, community and connection. Visitors to the Ashby Road home can look forward to cakes and bakes, specially prepared by the head chef as part of the community Friendship Café. There will also be the opportunity for residents and visitors to plant herbs that will later be used in the home’s kitchens, bringing them together through gardening, friendship, and food. Resident June Clarke said, > “All the cakes are made right here in the kitchen and are of the best quality. They’re really quite delicious!” The event is part of the ‘A Taste of Home’ initiative, which will see Care UK homes across the country host foodie-themed celebrations and showcase what life in a care home is really like. Each festival will showcase sustainable, community-focused initiatives while celebrating the diversity and creativity within the homes, from residents’ favourite recipes and traditional dishes to seasonal menus featuring locally sourced ingredients. Samukaliso Marozo, Home Manager at Arkall Manor, said: > “We’re delighted to be welcoming the local community to our very own food festival! > “We are part of a strong community here in Tamworth, and days like this are a wonderful way of bringing people together to celebrate our shared love of food, while giving residents the opportunity to share their favourite recipes and traditions with younger generations. > “The morning not only promises a lot of laughter, but it is also an excellent way for residents to meet and mingle with lots of new faces – and some familiar ones. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors.” To find out more about A Taste of Home, please visit: [careuk.com/A-taste-of-home](https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.careuk.com%2fA-taste-of-home&c=E,1,WQLzevwjQqWoaSv9V7hyEaXnuMfQ8GU9nyclxuNa6hUcHIapGuQ7btQBUDfv4I0MwMYfMrrWEWAauWVbxYwS6aglM6LsyjE1hYdx6fBTHtFOodekixm6W3yx6bg,&typo=1&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Arkall Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides residential and dementia care on a permanent and respite basis. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the care home also offers its very own café, cinema room and hair salon as well as plenty of space for relaxation and recreation. For more information on Arkall Manor and to book your place at the event, please call 01827 438 225, email [reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk](mailto:reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk) or visit [careuk.com/arkall-manor](https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/arkall-manor-tamworth?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent is putting families first with new family help programme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-is-putting-families-first-with-new-family-help-programme/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T16:19:19.000Z The new programme - the local delivery of the government’s Families First Partnership – is designed to make support simpler, earlier and more effective. It is designed to make support easier to access and navigate by placing one trusted practitioner at the centre of each family’s journey. A Family Help Lead Practitioner will work with every family who needs this level of support. Families will no longer need to repeat their story to multiple teams. The single point of contact will make it easier for families to: - Understand what help is available - Get the right support at the right time - Build confidence to manage challenges Family Help Lead Practitioners will bring together support from education, health, early help, housing and wider services to help children grow up safe, well and thriving, whatever their family’s situation. The programme focuses on early help so issues can be addressed before they grow into crisis. Support may include help for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), guidance for families from different cultural backgrounds, support for families where a parent is in custody and practical day-to-day assistance. The role focuses on early support to work with families to solve problems early and provide help before situations reach crisis point. In Stoke-on-Trent, the new programme will build on the success of the existing Family Matters programme. The two offers are distinct but closely linked, creating a seamless pathway of support across the city. Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “In Stoke-on-Trent we want families to get the right support at the right time, without the stress of repeating their story to different services. A single point of contact will make that possible. > “One trusted practitioner will build a relationship with each family, coordinate help and make support clearer and more joined up. > “This builds on what already works in our city and gives families one contact, one shared plan and one clearer route into support. > “This is about evolution, not revolution. By stepping in earlier, we can make support less stressful and more effective – helping families through challenges before they become crises.” Claire Bailey, Managing Director of the Children and Families Care Group at the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: > “The Families First Partnership Programme puts health and support at the heart of family life – strengthening wellbeing by supporting families early, working together across services, including MPFT’s Integrated 0-19 Health Visiting & School Nursing Service and building the foundations for healthier, more resilient communities. > “When families are supported to thrive, health outcomes improve for everyone.” Detective Chief Superintendent, Sally Blaiklock, Head of Public Protection, Staffordshire Police, said: > “Families First is a significant step forward in how we support and protect children, young people and families. > “By bringing agencies together through one coordinated approach, we can identify vulnerability earlier, reduce harm and ensure families receive the right support before problems escalate into crisis. > “Building on the strong partnerships already established across Stoke-on-Trent, this programme will strengthen safeguarding, support victims and help deliver better outcomes for those who need us most.” Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Boards, said: > "We welcome the introduction of the Families First Partnership Programme in Stoke-on-Trent, which reflects our shared commitment to providing earlier, more joined-up support for children, young people and their families. By bringing services together around a single trusted practitioner, families will find it easier to access the right help at the right time. > Partnership working is central to improving outcomes for children and families, and this programme strengthens collaboration across services, ensuring families receive co-ordinated support that is accessible and focused on helping children and young people thrive." The delivery of Families First is being shaped using feedback from local children and families, ensuring it reflects real experiences in the city. Families can find support, tips and information, and share their views, at [https://families.stoke.gov.uk/familyfirst](https://families.stoke.gov.uk/familyfirst?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### ASDA Alsager to host Aisle of Pink festival for breast cancer charities URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/asda-alsager-to-host-aisle-of-pink-festival-for-breast-cancer-charities/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T16:01:16.000Z The event will raise money for Asda Tickled Pink, the supermarket’s breast cancer campaign supporting charity partners Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!. The campaign aims to help breast cancer be diagnosed earlier, improve people’s experience of the disease and make checking boobs, pecs and chests a normal part of everyday life. Funds raised support better treatments, vital education and life-changing support for people affected by breast cancer. Organised by Carol And Abi. The event will begin with games, drinks and cakes available between 1pm and 2pm, followed by a short break while the live entertainment is prepared. Music will then take place from 3pm until 5pm, with performers taking requests from members of the audience. Customers and colleagues are also being encouraged to arrive in fancy dress, whether that is a favourite pink outfit or something they would wear to a festival. An award will be presented to the best-dressed customer and the best-dressed ASDA colleague. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-02-16.50.23.png) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Leek couple Matthew and Courtney Shuker banned from keeping animals for 12 years after calves and a dog left to suffer at Westwood Hall Farm URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/leek-couple-matthew-and-courtney-shuker-banned-from-keeping-animals-for-12-years-after-calves-and-a-dog-left-to-suffer-at-westwood-hall-farm/ Last updated: 2026-07-30T07:31:22.000Z A husband and wife from Leek have been given suspended prison sentences and banned from keeping farm animals for 12 years, after pleading guilty to letting hundreds of calves suffer and allowing a dog to starve to death at their farm. Matthew Shuker, 38, and Courtney Shuker, 32, of Westwood Hall Farm, Westwood Park Drive, Leek, were sentenced at Telford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 29 July, after admitting more than 30 animal welfare offences relating to incidents between 2022 and 2023. ## What the court heard The case was brought by Staffordshire County Council's Trading Standards team, with a separate prosecution by the RSPCA relating to dogs kept at the farm. Jane Sarginson, prosecuting for the council, told the court that officers visited the farm repeatedly over a 13 month period and raised ongoing concerns about the welfare of calves. Some animals were emaciated through being underfed, while others had not received proper veterinary care. The farm's cattle had a mortality rate of around 25 per cent, compared with a national average of 9 per cent. Dead calves were left uncovered, animals were not given enough dry bedding, and faeces were found in feeding troughs. More than 200 calves were removed from the farm in March 2023, after the couple failed to comply with an improvement notice, but the Shukers later restocked with more calves. In a separate investigation, the RSPCA found that a German Shepherd named Ruby had been left dead in her bed for five days. A post-mortem found she had eaten wood shavings and plastic, which the court heard was down to extreme hunger. Four other dogs at the farm were signed over to the RSPCA and have since been rehomed. The Shukers no longer keep commercial livestock, but Courtney Shuker still has 33 horses. District Judge Graham Wilkinson noted that the horses were well cared for, in contrast to the cattle and dogs, and gave her 90 days to find them new homes, while confirming the ban would not stop her riding in future. ![Image credit - Staffordshire County Council](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Staffordshire-County-Council.jpg) Image credit - Staffordshire County Council ## Mitigation and sentencing Stuart Jessop, mitigating, told the court that Courtney Shuker had gone through a very difficult pregnancy during the period of offending, which he said had placed the whole family under significant strain. He accepted the couple had been "grossly incompetent" and "out of their depth," but argued their actions did not amount to deliberate cruelty. Judge Wilkinson accepted that Courtney Shuker had the stronger mitigation because of her pregnancy, and noted that both defendants had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He also raised concerns about what he described as the couple's "obsessive" acquisition of more animals, at a time when they were struggling to look after the ones they already had. Matthew Shuker was given a 38 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with a £400 fine, 200 hours of unpaid work, and £15,587 in prosecution costs. Courtney Shuker received a 26 week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, a £200 fine, 140 hours of unpaid work, and £15,354 in costs. Both were disqualified from keeping farm animals for 12 years and companion animals, including horses, for 10 years. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** ## Council response Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety and resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said the case had involved "vulnerable, young animals whose basic welfare needs were not met," despite repeated professional advice and intervention. > "Investigations of this nature require significant time and public resources, but they are essential to protecting animal welfare," he said. "We will continue to support our animal health officers in tackling neglect and abuse, and repeat offenders who disregard professional advice should expect consequences that reflect the seriousness of their actions." ## What the Shukers are doing now Public records show the Shukers have moved into the animal feed trade since giving up commercial livestock farming. Companies House lists an active company, Blythe Animal Feeds Ltd (company number 16341846), registered at Westwood Hall Farm and incorporated on 25 March 2025\. Courtney Shuker is recorded as the company's sole director, appointed on the same day it was formed. Matthew Shuker does not appear as an officer of the company. The Signal notes that Blythe Animal Feeds Ltd is currently shown on the register as active, but with a proposal to strike the company off, and its confirmation statement is currently overdue. These are administrative filing matters and do not reflect any further finding against the company or its director. Support local journalism #### Help us grow the Signal Every tip goes towards expanding what we cover, more reporters, more events, more of Staffordshire's stories told properly. If this was worth reading, help us do more of it. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ## Your weekly dose of Staffordshire news The Signal Weekly is a proper email newspaper, not just another newsletter, delivered to your inbox every week, funded by readers and local businesses, not shareholders. Sign up and stay in the loop. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam, no cost, unsubscribe whenever. --- ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. / ### Cannock Chase Council wins prestigious planning award URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cannock-chase-council-wins-prestigious-planning-award/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T21:20:15.000Z The award was presented at the RTPI West Midlands Planning Excellence Awards ceremony in Birmingham on 23 July, recognising the outstanding achievements of the Council’s Planning Service. As the regional winner, Cannock Chase Council will now represent the West Midlands at the RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence finals in London in December, competing against other regional winners from across the country. The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the planning profession, recognising excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for communities. Winning the Planning Authority of the Year award reflects the Council’s strong and consistent performance across both its Development Management and Planning Policy teams. The judges commented; the council’s planning service is a high-performing and collaborative team delivering strong planning outcomes. The authority has progressed its Local Plan through Examination in Public while maintaining strong development management performance and enabling major proposals including the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet expansion. The service works constructively with applicants, communities and regional partners to resolve complex planning challenges and support sustainable development. Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy, Councillor Paul Jones, said: > "Winning RTPI West Midlands Planning Authority of the Year is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone involved should be incredibly proud of. This award is recognition of the hard work, commitment and expertise of our Planning Service, which consistently delivers excellent outcomes for residents, businesses and communities across the district. > “Our Planning teams have successfully balanced the need to support economic growth and investment with protecting and enhancing the qualities that make Cannock Chase such a special place. The adoption of the Local Plan earlier this year was a significant achievement, and this award reflects the collaborative effort that helped make that possible. > “We are honoured to be representing the West Midlands at the national finals in London later this year and wish the team every success.” Cannock Chase Council will now compete in the RTPI National Awards for Planning Excellence 2026, alongside 6 other regional Planning Authority of the Year winners from across the UK who will be considered for the national title. ![Cannock Chase Council wins prestigious planning award](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Planning-Awards-Certificate.jpg) Cannock Chase Council wins prestigious planning award ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Businesses grab grants to help them go greener in Stafford Borough URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/businesses-grab-grants-to-help-them-go-greener-in-stafford-borough/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T21:16:01.000Z More than ten local businesses received a total of nearly £150,000 to help them introduce measures to become more sustainable - with some being highlighted in a series of short videos to celebrate their success. They include Medi-Spa 28 on the town’s Eastgate Street who reduced their energy bills by £1400 a month installing air pump source heaters. Stafford Clay Studio were able to buy a bigger kiln which needs firing up only once a week - replacing the three times a week required by its smaller counterpart and helping cut costs. And Love Funerals on Mill Street, Stafford, has made its mortuary more "environmentally-friendly and energy efficient" as part of the initiative. Barbara Pointon, Clinic Director, at Medi-Spa 28, said that not only has the funding supported a move to more sustainable energy generation, the savings made had also helped them to expand. She said: > “What it has enabled us to do by way of further investment into offering other services has been quite phenomenal. It has been a huge win-win for us as a business.” The funding was secured by Stafford Borough Council from the government aimed at helping micro, small and medium sized outlets improve their green credentials. Eleven businesses made successful bids for grants of up to £30,000. Some of those success stories can now be seen from [Sustainability Success Stories](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sustainability-success-stories?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Councillor Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said the feedback from those who had benefited from receiving the grants sent a powerful message about how implementing more sustainable practices was very good for business. The funding scheme was one of a number of initiatives the council launched to help the area become greener. And last year the local authority cut its target to hit net zero for carbon emissions from its own operations to 2035 - with people able to see more about what the council has done from [Reducing Energy Consumption - What else have we done?](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/reducing-energy-consumption-what-else-have-we-done?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Councillor Pearce continued: > “The huge reduction in costs demonstrated by just one business that converted to more sustainable energy generation is incredible to see - and now those savings are being reinvested to help their business thrive. > “But rather than taking my word for it - listen to what those businesses say about the measures they have introduced with our support.” He added: > “Climate change must be a priority for everyone. What we do, or don’t do now, is going to have a direct impact on future generations.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Community investors raise £160,000 for Lichfield Leisure Centre solar project URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/community-investors-raise-160-000-for-lichfield-leisure-centre-solar-project/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T08:23:18.000Z Community investors contributed **£132,200**, with the amount topped up by a further **£27,800 from a Community Booster Fund**. The successful raise received support from existing Staffordshire Community Energy members, alongside many new investors from the Lichfield area and across Staffordshire. The funding supports the solar panel installation at Lichfield Leisure Centre, which is already generating cleaner, cost-effective electricity for the facility. Neil O’Brien, Chair of Staffordshire Community Energy, said: > “I am delighted with the successful fundraise for Lichfield Leisure Centre. I would like to give a huge vote of thanks to all the team who helped get this project through planning, preparation and build. > “We look forward to the solar panels providing green, cost-effective energy for decades to come. We thank our members, both new and longstanding, for their confidence in and support for our plans.” Staffordshire Community Energy has thanked everyone who invested in the project and helped promote the share offer. The organisation said the response demonstrated the strength of local support for community-owned renewable energy projects that provide both environmental and community benefits. The project reflects Staffordshire Community Energy’s **Power with Purpose** approach: using community investment to deliver cleaner energy, reduce costs and create lasting benefits within Staffordshire. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Michelin combines tyres and technology to supercharge new EV fleet's performance URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/michelin-combines-tyres-and-technology-to-supercharge-new-ev-fleets-performance/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T08:19:34.000Z As part of the company’s transition from diesel vehicles to 100% electric energy by 2030, Michelin’s Connected Solutions Division (CXS), headquartered at Keele University Science Park, has taken delivery of 19 new Ford Transit EV vans. Each vehicle has been fitted with MICHELIN Connected Fleet, which provides comprehensive telematics data for fleet vehicles, as well as tyres from the company’s high performance Agilis range. Andrew French, B2B Sales Director at Michelin UK & Ireland, said: > “The combination of Michelin technology and tyres means the new vehicles are capable of even greater performance in terms of environment, safety and cost. > “MICHELIN Connected Fleet allows us to improve road safety and driving style through measurement of harsh braking and acceleration, reducing accidents and helping the fleet perform to the highest levels of productivity. > “This is complemented with tyres from the MICHELIN Agilis range, which deliver reduced fuel consumption, improved range and industry-leading safety features.” The latest arrivals mean approximately two-thirds of Michelin’s CXS’s 56-strong operational fleet is now electric, providing an estimated saving of 79.5 tonnes of CO2 annually. The new vehicles will be used by the CXS team to support their work delivering fleet management and safety solutions to Michelin customers across the UK and Ireland. Michelin held a training day at its premises in Stoke-on-Trent to familiarise drivers with the new vans, onboard technology, and tips on maximising their range through refinements to driving technique. The new EVs mark the second stage of investment from Michelin, following an initial wave of vehicles in 2024. With 36 of the operational fleet’s 56 vehicles now EVs, Michelin plans to replace more of its diesel vans during the next year as it moves to 100% electric energy over the next four years. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### NHS worker, new mum and science student named Keele's Student of the Year URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nhs-worker-new-mum-and-science-student-named-keeles-student-of-the-year/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T08:12:13.000Z Lauren Keen, 26, graduated on Wednesday with a degree in Biochemistry and Medicinal Chemistry after overcoming years of personal and academic challenges, including leaving school at the age of 12 before returning to education as an adult. Alongside her studies, she worked part-time as a nursing assistant at Royal Stoke University Hospital while raising her two children. She said: > “It's been incredibly challenging and there were times when I wondered if I could do it. > “Sometimes I felt on top of the world, and other times I felt like I was in the trenches. I'd have an assignment due, one of my children would be ill and I'd have a shift at the hospital, all at the same time. > “It was a lot of juggling, but my lecturers were brilliant and definitely helped me to get through it. It's a special feeling to be graduating.” Lauren's journey to graduation has been anything but conventional. Due to family circumstances, Lauren left school at the age of 12 and moved to Norway when her father relocated there for work. As his job took them across the country, including through the Arctic region, she largely educated herself before enrolling in a school in northern Norway at the age of 14. Despite having only recently arrived in the country, Lauren sat her exams in Norwegian while living with a local host family, as her own family were based elsewhere at the time. At 15, she moved to Malta. A year later, she became estranged from her father and found herself living independently in the country without any family or legal guardian. At 17, she travelled through Spain before returning to Malta, where she worked three jobs to save enough money for a flight back to the UK. She returned home in 2018, beginning the next chapter of her life. After returning to the UK, Lauren contacted her uncle and his family - the only relatives she remained in touch with. She began working as a healthcare assistant in a care home in Cheshire, enrolled on an NVQ Level 2 in Care and completed her GCSEs. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Lauren was redeployed to support the Covid ward at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, where she met her future husband. At the same time, she studied for an Access to Higher Education diploma at Cheshire College South & West. Her daughter was born in 2021 and Lauren began a foundation year at Keele the following year. During the foundation year Lauren fell pregnant again and her son was born in August 2023, just weeks before she was due to return to university for the new academic year. Shortly after birth, he was admitted to intensive care, adding further challenges as Lauren prepared to continue her studies. Lauren, who lives in Staffordshire, said: > “I started my journey in education a bit later than others, and you could say I took a slightly alternative route to most people to get to where I am today. When I came back to the UK at 18, I basically had no useful qualifications, so I was starting from scratch. > “Because of my upbringing, I felt like I was behind the pack from day one at Keele. Many of my classmates had studied science at GCSE and A-level, whereas I hadn't, so I didn't have that basic knowledge of the subject. > “There were times when I struggled, but the support from staff and lecturers made all the difference. > “I've always felt close to nature, and Keele's beautiful campus with the incredible woods and lakes behind Keele Hall became one of my favourite places. I can't tell you how many times I went for a walk down there to clear my head, hash out a subject or think something over.” In the final year of her degree, Lauren's uncle, Michael Keen, passed away unexpectedly. While completing her studies, she also helped support his family in the weeks that followed while grieving the loss herself. Lauren said: > “My uncle has been an inspirational role model throughout my life. From his home full of laughter, to his positive outlook on life, work ethic and dedication to his family, he has played a strong role in shaping my values and the person I am today.” After graduating, Lauren hopes to pursue a career in hospital-based research. She said: > “I feel like being at Keele, I have developed a much stronger research brain. All these things like critical thinking, linking ideas together and writing academically have improved me as a person greatly. > “I want to make a difference to people's lives, and research is one way to do that. You might not see the results instantly but ten years down the line, it could have a massive impact on people and how they live. > “I have found a genuine passion and interest in medicine and how I can try to actively change problems in the future.” Alongside her studies, NHS work and family commitments, Lauren has spent the past two years volunteering at St Giles Church, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where she serves as a safeguarding officer. During that time, she introduced the church's first equality and diversity policy and helped create a safe and supportive environment for both members of the congregation and Keele students on placement. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New publication explores Stoke-on-Trent’s global ceramics influence URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-publication-explores-stoke-on-trents-global-ceramics-influence/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T08:01:40.000Z Legacy and Continuity: Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’ brings together international research and contemporary artistic perspectives examining the cultural exchange that helped shape the city’s world-famous ceramics industry. Produced by Stoke-on-Trent City Council following a major international ceramics symposium held during the city's Centenary celebrations in 2025, it explores the global history of one of Stoke-on-Trent's most recognisable ceramic designs and the centuries of cultural exchange that shaped it. Edited by Professor Neil Brownsword of the University of Staffordshire, the volume presents contributions from leading scholars examining the Willow Patterns origins, evolution and continuing relevance. Although closely associated with Staffordshire’s pottery industry, the Willow Pattern was inspired by Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. The publication traces how the design was adapted by British manufacturers, transformed through industrial innovation and ultimately returned to China as global patterns of ceramic production shifted during the late twentieth century. It also reflects the growing partnership between Stoke-on-Trent and Jingdezhen, China’s historic porcelain capital. The relationship was formalised through a Cultural Concordat signed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Jingdezhen City Government, Jingdezhen Ceramic University and the University of Staffordshire to support future cultural activity, research collaboration and knowledge exchange. Councillor Lyn Sharpe, culture and heritage champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This places Stoke-on-Trent firmly where it belongs - at the heart of global ceramics research - and celebrates the skills, innovation and creativity that define city I’m proud to call home. > "The Willow Pattern is one of the most recognisable ceramic designs ever created and remains closely associated with our pottery industry. > "This publication reveals the remarkable international story behind the pattern, highlighting centuries of artistic exchange between Stoke-on-Trent and Jingdezhen and the important role ceramics have played in connecting communities, cultures and industries around the world. > "Making it freely available means more people can discover and explore this fascinating shared heritage." Professor Neil Brownsword, Professor of Ceramics at University of Staffordshire, said: > "The essays in this volume encourage a more critical understanding of the Willow Pattern by examining the processes of translation, adaptation and reinterpretation that have shaped its development over three centuries. > “By bringing together scholarship and contemporary artistic practice, the publication opens new perspectives on questions of authorship, material culture and the complex histories that continue to inform ceramic production today." The publication accompanies the exhibition Willow Pattern Ceramics and Stories of ‘Other’, which is on display at the Spode Museum, Stoke, until 30 August 2026. It is available to download free of charge at [www.stoke.gov.uk/legacyandcontinuity](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/legacyandcontinuity?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/LAC1-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/LAC2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/LAC3.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Mediaeval Baebes Celebrate with 30th Anniversary Tour URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-mediaeval-baebes-celebrate-with-30th-anniversary-tour/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T07:55:07.000Z The internationally acclaimed Mediaeval Baebes are marking an extraordinary milestone: thirty years of timeless song. The story of the Mediaeval Baebes began in 1996 when musical director and composer Katharine Blake, slipped into London's Abney Park Cemetery at midnight, to sing madrigals with a group of friends. From these unconventional beginnings emerged one of the most distinctive and celebrated vocal groups of modern times. Over the past thirty years, the Mediaeval Baebes have released 12 studio albums and won an Ivor Novello Award for their performance on the BBC serialisation “*The Virgin Queen*”. They have also received two Emmy nominations, and a Royal Television Society award as the featured artist alongside composer Martin Phipps, for the theme tune of ITV’s hit TV show “*Victoria*”. With each concert starting with a torchlit procession, accompanied by a musical fanfare of medieval instruments and drums, the celebration will include tracks from the latest album The Spinning Wheel. Showcasing a richly woven collection of twelve songs inspired by the months of the year, they journey through the seasons from frost-bright winter laments to the heat-hazed longing of high summer. Audiences can expect voices that shimmer. Stories that linger. And music that feels at once both centuries old and strikingly new! Thirty years on the wheel still turns… and you are warmly invited to join them on a musical journey of celebration, myth and song. Throughout their many incarnations the Mediaeval Baebes have captivated audiences worldwide, touring extensively across the UK, United States, Canada, Asia, and Europe. Their performances have spanned an extraordinary range of venues, from castles and caves, to cathedrals and festival stages. Highlights include appearances at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall, Jersey Opera House and Tewkesbury Abbey; along with the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. They have toured alongside Jools Holland, supported Michael Flatley in Hyde Park, and performed at the renowned Lilith Fair. To celebrate thirty years of music-making, the Mediaeval Baebes will once again be bring past and present together in a soundscape that is entirely their own. And, steeped in timeless enchantment, the concert experience will magically weave together ancient texts, traditional melodies and original compositions. For more information and to book your place at this unique event, visit: [www.mediaevalbaebes.co.uk](https://www.mediaevalbaebes.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![The Mediaeval Baebes](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/002-The-Mediaeval-Baebes---photo-credit-Rob-Kelly.jpg) The Mediaeval Baebes ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Momentum Milestone First Investment Announced URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/momentum-milestone-first-investment-announced/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T07:47:28.000Z Momentum VC, launched earlier this year by businessman Mo Chaudry has announced an investment of £300,000 in Stafford based firm Renticy. Renticy which was founded by Rob Flowers in 2024, has transformed the way the traditional and manually intensive rental sector works. The company offers trials and rentals at point of sale with Renticy’s all in one digital platform. It gives customers the option to try an item and purchase or simply rent and return. Over 100 businesses and brands are already operating with Renticy, including sector leading national brands. Companies working with them include outdoor equipment, music, sports and cycling and men’s fashion chains. Mo who launched the investment fund in February, risking £5million of his own personal wealth said: > "Making Momentum VC’s first investment is a pivotal moment and I am delighted. Renticy stood out because it has a strong business plan, a clear vision for growth and a business model with real global potential." Just as importantly, Rob has shown total commitment and conviction in his ambition to build Renticy into a worldwide enterprise. When we invest, we invest in people as well as businesses, and I believe in both Rob and his company. He added: > "I'm excited to see what happens next. I genuinely believe Renticy has the capacity to become a global business and I'm looking forward to being part of that journey." Founder Rob Flowers said he was delighted: > “Having the backing of Momentum Capital and Mo Chaudry’s personal support is a huge vote of confidence in our business and our future plans." He added: > “As we enter this exciting growth phase, Momentum Capital’s investment will help accelerate our plans and create new opportunities as well as supporting the onboarding of new flagship retail partners. > We have ambitious plans for the future, and having Momentum Capital’s support gives us the platform and confidence to achieve them." When the scheme first launched more than 140 businesses expressed interest in Momentum Capital and it’s not too late to apply to be considered. Rob added: > “One of the biggest challenges for any entrepreneur looking to grow a business is access to capital. Without funding and the right support network, it can be incredibly difficult to sustain growth. > Momentum Capital is a great initiative because it provides both investment and expertise to businesses with real potential. I believe it is a model that other regions across the country will look to replicate because it has the power to drive entrepreneurship, create jobs and strengthen local economies." If you are a business that is looking to grow and are looking for investment, please email: [start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk](mailto:start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk) for further details. To find out more about Renticy please go to: [www.renticy.com](http://www.renticy.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: a mural for Stoke's lost nightclubs, Cannock Chase's parks named among the country's best, and an MP's first column for the Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-a-mural-for-stokes-lost-nightclubs-cannock-chases-parks-named-among-the-countrys-best-and-an-mps-first-column-for-the-signal/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:02:45.000Z *Dear readers,* *Another week done, and this one's got a bit of everything in it, from a fully funded mural to a tax cut that will actually show up on your bills. This week, two Stoke DJs' homemade blue plaque trail becomes the real thing, Gareth Snell writes for us for the first time, and there's some welcome news on the cost of keeping the lights on.* *On a personal note, there's something brewing behind the scenes here at the Signal. We're looking to expand, and plans are properly underway, so watch this space, there's more to come soon. When the time is right, we'll be asking for your help, so keep an eye out.* *In the meantime, two small favours if you've got a moment. A Google review genuinely helps us, it's how more people across Staffordshire find us when they search, and it takes about thirty seconds:* [*leave a review here*](https://g.page/r/CZAxlV8uSm54EAE/review?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)*. And if you've enjoyed this edition, forward it to someone who might too. If this was forwarded to you, do subscribe, it's free, and it means you never miss an update.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Newcastle-under-Lyme Welcomes Heart of England in Bloom Judges URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-under-lyme-welcomes-heart-of-england-in-bloom-judges/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T16:29:37.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, will welcome the Heart of England in Bloom regional judges on Wednesday 29th July, as the town looks to build on its continued success in the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom campaign. Following another successful year of partnership working, this year's tour will showcase how businesses, volunteers, community organisations and public sector partners are working together to create a cleaner, greener, safer and more welcoming town centre. Beginning at Brampton Museum, before concluding in Queen's Gardens, judges will join Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and council representatives for a tour through Newcastle-under-Lyme that reflects the town's rich heritage, vibrant community spirit and ambitions for the future. Along the route, judges will meet members of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's delivery teams, local businesses, volunteers, artists and community groups who all play a role in shaping the town centre. Contributors this year include Castle Artisan Market, local historian Jenna Goodwin, known as The Red Haired Stokie, the Strathcross Group, a long-running community theatre and arts initiative for adults with learning difficulties, alongside representatives from the voluntary sector and many of the organisations helping to bring Newcastle-under-Lyme to life. The judging route will highlight a broad range of projects delivered throughout the year, including seasonal and permanent planting schemes, town centre cleansing, community safety initiatives, heritage projects, public art, events and cultural activities that animate the town throughout the year. Judges will also hear about the exciting regeneration projects that will continue to shape Newcastle-under-Lyme in the years ahead. Heart of England in Bloom, part of the wider RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, recognise environmental sustainability, biodiversity, community participation, cleanliness, heritage, conservation and the ways communities work together to improve the places where they live, work and visit, as well as horticulture. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "Heart of England in Bloom is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Newcastle-under-Lyme special. Whilst planting remains an important part of the judging, it's the people behind it all that really make the difference. > > “The judging day reflects a huge collective effort. We're proud to showcase how partnership working continues to make Newcastle-under-Lyme a more vibrant and welcoming town throughout the year." Cllr. Andrew Fisher, Cabinet member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: > "Newcastle-under-Lyme has a proud and outstanding record in Heart of England in Bloom, and judging day is another opportunity to showcase the very best of our historic town centre. > > "The displays residents and visitors see are the result of a tremendous team effort by businesses, volunteers, community groups, the BID and council staff. Their hard work, creativity and civic pride help to make Newcastle cleaner, greener and more welcoming throughout the year. > > "With major regeneration transforming the town centre, our ambition is clear: to create a vibrant place where people are proud to live, work, visit and invest. We wish the BID every success and thank everyone who has helped Newcastle bloom.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### MP's Voice: Why Local Journalism Is Worth Fighting For URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mps-voice-why-local-journalism-is-worth-fighting-for/ Last updated: 2026-07-28T09:30:21.000Z 💡 Gareth Snell**, MP for* Stoke-on-Trent Central **As told to Will Barnish* This is my first column for the *Staffordshire Signal* and I have spent a long time trying to think about what I write about. Could I write a polemic piece that outlines the important issues of state which are often overlooked. Should it be a love letter to Stoke-on-Trent, the City that is my adopted home and where I am so proud to represent? Maybe grasp a thorny and controversial issue of the day and write something thought provoking or even controversial? But often, as a politician with opinions to share and questions to raise, the issue is less about what I am going to write and more about where it might be published. This is because independent journalism has had a tough time over the last two decades which is why sitting here writing for a new in-print publication is a genuine honour and thrill. Just over 15 years ago, daily national newspaper circulation stood at around 21 million, but today that has decreased by 66% to just 7.4 million. Local newspapers have faired much worse. 265 different titles have closed between 2005 and 2020 leaving the UK with fewer local newspapers than anytime since the 18th century, and those that are left have fewer journalists and smaller budgets. It means local news – including coverage of local politics and decisions made at council level – often gets missed, weakening scrutiny by the media that is a cornerstone of our democratic system. Most titles have now moved online and derive their revenue from ads and clicks – meaning salacious headlines take over. And then you enter the gloom spiral of bad news, rage-bait and negative commentary because that drives engagement and increases income. Worse still, more and more adults are no longer trusting of traditional news sources and one in three adults now exclusively get their news and views from TikTok, X and Facebook Groups. Unlike traditional print media, these sources are completely unregulated with no editorial teams, no ethics checks and no need to substantiate facts. And in some cases, the deception goes much deeper with deliberate fake news and hyper-realistic AI generated content designed to deceive. Indeed, when the Iranian regime turned off the internet as part of their crack down on freedoms in Iran, thousands of X accounts masquerading as UK citizens and sharing divisive content about Scottish Independence, trans-rights, antisemitism and anti-muslim hatred and promoting conspiracy theories of the far-right all fell silent. But when 70% of the UK adult population is unsure about what is and what isn’t fake news and the decline of traditional print media, these X accounts and their seemingly reasonable content can start to corrupt minds and ferment dissent among people who actually have much more in common than they realise. So as I write this, I am cheered by the idea that a publication like the *Staffordshire Signal* is bucking that trend. A local news outlet providing positive content based on real voices in communities. Covering the stories that we will all care about but in an honest and unbiassed way. Clear with the facts but devoid of the rhetoric which often clouds the real issue at heart. For our communities to thrive and for our democracy to be strengthened, these sorts of news outlets are crucial. They build the bonds which make neighbourhoods resilient and they expose the doom-mongers and the pot-stirrers who have little value to add. So while this is my first piece for the *Staffordshire Signal*, I hope it is one of many pieces over the months and years ahead because we all need that positive good news from sources we can always trust. 💡 MP's Voice is a monthly column giving Staffordshire's elected representatives a platform to speak directly to constituents. The words and views expressed are the author's own and do not represent the editorial position of The Staffordshire Signal. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Remembering the Clubs That Made Stoke Dance URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/remembering-the-clubs-that-made-stoke-dance/ Last updated: 2026-07-27T15:52:18.000Z Most heritage projects begin with a committee, a funding round and roughly nine months of risk assessments. The blue plaque scheme now dotted across Hanley began with two old friends, a screwdriver and the sort of attitude that would make Banksy proud. Philip Johnson and Robert Leigh, both 67, have known each other since they were teenagers standing at the edge of the same dancefloors. Phil found his way in at the start of the 1970s, at the Kings Hall teenage nights where Bruno Brooks spun soul and Northern Soul, and later talked his way into Wigan Casino aged 15 on his older brother's borrowed birth certificate. Bob has been collecting records since he was seven, amassing somewhere north of 20,000 of them, and spent a stretch over the millennium driving a young Sasha to gigs. Phil, by his own admission, has been on the periphery for a couple of decades. Bob never really stopped, and still plays the classic revival nights around the city. What brought them back was watching the places they grew up in disappear. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/4-DSC03773.jpg) ## **A shame to let it all be forgotten** "All these places are going to be forgotten, and nobody will ever know about them," Phil recalls thinking, as one old venue after another came down. The tipping point was the demolition of the old Tiffany's building in Newcastle. As the wrecking got going, the faded signage underneath was exposed, and Phil noticed something. People kept stopping to take photographs, and the occasional souvenir brick. There was already a blue plaque where the Golden Torch once stood in Tunstall, now a car park, so the idea was hardly outlandish. Phil set off down the sensible route, asking building owners for permission. He was, in his words, constantly beaten back. Absent landlords in Birmingham, requests for indemnity insurance, health and safety forms, risk assessments. Months of banging his head against a brick wall, which is ironic given that a brick wall was all he wanted. Bob's solution was simpler. "Let's just get the plaques, stick them up, and if they don't like them, we'll take them down again." So they did. The first went up on the corner of Marsh Street, where the Antelope once stood, put up quietly with nobody watching. Nobody complained. People noticed. Then, as Bob puts it, they went and did the rest "Banksy style", walked away, and got a phone call. "Bob, it's the BBC." He assumed someone was having him on. They were not. The whole thing snowballed within weeks. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/5-DSC03768.jpg) ## **Eight plaques, 60 years of history** There are now eight in total: six across Hanley, one in Stoke, one in Newcastle. Between them they tell a story most residents have no idea they are walking past. The six in Hanley mark the Antelope, the Heavy Steam Machine, the Top Rank, the Void, Satchmo's and the Place. Each earned its spot by regularly drawing hundreds, sometimes well over a thousand, of people a night. The pair were strict about it. Everyone, it turned out, wanted a plaque for the pub where their Uncle Ted once DJ'd on a Thursday, so they stuck to the venues of genuine significance. And the significance is real. The Place, Phil argues, was the first purpose-built discotheque in the country, opening in 1963 as a venue designed to play predominantly vinyl rather than host a live band. The Heavy Steam Machine was, when it opened, the biggest of its kind. The Top Rank became a Northern Soul hub known as the International Soul Club. Over in Stoke, the plaque marks the Kings Hall, home to what the pair believe was the second longest-running Northern Soul all-nighter in the country, a 30-year institution running from 1996 until its final event this year. Newcastle's plaque marks Tiffany's, later known as the Ritz. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/7-DSC03762.jpg) ## **Manchester's loss, Stoke's gain** Listen to Phil and Bob for long enough and a pattern emerges, one that should be a source of civic pride. Time and again, when a major Manchester venue fell, the scene did not scatter. It came to Stoke. When the Twisted Wheel closed, the Northern Soul crowd moved to the Golden Torch in Tunstall, and on to the Top Rank in Hanley, which anchored the scene until Wigan Casino took over. Two decades later, when the Hacienda shut its doors, the ravers followed the music to Shelley's Laserdome in Longton, and then on to Entropy near the old bus station. The Potteries has spent 60 years catching whatever the bigger cities dropped, and doing something remarkable with it. Longton, notably, has no plaques yet. The pair drew a line under the project at the eighth, though they are far from precious about it. Their message to the town is essentially an open invitation. If you were a significant player back then, fill your boots. Shelley's would qualify without question, they agree, even if the dancefloor itself is now buried somewhere under the A50. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/2-DSC03785.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/1-DSC03789.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/6-DSC03763.jpg) ## **The mural: funded, sited, and one hurdle from reality** The plaques were only ever the start. With the "lost nightclubs" scheme complete, Phil and Bob began wondering about something bigger: a mural on nightclub culture, in the spirit of the ones that cover walls in Manchester and London. They tested the water with a Facebook group for former nightclub-goers, which has since passed 500 members, and the project has now moved firmly into the planning stage. The plan is a 125 square metre mural, designed and produced by acclaimed local artist Tom Edwards, whose work can be seen at www.tomedwards.art. Rather than focus on one club or one genre, it will commemorate the full sweep of the city's nightclub history: the Torch, one of the birthplaces of Northern Soul; the Place, believed to be the UK's first purpose-built discotheque, dating to 1963; the Top Rank and Baileys; the Heavy Steam Machine, in its day the largest disco in Europe; Tiffany's; the Placemate and Maxims; Jollees, Longton's own slice of Las Vegas; and Valentino's, Regime's, Satchmo's, the Void and Shelley's. The money, remarkably, is now in place. The group raised £1,500 through a JustGiving page, JCB then donated a further £1,500, and last week the outstanding £8,000 needed for the project arrived, courtesy of donors who have asked to remain anonymous for now. Between community fundraising and that quietly generous final push, the mural is fully funded. A site has been agreed, too. The owner of the Victoria Lounge on Hanley's Piccadilly, ST1 3AF, previously known as Reardon's, has kindly offered the outside wall of her club to host the piece. It is hard to imagine a better spot: directly opposite the Victoria Hall and the new bus station, guaranteeing the sort of footfall most public art can only dream of. There is one hurdle left. The Victoria Lounge sits within Hanley's city centre conservation zone, which means a planning application is required before a brush touches the wall, and there remains a little possibility the group will need to consider an alternative site if that does not go their way. Phil and Bob are treating it as a challenge to be worked through rather than a reason to worry. What is not in doubt is the motivation behind it. "We are doing this for the city, not ourselves," the group says. The mural is intended to showcase what an entertainment hub Stoke-on-Trent once was, to give the city a boost in self-esteem, and to teach a younger generation about the Northern Soul, Motown, disco and house scenes that shaped their parents' and grandparents' Saturday nights. There is a practical hope attached too: that a striking piece of public art opposite the bus station will draw more people into the city centre itself. It is, in other words, exactly the spirit that put the first blue plaque up on Marsh Street with nobody watching. Ask forgiveness rather than permission, do it for the love of the place, and let the city catch up. So far, it has. If you would like to support the mural, whether that is funding, materials, or simply spreading the word, get in touch with the group via Facebook. --- *Photos: Jenna Goodwin / The Staffordshire Signal* #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space for people in Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-pm-cuts-tax-on-household-electricity-bills-to-give-breathing-space-for-people-in-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T09:25:46.000Z Gareth Snell, Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central has welcomed the announcement to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills from October 1 in time to impact the next Ofgem price cap. This immediate action applies and is funded for this financial year. The cost of this immediate action for this financial year – taken now, before the next price cap – is being funded from the cancellation of the (£1.8bn) Digital ID programme. Any further action, including on funding for longer-term measures, will be taken at the Budget alongside an OBR forecast. All decisions at that point will continue to be funded and also consistent with the government’s fiscal rules. Gareth said: > “Across Stoke-on-Trent Central, residents have told me time and time again that their household energy bills keep rising leaving them struggling. Over the past 2 years, I have consistently advocated for more government support to deal with rising energy costs for both households and businesses. > I am pleased to see that one of the first announcements from the new PM is a commitment to tackle the cost-of-living crisis to give people more “breathing space”. Cutting VAT on electricity bills is expected to take around £45 off the yearly Ofgem price cap in October. This is on top of the £150 removed from bills at the last Budget. By targeting electricity bills, more people will be supported with rising bills and the government is helping to keep inflation down. All suppliers are expected to pass the VAT reduction on to all customers, including those on fixed tariffs, as they did with the £150 of costs taken off energy bills announced at the last Budget. Small businesses who qualify for the domestic energy VAT relief and are not registered for VAT, as well as charities and residential care homes eligible for the reduced rate will also benefit. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Historic Grade II listed Stoke-on-Trent canal-side house to go under the hammer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/historic-grade-ii-listed-stoke-on-trent-canal-side-house-to-go-under-the-hammer/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T09:06:38.000Z Chatterley Canal House, a three-bedroom, two-storey property, next to the Trent and Mersey Canal, will feature in the next live stream auction held by BTG Eddisons Property Auctions on 29 July. Built in the late Georgian era, between 1824 and 1827, the whitewashed brick building’s multiple period features include brick gable chimney stacks, arched window heads and a distinct central doorway. The house, which also has private parking and a garden, was built as a canal worker's lodge to serve and monitor the barges passing through the adjacent Harecastle Tunnel, designed by James Brindley and Thomas Telford to transport coal and pottery from the region. Will Thompson, director at BTG Eddisons Property Auctions said: > *“Chatterley Canal House is quite a special property with the canal towpaths right on its doorstep that create a beautiful waterside setting for walking and cycling, as well as local amenities like Tunstall and Stoke-on-Trent city centre just minutes away.* > *“It’s also close to the A500 and the M6, making it a practical base for commuters travelling across the region, as well as having easy access to the Peak District and the Staffordshire countryside."* He added: > *"Whether you are looking for a distinctive home or buy-to-let investment, this is a great opportunity to own a modernised property in an incredible setting that’s also steeped in Britain's industrial heritage."* Auctioneers say that the property is sold freehold, with a tenant vacating the property prior to auction. For more details and bidding information, visit [www.btgeddisonspropertyauctions.com](http://www.btgeddisonspropertyauctions.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). BTG Eddisons Property Auctions is a national auction business formed by uniting the regional brands Pugh, SDL Property Auctions, Mark Jenkinson and Network Auctions. It now hosts a four-day national auction event every month. Property listing: https://www.btgeddisonspropertyauctions.com/properties/202606101153sq\_6hve-290726/for-auction-stoke-on-trent ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-3.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Chatterley-Canal-House--Stoke-on-Trent-6.jpg) Chatterley Canal House, up for auction with BTG Eddisons Property Auctions on 29 July with a £225,000 guide price ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Join Team Dougie Mac at this year’s Potters ‘Arf URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/join-team-dougie-mac-at-this-years-potters-arf/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T08:57:32.000Z And, with this year’s event less than three months away on Sunday 4 th October, Dougie Mac is urging the local community to take part in support of their local hospice. Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising at Dougie Mac, said: > “The Potters ‘Arf is the highlight of the local running calendar and we’re so grateful that Dougie Mac is always really well supported. Many people take part in memory of a loved one, while others simply want to support their local hospice. > “This year we’re hoping that even more people will take on the challenge, whether it’s running or walking, on their own or in relay teams, to raise money for Dougie Mac and help support our specialist care and support services for local families.” While the Potters ‘Arf is the main event for runners, there are also opportunities for those who want to take part at a gentler pace, including a walking half marathon and a fun run for children. There are also relay races for runners and walkers, which mean you can take part as a team, covering a shorter distance each. Deborah added: > “By taking part in the Potters ‘Arf for Dougie Mac, you can be sure that every stride you take, whether on your own, with friends, or alongside your kids in the junior race, turns into vital care for adults, young adults, and children facing a life-limiting illness.” Registration for this year’s Potters ‘Arf, on 4 th October, is open now. Visit [www.potters-arf.co.uk](https://www.potters-arf.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) for more information and to enter today. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Six Cannock Chase parks and green spaces retain prestigious Green Flag status URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/six-cannock-chase-parks-and-green-spaces-retain-prestigious-green-flag-status/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T08:34:55.000Z Cannock Park, Castle Ring, Elmore Park, Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park and Stile Cop Cemetery have all successfully retained their Green Flag Awards for 2025. Castle Ring has also achieved the Green Heritage Site Accreditation for the management and promotion of its historic features. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the internationally recognised Green Flag Award, which sets the benchmark for the management of parks and green spaces across the UK and beyond. The six Cannock Chase sites are among a record-breaking 2,391 locations across the UK to receive the award this year. The achievement reflects the commitment, hard work and dedication of the Council’s parks and grounds teams, who work year-round to ensure these valued community spaces remain safe, welcoming and well maintained for residents and visitors. Councillor John Parkes Operational Services and Parks Portfolio Leader said: > “We are delighted that all six of our sites have once again achieved Green Flag Award status. These awards are a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our parks and grounds maintenance teams, volunteers and community groups who help us keep these spaces looking their best throughout the year. > “Our parks and green spaces play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, providing places to relax, exercise and connect with nature. We are particularly proud that Castle Ring has also retained its Green Heritage Site Accreditation, recognising the importance of preserving and promoting its rich history. > “I would encourage residents and visitors alike to take advantage of these fantastic spaces and join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement.” Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: > “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. > “Cannock Chase Council have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard. Congratulations to everyone involved." The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. ### Butcher & Barlow opens new Stoke-on-Trent office as part of regional expansion URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/butcher-barlow-opens-new-stoke-on-trent-office-as-part-of-regional-expansion/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T08:30:22.000Z The new office at Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, will initially focus on supporting clients with property, rural, agricultural and Private Client matters. This includes residential, commercial and agricultural property, corporate, succession planning advice and estate administration, with clients also able to access the wider expertise of the Firm where needed. The office will be headed up by Partner Kelly Myatt, who specialises in residential, commercial and agricultural property. Kelly brings extensive experience acting for a wide range of clients, including farming families, landowners, property investors, developers and individuals moving home. She will work closely with colleagues across the Firm to support clients whose personal, family, property and business interests often overlap. Reflecting on the launch, Kelly said: > “Opening an office in Stoke-on-Trent is an exciting step for Butcher & Barlow and for the clients we support across North Staffordshire, North Shropshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands. > “This is an area with a strong rural and property community, and our first priority is to be visible, approachable and useful to those clients. Whether someone is dealing with agricultural land, a farm business, a property transaction, succession planning, a will or an estate matter, we want them to feel they have clear, practical advice close to home. > “Butcher & Barlow has always placed great importance on building long-term relationships with clients, and I am looking forward to developing those relationships across the region.” The launch forms part of Butcher & Barlow’s wider regional expansion strategy. The Firm will focus first on strengthening its rural, property and private client base in the area, before gradually developing its corporate and commercial work as the office becomes more established. Senior Partner Jonathan Aldersley said: > “Our growth has always been considered and client-led. > The Stoke-on-Trent office gives us a stronger base in an area where we already see real demand for the Firm’s rural, agricultural, property and Private Client expertise. > “Kelly is from the area and ideally placed to lead the new office. Her practical approach, technical knowledge and commitment to client service reflect exactly what Butcher & Barlow stands for. > “Over time, we expect the office to become an important part of our wider corporate and commercial offering. The priority, however, is to build lasting local relationships with individuals, families, landowners and business owners, and grow in a way that reflects the needs of the region.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Butcher---Barlow-Stoke-office-opening-26.jpeg) Photo from left to right: Jonathan Aldersley, Benjamin Davenport-Lawton, Kelly Myatt, Kate Wilson, Emily Cliffe, Tom Jones, Tim Bailey ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### First official Minecraft experience of its kind in the nation’s biggest playground URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/first-official-minecraft-experience-of-its-kind-in-the-nations-biggest-playground/ Last updated: 2026-07-24T07:43:27.000Z The event is expected to attract visitors from across the UK, providing a boost to Staffordshire's visitor economy during the peak summer holiday period. The interactive experience will bring some of Minecraft's most popular characters to life, with activities and attractions designed for visitors of all ages. Guests can meet iconic mobs including Creepers, Axolotls, Baby Pandas and Baby Wolves, take part in themed activities and enjoy Minecraft-inspired food, drink and merchandise. Jump into an interactive event where your favourite mobs come to life. Discover experiences for the whole family, from hands-on activities to mob encounters with creepers, axolotls, baby pandas, and more! Explore the Baby Mob Trail with iconic Minecraft scenes to unlock an exclusive in-game reward. Restore your hunger bar with Minecraft inspired food and drink, enjoy Minecraft themed sets and create unforgettable moments together. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world, this is your chance to experience the game in real life. Take part in the Meet the Mobs Trail, a journey through game-inspired settings in search of the adorable baby mobs. Complete the challenge to earn an exclusive in-game digital reward. Get up close with your favourite mobs at Meet & Greets featuring iconic figures like creeper, iron golem, chicken jockey, axolotl, baby panda, chick, and baby wolf, and take unforgettable photos. At the Minecraft Hub, a full program of activities awaits you, while themed snack stands and exclusive merchandise are also available. Howard Ebison, Vice President at Alton Towers Resort and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Board Member said: > “Minecraft is loved by families around the world, and this summer we’re bringing that sense of play and discovery into our park. ‘Minecraft Meet the Mobs’ is set to delight our guests with interactive moments across the park, an opportunity to unlock exclusive in-game rewards, enjoy themed treats and plenty of surprises along the way. We are proud to offer this unique Minecraft event for our guests joining us over the summer, all within their price of admission to Alton Towers Resort.” Charlotte Cain, Staffordshire Investment Agency Manager, Economic Growth and Delivery - Staffordshire County Council said: > “Minecraft Meet the Mobs is set to be one of this summer's must-visit attractions, bringing the globally popular game to life in an exciting and immersive way at Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire. It’s another first in the UK helping position Staffordshire as the Nation's Best Playground. > “We're delighted to see Staffordshire hosting such a unique event and look > forward to welcoming visitors from across the UK. Alongside the Minecraft > experience, we encourage guests to take the opportunity to explore the county's outstanding attractions and beautiful countryside that make Staffordshire a destination for unforgettable days out and short breaks." Find out more details about the event and book your tickets [here](https://www.altontowers.com/tickets-passes/day-passes/?%5Fgl=1%2An6r78a%2A%5Fup%2AMQ..%2A%5Fgs%2AMQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw94bTBhDQARIsAN3vv0yPMq1Bq-CHBkz9cQPH6iNcBils44Iq-FsDv%5FhPQ5pQymSmrgRbzQYaAs4qEALw%5FwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAAD%5FDcze6UUreRr%5Fa5H053SfqUYzS8&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). To discover more attractions, events and places to stay, head to [visitstaffordshire.com](https://visitstaffordshire.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Creeper--Iron-Golem---Chicken-Jockey.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Family-with-Creeper-1.png) Minecraft experience at Alton Towers Resort ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Storytelling magic returns to Stoke as Tales in the Park celebrates its fifth year URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/storytelling-magic-returns-to-stoke-as-tales-in-the-park-celebrates-its-fifth-year/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T17:13:20.000Z Taking place in local parks across the city’s six towns, these free, accessible storytelling events are the perfect day out for families with children aged 0 – 13\. Visitors will be treated to a jam-packed day of storytellers, book-gifting, pop-up sports, crafts, circus skills, a bouncy castle, facepainting and more; all designed to celebrate stories and the joy they bring. Accessible activities and quieter spaces will also ensure that there’s something for everyone, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. This year's events fall in the National Year of Reading, a campaign that champions the power of reading to help children get more out of the things they love. Whether that’s sport, creativity, superheroes or adventure, Tales in the Park will connect stories to these popular interests and show families that reading can be a fun and exciting part of everyday life. This matters, because recent research from the National Literacy Trust shows that only a third of children and young people (34.4%) aged 8-18 in the West Midlands reported enjoying reading in their free time \[1\]. What’s more, across the region 1 in 10 children say that they do not have a book of their own at home \[2\]. Book ownership is linked to reading for pleasure, which has a positive impact on many areas of children’s lives; from boosting their confidence and wellbeing to improving their academic performance and future outcomes. With generous support from HarperCollins, all children who attend Tales in the Park will be gifted a free book to take home and enjoy\* giving families even more opportunities to continue the storytelling adventure after the festival ends. From **11am – 3pm**, Tales in the Park will take over: - **Tunstall Park** on Tuesday 28 July - **Hanley Park** on Friday 31 July - **Yeaman Street Recreation Ground** on Tuesday 4 August - **Fenton Park** on Friday 7 August - **Longton Park** on Tuesday 11 August - **Burslem Park** on Friday 14 August The events are completely free and with no pre-booking required, families can simply turn up, bring a picnic and make a day of it. Lois Bateman, Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, said: > *"Tales in the Park is all about bringing families together to enjoy stories, have fun and make special memories during the summer holidays. We know that children are more likely to develop a love of reading when it feels enjoyable and connects with the things that interest them.* > *"Every year, it's wonderful to see our city's parks filled with families discovering new books and sharing stories together. Last year, more than 5,000 people joined us, we gave away over 3,300 books and supported nearly 600 new library sign-ups. We're excited to celebrate our fifth year and can't wait to welcome families back for another fantastic summer."* Tales in the Park is delivered by the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, who will bring their Little Library Van so that families can register for library membership and find out about reading activities across the year. The festival is also supported by local businesses and organisations such as PH Production Services Ltd, Synectic Solutions, Chatty Duck, Burslem Rotary and local councillors. Peter Herbert, Managing Director of PH Production Services, said: > *"We're proud to support Tales in the Park and help more local children and families discover the joy of reading. As a parent and emergency foster carer, I've seen first-hand just how powerful books can be in helping children process emotions, discover new ideas and simply enjoy being children. Reading opens doors, encourages curiosity and gives young people opportunities that stay with them for life."* Lauren Oakley, Learning and Engagement Coordinator at Synectic Solutions Limited, said: > *"We're delighted to be sponsoring Tales in the Park. Inspiring children to discover the joy of reading and encouraging families to share stories together is a fantastic mission, and we're proud to support an event that makes such a positive difference."* For more information and updates, visit the National Literacy Trust in Stoke’s Facebook: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-23-18.02.50.png) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### M6toll closed this weekend as HS2 works continue over the motorway URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/m6toll-closed-this-weekend-as-hs2-works-continue-over-the-motorway/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T16:51:13.000Z The closures begin on Friday evening and, for northbound traffic, run until first thing on Monday morning. ## What is closing, and when **M6toll northbound** closes from 9pm on Friday 24 July until 5am on Monday 27 July. The closure runs from the point where the M6toll leaves the M6 northbound as far as Junction T1\. Access from the M42 northbound will also be restricted throughout. Drivers heading north are being directed to leave the M6 at Junction 4 and follow the A446 northbound, rejoining the M6toll at Junction T1. **M6toll southbound** closes for a shorter period, from 10pm on Friday 24 July until midday on Saturday 25 July, with drivers needing to leave the road at Junction T2\. The signed diversion runs along the A446 southbound to Junction 4 of the M6, then south on the M6. The southbound carriageway reopens at midday on Saturday, but that is not the end of the disruption. The M42 stays shut between Junction 7 and Junction 6 southbound for the whole weekend, so anyone heading that way will still need to follow the A446 diversion. **The M42 itself** is closed completely from 9pm on Friday until 5am on Monday, northbound between Junctions 6 and 9, and southbound between Junctions 7a and 6. ## Why it is happening The work is part of the construction of HS2, the new high speed railway between London and Birmingham. Balfour Beatty Vinci is delivering the Midlands section in partnership with HS2 Ltd, covering Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire. Building a railway across an existing motorway network means building over it. The HS2 route crosses the M42 and the M6toll at two separate points between Junctions 7a and 9 of the M42, and three new railway structures need to be installed above the carriageways. That work cannot be done with traffic running underneath, which is why full weekend closures are being used rather than lane restrictions. ## More closures are coming This weekend is not a one off. The engineering programme runs from June through to November 2026, with further weekend closures already scheduled: - **Friday 14 August, 9pm, to Monday 17 August, 6am** - **Friday 18 September, 9pm, to Monday 21 September, 6am** Both follow a similar pattern, closing the M6toll northbound between the M6 diverge and Junction T1, and southbound at Junction T2, with diversions along the A446. Outside these weekends, the M6toll is running as normal. ## If you are travelling The advice from M6toll is straightforward. Allow more time than you think you need, follow the signed diversion routes rather than trusting a satnav that may not know about the closures, and check travel updates before you set off rather than after you have joined the queue. Full details of the closures, including maps, are on the M6toll website at [m6toll.co.uk/hs2](https://www.m6toll.co.uk/hs2/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Anyone wanting to ask HS2 directly about the works can call the freephone enquiries line on 08081 434 434, or email [HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk](mailto:HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk). --- *We will continue to publish travel updates affecting Staffordshire as they are confirmed. If you spot something our readers should know about, get in touch.* #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire care workers prepare to perform for Eurovision and rock royalty in national talent final URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-care-workers-prepare-to-perform-for-eurovision-and-rock-royalty-in-national-talent-final/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T15:30:24.000Z Two Staffordshire care professionals are preparing for the performance of their lives after earning places in the Grand Final of Homecare’s Got Talent 2026, where they will face a celebrity judging panel featuring Eurovision winner Jay Aston of The Fizz and acclaimed rock guitarist Dave Colquhoun. Keeley Bayley, from Stafford, and Jon Boote, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, will fly the flag for Staffordshire at the national final at The Crescent Theatre in Birmingham on Friday 7 August. The pair have already beaten talented care workers from across the country to secure their places in the final, but now face their biggest challenge yet: performing live in front of a packed theatre and some of the biggest names in British music. Celebrity judge Jay Aston rose to fame as an original member of Bucks Fizz, winning the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest with the unforgettable number-one hit Making Your Mind Up. The group went on to score further chart-toppers including The Land of Make Believe and My Camera Never Lies, with Jay continuing to perform today as part of The Fizz. She will be joined on the panel by acclaimed guitarist Dave Colquhoun, a long-standing member of Rick Wakeman’s English Rock Ensemble who has performed on major stages alongside some of the most respected names in rock music. **A dancer determined to make history** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-09-at-10.00.31--1-.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-09-at-10.00.31--4-.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-09-at-10.00.31--2-.jpeg) Twenty-six-year-old Keeley, who has worked for Bluebird Care Stafford for two years, secured her place with a dramatic contemporary dance performance to Cry Me a River. Keeley has been performing for around ten years and was also a finalist in last year’s competition. She has returned determined to go one step further and hopes she could become the first dancer to take the Homecare’s Got Talent crown. Keeley said: > “Reaching the final again means absolutely everything. Dance is a huge part of who I am, but so is caring for people, and this competition allows me to celebrate both.” > “To know that I’ll be performing in front of people such as Jay Aston and Dave Colquhoun makes it even more exciting and slightly terrifying! I’m determined to give everything I have on that stage and make Stafford proud.” **Male carer ready to challenge stereotypes** Joining Keeley in the final is 34-year-old Jon Boote, originally from Nottingham and now living in Stoke-on-Trent. Jon has worked for Austin Ben Ltd for around a year and has more than 20 years of experience as a performer. His audition featured an ambitious musical medley moving from James’ Sit Down into Keane’s Everybody’s Changing, before finishing with Elton John’s Bennie and the Jets. Jon hopes his appearance in the competition will help challenge outdated stereotypes surrounding men working in care and show that compassion, sensitivity and creativity have no gender. Jon said: > “This competition has given me the opportunity to bring together two enormously important parts of my life, caring for people and performing.” > “There are still stereotypes around men working in care, but male carers can be compassionate, sensitive and creative too. I’m proud to represent them, my company and Staffordshire in the final.” > “Performing in front of a Eurovision winner and a musician of Dave Colquhoun’s calibre will be an incredible experience. It makes you realise just how big this final is going to be.” **Two talents, one county and one enormous stage** Although Keeley and Jon will bring completely different performances to the Grand Final, they share the same determination to showcase the extraordinary people working throughout the care profession. Dan Archer, Founder of Homecare’s Got Talent and Managing Director of Visiting Angels UK, said: > “To have two outstanding finalists representing Staffordshire is fantastic. Keeley and Jon could not be more different as performers, but they share enormous talent, courage and pride in the work they do.” > “Keeley tells a story through movement and has returned more determined than ever, while Jon brings years of performance experience and an important message about challenging stereotypes around male carers.” > “This year’s finalists will perform in front of a truly exceptional celebrity judging panel, including Eurovision winner Jay Aston, acclaimed guitarist Dave Colquhoun and The Voice UK star Kuill. It promises to be our most exciting Grand Final yet.” > “Homecare’s Got Talent is not simply about finding a great singer or dancer. It is about giving the incredible people working in care the recognition, confidence and national platform they deserve.” The Homecare’s Got Talent Grand Final takes place on Friday 7 August 2026 at The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. Finalists from across the UK will compete for the coveted title in front of a live audience and celebrity judging panel. Homecare’s Got Talent celebrates the hidden talents and inspiring stories of people working across the care sector, shining a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives to supporting others. Tickets for the Grand Final are available through the official Homecare’s Got Talent [website](https://homecaresgottalent.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-09-at-10.00.31--5-.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/WhatsApp-Image-2026-07-09-at-10.00.31--3-.jpeg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Fire crews tackle derelict building blaze in Hanley URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/fire-crews-tackle-derelict-building-blaze-in-hanley/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T11:25:56.000Z Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to Ephraim Street at 6.15pm on Wednesday 22 July following reports of a fire. Four fire appliances and aerial ladder platforms attended the incident. The aerial platforms were used to remove roof tiles from the building, while firefighters used main jets and hose reel jets to bring the blaze under control. Crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor the building and extinguish any remaining hotspots. Staffordshire Police said officers were called to Ephraim Street at 6.40pm and attended alongside the fire service. Police assisted with traffic management while firefighters dealt with the incident. Officers left the scene at around 10pm after the fire had been extinguished. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_203053.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_202955.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_202904.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_202627.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_202732.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_203037.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_203430.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_203438.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260722_203504.jpg) Photos by The Staffordshire Signal ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### World-class golf returns to Staffordshire as LIV Golf tees off at JCB URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/world-class-golf-returns-to-staffordshire-as-liv-golf-tees-off-at-jcb/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T11:26:24.000Z The international sporting event will take place from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th July, bringing four days of world-class golf, live entertainment and festival atmosphere to the Staffordshire countryside. A total of 57 players will compete across four rounds and 72 holes, with 13 teams of four joined by five wildcard players. The field includes some of golf’s most recognisable names, competing in both individual and team competitions. The tournament is being held at the JCB Golf & Country Club for the third consecutive year, further establishing Staffordshire as one of LIV Golf’s leading destinations. Set among the rolling countryside surrounding Rocester, the championship course will provide a spectacular backdrop as thousands of spectators arrive from across the UK and further afield. Thursday’s opening round begins with a shotgun start at 1.15pm, with players starting simultaneously from different holes to ensure there is action taking place across the course throughout the afternoon. Rounds two and three will also begin at 1.15pm on Friday and Saturday, before the final round gets under way at 1.05pm on Sunday. The tournament will conclude with a podium ceremony at the 18th green. Away from the competition, visitors will be able to enjoy the event’s Fan Village, hospitality areas, food, drink and entertainment. Saturday will see British electronic music duo Chase & Status perform an After Play DJ set following the conclusion of the third round. The chart-topping act will take to the concert stage at around 6pm, bringing their distinctive drum and bass sound to the heart of the Staffordshire countryside. The event is not only an important date in the international sporting calendar, but a major opportunity to showcase Staffordshire to a worldwide audience. More than 40,000 people attended the 2025 tournament. According to figures released by LIV Golf, last year’s event generated an estimated £45 million for the UK economy through event operations, employment and visitor spending. Around 43,000 domestic and international spectators attended over three days, with money spent on accommodation, restaurants, transport and hospitality throughout Staffordshire and the wider region. With the tournament expanded to four days for 2026, even more visitors are expected to experience the county, supporting hotels, pubs, restaurants, shops, taxi companies and other businesses. Hosting an event of this scale is something Staffordshire can be incredibly proud of. It places Rocester and the surrounding area firmly on the international sporting map, while giving visitors the opportunity to discover everything else the county has to offer. From its landscapes and historic towns to its attractions, hospitality businesses and local communities, Staffordshire will be on show throughout the weekend. LIV Golf UK presented by JCB runs from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July at the JCB Golf & Country Club, Hollington Road, Rocester. Gates and the Fan Village open at 10am each day. [Buy tickets here](https://events.livgolf.com/uk/?utm%5Fsource=google&utm%5Fmedium=sc%5Fbrand&utm%5Fcampaign=402003%5Femr&utm%5Fcontent=792678147725&utm%5Fterm=liv%20golf%20tickets%5Fp&gad%5Fsource=1&gad%5Fcampaignid=23451563202&gbraid=0AAAAADGO9U8wIt4%5FFL0M1RQdri7X5PfmX&gclid=Cj0KCQjw94bTBhDQARIsAN3vv0zybHMDxYzEo6lc8L44Ux62hdtyvO7FCL07%5Fe8CVz5UnUEW8RNyVJoaAtBiEALw%5FwcB) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MHB1833.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_22_26_JF_A2941-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MPA6522.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MHA2300.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MHA2264.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MPA6098.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MHA2323.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_22_26_MHA2604-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/UK_07_21_26_MHB1893-1.jpg) **Photos by LIV Golf Media Team* ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Jack joins Winston in Stafford Borough scroll of honour URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jack-joins-winston-in-stafford-borough-scroll-of-honour/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T09:52:24.000Z Alderman Jack Kemp was awarded the Freedom of the Borough at a meeting of the full council. As well as Winston Churchill, other notable recipients of the ‘Freedom Scroll’ include Olympic Kayak champion, Joe Clarke. Jack, who also served as Mayor of the Borough, was nominated to receive the award for his “*huge contribution*” to the area, with councillors unanimously backing the move. He thanked friends, councillors and officers for their support during his 50 years and said: > “It is an honour to join a select group of people who have been given the Freedom of the Borough.” Councillor Aidan Godfrey said: > “Freedom of the Borough is not given very often. It is the highest honour we can bestow on a person and nobody deserves this more than Alderman Jack Kemp.” He added > “He has given over 50 years’ service to this council – an achievement that is unique and will never be bettered. He has helped hundreds of people over the years and many people’s lives have been improved because of his help.” Alderman Kemp is the latest to sign the 126-year-old ‘Freedom of the Borough’ book. The honour was bestowed in 1946 on Churchill to recognise his leadership during the war. And in 2016 local-paddler Clarke, was granted the Borough Freedom in front of more than 10,000 people at the Christmas Lights Switch on in Stafford after his gold medal triumph in Rio. He was presented with the 'Freedom Scroll' from Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Mark Winnington on Tuesday (21 July), and his name has now been entered into a book that dates back to 1899\. An official report to the local authority stated: > ‘The Council has powers to confer Honorary Freedom of the Borough under section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972\. This provides that the Council may, by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting specially convened for the purpose, admit to be Honorary Freeman of the Borough persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.’ ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### KMF Crowns Apprenticeship Champions in Largest Ever Awards Ceremony URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/kmf-crowns-apprenticeship-champions-in-largest-ever-awards-ceremony/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T08:53:59.000Z The KMF Apprenticeship Awards was the ideal lead-up to the 20th cohort of apprentices starting later this year. Winners from the all-star ceremony included 3rd year apprentice Sean Cashmore, who took home the coveted Apprentice of the Year 2025-26. The Team Leader Choice Awards winners were: • Joe Mullor, 4th year apprentice • Reece Bloor, 3rd year apprentice • Lucy Hughes, 2nd year apprentice • Steven Barlow, 1st year apprentice Harry Cresswell won the Charity Champion of the Year accolade, having raised £790 as part of KMF’s fundraising efforts for The Big Sleep Out. This was the record amount of any participant of the event, and formed part of KMF’s overall total of £4000, which was shared between the Stoke City FC Foundation and other local charities. He was presented with his award by Stoke City Football Club COO Simon King as well as a commemorative Stoke City shirt. The John Booth Achievement Award went to 3rd year apprentice Reece Price, with 4th year apprentice Edward Paget winning the Special Achievement Award. Best Individual for Commitment Award went to 2nd year apprentice Millie Richards-Snape, with 1st year apprentice Steven Barlow also being highly commended in this category. The evening, attended by over 150 guests, showcased KMF’s commitment to apprenticeships and the continued professional development of all teams. Gareth Higgins, Managing Director at KMF Group commented, > “I’m incredibly proud of our apprenticeship scheme, and without the commitment over the last 20 years KMF wouldn’t be what it is today. Our leading apprenticeship programme is a catalyst for growth and is crucial for succession planning with many of our senior roles held by ex-apprentices. The KMF apprenticeship is used right across our business from Level 2 – Level 7 and is a strategic element of our workforce development. It is a real honour to celebrate our apprentice’s success.” KMF has a rich history of apprentices going on to senior roles, including Sam Dutton, who started at the company at the age of 16 and 17 years later is now a Shift Production Manager, having completed a Level 5 apprenticeship. > “I wasn’t interested in further education, so I decided to take on an apprenticeship at KMF. I’m more of a hands-on person and learn better by being shown a task. After starting at 16, I’m 33 now and a Shift Production Manager thanks to my apprenticeship,” Sam Dutton said. KMF is the largest OFSTED inspected, independently run engineering apprenticeship programme in Staffordshire. The company earned the highly coveted Strong Standard in two areas and attained Expected Standard in three areas from their recent OFSTED inspection. With a firm commitment to corporate social responsibility, KMF apprentices get involved in a range of activities for the local community including: • Creating everlasting flowers for the Dougie Mac Hospice • Creating everlasting poppies for Remembrance Day • The Spitfire project on the Etruria Valley Link Road on Festival Park • Manufacturing and maintaining the Gulf War Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum The KMF Apprenticeship Awards evening was kindly sponsored by West Midlands Apprentice Ambassador Network, NSCG, Stoke on Trent College, University of Staffordshire and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. The KMF Apprenticeships Awards was hosted by Dan Townley, from 6 Towns Radio and Port Vale FC. KMF will welcome a new cohort of apprentices later this year. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Doors to open at MyActive Leek on 18 August URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/doors-to-open-at-myactive-leek-on-18-august/ Last updated: 2026-07-23T08:43:43.000Z Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has led the project which, together with the rejuvenation of the town’s indoor markets and the work to modernise the Nicholson Institute, forms part of a multi-million pound regeneration of Leek funded in part by the UK Government. The construction work at the new centre is now finished and the building will be formally handed back to the Council, and its leisure partner company MyActive, at the end of this week. The focus will then turn to preparing the centre for opening, with colleagues undertaking training on the new facilities and equipment. At the same time, MyActive will launch pre-sale memberships and open enrolment for new swimming lesson spaces. To be among the first to hear about pre-sale dates, membership options and the latest updates, follow MyActive on social media or visit [www.myactive.uk/opening-soon](http://www.myactive.uk/opening-soon?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: > “I’m thrilled to announce the date everyone has been waiting for and confirm that we’ll be welcoming people back to this fantastic new centre on Tuesday 18 August. > “Our teams are now completing the testing phase and making preparations for opening the doors. The hoardings will be coming down but please bear with us for just a couple more weeks as our MyActive colleagues put the final measures in place. > “Investing in the highest quality facilities like those we’re providing at MyActive Leek is about more than upgrading leisure centres – it’s about supporting people to lead healthy, active lives that promote good physical and mental wellbeing. That’s what we’ll be delivering here in Leek for all our residents across the Moorlands and I cannot wait to share this amazing new centre with everyone. > “I’d like to thank people for their patience and continued support – and I promise, it has been worth the wait!” Alongside the physical improvements to the building and the facilities it hosts, the Council has also worked with Sport England on the innovative Active Environments development in the area outside the centre. New outdoor gym equipment is being installed alongside a pétanque court, table tennis tables, a chess board, and other features including Active Trail signage. These facilities will be open from the end of July when the outdoor work is complete. Table tennis bats and balls and pétanque balls will be available to hire from the centre from August but anyone with their own equipment is welcome to use the amenities when they open. The redevelopment has been funded by UK Government, the District Council, Sport England through the National Lottery, and Salix who are helping to fund the decarbonisation measures. [Click here for more information about the redevelopment](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/Brough-Park-LUF?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/df36b6e2-0131-4940-b5fe-266dfa66c11a.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/gym-area.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Pool-1.jpeg) MyActive Leek ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Twyfords demolition approved – but are we about to lose another piece of Stoke’s story? URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/twyfords-demolition-approved-but-are-we-about-to-lose-another-piece-of-stokes-story/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T07:54:24.000Z For thousands of motorists every day, the former Twyfords factory is impossible to miss. Standing prominently beside the A500 through Etruria, the vast brick complex has long been one of the first buildings people see when entering Stoke-on-Trent. Once a symbol of the city's industrial strength, it has instead become one of its most prominent reminders of decline. Now, that chapter is set to come to an end. Planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the remaining factory buildings after they were described as an eyesore, paving the way for the site to be cleared. On paper, the decision is understandable. The buildings have stood empty for years, suffered extensive fire damage, been blighted by illegal waste storage and have deteriorated significantly. Safety concerns have grown while the structure has continued to decay, making redevelopment increasingly difficult. But the prospect of demolition brings a sense of disappointment to me. Looking at the scale, character and history of the site, it's difficult not to wonder whether it could have become something far greater. Rather than clearing another piece of Stoke-on-Trent's industrial heritage, could this have been an opportunity to create one of the city's most ambitious residential and commercial developments yet? But it seems Stoke-on-Trent is once again choosing the quickest solution instead of the most ambitious one. And for anybody thinking that we should be glad to see the back of the crumbling, graffiti covered industrial mammoths, may I draw your attention to the history sitting behind it. Twyfords traces its roots back to 1849, when Thomas Twyford began making sanitary pottery in Hanley. It was his son, Thomas William Twyford, who transformed the firm into an international name, opening a purpose built "model" factory at Cliffe Vale in 1887, considered so advanced at the time that government inspectors held it up as a pattern for factories across Staffordshire. It was here that the world's first one piece flushing toilet was developed, and Cliffe Vale went on to serve as the company's flagship works for over a century, helping cement Stoke on Trent's reputation as the global centre of ceramics and sanitaryware, before production finally wound down in 1994. The Etruria site now facing demolition is a different, though no less storied, part of that history. Built in 1912 on land bought by Thomas William Twyford, the Garner Street works were constructed using buildings that had previously served as winter quarters for the Barnum and Bailey circus, an unusual footnote for what became one of the city's major sanitaryware factories. Like so many of the Potteries' great manufacturers, production here eventually declined, and the site was later split into smaller industrial units. It was this building that suffered a devastating fire on 28th December 2012, after which the site became notorious for the illegal stockpiling of combustible waste. The Environment Agency eventually stepped in after years of enforcement action, with tens of thousands of tonnes of waste having to be removed before the site could even begin to move forward. For former Stoke Central MP Jo Gideon, the site resulted in countless hours of casework and campaigning before any kind of outcome was achieved. Few would argue the site, in its current condition, can remain as it is. Yet around the country there are growing examples of historic industrial buildings being transformed rather than erased entirely. Perhaps the most obvious comparison is Capital&Centric's work in Manchester, where former mills, warehouses and factories have been converted into thriving mixed-use neighbourhoods combining apartments, business units, cafés and public spaces. Closer to home, the developer has recently delivered the Goods Yard site, which started out as a three-storey warehouse, craning goods between the train line and canal with a vaulted basement below. Now, it includes 174 rental homes, 30,000 sq ft of workspace, independent bars, eateries, coffee shops and a lush, green public square. Projects like these prove that regeneration does not always have to begin with a clean slate. They show that heritage can become an asset rather than an obstacle. The Twyfords site occupies a strategic location within the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone, sitting beside one of the city's busiest transport corridors and only minutes from Festival Park, Hanley and Stoke railway station. With Stoke-on-Trent facing continued pressure to deliver more housing while also seeking to revitalise brownfield land, it is difficult not to imagine what the site could have become. A carefully restored complex could have delivered hundreds of apartments alongside flexible commercial space for start-up businesses, creative industries, cafés and independent retailers - creating a neighbourhood that celebrated Stoke's industrial identity rather than replacing it. Of course, restoration comes with significant cost. Years of neglect, fire damage and illegal dumping have left the buildings in an exceptionally poor condition, and those challenges may ultimately have made demolition unavoidable. But the conversation remains an important one. Too often, regeneration is framed as a choice between preserving heritage or delivering new development. The best schemes prove those two ambitions are not mutually exclusive. As the diggers eventually arrive at Twyfords, another landmark of Stoke's industrial story will disappear from the skyline. Whether demolition is the right decision or an unavoidable necessity will continue to divide opinion. But perhaps the bigger question is whether the city can become bolder in recognising the potential hidden within its remaining industrial heritage before more of it is lost forever. I will continue to report on and cover in-depth Staffordshire’s regeneration, and the city's response to its ongoing heritage emergency. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Sean Massey wins Himley & Swindon by-election for the Conservatives URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sean-massey-wins-himley-swindon-by-election-for-the-conservatives/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T07:17:26.000Z Voters went to the polls on Thursday 16th July to elect a new district councillor for Himley & Swindon, following the death of former South Staffordshire Council Leader Cllr Roger Lees. The result saw Sean Massey(Conservatives) elected with 298 votes, ahead of Nigel Caine (Reform UK) on 187 and Richard Painter(Independent) on 129. The full result was: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-17--2026--10_38_41-PM.png) A total of 690 ballot papers were issued from an electorate of 2,129, giving a turnout of 32.41%. No ballot papers were rejected. The Staffordshire Signal previously spoke to candidates standing in the election as part of our 'Meet the Candidates' coverage. Responses were received before the publication deadline from Sean Massey (Conservatives), Denis Beaumont (Labour & Co-operative) and Bhanu Dhir (Green Party). Elsewhere on the same day, voters in Manor Ward, Stafford, elected a new borough councillor following the death of Cllr Angela Loughran. Labour and Co-operative candidate Aaron Thurstance was elected with 481 votes, ahead of Ray Barron (Reform UK) on 414, Freddie Crisp (Conservatives) on 237 and Joe Tunnicliffe (Green Party) on 197\. Turnout was 25.8%. You can read our pre-election feature, [*Meet the Candidates: Himley & Swindon By-Election*](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/meet-the-candidates-himley-swindon-by-election/), to learn more about each candidate's priorities for the division. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Zanzibar development moves forward in creating 62 new homes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/zanzibar-development-moves-forward-in-creating-62-new-homes/ Last updated: 2026-07-22T06:51:23.000Z For years, the vacant Marsh Parade site has been an empty gateway into Newcastle town centre. Now, it is being transformed into a mixed-use development comprising 62 affordable homes alongside five enterprise units designed to support local businesses. The scheme is being delivered by Capital&Centric in partnership with Aspire Housing. The project is just an example of the wider regeneration of Newcastle town centre, joining developments at Rye Park, Astley Place and Karparc as part of the borough's long-term ambition to bring new homes, businesses and investment into the heart of the town. Speaking exclusively to The Staffordshire Signal, Capital&Centric confirmed construction is progressing well and remains on schedule. A spokesperson said: > "Things are moving well on site. The timber frame for the enterprise units is complete and cladding is now underway, while foundations across the wider development are around 50% complete with masonry already started. We're in good shape." The first part of the scheme to be completed will be the enterprise units, which are expected to be finished on 13th November this year, with the residential development due to follow in October 2027. Asked what they hope the completed development will bring to Newcastle-under-Lyme, the spokesperson said the ambition extends far beyond simply building new homes. > "For us, it's about raising the bar - genuinely high-quality homes that improve people's day-to-day lives, not just tick a box. Alongside that, the enterprise units are designed to give local businesses a proper base to start and grow from. Small in footprint, but architecturally led and built with ambition. Newcastle-under-Lyme deserves that." The scheme will also bring improved pedestrian links, landscaping and public spaces intended to better connect the development with the surrounding streets. Every home will be affordable, helping to meet housing demand while bringing a long-vacant brownfield site back into productive use. Alongside the new homes, one feature many residents have been keen to see preserved is the well-known historic ghost sign painted on the neighbouring building, which has become something of a local landmark since the nightclub was demolished. Capital&Centric confirmed there are no plans for it to disappear. > "The plans are for the ghost sign to stay. There are no plans to remove it. For us, places are made richer by their history, not in spite of it - and that sign is exactly the kind of detail that gives a neighbourhood its soul." For many people, the name Zanzibar will bring back memories of wild nights out, packed dancefloors and perhaps the odd painful hangover the following morning. But as the site begins its next chapter, its legacy is changing. If the development delivers on its ambitions, the place once known for late nights and loud music will instead become home to dozens of families, helping breathe new life into a long-vacant gateway to the town centre. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6195.jpeg) The Zanzibar site at its current state. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: deliberate fires at Park Hall, ten councils become two, and Sir David Jason heads to the Regent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-deliberate-fires-at-park-hall-ten-councils-become-two-and-sir-david-jason-heads-to-the-regent-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:02:35.000Z *Dear readers,* *It has been a proper scorcher, and our county is bone dry. Lovely for a paddle at the lakeside, far less lovely when it turns Park Hall Country Park into a tinderbox, which is exactly where this week's edition opens. Please do take care out there, and if you see anything suspicious, report it. A dry Staffordshire is a fragile one.* *Elsewhere this week: the biggest shake-up to how our county is run in a generation, a Burslem war hero honoured at last after 108 years, Bucknall Park getting a wilder makeover, and Sir David Jason heading to the Regent.* *The reorganisation is on everyone's minds, and if you are not sure what the future holds, you are in good company, because nobody quite is yet. What I do know is that the summer diary is bursting, festivals, science roadshows, storytelling in the parks and plenty more. If you are running something yourself, add it to our calendar for free, that is exactly what it is there for.* *One small ask before you read on. The Staffordshire Signal is community-powered and not for profit, written by Staffordshire, for Staffordshire. If you value a local paper that turns up every single week, please consider a* [*paid membership*](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/)*. It is what keeps the reporting independent, the event listings free, and this Wednesday paper landing in your inbox. And whether you go paid or not, do fill in our quick feedback survey further down, it genuinely shapes what comes next.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Tunstall Clock Tower restored as council steps up action to protect historic landmarks URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tunstall-clock-tower-restored-as-council-steps-up-action-to-protect-historic-landmarks/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T08:11:54.000Z The Grade II listed, 16-metre-high clock tower has undergone a programme of essential conservation works. The restoration forms part of the council’s response to the city’s heritage emergency and has restored one of Tunstall’s best-known landmarks, safeguarding it for future generations. The work follows repairs to the historic chime mechanism which rang out again in February this year after being out of action since November 2024. At the same time, the clock faces were carefully realigned to ensure the clock keeps the correct time. Now conservation work has been completed on the tower’s base where over 130 years’ of exposure to the elements had affected sections of the masonry. The stonework was carefully realigned and cleaned to remove years of dirt and biological growth while protecting the historic fabric. Specialist repointing using traditional materials has also strengthened the structure and will help protect it from water damage ahead of future public realm improvements. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration, said: > “Our heritage is one of Stoke-on-Trent’s greatest strengths and we are determined to protect it. > “Responding to that means investing in the landmarks that define our towns and tell the story of our city. > “Tunstall Clock Tower has stood at the heart of the town for generations. Restoring it helps protect an important part of our history while supporting the wider regeneration of the town centre.” The restoration forms part of the council’s wider programme to conserve its historic assets while helping create attractive, welcoming town centres that support regeneration, visitors and local businesses. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/before-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/before.jpg) Before ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/After-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/after-1.jpg) After ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Charity sees unprecedented demand for Youth Holiday Activities URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/charity-sees-unprecedented-demand-for-youth-holiday-activities/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T08:08:30.000Z Bookings for The Hubb Foundation’s six-week summer holiday programme went live last Friday evening (July 10th) and already 60 per cent of the places - more than 16,000 - have been reserved. The Stoke-on-Trent City Council supported programme, which starts on Monday, will see a total of 825 different events, activities and trips, with 27,300 places available for children receiving free school meals, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disadvantaged young people across Stoke-on-Trent. Activities between Monday July 20th and Friday August 28th for five-to-16-year-olds include performing arts sessions at Fenton Town Hall, allotment gardening in Burslem, gymnastics sessions at Festival Park, play sessions at Northwood Community Stadium and forest school activities for SEN children and their families in Hanley. Holiday club events will run in 40 primary and secondary schools across the city, while a total of 30 free trips are planned, including visits to Ninja Warrior, Go Ape, Stanley Head Outdoor Education Centre, Peak Wildlife Park and Derby Theatre. Hubb Foundation Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates said: > “In the five years we have run the HAF summer holiday programme, we have never seen places booked up so quickly. We know many parents struggle for childcare, and with the cost of living rising so sharply, money may be tighter than ever for families across Stoke-on-Trent. > “The HAF programme has become a lifeline for parents over the years and is a real boost for children across the city who otherwise would have very little to look forward to over the holidays. We would urge parents to book places as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. > “There are 17,000 children in Stoke-on-Trent who qualify for free school meals and giving them opportunities in their own communities to try new activities and make friends, as well as enjoy a healthy meal are so important.” The HAF scheme is funded by the Department for Education through Stoke-on-Trent City Council. To find out whether your child is eligible and how to apply visit [https://www.thehubbfoundation.com/what-s-on-1/](https://www.thehubbfoundation.com/what-s-on-1/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and to check out activities in your community, visit [https://eequ.org/stokeontrenthafwiththehubbfoundation](https://eequ.org/stokeontrenthafwiththehubbfoundation?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Summer-HAF-trip-to-Man-Utd.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Summer-HAF-sports-fun-courses.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Summer-HAF-fun-activities-1.jpg) The Hubb Foundation’s six-week summer holiday programme ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Campaign secures official recognition for Burslem First World War hero after 108 years URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/campaign-secures-official-recognition-for-burslem-first-world-war-hero-after-108-years/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T07:50:25.000Z It follows a successful campaign that overturned an earlier decision by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). More than 108 years after he died from wounds sustained during one of the bloodiest battles of the war, Private Alfred Holdcroft is set to finally be recognised with an official war grave headstone by CWGC. On 1 July 1916, Alfred’s battalion – the 1/5th North Staffordshire Regiment – went over the top on the opening day of the Somme offensive. Although he survived the battlefield, he suffered severe wounds and later died in 1918 while recovering from his injuries. He was laid to rest in Burslem Cemetery, but for many years his grave remained unmarked and he was not officially commemorated as a Commonwealth war casualty. His story came to light through research carried out as part of the Royal Doulton Burslem Memorial project. In September last year, his grave was rededicated and a new cross laid, followed by a civic flag presentation ceremony attended by his family. An application seeking official recognition was submitted to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in June 2025. Although it was initially refused, the decision was challenged through a formal appeal. Following a review of the evidence, the Commission overturned its original decision. Alfred has now been accepted for commemoration and will receive a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone, subject to verification of his grave and the necessary permissions. At Alfred’s flag presentation ceremony, his grandson, also called Alfred, said: > “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing Grandad home.” Councillor Steve Watkins, who was Lord Mayor at the time of the rededication and flag presentation and serves as Armed Forces Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This is an important moment for Alfred’s family and for our city. > “For more than a century, Alfred’s sacrifice was not officially recognised and it has been an honour to help ensure his sacrifice is not forgotten. > “It was also a privilege to act as custodian of Alfred’s memorial flag and to welcome his family to the Civic Chamber. > This decision is a testament to the determination of all those who refused to let his story be forgotten.” Joan Walley, honorary secretary on behalf of Burslem Remembers, said: > “It is right and fitting that as the War Graves Commission honours the memory of the fallen on the occasion of the 110-year anniversary of the Battle of the Somme , so in Burslem our painstaking efforts to make the case for a commemorative headstone in Burslem cemetery for Alfred Holdcroft have been accepted by the War Graves Commission. > “The Burslem Remembers Steering Group is working to make sure that we never forget the sacrifices made. Through our outreach work this week with Borderlines at the new Victoria Theatre a new generation will understand how much we owe to Alfred Holdcroft and all who gave their lives.” Ruth Butler, researcher with the Kilngate Memorial Project, said: > “This decision corrects a long-standing omission. > “More than 108 years after his death, Alfred Holdcroft has finally received the recognition he deserves. > “His service to King and Country is now formally honoured, ensuring his sacrifice will not be forgotten.” For more information, visit: [https://www.honouringtheroyaldoultonfallen.co.uk/](https://www.honouringtheroyaldoultonfallen.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/AH2-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/AH1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Alfred-Holdcroft--1-.jpeg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Cinema on the Stones returns for a Summer of Free Family Films in Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cinema-on-the-stones-returns-for-a-summer-of-free-family-films-in-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T07:40:58.000Z Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the events will make full use of the town's digital screen on the High Street, funded through the Government's Future High Streets Fund as part of the Borough Council's wider investment in the town centre. Cinema on the Stones gets underway on Sunday 2nd August at 12pm with Disney and Pixar's Inside Out. Bursting with humour, heart and unforgettable characters, the much loved family favourite follows 11 year old Riley as Joy, Sadness and the rest of her emotions help her navigate life's biggest changes. The event also takes place alongside Castle Pre-Loved, Newcastle's growing monthly pre-loved shopping event, offering visitors the chance to browse stalls packed with clothing, toys, homeware and hidden treasures before settling down to enjoy the film. Cinema on the Stones returns on Sunday 16th August as part of the monthly Castle Artisan Market, with a double bill of Disney favourite The Little Mermaid at 10.30am, followed by the nostalgic adventure classic Hook at 1pm. Visitors are encouraged to embrace the theme, with a free fancy dress competition celebrating mermaids and pirates. One winner from each category will be chosen on the day, with prizes up for grabs. Free popcorn and pick 'n' mix will also be available for everyone attending, alongside themed children's activities. People are encouraged to bring along their own picnic blankets or folding chairs for both events, although there will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy food and drink from Newcastle town centre's cafés, restaurants, market traders and independent businesses while watching the films. Charl Pearce, Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "Outdoor cinema has always proved incredibly popular in Newcastle-under-Lyme, so we're delighted to be bringing Cinema on the Stones back for 2026. > "By programming the screenings alongside existing events such as Castle Pre-Loved and the Castle Artisan Market, we're creating even more reasons for people to spend the day in the town centre. Visitors can browse the markets, enjoy something to eat and drink from our fantastic independent businesses, then sit back and enjoy a free family film. It's about bringing everything together to create a day out for visitors while supporting the businesses and existing events." Cinema on the Stones forms part of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's packed summer programme, which also includes the Castle Food & Drink Festival, Get Creative in Castle and Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival. For more information and the latest event updates, visit Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's social media channels. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Bucknall Park in Stoke-on-Trent to become a richer home for wildlife with new restoration work URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/bucknall-park-in-stoke-on-trent-to-become-a-richer-home-for-wildlife-with-new-restoration-work/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T07:32:34.000Z The work is Funded by the Environment Agency. This will improve the river and surrounding floodplain to support more wildlife, while not increasing flood risk. Specialist contractors will be on site to prepare the area before creating new habitats for plants and animals. This includes digging shallow ponds, widening parts of the river, and creating what’s known as a chute. A chute is where land is dug so water can reconnect to an area of floodplain. New wetland habitats will be created closer to the river, providing valuable space for wildlife. To do this, a short section of footpath will be removed. A new path of the same length will be created nearby, ensuring people can continue to enjoy the park and experience its wildlife. Every effort will be made to retain as many trees as possible. Any trees that are removed will be reused to create natural habitats, and new native trees will be planted in their place. Before work starts, ecologists will check for nesting birds and bats and ensure appropriate protections are in place. The tree work is planned for any time from the week commencing 27 July. This project builds on earlier work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Environment Agency, including the removal of a weir, which has already helped fish move more freely upstream. Victoria Bunter, Living Flood Plains Manager from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says: > “This is an exciting project for Bucknall Park. It will help create better spaces for wildlife and make the park an even more interesting place for people to visit. By improving the river and floodplain, we are helping nature recover and thrive.” A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson says, > "We're pleased to support this important project at Bucknall Park, which will bring lasting benefits for both wildlife and local people. By creating new wetland habitats and improving the natural river environment, we're helping to make the park a richer, more resilient place for nature to thrive. We know local people care deeply about their green spaces, and once established, these improvements will make Bucknall Park an even better place to enjoy and connect with nature." Detailed checks and modelling were completed to make sure the work will not increase flood risk. The changes will help water flow into the park during high rainfall, which can help reduce pressure on nearby homes. Once finished, the project will give Bucknall Park a healthier river, more wildlife and a stronger natural environment for the future. For more information, visit: [https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew](https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/trent-renew?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BP-FP8-22042026-Tamsin-Harrison.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BP-FP7-up-27052026-Tamsin-Harrison.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BP-FP4-down-27052026-Tamsin-Harrison.jpg) Bucknall Park before works ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Castle Food & Drink Fest Returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme This Saturday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/castle-food-drink-fest-returns-to-newcastle-under-lyme-this-saturday/ Last updated: 2026-07-21T07:26:43.000Z The event is delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID in collaboration with Independent Street and supported by 6 Towns Radio. Taking place between 10am and 4pm, the free event will welcome more than 30 food, drink and artisan traders including Backyard Burgers, Beehemian Wrapzody, Big Yum Bao, Chefsey Africana, Churros2Ltd, Didsbury Coal, E.I Foods, Florentale, Flour Power, Freshly Squeezed Fruits, Hartington Cheese, HomeToasty, Juice & Brew Got Canned, Kookies UK, Lingo Sauce, Marshmallow & S'more, Riverside Spirits, Rossi's Ices, Saddleworth Brownies, Special Persian Dessert, The Doughnuteers, The Off-Road Coffee Company, The Salford Rum Company, The Wandering Spirit, Ubeeque Honey, Vickys Bakes and Voysak (Has & Hel Olives). Alongside artisan makers, charities and independent retailers including Dragon's Destiny, Craig Toyman Edwards, Leegitimate 3D Prints, Luosko German Shepherd Dog Rescue and Untamed Cat Food. Alongside food and shopping, visitors can enjoy a packed day of free family activities. Get Creative in Castle will be hosting a Natural Tie Dye Workshop with artist Holly Johnson at 2/3 Lancaster Building between 11am and 3pm, where families can bring along a white 100% cotton item, such as a T-shirt, tote bag or tea towel to transform using natural fruit and vegetable dyes. Free face painting will also be available between 11am and 3pm, the first 50 visitors from 11.30am will receive a free ice cream courtesy of Rossi's Ices and free trampolines with Warwicks Funfair throughout the day. The team at 6 Towns Radio will also be hosting free to play Castle Bingo at 12pm and 2pm with 'Castle themed prizes and vouchers to spend with Newcastle-under-Lyme businesses up for grabs. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "Castle Food & Drink Fest is all about celebrating great food, supporting independent businesses and giving people another reason to spend the day in Newcastle. We've got an incredible line up of traders travelling in from across the region alongside our fantastic town centre businesses for a real foodie day out, plus plenty of free activities to keep families entertained throughout the day." Castle Food & Drink Fest will return on Bank Holiday Saturday 29th August as part of Newcastle-under-Lyme's Jazz & Blues Festival weekend. There is still an opportunity for food, drink and artisan traders to be part of the August event. Anyone interested in booking a pitch should contact [hello@nulbid.co.uk](mailto:hello@nulbid.co.uk). For the latest updates, follow Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Castle Food & Drink Fest on social media - @newcastlebid @castlefoodanddrink ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Big-Yum-Bao.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Voysak.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Backyard-Burgers--1--2.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Big Staffy Stroll Brings Staffordshire’s Ten Week Staffy Trail to a Celebratory Close URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/big-staffy-stroll-brings-staffordshires-ten-week-staffy-trail-to-a-celebratory-close/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T16:45:41.000Z The event marked the culmination of the countywide Staffy Trail, delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership and Staffordshire County Council in partnership with Making Trails. The trail celebrated Staffy, Staffordshire’s official mascot and storyteller, while encouraging residents and visitors to explore attractions and destinations across the county. A strong turnout saw Staffordshire Bull Terriers joined by dogs of all breeds and sizes for a walk through Weston Park’s Capability Brown landscape gardens. The stroll took place during the cooler part of the day, before temperatures began to rise, allowing dogs and their owners to enjoy the grounds in more comfortable conditions. The event offered a positive celebration of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with the affection for the breed clear among those taking part. Representatives from Senior Staffy Club Dog Rescue were also in attendance. The charity, which supports older Staffordshire Bull Terriers and helps them find safe and loving homes, is understood to be preparing to open a Staffordshire branch. A full feature on the charity’s work will appear in a future edition of The Staffordshire Signal magazine. The Big Staffy Stroll provided a fitting conclusion to the ten-week trail, bringing together the county’s heritage, communities and love for one of Staffordshire’s most recognisable symbols. Photos and video from the day capture the strong turnout, the variety of dogs in attendance and the impressive surroundings of Weston Park. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08633.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08657.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08799.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08740.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08662--1---1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08578.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08579.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08580.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08589.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08729.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08716.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08699-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08683.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08680.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08593.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08600.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08613.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08624.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08629.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08576.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08572.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08567.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08551.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08537.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08515.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08520.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08493.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08488.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08467.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08453.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08426.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08563.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08424.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08482.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08419.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Festival of Brilliant brings stories to life at Biddulph Old Hall URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/festival-of-brilliant-brings-stories-to-life-at-biddulph-old-hall/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T15:42:02.000Z The event transformed the hall and its grounds into a vibrant landscape of stories, with readings, talks, workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities taking place throughout the day. Organised by arts programme OUTSIDE and Staffordshire Moorlands librarians, the festival was developed with the help of local children and young people, teachers, artists and authors who share a passion for reading and creativity. The event formed part of the National Year of Reading. It offered children and families the chance to meet authors, illustrators, poets and performers, while discovering new books and taking part in imaginative activities. Among those taking part was Staffordshire author Alex Foulkes, alongside a wide range of writers, artists and performers who helped bring the festival to life. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity to tour Biddulph Old Hall with its owner, Brian Vowles. His captivating and informative tours gave visitors a fascinating insight into the building, its previous owners and the remarkable history he has uncovered during his time at the hall. The stories surrounding the property were so extraordinary that they could easily inspire an award-winning film. The historic setting added another dimension to the festival, allowing visitors to explore the hall while enjoying a programme created to celebrate stories, imagination and the joy of reading. The festival was supported by the OUTSIDE team, including Director Katie Aldous, Festival of Brilliant Project Lead Hester Cox and Festival of Brilliant Schools Lead Ethan Chandler. Staffordshire Library Service and other festival partners were also involved, alongside Sarah Bird from the National Literacy Trust, who attended in support of the National Year of Reading and wider literacy initiatives. Jenny from How Brave is the Wren provided the festival bookshop, giving visitors the opportunity to discover and purchase books from the writers and illustrators featured during the event. Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub, Staffordshire Virtual School, festival volunteers, delivery teams and representatives from Biddulph Old Hall also helped make the event possible. With great weather, an impressive selection of high-quality food and a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere, the festival proved to be a happy and memorable day for children and adults alike. The success of the Festival of Brilliant demonstrated the power of books, creativity and local heritage to bring communities together, while allowing young readers to experience stories in a truly unique setting. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08179-1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08108.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08111.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08112.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08125.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08154.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08164.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08058-1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08064.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08067.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08078.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08100.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08042-1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08044.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08047.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08054.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08016.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08022-1-.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Police appeal after multiple deliberate fires at Park Hall Country Park URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/police-appeal-after-multiple-deliberate-fires-at-park-hall-country-park/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T14:20:59.000Z Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the country park, off Hulme Road in Longton, at 12.50pm on Sunday 19 July following reports of smoke coming from the area. Five fire appliances, a water carrier and three rangers attended and discovered a large area of grassland well alight. Firefighters used backpacks, beaters and wildfire hoses to bring the blaze under control. However, while crews were still dealing with the initial incident, another two fires were reported nearby. Crews made their way to the additional fires on foot and found a large area of vegetation alight. Wildfire jets and main jets were used to extinguish the flames. Staffordshire Police was called to the country park at around 1.20pm and assisted firefighters by putting road closures in place. Group Manager Jordan Money, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that all of the fires were believed to have been started deliberately. He said: > “The cause of all the fires at Park Hall Country Park yesterday were deemed to be deliberate. This is completely unacceptable and we are working alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Police to support an investigation into those responsible. > “Crews have been at the scene for almost 24 hours, working to dampen down and monitor hotspots. > “Deliberate fires not only strain our resources but also cause extensive damage to local landscapes and wildlife.” Mr Money urged parents to speak to their children about the dangers and potential consequences of starting fires. He added: > “As we have seen in this incident, fire can quickly become out of control and those responsible could end up with a criminal record.” The fire service also highlighted the importance of using the What3words app when reporting incidents in large or difficult-to-access locations. The service said the app had been particularly useful in helping crews identify where resources were needed within the country park. Staffordshire Police has now launched an investigation and is seeking three or four teenagers who were reportedly in the area at the time. The teenagers were said to have been wearing balaclavas and riding electric scooters. Inspector Rebecca Price, of the Stoke-on-Trent South local policing team, said: > “As firefighters were working to extinguish a fire, another one would be set nearby. > “This is completely unacceptable and we have launched an investigation into those responsible. > “We are aware that there were three or four teenagers in the area at the time, wearing balaclavas and riding e-scooters. > “We are keen to speak to these teenagers as part of our enquiries, and I would urge anyone who knows who they might be to contact us.” Police are also asking residents and motorists to check any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage recorded in the area at the time. Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101 or using the Live Chat service on the force’s website, quoting incident 453 of 19 July. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/751389519_1030705459702001_385845819451027342_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/751058855_1353875170225016_2854992636204818047_n-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/750312541_1534204500955613_3152976057866820260_n.jpg) Park Hall Country Park fire 19th July 2026 from above ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Runners brave 30°C heat for 43rd Lakeside 5 Race and Fun Run URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/runners-brave-30degc-heat-for-43rd-lakeside-5-race-and-fun-run/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T11:49:30.000Z More than 420 people had registered to join the event and while the 30° heat reduced the field on the night, it failed to lower the spirits of the runners or the crowds who turned up to support them last night. JCB employees joined a host of club runners to complete the gruelling five-mile course around JCB’s World HQ at Rocester, including the steep hill on Stubwood Hollow, where JCB’s Worldwide Marketing Director Adrian Hall drenched sweltering athletes with a hosepipe. JCB Deputy Chairman George Bamford and his family were among those who took part. George said: > “It is just amazing to see so many people here, and so many families. I’m proud to be running with my family. We talk so much about JCB being a family business and this event is proof of that.” Three generations of one family took part in the two-mile fun run – crossing the finishing line hand in hand. JCB employee Billy Sowter, 61, of Uttoxeter, completed the course with his son Liam, 37, daughter-in-law Amy, 34 and their daughter Rosie, aged five. Billy said: > “It was fantastic to run this as a family. The atmosphere was amazing and I’m proud of little Rosie for completing the course.” Former JCB employees Charles Bevan and Mick Grindey kept up their record of running in every single JCB Lakeside 5 race since its started by taking part in the event. Charles, who turns 80 in September, dressed as Toy story hero Woody to run with his son Jason who dressed as Buzz Lightyear. Retained Staffordshire firefighter Jason Blount, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, joined 18 fellow members of Silverdale Running Club, less than a day after he helped battle a major building blaze in Stoke-on-Trent and before he’d managed to grab any sleep. He’d been called out early the previous morning, fought the fire through to 6am and still managed to get to work at 7am. He came straight to Rocester from work and was back on firefighter call at 10pm. Jason, 50, finished the five-mile route in 41 minutes. Tom Bill from the TP Triathlon team, who described the race as “*tough, but brilliant*” raced home to win the men’s race, in 28 minutes 43 seconds, while Hollie Wall, running her second Lakeside 5, was first woman home in 34 minutes 33 seconds. JCB Golf & Country Club Greenkeeper Ruarc Grant was the first employee to finish, in 29 minutes, 32 seconds. Ruarc is currently hard at work putting the finishing event. Meanwhile, JCB’s first female finisher Emma Langford, an Electrical Engineer in Product Innovation at the World HQ who plays for Uttoxeter Rugby Club and completed the race in 44 minutes and nine seconds, said: > “I don’t know how I’ve did it. Getting up that hill in this heat was so tough.” Emma received the Steph Cordall Memorial Trophy which celebrates the life of an employee who worked for JCB for almost 40 years and was among the 95 competitors on the starting line at the first ever race in 1983\. Steph, of Cheadle, died in May 2023 aged 60, and JCB established the trophy in her memory. It was presented to Emma by Steph’s husband Martin and son Adam. Charities were also winners on the evening. The event raised £4,000 towards the Queen’s Reading Room literacy charity, supported by JCB in this National Year of Reading. And retired Staffordshire firefighter Kelvin Chell launched his bespoke JCB-themed poppy badge, raising around £500 through badge sales for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Daytime disco to raise funds for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/daytime-disco-to-raise-funds-for-midlands-air-ambulance-charity/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T10:51:32.000Z **OH MY DAYS: 30 Years of Floor Fillers** will take place at Riva, Riverside, Stafford, on Saturday 26 September 2026, from 4pm until 9pm. The event will feature five hours of dancefloor favourites from the 1990s, the noughties and today, giving guests the chance to enjoy a lively night out without the late finish. The event will also celebrate the 35th anniversary of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, as well as the birthday of host Tim Rowlands, who performs under the name TJDJ and was named Volunteer of the Year by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in recognition of his dedication and support. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8553-1.jpeg) Tim Rowlands - Volunteer of the Year by Midlands Air Ambulance Tim Said: > “This is the second event I’ve held there in support of the charity, and I’m hoping to raise as much as possible for this incredible cause.” Tickets cost £5 per person when booked in advance, with proceeds supporting Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. **Event details** OH MY DAYS: 30 Years of Floor Fillers Saturday 26 September 2026 4pm to 9pm Riva, Riverside, Stafford, ST16 3AQ Advance tickets: £5 per person Over 18s only [Book Tickets](https://fatso.ma/f6wtg?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Next Stage of M Club’s £1 Million Investment Announced URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/next-stage-of-m-clubs-1-million-investment-announced/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T10:30:14.000Z Padel is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, combining elements of tennis and squash, it is easy to learn, highly social and suitable for players of all ages and abilities. More than 30 million people now play padel worldwide, with participation continuing to grow rapidly across the UK. Construction has begun this week, with the courts expected to open at the end of September. The new facilities will be available from 6am until 10pm weekdays and 8am-7pm at weekends, for both members and the general public. As part of M Club’s vision to create a premium health, fitness and wellbeing destination, players will also be able to enhance their padel experience through a range of optional add-on passes. These will include access to their excellent facilities including a large range of classes, luxury spa and rehabilitation sessions within M Club’s Urban Spa, as well as ‘Club Hours,’ childcare at the club’s on-site Montessori Nursery, Nurture Childcare, allowing parents and carers to enjoy their sessions while their children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. M Padel will also create an experienced in-house coaching team dedicated to building a fun, welcoming and inclusive padel community. The programme will include expert coaching for all abilities, social sessions, competitions, junior development programmes and competitive leagues, providing opportunities for everyone from complete beginners to experienced players. Earlier this year, M Club announced it had become an official HYROX affiliate. Work is well underway at its Festival Park facility, where a dedicated 6,000 square foot HYROX Centre is being created, further strengthening the club’s position as one of the region’s leading fitness destinations. M Club Company Director Shanie Chaudry-Goodall said: > “This is an incredibly exciting time for M Club and for our community. We’re creating so much more than just outstanding facilities – we’re building a destination where people can enjoy sport, fitness, wellbeing and family time all in one place. > “Combined with our new HYROX Centre, this £1 million investment demonstrates M Club’s commitment to expanding Staffordshire’s fitness tourism offer, bringing first-class facilities, new experiences and exciting opportunities to the area while encouraging more people to lead active, healthier lives.” For more information about M Club visit [www.mclubspaandfitness.co.uk](http://www.mclubspaandfitness.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Sir David Jason Brings New Live Stage Show to Stoke-on-Trent's Regent Theatre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sir-david-jason-brings-new-live-stage-show-to-stoke-on-trents-regent-theatre/ Last updated: 2026-07-20T10:26:07.000Z In this intimate and entertaining evening, Sir David reflects on an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades. Through personal anecdotes, humour and heartfelt storytelling, audiences will be taken on a journey from his early days in amateur dramatics to becoming one of the UK’s most celebrated television actors. Hosted by *BBC Breakfast* presenter Mike Bushell, the show offers fans a rare opportunity to hear never-before-told stories, discover behind-the-scenes secrets, and revisit some of the defining moments from Sir David’s remarkable career. From the wheeling and dealing of *Only Fools and Horses* to the warmth of *Open All Hours,* the crime-solving brilliance of *A Touch of Frost,* the charm of *The Darling Buds of May,* the voice of *Danger Mouse* and many more iconic productions, the evening celebrates the unforgettable characters that have made Sir David a household name. The production also features rare archive footage and exclusive clips giving audiences an unprecedented insight into the career of one of Britain’s true national treasures. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering his work for the first time, An Evening with Sir David Jason promises an unforgettable night of laughter, nostalgia and extraordinary storytelling. > Booking for ATG+ members is now open. > Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday 10 July. > Tickets are available online at [www.atgtickets.com/stoke](http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Local Government Reorganisation confirmed: Staffordshire's ten councils become two, but what does it actually mean? URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/local-government-reorganisation-confirmed-staffordshires-ten-councils-become-two-but-what-does-it-actually-mean/ Last updated: 2026-07-16T13:43:47.000Z Ten councils. Gone. Replaced by two. If that sentence alone has left you with questions, you are in good company. This week's confirmation that the government is abolishing every council in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and replacing them with two brand new authorities, is one of the biggest shake-ups to hit local government here in over fifty years. So let's slow down, take it apart piece by piece, and look at what it means, who is furious about it, and why some people think it is genuinely a good thing. ## First, the plain English version Right now, most of us in Staffordshire are governed by two councils at once, even if we rarely think about it that way. If you live in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth, East Staffordshire or the Moorlands, one council, your borough or district council, empties your bins, decides your planning applications, runs your parks and looks after housing. A second council, Staffordshire County Council, handles the bigger, more expensive stuff: social care, education, roads and libraries. If you live in Stoke-on-Trent, you already have just the one council doing everything, because the city has been a "unitary" authority since 1997. The government wants everyone in a "unitary" system now, one council, one place, doing everything. Their argument is that having two councils per area is confusing, wasteful and slower than it needs to be. So, over the past eighteen months, every council in Staffordshire has been asked to come up with proposals for how the county could be carved up into one or more single-tier super-councils. This week, ministers finally picked a winner. From 2028, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be run by just two councils: - **North Staffordshire**: Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands - **South Staffordshire**: Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, South Staffordshire, Stafford and Tamworth That is it. Staffordshire County Council disappears. All eight district and borough councils disappear. Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as a standalone authority, disappears too, folded into the new North Staffordshire body. In their place, two new councils will run everything, bins to bus routes, planning to potholes, for the whole county. ![Lichfield](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20150829_143134_Richtone-HDR-.jpg) Lichfield ## Why now, and why this shape This did not happen overnight. Back in February 2025, the government wrote to every council in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent formally inviting them to submit proposals. Five rival visions came back by the November 2025 deadline: - A **north and south split**, backed by Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Cannock Chase and East Staffordshire, this is the model that has now won. - An **"Enhanced" North Staffordshire**, put forward by Staffordshire Moorlands, which would have added Stone, Uttoxeter and the surrounding villages into the northern authority. - A **three-council model**, favoured by Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire, which would have split the south of the county in two. - An **east-west split**, championed by Staffordshire County Council itself, dividing the county down the middle rather than top to bottom. - A bid from **Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to go it alone**, remaining a standalone unitary authority on its existing boundary. Between February and March 2026, the government ran a seven week public consultation asking residents what they thought of the options on the table. Ministers then spent several months weighing that feedback, alongside financial analysis and their own criteria (chiefly that a new council should serve somewhere in the region of 500,000 people and make sense as an economic area), before confirming their decision on Thursday 16 July 2026, just hours before MPs broke up for the summer. ![Newcastle-under-Lyme](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20241021_124745--1-.jpg) Newcastle-under-Lyme ## The backlash: councillors from every corner of the county have objections If you have been anywhere near a council meeting in Staffordshire over the past year, you will know this has never been a quiet, technical process. It has been a genuine political fight, and this week's announcement has reignited it. The loudest voice by far belongs to **Jonathan Gullis**, the Reform UK leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and former Stoke-on-Trent North MP. Newcastle has objected to this merger from the very start, and Cllr Gullis did not soften his language when the decision landed. He called it: > "A shameful betrayal of Newcastle-under-Lyme and the people who call our borough home. Ministers have ignored more than 11,000 residents who signed the petition. They have ignored the clear cross-party position of the Borough Council. They have ignored local people who overwhelmingly said that, if reorganisation was forced upon us, Newcastle-under-Lyme must remain independent." This is not a new complaint from Cllr Gullis. Back in May, in a letter to the Secretary of State, he argued the whole process should be scrapped altogether, describing it as something the current instability in national government could not deliver properly, and warning it risked wasting taxpayers' money on a plan that might never see the light of day. His deeper objection, repeated again this week, is that Newcastle is being asked to give up its council with no clear promise of what it gets in return. As he put it: > "Forcing through the abolition of our councils without delivering meaningful regional devolution would be the worst of all worlds. The government is taking local power away from Newcastle-under-Lyme while failing to give Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent the strategic powers and investment already enjoyed by neighbouring regions." Newcastle is not the only borough that feels hard done by. Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire had jointly proposed a three-way split of the south of the county, arguing that a single southern authority covering six former districts would simply be too big and too remote to feel local. That model was not chosen. And it is not only district and borough councillors who have been unhappy. Staffordshire County Council, whose own east-west proposal also lost out, saw councillors from every party unite against the whole idea of reorganisation last autumn. In a cross-party letter, **former Cllr Ian Cooper**, who was council leader at the time but has since stood down from that role, and colleagues wrote: > "Let us be absolutely clear: Staffordshire did not ask for LGR, does not want LGR, and does not need LGR." The letter warned that creating entirely new governance structures risked diverting money and staff time away from frontline services such as social care, that the government's own timetable was "unrealistic", and that residents were worried about losing local accountability altogether. There was also a specific financial fear raised repeatedly by county councillors: that whichever new northern authority absorbed Stoke-on-Trent would inherit the city's well-documented financial difficulties, and that ratepayers elsewhere would end up picking up the bill. Conservative opposition leader on the county council, **Philip White**, put it bluntly: > "I am yet to speak to anyone who believes Stoke-on-Trent has any connection to areas like Tamworth and Lichfield, and the East will inevitably have to pay more tax to prop up the debt of Stoke-on-Trent." ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) It is not just a Newcastle and county council story either. In the south of the county, Lichfield District Council leader **Cllr Doug Pullen** had been fighting for months for a different outcome altogether, three smaller unitary councils rather than two large ones, and days before the announcement he set out exactly why, drawing on his own experience of being held to account over a delayed cinema project in Lichfield city centre: > "For many months last year I was pushing, lobbying, arguing with almost every MP and council leader across southern Staffordshire for one outcome, three smaller unitary councils, not two giant ones. I'm grateful to Dave Robertson MP, who backed this early on, before it was the popular or 'guided' position to hold, and one that went against his Government's guidance. > > "Right now, as Leader of Lichfield District Council, I'm under real pressure over the delayed cinema project. Questions in public meetings, scrutiny in the press, calls for resignation, people stopping me in the street to ask what is going on. It is genuinely uncomfortable, and not a pleasant place to be in, but that is democracy actually working. You know exactly who to question and hold to account. Try doing that with a distant county authority covering a million people. > > "Small, local, visible councils mean leaders you can actually reach. That is worth fighting for, whatever shape reorganisation takes." Cllr Pullen's underlying point, that a resident in Lichfield or Tamworth might struggle to even name who runs a South Staffordshire unitary covering roughly 600,000 people, let alone catch them in the street, is one shared quietly by councillors across several of the losing bids, even where they have not used language as sharp as Cllr Gullis's. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. The anger has not stayed confined to town halls, either. The decision was formally announced by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed MP, in a statement to the House of Commons on 16 July, and Newcastle-under-Lyme's own MP, **Adam Jogee**, used his response to the Secretary of State to reject it outright: > "The announcement today and the proposals in it are completely unacceptable, and I reject them. I reject them in the strongest terms. There is nothing here that reflects the views I have consistently put to ministers, nor any acknowledgement of the concerns received by thousands of local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme. > > "Can I ask the Minister how we protect, or how he thinks we can protect, the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme from the debt held by Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Moorlands, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council? And why he thinks any of my constituents should have any faith in these proposals that they don't want? > > "It is utterly unacceptable and a disgrace that this statement has been put to the House on the final day of term, four days before a new Prime Minister takes office. It is not too late to stop and think again." Two things stand out there. First, an MP and a Reform council leader from the same borough, politically about as far apart as it gets, arriving at exactly the same objection is a fairly strong signal that this is a genuinely cross-party local concern rather than a party-political line. Second, Mr Jogee's timing complaint is worth taking seriously on its own merits: this is a major, generation-defining decision for the county, announced on the last sitting day before summer recess and days before a change of Prime Minister, which leaves very little immediate opportunity for MPs to press ministers further on it before the autumn. Underneath all of this sits a broader, national row that has been rumbling through Parliament for months. MPs from Staffordshire and beyond have repeatedly pressed ministers on whether the promised savings from reorganisation actually stack up, and whether reshaping council boundaries is really the same thing as devolving genuine power. In Essex, a leaked letter revealed that ministers had gone against their own officials' advice when choosing a reorganisation model, prompting accusations that decisions across the country, Staffordshire included, are being driven more by political convenience than hard evidence. The District Councils' Network has gone further still, arguing the government has never actually commissioned independent research to justify its preference for very large "mega councils" in the first place. In short: the fight in Staffordshire was never really about whether a north-south model made sense in principle, most councils accepted that logic early on, it has been about where exactly the lines fall, how big is too big, and whether anyone bothered to properly listen to the areas that lost out. ![Staffordshire's Local Government Reorganisation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/123.png) Staffordshire's Local Government Reorganisation ## So what happens next, and when Whatever anyone thinks of the decision, it is happening. Here is the timetable, as things stand: - **Later in 2026**: A Structural Changes Order will be laid before Parliament. This is the legal document that nails down the detail, how many councillors each new authority will have, where the new ward boundaries sit, and how the transition will actually work in practice. - **May 2027**: Elections take place for "shadow" authorities, essentially dry runs of the new North and South Staffordshire councils, operating in parallel with the outgoing councils for a year while everything is prepared behind the scenes. - **1 April 2028**, known in council circles as "vesting day": the ten existing councils, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and all eight district and borough councils, are formally abolished. North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire take over every single local government service in the county from that date. Crucially, nothing changes for residents right now. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, and every other council in the county, has confirmed that bin collections, planning decisions, housing services, parks and environmental health will all continue exactly as normal while the transition is planned. There is a legal duty on every existing council to cooperate with the process, whatever their political objections to it, right through to vesting day. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC. Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Now for the case in favour It would be a disservice to pretend this is a story with only one side. However loud the objections, there is a genuine, evidenced argument for why this change might end up being good for Staffordshire, and it is worth setting out properly. **The money.** The government's central claim is straightforward: running two councils to cover one area costs more than running one. Duplicated chief executives, duplicated finance teams, duplicated back-office systems, duplicated buildings. Nationally, analysis commissioned as part of the wider devolution programme has put potential savings from reorganisation at hundreds of millions of pounds a year across England, money ministers argue can be redirected straight into frontline services like adult social care and children's services, rather than propping up administrative overlap. The government has also put real money behind the transition itself, £63 million in national capacity funding for councils going through reorganisation, on top of £7.6 million already provided to help develop proposals, specifically so councils are not left to fund the change entirely from their own reserves. **Clarity.** Right now, if something goes wrong with your bins, you call the borough council. If it is a pothole outside your house, that might be the county council. If it is both a housing issue and a road safety issue, good luck working out who owns it. A single council doing everything means, in theory at least, one phone number, one website, one set of councillors accountable for the whole picture. As one minister put it during a Commons debate on the wider reorganisation programme, taking out duplicate layers of senior management "helps to push money back to the front line, where it is needed to deal with much-needed services such as filling in potholes, looking after vulnerable adults and children." **A stronger voice for the whole area.** It is not only Stoke-on-Trent making this case. Staffordshire Moorlands, whose own "Enhanced North Staffordshire" bid was not the version chosen, nonetheless came out in support of the decision on the same day. Council leader **Mike Gledhill** was careful to frame it as a fresh start rather than an annexation by Stoke: > "The new North Staffordshire council is absolutely not a merger with Stoke-on-Trent. It's a new start for the three councils and makes sense geographically, economically and culturally. > > "For the Moorlands it brings the opportunity for improved transport connectivity, greater job opportunities especially for our young people, and sensible building where it is needed using brownfield sites where possible." Cllr Gledhill also addressed the Stoke debt worry raised by Cllr White and others head-on, rather than dodging it: > "Although a North Staffordshire Council will create opportunities, we do recognise there will be challenges too. One of these is Stoke-on-Trent's financial position. However, the Government's Fair Funding for Local Government proposals means the current city council area is likely to benefit from millions of pounds more funding in the coming years." Stoke-on-Trent City Council put out its own news release within hours of the announcement, and Leader Jane Ashworth did not hold back in welcoming it: > "We warmly welcome the government's decision to back the North-South proposal. It is the option that most closely reflects the reality of how people live, work and travel across our area and provides the strongest basis for future success. > > "The North-South model works with the grain of our communities rather than against them. It keeps North Staffordshire together as a single economic area, aligns with the way key public services already operate and creates a council that is large enough to be resilient while remaining rooted in the communities it serves. > > "Most importantly, this decision gives us the opportunity to unlock growth, attract investment, accelerate regeneration and create more opportunities for local people." The city council's release also makes a point worth pausing on: eight out of the ten existing councils across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire backed some form of north-south split, even if they disagreed on exactly where the lines should fall. The genuinely hard opposition, to the principle of a north-south model itself rather than just its shape, came mainly from Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire County Council. That is a meaningfully different picture to "nobody wanted this", even allowing for the very real anger detailed above. **The door to devolution.** This is, arguably, the biggest prize on the table, and even critics like Cllr Gullis agree it matters. Reorganisation is only half of the government's plan. The other half is devolution: handing new unitary councils genuine powers over transport, skills and investment, the kind Greater Manchester and the West Midlands already have through their elected mayors. All ten of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's councils jointly applied for Foundation Strategic Authority status back in March 2026, seen widely as the first formal step towards a Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent mayor. If that follows through, the argument goes, the short-term pain of reorganisation could be repaid many times over in long-term investment, better bus services, more control over adult skills funding, and a genuinely louder voice for this part of the Midlands in Westminster. Right now that promise remains just that, a promise, and the frustration from council leaders that no timeline has been confirmed for it is entirely understandable. But it is the reason this is being pursued as a package deal, rather than reorganisation for its own sake. ## Where the Signal stands We are not in the business of telling you which side of this to take. What we can tell you is that this is not finished, not by a long way. The next eighteen months will bring a Structural Changes Order setting out exactly how many councillors your area gets and where the new boundaries fall, a set of shadow elections in May 2027 that will decide who actually runs these new councils from day one, and, if it materialises, a decision on devolved powers and a possible elected mayor for the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. We will be covering every stage of it, in plain English, from every corner of the county, not just our own patch. If you have strong feelings on this, for or against, or questions you want put to your local council leader, get in touch. This is exactly the sort of story local journalism exists for. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Screen Staffordshire Marks First Year with £1.3 Million Boost to Local Economy URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/screen-staffordshire-marks-first-year-with-1-3-million-boost-to-local-economy/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T16:40:12.000Z ![Weston Hall, Staffordshire - Image by Jenna Goodwin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260714_125740.jpg) Weston Hall, Staffordshire - Image by Jenna Goodwin [Screen Staffordshire](https://screenstaffordshire.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) launched in April 2025 as part of a three year pilot programme secured by [We Are Staffordshire](https://wearestaffordshire.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), with a clear brief: put the county on the production map. A year on, that brief looks well and truly delivered. The office has facilitated 62 recces, 35 reality days, 17 drama prep days, 17 drama shoot days and 6 strike days, working with broadcasters and streamers including Netflix, Apple TV, BBC, Channel 4 and Amazon Studios. Two of the highest profile results landed on our own doorstep. Channel 5 drama "Murder Before Evensong" filmed at Chillington Hall, while Motorway Cops marked its Season 10 premiere with a screening night at Stafford's Gatehouse Theatre. Jonny told attendees that one of those productions alone required 20 recce visits and significant work to secure road closures and heritage sign off, underlining just how much groundwork sits behind every finished frame. The economic breakdown is where the pilot's case really lands: over £35,000 in ancillary costs, £50,000 plus paid directly to local crew, £200,000 plus generated in location fees, largely to private owners, and £435,000 plus spent on local accommodation across more than 3,300 room nights. Put together, that is a 10.6 times multiplier on the public money invested, a figure Jonny was keen to stress when talking through the office's accountability to taxpayers. It is not just about spend, either. Five local hires and multiple film office placements have come directly out of the pilot's first year, alongside careers talks and speaking slots that have put the industry in front of Staffordshire students. Gemma Whalley of Stoke-on-Trent College praised Jonny's ability to "bring the industry to life" for her students, while Jessica Bates, employment broker at Staffordshire County Council, said candidates had gained "meaningful, behind the scenes experience" that has proved invaluable for building confidence and sector skills. ![Image by Jenna Goodwin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260714_104634-0-.jpg) Image by Jenna Goodwin Talent development featured heavily in yesterday's session. Ellie of LCA Academy and Agency, which trains over 330 children weekly in screen acting, spoke about the film office's role in helping cut child performance licence processing times from 21 working days down to just 48 hours, a change that has opened up far more opportunities for young local actors. Eleanor Ham, the academy's Managing Director, said the film office had directly connected her performers to a locally shooting production. The Staffordshire Film Collective also came in for praise, having produced 11 award winning short films since August 2024 by pooling resources between local directors, cinematographers and crew, a model designed to keep creative talent in the county rather than losing it to Manchester or further afield. Not every challenge has been straightforward. Jonny was candid about the work involved in securing roof safety certification for the Queen's Theatre ahead of filming, a case study in the film office acting as mediator between productions, council surveyors and historic venues. Heritage sites, in particular, demand patience: conversion from recce to actual shoot sits at under one in four, though as Jonny pointed out, every viewing still functions as a sales pitch for the county's next opportunity. Looking ahead, the office is turning attention to film tourism, an area Staffordshire's destination plan has yet to fully embrace despite the obvious potential. Plans are also under way to encourage more Midlands productions to enter the Royal Television Society awards, and to deepen educational partnerships around heritage planning and independent filmmaking skills. As the pilot moves into year two of three, the message from yesterday morning was one of quiet confidence. Testimonials collected in the report, from Middleport Pottery's Louise Bartley to location manager Charlie Turner, tell a consistent story of a film office that has made itself indispensable in a remarkably short space of time. For a county not traditionally associated with the screen industry, that is no small achievement. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Three more schools in Newcastle-under-Lyme to provide free breakfast clubs for pupils URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/three-more-schools-in-newcastle-under-lyme-to-provide-free-breakfast-clubs-for-pupils/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T11:56:49.000Z Parents at 1,400 more schools nationwide will save up to £450 through free breakfast clubs from September, when more than 2,700 will be up and running. Across the country, over 680,000 children will attend free breakfast clubs after the summer holidays – up from 300,000 today. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, this means there will be a total of five free breakfast club programmes, with Sun Academy Bradwell, Hempstalls Primary School and Sir John Offley CofE (VC) Primary School joining The Meadows Primary School in Madeley and Langdale Primary School in the Westlands, which began offering programmes in Spring 2025. From September, schools in Newcastle-under-Lyme must also comply with the new legal limits on the number of branded uniform items they can require. It means parents can buy more of the everyday basics, like trousers and shirts, from any shop or supermarket rather than one pricey supplier. It comes after polling found a third of parents still worry about uniform costs. The government has also published strengthened statutory guidance telling schools to take more steps to bring down the cost of individual items, especially for more expensive items like blazers and jumpers, in time for the new academic year. Taken together, heading back to school under Labour is now set to be almost £1,000 cheaper for many families. A child could benefit from up to £450 a year through a free breakfast club and up to £500 a year through the expansion of free school meals to every household on Universal Credit – on top of cheaper uniforms as the new branded-item limit is introduced. Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, said: > “No parent should have to choose between a summer day out to the beach and kitting their child out for school. > “From September, families will feel the difference at the school gates: free breakfast clubs at 1,400 more schools, an end to expensive lists of branded uniform, and more free lunches for those who need them. > “That's the British childhood this government believes in – and why we'll always fight to give every child the very best start in life." Adam Jogee MP said: > “Getting Best Start free breakfast clubs into our schools here in Newcastle-under-Lyme is something I've fought hard for, working closely with our Labour government, and I couldn't be prouder to see it delivered. > "This expansion means real savings for local families at a time when, for many, every penny matters, and it means every child in our community — whatever their background — gets the best possible start to their school day with a good, nutritious breakfast inside them. > "Alongside the welcome action we've taken on school uniform costs, this is Labour cutting the cost of getting our children into school, so they can get on with getting the brilliant education they deserve." ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival Returns for 19th Year Across August Bank Holiday Weekend URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-jazz-blues-festival-returns-for-19th-year-across-august-bank-holiday-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T11:41:46.000Z Taking place from Friday 28th to Monday 31st August, the much loved annual festival will feature more than 50 live acts performing across multiple venues throughout the town centre, celebrating the very best in jazz, blues, soul, funk and acoustic music. Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, the festival has become one of the town's longest-running events, drawing visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond while supporting local venues, hospitality businesses and the wider town centre economy. Festival goers can enjoy everything from intimate acoustic sets and blues bands to jazz ensembles and energetic live performances, with many gigs free to attend. Venues including Cappello Lounge, The Boulevard, The Crows Nest, The Clubhouse and The Crossways will host an eclectic mix of live performances, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town centre all weekend. The festival also extends beyond the centre, with The Greyhound and Artisan Tap in neighbouring Hartshill, alongside The Shed in May Bank joining this year's programme. On Saturday 29th August, the festival joins forces with Castle Food & Drink Fest, delivered in collaboration with Independent Street. Spaces on the High Street and Ironmarket will be transformed with artisan market stalls and live entertainment from 6 Towns Radio who will host a programme of outdoor performances creating a full day of food, music and entertainment. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: "The Jazz & Blues Festival has become a real highlight in Newcastle-under-Lyme's events calendar and we're incredibly proud to be celebrating its 19th year. The festival showcases not only fantastic musicians but also the brilliant venues in Newcastle that . "Following feedback from our businesses, we're hosting the festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend, allowing us to make the most of additional visitors and Bank Holiday Monday. Partnering with Independent Street and 6 Towns Radio for Castle Food & Drink Fest on the Saturday makes for an even bigger celebration and offers visitors a fantastic reason to spend the day in Newcastle-under-Lyme.” Chris Wilson, owner of The Crossways, said: "Jazz & Blues is always one of our favourite weekends of the year. There's such a fantastic atmosphere as people move between venues discovering new artists and enjoying everything the town has to offer. It's a brilliant event for businesses and visitors alike, and one we always look forward to.” Full line-up details and performance times will be announced ahead of the festival. For the latest updates, follow [@jazzandbluesnewcastle](https://www.instagram.com/jazzandbluesnewcastle/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) on social media or [www.newcastlejazzandblues.com](http://www.newcastlejazzandblues.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Newcastle-Jazz-and-Blues-Festival---Aslphotographystoke-6.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Newcastle-Jazz-and-Blues-Festival---Aslphotographystoke-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Newcastle-Jazz-and-Blues-Festival---Aslphotographystoke-5-1.jpeg) Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Introducing Heather Jordan, your UK's National Miss 2026/27! URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/introducing-heather-jordan-your-uks-national-miss-2026-27/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T09:06:23.000Z Working as a Customer Experience Manager across two theatres in her hometown, Heather is also a passionate performer who has appeared in local productions including Oklahoma!, Shrek, and Ghost. Heather's pageant journey began almost ten years ago when she entered her first local pageant with very little confidence. To her surprise she won and from that moment she fell in love with pageantry. Soon after, she entered UK Galaxy Pageants and instantly knew she had found a pageant family that shared her values. After nearly a decade within the Pageant Girl systems, five years as part of the UK's National Miss family, and four attempts at the national title, Heather's dream finally became a reality. Throughout her reign, Heather is proud to continue raising awareness for Tommy's Pregnancy and Baby Loss Charity, a cause that is deeply personal to her. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of twins through miscarriage, Heather was later diagnosed with PCOS, OCD, and PTSD. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her, she has chosen to use her platform to support others facing baby loss and mental health challenges, helping them know they are never alone and encouraging open conversations around these important topics. Heather believes UK's National Miss represents far more than a crown. To her, it is a family built on equality, acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment and she is incredibly proud to represent a system that has supported her through some of life's most difficult moments. She is so excited for the year ahead and can't wait to represent UK's National Miss, share her journey, champion the causes closest to her heart, and inspire others to believe that with perseverance, kindness, and self-belief, dreams really can come true. If you're interested in following in Heather's footsteps, you can contact info@pageantgirluk.com or call 01925 767 884 to get in touch! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC09573.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC09631-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC09652-1.jpg) Heather Jordan, UK's National Miss 2026/27 ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Trentham Makers Market Returns This Saturday for a Spectacular Family Day Out URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/trentham-makers-market-returns-this-saturday-for-a-spectacular-family-day-out/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:37:46.000Z Set within the stunning surroundings of Trentham Estate, the Makers Market has become a firm favourite with visitors from across the region. Combining beautiful scenery with a vibrant atmosphere, it offers the perfect destination to shop local, discover unique products and spend quality time with family and friends. This month’s market will welcome a host of new independent traders alongside returning favourites, giving visitors even more to explore. From handmade gifts and artisan homeware to delicious local food and one-of-a-kind finds, there’s something to suit every taste. Visitors can also enjoy a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day, including live music from **Timothy Hoad**, face painting by **Creative Faces**, an incredible selection of street food, a brand-new Matcha Bar serving refreshing drinks and permanent jewellery for those looking to add a little sparkle to their day. With sunshine forecast, there’s no better excuse to head outdoors and experience everything Trentham has to offer. Whether you’re browsing the market stalls, enjoying lunch in the sunshine or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, the Trentham Makers Market promises a memorable day out for all ages. Located at one of the region’s most picturesque visitor destinations, the market continues to celebrate the very best independent businesses while offering visitors a unique shopping experience in a beautiful setting. The Trentham Makers Market takes place on **Saturday from 10am until 4pm** at **Trentham Estate, Stone Road**. Entry to the market is free, making it the perfect weekend destination for families, friends and anyone looking to support local businesses while enjoying a great day out. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5812.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5807.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5811.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5806.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5810.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5814.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5813.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5808.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5804-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5803.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5815.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5805.jpeg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Biddulph Grange Gardens URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/biddulph-grange-gardens/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:26:49.000Z Tucked into a quiet valley near Stoke- On Trent, on the edge of North Staffordshire, lies one of England’s most remarkable historic gardens: Biddulph Grange Garden. Now cared for by the National Trust, this extraordinary landscape blends horticulture, global design, and Victorian imagination on a scale few others attempt. Originally a working farm known as Biddulph Grange, the estate was transformed after James Bateman and his wife Maria arrived in 1842\. Over the next 27 years, Bateman, working closely with his friend, the marine artist, Edward Cooke, created a pioneering series of themed garden “rooms”. His vision was fuelled by more than 2 decades of plant collecting from across the world, resulting in one of the most ambitious garden estates of Victorian England. Bateman left the estate in 1868, leaving it to his son, who also later sold it in 1872 to industrialist Robert Heath for the modern equivalent of £2 million. The Heath family lived at Biddulph Grange for close to 50 years. During their residency, a devastating fire destroyed the original Italianate- style villa, along with surrounding glasshouses and the orangery. The central section of the house was rebuilt in 1897, bearing little to no resemblance to Bateman’s original design. In 1922, the estate was sold to the North Staffordshire Cripples Aid Society, which converted it into a children’s orthopaedic hospital. Wooden wards were added in the former cherry orchard, and several historic garden structures- including the glasshouses, music house, and part of the geological gallery, were demolished in the 1930s to make way for modern hospital buildings. The main house became nurses accommodation. By the mid-1970s, conservation efforts began to protect what remained of the gardens. When the hospital closed in 1991, the National Trust acquired the site following a major fundraising campaign, launching what became the Trust’s largest garden restoration project at the time- a project that continues to this day. The house itself, left derelict after the hospital era, was later purchased by a developer and converted into 9 private apartments. Meanwhile, 78 acres of former estate woodland were taken over by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and now form Biddulph County Park, preserving the wider landscape for further generations. Today, Biddulph Grange Garden is a Grade 1 listed, 15-acre Victorian landscape, open all year-round for visitors to explore its restored layout. Its celebrated for its unique, compartmentalized design, guiding visitors through a sequence of themed environments inspired by cultures and natural landscapes including a Chinese garden, with its iconic red bridge, an Egyptian court, guarded by sphinxes, a Scottish glen, rich with conifers and dramatic rock work, and Britain’s first stumpery (a popular Victorian feature with upside down tree roots). The garden also features a pinetum (a specialized botanical garden), a Rhododendron collection spectacular in spring, and a dahlia walk at its peak in autumn. Subtle references to Victorian Geology and Theology are woven throughout the design, offering insight into Victorian horticulture and intellectual passions of the era. The main house is privately owned, but a small section of it operates as a café, book and plant shop for guests, located in its former billiard room. The tearoom has to be accessed by 2 sets of steps; however, a handrail is provided. Picnics are not permitted inside the garden, but there are several pleasant picnic spots beside the reasonably sized car park. Parking is free for all guests and includes disabled parking, parent and toddler spaces and parking for coaches and cars, with additional overflow parking if required. The garden is family- friendly, offering a woodland walk, adventure playground, and fun seasonal quiz trails to enjoy during the visit. The average visit time is around 2-3 hours and under 5’s go free. Seating is available throughout and accessible toilets are located by the shop. Guided tours are available when advertised if you request them and manual wheelchairs can be loaned and assistance dogs are made welcome. **Please note**: visitors with limited mobility or wheelchair users may find access very challenging throughout the gardens as it includes many steep gradients, uneven gravel paths, dark, narrow tunnels, and over 400 steps. These features make some areas, particularly the iconic Chinese and Egyptian themed sections difficult or impossible for some, to reach. A welcome map, also available in braille, is provided which gives a guide to all accessible areas including Lime Avenue, the lake, the woodland walk, Wellington Avenue and the Pinetum to the Cheshire Cottage. Staff make reference to the restricted access for pushchair and wheelchair users on entry, so you are able to decide if you wish to visit the grounds or simply stick to the designated more restricted route. Biddulph Grange Garden offers a different type of experience at different times throughout the year as new flowers emerge and others fade. As visitors explore many of its zones through tunnels, winding paths and hidden passages each visit truly feel like a new adventure every time. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Take the pressure off your road trips this summer - Staffordshire drivers warned about hidden heatwave tyre risk URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/take-the-pressure-off-your-road-trips-this-summer-staffordshire-drivers-warned-about-hidden-heatwave-tyre-risk/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:11:26.000Z Thousands of families across the county are expected to hit the roads over the coming weeks for staycations, seaside breaks, airport runs and visits to family and friends, with many travelling on motorways. Cars will be packed with children, luggage, bikes, camping gear and everything else needed for a summer getaway, but many motorists remain unaware that warmer temperatures and heavier loads can significantly affect tyre performance. As temperatures rise, the air inside tyres expands, increasing tyre pressure. Combined with long motorway journeys and fully laden vehicles, incorrectly inflated tyres can reduce grip, increase tyre wear and affect braking performance, potentially putting drivers, their passengers and other road users at greater risk. Joe Brammer, Technical Manager at North Staffordshire-based Michelin UK, said: > “Many drivers don't realise that tyres are affected by both temperature and the extra weight that comes with summer holidays. > “A vehicle carrying a full family and luggage places much greater demands on its tyres, particularly during long motorway journeys in hot weather. > “Spending just a few minutes checking tyre pressures and the condition of your tyres before setting off can make a real difference to safety, tyre life and fuel efficiency.” Tyre-related problems remain one of the leading causes of motorway breakdowns, yet a simple tyre check before travelling could help prevent unnecessary delays, costly repairs and dangerous incidents. As part of its summer safety advice Michelin is encouraging drivers to: - \* Check tyre pressures before every long journey and adjust them to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended settings for the load being carried. \* Always check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold. \*Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects lodged in the tread. \* Check tread depth, ensuring it is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, as good tread is vital for maintaining grip during heavy summer downpours. \*Avoid leaving vehicles parked in direct sunlight for extended periods where possible. Whether travelling far for a family holiday or simply heading out for a weekend away, a five minute tyre check before leaving home could help keep your journey on track. While many people remember sunscreen, sunglasses and snacks before setting off on holiday, tyres are often overlooked despite being the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road. Adding tyres to your holiday checklist is a simple step that could help keep your family safe, avoid an unexpected breakdown and ensure the only thing heating up is the weather. This summer, take the pressure off before you set off. For further information, see: [https://media.rac.co.uk/record-number-of-getaway-journeys-to-cause-midweek-mayhem-on-the-roads-as-schools-break-for-summer](https://media.rac.co.uk/record-number-of-getaway-journeys-to-cause-midweek-mayhem-on-%20the-roads-as-schools-break-for-summer?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [https://www.tyresafe.org/road-safety/case-for-action/](https://www.tyresafe.org/road-safety/case-for-action/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Plans Submitted to Transform Newcastle Bus Station URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/plans-submitted-to-transform-newcastle-bus-station/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:09:57.000Z For many people, Newcastle Bus Station is the first impression they get of the town centre. At the moment, it's probably fair to say that it isn't the best reflection. Now, plans have been submitted to give the Stubbs Street site a much-needed facelift, replacing ageing shelters with modern facilities and creating a space that's designed to be more comfortable, easier to access and better suited to the future of public transport. According to the planning application, the existing bus station was identified during a town centre appraisal as providing a "poor quality public realm", with the current shelters described as making a negative contribution to the surrounding conservation area. Rather than simply replacing what is already there, the proposals aim to redesign how the space works. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-12-221507-1.png) Concept Image (Photo by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council) The most noticeable change would be the installation of new enclosed bus shelters, replacing structures which planning documents say are regularly criticised by passengers for being "draughty" and "uncomfortable". The new shelters would include improved seating, clearer signage and real-time passenger information displays to make navigating services easier. The scheme also looks beyond the shelters, with new landscaping, additional lighting, upgraded CCTV, improved pedestrian barriers and low-maintenance planting all been proposed in an effort to make the station feel safer and more welcoming. Importantly, the plans acknowledge where public transport is heading. Infrastructure will be included to support the future electrification of buses, while solar panels are proposed on the new shelter roofs to help power the site. Two existing bus stops – numbers 15 and 16 – would be scrapped under the proposals. However, the council says these stands are now effectively redundant because they are too short to accommodate modern buses, meaning there would be no reduction in usable stopping capacity. It might not be the most headline-grabbing regeneration project happening in Newcastle-under-Lyme, but it is one that thousands of people will notice every week. The borough has invested heavily in Midway car park, the Ryecroft redevelopment, Astley Place and the wider town centre over recent years. If approved, improving the bus station would help ensure one of the town's busiest public spaces finally matches the standard being set elsewhere. Because regeneration isn't always about building something new and eye-catching. Sometimes it's about improving the places people actually use the most and rely on, day after day. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Severn Trent Under Fire (Again): Why MPs Are Challenging Multi-Million Pound Executive Pay URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/severn-trent-under-fire-again-why-mps-are-challenging-multi-million-pound-executive-pay/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:04:20.000Z When 18 MPs from across the Midlands put their names to a strongly-worded letter to Severn Trent this week, they were not just criticising the new executive pay agreement. They were questioning what success looks like for a company responsible for supplying water to more than eight million people while continuing to face **significant** environmental failures. Among the signatories were Stoke-on-Trent North MP David Williams, Stoke-on-Trent South MP Dr Allison Gardner, Stafford MP Leigh Ingham, Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier and Lichfield MP Dave Robertson. Their intervention comes at a difficult moment for Severn Trent. Just days earlier, reports emerged that the company's new Chief Executive, James Jesic, could receive a remuneration package worth millions of pounds after changes to the company's long-term incentive arrangements. In their letter, addressed directly to the Chief Executive, the MPs write: > "We, the undersigned, are appalled to learn that your CEO's remuneration package, including bonuses, has been increased substantially despite Severn Trent being responsible for more than 300 pollution incidents in 2024 and continuing to face widespread public concern over the environmental impact of its operations." The letter continues by arguing that the decision sends entirely the wrong message while customers face rising bills. > "Customers reasonably expect their money to be invested in maintaining and improving infrastructure, reducing leaks, preventing pollution incidents and protecting the environment - not in delivering ever larger rewards for senior executives." The MPs specifically reference reports that Severn Trent's Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) has doubled from 200% to 400% of the Chief Executive's base salary, potentially increasing the value of the overall remuneration package to several million pounds. The intervention reflects growing public unease over executive pay across the water industry, particularly at a time when companies continue to face criticism over sewage pollution, river quality and increasing customer bills. Channel 4’s recent 3 part dramatisation titled ‘Dirty Business’ exposed the extent of the crisis, inciting many politicians such as the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham MP to call for nationalisation of the industry. The proposed increase is not a direct rise in James Jesic's annual salary. Instead, it relates primarily to the company's long-term incentive scheme - a performance-based reward linked to targets over several years. Severn Trent has argued that these incentives are funded by shareholders rather than customer bills and that around half of the scheme is linked to non-financial measures, including environmental and operational performance. Nevertheless, critics question whether the timing could be worse. The company recorded more than 300 pollution incidents during 2024, while campaigners continue to record sewage discharges into rivers across the Midlands. Previous Environment Agency enforcement has also resulted in significant fines for pollution incidents, including a £2 million penalty relating to sewage entering the River Trent. Only this week, the industry regulator Ofwat concluded that Severn Trent had committed "serious and unacceptable breaches" in the management of its wastewater network. Unlike several other water companies, however, Severn Trent avoided a financial penalty. The regulator concluded the company had proactively identified many of the failings before the formal investigation began, invested £98 million of shareholder money into improvements, cooperated fully with investigators and achieved a reported 41% reduction in storm overflow spills between 2024 and 2025\. Ofwat described the company's response as an example of "genuine accountability", despite confirming that regulatory breaches had occurred. That decision illustrates the tension at the centre of the current debate. On one hand, Severn Trent remains responsible for serious historic environmental failures and continues to attract criticism from campaigners and politicians. On the other, regulators acknowledge that the company has invested heavily in addressing those problems and has shown measurable improvement in some operational areas. The MPs' letter recognises that companies need to recruit talented leaders. > "We recognise the importance of attracting and retaining talented leaders. However, executive reward must be linked to outcomes that matter to customers and the environment." It concludes by urging Severn Trent to reconsider the remuneration arrangements, arguing that public trust should be earned through environmental performance rather than "awarding multimillion-pound pay packages while customers pay more and waterways continue to suffer." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/uehu-1.png) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### £20 million investment offers "huge boost" for Meir North URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/20-million-investment-offers-huge-boost-for-meir-north/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T07:59:03.000Z Meir North is set to receive up to £20 million of Government funding over the next decade, with local leaders saying the investment could transform the area - but only if residents are placed at the heart of deciding how the money is spent. The funding forms part of the Government's Pride in Place programme, which aims to help communities tackle long-standing issues by giving local people greater control over regeneration. Meir North is one of 244 localities across Great Britain selected to receive the funding, which will be invested over a decade long period through a locally led Pride in Place Board. The programme is designed to be community-led rather than council-led. A new Board, made up of residents, businesses, community organisations, the local authority and the area's MP, will work with local people to identify priorities before producing a long-term investment plan. The funding could support anything from improving parks and public spaces to community facilities, youth provision, skills, high streets and initiatives that make neighbourhoods cleaner and safer. The first major step in the process came with the appointment of Catherine Kilvington as Chair of the Meir North Pride in Place Board. Catherine has more than a decade of experience leading community projects and will oversee the development of the area's ten-year vision. Speaking to The Staffordshire Signal, Meir North ward councillor **Lauren Davison** described the funding as an opportunity to change both the area and the way investment reaches communities like Meir North. > "This is a huge boost for Meir North – £20 million is a massive opportunity but I also think it's the start of something bigger. > "Places like Stoke-on-Trent were left competing against each other for scraps under the last Tory Government, whilst too much investment flowed to the same parts of the country. That approach didn't work. > "We are now seeing a different direction of travel – which Pride in Place was the start of. The funding recognises talent and potential exists in every neighbourhood and it's about rebalancing where power and investment goes. > "It's up to us to make the most of it and show what our area can achieve when it's properly backed." While there has already been considerable interest in what the funding should be spent on, Cllr Davison said it would be for the Neighbourhood Board and local residents to determine those priorities together. > "At this stage, although I'll be on the Board as the ward councillor for the area, there'll be lots of others on there too – so I'd not feel comfortable pre-empting or speaking for the Board and residents who will be the ones to decide. That will be decided upon in the coming weeks and months – I'm really excited to be part of those discussions!" Stoke-on-Trent South MP **Dr Allison Gardner**, who will also sit on the Board, echoed that message, stressing that the programme's success will depend on local people shaping its direction. > "£20 million is a significant investment in Meir North and a real chance to build on everything that's already great about our community. I'm really pleased we have just appointed our fantastic Chair, Catherine Kilvington, who will lead the Neighbourhood Board. > "The most important thing is that local people will help shape what comes next. This isn't for me, or any one person, to decide. The funding will be guided by the Neighbourhood Board, bringing together residents, community groups, businesses and local partners. I'm proud to be one member of that board, but the decisions will be made collectively, with the community at the centre. > "I'm looking forward to working with everyone involved to make the most of this opportunity and ensure this investment delivers lasting benefits for Meir North." The Government has made clear that Neighbourhood Boards must be established by 17th July, after which they will begin engaging with residents to develop a ten-year investment plan. Funding will then be released in stages over the coming decade as projects are agreed and delivered. For Meir North, the announcement brings about a feeling of hope for a part of the city that has been overlooked for far too long. Unlike many previous schemes, Pride in Place is built around the principle that the people who live in an area should decide how it changes. Whether that ambition can be realised will depend not only on the investment itself, but on how successfully the Board engages the community in shaping Meir North's future. We look forward to reporting on the successes that arise from this in the coming months. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Councillors Approve £5.56 Million to Complete Former Debenhams Redevelopment in Lichfield URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/councillors-approve-5-56-million-to-complete-former-debenhams-redevelopment-in-lichfield/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T07:29:40.000Z For decades, Debenhams was one of the anchor stores of Lichfield city centre. Then, almost overnight, it became one of its biggest vacant spaces. Now, following a decision at Full Council, that investment package has been signed off, finally unlocking the completion of the long-awaited redevelopment of the former department store, promising new leisure space, commercial units and a renewed sense of purpose for one of the city's most prominent sites. The proposals, considered by Lichfield District Council's Cabinet on Monday 13th July before going to Full Council the following evening, approve additional funding to complete the transformation of the former Debenhams building at Three Spires. The council says the investment was needed to overcome unexpected structural challenges uncovered during construction and to allow the authority to secure full ownership of the completed development. For many residents, the building has become symbolic of the changing fortunes of Britain's high streets. Debenhams had traded from the site for many years before the retailer entered administration in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, with stores across the country closing over the following months. Like dozens of department stores nationally, the Lichfield branch closed its doors, leaving behind a large vacant building at the heart of the city centre. Rather than allowing the site to remain empty, Lichfield District Council entered a joint venture with Evolve Estates, owners of Three Spires, as part of a wider strategy to reinvent the city centre. The vision is not simply to replace one retailer with another, but to create a mixed use destination capable of attracting visitors throughout the day and into the evening. Central to those plans is a new Everyman Cinema, alongside food and drink businesses and complementary commercial units, intended to strengthen the city's night time economy and encourage people to spend more time in the centre. Construction has been under way since 2024, but the council says the complexity of converting a large department store into a modern leisure destination has proved greater than originally anticipated. According to Cabinet papers, additional structural work has increased costs, with the £5.56 million made up of £2.84 million to complete the redevelopment and £2.72 million to allow the council to secure full ownership of the site, buying out its joint venture partner's stake. Speaking after the vote, Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said the decision gave the project a clear way forward. "Tonight, councillors have made their decision on the future of this redevelopment. Throughout this project we've committed to being open about both the progress we've made and the challenges we've faced. "Our focus now is clear. We will complete construction, work with Everyman Cinema and our other occupiers as they prepare to open, and deliver a development that strengthens Lichfield city centre for years to come. "This building has stood vacant for too long. We now have a clear path forward, and my commitment is that we will see this project through, keep residents updated as construction progresses and ensure this becomes a destination the district can be proud of." The decision was not without opposition. Cllr Russ Bragger, leader of the Labour group, said members supported regeneration of the site but had serious concerns about how the project had been overseen. "We support regeneration of the Debenhams site, but we also want regeneration in other areas of the district. What we have difficulty supporting is the mismanagement and lack of oversight of such a major project, which leads to more resource being allocated to the city rather than the rest of the district. "Back in 2023, we would not have agreed to this scheme if we realised there would be no oversight. It is essential that there is all party oversight of the progress and financial details of the project." Cllr Paul Ray, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, which abstained from the vote, said councillors had been left with little real choice. "We wish to see the project move forward at pace. Stopping work on the project, temporarily or permanently, is not an economic option. The only viable option is to carry on. "However, we strongly condemn the way in which the project has been mismanaged so far. There has been a lack of transparency at different levels and a lack of engagement by the council's representatives to discover what has been going on behind the scenes." Unfortunately, this story reflects a wider reality for town and city centres across the county. Traditional department stores once acted as magnets, drawing thousands of shoppers into high streets every week. As online shopping has grown and household names such as Debenhams have disappeared, councils have increasingly found themselves asking a difficult question: what should these enormous buildings become? Increasingly, the answer has been leisure rather than retail. Now approved, the redevelopment is expected to strengthen the city's visitor economy while creating a more vibrant evening offer for residents who currently travel elsewhere for cinema and leisure facilities. The council believes the investment will ultimately generate a financial return for taxpayers while supporting businesses throughout the wider city centre by increasing footfall. Cllr Pullen has said the scheme is forecast to deliver a net return of more than £200,000 a year once operational, after running costs are taken into account. Of course, questions remain. The project has already experienced delays, with the cinema now expected to open in spring 2027, later than originally anticipated, and opposition councillors have made clear they intend to keep close scrutiny on costs and oversight as construction continues. Some residents have also questioned whether public investment in commercial regeneration on this scale represents good value for money. Construction is expected to complete later this year, with Everyman Cinema and the other occupiers then carrying out their fit-out ahead of opening. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/b3a79514c8268d2f4b0b25b91e099c39-1.jpg) An artist’s impression of how the redeveloped Debenhams building and surroundings will look. (Photo by Lichfield District Council) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Meet the Candidates: Himley & Swindon By-Election URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/meet-the-candidates-himley-swindon-by-election/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T07:16:49.000Z Voters in Himley & Swindon will head to the polls on Thursday 16th July to elect a new South Staffordshire District Councillor following the death of former council leader Roger Lees. Ahead of polling day, The Staffordshire Signal invited every candidate to introduce themselves, outline the issues that matter most and explain why they are standing. Residents across the Himley & Swindon division will cast their votes on Thursday 16th July in a by-election to elect a new representative on South Staffordshire District Council. The vacancy follows the death of Cllr Roger Lees, who served the division for many years and was formerly Leader of South Staffordshire District Council from 2021 to 2024. The election comes on the same day as a Stafford Borough Council by-election in Stafford's Manor division, which has been called following the death of Cllr Angela Loughran. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we have not been able to cover that contest in detail. For Himley & Swindon, seven candidates are standing for election. We contacted every candidate with the opportunity to introduce themselves to readers, explain what matters most to them locally and outline what they would seek to achieve if elected. Three candidates responded before our publication deadline. Their responses are published below. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Sean-Massey-Headshot.jpg) ### **Sean Massey (Conservative)** > "My name is Sean Massey, and I am the Conservative candidate for the Himley and Swindon by-election. > I am 57 years old, was born in Swindon, and have lived in Swindon all my life, having been christened in St John's Church and attended St John's School. I have brought up my family here and I work in Swindon too. > I have been a parish councillor for ten years and was elected as Chairman of the Parish Council in 2020. > I am standing for election as District Councillor because I know that I can make a difference, improving the lives of people in Swindon, Himley, Gospel End, Baggeridge, Hinksford and Smestow. > In Swindon, over the years, I have already made improvements – adding fresh flower planters in the village, placing benches around the village, installing speed indicator devices to monitor speeding on the roads and a new flagpole outside the community centre. I have sourced funding for solar panelling for the community centre, which enables the centre to pay for itself, thus keeping council tax low. All this was done as a volunteer, in my spare time. > I'd love to broaden my reach now by representing the other parts of the ward. > The three biggest issues that I'm hearing about on the doorstep are: > The building of 115 houses on the Green Belt in Himley, which I'm fighting with the help of our MP, Mike Wood, and the District Council. > Speeding on our roads – we have around 40,000 cars travelling through Swindon every month. So I've installed speed indicator devices around the village, I'm reintroducing Community Speed Watch sessions and I'm arranging for CCTV to be reintroduced so as to keep the village safe. > Anti-social behaviour – Baggeridge village and Himley have been targeted by groups which are a nuisance for local people. I will be working with the police and the District Council to find ways to stop this. > I love helping the community – my community – and really hope to be elected on Thursday, so that I can do even more for the residents of the beautiful ward of Himley and Swindon." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20260530_152551.jpg) ### **Bhanu Dhir (Green Party)** > "I am Bhanu Dhir and I have lived in South Staffordshire for over 33 years after marrying a local lass in 1990\. I am now retired after a 47-year career spanning the private, public and voluntary sectors, in paid and unpaid roles. I ran small businesses and learned first hand how the odds are stacked against their success. I worked within education, IT and different consultancies which gave me an insight into the UK economy and how sustainable growth can be achieved. > I have become disillusioned by the way our politics works: it seems that the few control things and make the rules whilst the rest of us are pushed to one side. I decided to stand in the Himley & Swindon by-election because I think we deserve better representation focused on what local people need. > I think the biggest issues facing local residents are a lack of a local voice and the dominance of corporations in our daily lives. > People are unhappy that their needs are being overlooked and I want to represent them by challenging current practices that exclude local small businesses, local jobs for young people and favour an approach that benefits central government and large, often foreign-owned businesses. I would like to challenge procurement rules and encourage local small businesses to get involved and prosper. As they grow I would like to incentivise them to employ local young people and provide the on-the-job and social skills they need to thrive. I have done something similar before when I was President of a local Chamber of Commerce. > As a Green candidate I oppose the meaningless destruction of our countryside and the corruption of our local ethos and I will ensure there is more visibility to any cost benefit analysis for any future plans so that the impact on local people is fully understood and accounted for. > We have had enough of being ignored and I look forward to being held accountable for the wellbeing of local residents." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/ad14a949068e641a6e0479ee9723645e-1.jpg) ### **Denis Beaumont (Labour & Co-operative)** > "Himley and Swindon are two important population centres in South Staffordshire which has suffered particular damage from the neglect of fourteen years of Conservative government. To this is now added the chaos of a Reform County Council which has concentrated on a nationalist agenda which divides people and stirs up hatred, whilst ignoring the issues for which it is actually responsible. > Government grants for pothole repairs have been misspent, while a £40 million schools deficit has mounted, and funds dissipated on council chamber bouncers. The Green Belt has been attacked, the Botterham civic tip has closed intermittently while Reform councillors, mired in their 1950s world view, stood by. > These are all issues of local government close to the needs of local people. > What has Reform done this summer? It has suspended or replaced its leadership, fussed about flags, raided libraries for subversive books and amid all this chaos issued a turgid document calling for discriminatory practices against women and for the wearing of suits and ties. > The time has come for serious representation in our district – representation which restores community spirit and cooperation, which puts the needs of local people above that of narrow sectionalism. > Our Labour Co-op candidate will urge the restoration of our village high streets, the protection of our green spaces, schools and libraries. > Denis Beaumont, who actually lives in the area and who taught at Swindon St John's for 16 years, stands for broad-based community engagement and an end to narrow factionalism." The full list of candidates standing in the Himley & Swindon by-election is below: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-14--2026--08_25_55-PM.png) Its worth emphasising that The Staffordshire Signal contacted all seven candidates with the same opportunity to contribute. Responses were received from Denis Beaumont, Bhanu Dhir and Sean Massey before the publication deadline. No responses were received from the remaining candidates in time for publication. Polling stations will be open between **7am and 10pm** on **Thursday 16th July**, with the result expected to be declared shortly after the count concludes. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Packmoor Masterplan progresses despite significant public opposition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/packmoor-masterplan-progresses-despite-significant-public-opposition/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T07:00:08.000Z Despite months of consultation, petitions and public meetings, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Cabinet has approved the next stage of the Packmoor Masterplan, paving the way for proposals that could eventually deliver more than 800 new homes. The decision, taken by Cabinet on Tuesday, endorses **Option 4** of the Packmoor Masterplan, pushing forward the development of housing on greenbelt alongside accompanying infrastructure. The proposals have proved among the most controversial regeneration plans in Stoke-on-Trent in recent years. Throughout the consultation process, residents raised concerns over the scale of development, the loss of green space, increased traffic, pressure on schools and GP surgeries, and whether the consultation genuinely reflected community opinion. One of the most vocal critics has been Great Chell and Packmoor ward Councillor David Mountford, who last year resigned from the Labour Party and became the Potteries Party's first elected councillor, citing a number of reasons, including concerns surrounding the handling of the Packmoor Masterplan. Speaking to The Staffordshire Signal before the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Mountford said his biggest concern had always been whether the process genuinely reflected local opinion. > "Throughout this process I have spoken to hundreds of residents on the doorstep, attended countless meetings, received hundreds of emails and messages, and the overwhelming message has consistently been that residents favour Option 5 – the 'Do Nothing' option. > "While I welcome the fact that consultation has taken place, I remain concerned that many residents feel their views have not been given the weight they deserve. A consultation should not simply be an exercise in gathering opinions; people rightly expect to see how those opinions have influenced the final recommendations." He added that he had raised concerns through the council's scrutiny process regarding transparency, infrastructure, traffic, environmental impacts and the way consultation options were presented. Following Cabinet's decision, Cllr Mountford accused the authority of pressing ahead despite widespread opposition from residents. In a statement published after the meeting, he said: > "Today's wasn't a victory for democracy. It was a victory for top down politics." He continued: > "Months of scrutiny. Hundreds of conversations on doorsteps. Public meetings. Petitions. Consultation responses. Residents giving up their own time because they care about their community. > "Ignored." Cllr Mountford also revealed that the council's Monitoring Officer had advised Cabinet that a decision should not be taken while a Stage 2 complaint relating to the process was progressing to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Despite that, Cabinet proceeded with the decision. Reflecting on why he chose to leave the Labour Party, Cllr Mountford told The Staffordshire Signalthe Packmoor Masterplan had become symbolic of wider concerns. > "The decision to leave the Labour Party was based on a number of factors rather than one single issue. However, the handling of the Packmoor Masterplan undoubtedly became symbolic of a wider frustration about local democracy and the relationship between decision makers and the communities they represent. > "As a ward councillor my first duty is to the residents who elected me. When I believed their voices were not being adequately reflected, I felt I had to stand with them." While strongly opposing the current proposals, Cllr Mountford acknowledged the wider housing challenge facing the city. > "There is no doubt that any development on this scale would permanently change Packmoor. > "Residents have consistently raised concerns about increased traffic, pressure on GP surgeries, schools and other public services, the loss of valued green space and the impact on the character of the village. > "Equally, I recognise that Stoke-on-Trent needs new homes. My argument has never been against housing itself but that development must be genuinely sustainable, infrastructure-led and command public confidence." He had urged Cabinet to adopt Option 5, which would have paused the current proposals. > "Listening to consultation responses only has value if those responses are capable of influencing the final decision." The Staffordshire Signal also approached Great Chell & Packmoor ward Councillor Sue Akkurt for comment ahead of the decision. No response was received before our deadline. Although Cabinet has now approved the Masterplan, the process is not yet complete. The proposals will still be incorporated into the city's emerging Local Plan, which must be considered through the statutory planning process, including examination by an independent Planning Inspector. Any future development proposals would also require planning applications, each subject to their own public consultation and determination. For supporters, the Masterplan represents an opportunity to deliver much-needed housing and investment in northern Stoke-on-Trent. For the many residents who opposed the proposals, however, this week's decision will be seen as another step towards a development they have campaigned against for months. We will continue to follow developments as they emerge. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: Local Plan decision, a Hanley fire, and dancing for Dougie Mac URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-staffordshire-signal-weekly-local-plan-decision-a-hanley-fire-and-dancing-for-dougie-mac/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:02:26.000Z *Dear readers, we've been listening. We tried a digital newspaper format, and honestly, most of you weren't keen (whoops, sorry about that). So from this week, we're doing things differently, a proper weekly newspaper feel, delivered as a digital digest, with the full stories always a click away on the site.* *It's been a big seven days for local democracy, a fire that shut down part of Hanley, and a dozen business owners about to swap suits for dance shoes. Here's what mattered across Staffordshire this week.* *Let us know what you think of this new format, there's a two minute survey at the bottom of this edition.* *Away from the desk today, I've been at Screen Staffordshire, then I went to Middleport Pottery to see it being used as a film location, quite something to watch happen. And I'm properly looking forward to the Big Staffy Stroll this weekend, if you're bringing a dog, or just fancy meeting a lot of them, do come and say hello.* *Until next Wednesday.* *Jenna* ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Keele Business School wins top honour at Midlands Education Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-business-school-wins-top-honour-at-midlands-education-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T17:59:45.000Z The award celebrates higher education providers that combine academic excellence with an exceptional widening participation programme, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and providing the support they need to thrive. The Midlands Education Awards recognise the educators, leaders, institutions and organisations transforming lives through education across the region. The accolade highlights Keele Business School's commitment to inspiring future leaders through innovative teaching, strong partnerships, impactful research, and an approach that places social responsibility at the heart of business education. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/KBS1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/team-winner-on-stage3.jpg) Accepting the award on behalf of the School, Director of Keele Business School, Dr Scott Bambrick said: > > “At Keele Business School, we have a strong sense of purpose. We are committed to inspiring and preparing future leaders to act with social responsibility, while contributing knowledge, opportunities, and expertise that support positive societal impact and economic growth in our region and beyond. We are proud that our ambitions and achievements continue to gain recognition on a regional, national, and international stage. > > “This award belongs to our dedicated staff, students and it would not be possible without support from colleagues throughout Keele University and a wider community of stakeholders. Together, we are demonstrating the transformative power of higher education when it is rooted in purpose, partnership, and impact. > > “Thank you to the Midlands Education Awards for this recognition, and congratulations to all the other finalists and winners." > > Clearing is now open for prospective students looking to apply for 2026 entry. If you are considering your options, Keele Business School is welcoming applications and our teams are on hand to support applicants in finding the right course and next steps for their future. Visit [www.keele.ac.uk/clearing](https://www.keele.ac.uk/clearing/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) for more information. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Council pressure leads to new plans for historic Leopard Hotel URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-pressure-leads-to-new-plans-for-historic-leopard-hotel/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T17:49:21.000Z The Grade II-listed Leopard Hotel in Burslem played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution and was once known as the “Savoy of the Midlands”. It was badly damaged by a major fire in January 2022. The application from the building’s owners follows continued pressure from the council for them to take action and comes as wider work continues to tackle neglected historic properties in private ownership across Stoke-on-Trent. The proposed development sets out a range of options, dependent on the building’s condition after safety works, with a clear focus on retaining and restoring as much of the historic fabric as possible, including the landmark frontage. ![The Grade II-listed Leopard Hotel in Burslem](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DJI_0197.jpg) The Grade II-listed Leopard Hotel in Burslem The Leopard occupies an important place in the story of the Industrial Revolution. In 1765 it hosted the first meeting between Josiah Wedgwood, Thomas Bentley, Erasmus Darwin and James Brindley, which ultimately led to the construction of the Trent and Mersey Canal. The council has identified protecting heritage buildings as a key priority as part of its response to the city’s heritage emergency. Bringing prominent historic buildings back into use helps preserve the city’s heritage, support regeneration, attract investment and strengthen local economies. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “The Leopard is one of the most important historic buildings in Stoke-on-Trent and its future matters not just to Burslem, but to the wider city. > “We have consistently made it very clear to the owners that we expect to see meaningful progress and that we will not hesitate to use enforcement powers where necessary. > “It is essential that any proposals are of a suitable standard and we will now assess the application in detail before making a decision. > “We hope these proposals prove to be acceptable, realistic and deliverable. If that is not the case, we will not hesitate to use all powers at our disposal to secure the future of the building, up to and including carrying out remedial works and recovering the costs from the property owner. > “Saving heritage buildings like The Leopard is as much a major economic driver as protecting bricks and mortar. These buildings help define the character of our towns, support regeneration and can play an important role in attracting investment, visitors and new opportunities into our communities. > “Plans are welcome, but physical progress is what matters. We have a clear expectation that this site is not allowed to deteriorate further and we will continue to use all powers available to us to secure its future.” The plans will be published in due course and residents will have the opportunity to comment. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Strictly Knot Dancing Returns for 2026 with New Contestants Ready to Dance for Dougie Mac URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/strictly-knot-dancing-returns-for-2026-with-new-contestants-ready-to-dance-for-dougie-mac/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T15:54:39.000Z Following the phenomenal success of last year's event, which raised an incredible £145,000 for the Dougie Mac Hospice, Strictly Knot Dancing is officially back for 2026. Representing a diverse range of businesses and organisations from across the county, this year's contestants have volunteered to step well outside their comfort zones, dedicating the next few months to learning to dance and raising vital funds for the Dougie Mac Hospice before taking to the stage at The King's Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday 6th November 2026. The 2026 contestants officially began their Strictly journey this week as they gathered for their first Meet & Greet with the professional dancers. It was the first opportunity for the contestants to meet one another and begin what promises to be an unforgettable few months of fundraising, rehearsals and plenty of hard work ahead of the live show. The contestants taking to the dance floor this year are: • Shanie Chaudry-Goodall, M Investment Group • Jenny Johnston, KMF Group • Claire Garner, JCB • Karen McKenzie, Dougie Mac • Julie Mirowski, Rydale Roofing • Claire Chidlow, HTC Solutions Ltd • Matt Holdcroft, Holdcroft Heating • Gabriel Daniels, The Hair House • Matt Hustwit, DJH • Stuart Elford, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce • Stuart Heath, Red Earth Farm • Mark Inskip, RBC Brewin Dolphin ![2026 Strictly Knott Dancing Contestants](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/2026-Strictly-Knot-Dancing-Contestants.jpg) 2026 Strictly Knott Dancing Contestants *2026 Strictly Knot Dancing Contestants – (L to R) Matt Hustwit, Claire Chidlow, Gabriel Daniels, Julie Mirowski, Matt Holdcroft, Mark Inskip, Shanie Chaudry-Goodall, Stuart Elford, Claire Garner, Jenny Johnston, Karen McKenzie & Stuart Heath.* Supporting the contestants throughout their journey will be an exceptional team of professional dancers, including **Cameron & Viktoriia Robinson, Matt & Beth Keeble, and Max Appleby & Beth Gardner**, who will coach, inspire and prepare the contestants for their performances. Behind the scenes, the event is once again being brought together by the dedicated Knot Events team, with invaluable support from Ollie Hand and everyone at The Sanctuary Dance School. Their passion, expertise and commitment will help guide the contestants throughout their dance journey and ensure another spectacular evening of entertainment, all in aid of the Dougie Mac Hospice. The live event will take place on Friday 6th November 2026 at The King's Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, where contestants will perform in front of a packed audience and a panel of judges, all while raising vital funds for the hospice. Tickets are expected to sell quickly and will be released in the coming weeks. Jenny Johnston, People and Culture Manager at KMF Group, said: "Last year's winner has certainly set the standard, so there's a little bit of pressure! Watching my boss win the competition has definitely inspired me, and I'd love nothing more than to be just as successful. More importantly though, I'm excited to take on the challenge, learn something completely new and raise as much money as possible for the Dougie Mac Hospice. It's such an incredible local charity, and I can't wait to get started." David Webster, Chief Executive of the Dougie Mac Hospice, said: "Strictly Knot Dancing has become one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Last year's incredible £145,000 has already helped us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families when they need us most. We simply couldn't achieve this without the dedication of every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter involved. "I'm delighted to be returning to the judging panel this year and I'm really looking forward to watching our new contestants develop over the coming months. There will no doubt be plenty of laughs, a few nerves and some fantastic performances along the way. I wish every contestant the very best of luck... and may the best dancer win!" Strictly Knot Dancing has quickly established itself as one of Staffordshire's most anticipated charity events, bringing together the county's business community for an evening of outstanding entertainment while raising vital funds for the Dougie Mac Hospice. Tickets for Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 will be released shortly. Follow the official Strictly Knot Dancing social media channels for the latest contestant updates, fundraising news and ticket announcements. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Thousands flock to Stafford’s Party in the Park and annual Duck Race URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/thousands-flock-to-staffords-party-in-the-park-and-annual-duck-race/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T15:11:50.000Z The free event took place on Saturday 11th July, bringing crowds together for live music, food, activities, stalls, funfair rides and entertainment throughout the park. The summer weather provided the perfect setting for the community celebration, with families enjoying a scorching hot day in one of Stafford’s best-known green spaces. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387460445_cdc94cfcae.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386130277_1d78e1b479.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386131647_06b1dcf1d6.jpg) The highlight of the afternoon was the annual Duck Race, which is run in support of The Rotary Club of Stafford Knot. At 3pm, thousands of brightly coloured ducks were released onto the River Sow. A large crowd gathered along both sides of the riverbank to watch and cheer as the ducks slowly made their way downstream. The gentle flow of the river meant the race progressed at a leisurely pace, giving spectators plenty of time to follow the ducks and see which would eventually reach the finish line. Among those attending the event were Rugeley Town Crier Adrian Basford. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387252019_b86e35ce36.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386131032_5968038155.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386130982_62f4fb9951-1.jpg) Party in the Park once again provided an opportunity for residents and visitors to enjoy a free day of entertainment while supporting the work of The Rotary Club of Stafford Knot. **Photography: Ian Knight / Z70 Photography** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387063266_9916ddecbd.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387196178_c7457035d8.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387460960_65353ee9af.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387196253_a0fb86ae71.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386130752_74b0cd5522.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386130782_4a1005c4bf.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386130822_b16767d88a.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387063521_f0d0cea606.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387063601_8216dd98b6.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387461485_bfbff59404.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387251434_977c7d78fa.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387196858_7410baea02.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387461805_e2915ce7e5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387460390_fc4eb7e4be.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55386131537_ae0f6ab2eb.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/55387462090_790cf7954f.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New images show MyActive Cheadle redevelopment plans ahead of 60th Birthday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-images-show-myactive-cheadle-redevelopment-plans-ahead-of-60th-birthday/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T14:22:14.000Z Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is funding the upgrade and modernisation of the leisure centre as part of the programme of transforming leisure facilities across the area led by the Leisure Working Group chaired by Councillor Ian Plant. Once considered for demolition and being turned into housing in 2020, this community-funded facility has now been secured for future generations. The design will also incorporate renewable energy sources to guarantee future sustainability. Importantly, all current staff will be retained during the refurbishment. The plans include: - A brand-new fitness suite bringing together the two existing spaces - A new dedicated, immersive indoor cycling studio - A new large additional group exercise studio - A fully-refurbished four court sports hall - A new active wellbeing suite focused on supporting people just starting out, being referred for exercise by their GP or health professional, or who may be recovering from surgery or illness - Fully refurbished wet and dry changing facilities ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Cheadle-V2-3-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/P6248-Render-View-_1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/P6248-Render-View-_4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/P6248-Render-View-_6-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/P6248-Render-View-_3.jpg) New images show MyActive Cheadle redevelopment plans The Council and its leisure partner, MyActive, now want to hear what people think of the emerging plans as the project moves to the next stage of the design process. Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: > “I’m delighted to share these images showing what people can expect from these major improvements at MyActive Cheadle. > “The centre is much-loved but in need of significant investment so it’s good to be progressing with the development of the plans. I’d like to thank the working group for their efforts to get us this exciting next stage. > “We want to provide everyone in the Moorlands with the opportunity to move more every day and to lead active lives so it’s important that the people who use the centre, and those will use it the future, are able to help shape what we deliver in Cheadle. > “More information about what we’re planning is available [on the Council’s website](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/MyActive-Cheadle-Leisure-Centre-Redevelopment?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and on display boards inside the centre. We’re also asking people to complete a short online survey to tell us what they think about the proposals and share their views and we look forward to hearing your thoughts.” The survey is open until midnight on Sunday 26 July. Responses will then be considered as the project moves to the next design stage. The refurbishment timeline aligns perfectly with a historic milestone: MyActive Cheadle is expected to fully reopen just in time for its 60th birthday in September of next year. Local councillors are already advocating for a proper community birthday bash to mark the occasion. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Rugeley Photographer Captures Heartwarming National Rare Disease Conference URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rugeley-photographer-captures-heartwarming-national-rare-disease-conference/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T14:01:49.000Z Elisa Matei, the creative force behind Rugeley-based Deer Rugeley, headed to the Wychwood Park Hotel in Crewe on Saturday, 4 July 2026\. Her mission was to document the landmark Kleefstra Syndrome UK National Family Conference. Charged with capturing the deeply emotional and celebratory moments of over 30 families from the Kleefstra syndrome community. Deer Rugeley, the photographer provided a vital visual voice to a community navigating life with one of the UK’s rarest medical conditions. Kleefstra syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microscopic deletion on chromosome 9 or a mutation in the EHMT1 gene. It typically results in global developmental delays, intellectual disability, weak muscle tone, and significant speech and language difficulties, with some children remaining non-verbal. Because the syndrome is so rare, families frequently face an uncertain journey, navigating complex physical and neurological challenges with limited knowledge of how the condition may progress in their child. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5914-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6587-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6664-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6741-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6820.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6868-Enhanced-NR.jpg) The national charity behind the event is led by Chairperson Wendy Hocking. For Hocking, the battle is entirely personal. Her journey began in 2014 when her eldest grandson, William, was diagnosed with the condition just after his first birthday. > "When William was diagnosed, the sheer rarity of the condition left his parents with so many terrifying questions," Hocking reflects. > "Through the original support network, our family found an absolute lifeline, seeing my son and daughter-in-law connect with other families in the exact same position, changing everything for us. It redefined our understanding of support." When the charity’s original founders stepped down in 2021 after more than a decade of voluntary service, Hocking refused to let the vital lifeline vanish. Drawing upon her extensive career as a Chief Executive in the voluntary sector, she stepped directly into the leadership breach. Under Hocking’s strategic guidance, the organization underwent a massive professional transformation. In July 2023, she spearheaded its restructuring into a formal Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which culminated in achieving formal UK Charity Commission registration (No. 1208059) on 30 April 2024\. Despite the rarity of Kleefstra syndrome, the charity now supports almost 200 families across England and Wales and is connected to a worldwide community of more than 900 affected families, helping ensure no one faces the condition alone. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5301-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5914-Enhanced-NR-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8124-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8175-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_8200-Enhanced-NR.jpg) Last weekend's conference in Crewe showcased Hocking's commitment to combining expert guidance with family-centred support. Alongside presentations from specialists in speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, gastroenterology and sleep, attendees heard new research findings on regression and mental health challenges associated with Kleefstra syndrome. Parent discussion groups and family-led talks provided a valuable forum for families to share experiences, practical advice and mutual support. While parents spent the day attending specialist presentations and participating in parent discussion workshops, their children and siblings were supported by The Wingate Centre in a SEND-tailored, sensory-friendly environment. A family disco led by DJ Jay proved a particular highlight. Using Makaton signing, music and inclusive dance activities, he encouraged children of all abilities to join in, stepping off the stage to dance alongside them. He also spent time chatting with the children, who were fascinated by his headset microphone and eager to try it on for themselves "*For families affected by rare diseases, connection can be just as important as information.*" says Hocking. > "*Our goal is to ensure that while the genetic deletion these children carry may be microscopic, the voice, hope, and future of their community is anything but.*" For Elisa Matei behind the lens, the assignment carried profound professional and emotional weight. > "Documenting this weekend wasn't just about taking beautiful portraits; it was about capturing proof of community," Matei said. > "Seeing these children communicate triumphs without words, and watching parents finally share a room with people who truly understand their daily lives, was deeply moving. I am incredibly proud to use my lens to help Kleefstra Syndrome UK tell this vital story. > "The permanent visual archive captured by Deer Rugeley will be utilized by the charity to drive national awareness campaigns, expand fundraising efforts, and support newly diagnosed families across the globe." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_7031-Enhanced-NR--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5445-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_5767-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_6180-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/IMG_7031-Enhanced-NR.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Retired Firefighter Digs Deep for Poppy Appeal With JCB Badge URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/retired-firefighter-digs-deep-for-poppy-appeal-with-jcb-badge/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T13:18:20.000Z Kelvin Chell, from Audley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has designed a bespoke JCB digger-themed pin badge with all proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. JCB and Fenton-based JCB supplier Rayne Engineering have joined forces to fund production of 1,300 of the badges, which will be available for a minimum donation of £4. Kelvin has a long track record of raising funds for military charities through his bespoke badge designs, having raised more than £140,000 in six years for the Poppy Appeal. The badges will initially go on sale at the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun run from 6pm on Thursday, July 9th, when hundreds of racers are expected to compete in the popular evening five-mile race and two-mile fun run course around the JCB World Headquarters at Rocester. ![JCB-themed badge for the Poppy Appeal](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC_4325-1.jpg) JCB-themed badge for the Poppy Appeal Kelvin said: > “I wanted to do something with a JCB theme to co-oincide with the company’s 80th anniversary year and because JCB is one of the great British success stories based in my home county of Staffordshire. It’s fantastic to have the support of both JCB and Rayne Engineering to bring the project to life. Every badge sold will help support veterans and their families, which is something very close to my heart.” Andrew Simmell, owner of Rayne Engineering, added: > “We’re proud to support Kelvin’s efforts and to play a part in such an important cause. The Poppy Appeal does incredible work supporting the Armed Forces community, and this badge is a brilliant way to raise both funds and awareness.” The official launch took place at JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, attended by JCB employees Karl Sutton, who served with the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment and Tim Constantino, who served with the 16th 5th Queen’s Royal Lancers. Also at the unveiling was retired JCB employee Gil Mould, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attached to the Army Air Corps and is now a member of the Cheadle branch of the Royal British Legion. Tim Constantino said: > “It is a real privilege to be involved in launching this initiative. Kelvin’s commitment to fundraising is inspiring, and these badges are a great tribute to both JCB and the Armed Forces community. I hope they prove hugely popular.” Annemarie Jones, Regional Poppy Appeal Manager for the Northeast and Northwest Midlands, said: > “We are really grateful for Kelvin’s support over many years and we are very pleased that JCB and Rayne Engineering are contributing towards this year’s great fundraising initiative.” The fundraising effort continues JCB’s long-standing support for the Royal British Legion, including the unveiling of a special poppy-themed machine which was auctioned for the charity in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Armistice. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC_4372.jpg) Caption: Pictured left to right at the launch are Andrew Simmill, of Rayne Engineering; Annmarie Jones of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal; JCB employee Karl Sutton, retired firefighter Kelvin Chell; JCB employee Tim Constantino; Lord Bamford and retired JCB employee Gil Mould of the Cheadle branch of the Royal British Legion. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Chair appointed to help shape Pride in Place investment in Meir North URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/chair-appointed-to-help-shape-pride-in-place-investment-in-meir-north/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T13:05:26.000Z Catherine Kilvington, who was selected following a competitive recruitment process, has more than 10 years of experience leading projects, managing change and bringing people together. She will chair a board that brings together residents, businesses, community groups and local partners. This represents a major opportunity to influence how investment is delivered over the next decade. It will identify local priorities and projects, making sure investment is directed where it can make the biggest difference. The board ensures that local people have a strong voice in decisions about future improvements to their area. Meir North is one of three areas in the city selected by government to receive up to £20 million of Pride in Place funding to build better, safer neighbourhoods in a way that builds pride, brings people together and creates brighter futures for everyone. Catherine has lived in Stoke-on-Trent and grew up in and around the city, including working in broadcasting on Signal 1\. Through her work with families and community groups, she has built strong relationships across local areas, including Meir North. She is passionate about ensuring people feel supported and involved in shaping their communities. Her SEND advocacy and parent support work has also seen her work closely with families across Stoke-on-Trent. This includes helping them navigate complex systems, attending local coffee mornings and community events, and ensuring parents and carers feel empowered and connected. Catherine said: > “I don’t see this role as leading a community. I see it as standing alongside one. I can’t wait to get started working with local people and helping to shape how this investment is spent. > “Stoke-on-Trent has always held a special place in my heart. I grew up spending a lot of time in the city and developed a real affection for its people. > “I have built strong relationships with families across Stoke-on-Trent, including Meir North, supporting parents, attending SEND coffee mornings, community fun days and contributing to wider conversations that help strengthen local communities. > “I will listen first, build trust, champion local voices and help turn ideas into positive action so that Meir North continues to be a place people are proud to call home.” Councillor Lauren Davison, ward member for Meir North, said: > “The success of Pride in Place depends on local people having a genuine say in how investment is used. > “The new board will play an important role in bringing together residents, community groups and partners, so we’re pleased that Catherine has agreed to take on the role of chair. > “I look forward to working together to ensure this investment delivers real benefits for Meir North.” Dr Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: > "I'm delighted to see the Meir North Pride in Place Board now being established. The Board will bring local people right into the heart of the conversation about what comes next for Meir North. > I'm also pleased that Catherine has been appointed as Chair. She brings a real passion for community engagement and a strong track record of working with local people, and I know she'll do a fantastic job bringing voices together as the Board begins its work." Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: > “I’d like to congratulate Catherine on her appointment and I’m confident she’ll do an excellent job empowering the local community to drive this programme forward. > “Pride in Place is about helping communities take back control. It’s about putting communities first - giving local people the power and flexibility to shape their future, backed by long-term funding and the support they need to create lasting change.” Anyone who wants to get involved in the programme can find out more at: [www.stoke.gov.uk/pipmeirnorth](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/pipmeirnorth?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Proposed new care home contracts approach would benefit residents with flexible system based on public and provider feedback URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/proposed-new-care-home-contracts-approach-would-benefit-residents-with-flexible-system-based-on-public-and-provider-feedback/ Last updated: 2026-07-19T11:28:50.000Z If approved by the council’s ruling cabinet, the new model would come into effect from 17 August 2026 and apply to both existing residents and new care home placements across the city. Under the new approach, the council would move to a more flexible system of individual placement agreements for each resident, replacing a single overarching contract model. There would be a simpler approach to payments for care providers, with fees paid directly and inclusive of residents’ assessed contributions, therefore reducing the administration burden on care homes. The proposals follow a period of public consultation and engagement with care providers, helping to shape proposals that reflect both the needs of residents and the realities of the care market. Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for adult social care and all age commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “These proposals are designed to create a fairer, more flexible system that puts residents at the heart of care arrangements while also reducing unnecessary bureaucracy for providers.” Cabinet will decide whether to approve the new care home contracts model when it meets on Tuesday July 14. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Keele researcher secures funding to help treat war-related burn injuries in Ukraine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-researcher-secures-funding-to-help-treat-war-related-burn-injuries-in-ukraine/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T11:15:05.000Z Dr Oksana Kehoe has partnered with researchers at Ternopil National Medical University, in Ukraine, on a project investigating innovative cell-free regenerative therapies for burn wounds. The collaboration is one of only 22 projects selected for support through the Seed Funding Programme within the Twinning Initiative administered by Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG), chosen from 234 applications submitted by universities and research institutions across Ukraine and around the world. The research addresses an urgent healthcare challenge in Ukraine, where the number of complex burn and blast-related injuries has increased significantly following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022\. Burn injuries are associated with a high risk of complications, including infections, organ failure, and psychological trauma. The project will examine the effectiveness of cell-free regenerative medicine approaches that could improve wound healing and support better clinical decision-making for patients with severe burns. Dr Kehoe, Reader in Inflammation Biology at Keele University, said the war in Ukraine had made the research “*more urgent and clinically relevant*.” > “Ukrainian hospitals are treating increasing numbers of military personnel and civilians with blast-related burns, contaminated wounds, tissue loss, infection complications, delayed healing, and severe scarring,” she said. > “These are often combined with injuries that damage arteries and veins, fractures, or soft-tissue defects, making treatment especially complex. This reality has directed the project toward advanced regenerative approaches for difficult wartime wounds. > “While standard burn care remains essential, there is a strong need for additional treatments alongside standard care that can accelerate wound closure, improve tissue regeneration, reduce excessive inflammation and scarring, prevent tightening of the skin that can restrict movement, and improve long-term recovery.” The UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative has created more than 100 partnerships between UK and Ukrainian universities, helping to strengthen research, education and innovation despite the disruption caused by war. Dr Oksana, who moved to the UK from Ukraine in 2000 after completing her PhD and first postdoctoral position there, added: > “This approach has the potential to support the body's natural healing processes while being easier to produce and deliver than some existing regenerative treatments. > “In Ukraine, where many patients are suffering complex burn injuries caused by explosions and other wartime trauma, it could help address a significant and urgent medical need. > “Although the research is particularly relevant to conflict-related injuries, the therapies being investigated could also have important applications for civilians who suffer severe burns from accidents and fires.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Castle Food & Drink Fest Returns with Two Delicious Summer Events in Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/castle-food-drink-fest-returns-with-two-delicious-summer-events-in-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T11:09:29.000Z The popular event will take over the town centre on Saturday 25th July before returning on Bank Holiday Saturday 29th August, with the second event forming part of Newcastle's Jazz & Blues Festival weekend. Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID in partnership with Independent Street, Castle Food & Drink Fest brings together street food, artisan traders, local businesses and live entertainment in the heart of Newcastle. The first event on Saturday 25th July promises a full day of entertainment from 10am until 4pm. Visitors can enjoy an exciting line up of street food including Chefsey Africana, E.I Foods, Special Persian Dessert, Didsbury Coal and Backyard Burgers, alongside the town's fantastic cafés, restaurants, bars and market traders. Entertainment will run throughout the day with music from 6 Towns Radio, live performances and the debut of Castle Bingo. Taking place at 12 noon and 2pm, the free to play games will give visitors the chance to win a range of prizes to spend with businesses in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Families are well catered for too, with free face painting from 11am until 3pm and a free creative workshop delivered as part of Get Creative in Castle. Artist Holly Johnson will be hosting a tie dye workshop using natural food dyes at the Lancaster Building, giving children and families the chance to create their own colourful designs inspired by the festival. The celebrations continue on Saturday 29th August as Castle Food & Drink Fest returns alongside Newcastle's much-loved Jazz & Blues Festival. Visitors can once again enjoy a fantastic selection of food traders, artisan stalls and family activities, while live music takes centre stage throughout the day from the 6 Towns Radio gazebo. Performances will include Ava Ralph, Nettles, Alisha Jean and more artists to be announced. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Kashmiri-Guys.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Backyard-Burgers.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Castle-Food---Drink-Fest---Saffa-Soul.jpg) Charlotte Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > “Whether you're a foodie or simply looking for a great day out, Castle Food & Drink Fest is the perfect excuse to spend a summer Saturday in Newcastle. There's nothing better than enjoying delicious food in the sunshine, listening to live music and soaking up the atmosphere around the town centre. > We're especially excited to bring Castle Food & Drink Fest back over the August Bank Holiday as part of our Jazz & Blues Festival weekend. With fantastic live music filling the streets and an incredible selection of street food and local businesses to discover, it's set to create a brilliant atmosphere right across the town. > We've got some seriously tasty traders joining us this year, so our only advice is to come hungry... and maybe wear something with a stretchy waistband!" More details, trader announcements and entertainment schedules will be released over the coming weeks. Follow [@NewcastleBID](mailto:https://www.instagram.com/newcastlebid/) and [@CastleFoodandDrink](mailto:https://www.instagram.com/castlefoodanddrink/) on social media for the latest updates. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent launches bid for Bee Friendly City status URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-launches-bid-for-bee-friendly-city-status/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T11:06:00.000Z A new campaign aims to create a network of pollinator-friendly spaces across the city. It builds on work already taking place across Stoke-on-Trent, including the creation of wildflower meadows, naturalised grassland areas and wildlife-friendly planting in parks, nature reserves and other green spaces. As part of the bid, residents are being invited to share the steps they are taking to support bees and other pollinators, from planting nectar-rich flowers to creating wild areas and reducing pesticide use. The information will be added to a city-wide map of bee friendly activities to support the bid. A Bee Friendly City event will take place at Burslem Park on 1 August, giving residents the chance to find out more about the campaign and discover ways they can get involved. The Bee Friendly Awards is organised by the Bee Friendly Trust and recognises towns and cities that are taking action to support bees and other pollinating insects. Bees and other pollinators are essential for many wildflowers, plants and crops. Evidence shows many bee species are in decline, making the creation of new habitats increasingly important. The top three things residents can do to help bees are: - Create a pollinator pitstop with nectar-rich flowers where bees and other pollinating insects can stop to refuel. - Let it grow wild by leaving part of a lawn or green space unmown. - Avoid pesticides that can harm bees and other pollinators. Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Bee Friendly City champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “I’m buzzing for the city to get started on becoming a Bee Friendly City > “We know how much people care about where they live and this is something everyone can get involved in. > “You don’t need a large garden or lots of space to help pollinators. A few bee-friendly plants, a window box or even leaving part of your garden to grow naturally can make a real difference. > “There’s already some brilliant work happening across Stoke-on-Trent and this campaign is about bringing it all together, celebrating it and encouraging even more people to get involved.” Residents, businesses and organisations can let the council know about the steps they are taking to support pollinators by emailing Climate and Nature Officer Liz Peck at [liz.peck@stoke.gov.uk](mailto:liz.peck@stoke.gov.uk). Activities will be added to the city’s Bee Friendly map. More information about the Bee Friendly City campaign, including advice and resources, is available at [www.stoke.gov.uk/beefriendly](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/beefriendly?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/image003--2-.jpg) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Outdoor Toddler Area With Slides and Music Set To Open At Hockerhill URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-outdoor-toddler-area-with-slides-and-music-set-to-open-at-hockerhill/ Last updated: 2026-07-13T10:59:11.000Z Ever since Hockerhill opened its doors in 2024, the high-end playbarn has become a popular destination for families to spend time together, host birthday parties and, most importantly, play. The new development has been designed and created by world-class playground designers [CAP.CO](http://cap.co/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) (Creating Adventurous Places), who have been involved with bringing the dream of Hockerhill to life from its earliest beginnings. Charlie Giffard, co-founder of Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn and custodian of Chillington Hall and Estate, said: > “We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to improve the experience at Hockerhill for everyone. Our visitors love the outdoor area and we are sure that these new updates will make it better than ever. > “Work on the updates will begin this month and the indoor areas and cafe will still be open for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming people into the new space in time for the summer holidays.” Freddie Egan, lead designer at [CAP.CO](http://cap.co/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) said > “Having been involved with Hockerhill from the very beginning, it’s great to see the play experience continue to evolve. The new areas create opportunities for younger children to explore and play in a space specifically designed for them, while adding an additional dimension to the overall experience and ensuring there is even more for families with children of all ages to enjoy.” The designs will bring a fresh new look to the outside area with the sandpit moving to a more spacious location and creating space for a dedicated toddler zone, designed specifically for children aged 0–4 years. The new section will provide a safe, engaging and stimulating environment where younger children can develop confidence, coordination and creativity through play. A variety of age-appropriate slides, play features and interactive musical instruments will be incorporated throughout the new shaded toddler zone, creating opportunities for little ones to explore with their senses and imaginations. There is so much to do at Hockerhill including exploring bridges, tunnels, high-level walkways and slides. For thrill-seekers there is also a pedal go-kart track, where drivers can channel their inner race car driver, on the winding tarmac track. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and be completed by the second week of July, with minimal disruption to existing facilities during the development period. Further updates on the project and opening dates will be shared through the play centre's website and social media channels as work progresses. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Decision Day Looms For Tunstall's Empty Library URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/decision-day-looms-for-tunstalls-empty-library/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T14:44:55.000Z For decades, the former Tunstall Library, Public Baths and Drill Hall have stood as proud reminders of Tunstall’s industrial past. Their distinctive red-brick facades still dominate Tower Square, but behind the impressive Victorian architecture lies a collection of Grade II listed buildings that have become increasingly vulnerable to neglect, vandalism and the weathering of time. Now, after years of uncertainty, Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Planning Committee is preparing to decide whether one of the largest regeneration proposals Tunstall has seen in years should be given the green light, while the officers recommendation has been to **refuse** the application. The application, submitted by Tunstall Library Developments Ltd, would transform the vacant buildings into a mixed-use development combining heritage restoration with new homes, leisure facilities and commercial space. The proposals include 39 apartments, a public café, restaurant and rooftop bar, a spa and wellbeing facilities within the former baths building, gym and dance studio space, alongside new landscaped public areas intended to reconnect the complex with the surrounding town centre. Rather than replacing the historic buildings, the scheme centres on restoring them. Developers say extensive work has already taken place behind the scenes to make redevelopment possible, including assembling land required for the project and relocating an electricity substation that had prevented earlier proposals from progressing. According to the development team, significant private investment has now been secured alongside £3.5 million of public funding, creating what they describe as a rare opportunity to safeguard the long-term future of the site. Their message is clear: if this opportunity is missed, another may not come along. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/3f4e072b-67c8-4ac8-b74e-8be81037d7a8-1.png) Leaflet released by developers Tunstall Library Developments Ltd In information released ahead of the planning decision, the developers argue that doing nothing would almost certainly see the buildings continue their gradual decline. They point to years of vandalism, anti-social behaviour, water ingress and deterioration, warning that the complex will become increasingly expensive to restore the longer it remains vacant. The leaflet also argues that failure to secure planning permission could have wider consequences beyond the buildings themselves. It suggests investor confidence in Tunstall could suffer, vacant landmark buildings would remain at the heart of the town centre, and the chance to bring millions of pounds of investment, new residents and increased visitor numbers into the area could be lost. By contrast, supporters of the scheme believe it could act as a catalyst for wider regeneration. Alongside preserving important heritage assets, they argue the development would create new homes, attract additional footfall for existing businesses, introduce leisure uses that are currently absent from the town centre and help restore confidence that investment in Tunstall is possible. The restoration of the former library and baths, they say, would not simply preserve history but provide the foundations for a more sustainable future. It is an argument that reflects a wider challenge facing many towns across Staffordshire: how historic buildings can be preserved when restoration costs far exceed what traditional commercial uses can support. However, like many major regeneration proposals involving listed buildings, the application has not progressed without challenge. Planning officers and consultees have examined a wide range of technical matters, including the impact on the listed buildings themselves, parking provision, highways, residential viability and the overall design of the development. As with many significant planning applications, councillors must weigh the public benefits of regeneration against any harm to heritage assets and decide whether the proposals represent an appropriate future for one of the city's most recognisable Victorian landmarks. The site, which was formerly known as the Victoria Institute and Public Baths, was constructed in 1889, and designed by local architect Absalom Reade Wood. It stands as an iconic landmark to both Tunstall and the city as a whole, providing generations with a facility to learn, read and swim. Developers are now making a final appeal before councillors reach their decision. They will be in Tower Square on Saturday 11 July, inviting residents to view the proposals, ask questions and discuss the plans with members of the team ahead of the Planning Committee meeting. Whatever councillors decide, the outcome is likely to shape Tunstall's town centre for decades to come. If permission is granted, work could finally begin on breathing new life into buildings that have sat empty for years. If it is refused, the future becomes far less certain. The buildings would remain vacant while an alternative solution is sought, with no guarantee another scheme capable of funding their restoration will emerge. As the developers themselves argue, opportunities to combine substantial private investment with public funding for heritage-led regeneration are rare - and they believe this may be the best chance these historic buildings have to secure a future. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2025-10-29-171538.jpg) Concept image of what the Library building could look like #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Hanley Fire Sees Six Crews Called to Stafford Street URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hanley-fire-sees-six-crews-called-to-stafford-street/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T13:36:34.000Z Firefighters remain on Stafford Street in Hanley after a major overnight blaze tore through a former NHS building opposite TK Maxx. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.40am on Thursday 9th July following reports of a fire on the first floor of the building. At its height, the incident required six fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms and a fire command vehicle, with crews using aerial platforms to remove roof tiles so they could tackle the fire from above. The affected building, a former NHS primary care centre, sits immediately opposite TK Maxx and back on to the former Yates building, which was itself severely damaged by a major fire in 2024\. The site has recently sat vacant. In a statement provided to The Staffordshire Signal, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: > "We're continuing to have a presence on Stafford Street, Hanley, with the number of crews now reduced to two, alongside an aerial ladder platform. > The electricity supply has been isolated and firefighters are working to dampen down identified hot spots. > We are still working at the scene of a building fire in Stoke-on-Trent. > We were called at 12.40am this morning (Thursday 9th July) to Stafford Street in Hanley following reports of a fire in progress on the first floor of a building. > A total of six crews and two aerial ladder platforms attended the fire, at its peak, along with a fire command vehicle. > The aerial ladder platforms were used to remove roof tiles from the building to enable firefighters to tackle the blaze. > Main jets and hose-reel jets were also in use. > The majority of the fire is now out, with the number of crews now reduced to two, alongside an aerial ladder platform. > The electricity supply has been isolated and firefighters are working to dampen down identified hot spots." No injuries have been reported to our knowledge. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has not released any information regarding the extent of the damage while operations continue. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area while emergency services remain at the scene. Further updates are expected later this week as investigations begin. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/736384453_1704363190687529_3203731820381427091_n.jpg) (Photo by **OnlyDrones*) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/742416837_2125735165026356_1356995086817652981_n.jpg) (Photo by **OnlyDrones*) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Local Plan Approved During Full Council Meeting URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/local-plan-approved-during-full-council-meeting/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T13:27:13.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has formally adopted its Local Plan 2020–2040 after councillors were told rejecting the document could leave the borough open to unprecedented development. After years of consultation, heated debate and significant community opposition, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has formally adopted its Local Plan, paving the way for development across the borough until 2040. At a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 8th July, councillors voted 32 votes to 6 in favour of adopting the Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan 2020–2040, bringing to an end one of the borough's most contentious decisions in recent years. The Local Plan, which councils are required by Government to produce, identifies land for housing, employment, community and environmental protection while ensuring authorities can demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, councils have significantly reduced powers to refuse planning applications, particularly where they cannot demonstrate sufficient housing supply. Throughout the examination process, however, the plan has attracted fierce opposition from residents across the borough over the inclusion of several Green Belt sites. Among the most controversial allocations are proposals for around 900 homes at Keele Golf Course, the housing allocation known as KL15, and the strategic employment site AB2, all of which prompted lengthy campaigns from local residents concerned about the loss of Green Belt, increased traffic and pressure on infrastructure. In May, the independent Planning Inspector published her final report of modification to the plan. While a number of proposed allocations were removed entirely, other sites were retained subject to further evidence and technical reports being commissioned to make them "sound". By the time the Local Plan reached Full Council, councillors were presented with what several described as an impossible situation. Deputy Leader Cllr Graham Shaw told members that, while nobody around the chamber would claim the document was perfect, failing to adopt it would leave Newcastle-under-Lyme exposed to speculative development with far less ability to refuse planning applications. He explained that the position of Cabinet was therefore to recommend adoption, not because members necessarily supported every allocation within the plan, but because the alternative would remove much of the council's control over future development. Cllr Shaw also stressed that the newly elected Reform UK administration had played no role in drafting the Local Plan, explaining that it had been prepared under the previous Conservative administration over several years. He said the council had written to the Planning Inspectorate seeking greater flexibility but had been informed there was no opportunity to make further amendments. Former Conservative Leader, Cllr Simon Tagg, likewise acknowledged the difficult position facing councillors, arguing that much of the pressure stemmed from the Government's mandatory housing requirements rather than decisions taken locally. He also pointed out that many of the campaign groups opposing individual allocations had not identified realistic alternative sites capable of delivering the homes and employment land the borough is required to provide. Ultimately, a majority of councillors concluded that adopting the plan represented the least damaging option available. The motion was carried by 32 votes to 6. Supporting the Local Plan were the majority of the Reform UK group together with the entire Conservative group. Voting against were Labour councillors Dave Jones and Sheelagh Casey-Hulme, Reform UK councillors Rhys Machin, Patricia Harrison and Janice Sain-Reiners, who represent Audley, together with Scott Stevenson, the Reform councillor for Newchapel. Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Gullis, who also serves as Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning, did not take part in the debate or vote. Cllr Gullis declared an interest and left the chamber because, in his role as a Senior Adviser to a private company, he undertakes work connected with Indurent, the developers behind the proposed AB2 strategic employment site. The adopted Local Plan makes provision for approximately 400 new homes each year across the borough until 2040. For supporters, it provides the borough with an adopted planning framework and restores greater control over future planning decisions. For opponents, it marks the approval of developments they have campaigned against for years and the permanent loss of significant areas of Green Belt and biodiversity. Either way, Wednesday's vote closes one chapter of decision making in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and, with new housing targets already on the horizon, may prove to be only the beginning of the next. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Seven Staffordshire towns miss out on UK Town of Culture shortlist URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/seven-staffordshire-towns-miss-out-on-uk-town-of-culture-shortlist/ Last updated: 2026-07-10T12:52:08.000Z There was disappointment across Staffordshire on Thursday evening after seven ambitious bids to become the UK's first Town of Culture failed to reach the national shortlist. Longton, Leek, Newcastle under Lyme, Stafford, Burton upon Trent, Burntwood and Tamworth were among almost 400 towns from across the country hoping to secure the prestigious title for 2028\. Instead, the Government selected 15 towns to progress to the next stage, where they will each receive £60,000 to develop full applications before one overall winner is awarded a £3 million grant next year. Although the news marks the end of the competition for Staffordshire's hopefuls, the bids themselves painted a picture of a county proud of its history and determined to use culture as a propellant for its regeneration. Longton's bid celebrated one of the six towns that built Stoke on Trent's international reputation. Rooted in its world famous pottery industry, the proposal showcased a growing creative sector, public art, independent cultural organisations (such as Urban Wilderness CIC) and a programme of festivals and events that have helped breathe new life into the town in recent years. Supporters hoped national recognition would build on ongoing regeneration work and encourage further investment into the south of the city. Leek's bid drew on the Moorlands' artistic heritage and independent identity. From its links to the Arts and Crafts movement through William Morris, to its thriving markets, festivals, galleries and volunteer led cultural organisations, supporters hoped Leek's creativity and community spirit would capture the judges' attention. Residents and local organisations were encouraged to help shape the bid, reflecting the collaborative approach that has become a hallmark of the town's cultural life. Nearby Burntwood also entered the running, with a bid built around community spirit rather than headline landmarks. The town's submission highlighted its choirs, creative projects, free community events and its mining heritage, with Burntwood Town Council keen to show that a town best known for its size and community groups could hold its own on the national stage. Just a few miles away, Newcastle under Lyme's submission focused on a different story. The borough highlighted its 850 years of history, award winning Brampton Museum, the nationally recognised New Vic Theatre, Apedale Heritage Centre and a strong tradition of civic pride. Council leaders argued that Newcastle combined historic character with a thriving cultural scene and saw the competition as an opportunity to showcase a town that often sits in the shadow of its larger neighbours. Meanwhile, Stafford's application centred on the county town's heritage, history and exciting projects of revitalisation. With its medieval past, landmarks and expanding calendar of festivals, the bid aimed to demonstrate how culture already plays a central role in the town while highlighting opportunities for future growth. Burton upon Trent's bid was built on its brewing heritage and a wave of recent momentum. Backed by East Staffordshire Borough Council, the submission pointed to the growing success of the Sonic Boom Festival, the enhanced Washlands nature site, and plans to transform the Old Brewery Quarter into a major heritage destination, all framed as evidence that culture already sits at the heart of the town's community. Tamworth rounded out the county's entries, drawing on its own deep well of history as the ancient capital of Mercia, home to Tamworth Castle and centuries of Anglo-Saxon heritage, alongside its modern day identity as a family and leisure destination. The bid put Tamworth forward as a town with a story stretching back well over a thousand years, still finding new ways to bring people together today. While none of the seven bids progressed, their ambitions mirror the purpose of the Government's new Town of Culture programme: using culture to restore pride in towns, encourage investment, strengthen local identity and create lasting economic benefits. For Staffordshire, the competition may be over, but the conversations it has sparked are unlikely to end here. Anyone living in these towns knows what deserving candidates they would have made, and their bids have truly showcased what is possible when a community comes together for a shared objective. For anyone interested in who did make the shortlist, you can find the 15 towns below: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-9--2026--11_02_56-PM.png) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Summer Activities In Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/summer-activities-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T14:41:25.000Z As uncertainty grows around international travel - from rising costs to shifting geopolitical tensions- many people are rethinking how and where they’ll spend their summer months. Summer has always had a way of transforming daily life, even close to home. Longer days, warm air and a gentle sense of ease invite us outdoors, turning ordinary routines into something more exciting. It’s a season that encourages movement, connection and exploration- whether that means travelling far or simply stepping outside more locally. One of the simplest pleasures of summer is spending time in nature. Parks, forests and beaches become natural gathering places where people can walk, cycle, or just sit and enjoy the sun. Activities like hiking or rambling offer both physical exercise and a break from mental fatigue, allowing the mind to rest and reset. Even a short walk through a green space can feel restorative when the weather is warm and can boost creative thinking and improve focus. Water- based activities are another defining feature of summer. Swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding provide a refreshing escape from the heat while adding an element of adventure. Lakes and coastal areas tend to draw crowds, but even local swimming pools or rivers can become favourite seasonal spots. These experiences often carry a sense of freedom- cool water, open skies and the feeling of time slowing down. For those who prefer more social or structured activities, summer is also a prime time or sports and group events. Football in the park, tennis matches, or casual cricket games bring people together in a relaxed, informal way. Outdoor fitness classes and yoga sessions have also grown in popularity, blending exercise with fresh air and scenic surroundings. Not all outdoor activities need to be energetic though. Picnics, BBQ’s and outdoor dining offers a slower pace, centred on conversation and shared meals. There’s something uniquely satisfying about eating outside, with friends and family nearby. Even reading a book in the shade or watching a sunset can become a meaningful summer ritual. Summer invites a sense of spontaneity. Longer daylight hours mean more time to try new things and It’s an opportunity to step away from routine, embrace the outdoors and make the most of the extra light and warmth. Whether through adventure, relaxation, or social connection, outdoor activities in summer offer a chance to recharge and create a lasting memory. As the height of summer settles over Staffordshire the county has a diverse range of activities to offer for all ages and preferences. With the weather at its most inviting, it’s the ideal time to get outside, explore your surroundings and have fun. Here’s a sample of the kinds of adventures on offer, so you can quickly spot what fits your mood. **Adventure** Alton Towers Resort Prepare for a family fun adrenaline fuelled adventure at this theme park resort, open from Mid-March to early November. Offering over 40 rides and attractions the park hosts rollercoasters like Nemesis Reborn, The Smiler and Wicker Man, alongside a mini golf course, waterpark, extensive gardens and themed hotels. CBeebies Land is also available for younger children. Drayton Manor Resort This family destination has over 50 rides and attractions and a 15- acre zoo. If you’re brave enough board Thor the new Disk O Coaster and experience the ultimate weightless sensation. Also, home to Thomas Land there’s so much to explore. This is a perfect venue for people of all ages and also opens from March to November. Go Ape If you’re looking for a group or family friendly adventure, then visit Go Ape near Cannock. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and a great day out for anyone who likes high ropes and stunning valley views, with 1,500 metres of tree- to- tree crossings. Perfect for younger explorers you can also explore forest trails on an all- terrain Segway and observe the scenery at your own pace. Opening from 10am Thursday to Monday visit Birches Valley, Rugeley, WS15 2UQ. **Farmers Markets and Market Fairs** Trentham Makers Market (Trentham Shopping Village, Stone Road, Trentham, Stoke- on- Trent, ST4 8JG) runs on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am- 4pm, featuring high quality local artisan food, crafts and vintage goods. World of Wedgewood Artisan Market (Wedgewood Drive, Barlaston, Stoke- on- Trent, ST12 9ER) is held on the second Sunday of every month from 10am-4pm with over 50 stalls selling handmade products and local food. Middleport Pottery Artisan Market (Port Street, Burslem, Middleport, Stoke- on- Trent, ST6 3PE) hosts both indoor and outdoor markets, featuring local makers, bakers and artists in a historic setting. Leek Farmers and Craft Market (Leek Town Centre, Derby Street, Leek, ST13 5HH) is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month in the historic town and it offers local food, drink and crafts alongside their weekly Wednesday traditional market with regular artisan-style retail stalls and goods. Stone Food Market (33 High Street, Stone, ST15 8AJ), is run from 9am-3pm on the 1st Saturday of the month. Around 30 stalls sell meats, cheeses, bread and plants. Stafford Farmers and Artisan Market (Market Square, Stafford, ST16 2BD) takes place on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 9am-3pm, including summer dates scheduled for the 13th June, 11th July and 8th August. This market offers fresh meat, fish, vegetables, bread, cakes, jams, artisan crafts, plants and jewellery and often features live music and high- quality local produce. Rode Hall Farmers Market (Scholar Green, Cheshire, Stoke- on- Trent, ST7 3QP) situated on the Cheshire/ Staffordshire border runs every 1st Saturday of the month and offers over 80 high quality food and craft stalls in a rural setting. Bolton Gate Arts Market (Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, Bolton, ST3 5BD) features a series of market events and arts activities. **Festivals and Shows** Fuse Festival Lichfield The Fuse Festival organised by Lichfield Arts returns to Beacon Park in Lichfield, WS13 6QZ on the 10th- 12th July to provide 3 days of live music, community arts, street food and interactive performances. Leek & District Agricultural Show Starting at 8am on 25th July this classic agricultural show features equestrian events, livestock judging, vintage tractor parade, sheepdog demos, a wide variety of food from trade stands and catering outlets and full family entertainment. Lichfield Festival Running from the 7th- 19th July you will be pleased to see some favourite world class artists from music, dance, theatre, literature and comedy to venues across the city as they take part in a diverse programme. The Big Feast (Stoke- On- Trent) Stoke on Trent’s biggest free outdoor arts festival returns on 22nd & 23rd August from 11am- 5pm in the city centre of Hanley. This year’s programme showcases professional dance, acrobatics and musical performances alongside interactive games, craft workshops, art exhibitions, meditative sessions and more. **Food and Drink Festivals** Stoke Craft Brew Festival The Craft Brew Festival has more than 50 craft drinks from 15 breweries, cideries and wineries to try all under one roof. With live music and a party atmosphere the choice of beer, wine, cider, non- alcoholic beer, soft drinks and prosecco is all yours. The festival takes place at Kings Hall, Stoke- on -Trent, ST4 1JH on 11th July 2026. Rail Ail Trail- Staffordshire Beer Train 17th- 19th July Churnet Valley Railway is hosting a beer train ride in collaboration with breweries from Stoke, Stone, Stafford, Burslem and more, with over 60 varieties of ale to sample. Get on board the 1950’s steam carriage and watch the Churnet Valley landscape role by on this 5.5-mile trip. Starting at Froghall Station and ending at Leek Brook Station you can relax in vintage comfort, while enjoying live music and there will also be a variety of food stalls offering tasty treats for festival goers. Children and dogs are also welcome along the ride. Passengers can enjoy 50% discount if you pre- book your tickets. **Music & Concerts** Trentham Summer Saturday Concerts Enjoy a mix of live tribute acts, party nights and outdoor summer vibes by the lake at Trentham Gardens between June and July. Performers include The Lightning Seeds, Jess Glynne, Manic Street Preachers and Busted. Trentham Live Trentham Live returns for a 5th year showcasing 4 amazing shows, with a line- up of artists at the Lakeside setting between the 20th & 23rd August. Guests include The Fratellis, Madness, Five and The Human League, with supporting acts like The Subways, The Coral, The Wanted 2.0 and Haircut 100. The Newcastle Jazz & Blues Festival August 28th sees a return of the Jazz and Blues festival at the Guildhall High street, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and is promised to offer a vibrant weekend of live music. Gigz@thegate- Open Mic Night Gigz@theGate will be providing an evening of live music and entertainment celebrating local talent on stage, in front of a live audience. A bar and hot food will be available until 8pm. Visit Bolton Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, ST3 5BD, on 6th June, 4th July & 1st August and join the fun. **History** Viking Re- Enactment- Stafford Castle, Newport Road, ST16 1DJ Experience a day of immersive history, surrounded by reenactors that actually make you feel you’ve travelled back in time. Free entry from 10- 4pm on the 15th & 16th August. The Three Musketeers at Western Park The Illyria Outdoor theatre brings you Romance, Swashbuckling, Intrigue, Murder, Betrayal and Revenge with a story of the Three Musketeers at Weston Park On 14th August. Gates open at 6pm with the show starting at 7pm, running in total for 135 mins. Bring your own low back chair, picnic blanket and picnic. Prices vary but under 4’s go free. Industrial Heritage at Middleport Pottery During the summer months Middleport pottery will be holding guided tours where visitors can see pottery being made using early traditional Victorian methods, alongside self-led heritage trails and guided factory tours exploring the UK’s last working Victorian potbank. Highlights include the bottle kiln, mould store and Harper Street houses. Open from 10- 4 pm, tours are available Monday to Friday and require advance booking. Explore Middleport Pottery at its heritage centre at Port Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PE. **Nature** Wild Festival Staffordshire A family friendly camping festival with live music and communal BBQ’s and a focus on nature. Between 19th & 26th July. Wildings at The Wolseley Centre Starting late June, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will host outdoor play sessions, featuring campfires and natural exploration. Suitable for the whole family. Hosted at the Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT. Summer Sunset Wilding Safari Join a guided tour at Sandon Hall and experience an evening of nature and the natural landscape. From 11th July- 29th August at Sandon Hall, Sandon, Stafford, ST18 0BZ. Chartley Moss Summer Walk Join a guided tour of the Chartley Moss National Nature Reserve in Stafford, ST18 on the 11th July and enjoy a delightful summer walk and learn more about the plants and animals that make their home in this hostile environment. On your way around, see if you can also spot some late flying, white-faced darter dragonflies by the pools. The walk is predominantly on flat ground, but there is a steep path down to the railway embankment. The event is not suitable for dogs, and the log path can be quite uneven and slippy with brambles and some very soft mossy areas. **Sport** Outdoor swimming Venues Staffordshire offers some excellent sites for Kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing and a range of other water activities. Visit Cliff Lakes- Tamworth Road, Cliff, Tamworth, B78 2DL (includes an aqua park with inflatable slides and obstacles). Pillaton Hall Farm- Pillaton, Penkridge, ST13 8SH Tittesworth Water Sports & Activity Centre- Fishermans Lodge, Meer Brook, Leek, St13 8SH. Chasewater Reservoir- Pool Lane, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. Rudyard Lake- Off Lake Road, Rudyard, Leek, ST13 8XB. Uttoxeter Racecourse Uttoxeter Racecourse features some high stakes racing along with some exciting special events including The Summer Cup on the 24th July. Tickets must be booked in advance. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Forest Live Cannock delivers five memorable nights of music URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/forest-live-cannock-delivers-five-memorable-nights-of-music/ Last updated: 2026-07-09T12:00:24.000Z Held at Cannock Chase Forest on 24th - 28th June, the event welcomed headline performances from Billy Ocean, Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and McFly, with support acts including Twin Atlantic. The series opened with a true music legend as Billy Ocean took to the stage, bringing with him the unmistakable sound that has made him one of Britain’s best loved R&B singer-songwriters. From his breakthrough 1976 hit *Love Really Hurts Without You*, to a career that has earned him a Grammy Award and a MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award, Billy Ocean’s headline performance marked a fitting and feelgood start to the Forest Live series. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Billy-Ocean--4-of-30-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Billy-Ocean--26-of-30-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Billy-Ocean--24-of-30-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Billy-Ocean--20-of-30-.jpg) Photo Credit Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography Across the following four nights, the audience reflected the variety of the line-up. Fatboy Slim brought a full festival atmosphere, with ravers dancing non-stop as the forest bounced from start to finish. His high-energy set was a standout moment and showed exactly why he remains one of the most exciting live acts to see. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07137--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07076.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07199.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07146--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07095.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07078.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07129.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07102.jpg) Photo Credit: Natalee Trowbridge - The Staffordshire Signal Becky Hill delivered a phenomenal performance, with powerful live vocals and an emotional set that connected strongly with the crowd. Her night brought families, groups of friends and plenty of dancing, creating a bright and energetic atmosphere across the site. Her visible support for causes including Surfers Against Sewage and WASP added another meaningful element to the evening. UB40 featuring Ali Campbell offered a feel-good change of pace, filling the forest with reggae classics and a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere. For many in the crowd, it was a chance to enjoy familiar favourites, while others left with a new appreciation for the band’s music. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07513.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07589.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07510.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07606.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07949.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07507.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07529.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07581.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07499.jpg) Photo Credit: Natalee Trowbridge - The Staffordshire Signal McFly closed the run with a joyful, high-energy performance that had lifelong fans singing every word. More than two decades after first breaking through, the band still brought the same fun, movement and enthusiasm to the stage, making their set a memorable finale to the Forest Live Cannock shows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC08142-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07735.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07740.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07754.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07775.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07780.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07794.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07910.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/DSC07997.jpg) Photo Credit: Natalee Trowbridge - The Staffordshire Signal One of the strongest parts of Forest Live Cannock was how different each evening felt. From soul and dance music to pop vocals, reggae and nostalgic guitar-driven favourites, every night had its own identity, crowd and energy. Set against the backdrop of Cannock Chase Forest, the event once again showed how special outdoor live music can be in Staffordshire. With strong performances, a well-supported line-up and a brilliant atmosphere throughout, Forest Live Cannock proved to be a highlight of the summer events calendar. For anyone who loves live music, next year’s Forest Live dates will be well worth watching out for when they are announced. It is a series that continues to bring something special to Staffordshire’s summer calendar. Visit - [https://www.forestlive.com/](https://www.forestlive.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### AMRICC launches new map connecting the UK’s advanced ceramics sector URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/amricc-launches-new-map-connecting-the-uks-advanced-ceramics-sector/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T16:21:25.000Z Staffordshire based AMRICC has launched the Advanced Ceramics Ecosystem Map, bringing together organisations working across advanced materials, ceramics, manufacturing, research and supporting industries. The United Kingdom has a wealth of knowledge and capability within advanced ceramics and the wider manufacturing supply chain. However, finding the right organisation, specialist expertise or potential partner is not always straightforward. The new online map has been designed to address that challenge by creating a visible and accessible picture of the organisations contributing to the sector. ## Making ceramics expertise easier to find Visitors to the Advanced Ceramics Ecosystem Map can explore organisations operating across the ceramics and advanced materials landscape. The resource is intended to help businesses, researchers and other organisations identify potential collaborators, suppliers and partners, while also highlighting the scale and diversity of expertise available across the UK. For Staffordshire, a county with a long and continuing connection to ceramics and materials innovation, the project offers another way to place the region’s expertise within the wider national picture. AMRICC, which stands for the Applied Materials Research, Innovation and Commercialisation Company, is rooted in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire’s ceramics and advanced materials sector. Its registered office is in Penkhull, Stoke on Trent. ## Organisations invited to join the map AMRICC is inviting organisations that contribute to the advanced ceramics ecosystem to apply to be included. This is not limited to businesses that manufacture ceramic products directly. Organisations involved in enabling technologies, materials, research, manufacturing processes and supporting services may also be relevant to the map. Being included gives organisations an opportunity to increase their visibility and make it easier for others within the industry to discover their capabilities. Applications can be submitted through the Join the Map page, where organisations are asked to complete a registration form. > **Is your organisation part of the advanced ceramics ecosystem?** > > Businesses, researchers, manufacturers, suppliers and organisations providing enabling technologies are being invited to apply for inclusion on the map. [Join the Advanced Ceramics Ecosystem Map](https://map.amricc.com/join-the-map/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Organisations and individuals can explore the map at [**map.amricc.com**.](http://map.amricc.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has been keeping a brown furry secret... URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-wildlife-trust-has-been-keeping-a-brown-furry-secret/ Last updated: 2026-07-08T08:00:11.000Z Earlier this year, the Trust revealed that it was monitoring a number of wild beavers around the county. This small population are believed to be the product of ‘beaver bombing’ or illegal releases by unknown guerilla rewilding enthusiasts. But what the Trust didn’t share was that one of the beavers appeared to be lactating (her teats were enlarged) which indicated she was feeding young in her burrow. The Trust kept the news under wraps, only alerting the landowner, partners in its beaver project group and subscribed members. > “During their first few week's beaver kits are incredibly vulnerable to predation (from mink and otter),” said Nick Mott, Species Recovery Manager at SWT, ![Nick Mott](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Nick-Mott-selfie-March-2026.jpeg) Nick Mott > “so we were really cautious about sharing this exciting news until we’d had sightings of the kit/s above ground, which now we do! > “This is amazing news! Although the circumstances in which the beavers arrived here are less than ideal, it shows that we do have suitable habitat for them to thrive and breed here again. I’m thrilled! > “At this stage we’ve only seen one kit on our trail camera, so it may be that it’s an only kit, or it could be that its siblings were predated, we’re not sure. Thankfully this kit looks healthy and it’s feeding without either of its parents present, which is another good sign. We’ll continue to monitor this family as the kit grows, along with other beavers in different areas, but we’re yet to see any signs of those breeding.” 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for beavers in Staffordshire, with work about to start on an enclosure for a fenced beaver project at SWT owned nature reserve Craddocks Moss. The Trust is set to release a pair of beavers at this lowland bog near Madeley in the autumn. Currently the bog is in poor condition, but it’s hoped that once nature’s engineers get to work there it will be bought back to good health and made better for a whole host of other wildlife. Meanwhile, the Trust continues with its project to bring more wild beavers to Staffordshire in coming years. Following successful trials elsewhere, in 2025 the government confirmed that beavers can be released into the wild under licence. SWT is currently preparing information for a future full licence application to Natural England, with plans for a carefully managed 10 year project which could see 50 beavers reintroduced in suitable areas. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Lactating-female-beaver-70426.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/First-wild-beaver-kit-June-2026-1.jpg) Trail camera footage - 1\. Lactating Female Beaver 2\. First Wild Beaver Kit 2026 ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Where It All Began: The Longton Mega Rave and the Birth of Rave in the Potteries URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/where-it-all-began-the-longton-mega-rave-and-the-birth-of-rave-in-the-potteries/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T18:32:22.000Z How Stoke-on-Trent became the unlikely epicentre of one of the world's most influential music movements Most people think rave started in Manchester. They think of the Hacienda, Factory Records, and the grand mythology of the acid house explosion. But the truth, as is often the case with local history, is rather different. The real story of rave begins in a basement badminton court under Longton bus station, where a joiner turned MC called Gary Oliver Falconer would give voice to a generation. It begins with the sound of industrial collapse, the thump of a 303 drum machine, and a small group of people who decided they weren't going to be left behind by Thatcher's Britain. ![Photo Credit: Roo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/dji_mimo_20260417_120242_20260417120241_1776425909081_photo.JPG) Photo Credit: Roo That is where I found myself one Friday morning at the U7 Arts and Cultural Centre on Sutherland Road, wedged around a table with a group of men who, between them, more or less invented a scene. There were no set questions, which suited everyone, because once this lot get going, questions are surplus to requirements. At the centre of it is Gary Oliver Falconer, better known for the last 35 years as MC Ragga. On 25 July he turns 60, and rather than a birthday party, which he claims to hate, he is throwing the Longton Mega Rave at Aynsley Mill. It is billed as one night only, a reunion of the DJs and dancers who built the scene from nothing, and a celebration of 40 years of rave in the town where, as far as this table is concerned, it all started. ### From a basement to a badminton court "I first started at a club called Introspective in the back end of 1988," Gary Oliver, now better known as MC Ragga, tells me during a meeting at U7 Arts and Cultural Centre. He's turning 60 on 25 July, and for the first time in three decades, he's willing to talk properly about those early days. "It was a badminton court down in the old bus station. High class venue, very high class venue. We started out with a few friends, a few people who'd been following Daz. He got a record shop called Wild Style and a few people used to go in the record shop. I started hanging out at the record shop. We built it up there until they closed the whole building down." What's striking when you speak to the men and women who were actually there is how deliberate it all was. This wasn't spontaneous hedonism; this was a response, this was survival. ![MC Ragga - Photo Credit: Roo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/83977fe0-7530-11f1-80a1-17435238a3d4.jpg.webp) MC Ragga - Photo Credit: Roo #### The Economic Soundtrack Rewind to the late 1980s. Stoke-on-Trent and the wider Potteries were in freefall. The pottery industry, which had defined the region for centuries, was collapsing as manufacturers moved production overseas. The mining industry was on its knees. The Three-Day Week of 1974 had been a distant memory, but its impact lingered. And then came the poll tax, which hit working-class communities like Longton particularly hard. "I lost my job, do you know what I mean?" Gary recalls. "I was a joiner. And so I had the tools to liberate the warehouse, let's say. We'd hire a sound system in so we'd have no ties. We just used to write the flyer on a little bit of paper and pass it round, and then we'd go to the services and we'd pass like about 10 pieces of paper around and everybody passed them to each other. And that's where the warehouse party would be that night." Mark "Dabber" Davis, who would later become one of the longest-running DJs in the Stoke scene, describes the shift in outlook that the rave scene offered. "It changed my outlook on life really. I was horrible before I got involved. I was like a football hooligan. Even though I dress like one still, I'm not that person. It was massive. It was a massive change for me. And I honestly can say this changed my outlook on my life too because everyone was together. Like being together in a community, absolutely. And that really, that really meant a lot." This is the key to understanding rave. It wasn't just music. It wasn't just drugs, though drugs certainly played a role. It was a movement defined by social rupture and the desperate, ingenious need to build something different. It was anti-establishment because the establishment had abandoned these communities. ![Photo Credit: Roo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/dji_mimo_20260417_120822_20260417120821_1776425907077_photo.JPG) Photo Credit: Roo #### From Acid House to Rave Here's where the music comes in. Acid house, with its squelchy 303 synthesiser sounds, had come across from Detroit and Chicago in 1986\. But it hadn't landed particularly heavily until 1988\. What Gary and his collaborators did was something remarkable, they gave voice to it, literally. They gave it a cultural identity. "I gave voice to a lot of the tunes," Gary says. "I gave voice to the names. You know what I mean? So it was the music and then my voice really. And that's what changed it from acid house into rave." The distinction matters. Acid house was a sound. Rave was a movement, a lifestyle, a deliberate rejection of the licensing laws and social rules that said you had to drink alcohol in a bar until 2am and then go home. Rave said, no. We will dance. We will stay all night. We will dance without drinking. We will build our own spaces. "Rave was what you did when you went originally," Gary explains. "Rave was what you did. You know what I mean? When you went. But it turned into a scene. A tag for the whole." The comparison Gary and others draw is to Northern Soul, the movement of the 1970s centred around clubs like the Golden Torch in Tunstall, where people would dance all night to obscure soul records and amphetamines. "It's exactly the same thing," Gary says. "I grew up with Northern Soul. I grew up with all nighters. I lived in Tunstall. I was born in Tunstall. So it does take a lot from the Northern Soul, you know, because it's just like big warehouses and dancing till you drop and no alcohol." ![Beech Caves - Photo by Jenna Goodwin](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/20240211_115353.jpg) Beech Caves - Photo by Jenna Goodwin #### From Basements to Ballrooms The warehouse parties continued throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s. Gary, along with Daz Willott, Steve Howel and Justin Carr, organised what became legendary in the rave world, the beach caves parties. "I'm the beach cave man," Gary says with no false modesty. "We did them in tunnels, did them in old pot banks, done them in masks." The beach caves became so notorious that when most people outside Stoke think of the local rave scene, they think of those illegal warehouse parties in the disused caves. But by the early 1990s, the scene had begun to crystallise around proper venues. Club owners saw the money that could be made. The club nights started operating legally, with their own sound systems and licensing, even if the spirit remained rebellious. Introspective moved locations. Entropy opened at the Leisure Bowl in Longton, where Gary was a resident MC and where a neon letter E hung over the dancefloor, a barely concealed reference to ecstasy. Club Kinetic began at the LA Bowl, and it became, for a time, the most successful hardcore club in the country. "Club Kinetic was the biggest, most successful hardcore club in the country," Dabber says with evident pride. "Like New Year's Eve you get over 2,000 people. Four rooms at the open and regularly. The last time Carl Cox played, he insists on playing in the house room because that's where I was resident. And probably the biggest gig in your life after warming up to Carl Cox." Shelley's, in Longton, hosted night after night of electronic music. Golden Torch, named after the famous Northern Soul venue, became legendary. Time and Space in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Room 101\. The Void. Trenton Gardens. The Queen's Theatre hosted a night as well. The list goes on, and each venue had its own character, its own resident DJs, its own legacy. All the biggest DJs in the UK came to Stoke. Dave Seaman. Sasha. Dave Lee. Judge Jules. Groove Rider. Jeremy Healy. Carl Cox. Frank De Wolf from Belgium. Fatboy Slim. Jumping Jack Frost from America. Stoke-on-Trent, somehow, became a draw for international talent. It became, briefly, at the very heart of global electronic dance music. ![A large group of people standing around each other](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1726519030359-e51edf9a9d33?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE3fHxyYXZlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc4MzQyNTE3OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Illia Horokhovsky](https://unsplash.com/@fili%5Fja?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) #### The Cost But rave wasn't pure. It never is when music meets drugs, money, and the desire to escape. The scene came with a shadow side that grew darker as the 1990s progressed. "The name Leah Betts, who died in November 1995 after consuming an ecstasy tablet and subsequently drinking approximately seven litres of water within a 90-minute period, still lands heavily around the table," I say carefully during our conversation. The inquest concluded that her death resulted from water intoxication leading to brain swelling, though the ecstasy may have impaired her body's ability to regulate water balance. Gary wrote about her in his book, MC Rave. The opening chapter references her death. But the drugs issue was only part of it. There were gang wars, imported partly from Manchester. Shelley's itself became a flashpoint. There was violence. There was money to be made, and not all of it found its way into the pockets of young ravers trying to escape their economic reality. By the early 2000s, many of the key figures had stepped back. Dabber stopped DJing in 2004\. Gary had already moved on, having gone on tour with the Happy Mondays and opened a chain of Amsterdam-style coffee shops. "I'd got a bag of money and decided, hey, I'll open a chain of Amsterdam-style coffee shop, sit there and smoke pot for the next three or four years," Gary laughs. "So much money, to be honest." The peak had passed. But the legacy remained, and it remains still. ![Photo Credit: Roo](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/dji_mimo_20260417_120952_20260417120952_1776425887677_photo.JPG) Photo Credit: Roo #### The Resurgence Here's the thing about culture, though. It doesn't truly die. It rests. It regenerates. The rave scene in Stoke never ended, it just transformed. And in recent years, there's been a resurgence, driven partly by nostalgia, partly by a generation of young people who never experienced the legal club scene discovering the culture through their parents. "I think there's a resurgence at the minute for the last, I don't know, 12, 18 months," Tim Bee, who manages Trax Radio and organises events across Stoke, tells me. "A lot of records that are coming through are reworks, remixes, of classic tracks. There are kids that have heard their parents' records and they're getting into it." It mirrors what's happening with Northern Soul as well. There are monthly Northern Soul nights across the Potteries now. There's a recognition that what was built in the late 1980s and 1990s was genuinely important, genuinely influential, and genuinely worth celebrating. [![Longton Mega Rave](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/2228829_93af8b37_longton-mega-rave_eflyer.jpg)](https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Stoke-On-Trent/Aynsley-Mill-/Longton-Mega-Rave/42260848/?sktag=15267&skcampaign=Data+Thistle&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Longton Mega Rave: A Celebration Comes Home Which brings us to the present moment. Gary Oliver is turning 60\. For thirty years, he stepped away from the rave scene to raise a family, teach in schools, and invest in his community. He founded U7 Arts and Cultural Centre. He became a poet. He became respectable, in other words, in all the ways that his younger self might have scorned. But then something shifted. "I'm 60 and I have sort of ignored that side of my life, you know what I mean?" Gary reflects. "For about 30 years. But everybody's going around, this post is up saying, you know, Shelly's reunion, HP reunion, blah, blah, blah. Then I saw one with Daba's name on it and I went, oh, I've seen about 100 of these and I've not. That's the first time I've seen a DJ's name on it that I do recognise. So I thought, hang on, I was actually there, do you know what I mean? I was actually there at the beginning." The Longton Mega Rave is his 60th birthday party, yes, but it's also something bigger. It's a celebration of 40 years of rave culture in Longton. It's a reclamation of history. And it's a statement that this place, this small corner of Staffordshire, changed the world. [![Aynsley Mill - Photo: Google Maps](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-07-115239.png)](https://www.aynsleymillevents.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Aynsley Mill - Photo: Google Maps The event takes place on 25 July at [Aynsley Mill](https://www.aynsleymillevents.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), the historic pottery factory that's been repurposed as a events venue. It's a fitting location, really. The industrial ruins becoming sacred ground once again. The line-up includes Daba, Grade A, MC Energy, Tekkaz, and Farayen, alongside DJs from Trax Radio. It runs from 2pm until late, and it's deliberately styled as a return to those early days, those warehouse parties with their spirit of community and rebellion still intact. Gary is clear about what he wants from the night. "We're opening to do some other ones through the year, say every three months, to do every quarter to do one with other legend DJs coming back, you know, hopefully supported by Dabba back again. And other legendary sort of nights. It's not meant as a challenge to regular clubs or anything like that. It's totally off board, all that, you know, it's to celebrate rave." For anyone who lived through those nights, who remembers the queues around Club Kinetic, the impossible heat in Shelley's, the drive out to the beach caves, the thump of the 303, the neon E hanging over the dancefloor, the feeling of being part of something genuinely transgressive and genuinely alive, this is a chance to step back into that world for a moment. And for anyone younger, anyone who's curious about where all this music comes from, where the culture that still defines British nightlife was actually invented, it's a chance to be part of living history. Because that's what MC Ragga and Dabber and all the rest of them are now, whether they like it or not. They're living history. They're the people who looked at their closed factories, their shrinking job prospects, their collapsing industry, and said, we'll build something different. We'll build something together. We'll dance until dawn and we won't ask permission. The rave started in Longton. And on 25 July, it comes home. The Longton Mega Rave takes place on Friday 25 July 2026 at Aynsley Mill, Longton, from 2pm until late. Tickets and more information can be found here - [https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Stoke-On-Trent/Aynsley-Mill-/Longton-Mega-Rave/42260848/?sktag=15267&skcampaign=Data+Thistle](https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Stoke-On-Trent/Aynsley-Mill-/Longton-Mega-Rave/42260848/?sktag=15267&skcampaign=Data+Thistle&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Open Day to Launch First Veteran-Owned Mobile Knife Amnesty Van URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/open-day-to-launch-first-veteran-owned-mobile-knife-amnesty-van-2/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T17:37:01.000Z A team of former service personnel - who have been using their own lived experiences to mentor and educate young people to steer away from crime - are now set to take their expertise out on the road. Black Onyx Academy is the high-tier specialist training provider arm of security firm - Black Onyx Concepts - who have been providing programmes Save A Life Today (S.A.L.T. ®) and Operation Mindset to young people and businesses across Stoke-on-Trent for the last two years. S.A.L.T.® is an initiative delivered in community-led organisations, schools, universities and academies, with the aim of combatting knife crime and response training to identify risks and implement preventative strategies. Operation Mindset is a high-impact workshop for young people aged 11-16, which draws on military principle and experiences and focuses on essential life skills, discipline, leadership and resilience. The Academy are looking to expand their programmes to more organisations in Stone and Staffordshire this year, and are also now set to take their work one step further with a Mobile Knife Amnesty Van following a partnership with Bri-Stor Systems - who are part of The HEX Group - and agreed to convert the vehicle, which saw a team of apprentices carrying out the work. > “Many of us spent years serving our country and leading people in some of the most challenging environments imaginable,” said Stef Northfield, Strategic Lead at Black Onyx Academy and former Royal Marine. > > “As veterans, we understand the importance of leadership, accountability, resilience and service. Through initiatives such as S.A.L.T.® and Operation Mindset, we are taking those lessons into our communities and using our lived experience to mentor the next generation. > > “We’re helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and realise their potential, while providing positive pathways that steer them away from violence and anti-social behaviour.” Black Onyx Academy will be revealing the Mobile Knife Amnesty Van for the first time at a special event taking place at The Hex Group, in Stafford on Friday 10 July, which the general public are welcome to attend. ![Stef Northfield (Image by DAVID HIDE)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Stefan_Northfield-140-1.jpg) Stef Northfield (Image by DAVID HIDE) Stef added: > “Our next step in reaching more people and communities is by going out on the road with the Mobile Knife Amnesty Van - which represents far more than a place to surrender weapons. > > “It’s a highly visible symbol of prevention, education and community action and will provide us with the opportunity to have open and meaningful conversations with young people, families and communities. Thanks to our friends at Bri-Stor & The HEX Group, we’re going to be revealing it for the first time on Friday 10 July, during an open day, and we are encouraging members of the public to come along and learn more about what we will be doing.” Adam Smith, Operations Director at Bri-Stor (part of The HEX Group), said: > “Here at Bri-Stor Systems, we’re proud to be supporting this important community initiative in Staffordshire, working alongside Black Onyx Academy to help create a safer environment for all. > > “By transforming the vehicle into a secure mobile knife amnesty unit – with a purpose-designed layout including integrated storage and seating – we’re helping to enable meaningful conversations to happen where they’re needed most. > > “We’ve also wrapped the van to ensure it’s highly visible within the community, helping raise awareness and encourage engagement wherever it’s deployed within the county. > > “We believe our expertise should go beyond vehicles and extend into the communities they serve. This project is a great example of how collaboration, education and practical solutions can come together to make a real difference.” ![Stef with members of The HEX Group](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Black-Onyx-Hex-1.jpg) Stef with members of The HEX Group Black Onyx Academy have received support from local authorities and Staffordshire Police Force, who are working closely with the training organisation. Chief Inspector David Barrow, who leads on knife crime from Staffordshire Police, said: > “The launch of the mobile knife amnesty van is a really positive example of an innovative partnership approach to tackling knife crime. > > "By working with partners, we are creating more opportunities to remove knives from our streets and support safer communities across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. > > “This initiative is about providing a simple, safe and accessible way for people to dispose of unwanted knives responsibly, reducing the risk of them being misused, stolen, or finding their way into public spaces. > > “The van will support our wider work to prevent knife crime, protect young people, and reduce serious violence by making it easier for communities to take practical action and help keep people safe. Sir Gavin Williamson CBE MP - Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge - is also supporting the initiative and said: > “It was fantastic to meet the team at Black Onyx and to hear more about the S.A.L.T.® initiative which I have no doubt will continue to be effective in teaching the dangers of carrying knives, community engagement, and ultimately saving lives. > > "There are many reasons why young people feel pressurised to carry knives. Many may be in a position where they no longer want to due to lived experience or a desire to change their outlook, however, they worry about the repercussions. Therefore, a mobile knife amnesty van is a fantastic way to discard bladed articles without fear of consequence. > > "I very much look forward to working with the team moving forward.” Black Onyx Academy will be revealing the Mobile Knife Amnesty Van on Friday 10 July, at The HEX Group Pasturefields Lane, Hixon, Stafford ST18 0PH. The van is then set to out into the community from the end of July. For more information please contact Stef Northfield at Black Onyx Academy by emailing [stef@blackonyxacademy.com](mailto:stef@blackonyxacademy.com) or telephone: 07944848381 Visit Black Onyx Academy [here](https://blackonyxacademy.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Climate Emergency Cancelled: What Happens Next for Newcastle-under-Lyme? URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/climate-emergency-cancelled-what-happens-next-for-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T16:42:20.000Z Six years ago, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council joined hundreds of local authorities across the country in declaring a climate emergency. The motion, passed in April 2019, committed the council to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and placed climate change at the heart of its long-term decision making. On Wednesday evening, that commitment is expected to come to an end. At a meeting of Full Council, councillors will debate a motion proposed by Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Gullis to formally rescind the borough's 2019 Climate Emergency declaration and remove the authority's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030. If approved, officers will be instructed to review all associated strategies, delivery plans, spending and communications, while the council says it will instead focus on what it describes as "practical local environmental action", including tackling litter and fly-tipping, improving recycling, protecting parks and green spaces and reducing costs to taxpayers where possible. The proposal is one of the clearest examples yet of the new Reform UK administration putting its political philosophy into practice. Throughout recent weeks, Cllr Gullis has argued that the climate emergency declaration amounted to "virtue signalling" and that local government should prioritise delivering core public services over pursuing ambitious carbon reduction targets. He went on to say: > “The move to achieve Net Zero has become the worst kind of ‘groupthink’; often expensive and detached from reality while we pay more at home and at work for decisions that make no meaningful difference. > Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council should be focused on clean streets, safer communities, better services and value for money, not gimmicks. That is why every pound of spending linked to Net Zero is now under review. Where money has not been spent or legally committed, we will look to stop it, save it, or reprioritise it for the things residents actually care about.“ But opponents argue the decision risks confusing two separate issues. North Staffordshire Green Party has been among the most vocal critics of the proposal, rejecting suggestions that climate science is driven by ideology. In a statement shared with The Staffordshire Signal, the party said: > "Science is not virtue signalling. The data on man-made climate change goes back to the 1950s. Scientists from different countries, using different instruments, often working entirely separately have all come to the same conclusions." The party also disputed claims that climate policies are poor value for money, arguing that delaying investment could ultimately increase costs for residents. > "Net zero and climate action is about value for money. Net zero cuts operating costs at a council level over time and while scrapping targets may look cheaper in the short term, it shifts the higher costs for adapting to a changing climate through inefficient buildings and higher energy use later. This costs taxpayers, the voters and residents of Newcastle-under-Lyme, more." Looking ahead, the Greens say they intend to continue campaigning for stronger action on climate change while encouraging residents to play their own part. > "The people of the Borough must do all they can to keep up pressure on the council... We must all take steps to be informed... The main thing we can do is keep pressuring those people who are meant to represent us." Whatever happens at Wednesday's meeting, the debate is unlikely to end there. Rescinding the declaration would remove the borough's most significant environmental commitment, but it would not remove the council's wider legal responsibilities around environmental protection, planning policy or biodiversity. Nor would it prevent future administrations from adopting new climate targets should political priorities change. In many ways, Wednesday's vote reflects a broader debate about the role of local government, and over how councils should spend public money. Council data published before the change in administration shows that Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council had reduced its operational carbon emissions by more than 68% since 2009/10, with many of those reductions coming from measures such as LED lighting, improved insulation, more efficient council buildings and changes to the council's vehicle fleet. The authority has argued these projects not only reduced emissions but also cut energy consumption and operating costs over time. The new administration, however, argues that some of the remaining Net Zero projects - such as replacing refuse collection vehicles with electric alternatives - would require significant upfront investment and that those funds would be better directed towards delivery of local services. Ultimately, the new administration are not entirely questioning the existence of climate change, but about whether potential long-term operational savings justify higher costs in the short term. So, should councils set ambitious long-term objectives on issues such as climate change, even where much of the action required lies beyond their direct control? Or should they concentrate exclusively on delivering day-to-day services and leave wider national challenges to Westminster? Those are fundamentally political questions, and councillors will each reach their own conclusions before voting on Wednesday. What is certain however is that Wednesday's decision will mark a significant shift in the direction of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. Whether residents judge it to be a return to practical governance, or the abandonment of a vital environmental commitment, will depend not only on how councillors vote, but on what replaces the declaration once it is gone. I will be following up on this story once the full council meeting concludes and the votes are recorded. If you would like to watch online, click [here](https://teams.microsoft.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F%5F%23%2Fl%2Fmeetup-join%2F19%3Ameeting%5FOTAzMmI2NmYtZjE2OC00NzAyLWFkYTctZDZlMGI4NmJmYjVh%40thread.v2%2F0%3Fcontext%3D%257b%2522Tid%2522%253a%252232f4c2fa-b4aa-4b85-83f7-c683c33ab100%2522%252c%2522Oid%2522%253a%252234df993e-e11b-461e-a365-b6c9d86f1f79%2522%257d%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meetup-join&deeplinkId=e71a50a6-247c-46f1-b5a0-8ee8a92ca8b9&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-06-194740.png) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Protest Planned Outside Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Over Reform UK Policies URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/protest-planned-outside-newcastle-under-lyme-borough-council-over-reform-uk-policies/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T16:37:29.000Z Politics is often thought of as something that happens behind closed doors; inside council chambers or within parliamentary complexes. Votes are cast. Motions are debated. Policies are approved or rejected. But sometimes, the political conversation begins before councillors even take their seats. On Wednesday evening, campaign group **North Staffordshire Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (NorSCARF)** is planning a protest outside Castle House ahead of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's Full Council meeting. The demonstration, due to begin at 6.45pm in Queens Gardens, comes as councillors prepare to debate a series of significant proposals under the borough's new Reform UK administration, including a motion to rescind the council's 2019 Climate Emergency declaration and the vote as to whether to adopt the local plan. Promoting the event on social media, NorSCARF described the protest as an opportunity for people concerned about the direction of local government under Reform UK to make their voices heard. Speaking to The Staffordshire Signal, the group said its concerns extend far beyond a single council meeting or decision. > "We are protesting because we are extremely concerned about the prospect of Reform UK winning more influence in local and national government. The policies of Reform UK have been of a far-right nature since the inception of the party and have become increasingly so as time has gone on." Among the issues highlighted by the group are Reform UK's national immigration policies, proposals relating to asylum seekers and recent local decisions made by Reform-controlled authorities in Staffordshire. NorSCARF argues that these policies would have significant consequences for communities across the country. > "Our protest is a public declaration that we disagree with these policies, and many more, and think they will have a negative impact upon society." The group also points to a number of controversies involving Reform UK councillors in Staffordshire over the past year, referencing cases where councillors have resigned, been suspended or faced criticism over comments relating to race or migrants. NorSCARF believes those incidents have shaped public perceptions of the party locally. > "Reform UK have allowed these people into their ranks and platformed them into positions of political power. We believe this is a dangerous precedent to set." The organisation also expressed concern over the appointment of Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Gullis. > "The installation of Jonathan Gullis as leader of Newcastle council puts an individual who has made a political career out of platforming these divisive ideas into the spokesperson for a whole region within Staffordshire." Environmental policy is another key focus of Wednesday's protest. With councillors expected to vote on ending Newcastle-under-Lyme's Climate Emergency declaration, NorSCARF says it fears the decision could weaken the borough's response to climate change. > "We also believe that specific policies such as removing the commitment to make the Borough net-zero on climate emissions will directly contribute toward the degradation of our local environment." The group also criticised recent proposals elsewhere in Staffordshire relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and the removal of certain promotional materials from libraries, arguing these decisions risk marginalising minority communities. For NorSCARF, however, Wednesday's demonstration is about more than opposing individual policies. It says it wants to encourage greater public participation in local democracy. > "We want to achieve the outcome of ensuring a space is maintained for people to express their views and worries about far-right policies being put into practice." The group says it hopes the protest will remind elected representatives that democratic participation does not end once votes have been counted. > "People don't just have to exercise their democratic rights during voting day once every few years; they can exercise their rights every day in a multitude of ways." It also hopes the demonstration will encourage discussion about the future direction of local government. > "Our protest aims to bring some of those people together and create a sense that our unity of ideas can lead to expressing and mobilising opposition to what our councillors do." Asked why members of the public should attend, the organisers pointed to the role protests have played throughout history in securing political and social change. > "Social cohesion and progress has never been achieved without joining in. From employment rights, to women's rights, to equality in law and environmental health and safety - this was all achieved by people protesting in various ways." They concluded: > "When people come together we have a louder voice." Wednesday's demonstration is expected to take place shortly before councillors enter the chamber for what is likely to be one of the most closely watched meetings since Reform UK took control of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council. **While it was not possible to provide Reform UK with appropriate notice before publication, The Staffordshire Signal will offer the party an opportunity to respond to the claims and opinions expressed by NorSCARF in a future article.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/736188312_1000702176000011_808810823506958959_n.jpg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Public get chance to comment on proposed face covering ban in Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/public-get-chance-to-comment-on-proposed-face-covering-ban-in-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T10:58:35.000Z It would mean people causing or suspected of ASB or criminal activity will be asked to remove their face covering and if they refuse would get a £100 fixed penalty. But Stafford Borough Council has stressed that people with face coverings who are not looking to cause trouble will have nothing to worry about. The face covering has been added to a review of the council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) - which is designed to tackle activity that is having a negative impact in an area. Other provisions in the PSPO are aimed at, for example, stopping people climbing on the roofs of buildings in the town, drinking alcohol on the streets, and for those not cleaning up their dog’s mess in public areas. And now members of the public and businesses can have their say with a consultation running until 16 August from [www.staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo-2026-consultation](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo-2026-consultation?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Hard copies will also be available at the Civic Centre Reception, Riverside, Stafford. All the feedback will be considered before any new PSPO is implemented from early December. The consultation states: “The Council is considering a new restriction across the Borough that would prohibit the wearing of face coverings that substantially obscure the face, **only** where they are worn in circumstances likely to: - Cause harassment, alarm or distress or - Facilitate anti-social behaviour or criminal activity PSPOs are reviewed every three years. Senior councillors were told that people had reported being ‘alarmed’ and ‘intimidated’ when confronted by those with face masks and that the coverings can also make it difficult for CCTV operatives and witnesses to identify those involved in criminal activity. Anna Nevin, Head of Wellbeing at the council, said there would be a commonsense approach and nobody would be asked to take off a face covering unless they were looking to cause trouble. She said the proposal was put forward following feedback from local police about ways to support them in tackling issues of anti-social behaviour and other offences. > “Other areas of the country have already implemented this provision in a PSPO and more are in the process of introducing it. Anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of communities and we, along with other agencies, want to try and make sure our borough is a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit.” More on Public Spaces Protection Orders from [www.staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/pspo?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Star-Studded Birthday Bash Honours Employees Past and Present URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/star-studded-birthday-bash-honours-employees-past-and-present/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T09:59:23.000Z The venue for the 80th anniversary celebration was the picturesque Wootton Estate in Staffordshire just a few miles from where JCB’s business was founded in Uttoxeter on October 23rd, 1945\. The two-day JCB Family Festival was an extravaganza of entertainment to thank employees past and present for all they have done to propel the company from a one-man operation to company that today employs more than 20,000 people worldwide at 22 factories. From sheep shows to celebrity cookery demonstrations, parachute displays, and ferret racing there was something for everyone. The world famous JCB Dancing Diggers took several bows over the weekend to loud applause from the crowds, who were also delighted by a fly past from a Hurricane and a Spitfire. In the stage area, hosted by comedian and actor Paddy McGuinness, a day of musical entertainment kicked off with the UK’s premier wartime group the D-Day Darlings – a nod to the era when JCB was founded just after the Second World War. As the day progressed, Taylor Swift, Abba, Take That and Oasis tribute acts put on spell binding performances. The loudest cheers were reserved for Alex James Brit Pop Classical who closed the show on Saturday night and Staffordshire’s own Robbie Williams who brought the curtain down on the weekend on Sunday. JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said: > “This whole event was to say thank you to every employee, past and present, for helping make JCB the global success it is today. JCB competes on the world stage and we could not have achieved that without the efforts of the whole team. It was a magnificent weekend and gave me particular pleasure that our two headline acts had links with Staffordshire, where our business began 80 years ago.” Robbie Williams was born in Stoke-on-Trent and rose to fame with Take That before going solo in 1996 and becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Alex James’ wife Claire, a music video producer, hails from Trentham in Stoke-on-Trent. In true Robbie style, the singer picked a woman from the crowd on Sunday evening to serenade with ‘She’s The One’. The lucky lady was Jules Taylor, wife of Nick Taylor, Sales Director at Rocester-based JCB Finance. Jules had written ‘Robbie we love you’ on the reverse of a paper JCB carrier bag to turn it into a banner which she held over the barrier. After the concert, she said: > “It was absolutely amazing, my legs were shaking! I’m a huge Robbie fan. I think he’s an amazing showman. I shouted to Nick to get the camera ready when he came near. I felt star struck. What an absolutely brilliant day.” Retired JCB employee Sue Finney, of Rocester, who used to work in the JCB Events team, said: > “I think it is incredible that Lord Bamford has put on an event like this for the employees to enjoy.” JCB Merchandise Assistant Tracy Mottram, of Oakamoor, near Cheadle, said: > “It was a brilliant weekend. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and it made us proud to work for JCB.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/MS1_0676.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/JT-070526-13-04-36.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/JT-070426-11-11-30_01.jpg) JCB Family Festival 2026 ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Decision to be made on the future of Packmoor Masterplan following extensive public consultation URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/decision-to-be-made-on-the-future-of-packmoor-masterplan-following-extensive-public-consultation/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T09:20:42.000Z A four-week consultation on the Packmoor Masterplan attracted 448 responses and saw 120 residents attend public drop-in events, making it one of the most significant engagement exercises undertaken by the council. The masterplan process explored five options for the site, ranging from development proposals delivering new homes, affordable housing and extra-care accommodation for older people, through to a "do nothing" option. Feedback from residents showed strong support for protecting green spaces, wildlife and the area's village character. Concerns were raised about traffic, pressure on local services, drainage, flooding and the potential impact of development on Packmoor's semi-rural identity. A large proportion of responses were against any development of the site. That feedback has directly shaped the report now going before Cabinet. Officers are recommending that the two development options involving Packmoor's historic ridge and furrow land are ruled out entirely, advising that this land is an important part of the area's agricultural heritage and that building on it would present significant planning and heritage risks. A third development option, which avoids the ridge and furrow land but would require the land currently used by Kidsgrove Athletic Football Club, is not recommended for progression. The report recommends Cabinet focuses on a choice between: **Option 4** \- a revised development proposal excluding both the ridge and furrow land and the land used by Kidsgrove Athletic FC. This could deliver up to 816 new homes, including around 200 affordable rented homes, together with specialist accommodation for older people; or **Option 5** \- a "do nothing" approach, which would see the site withdrawn from the draft Local Plan with no development taking place. Kidsgrove Athletic FC has separately confirmed it is willing to engage in discussions about a possible future relocation. No decision is being sought on this, and the report is clear that any relocation would only ever be voluntary, led by the club, and subject to a robust business case. The council has also confirmed that planning rules require football pitch provision to be fully protected - meaning any relocation could only go ahead if it delivered facilities for the club that are as good as, or better than, those it has today. In reaching a decision, Cabinet will weigh the consultation feedback against housing demand across Stoke-on-Trent, including the approximately 3,500 households and individuals currently on the council's housing register, and the city's requirement to plan for future housing growth. The draft Local Plan identifies the Packmoor site as capable of accommodating around 800 homes as part of the city's overall housing strategy to 2040. If Cabinet supports Option 4, the council would begin the process of appointing a master developer, carrying out further technical surveys and seeking external funding to support affordable housing and infrastructure improvements. If Cabinet selects Option 5, the site would be formally withdrawn from the draft Local Plan and no further work would be undertaken. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for growth, regeneration and transport, said: > "I want to thank the people of Packmoor who took the time to have their say - at the drop-ins, online and in writing. People told us clearly what matters to them: green space, traffic, and the character of their village and the surrounding communities, including Brindley Ford, Chell, Fegg Hayes, Pittshill and Wedgwood Farm. > “That feedback has directly shaped this report and it's why officers are recommending the historic ridge and furrow land is taken off the table entirely. > "On Kidsgrove Athletic, let me be equally clear: local football provision will not be reduced. That is rightly protected in law. Any conversation about relocation would only ever be on the club's terms. If a move were ever to happen, it would have to mean pitches and facilities that are as good as what they have now, if not better or it wouldn't happen at all. > "What's now in front of Cabinet is a genuinely open and balanced decision. We have to weigh what residents have told us against our responsibility to the 3,500 households on our housing register and the need to plan properly for the city's future. No decision has been taken in advance. This process has always been about listening, gathering the evidence, and making sure councillors have everything they need to reach the right decision, for Packmoor and for Stoke-on-Trent." Cabinet will consider the report and determine its preferred option at its meeting on 14 July. Any future development proposal would remain subject to further technical assessments, detailed design work and the planning process. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Crucial month ahead for city’s ‘blueprint’ for growth URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/crucial-month-ahead-for-citys-blueprint-for-growth/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T09:07:16.000Z The proposed Local Plan 2020-2040 sets out how the city will meet future housing needs for local people, create jobs, improve infrastructure and protect valued green spaces. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “There is no doubt this is a big moment for the people of Stoke-on-Trent. This revised, updated plan will set out how the city will grow and develop over the coming years. > “The city is required to plan for at least 19,000 new homes over the plan’s lifetime. The proposed Local Plan identifies sites across Stoke-on-Trent with a focus on making best use of brownfield land while ensuring there are sufficient sites to meet future housing needs. Homes are the bedrock of our communities. And that includes homes for all: from starter homes through to big family homes. > “The proposed Local Plan is our blueprint for delivering economic growth, jobs, regeneration and renewal. Complemented by improved public transport, infrastructure and community amenities, it has enormous potential to unlock the vast potential we know this city has to offer.” The updated plan reflects extensive public feedback received in earlier consultations, including additional brownfield sites identified by residents and stakeholders. As a result, less Green Belt release is now proposed. And this new document officially protects a number of local green spaces, such as Berryhill Fields and the Lower Croft and contains measures to boost sustainability and biodiversity. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for growth, regeneration and transport, said: > “This plan is about making growth work for the people who live here. That means putting infrastructure first. The roads, transport and community facilities that make new homes an asset to a neighbourhood, not a burden on it. > “Thousands of residents took the time to have their say, and their feedback has genuinely changed this plan: more brownfield sites, less Green Belt release, and local green spaces protected for good. That is exactly how it should work. When the next consultation opens this summer, I would encourage everyone to take part – because in this city, your voice shapes the plan.” The council will continue to seek opportunities to bring forward suitable brownfield sites as part of its long-term development plans. The plan will next be considered by the council’s Housing, Regeneration & Operations Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8 July with comments passed to cabinet. If approved by cabinet, the proposed Local Plan will be subject to a six-week consultation this summer. As part of this, residents, businesses and stakeholders will have a further opportunity to make formal representations before the plan is submitted to government for independent examination. Information on the consultation – including dates, supporting information and guidance on how to submit representations – will be available prior to the consultation launch. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke and Staffordshire Residents Continue to Embrace Electric Driving URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-and-staffordshire-residents-continue-to-embrace-electric-driving/ Last updated: 2026-07-07T08:42:58.000Z The latest milestone reflects the dealership's continued growth and the increasing demand for electric vehicles, with more motorists choosing BYD thanks to its innovative technology, outstanding value and impressive model range. While many customers have come from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, the family owned dealership has also welcomed people from across the UK, with the dealership building a reputation for its friendly service and straightforward approach to electric vehicle ownership. David Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, said: > *"We're delighted to reach 250 EV deliveries at BYD Stoke. Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement and highlights the growing confidence drivers have in electric vehicles, as well as the hard work and dedication of our team.”* Located on Victoria Road in Stoke-on-Trent, BYD Stoke continues to strengthen its position as one of the region's leading destinations for electric vehicles, supporting more drivers as they make the transition to cleaner, more sustainable driving. David added: > *"We're committed to providing honest advice and helping customers find the right vehicle for their lifestyle - we're excited to continue building on this success."* Find your local dealership at [www.swanswaygarages.com](https://www.swanswaygarages.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### What Does Reform UK's Staffordshire EDI Policy Paper Actually Tell Us? URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/what-does-reform-uks-staffordshire-edi-policy-paper-actually-tell-us/ Last updated: 2026-07-05T14:04:39.000Z Politics has become a sprint. A report is leaked, headlines appear within hours, and social media decides who is right before most people have reached the second page. That was certainly true this week. A leaked Reform UK Staffordshire policy paper generated national headlines after outlining proposals to overhaul Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies. Within hours, the document had become another front in Britain's increasingly polarised culture war. Depending on who you asked, it was either a long overdue return to common sense or a direct attack on equality itself. But headlines rarely tell the whole story. Rather than rushing to add another opinion to the pile, we've taken the time to read the document in full and assess it on its actual contents. In doing so, we set ourselves two simple questions: what does the report actually say, and what influence does it actually have? The answers are rather more nuanced than many of the headlines might suggest. ## Not Council Policy, and the Document Says So Before we begin, one fact is worth establishing from the outset. This is not Staffordshire County Council policy, nor is it a strategy written by council officers. Instead, it is a policy paper produced by the Reform UK Group on Staffordshire County Council, setting out the direction the party believes the authority should take following its election victory last year. The document's own disclaimer makes this explicit: > "This position paper does not constitute official Council policy." That distinction is important. Political groups regularly produce policy papers setting out their ambitions. Until those proposals are tabled, debated, approved and implemented through the council's formal decision making processes, they remain exactly that: political proposals. Reading much of the national coverage this week, however, you could easily have been forgiven for believing the report represented an immediate change in how Staffordshire County Council operates. It does not. And in most circumstances, reports such as this are kept out of the public domain in order to prevent confusion or unnecessary media frenzy. ## Three Words, Thirty-Eight Pages Another point worth making is that this report runs to a great deal more than three words, yet the phrase that attracted almost all of the attention was strikingly short. Much of the coverage described the paper as calling for the removal of "toxic EDI policies," a description drawn from the headlines rather than the document itself, which never actually uses the word "toxic." Its own language runs instead to phrases like a "legislatively faithful model" of equality. Even so, those three words became the story. The document itself is 38 pages broader. Across these pages, the authors argue that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has evolved beyond ensuring compliance with the Equality Act 2010, into something far more ideological. They suggest public bodies have increasingly adopted policies that seek to produce particular social outcomes rather than simply ensuring equal treatment under the law. From that perspective, the report recommends reviewing recruitment practices, internal training, governance arrangements, communications guidance and staff policies, to ensure they align with what the authors see as the council's statutory obligations, rather than wider diversity targets. Whether readers agree with that diagnosis is another matter. But it is important to understand that the document is making a constitutional argument about the purpose of local government, not simply proposing the removal of equality policies "for the sake of it." ## Nothing New, Just Better Explained Perhaps the most striking conclusion after reading the report is not what is new, but how much of it feels familiar. For years, Reform UK's national leadership has criticised Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives across the public sector. Nigel Farage has repeatedly argued that public institutions have become distracted by identity politics, while Richard Tice has made similar arguments about meritocracy, free speech and what he describes as political neutrality. The party's 2024 General Election manifesto also contained commitments to end what it characterised as "woke ideology" throughout public services. The Staffordshire report therefore does not represent a dramatic departure from Reform UK's existing political philosophy. Instead, it attempts something rather different: it explains how those national beliefs might be translated into the day to day workings of a county council. And that makes the document significant, not because it tells us something we did not already know about Reform UK, but because it begins to answer a different question, what does Reform governance actually look like in practice? ## Who Wrote It, and What It Costs One of the more interesting aspects of the report is that it spends surprisingly little time making overtly political attacks. Instead, much of the document is devoted to historical practice, law and political philosophy. The author, whom the paper's own disclaimer suggests is a politically restricted political assistant appointed under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 rather than a regular officer, repeatedly refers to concepts such as equality before the law, transparency and the role of public institutions, arguing that councils should provide services impartially rather than pursuing wider social or cultural objectives. Whether that argument is persuasive is for readers to decide. Staffordshire's own EDI costs haven't yet been published, the report itself says a full audit is still to come, but comparable figures elsewhere suggest the sums involved may be more modest than the coverage has implied. A 2025 Freedom of Information response from Devon County Council put its EDI budget at £215,000 for 2024/25, with £654,658 spent in total between 2019 and 2024, hardly the runaway cost some headlines have suggested. But it does demonstrate that the report is attempting to build an intellectual case rather than the list of campaign slogans that we've seen previously. Indeed, many of the recommendations flow directly from that central premise. If the purpose of local government is simply to deliver statutory services fairly and efficiently, the report argues, then policies perceived as going beyond those statutory responsibilities should be reviewed. That is the thread that runs consistently throughout the document. ## What the Report Deliberately Leaves Out Interestingly, some of the most revealing aspects of the report are the things it does not propose. It does not suggest withdrawing from the Equality Act 2010, and it does not argue that councils should ignore their legal duties towards protected characteristics. In fact, the report repeatedly emphasises compliance with existing equality legislation. The disagreement, therefore, is not about whether equality law should exist. It is about how broadly councils should interpret their responsibilities beyond those legal minimums, a significant distinction that many headlines don't seem to acknowledge. Much of the public debate has framed the issue as one of equality versus inequality. The report itself frames it rather differently: statutory equality versus what its authors see as ideological expansion. Whether that distinction is substantial will be revealed in time, but nonetheless, the argument is being made. ## Why the Timing Matters The timing of the leak is perhaps just as significant as its contents. Until recently, Reform UK could make broad national arguments without the responsibility of governing. Now, in Staffordshire, the party controls one of England's largest county councils, and that changes their operation significantly. Ideas which previously existed largely in manifestos and conference speeches are now being translated into proposals for local government. Naturally, that attracts greater scrutiny, as it should. Government deserves to be examined more closely than opposition, and that forces political policies to conform with parliamentary legislation. ## So What Does It Actually Change? This is perhaps the most important question of all, and the answer, at least for now, is: less than many headlines implied. The document does not change council policy. It does not automatically abolish any existing strategies. It does not bind officers to act in a particular way. Any significant changes would still require decisions through the council's established democratic processes, with many requiring Cabinet approval or wider decisions by elected councillors. That means the report should perhaps be viewed less as an instruction manual and more as a statement of political intent. It tells us where the Reform UK Group would like Staffordshire County Council to go. And that's as far as it goes. ## Our Verdict There is a temptation in modern politics to treat every document or statement as a political earthquake. Sometimes they are. Sometimes, when studied and properly understood, they tell us little more than what's already known. Having read this report in full, it feels much closer to the latter. It undoubtedly matters. It provides the clearest insight yet into how Reform UK's councillors believe local government should operate, and it offers a detailed explanation of a political philosophy that has often been communicated nationally through hollow slogans and campaign speeches. But it does not reveal a fundamentally new direction of travel. Those familiar with Reform UK's national positions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, meritocracy and the role of the state will find remarkably little here that contradicts or significantly expands upon what party leaders have been saying for several years. In that sense, the document's greatest significance may not lie in its policy recommendations at all. Instead, it marks the point at which Reform UK begins to move from opposition to administration, from explaining what it opposes to explaining how it believes government should work. But if the document teaches us anything, it is perhaps this. Good journalism should do more than amplify the loudest headline. Sometimes the most valuable question is the simplest one. What does it actually say? You can download the full file here; [Equality Before the Council - Staffordshire County Council Reform UK Group Position PaperEquality Before the Council - Staffordshire County Council Reform UK Group Position Paper.pdf731 KBdownload-circle](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/content/files/2026/07/Equality-Before-the-Council---Staffordshire-County-Council-Reform-UK-Group-Position-Paper-1.pdf "Download") #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Cabinet Approves Community Fund and Local Plan Debate Continues URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cabinet-approves-community-fund-and-local-plan-debate-continues/ Last updated: 2026-07-05T12:53:57.000Z A wide-ranging meeting of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's new Cabinet saw councillors discuss everything from Walleys Quarry and crime in the town centre to museum improvements, pet cremation services and the future of the borough's Local Plan. The meeting, held at Castle House on 23rd June, included several significant decisions and updates that will affect residents across the borough. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Picture4-1.png) ## **Local Plan Moves Closer to Adoption** One of the most significant discussions centred on the Borough Local Plan, which will guide future development across Newcastle-under-Lyme until 2040. Cabinet heard that, following examination by the Planning Inspector, no further amendments can now be made to the plan. Councillors were told the authority effectively faces two options: adopt the modified plan or reject it entirely. During the discussion, Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Gullis declared an interest, informing Cabinet that Indurent, the developer behind the proposed AB2 employment site, is a client of a company for which he works as a Senior Advisor. Cllr Gullis also serves as the Cabinet member responsible for Planning. Cllr Gullis said he would have preferred more time to build cross-party consensus around the plan, but officers warned that failing to adopt it could leave the council vulnerable to speculative planning applications and potential intervention from central government. Rather than backing adoption outright, Cabinet's formal decision was to note the Inspector's findings and record that the administration will seek "positive engagement" with opposition groups before the matter goes to Full Council, so the outcome remains very much up for debate. ## **Positive Update on Walleys Quarry** Residents affected by odour issues from Walleys Quarry received a largely positive update. Cabinet heard that only seven complaints had been made to the council during 2026 so far, with council officers directly observing two incidents of bad odour. While some residents have called for a public inquiry into the long-running issue, Cabinet was told there are currently no plans by the Environment Agency to launch one. However, Cllr Gullis indicated he would support revisiting the idea once the Environment Agency's legal proceedings conclude. ## **Crime Falls, But Concerns Remain** Cabinet also received an update from the Newcastle Community Safety Partnership. The report showed crime and antisocial behaviour has fallen by 20.4% over the last three years and remains below both regional and national averages. However, violence continues to be the largest category of offending, with Newcastle town centre remaining the borough's primary hotspot. Other priorities identified by the partnership include anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, domestic abuse, drugs and county lines activity. Despite the positive statistics, multiple councillors questioned whether crime figures fully reflected residents' experiences, suggesting many incidents may go unreported. The discussion also saw Cllr Jonathan Gullis call for tougher enforcement powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, while Cllr Graham Shaw pressed for greater visibility of daytime policing in the town centre, on top of the existing weekend patrols. Cllr Gullis also pointed to Stafford Borough's recent move to include face coverings in its own PSPO, saying he would "love" to see Newcastle do the same. On rough sleeping and persistent anti-social behaviour in the town centre, Cllr Gullis said he had "no compassion" for those who refuse offers of support, adding: "I would like a sort of El Salvador model where we come and sweep these people up off the streets." ## **New Community Fund Approved** Cabinet approved the creation of a new Community Fund. The scheme will provide each borough councillor with up to £2,500 annually to support local projects and initiatives within their wards. The fund is expected to cost around £110,000 per year, made up by combining the former Civic Pride Investment Fund with additional money reallocated from the Civic Growth Fund. Supporters argue the fund will allow councillors to respond directly to local priorities and support grassroots community projects. ## **Brampton Museum Funding Bid** Cabinet also approved plans for Brampton Museum to apply for up to £150,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to deliver a project running from April 2027 to March 2029. If successful, the funding would help improve the museum's upstairs exhibition space, support new exhibitions celebrating Newcastle's history, enhance children's activities and fund energy-saving improvements including insulation and lighting upgrades. ## **Pet Cremation Service Planned** Councillors backed proposals to develop a new pet cremation service at Bradwell Crematorium. Officers have been working on the plans for the past year and a planning application has now been submitted. If approved, the service would operate separately from existing cremation facilities and provide a new option for bereaved pet owners across the borough. ## **Strong Financial Position Reported** Cabinet also reviewed the council's financial performance for the final quarter of 2025/26. The authority reported a revenue surplus of £115,000 against a budget of £19.7 million, while more than £27 million was invested in regeneration projects, town deals and community initiatives during the year. Although some major projects have been delayed into 2026/27, councillors were told the council remains in a stable financial position, with around 70% of performance indicators meeting their targets. The next Cabinet Forward Plan is due to be published on 1st July. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Councillor loses seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after failing to formally accept position URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/councillor-loses-seat-on-kidsgrove-town-council-after-failing-to-formally-accept-position/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T07:47:29.000Z Olivia Westcott, who was returned unopposed to represent the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward for Reform UK, was disqualified after failing to sign her mandatory Declaration of Acceptance of Office before or during the first full council meeting on 21st May. She remains a Reform UK member of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, where she was elected for the neighbouring Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe ward on 7 May. Under the Local Government Act 1972, failing to complete this legal formality within the statutory timeframe leaves local authorities with no legal alternative but to declare an automatic vacancy. The situation has sparked debate over the rigidity of local government bureaucracy vs the personal unexpected emergencies faced by elected officials. Ms Westcott explained that a sudden family emergency, which arose around two hours before the meeting was due to begin, physically prevented her from attending to sign the paperwork. In her public statement, Ms Westcott said initial contact with the Town Council Clerk suggested she could sign the forms the following day, however, when she attended, the Clerk was absent and would not return until the following week, meaning the declaration could not be completed in time. Because the strict legal deadline had passed the night before, the seat was declared vacant, with the council later acknowledging that its own procedural communication regarding the strict deadlines "may not have been as clear as they could have been." The incident highlights a painful lesson in local government. While there is clear reason to sympathise with an unexpected family crisis and the subsequent failure in communication with council staff, some may note that the situation also underscores the fundamental responsibility placed on any individual standing for public office. Entering democratic service requires a thorough familiarisation with statutory rules, expectations, and deadlines before putting oneself forward to represent the electorate. Reliance on a reminder from a fellow councillor (as mentioned in her statement), rather than well informed adherence to strict legislation, has ultimately cost Reform UK a newly won seat. Ms Westcott expressed her deep disappointment and apologised to her constituents. She stated that she put herself forward because she cares deeply about the community and remains determined to continue working hard and staying accessible to local residents. The original town council election for the ward was uncontested, with only seven candidates coming forward for its seven seats, meaning all were automatically returned. A by-election for the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe seat has since been called and will take place on 6 August 2026, after the required number of local electors requested a poll. Nomination papers are available from the returning officer at Castle House, Barracks Road, Newcastle. Had no poll been requested, the vacancy could instead have been filled by council co-option. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Vegan Festival Returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme This July URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/vegan-festival-returns-to-newcastle-under-lyme-this-july/ Last updated: 2026-07-03T07:41:55.000Z The popular Vegan Festival is set to return to Newcastle-under-Lyme on Sunday 12th July, bringing a day of plant-based food and ethical shopping to The Stones. Taking place from 10am to 3pm, the free event will feature a wide range of vegan street food, sweet treats, artisan products, sustainable gifts and information stalls from local organisations promoting animal rights and plant-based living. Following a series of successful events in the town, organisers Stoke Animal Rights are once again bringing the festival back to Newcastle-under-Lyme, celebrating independent traders and offering visitors the chance to discover delicious food, unique products and ethical alternatives. The festival forms part of Newcastle-under-Lyme's growing programme of specialist markets and events, joining the monthly Castle Artisan Market, Castle Pre-Loved Market, Record Fair, Castle Food & Drink Fest, as well as the town's long-established General and Antiques Markets. Vicky Gerrard, organiser of the Newcastle Vegan Festival, said: > "Every time we return to Newcastle-under-Lyme we're blown away by the support from visitors and traders alike. The festival is all about showcasing fantastic food, supporting independent businesses and helping people discover how easy and enjoyable vegan living can be. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian or simply curious, everyone is welcome and we're looking forward to another brilliant day.” --- The Newcastle Vegan Festival takes place on Sunday 12th July from 10am until 3pm on The Stones in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre. Entry is free. For more information on upcoming markets and events in Newcastle-under-Lyme, follow @newcastlebid on social media. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Young performers invited to take over The Big Feast stage URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/young-performers-invited-to-take-over-the-big-feast-stage/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T11:36:07.000Z For the first time, Appetite is launching the Young Creatives Takeover, a new opportunity designed to celebrate and showcase emerging talent from Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area. The initiative will give four acts aged 16 to 21 the chance to perform on the Piccadilly Stage during The Big Feast, Appetite’s free outdoor arts festival, which returns to the city centre on Friday 28 August and Saturday 29 August. Successful applicants will receive a 10-minute performance slot on the Piccadilly Stage on Saturday 29 August, a financial contribution to support their participation and inclusion in festival marketing and promotional activity. The Young Creatives Takeover is open to singers, dancers, musicians, spoken word artists, poets, magicians and other performers who are ready to share their talent with an audience. Previous performance experience is not essential. Appetite assistant producer Emma Hobbs, who is coordinating the Piccadilly Stage, said: > “The Big Feast has always been about celebrating creativity and bringing people together through the arts. The Young Creatives Takeover is an exciting new opportunity to give young people a platform to share their talents, build confidence and be part of a major cultural event in their city. > “We know there is so much creative talent across the area, and we can't wait to see the range of performers that come forward. Whether someone is already performing regularly or considering stepping onto a stage for the first time, we'd encourage them to apply.” Applications are now open and must be submitted by 11.59pm on Friday 17 July. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Friday 31 July. For more information and to apply, visit [appetite.org.uk/call-outs](https://www.appetite.org.uk/call-outs?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Applicants will be asked to upload a two-minute video showcasing their performance skills. Please note that young people aged 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult on the day of their performance. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### A day to go down in history! Tamworth care home residents visit RAF Museum URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/a-day-to-go-down-in-history-tamworth-care-home-residents-visit-raf-museum/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T11:32:23.000Z The team at Care UK’s Arkall Manor, on Ashby Road, organised a special trip for residents to visit the RAF Museum, in Cosford. During the visit, the residents received a guided tour of the museum, where they were able to look at memorabilia and explore key points throughout history, including the Battle of Britian. Among the visitors was 89-year-old John Farley, whose fascination with aircrafts first began as a young boy when he would watch planes as they flew above him during World War Two. John began his early career serving in the Navy and RAF, where he was positioned as a petty officer and navigator on gnats for 12 years. After leaving the Navy, the veteran’s love for aircrafts inspired him to earn his pilot license in his 30s, becoming a flying instructor at first before achieving his own commercial license to fly planes all over the world. John has passed his love for aviation down through the generations, with his daughter and son both currently working for a British airline and airport. John said: > “I really enjoyed the day, especially seeing the Spitfire and Hurricane planes! > “It brought back memories of watching the planes fly over during WWII when I was a young boy and being fascinated by them.” John’s experience was part of Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, in which each care home encourages residents to put forward their dreams, allowing them to reconnect with a past hobby or career, or try something completely new. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/image--10-.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/image--8-.png) **1\. Arkall Manor resident, John Farley 89 years old as a pilot in his younger years* **2\. Arkall Manor resident, John Farley 89 years old, pictured at the RAF Museum in Cosford* Samukaliso Marozo, Home Manager at Arkall Manor, said: “At Arkall Manor, we’re passionate about creating enriching experiences for residents that bring joy and stimulate meaningful memories. “This visit to the RAF Museum was not only a chance for residents to reconnect with history, but also to share their own stories from a time that shaped so many lives. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the visit which was a truly special day for everyone involved." Arkall Manor is a state-of-the-art care home that provides residential and dementia care on a permanent and respite basis. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the care home also offers its very own library, cinema room and hair salon as well as plenty of space for relaxation and recreation. For more information about Arkall Manor, please call 01827 438 225, email [reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk](mailto:reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk) or visit [careuk.com/arkall-manor](https://www.careuk.com/care-homes/arkall-manor-tamworth?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### UKSE backs disabled horse riders for National Championships URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ukse-backs-disabled-horse-riders-for-national-championships/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T11:17:34.000Z Three riders from Riding for the Disabled’s Stafford & District Group, based at Rodbaston and Dunston Heath Stables, earned their place in the Nationals after winning their regional heat. They will now represent the Group at the Championship finals taking place between 10–12 July at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire. Harry Ridgeway and Alex Smyth will both compete in the non-profiled led dressage test, in walk, whilst Jon Hamblin who is registered blind, will compete in the B1 led, walk only dressage test. The sponsorship from UKSE will help towards the cost of overnight accommodation for the riders, horses and volunteers as well as the transportation of the horses to the venue in addition to horse rental for the duration of the competition. The RDA National Championship is the largest equestrian event of its kind for disabled competitors. The sponsorship will enable the riders to take part in the prestigious event and compete against riders from across the country. Providing strategic funding packages of up to £1m to businesses to generate growth, create local job opportunities and bolster the economy, UKSE’s local team based in Cannock also make community donations on the back of their work supporting SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford. Riding for the Disabled coach Fiona Round said: > "We are delighted by UKSE's support for our riders. Events like these create a huge sense of achievement and pride and the sponsorship will make a real difference and demonstrates the importance of backing disabled riders and equestrian sport. > “Without support from businesses like UKSE we would be unable to continue our valuable work. Riding for the Disabled has a huge impact on the lives of our riders, from improving their core strength and balance to the positive impact it has on the rider’s confidence and mental wellbeing.” UKSE regional executive Mike Lowe said: > "We are proud to sponsor these talented riders and their participation in the RDA National Championship. Organisations like Stafford & District RDA do incredible work providing opportunity and confidence to disabled riders. We are honoured to support them." Celebrating 50 years of building relationships and supporting communities, UKSE makes equity investments, ensuring management stays in control and offering a flexible exit policy. *Photo caption: Riders L-R Harry Ridgeway and Jon Hamblin. Centre- UKSE regional executive Mike Lowe. Second from right Riding for the Disabled coach, Fiona Round* ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Self-storage specialist expands with new Hanley site in Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/self-storage-specialist-expands-with-new-hanley-site-in-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T11:09:18.000Z Located on Hillcrest Street in Hanley, the new facility marks Cuboid's 41st opening to date, with more planned for later this year. The company’s spacious 20ft long storage containers provide more than 1,100 cubic feet of secure storage space, suitable for homeowners looking to declutter, businesses requiring additional stock space, and tradespeople needing secure equipment storage. Cuboid customers benefit from gated access seven days a week from 6am - midnight, 24-hour CCTV monitoring and heavy-duty lock and key security, with all containers fully ventilated to keep belongings in pristine condition. Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Property Group, said: *“Demand for more high-quality, secure and flexible storage facilities has continued to grow, as more homeowners and businesses look for convenient ways to create extra space without the cost and disruption of relocating. It’s fantastic to bring our storage offering to Hanley providing customers with easy access to secure, affordable space whenever they need it.”* For more information, visit: [www.cuboidselfstorage.com/self-storage-stoke-on-trent](https://www.cuboidselfstorage.com/self-storage-stoke-on-trent?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **About Cuboid** One of the fastest growing self-storage providers in the UK and showing no signs of slowing down. They currently operate 36 storage facilities across England and Wales, comprising of secure, easily accessible storage space. Part of FI Property Group, Cuboid shares the group’s ambitious values and drive that built an impressive real estate portfolio. With the space and resources at our fingertips, we’re ready to meet growing demands to make our growth ambitions a reality. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Competition launched to name Cannock Chase food waste wagons URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/competition-launched-to-name-cannock-chase-food-waste-wagons/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T11:04:59.000Z Open to children aged 16 and under, the competition invites young residents to come up with creative and memorable names for the six new wagons. Each winning name will be proudly displayed on the wagon as it travels across Cannock Chase, giving winners a lasting sense of pride in their contribution. Food waste collections began in the district at the end of April and have already proven a great success, with residents recycling more than 300 tonnes in the first four weeks alone, the equivalent weight of two blue whales. Figures have also shown that this service has reduced the waste in the general bin. The competition forms part of the Council’s wider efforts to raise awareness of food waste and encourage positive recycling habits. By engaging school children and families, the initiative aims to spark conversations about sustainability both at home and in the classroom, helping to build long-term behavioural change across our community. Councillor John Parkes, Portfolio Leader for Operational Services and Parks said: > “Food waste collections have already made a fantastic start across the district and I want to personally thank residents for their participation. > “This competition is a fantastic way to inspire creativity while helping children understand the importance of reducing waste and protecting our environment. I’m really looking forward to seeing the imaginative names they come up with and allowing them to play a part in this important service.” Children 16 and under have until 11 September to submit their entries. The final six winning names will be chosen by the Council’s Cabinet Lead, the Waste & Recycling team, and a representative from Biffa. Each winning child will receive a prize, kindly provided by Biffa, including:  A certificate and eco-themed goody bag  A photo opportunity with their newly named wagon The winning names will be professionally displayed on the wagons from October 2026 ensuring they are seen by residents across the district for years to come. Tony Darbyshire, Senior Business Manager at Biffa, said: > “At Biffa, we’re proud to support initiatives that engage local communities and encourage positive environmental habits. This competition is a great way to get young people involved and excited about recycling, and we’re delighted to provide prizes for the winners. We can’t wait to see these wagons out on the road with their new names.” The winning names will also feature in the Binworld school performances in October, as well as on the Council’s website and social media channels, with photo opportunities planned during the autumn term. Children 16 and under can submit their entries by emailing communications@cannockchasedc.gov.uk by Friday 11 September. For more information on our food waste service visit: **www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/foodwaste** ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Hubb Foundation Wins £4.5M City Holiday Scheme Contract URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hubb-foundation-wins-4-5m-city-holiday-scheme-contract/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T10:58:04.000Z The three-year £4.5million deal to deliver the Department for Education-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will see the charity co-ordinate 45,000 free holiday scheme sessions in schools and community venues across the city each Christmas, Easter and Summer holiday. It follows the award of £375,000 support from digger maker JCB announced earlier this year to fund half term holiday activities across Stoke-on-Trent. The holiday enrichment programme, delivered at up to 80 local schools and community centres, targets thousands of the city’s most vulnerable children, including those entitled to Free School Meals and with Special Educational Needs. It provides activities such as multi-sports, dance, drama, crafts, trips and career-boosting courses all alongside a healthy, nutritious meal. It will see the Foundation re-investing up to £1million a year into Stoke-on-Trent based community and voluntary organisations who deliver the activity programmes – trusted organisations rooted in local communities - as well as up to 20 local caterers, cafes and community kitchens delivering HAF meals. The Foundation has also committed to increasing the number of places offered from 40,000 to 45,000 over the coming years. It will also bring on board 10-15 new community or grassroots organisations each year to broaden the holiday programme’s reach and expand opportunities for new voluntary organisations. The charity has delivered HAF on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council since early 2021 and has been awarded the contract following a rigorous tendering process. Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates said: > “This is great news for families and children right across the city who are assured of vital support throughout each main school holiday for the next three years. We are delighted to have been selected as Stoke-on-Trent's HAF provider. It means we can build on the strong foundations of the past five years – continuing to make a real difference to the 19,000\* children deemed to be living in absolute poverty – and helping improve the city's health, wealth and overall well-being. > “We work with around 50 brilliant local organisations to give young people the best holiday experiences, make memories and build confidence. By working together our aim is to raise the aspirations of the most disadvantaged children from age five right through to 16 and help them achieve their potential in life.” Founded in 2019, The Hubb Foundation has delivered more than 1 million meals to families and individuals in need across Stoke-on-Trent. In addition, it runs the JCB-funded half term Hubb Holidays as well as community food support schemes such as Hubb Pots and programmes to help children navigate the huge step of transitioning from primary to secondary education. Bookings for Summer HAF activities go live on Friday July 10th, 2026\. Any families interested in booking sessions can find out more at: [https://www.thehubbfoundation.com/what-s-on-1/](https://www.thehubbfoundation.com/what-s-on-1/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Life-size art prints bring museum collection to city centre gardens URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/life-size-art-prints-bring-museum-collection-to-city-centre-gardens/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T10:49:29.000Z Past Times explores everyday life across the generations through large-scale reproductions of paintings from Potteries Museum & Art Gallery’s collection. The exhibition captures moments from everyday life across the generations, from scenes of work to family life and leisure, with a life-size portrait of Josiah Spode II among the highlights. Other highlights include works by acclaimed British and Irish artists John Currie, Roderic O’Conor and Ethel Gabain, alongside paintings by June Burnett, who lived and worked in Stoke-on-Trent. Following the success of becoming the first venue in the UK to host the National Gallery’s Art on Your Doorstep exhibition, the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is reusing the specially designed outdoor display structures to showcase highlights from its own collection. The exhibition also provides access to artworks from the museum’s collection while the art gallery is temporarily closed for essential building works as part of its multi-million-pound transformation. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BG4.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BG2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/BG3.jpeg) Some of the art on display Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “The National Gallery exhibition showed how well art can work in public spaces, so it’s fantastic to see these display structures being used again to showcase highlights from our own collection. > “Whether you're passing through the city centre, taking a break in Bethesda Gardens or making a special trip, Past Times offers the chance to discover some fantastic artworks in a different setting. > “The life-size prints bring people closer to the paintings and tell stories of everyday life that still resonate today. > “It’s another great way of bringing art into everyday spaces and encouraging more people to discover the museum’s collection.” Past Times is free to visit in Bethesda Gardens until 31 January 2027. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### IP specialists join forces with Growth Hub URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ip-specialists-join-forces-with-growth-hub/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T10:44:04.000Z Withers & Rogers is one of Europe’s largest dedicated IP law firms, offering a comprehensive service that supports businesses in securing IP rights and helps create long-term strategies around innovation, invention and due diligence. Working with the Growth Hub, Withers & Rogers will be offering businesses a free one-to-one introductory call that can help businesses to identify if they have any potential IP opportunities or challenges. Gemma McGeough, Partner at Withers & Rogers said: > “We’re delighted to be involved in this initiative because it creates a valuable opportunity to help ambitious businesses better understand and protect their intellectual property. > “By working alongside the Growth Hub, we can support innovators at an early stage and give them greater confidence to identify, secure and make the most of the ideas that set them apart.” The sessions are open to established businesses, start-ups and pre-launch entrepreneurs and will offer insight into key topics including patents, trademarks and designs and trade secrets. Withers & Rogers operate across a wide variety of sectors including biotechnology, cell and gene therapy, clean technology, robotics and autonomous systems, defence, digital video and audio, food and drink, oil and gas, medical technology and higher education. Growth Hub Manager Rachel Wood added: > “Intellectual Property is a very specialised area and it’s something that many people find daunting – it can even prevent people from launching their own business because they’re unsure about the law. > “Our partnership with Withers & Rogers is an opportunity to provide businesses and entrepreneurs across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent with the chance to get an expert overview of the potential advantages and pitfalls of IP in relation to their product or service. > “It’s part of a wide range of support available via the Growth Hub and we’d encourage anyone who is running a business, or who has a start-up idea, to get in touch and find out more about the services, funding and advice on offer.” The Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Business Helpline is 0300 111 8002 and more information is at [www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk](http://www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Community Safety Forum Launches to Support Newcastle-under-Lyme Businesses URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-community-safety-forum-launches-to-support-newcastle-under-lyme-businesses/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T10:40:12.000Z Taking place on Wednesday 15th July from 5pm to 6pm at Keele in Town, the new quarterly forum is being delivered through the Safer Newcastle Partnership, bringing together representatives from Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Police. The forum follows the launch of the Safer Newcastle initiative, a partnership approach focused on making the town centre safer, more welcoming and better connected. The campaign has already introduced a number of initiatives including a decimated WalkSafe app, the "See It. Hear It. Report It." campaign and free access for town centre businesses to the DISC information-sharing platform, allowing businesses to quickly share intelligence and receive real-time updates from partner organisations. The forum has been created to ensure businesses have a direct voice in shaping community safety priorities while improving communication between those working to keep Newcastle-under-Lyme safe. Businesses attending can expect updates from partners on current issues, hear about new initiatives and campaigns, learn more about the support available and raise concerns affecting their business or area. Ahead of each forum, businesses will also be invited to submit questions and topics they would like to discuss, helping shape the agenda around the issues that matter most. A key message of the Safer Newcastle campaign is encouraging everyone to report concerns. Staffordshire Police and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council rely on information from people on the ground to take action. If it's not reported, it can't be dealt with. Even small pieces of information can help build a bigger picture and make a real difference. Charlotte Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: > "The Safer Newcastle Partnership is all about working together. Businesses see and experience the town every day, so it's important they have a regular opportunity to share concerns, hear directly from partners and understand the work that's taking place behind the scenes. > "The new Community Forum will provide an open conversation every quarter, ensuring businesses remain informed while helping shape future priorities. Alongside initiatives such as WalkSafe, the Women's Safe Space, DISC and the wider 'See It. Hear It. Report It.' campaign, we're continuing to build a safer, more connected town centre for everyone." The Community Safety Forum takes place at Keele in Town, Ironmarket, on Wednesday 15th July from 5pm until 6pm and is open to businesses across Newcastle-under-Lyme. Businesses wishing to attend or find out more can email [**hello@nulbid.co.uk**](mailto:hello@nulbid.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Big Staffy Stroll invites dog lovers to Weston Park for a celebration of Staffordshire pride URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/big-staffy-stroll-invites-dog-lovers-to-weston-park-for-a-celebration-of-staffordshire-pride/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T08:26:02.000Z Staffordshire Bull Terriers, their owners and dog lovers from across the region are being invited to come together for a special celebration at Weston Park this July. The Big Staffy Stroll will take place on Saturday 18 July 2026, bringing the popular Staffy Trail to a close with a guided walk, family activities and what organisers hope will become the region’s biggest gathering of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The event begins at 10am, with visitors invited to explore the parkland, meet fellow dog lovers and celebrate one of Staffordshire’s most recognisable breeds. All dogs and dog lovers are welcome, although Staffies are especially encouraged to join the gathering. 🐾 **The Big Staffy Stroll** **When:** Saturday 18 July 2026, from 10am **Where:** Weston Park, near Shifnal **Tickets:** £6.50 per person, plus booking fee **Children:** Under fours go free **Dogs:** All dogs are welcome ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-06-24-131716.png) ## A special finale for the Staffy Trail Thousands of people from Staffordshire and beyond have spent the past two months following the Staffy Trail and discovering sculptures of Staffy, the new visitor mascot for Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. Staffy has become an adventure hero and storyteller, helping visitors explore the area’s history, attractions and places to visit. The art and history adventure trail comes to an end on Friday 17 July, with the Big Staffy Stroll taking place the following morning as a celebration of the trail, Staffordshire and the county’s much loved dogs. Visitors will be able to discover a mini version of the Staffy Trail during the event, using the trail app to unlock rewards, discounts and activities. ## Walk through Weston Park The day will begin with a leisurely guided dog walk through Weston Park’s grounds, which were designed by Capability Brown. The route will take visitors through scenic areas of the estate, including special locations away from the usual visitor paths. Photos will be taken after the walk, with guests welcome to remain at Weston Park throughout the day to explore its grounds, attractions, cafés and restaurant. Refreshments will also be available from the onsite catering facilities. ## Meet Staffordshire’s famous canine mascot Among the special guests will be Sergeant Watchman and Private Watchman, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier mascots of the Staffordshire Regimental Association. The event will offer dog lovers the chance to meet the mascots while joining hundreds of other visitors and their four legged companions. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about the Senior Staffy Dog Club Rescue, a charity supporting older Staffies and helping them find loving homes. The gathering will help raise awareness of the charity and the work being carried out to support Staffordshire Bull Terriers during their later years. ## Discover more of Staffordshire Alongside the walk and mini trail, visitors will be able to find inspiration for days out and discover more of Staffordshire’s attractions and hidden gems. Whether visitors have completed the full Staffy Trail, are proud Staffy owners or simply enjoy spending time with dogs, everyone is invited to take part. Tickets are available at a discounted price of £6.50 per person, plus booking fee. Children under the age of four can attend free of charge. Admission includes access to Weston Park’s grounds, attractions, cafés and restaurant throughout the day. [Book tickets for the Big Staffy Stroll](https://weston-park.com/the-big-staffy-stroll/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Questions about the event can be sent to [staffy@staffordshire.gov.uk](mailto:staffy@staffordshire.gov.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Keele University shortlisted for national social mobility award URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-university-shortlisted-for-national-social-mobility-award/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T08:04:56.000Z Keele University has been shortlisted for University of the Year at the Student Social Mobility Awards 2026, recognising its work to improve opportunities for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The national awards programme is organised by social mobility charity upReach and celebrates universities helping more students access higher education, succeed during their studies and progress into graduate careers. Keele has been shortlisted alongside the University of Warwick and Manchester Metropolitan University, with the winner set to be announced on 8 July 2026. ## Supporting young people across Staffordshire and beyond The shortlisting reflects Keele University's commitment to widening participation and supporting student success through initiatives including Higher Horizons. Based on the university's campus, the programme works to raise aspirations and increase progression into higher education. Since 2017, Higher Horizons has supported more than 65,000 young people across Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire. Recent data shows that 47 per cent of participants go on to apply to university, around twice the rate of their peers. > “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It reflects the commitment of colleagues and partners across the University who work to create opportunities for students from under-represented backgrounds and support them to achieve their ambitions. > > ”Improving social mobility is central to our mission, and we are proud to help students access higher education, succeed in their studies and progress into rewarding careers.“ > > Kulvinder Birring, Director of Student Futures at Keele ## Building experience and career opportunities Employability forms a key part of the Keele student experience, with every undergraduate degree offering either a placement year or an integrated professional placement. These opportunities allow students to gain industry experience, build professional networks and strengthen their future career prospects. This work is supported by the Keele Deals framework, which brings together local authorities, businesses and education providers to create pathways into employment. The university's Access and Participation Plan also offers a range of support measures, including academic skills support, financial assistance, wellbeing services and careers guidance. ## Strong graduate prospects Recent figures have highlighted the impact of Keele's approach. In the 2026 Uni Compare rankings, published in June 2025, Keele was placed among the UK's top 15 universities for graduate employability prospects and achieved a 97 per cent student recommendation rate. Financial support also remains an important part of the university's work. Through its discretionary Access and Success Fund, students from underrepresented groups can receive up to £1,500 in each year of study, helping them to make the most of their time at Keele. The winner of University of the Year at the Student Social Mobility Awards 2026 will be announced on 8 July. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### MPs to debate petition calling for support for the ceramics industry URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mps-to-debate-petition-calling-for-support-for-the-ceramics-industry/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T16:48:44.000Z MPs will debate a petition relating to support for the ceramics industry on Monday 6 July, after more than 109,000 people signed the call for action. The debate is due to take place from 6pm and will be opened by Dave Robertson, a member of the Petitions Committee, who has been asked by the Committee to lead the debate. MPs from all parties will be able to take part, with the Government also sending a minister to respond. The petition is titled: > Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills The petition states: > "Apply energy intensive industry relief (Supercharger scheme) to the ceramics industry to help cut soaring industrial energy costs & support ceramics businesses, which are at the risk of imminent collapse without urgent intervention, as seen with Denby Pottery registering for administration support." The Government responded to the petition on 11 May 2026. In that response, it said: > "The Government intends to publicly consult on the eligibility of the British Industry Supercharger this year. However, consultation outcomes, including future sector inclusion, cannot be pre-empted." Petitions debates give MPs from all parties the chance to discuss the issues raised by one or more petitions and put their concerns to Government ministers. They do not end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. Instead, the purpose is to allow MPs to debate the issue and receive a response from the Government. Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee, and only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Committee. The debate can be watched from 6pm on Monday 6 July, with the transcript expected to be available shortly after the debate concludes. - [Watch the debate](https://youtube.com/live/krG9tsSXbls?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) (from 6pm, Monday 6 July) - [Read the debate transcript](https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-07-06?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Saints in the Summer brings four days of glorious music to All Saints, Leek URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/saints-in-the-summer-brings-four-days-of-glorious-music-to-all-saints-leek/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T16:30:20.000Z All Saints, Leek is preparing to welcome visitors for four days of music, heritage and community celebration as Saints in the Summer takes place from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July 2026. The festival will bring a varied programme of live music to one of the Staffordshire Moorlands’ most treasured buildings, with performances from ABBA Revival, Denise Leigh, Omnium Ensemble and the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service. All Saints is the only Grade I listed building in Leek and is known for its art and historic treasures, spacious architecture and the architectural designs of Norman Shaw. The church first opened its doors to the public on 25 July 1887, two years after its foundation stone was laid on the same date in 1885\. Now, thanks to the support of the Scops Arts Trust, it will open again for a summer festival designed to celebrate music, place and community. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/SitS-Poster---CANVA---2026.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Open-Days-Poster---July-2026.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/Events-Poster-2026-2.png) ## Four days of music in the heart of Leek The festival opens on Thursday 23 July with ABBA Revival, one of the UK’s leading ABBA tribute bands, bringing an energetic evening of familiar songs to All Saints. On Friday 24 July at 7.30pm, All Saints will host Denise Leigh, the local celebrity known for Britain’s Got Talent. Denise will be joined by Stefan Andrusyschyn and Molly Joynson for an evening of favourite showstoppers from musical theatre and more. Saturday 25 July will bring the London based Omnium Ensemble to Leek. The group will lead a choral workshop at 2pm before performing a selection of choral music in the acoustics of All Saints at 5pm. The festival closes on Sunday 26 July at 3pm, when the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service will perform an afternoon of favourite tunes for all the family. The concert will be followed by a community celebration with games, food, conversation and laughter. ## Open days at All Saints Alongside the music programme, All Saints will be open from 10am to 4pm during the festival, giving visitors the chance to explore the church and its artistic treasures. A separate open day poster confirms free entry from 23 to 25 July, inviting people to discover the church’s historical embroideries, wall decorations and architecture. ## Ticket information Tickets and further information are available through the virtual box office at [www.tickettailor.com/events/allsaintsleek](http://www.tickettailor.com/events/allsaintsleek?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or through the Parish Office on 01538 528545. Ticket prices listed on the festival poster include £19 for adults and £9 for under 18s for ABBA Revival, £14 for adults and £7 for under 25s for Denise Leigh and Friends, £14 for adults and £4 for under 25s for the Omnium Ensemble Choral Concert, and £12 for adults, £5 for under 18s and free entry for under 5s for the Band of the West Midlands Fire Service. A family ticket for the Sunday concert, covering two adults and two children, is listed at £29\. A £1 booking fee applies on all tickets. All events take place at All Saints Church, Compton, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 5PT. The church website is [www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4355](http://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4355?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Nuisance motorbike seized in Longton in crackdown on anti-social behaviour URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nuisance-motorbike-seized-in-longton-in-crackdown-on-anti-social-behaviour/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T15:57:44.000Z The seizure forms part of Operation Transom, a citywide joint operation between Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team, which is helping to create safer and more welcoming communities. The operation targets riders who damage green spaces and put the public at risk. An ASB officer was carrying out a joint patrol with PCSOs in the area when they spotted an off-road motorbike being ridden illegally on Anchor Road before entering an alleyway off Short Bambury Street. The bike was followed at a safe distance and, when it came to a stop, officers spoke to the rider. The 21-year-old was co-operative and provided his details, admitting to riding without a licence, insurance or an MOT. Response officers attended the scene and the bike was seized, with the rider being reported for driving offences. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/1000001084.jpg) Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The ASB Team are continuing to work closely with Staffordshire Police to tackle, deter and educate those who blight our communities with anti-social behaviour. “We know this issue is important to people in our communities. We’ve listened to feedback and are taking action. We’re fortunate to have so many fantastic green spaces in the city. We will not let people ruin them with mindless behaviour. “This incident also shows the value of officers being out there in our communities, speaking to people. The rider engaged with officers, was honest about what had happened and the situation was dealt with quickly and safely.” Alongside enforcement, a programme of education is under way to ensure riders and parents understand it is illegal to ride off-road bikes in public spaces, including parks, pavements and wasteland. Residents can report nuisance bikes to Operation Transom by emailing [operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk](mailto:operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk) or calling 01782 233400\. Incidents happening at the time should be reported to Staffordshire Police via live chat at [www.staffordshire.police.uk](http://www.staffordshire.police.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or by calling 101. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent Libraries launch free digital newspaper service URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-libraries-launch-free-digital-newspaper-service/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T15:15:08.000Z # Stoke-on-Trent Libraries launch free digital newspaper service Stoke-on-Trent library members can now read six newspapers for free through a new digital newspaper service available on the BorrowBox app. The new ePress service gives members access to the latest editions of the Sentinel, Staffordshire Newsletter, The Guardian, the i newspaper, Daily Mail and Metro. New editions are available on the day they are published, with back copies also available to browse. The service is available 24 hours a day, giving people a simple way to catch up with local, regional and national news from anywhere using a smartphone or tablet. > “Libraries have always been about giving people free access to information and that now extends far beyond the books on our shelves. > > “Whether you’re catching up with local headlines, following national news or reading your favourite newspaper on the go, this new service gives library members another great reason to make the most of everything our libraries have to offer.” Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services, said the new service adds another reason for residents to make use of the city’s libraries. To access ePress, library members need to download the BorrowBox app, select Stoke-on-Trent Libraries and sign in using their library card number and PIN. Anyone who is not already a member of Stoke-on-Trent Libraries can join free of charge online or by visiting their local library. More information about BorrowBox, ePress and other digital library services is available through Stoke-on-Trent Libraries. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Castle Pre-Loved returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme this Sunday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/castle-pre-loved-returns-to-newcastle-under-lyme-this-sunday/ Last updated: 2026-07-01T14:54:29.000Z Shoppers are invited to rummage, rehome and rediscover hidden treasures as Castle Pre-Loved returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre on Sunday 5th July. Running from 10am until 3pm on The Stones, the free event follows the successful launch of the town's first dedicated pre-loved market in June and will transform Newcastle's historic market stalls into a giant community wardrobe, homeware and bargain hunt. Organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, with support from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Castle Pre-Loved offers the feel of a traditional car boot sale without the cars, giving unwanted items a second life while encouraging more sustainable shopping. Visitors can expect a wide range of clothing, accessories, homeware, books, toys and more, with every stall offering something different. The market is designed to make the most of Newcastle's historic market stalls while encouraging people to have a clear out, earn a little extra money and help give quality items a new home rather than leaving them unused. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "Following the fantastic response to our first Castle Pre-Loved market, we're delighted to be bringing it back for a second event. It's a brilliant way to give unwanted items a second life and support more sustainable shopping. > > We're continuing to work with the Borough Council to build a varied event programme in Newcastle, giving people even more reasons to visit the town centre and support our local businesses." Castle Pre-Loved forms part of a growing calendar of specialist markets taking place in Newcastle-under-Lyme throughout the year. Alongside the town's weekly General Market and Antiques Market, visitors can also enjoy the Castle Artisan Market on the third Sunday of every month, the Vegan Market on Sunday 12th July and the monthly Record Fair held on the final Sunday of each month. A third Castle Pre-Loved market has already been confirmed for Sunday 2nd August, giving bargain hunters another opportunity to rummage and rehome throughout the summer. Stalls are £10 and can be booked by emailing [hello@nulbid.co.uk](mailto:hello@nulbid.co.uk) For more information and upcoming event dates, visit Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's social media channels @newcastlebid ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Estate Agent Continues to Strike Gold Following Six Years of Growth URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/estate-agent-continues-to-strike-gold-following-six-years-of-growth/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T19:00:43.000Z Critchlow Estate Agents - who recorded £69million of house sales in 2025 - have also steadily been growing their lettings department over the last couple of years and now manage 150 houses throughout North Staffordshire. Following the introduction of new legislation this year - including the Renters Rights Act - the agency quickly adapted to introduce new processes, which includes a brand new AI technology system for a more efficient service. > “As well as our sales side, our lettings department has undergone a significant transformation this year with a strong focus on compliance and customer service,” said Director and founder Martin Critchlow. > “The private rental sector has undergone the biggest legislative changes in a generation through the Renters’ Rights Act and our team has proactively reviewed processes and we have maintained regular training to ensure our clients are fully prepared for the evolving landscape. > “We have raised our own compliance standards and invested substantially in new technology to create a service ready for the future, whilst at the same time setting a benchmark locally.” Martin added: > “To increase our efficiency we have invested in a brand new AI system which enables communication directly to landlords updating them immediately of any tenancy agreements as well as forwarding invoices and statements. As this is also controlled by an app landlords can view exactly what we are up to as an agent when contacting tenants. > “This has been a significant investment, which has enabled us to not only increase our efficiency, but is also a key development in our strategy in going forward.” Since opening its doors in 2020, the agency has experienced a steady growth year on year, and now with a strong team of eight staff - which comprises of a mix of senior negotiators, sales and lettings managers - a premium range of services are available to equip both those in the residential and commercial markets. In February this year Critchlow added a Gold Award from the British Property Awards to their accolade for the second year in a row and recently relocated to a larger office premises at their Stoke base in Federation House. Martin adds: > “We have diversified as we have grown, which has enabled us to continue to expand by bringing in experts who have helped us to navigate shifts in the markets and take up new opportunities. > “Since opening in 2020, we have sold more than 1035 properties, which is amazing and something we are proud to share after starting the business during the covid-pandemic. > “To collect a second Gold Award from the British Property Awards again this year was further testament to our staff and reflects the customer service we provide. > “It is imperative we continue to provide the best service we can as we now push forward into our next 12 months. > “To ensure we are also providing a more efficient service online we have now introduced a brand new website where viewings can be directly booked online. > “Users can also create their own shortlist for properties which they have viewed via the website, which means they can go back and have another look and book in appointments for more information.” Martin and his team are also committed to supporting the local area and Critchlow Estate Agents have recently become the main sponsors of Kidsgrove Saints Ladies Football Team. > “We are always looking at ways to support our local communities and it is great to be a partner of the ladies football team in which we will be sponsoring for 12 months to help with the provision of playing equipment and kits,” says Martin. For more information about Critchlow Estate Agents please visit [critchlowestateagents.co.uk](http://critchlowestateagents.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stretton By-Election: Reform UK Win County Council Seat URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stretton-by-election-reform-uk-win-county-council-seat/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T17:27:17.000Z Reform UK's Jonathan Pyke has been elected as the new Staffordshire County Councillor for the Stretton division following Thursday's by-election. The by-election was called after the resignation of former county councillor Barry Martin, who took to social media following his first full council meeting, calling the job "so dull and boring". Jonathan Pyke secured **902 votes (37%)**, narrowly defeating Conservative candidate Bernard Peters, who received **871 votes (36%)**. Labour & Co-operative candidate Shelagh McKiernan finished third with **448 votes (18%)**, while Green Party candidate Jack Mellor polled **213 votes (9%)**. The result means Reform UK retains representation in the division and strengthens the party's position on Staffordshire County Council, where it already holds majority control following the 2025 county elections. The close contest between Reform UK and the Conservatives saw just **31 votes** separate the top two candidates, making Stretton one of the closest local by-election results in Staffordshire in recent history. Before polling day, The Staffordshire Signal contacted all four candidates to give residents the opportunity to hear directly about their priorities for the division. Three candidates responded to our questions about why they were standing, what matters most in Stretton and Horninglow, and what they would do if elected. ## Results in full: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/staffs-signal-2.png) You can read our pre-election feature, [*Stretton By-Election: Meet the Candidates*](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stretton-by-election-meet-the-candidates/), to learn more about each candidate's priorities for the division. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Eccleshall solar farm plans refused after more than 100 objections URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/eccleshall-solar-farm-plans-refused-after-more-than-100-objections/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T17:13:27.000Z Plans for a large solar farm on farmland south of Eccleshall have been refused by Stafford Borough Council after more than 100 objections were lodged. The proposed development was earmarked for two sections of land east of Horsley Hall at Wincote Lane, Wootton. Planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval, but members of the council’s planning committee voted to refuse permission at a special meeting on Thursday, June 25. The land identified for the development covered 43 hectares, or 106 acres, across five fields to the north of Wincote Lane and one field to the northeast of Cash Lane. The solar farm would have been a temporary development, in place for around 40 years. According to the committee report, Stafford Borough Council received 110 objections to the application. Eccleshall Parish Council also opposed the scheme, while one letter was described as being “broadly in support, yet raising concerns regarding highways matters”. Councillors refused the plans because of concerns over harm to the appearance and character of the area when viewed from Cash Lane and Wincote Lane, the impact on nearby residents and road users due to glint and glare from the panels, and insufficient mitigation measures. They also cited harm to the setting of nearby Johnson Hall, which is a Grade II Listed building. ## Concerns over farmland and countryside impact Colin Graham spoke against the application at the meeting and said objections included “industrial-scale intrusion into unspoilt countryside in Eccleshall Parish”. > “You cannot say that 43 hectares of solar panels, framing components, security fencing and CCTV cameras is not an intrusion viewed from surrounding hamlets.” He also raised concerns about nearby heritage assets and the quality of the agricultural land. > “Great care should be taken to ensure heritage assets are conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance. The site is overlooked by Grade I Listed High Offley Church, Grade II Listed Cash Farm, Johnson Hall and Johnson Hall Lodge.” Mr Graham said the site included good quality agricultural land and added that the Cash Lane site had been used to grow wheat, barley, oats, maize and potatoes. > “Placing an industrial-sized development on agricultural land at a time of food shortage, over-reliance on imports and the war in Ukraine is strategically short-sighted.” He also questioned whether the local lanes were suitable for the development, citing concerns about width, soft verges, passing places and drainage. ## Supporters pointed to renewable energy benefits Louise Chadwick, a planning agent who spoke in support of the application, said Stafford Borough Council had declared a climate emergency in July 2019 and that renewable energy developments had a role to play in local and national decarbonisation objectives. > “The proposed development will generate enough energy to power around 9,600 homes every year and offset approximately 12,900 tonnes of CO2 per year over its 40-year lifespan.” She said the officers’ report showed the principle of the development was considered acceptable and in line with the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan. The committee was told that proposed landscape mitigation included maintaining hedgerows at a height of three metres, alongside additional hedgerow and tree planting. The construction period would have lasted around four to five months, with a one-way system proposed for construction vehicles to reduce the chance of HGVs meeting on Wincote Lane and Cash Lane. Ms Chadwick acknowledged that the site contained best and most versatile agricultural land, but said it represented 20 per cent of the landowners’ total landholding and had been selected because it was the lowest yielding land, with crop yields 20 to 30 per cent lower than other land in their holding. She added that the land could still be retained for sheep grazing, with planting proposed to provide biodiversity improvements. ## Councillors raise questions over local benefit Eccleshall councillor Jeremy Pert was unable to attend the meeting, but provided a written statement which was read out. > “Solar should be on industrial buildings and car parks, not on the precious resource we cannot make any more of to satisfy the existing needs of our population today.” He said the key question was whether the public benefits outweighed the harm caused to the location. > “This is not ordinary farmland, it is some of the best quality farmland available.” Committee member Councillor Frances Beatty also raised concerns about the loss of productive farmland. Councillor Jill Hood said: “Nowhere is there any evidence that the local area is going to benefit, yet the impact on 100-odd acres is going to be dire.” Councillor Scott Spencer highlighted the use of farmland to produce haylage and silage for animal rearing, as well as crop production. He said: “I would like to move refusal on a number of issues.” The committee voted to refuse permission for the solar farm. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Ancient High House URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-ancient-high-house/ Last updated: 2026-07-15T08:30:02.000Z The Ancient High House is one of 3 heritage and public attraction sites in Stafford currently owned and managed by Stafford Borough Council and Freedom Leisure, collectively known as Historic Stafford. Izaak Walton’s Cottage, Stafford Castle and the Ancient High House all offer free, family friendly activities with an exciting programme of exhibitions, themed tours and workshops throughout the year. Since their new ownership in 2017, the team of around 20 staff, plus volunteers have worked tirelessly to engage with the community to deliver some innovative and dynamic experiences, transforming traditionally static historic spaces into more vibrant, lively and appealing destinations, to attract much wider followers. Although history is at the heart of the organisation, increasing visitor numbers and transforming their identity has also been their main aim. As some of these historic but beautiful buildings are not fully accessible to everyone, Olly is keen to highlight the significant work carried out over the past year to expand outreach services and develop new digital platforms. Enhanced visual and audio resources, online content, guided tours, and increased support from the front‑desk team have all helped the museum connect with a wider and more diverse audience. History is truly being brought to life in care homes and schools across the borough, as well as outside the Ancient High House and at Stafford Castle’s events for groups of visiting guests to promote Stafford’s history, all delivered in line with national curriculum guidance. School tours at The Ancient High House continue to be in exceptionally high demand, attracting pupils primarily from primary schools and Year 7 groups across Chester, Dudley, Birmingham, Worcester, Walsall, and Staffordshire. The site is also welcoming a growing number of home-educated learners and students with special educational needs, with sessions often selling out rapidly as soon as they are advertised online. What truly sets these visits apart is the team’s remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and immerse students in the sights, smells, stories, and daily life of the past. Their engaging approach consistently brings history to life in a way that resonates with young people of all backgrounds and learning styles. The guided tours are exceptional value for money enabling you to fully appreciate the history of each of the periods in time. Cubs, Beavers, Scouts, Brownies, and girl guide groups are also frequent visitors to the sites, with sessions proving consistently popular throughout the year. Many of these groups actively contribute to the wider programme by hosting stalls at some of the larger events held across the three sites, strengthening community involvement and offering young people meaningful opportunities to participate. A wide range of adult and children’s craft workshops are also delivered throughout the year, primarily at The Ancient High House and Stafford Castle, in an attempt to bring people into the venues. These sessions offer a consistent, calm, and welcoming environment where individuals can explore creativity at their own pace. Volunteers play a vital role providing flexibility in these sessions, enabling a diverse range of activities to take place. The Christmas Wreath making is always a firm favourite for the festive period. In addition, a weekly Crafts, Coffee and Catch‑Up session is held on the first Saturday of every month at the High House. This workshop provides a gentle and accessible space for social interaction. Participants regularly report that these sessions have had a positive impact on their wellbeing, helping to build confidence, reduce isolation, and encourage meaningful social connections. The team are also receiving training in Makaton helping people with learning and communication difficulties to express themselves and understand others, boosting communication and speech skills. They are also participating in Dementia Friends Training, helping to raise awareness of people living with dementia and change perceptions to support those living with the condition. All the staff at Historic Stafford are committed to creating a fully inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and no one misses out. They’re actively building connections with a wide range of community groups and audiences, and while they recognise there is still more to do, they’re dedicated to continuous improvement and meaningful progress. Having recently moved to Stafford, I’ve often passed the old Tudor building on the high street and admired its grandeur, without ever realising its purpose or the story behind it. After finally stepping inside during the recent ‘Story Book Trail’ event, I can now fully appreciate its significance and historical value. I can wholeheartedly recommend a visit to anyone who wants to appreciate its true historical heritage. Although the trail occupied only a small section of each room, it sparked lively discussion among visitors as they followed clues to uncover five themed scenes inspired by much‑loved children’s books. A separate mouse trail was also taking place for younger children encouraging them to explore the period rooms in search of hidden mice, guided by a series of tailored questions. These free, family‑friendly activities are playing an important role in ensuring the site remains a vibrant and engaging community hub. What really struck me however during my visit was the deep sense of history within the house itself, with each room reflecting a distinct era- from the Tudor and Elizabethan periods to the Stuart, Victorian, and Edwardian ages, with period furniture taking pride of place. Although few of its many occupants left extensive records, enough evidence survives to piece together the story of the house and the lives of some of the people who called it home. Over the centuries, the building has served many purposes and up until the late 1960’s the Ancient High House played a significant role in Stafford’s past. The Ancient High House, originally built around 1595, for Richard Dorrington, a prosperous wool and cloth merchant, still stands proudly on Stafford’s Greengate Street at the heart of the town centre today. Widely regarded as one of the largest surviving timber‑framed townhouses of its kind, it’s among the finest Tudor buildings remaining in England. It continues to dominate the streetscape with its striking architectural presence. Originally constructed for the influential Dorrington family, the house showcases distinctive Tudor craftsmanship with its heavy oak timber framing, wattle‑and‑daub panels, leaded multi‑paned casement windows, narrow street frontage, pitched roofing, and upper jettying floors. Its elegant E‑shaped floor plan and well‑preserved period features reflect the symmetry, status, and grandeur associated with wealthy homes of this era. Royalty was welcomed to the house in 1642 when King Charles I and Prince Rupert (his cousin) stayed for 2 nights as they travelled enroute to Shrewsbury, just before the battle of Edgehill, using it as a temporary headquarters. Today, their visit is commemorated in the dedicated Civil War Room. In 1643 the house was used as an open prison housing royalist prisoners during the English Civil War. Rather than using traditional dungeons, the prisoners of war were held in rooms with relative comfort. Captain Richard Sneyd a Royalist supporter purchased the house in 1639\. Following his death in 1683, the house passed to his daughter Anne, who had then married Dr Edward Wetenhall. In 1733, it was inherited by John Hawkins, the son‑in‑law of Richard Wetenhall and the grandson of the renowned writer Izaak Walton. In 1759, the house was purchased by Brooke Crutchley, a local pharmacist and Mayor of Stafford. After his death in 1777, the property was divided into two. In 1781, Dr Thomas Fowler, physician to the Staffordshire General Infirmary, married Crutchley’s widow and lived in the house until 1792\. He developed “Fowlers Solution” an arsenic based medicine used to treat various ailments including headaches, malaria, syphilis, anaemia, skin conditions and chronic leukaemia, which was popular from the late 18th Century to the mid-20th Century. He was a well- known physician in Stafford at that time and used the house to see some private patients. In 1792 the property was sold again to William Fieldhouse, a surgeon, for £320\. Fieldhouse died in 1803, and his widow continued to occupy part of the building until 1822, as the large house struggled to sell leading to its repurposing. By 1811, a portion of the house was being used as a boarding school for young ladies. In 1822, it was let to Thomas Feynhouse and his wife, who subsequently took over the running of the school. The whole property was sold again in 1825 to Henry Jenkinson, a local hairdresser and perfumier, specialising in personal grooming products, for £1,575, where he undertook significant renovations of his own. In 1827, John Marson established a business on the premises as a grocer, tea dealer, and coffee roaster and also acted as Mayor of Stafford. During the 1830s, he purchased the entire house for £2,500 and created three shops on the ground floor. In 1876, William Albert Marson (son) took over the family business and developed it into a high‑class grocery establishment. New shop fronts -glass windows were installed in 1885. The house was later sold to Richard Young in 1908\. Throughout the 20th century, three shops continued to operate on the ground floor, while the upper floors accommodated a variety of businesses, including a hairdressers, a chiropodists, student accommodation, and bedrooms associated with the Swan Hotel. Between 1975 and 1985, the High House underwent extensive restoration carried out by Stafford Borough Council and this history is showcased within the Castle room. In 1986, it reopened to the public as a museum and Tourist Information Centre. The Staffordshire Yeomanry Regimental Museum was established in the attic in 1995 and displays an extensive collection of military uniforms, firearms, equipment and memorabilia with over 200 years of military history. The Tourist Information Centre was later relocated in 2000. The Ancient House is currently open to visitors from Tuesday- Saturday 10-4pm and runs an extensive calendar of events, along with Stafford Castle and Izaak’s Walton’s Cottage. The Wildlife at the Castle, Viking Re-Enactment, Haunted High House Week and Christmas Through The Ages are really popular events that bring large crowds of up to 4000 people. Please see the website www.historicstafford.co.uk for more details. Just as a note to potential visitors-specific attention is given to supporting neurodiverse individuals and the Ancient High House in particular offers a quiet and tranquil place, which can be helpful for people experiencing sensory difficulties. It is worth mentioning that the Ancient High House is not accessible for wheelchair users and can also be quite restrictive for people with limited mobility, due to the age of the building and number of steps, including stepped access to enter the building. Staff Should you have any queries or concerns contact the team directly on 01785 619131 before visiting. The majority of the events and activities are free and not restricted, but at some larger events parking charges may apply and costs where they are incurred are kept to a minimum. There really is plenty to get involved with, so please visit Historic Stafford and these events as you may also learn some historic facts along the way. ![a woman is working on a cross stitch project](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/photo-1701188516145-6576bf9d68bc.jpeg) Blackwork Embroidery [Visit Here For More Information](www.historicstafford.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Tear Up Festival 2026 brings five days of weaving and craft to Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tear-up-festival-2026-brings-five-days-of-weaving-and-craft-to-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-06-29T08:25:04.000Z A five day celebration of weaving, craft and countryside creativity is coming to Staffordshire next summer. Tear Up Festival 2026 will take place at Newton Farm, Newton, Rugeley, from 26 to 30 August 2026, bringing together expert tutors, hands on workshops, demonstrations, family activities and evening entertainment in the countryside around Blithfield Reservoir. The festival is being billed as Staffordshire’s premier weaving and craft festival, with more than 100 workshops covering willow, hazel, ash and rush techniques. Set against a rural Staffordshire backdrop, the event is designed for experienced makers, curious beginners and families looking for something creative to enjoy together. ## A festival for makers, beginners and families Tear Up Festival will offer expert led workshops across traditional and contemporary weaving, with sessions suitable for a range of experience levels. Visitors will be able to learn practical skills, explore traditional basketry and take part in creative sessions guided by weaving specialists. Alongside the workshops, the programme includes live demonstrations, interactive talks and family friendly craft activities, giving visitors the chance to see artisan techniques up close and try something new. For those who want a shorter visit, the Saturday and Sunday festival days will be open to ticket holders, with drop in sessions, sculptural workshops and immersive craft experiences. 💡 Tear Up Festival 2026 takes place from 26 to 30 August 2026 at Newton Farm, Newton, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 3NP ## Creativity in the Staffordshire countryside The setting is a key part of the festival’s appeal, with Newton Farm close to Blithfield Reservoir and surrounded by countryside. The event promises a mix of hands on learning, craft community and relaxed festival atmosphere, with vegetarian meals served throughout and evening talks from expert tutors. A Friday night [ceilidh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%A8ilidh?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) will also form part of the programme, giving visitors the chance to unwind after a day of making, learning and exploring. ## Staying at Tear Up Festival Visitors planning to make a longer trip of the festival can stay close to the action, with on site camping available with shower facilities and compost toilets. There are also nearby bed and breakfasts, country cottages, hotels in Rugeley and accommodation in surrounding Staffordshire villages. With five days of workshops, demonstrations and creative activities planned, the festival offers the chance to turn a day out into a full craft focused break in the Staffordshire countryside. ## How to book Tear Up Festival 2026 takes place from Wednesday 26 August to Sunday 30 August 2026. The festival will be held at Newton Farm, Newton, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 3NP. Tickets and further information are available from [www.tearupfest.com](http://www.tearupfest.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### UK storage giant opens first Staffordshire site as rapid expansion continues URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/uk-storage-giant-opens-first-staffordshire-site-as-rapid-expansion-continues/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T15:33:59.000Z Lock Stock Self Storage is launching a new one-acre storage park on Uttoxeter Road in Stoke-on-Trent, strengthening its presence across the West Midlands. The new facility has 140 containers and customers have a choice of renting 10, 20 and 40-foot long units. Founded in Denbigh in North Wales in 2000, Lock Stock now operates more than 35 sites and has over 5,700 storage units. According to the company, Stoke-on-Trent has been on its radar for some time due to growing demand from households and businesses. The new site is the latest step in an ambitious expansion strategy that has seen Lock Stock move into Cheshire, Merseyside and other new markets. Richard Warner, area manager, said: > “We are thrilled to open a site in Staffordshire for the first time. > “It is our first venture into the county, which is really exciting for us, and boosts our presence in the West Midlands. > “The site brings undeveloped land into use and is in a fantastic location on one of the main roads into Stoke. > “Stoke is a market we have been eyeing for a while and is somewhere where there is demand for storage. > “When this site came along, it was something we were really keen to pursue.” Ollie Beech, Lock Stock Self Storage’s marketing and communications officer, said expanding into Staffordshire was the next natural step for the growing company which has been delighted by the reaction of customers using its recently-opened sites in Cheshire and the north west. Ollie said the family-run company, started by brothers Shon and Nick Powell, took great pride in becoming a key part of every community it operated in, and that would be the case in Stoke too. He said: > “The reaction we have had in terms of our expansion, particularly in the last 12 to 18 months, has been really positive. > “We went into Cheshire for example knowing there was a demand for storage and that has been the case. > “The work we have been able to do with people in the community has been really positive and that is something we will be looking to carry on in Staffordshire as well. > “The Stoke site is all part of a continuing strategy to expand over the next couple of years and this is the next step in what is a really exciting time for the company.” According to Ollie, the company’s excellent and friendly customer service and the emphasis it gives to offering safe, secure and easily accessible storage was proving a hit with old and new customers alike. He said: > “We offer a plethora of benefits in terms of storage. For householders it is a really great way of freeing up space and it is a terrific way of decluttering your home. If you’re moving house, our containers are there whenever you need them to allow you to store the entire contents of your home as you are moving. > “The benefit of Lock Stock in particular is you only pay for what you need. So essentially, if you pay for a month, but in the end you only need two weeks, we will refund you the difference, so you have that great flexibility with us. > “Our containers are also particularly popular and useful for local businesses. They are ideal if your business is expanding or if you need to keep stock somewhere safe and secure. > “Security is our top priority and we know theft from vans is on the rise, so keeping your tools, equipment or stock in our containers means you are securing your livelihood. > “All our sites are covered with CCTV in operation, gates are all coded and we have got solar lighting on our sites to ensure all our parks are totally secure. > “We also know businesses need to access their tools, equipment and stock easily and quickly, so our sites are very accessible and in convenient locations so you can get straight on them, go out on your job and get on with your day. > “We are really excited to be working with businesses and residents in Stoke and in wider Staffordshire and forming new relationships within the community.” Starting with just a single site in Denbigh, Lock Stock Self Storage is now the biggest container storage company in the UK whilst remaining family-run. The company estimates that over 70 per cent of their units are rented by people moving house or keeping treasured possessions, but nearly 30 per cent, almost 2,000, are used by a variety of businesses for storing materials, stock and equipment. For information about Lock Stock Self Storage, including off-site container hire, contact them on 01745 817178 or go to [https://lockstock.biz/](https://lockstock.biz/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) *Lock Stock Self Storage area manager Richard Warner says the firm is delighted to have opened its first site in Staffordshire.* Photo credit: Lisi Jones/Lock Stock Self Storage. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Gladstone Pottery Museum named one of the UK’s best museums URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/gladstone-pottery-museum-named-one-of-the-uks-best-museums/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T15:12:16.000Z Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics heritage has been placed proudly on the national stage, after [Gladstone Pottery Museum](https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/gpm/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) was named one of the best museums to visit in the UK. The Longton attraction, found on Uttoxeter Road, has taken third place in [Time Out’s list of the UK’s 20 greatest museums in 2026.](https://www.timeout.com/uk/culture/best-museums-in-the-uk-2026?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Gladstone Pottery Museum, the UK’s last surviving complete Victorian coal fired pottery factory, was recognised for the way it brings Stoke-on-Trent’s pottery history to life for visitors. It is also well known as a filming location for [The Great Pottery Throw Down](https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-pottery-throw-down?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), giving the city’s ceramic story an extra place in the national spotlight. Time Out described Gladstone as “the greatest physical document of Stoke’s ceramic-making heyday”. > “The Gladstone guides visitors through the roles within a Victorian coal-fired pottery factory, from throwing to firing and decorating, vividly bringing the process to life by allowing you to walk through each factory building (you can even go inside the bottle ovens and peer up towards the chimney).” > “Not only do you get a sense of the scale of Stoke’s pottery history, but you come face-to-face with the experiences of the people who were part of it: the unbearable heat, agonising pain and child labour, but also the immense skill and local pride.” ![Gladstone Pottery Museum ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/20260310_125228.jpg) Gladstone Pottery Museum For Stoke-on-Trent, this recognition is about more than a good day out. Gladstone Pottery Museum tells the story of the people, places and skills that helped shape the city and its identity as the ceramics capital of the world. The museum celebrated its 50th anniversary as a museum last year and continues to offer visitors the chance to step inside bottle ovens, walk through factory buildings and understand the craft, labour and pride behind The Potteries. Its third place ranking puts Gladstone ahead of nationally recognised attractions including The British Museum in London, the National Railway Museum, Manchester Museum and Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. The Crab Museum in Margate took first place in the Time Out list, while Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum came second. Gladstone Pottery Museum is managed and operated by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Councillor Sarah Hill, the city council’s cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services, said: > “This is a huge achievement by Gladstone Pottery Museum to be recognised alongside so many other great museums nationally. > “Gladstone epitomises the proud history and cultural heritage we have in Stoke-on-Trent as the ceramics capital of the world. It is also a great day out for all the family and I encourage anyone who hasn’t experienced it yet to pop in and enjoy what our city has to offer.” The city council also shared its pride in the news, saying: > “🥳 IT'S OFFICIAL! Gladstone Pottery Museum has been nationally recognised as one of the best museums to visit in the UK. > Ranking in the top 3 on Time Out's list, Gladstone was recognised for showing the city's pottery history and showing visitors first hand the process of ceramics making. > We are so proud of Gladstone as it continues to showcase our rich history and why Stoke-on-Trent is the ceramics capital of the world.” For local people, it is another reminder of the world class heritage sitting right here in Staffordshire. Gladstone Pottery Museum is not just a museum about pots. It is a place that preserves the sights, stories and working conditions of the industry that made Stoke-on-Trent famous across the world. And now, it has been recognised as one of the very best museums in the UK. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### August opening for MyActive Leek URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/august-opening-for-myactive-leek/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T14:49:42.000Z Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is leading the major redevelopment project to expand and modernise the centre and develop the outdoor area to encourage people to be active in a less formal setting. The construction work is now finished, the pools have been filled and the new gym equipment will be delivered in the coming weeks. Final testing and commissioning is now taking place and we’ll be announcing the opening date once this phase is finished. MyActive, the Council’s leisure partner, will also be launching a pre-sale programme soon followed by details of memberships, swimming lesson enrolment, and other activities. Follow their social channels to keep up-to-date – Instagram: myactiveleek and Facebook: MyActive Leek Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce the news we’ve all been waiting for – the doors will re-open and we’ll be welcoming people back in just a few weeks! “It’s fantastic to be in the final stages of this major redevelopment project which will really wow everyone who visits. The centre is looking amazing – it’s going to be a game-changer for the people of Leek and the wider Moorlands. “Having access to high quality leisure facilities which promote active lives and provide social spaces is a priority for the Council – it underpins our physical and mental wellbeing and supports healthy lifestyles and community connections. We’re thrilled to be providing that for all our Moorlands residents and visitors here in Leek and developing plans for investments in Biddulph and Cheadle. “We’ll be confirming the opening date as soon as we can and information about memberships, swimming lessons and classes that will be taking place at MyActive Leek are also coming soon so please look out for further details. The countdown is now well and truly on!” The redevelopment includes: - A new 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool and a larger teaching pool - A larger gym and second group exercise studio and a new, dedicated indoor cycling studio - A community wellness suite with space to expand referral based services - An indoor/soft adventure play area - New reception space with toilets, café seating and servery The redevelopment has been funded by UK Government, the District Council, Sport England through the National Lottery, and Salix who are helping to fund the decarbonisation measures. Alongside the physical improvements to the building and the facilities it hosts, the Council has also worked with Sport England on the innovative Active Environments development in the area outside the centre. New outdoor gym equipment is being installed alongside a pétanque court, table tennis tables, a chess board, and other features including Active Trail signage, and people will be able to start using these facilities from around the end of July when the outdoor work is complete. Councillor Swindlehurst added: “We want to provide as many opportunities as we can for people to move more everyday and informal spaces such as this provide people with the spaces and equipment to be able to make being active a regular part of their lives. “So I’m pleased that people will be able to use these new facilities when they’re ready without having to wait for the centre to open a couple of weeks later.” Table tennis bats and balls and pétanque balls will be available to hire from the centre from August but anyone with their own equipment is welcome to use the amenities when they open. [There’s more information about the redevelopment on their website.](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/Brough-Park-LUF?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Studio.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/One-of-the-new-exercise-spaces-at-MyActive-Leek.jpg) Two of the new exercise spaces at the extended and modernised leisure centre ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Petition to Remove Site from Local Plan Reaches Parliament URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/petition-to-remove-site-from-local-plan-reaches-parliament/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T14:45:05.000Z The petition, signed by local residents and supported by more than 800 signatures online, raises concerns about proposals to release Green Belt land to the south east of Junction 16 of the M6 for development – arguing that the plans would have a significant impact on the character of Audley Parish, increase traffic pressures on local roads, and harm the local environment. Adam has been working closely with local residents campaigning against the plans and has repeatedly raised concerns about the site through the Local Plan process. The petition calls on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to remove Site Allocation AB2 from the Local Plan. **Reading the petition in the House of Commons, Adam Jogee said:** > *"The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme declares that the land to the southeast of Junction 16 of the M6 should not be released from its green belt status for development, as this would have a significantly detrimental impact on the residents of Audley.* > *Further declares that the proposed employment site represents a loss of 6% of the parish's green belt, which would devastate the rural character of this wonderful area and its conservation area.* > *Further declares that the proposed development would likely favour commuters over local people, increasing pressure on the A500 M6 roundabout and disrupting nearby rural lanes used by local people.* > *Further declares the development is expected to cause poor air quality, noise, litter, 24-hour illumination, and loss of habitat, whilst at the same time severely impacting the views across the Cheshire Plains and North Staffordshire.* > *And further declares, as the local planning authority tasked with producing the local plan, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has a responsibility, Madam Deputy Speaker, to listen to the overwhelming concerns of our people and ensure that the long-term protection of the green belt by removing site allocation AB2\.* > *I should also like to draw to the House’s attention the declaration of interest from the new council Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council at the cabinet meeting yesterday. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the government to encourage Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to remove site allocation AB2 from its local plan and not to permit the release of green belt land for this development. And the petitioners remain, etc.”* ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Hanley community growing space to bring people and nature together URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-hanley-community-growing-space-to-bring-people-and-nature-together/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T12:44:57.000Z The Potters’ Patch, on Bucknall New Road, is being delivered through a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Groundwork West Midlands. The initiative will transform the currently unused land into a vibrant community garden designed to benefit both people and nature, whilst acting as a highly vibrant gateway to the city. The new space will feature community growing areas, fruit trees, pollinator-friendly planting and areas for relaxation, learning and volunteering. The project has been designed to encourage greater community involvement while improving biodiversity and helping residents connect with the natural environment. Residents were invited to attend the launch event which included interactive activities such as seed sowing and willow weaving to create functional or decorative objects. Visitors were given the chance to explore the site and find out more about future opportunities. The community garden is expected to become a focal point for local activities, with a programme of volunteering sessions, practical gardening projects, workshops and environmental learning opportunities planned throughout the year. A variety of planting schemes will be introduced across the site, including nectar-rich flowers that provide valuable habitats for bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Fruit trees and edible crops will also be grown, helping residents learn about food production while also creating opportunities for future community harvests. Councillor Amjid Wazir, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: > “The Potters’ Patch is a fantastic example of how we can bring underused spaces back into positive use for our communities. This project will not only enhance the local environment but also create opportunities for people of all ages to get involved, learn new skills and spend time together outdoors. > “We know how important access to quality green spaces can be for health and wellbeing, and we're excited to see local residents help shape the future of this new community asset.” Melissa Underwood, Head of Nature Recovery at Groundwork West Midlands, said: > “The Potters’ Patch is about creating a space where people, nature and community can thrive together. > “By transforming an underused site into a welcoming green space, we hope to provide opportunities for local people to connect, learn new skills, support biodiversity and take pride in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.” Groundwork West Midlands works with communities across the region to improve local environments and create opportunities for people to lead healthier, greener and more resilient lives. Through practical projects and partnerships, the organisation supports community action, environmental improvement and nature recovery. Residents interested in finding out more about The Potters’ Patch are encouraged to attend the launch event on Bucknall New Road and discover how they can play a role in the site's future development. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Next phase of £1.9 million Longton Town Centre improvement scheme underway URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/next-phase-of-1-9-million-longton-town-centre-improvement-scheme-underway/ Last updated: 2026-06-28T12:31:26.000Z It will create a new public space outside the town hall entrance, with an accessible plaza that will provide seating, new paving and tree planting to create a welcoming gateway to the town. The £1.9 million project will be funded with part of the multi-million-pound grant awarded to the city from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, combined with additional pots of government money. The revitalisation of the area, backed by hundreds in a consultation held last year, will see a network of improvements to pedestrian links between the rail station, bus station, town centre and the Tesco retail park. Revised traffic layouts in Times Square, coupled with upgraded traffic signals, pedestrian crossings and the creation of a red route, meaning drivers cannot stop, will improve circulation and reduce congestion. The renewal of traffic signals will reduce the delay to buses and restrift obstructive parking. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, growth and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “It’s fantastic to see work begin on what promises to be a new era for Longton town centre. > “Once completed, these enhancements will not only offer modern, accessible and greener transport but – with wider, high-quality paved walkways with railings and better lighting – we hope they will act as an inviting hub for residents, visitors and local businesses alike. > “In addition to moving one step closer to establishing a real focal point with the pedestrianised plaza outside the entrance to the town hall, both Baths Passage and Strand Passage are also undergoing their own series of enhancement works. This will see them function as both high-quality walking routes and welcoming public spaces, improving how people experience Longton town centre. > “ However, I’d urge those in Longton not to forget that, despite these enhancements, local businesses are open as usual.” Works will be carried out in stages in order to minimise disruption to pedestrians and traffic and the council and its contractor will provide regular updates. To reduce disruption for shoppers, most construction work will be scheduled for Monday to Friday, leaving busy weekends largely unaffected. Where work is being carried out on the pavements, an adjacent traffic lane will need to be coned off and, in Market Street, the bus stop has already been temporarily relocated further away from Times Square. The work ongoing at Longton will be complemented by other schemes, such as a mural which is set to be unveiled on Baths Road between Tesco Extra and Argos and is delivered through the Designing Out Crime initiative. The Longton proposals form part of wider £6.5 million public realm plans, which also include improvements in Burslem and Stoke. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Burton students celebrate Sinai Coach House restoration at ribbon-cutting ceremony URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/burton-students-celebrate-sinai-coach-house-restoration-at-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/ Last updated: 2026-06-26T16:43:58.000Z Burton and South Derbyshire College students, Sinai Park House Trustees and local dignitaries came together on Friday 26th June to celebrate the culmination of an ambitious restoration project that has provided invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for local construction students. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the Sinai Coach House restoration project and officially opened the building as an office for the Sinai Park House Trust. The students, BSDC Construction Course Leader, Ian Vanes-Jones and guests, including Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Councillor Andrew Riley, Mayor of Branston Town Council and Jacob Collier, MP for Burton and Uttoxeter gathered for introductions and speeches, highlighting the achievements of the students and project. The official joint ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by photographs and an opportunity for attendees to view the completed restoration works. Over the past two years, the Burton and South Derbyshire College students have played a central role in the project, gaining practical experience across a wide range of trades including joinery, brickwork, roofing, electrics, plumbing, decorating and conservation work. Amongst the various project milestones were the restoration of the roof and chimney, bricklaying and re-pointing work, installing electrics and lighting, creation of an access ramp, plumbing and drainage, plastering work, installation of glazing, restoration of the coach house doors and even archaeology, as the project uncovered various hidden treasures across the site. The students’ skilled efforts and continued support have ensured the transformation of the coach house into a functional space, while carefully preserving its historic character. The project has also been made possible through the generous support and contributions of materials and resources from businesses both locally and nationally including, St Modwen Group, Staffordshire Access Scaffolding, Harlow Timber Group, MKM, the Luceco Group, Kraus Flooring, V33, Liberon and Burg Wächter. > BSDC Construction Course Leader, Ian Vanes Jones says, “This kind of on-site access to an historic building and live restoration project is invaluable experience for the students and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with and support their learning over the last twenty-four months. > > These students will go into their future careers with first-hand heritage experience that makes them stand out from their contemporaries. They should be very proud of the standard of work they have achieved and to know they have preserved a piece of Burton’s history.” > Attending on the day, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, High Sheriff of Staffordshire comments, "It has been a pleasure to visit Sinai Park House for the first time and to take part in this special ribbon-cutting ceremony. This project demonstrates the value of investing in both our historic buildings and our young people. > > The students involved should be immensely proud of their contribution, skills and dedication. The Coach House restoration project demonstrates the value of investing in both our historic buildings and our young people.” > Councillor Andrew Riley, Mayor of Branston Town Council, comments, "It is a genuine privilege and a very proud moment to be part of such a significant occasion today, celebrating not only the restoration of an important historic building but also the remarkable partnership that has made it possible. > > Meeting the Trustees, college instructors and, most importantly, the students was a real highlight of the day. Their dedication, craftsmanship and enthusiasm were evident throughout the Coach House, and their achievements should be a source of great pride. The practical skills and experience they have gained through this project will undoubtedly benefit them throughout their future careers, whilst leaving a lasting legacy for our local heritage. > > It was also an honour to join the High Sheriff and our local Member of Parliament in recognising the outstanding contribution that everyone involved has made. The project perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when education, heritage organisations and the wider community work together towards a shared vision." > Level 3 Site Carpentry student Harrison Curl said: "It’s been brilliant. I’ve been coming here to complete my work experience since I started my Level 2 course, so to see everything come together has been amazing. It’s really rewarding to see all our hard work pay off." Since completing his course in May, Harrison has secured a role as a technician at the Stephen Burke Construction Academy at Burton and South Derbyshire College. Reflecting on the opportunity to return to Sinai as a member of staff and support future student projects, Harrison said: > "It’ll be great to show students what we’ve achieved so far. I know exactly how they’ll feel when they start working on a real-life project, and I hope it inspires them. This kind of work experience gives you the confidence and practical skills you need to help you get where you want to be." > Sinai Park House custodian, Kate Murphy added: "The completion of the project is a significant milestone for the Sinai Park House Trust and a proud moment for everyone involved. The commitment, enthusiasm and craftsmanship shown by the students has been outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful to Burton and South Derbyshire College and the students who have helped bring this vision to life. > > This project demonstrates the power of local partnerships and shows how heritage buildings can provide meaningful learning opportunities." The Coach House project is the latest in a series of live builds undertaken by BSDC students at Sinai with previous projects including the creation of an outdoor classroom, the restoration of the Georgian plunge pool and holy well and the repair of the bridge over the moat. The restored coach house now stands as a lasting example of successful collaboration between education, heritage and the local community, taking the trust one step closer to ensuring that an important part of the area's history can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come. For more information about Sinai Park House visit [https://sinaiparkhouse.co.uk/](https://sinaiparkhouse.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Forest Live returns to Cannock Chase with five nights of music URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/forest-live-returns-to-cannock-chase-with-five-nights-of-music/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T13:28:14.000Z The outdoor concert series opened last night, Wednesday 24 June, with a headline performance from Billy Ocean, joined by special guest Marti Pellow, alongside Katie Owen. ![Photo by Ian Knight / Z70 Photography - Billy Ocean](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55354493722_a6dbcf07e2.jpg) Photo by Ian Knight / Z70 Photography - Billy Ocean Tonight, Thursday 25 June, the forest turns into a dancefloor as Fatboy Slim takes to the stage. The much-loved DJ and producer, whose real name is Norman Cook, helped bring big beat to the mainstream in the 1990s and remains one of the most recognisable names in British dance music. He will be joined at Cannock Chase by LP Giobbi, Lizzie Curious. The music continues tomorrow, Friday 26 June, with Becky Hill, she will be supported by Hannah Wants, Emily Makis and Mia Kirkland. On Saturday 27 June, reggae fans will be treated to UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, with support from Bitty McLean and Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman. The week will close on Sunday 28 June with McFly, joined by Twin Atlantic and Remember Monday. McFly have become known for their upbeat pop-rock sound, catchy choruses and energetic live performances. They are a brilliant choice to close Forest Live at Cannock Chase, bringing a feel-good finale to a week of huge music in the forest. Forest Live is known for bringing big-name acts to outdoor woodland settings across the country, and Cannock Chase remains one of Staffordshire’s most atmospheric live music venues. With Billy Ocean already setting the tone, Staffordshire now has four more nights of music ahead, from dance and pop to reggae and rock. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55347490049_668f10edb8.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55346341502_3c4f1997d8.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55345711899_675907a1ce-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55341894949_2144f9f466.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55349267971_64f6333eab.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/55348334477_49c0cdbb27.jpg) Photo by Ian Knight / Z70 Photography - Forest Live Delamere 2026 **Full Cannock Chase Forest Live line-up** **Wednesday 24 June:** Billy Ocean, with Marti Pellow & Katie Owen. **Thursday 25 June:** Fatboy Slim, with LP Giobbi &Lizzie Curious **Friday 26 June:** Becky Hill, with Hannah Wants, Emily Makis & Mia Kirkland **Saturday 27 June:** UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, with Bitty McLean & Reggae Roast featuring MC Horseman. **Sunday 28 June:** McFly, with Twin Atlantic & Remember Monday. **For last-minute tickets, visit:** [https://www.forestlive.com/cannockchaseforest](https://www.forestlive.com/cannockchaseforest?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Urgent Plea for Donations as Fire Risk Soars with Temperatures URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/urgent-plea-for-donations-as-fire-risk-soars-with-temperatures/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T10:28:36.000Z With the heatwave comes heightened risk of fires on the Trust’s nature reserves. Fire damage to these irreplaceable habitats threaten the precious wildlife that depend on them, as well as our local communities. The plea follows a near miss incident at The Roaches on Monday 22 June. Thankfully Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) were quick on the scene to extinguish the blaze. With bird nesting season at its peak, this fire could have easily devastated breeding curlew, meadow pipits and birds of prey. Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves, said: > “Looking over the fire site this morning, we see some encouraging signs. The fire caused minimal damage where the sphagnum moss plants are well established in the vegetation as they’ve kept the ground wet. > “Help us protect these irreplicable habitats by donating to our appeal. As > temperatures rise, so does the fire risk. It costs us time and money to respond when disaster strikes. Your donation will help fund our fire prevention work, as well as restoration work in the aftermath of fires. > “Your contribution will help us rewet more peat and fund equipment to help us reduce the risk of fires spreading. Help us protect these irreplaceable habitats which our wildlife needs to survive.” The Roaches and the surrounding moorlands are home to many ground-nesting birds such as curlew, meadow pipits and lapwings, as well as special plants including bog asphodel and sphagnum moss. Fires can tear through fragile moorland in a matter of minutes, destroying years of careful conservation work in its wake. They leave wildlife without shelter, food or breeding grounds. Recovery can take decades, even with the intervention and dedicated restoration work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. > “Remember it is against the law to start any fires in open countryside in the > Staffordshire Moorlands - this includes sky lanterns and fireworks. If anyone sees any smoke in the countryside please dial 999 immediately and ask for the fire service.” Donations will fund essential work, including fire prevention measures, habitat restoration, and ongoing care for vulnerable sites. Longer, hotter summers are increasing the risk of severe moorland fires, making urgent action more critical than ever. People are being urged to act now and donate. Support will help to:  Create and maintain firebreaks to slow or stop the spread of fires  Restore damaged habitats and rewet peat so wildlife can return  Support volunteers and conservation staff on the ground  Raise awareness to help prevent fires before they start. To donate and support the appeal, visit: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/summer-appeal-2026 or call 01889 880100. Every donation will help to protect and restore Staffordshire’s wild places. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Roaches-fire-Mon-22-June-Bryony-Davison-06-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Roaches-fire-Mon-22-June-Bryony-Davison-09.jpeg) Fire at The Roaches on Monday 22 June. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Multi agency crackdown seizes over £250,000 illegal tobacco URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/multi-agency-crackdown-seizes-over-250-000-illegal-tobacco/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T10:16:18.000Z The enforcement exercise took place on 11 June 2026 and was carried out as part of Operation Cece – an ongoing national initiative to tackle the supply of illegal tobacco and vapes. Thirteen council officers worked in partnership with Staffordshire Police and a specialist tobacco detection dog and handler from Wagtail UK Ltd. The intelligence-led operation, informed in part by information from local communities, targeted both storage units and retail premises across the city. As well as a concealment of illegal tobacco in one of the retail premises, officers uncovered a significant quantity in two self-storage units. It included 11,000 packs of illegal cigarettes, 150 kilograms of counterfeit hand rolling tobacco and over 1,300 illegal vapes. This latest action builds on sustained work to protect residents and support legitimate businesses, with the trading standards team seizing more than £300,000 of illegal tobacco and vapes since the start of 2026. Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement, said: “This operation shows how partnership working and strong community intelligence are helping us keep Stoke-on-Trent safe. “Illegal tobacco harms legitimate business and can be linked to wider criminal activity – those storing and selling it will face serious consequences. We are committed to making Stoke-on-Trent a fairer, safer city for all. Lord Michael Bichard, Chair of National Trading Standards, said: “The illicit tobacco trade is driven by organised criminal gangs and poses serious risks to local communities, especially young people. “Since its launch in January 2021, Operation CeCe – a National Trading Standards initiative in partnership with HMRC – has removed 102 million illegal cigarettes, 20,550kg of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 175kg of shisha products from sale, helping to clamp down on this illicit trade and protect communities and honest businesses across the UK.” Information from local people can help target this work. Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco can contact Trading Standards on 01782 238884 or visit [www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### JCB Hydromax Hits 208mph as UK Testing Successfully Concludes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jcb-hydromax-hits-208mph-as-uk-testing-successfully-concludes/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T10:11:12.000Z The shakedown runs at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire, England saw the 32-foot car driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE reach 208mph under its own hydrogen power, up from the 177mph recorded earlier in the programme. The testing finished yesterday. Just as valuable as the speed is what the team has gained: vital data, hard-won engineering insight and the teamwork and communication that can only be built on the track. The crew also refined JCB Hydromax’s hydrogen refuelling process – a key element in ensuring fast, efficient operation on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where turnaround times can decide whether a record run goes ahead. All of it will prove invaluable in Utah in August. JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said today: > “The UK testing programme has given us everything we had hoped for and more. We have a car that runs, a crew that knows it inside out and a wealth of real-world data that no amount of theory could ever provide. The team has done a magnificent job and our focus now turns entirely to the Salt Flats and a new world hydrogen land speed record.” JCB Engineering Director Ryan Ballard, who is leading the project, said: > “Reaching 208mph is a tremendous result, but the real value of these tests is what we have learned. We now understand how the car behaves under load, we have refined our hydrogen refuelling, and we have built the teamwork and communication that will be decisive at Bonneville. Every refuel, run and tyre change we have rehearsed here is one we won’t be doing for the first time on the salt. We will arrive fully prepared, with a car and a crew that know exactly what they are doing.” Andy Green said: > “To run JCB Hydromax up to 208mph here in the UK is hugely encouraging. The car feels strong and the team has gelled brilliantly. Now comes the real challenge – Bonneville, the spiritual home of the World Land Speed Record. I can’t wait to get out on the salt.” Unveiled at JCB’s World HQ in Staffordshire on May 12th, the car is powered by two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen digger engines producing a combined 1,600 bhp. Just six weeks on, with UK testing complete, it will now be prepared for the journey to the United States. Lord Bamford has spearheaded the company’s £100 million investment in hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, which now power diggers rolling off production lines. At Bonneville in 2006, Andy Green – the fastest man on earth at 763.035 mph and the only person to break the sound barrier on land – drove the JCB Dieselmax car to its Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) diesel world land speed record of 350.092 mph, powered by two JCB engines. That record still stands, and JCB aims to beat it with the lighter, more powerful JCB Hydromax. In Utah, the team will compete at SpeedWeek, run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), before pursuing an officially recognised record under the FIA. The record bid comes ahead of the opening of JCB’s new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas. JCB has long pushed the limits of speed: in 2019 the JCB Fastrac became the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191 mph, and in 2014 the JCB GT set the backhoe loader record at 72.58 mph. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Council marks Armed Forces Week - and gains Silver in MOD’s Employer Recognition Scheme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-marks-armed-forces-week-and-gains-silver-in-mods-employer-recognition-scheme/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T09:17:53.000Z The ‘Fly the Flag for our Armed Forces’ event was held earlier today at the start of Armed Forces Week. The Chairman was joined by the Deputy Lieutenant, Judy Scott-Moncrieff, representatives from the local Royal British Legion, the Chairman’s Chaplain Reverend Arthur Hack, fellow councillors, town mayors in the Moorlands and children from Leek First School in Leek and St Leonard’s C of E School in Ipstones. Armed Forces Week is a national campaign to build public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community, regulars, reserves, veterans, cadets, cadet adult volunteers and military families. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has announced that Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has achieved the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026, recognising its sustained commitment to supporting the armed forces community. The ERS Silver Award celebrates employers who are actively creating supportive environments for Reservists, veterans, the Cadet movement and military families. These organisations demonstrate that support for Defence is not simply symbolic, but embedded within workplace culture, policies and leadership. Councillor Bill Cawley is the Cabinet Member for Communities and Armed Forces Champion. He said about the recognition: > “We have done a lot to support our veterans in recent years, so to get the Silver recognition is extremely welcome. Although a largely rural area, we have over 3,200 veterans locally and so have been determined to support our \`band of brothers and sisters\`. > “Indeed, it was a pleasure to meet some of them at a veterans’ wellbeing event we held recently. That initiative follows other actions we have put in place. > “They include training our staff to recognise the needs of veterans, supporting cadet detachments, councillors using their allocated funding to support local cadet units, guaranteeing veterans a job interview if they meet the job criteria, marking Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday, creating a grant scheme for parishes and towns to mark last year’s VE and VJ Day commemorations, and commissioning a play about Frank Hammersley of Leek - the last person to be killed in the world wars, locally. > “Gaining this recognition is really encouraging and will help us build on what we have achieved so far.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Gathering-at-the-Armed-Forces-event-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Silver_ERS_png_logo.png) Photographs 1. The gathering for the flag raising ceremony at Moorlands House in Leek today (22 June) 2. Logo for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### From Neglected Plot to Urban Oasis: Hanley’s New Community Garden Set for Grand Opening URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/from-neglected-plot-to-urban-oasis-hanleys-new-community-garden-set-for-grand-opening/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T09:15:40.000Z A neglected pocket of Hanley is set to be officially revitalised this week as a vibrant new community hub. The Potters’ Patch, situated on Bucknall New Road, will celebrate its grand opening on Friday 26th June, completing a dramatic transformation led by the charity [Groundwork West Midlands](https://www.groundwork.org.uk/westmidlands/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The project represents a major step forward for urban ecological transformation in Stoke-on-Trent, breathing new life into a site that had long been overlooked. > "Before work began, the Bucknall New Road site was an underused, neglected urban plot with limited ecological value and little community use," Groundwork West Midlands told us. "Its visibility, accessibility, and position within a densely populated part of Hanley made it an ideal location. It had strong potential to be reimagined as a welcoming green space that could serve nearby residents and contribute to wider urban greening." The charity, which focuses on creating greener, healthier, and more resilient communities, views the plot as a blueprint for modern urban regeneration. Melissa Underwood, Head of Nature Recovery at Groundwork West Midlands, explained the core philosophy behind the initiative. > “The Potters’ Patch is about creating a space where people, nature and community can thrive together,” Underwood said. “By transforming an underused site into a welcoming green space, we hope to provide opportunities for local people to connect, learn new skills, support biodiversity, and take pride in shaping the future of their neighbourhood.” The design of the garden is specifically tailored to tackle the challenges of modern city living, featuring a mix of native planting, pollinator-friendly flowers, seating areas, and features designed to encourage wildlife such as insects and birds. > "In dense urban environments, access to nature is often limited," Groundwork added. "Spaces like Potters’ Patch provide vital opportunities for people to connect with nature, which supports mental and physical wellbeing. They also help improve local air quality, increase biodiversity, and create small but meaningful wildlife corridors within the city." Local residents have been at the heart of the project from the start, contributing through consultation and hands-on sessions. This community-led stewardship is designed to continue long after the official opening, with regular volunteer sessions scheduled every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm. Organisers hope for a strong turnout at Friday’s launch event, promising a welcoming community celebration . > "Visitors can expect a relaxed community event celebrating the transformation of the site," the charity said. "There will be opportunities to explore the new garden, meet and speak with project partners, and take part in a range of informal, hands-on activities. These will include planting activities, kids’ fruit kebab making, and willow weaving sessions." Looking ahead, Groundwork has high hopes for the Hanley plot. > "A successful outcome in a year’s time would be a well-established green space that is actively used by residents, rich in biodiversity, and regularly maintained with community involvement. Ideally, it will have become a valued local asset." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-Potters--Patch-Social-Media.png) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stretton by-election: Meet the candidates URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stretton-by-election-meet-the-candidates/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T11:51:01.000Z Voters in the Stretton division will head to the polls on **Thursday 25th June** to elect a new representative to Staffordshire County Council following the resignation of Reform UK councillor Barry Martin. The Stretton division covers the communities of Stretton and Horninglow on the northern edge of Burton upon Trent. The area faces a range of issues familiar to many local communities, including pressure on roads, healthcare services, school places and local infrastructure, alongside concerns around anti-social behaviour and public safety. To help voters get to know the candidates standing in the by-election, The Staffordshire Signal contacted all four candidates and invited them to answer three questions about themselves, their priorities and what they would do if elected. Three candidates responded before our deadline. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/photo-election-2026.jpg) ## **Shelagh McKiernan (Labour & Co-operative)** Shelagh McKiernan says her connection to the area is one of the main reasons she is standing for election. > “I’ve lived in Stretton for 24 years. I’m married with three grown up children and two grandchildren. It’s a beautiful place with everything you need to thrive.” She says she regularly helps residents with local issues and believes her experience can help her deliver for the community. > “I love living here but there’s lots to do to make things better for people. I hear from people every day and help them sort out issues.” A former NHS employee of 25 years, Shelagh has served on East Staffordshire Borough Council for 13 years, including a term as Mayor of East Staffordshire in 2024/25. > “I’ve built good relationships with many organisations including the Council, housing, police and voluntary groups. I worked for 25 years in the NHS so know my way around. I promise I can get things done.” Looking ahead, she says improving infrastructure, public services and community safety would be among her priorities. > “We need better roads and infrastructure, safer streets, good schools and SEND provision. I’ve been a County Councillor before so can hit the ground running.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/image0.jpeg) ## **Jonathan Pyke (Reform UK)** Jonathan Pyke says he is standing because residents deserve a councillor who is visible, accountable and focused on local concerns. > “I am standing for Reform UK because I believe local people deserve a councillor who listens, works hard and puts residents before party politics.” He believes many residents are frustrated when decisions are made without sufficient consideration for their impact on communities. > “Councillors should be accessible, accountable and prepared to challenge plans that place further pressure on local services, roads and neighbourhoods.” Housing development and the pressure it places on local infrastructure is a major concern for Jonathan. > “A major concern locally is the scale of proposed housing development and the pressure it could place on already stretched GP and dental services, schools, roads and other local infrastructure.” He also highlighted traffic issues in Stretton and wider concerns raised by residents in Horninglow. > “Stretton is already heavily used by traffic travelling through to reach the A38, and many residents feel that further large-scale development will make congestion, road safety and parking problems worse.” If elected, Jonathan says his focus would be on listening to residents and ensuring concerns are acted upon. > “I would make myself available, attend community meetings and ensure concerns are followed up rather than simply acknowledged and forgotten.” He added: > “Above all, I would be a straightforward, persistent and visible representative for the whole division.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/c8933a02-6903-43a0-a1fb-f8fca4d00ea7.JPG) ## **Bernard Peters (Conservative)** Bernard Peters says his long record of public service and local knowledge would allow him to continue representing residents effectively. > “I was born in Burton on Trent and returned 30 years ago having taken early retirement from Rolls Royce Naval Marine based in Derby after 40 years service.” Since returning to the area, Bernard has served as both an East Staffordshire Borough Councillor and a Staffordshire County Councillor. > “I have retained my seat since 2007\. An opportunity was available in 2017 to stand as Staffordshire County Councillor and I retained my seat for eight years serving the people of Horninglow and Stretton.” He says supporting community organisations and ensuring development is accompanied by appropriate infrastructure are among his key priorities. > “Being able to support the Priory Centre in Stretton and the Red Lion Community Hub in Horninglow is important as both venues have a great record of community support.” > “I am committed to holding to account housing developers to ensure provision is made to address infrastructure, healthcare, highways and the impact on local schools.” Bernard also highlighted concerns around anti-social behaviour and policing. > “Anti-social behaviour remains a concern to many residents and I am convinced police visibility is so important as a meaningful deterrent.” If elected, he says he would continue listening to residents and representing their views at County Hall. > “I will continue to listen to concerns and take them forward and be their voice at the County Council.” ## **Jack Mellor (Green Party)** The Staffordshire Signal contacted Jack Mellor and invited him to take part in this feature. No response was received before the publication deadline. Polling stations will be open from **7am until 10pm on Thursday 25 June**. --- **Correction, 25 June 2026:** An earlier version of this article stated that the by-election followed the resignation of former councillor Philip White. This was incorrect. The Stretton by-election was called following the resignation of Reform UK councillor Barry Martin, who held the seat. Councillor Philip White is the serving Conservative county councillor for the neighbouring Dove division and has not resigned. We are happy to set the record straight and apologise to Councillor White and to our readers for the error. Jenna Goodwin, Editor ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### JOHANNES RADEBE PRESENTS HIS BRAND-NEW SHOW JOHANNES RADEBE: FINALLY HOME URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/johannes-radebe-presents-his-brand-new-show-johannes-radebe-finally-home/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T08:56:31.000Z Following three record-breaking, sold-out tours across the UK and Ireland, **JOHANNES RADEBE: FINALLY HOME** marks a joyful new chapter. Packed with dazzling choreography, sensational live vocals, spectacular costumes and the warmth and energy that have made him a national favourite, this unforgettable show brings together the music and moments that have shaped his journey. From ballroom classics to South African rhythms and beloved pop anthems, *Finally Home* is a heartfelt celebration and everyone is invited. 2026 has been a remarkable year for JoJo. He became a British citizen, made his West End debut and stepped into his dream role as host of *Strictly Come Dancing*. Yet one thing remains unchanged: Johannes was born to dance. Johannes said: > “*People have been asking if I won't be dancing anymore...darling, I’m just getting started! Bringing this tour FINALLY HOME across the UK and Ireland is my way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported my journey. So come ready for joy, fun and celebration, because we’re bringing the biggest party to your town and I cannot wait to dance with you all!”* Born and talent-nurtured in Zamdela Sasolburg, **Johannes Radebe** started dancing at the tender age of 7, fascinated by the discipline and the glamour of Ballroom and Latin. At the age of 21, Johannes left South Africa to work on the internationally renowned Italian cruise liner *Costa* and in 2018, he was invited to join the debut season of the international hit show, *Dancing With The Stars*, in South Africa. Johannes toured the world in international dance show *Burn The Floor* before being head-hunted by *Strictly Come Dancing* in the UK and moved to London to dance on the flagship BBC show, from which he has become the breakout star. In 2021, he was partnered with John Whaite and together reached the final in this groundbreaking same-sex partnership. Johannes and John won ‘Media Moment of the Year’ for their stunning series at the LGBT Awards and the ‘Game Changer Award’ at the Attitude Awards. Johannes was also awarded ‘The Inspirational Public Figure Award’ at the Ethnicity Awards. His debut solo UK Tour *Freedom* and follow-up show *Freedom Unleashed* sold out across the UK, including a week in London's West End at the Peacock Theatre, whilst his 2024 UK tour, *House of Jojo*, played to packed houses including 2 shows at the London Palladium.2022 saw his film choreography debut with the feature *Pretty Red Dress* (Teng Teng Films, in collaboration with the BFI, BBC Film, and the Sundance Institute) which premiered at London Film Festival. In 2023, he also was asked to be a Co-Producer on the Olivier nominated *A Strange Loop* at The Barbican. His first book *Jojo: Finally Home* was published on 7 September 2023 and became a Sunday Times best-seller. South African film company *Arrested Industries* run by Anthony Kimble, Argo Films and Oscar-nominated *Helena Spring Films*, have optioned *Jojo: Finally Home* for a film. Johannes made his West End and musical theatre debut playing the iconic role of Lola in *Kinky Boots*, which toured the UK and Ireland in 2025 and is in its final weeks at the London Coliseum in the West End. Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 24 June. Tickets are available online at [www.atgtickets.com/stoke](http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Action taken on almost 100 buildings as council tackles heritage emergency URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/action-taken-on-almost-100-buildings-as-council-tackles-heritage-emergency/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T08:28:13.000Z Since ramping up action from July 2025, the Heritage Enforcement Programme has opened 93 cases targeting some of the city’s most prominent and long-standing problem properties. The programme uses legal powers where necessary to secure repairs, improvements and the reuse of vacant buildings. The impact of the work is already being seen across the city, with 20 buildings brought into full compliance and more actions underway at dozens more. Enforcement action has already delivered significant improvements, including full compliance in Parliament Row, where buildings have been repainted, repaired and restored, plus repairs at 10 problem sites in Etruria and Hanley. In other areas: - Longton and Meir: 16 legal notices have been issued across 21 sites, with improvements including cleared overgrown sites, tidied frontages and repairs to building exteriors, with more progress expected by summer. - Tunstall: seven buildings have been repaired, including repainting and general building improvements, with four of the most serious cases now facing prosecution. - Hartshill and Stoke: multiple sites are improving, including through repainting, repair works and voluntary action by owners without the need for formal notices. - Burslem: enforcement action is underway across 16 sites, with formal powers already used on key properties and improvements including façade repainting and works to enhance the street scene. The council has also issued 33 notices relating to untidy land, helping improve the wider street scene and prevent further decline. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and Regeneration, said: > “We’ve been clear that Stoke on Trent faces a heritage emergency. This programme is about tackling that head on. > “We won’t tolerate private owners overseeing the decline of our historic buildings. That’s why we’re taking action now to speed up regeneration, grow the local economy and safeguard our history.” The programme will now continue as a dedicated heritage enforcement function with an increased focus on formal action and progressing cases through the courts where owners fail to act. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Dedicated Neighbourhood Police Officers Assigned to Stoke-on-Trent Town Centres URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/dedicated-neighbourhood-police-officers-assigned-to-stoke-on-trent-town-centres/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T11:56:25.000Z Dedicated neighbourhood police officers to ‘build on city’s strong track record on community safety’ Stoke-on-Trent has been assigned two additional dedicated neighbourhood police officers as part of ongoing work to support thriving town centres. The move builds on wider partnership work already delivering results across the city. Focused activity in Fenton, Shelton and Tunstall has contributed to reductions in crime and ASB of around 20 percent, while the joint Weeding Them Out campaign has removed £246,000 worth of illegal goods and helped deliver a 50 per-cent year-on-year reduction in cannabis grows. Now PC Warren Dooley and PC Matthew Whiston will provide a visible presence across the city’s town centres, working closely with the city council’s ASB team and other local partners. The new roles are designed to strengthen partnership working between Staffordshire Police and the city council as well as improve responses to issues affecting town centres. Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safer and resilient communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This partnership builds on the city’s strong track record on community safety, strengthening the work we’re already carrying out. > “We’re continuing to work hard to reduce crime and ASB and make sure our town centres are safe, welcoming places for people to visit, live and work. > “These dedicated officers will play an important role in building on the progress already being made across the city.” Inspector Rebecca Price, of the Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team, said: > "The two officers dedicated to town centres across Stoke-on-Trent will work to build relationships with local businesses and communities, whilst tackling issues that matter most to them. > "PC Dooley and PC Whiston will be visible in areas with high footfall and I would encourage anyone with any issues to speak with them. > "We remain committed to working alongside local partners to reduce crime across Stoke-on-Trent." Residents and businesses are encouraged to speak to the officers while they are on patrol and raise any concerns affecting their area. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke City Legends Return To Victoria Hall For Special Night In 2027 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-city-legends-return-to-victoria-hall-for-special-night-in-2027/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T11:35:18.000Z Stoke Legends returns to the Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent on Friday 29 January 2027\. Starring Asmir Begovic, Erik Pieters, Charlie Adam and Robert Huth. Expect an unmissable night featuring four icons of the Potters’ golden era. Expect laughter, insight, and surprises as they take to the stage for candid conversation and audience Q&A with VIP meet & greets available. Join these legends as they relive the passion, drama and unforgettable moments wearing the red and white. Hear untold dressing room stories, enjoy unique insights, laughs, and a raw honesty from the footballing legends. > This isn’t just an event – it’s a celebration of Stoke City’s soul. Nights like this don’t come round often… and neither do legends like these. Booking is now open. Tickets are available online at [www.atgtickets.com/stoke](http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### One Bethesda Hanley to host free Pinc College art exhibition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/one-bethesda-hanley-to-host-free-pinc-college-art-exhibition/ Last updated: 2026-06-25T13:42:24.000Z One Bethesda comes to life with Free Pinc College Pop-Up exhibition this Summer! Re-Form Heritage is working with the owner of One Bethesda, a property at 1 Bethesda Street and 39 Albion Street, Hanley to make it into a key element of Hanley’s Cultural Quarter. This Grade II-listed building has a prominent location next to Bethesda Chapel, which is also owned by Re-Form Heritage, and opposite the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. The regeneration of One Bethesda will connect these two cultural icons and provide a great opportunity to build on activity at both sites. One Bethesda was originally built as the Staffordshire Potteries Water Board headquarters, on Albion Street, and the Potteries Central Savings Bank, on Bethesda Street, and later combined, it was most recently used as a bar / restaurant, but has been unoccupied since 2008. Re-Form Heritage is currently completing a Viability Study for the building, funded by the Architectural Heritage Fund, which will explore possible future uses for the site. Whilst plans for its regeneration are being developed, the building is being brought back into use as a pop-up exhibition space. The first exhibition at One Bethesda will be hosted by Pinc College, and this space will then host further pop-up exhibitions going forward. Pinc College are a specialist arts educator who have a long-standing relationship with Re-Form Heritage. They currently have education space at their flagship site Middleport Pottery and are set to be the anchor tenant of neighbouring Bethesda Chapel. Pritpal Nagi, High Sheriff of Staffordshire will open the Pinc College exhibition at 12 noon on Monday the 29 th June and this free student end of year art exhibition will run until Wednesday 8th July. > Andrew Emery, Re-Form Heritage CEO says “We are really excited to be breathing new life back into this building alongside our work next door to refurbish Bethesda Chapel 'the cathedral of the Potteries' which we are working with Historic England to refurbish for occupation as an education and events space. The two projects are being developed in tandem to revive the beating heart of Hanley's cultural quarter, alongside the Council's investments in the Potteries Art Gallery and Museum just across the street.” > Pritpal Nagi, High Sheriff of Staffordshire said “I am so pleased to see this One Bethesda Building as one of the Hanley’s most distinctive heritage buildings, combining Victorian civic architecture and prime city-centre location within the culture quarter making it a significant asset within Stoke-On-Trent’s historic core, now coming back in use. My thanks goes to Re-Form Heritage and Stoke-On Trent City Council for their dedication.” > Himarni Brownsword, Cultural Connector at Pinc College said “Pinc College are delighted to be reactivating the space at Bethesda One with a pop-up exhibition of student artwork. The exhibition is a celebration of the creativity, innovation, and hard work of our incredible students. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a range of work from traditional and digital artwork to ceramics, sculpture, photography, animation, and film. We are so grateful to Re-Form Heritage for enabling us to help bring this amazing space to life.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Dr Simon Fox Appointed New Principal at City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/dr-simon-fox-appointed-new-principal-at-city-of-stoke-on-trent-sixth-form-college/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T08:57:53.000Z The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Simon Fox as its new Principal. Simon joins the College with more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership, bringing a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and student success. He will take up the role later this year, leading one of Staffordshire's largest and most successful sixth form colleges into its next chapter. The appointment comes at an exciting time for the College as it continues to build on its reputation for outstanding student outcomes, an exceptional student experience and ambitious progression opportunities for young people across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and beyond. Simon began his career following the completion of a PhD in plant virology at the John Innes Centre in Norwich before training as a science teacher in 2003\. Since then, he has worked across a range of educational settings in Norfolk, serving as Principal of an academy for five years and most recently as Deputy Principal at East Norfolk Sixth Form College, where he has been since 2018. Throughout his career, Simon has championed STEM education, inclusion and evidence-informed practice. His approach centres on ensuring every young person has the knowledge, skills, confidence and aspirations needed to succeed in education, employment and life. Commenting on his appointment, Dr Simon Fox said: > "I am absolutely delighted to be joining the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College as Principal. > > Stoke-on-Trent has an extraordinary sense of place, cultural heritage and pride, and I am excited by the opportunity to connect that rich history with the aspirational future of the city, Staffordshire and its young people. > > I have already been struck by the warmth and ambition of the College community, and I can't wait to work with students, staff, parents, partners and governors to help young people understand where they want to go, and give them the tools, confidence and aspiration to get there." As part of Potteries Educational Trust, Simon is particularly excited about the work we undertake with schools and partners across the region to create opportunities that enable young people to thrive and achieve their ambitions. Welcoming the appointment, Heather McLachlan, CEO of Potteries Educational Trust, said: > “On behalf of the Trust, we would like to welcome our new Principal to the City of Stoke Sixth Form College. Simon brings a genuine passion for education and a strong belief in its power to transform lives. His focus on high-quality teaching and learning, commitment to developing staff and nationally recognised expertise in STEM and digital innovation will ensure every young person has the best possible opportunities in Stoke, Staffordshire and beyond.” The whole College community looks forward to welcoming Simon in the autumn as we continue delivering outstanding outcomes and life-changing opportunities for students. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Staffordshire agency Harrison Carloss launches co.agency platform at British Library URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-agency-harrison-carloss-launches-co-agency-platform-at-british-library/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T08:56:23.000Z A pioneering communications platform developed in Staffordshire has been unveiled to an audience of industry specialists at the prestigious British Library in London. Harrison Carloss, based in Festival Park, created the co.agency system as an in-house solution, and due to its potential, won funding from Innovate UK to scale up to commercialisation for national and international creative industries. Focused on addressing operational challenges in the client-agency space, co.agency enhances productivity by streamlining communications, account admin, software tools and logins. Adam Mobley, MD of Harrison Carloss said: > “It’s been a great journey seeing co.agency evolve and develop, and to have its potential > > recognised by Innovate UK for national and international roll out. > > “The feedback from the London event was very positive and we were proud to be there showcasing a dynamic digital solution that originated in Staffordshire. > > “We developed the platform to directly address complex client communications, which are one of the biggest pressure points for agencies today. > > “It works by integrating communications between agencies and their clients, working alongside project management tools and existing comms channels such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Google Chat. > > “The end result brings conversations, file sharing, reporting and collaboration into a single, streamlined hub, to enable agencies deliver a more efficient and transparent client experience.” ![April Brown, Adam Mobley, Rebecca Cox and Josh Locke of Harrison Carloss at the launch of co.agency in London](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/co-agency-2-2.jpg) April Brown, Adam Mobley, Rebecca Cox and Josh Locke of Harrison Carloss at the launch of [co.agency](http://co.agency/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) in London co.agency was introduced to key creative and digital sector clients last year under a pilot scheme. Their input was then embedded into the launch-ready version, which was unveiled at the Agency Hackers’ Happy Clients Account Management and Client Services Summit at the British Library. Adam Mobley added: > “Since we introduced co.agency under a soft launch into the sector, it has been constantly evolving. > > “New developments have included seamless AI integration, with built-in access to ChatGPT and real-time monitoring, which alerts agencies in less than a minute if a website or server goes down. > > “We’ve also introduced enhanced security, and customisable dashboards, building on co.agency’s existing capabilities, which include live ticketing, file sharing, integrated analytics and reporting.” More details at co.agency | Client Communication Platform for Agencies ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Council responds to Breathe Easy North Staffordshire claims over Hanford 2.0 waste facility URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-responds-to-breathe-easy-north-staffordshire-claims-over-hanford-2-0-waste-facility/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T08:31:52.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council has responded to claims made by Breathe Easy North Staffordshire over the proposed Hanford 2.0 energy from waste facility. The response follows a press release from the lung health group, which called for a pause on the plans and raised concerns around health, traffic, waste imports and the long-term future of waste disposal in the city. The council says the project has been misrepresented and has challenged several of the claims made about the proposal. > “A number of the claims being made about the proposed energy from waste facility, are factually incorrect and risk misleading the public. > > “The project is not a £1.1 billion expansion. The estimated cost is around £400m and it would replace an existing plant that has operated on the site for more than 35 years. > > “Energy from waste is a government-supported method of managing waste disposal for rubbish that can’t be recycled. It means large amounts of waste that would otherwise go to landfill - which could cause odours, environmental harm and increased greenhouse gas emissions – will instead be used to generate electricity. > > “Modern facilities are subject to strict environmental standards and are tightly regulated by the Environment Agency. When operating within these controls, they are widely considered to have a minimal impact on overall air quality and public health. > > “As well as managing waste, the proposed facility would generate enough energy to power around 40,000 homes and is being designed to be ‘carbon capture ready’, enabling future reductions in emissions. > > “The site already serves the wider North Staffordshire area, taking residual waste from Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands. > > “We are also exploring other energy sources, including geothermal. However, these do not provide a solution for the safe and compliant disposal of residual waste. > > “The safety and wellbeing of our residents remains our highest priority. Any proposal will be subject to robust assessment and must meet stringent environmental and public health standards before it can progress.” The proposed facility would replace the existing energy from waste plant at Hanford, which has operated on the site for more than three decades. Breathe Easy North Staffordshire had argued that the plans should be paused while alternatives are reviewed, particularly around zero-emission options and the future of waste strategy across the wider area. Victor Cholij, Chairperson of Breathe Easy North Staffordshire, said: > "Stoke-on-Trent already suffers from some of the highest rates of asthma and respiratory illness in the UK. Forcing local people to breathe the emissions and diesel truck fumes of other boroughs’ imported trash is a matter of environmental injustice. > > "This is a 40-year health lock-in. We do not have to choose between keeping our heating pipes empty and harming the lungs of our children. Modern, non-polluting solutions like mine water geothermal energy and high-tech robotic sorting can separate waste from heat entirely. The council needs to look forward, not backward." The council says energy from waste remains a supported method for dealing with rubbish that cannot be recycled, while Breathe Easy North Staffordshire is calling for further scrutiny before any long-term decision is made. The public consultation on the Hanford proposal remains open until 5pm on Friday 26 June 2026. Residents can still review the plans and submit their comments before the deadline. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Why I've Joined The Staffordshire Signal URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/why-ive-joined-the-staffordshire-signal/ Last updated: 2026-06-24T08:53:13.000Z Sometimes the best ideas start with a simple question. For me, that question was: how can I help people feel more connected to our community? Last year, that question led me to create the [Audley Parish Newsletter](https://audleyparishnewsletter.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), a publication designed to keep local residents informed about the people, projects and issues shaping our area. What began as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger. Since launching the newsletter, I have had the opportunity to work with councillors, community groups, local organisations and even Members of Parliament, all with the shared goal of helping residents stay informed and engaged with local life. As a 15 year old GCSE student, journalism is not the most conventional hobby. However, I have always been fascinated by the stories that shape our communities, particularly those involving local politics, civic life and the decisions that affect our everyday lives. Through the Audley Parish Newsletter, I have seen first-hand just how much people care about what happens in their villages, towns and cities, and how important it is for information to be accessible, relevant and rooted in the community it serves. That is one of the reasons I am so excited to be joining The Staffordshire Signal as a writer, focussing on Politics and Regeneration. From the moment I discovered The Signal, I was struck by its commitment to telling the stories that matter to local people. At a time when much of the media can feel distant, rushed or focused on national headlines, The Signal is helping to shine a light on the people, places and issues that make Staffordshire unique. As a lifelong Stokie, I am incredibly proud of where I come from. Staffordshire is full of history, character, resilience and potential. Yet too often, the positive stories, ambitious projects and passionate people working to improve our communities do not receive the attention they deserve. Local journalism has an important role to play in changing that. Over the coming months, I will be covering politics, regeneration and local democracy for The Staffordshire Signal with passion. I want to help explain how decisions are made, hold those in positions of responsibility to account and, most importantly, ensure local people remain at the heart of the conversation. Whether that means observing council meetings, visiting regeneration projects, interviewing political leaders or speaking directly to residents, my aim is always the same: to produce fair, balanced and accessible journalism that informs and engages. I am incredibly grateful to Jenna and the team at The Staffordshire Signal for welcoming me on board, and I am looking forward to sharing stories from across Staffordshire in the months ahead. This is an exciting time for local journalism, and I am proud to be part of it. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Rare 1898 Port Vale Photograph Donated to Club Archive by Barewall Art Gallery URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rare-1898-port-vale-photograph-donated-to-club-archive-by-barewall-art-gallery/ Last updated: 2026-06-22T08:28:30.000Z The rare photograph, dating from the 1897–98 season, captures members of the Burslem Port Vale squad training at Matlock during one of the club’s earliest English Cup campaigns. The image was brought into **Barewall Art Gallery** by Brian Nuttall on 18th March 2026, having been carefully preserved by his late Uncle, Mr Roy Nutall, for generations. Alongside the main image, an additional historic photograph of the team was also donated, further adding to the significance of the collection and providing an even richer insight into the club’s early years. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Donated-Photo---English-Cup-Competition-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Donated-photo-of-PVFC.jpg) The donation also included a newspaper cutting from The Sentinel 1949, featuring Mr J.E. Evans, believed to have been the last surviving member of the team pictured. It is thought that Mr Evans was a relation of Mr Roy Nutall’s wife, Shirley, adding a deeply personal family connection to the historic photographs. Recognising the photographs’ importance to both the club and the wider sporting heritage of the Potteries, Barewall Art Gallery has now formally donated the images to Port Vale F.C., where they will become part of the club’s official archive. The main photograph is believed to relate to Port Vale’s English Cup First Round ties against Sheffield United F.C. during the 1897–98 season. The original match, played in Sheffield on 29 January 1898, ended in a 1–1 draw before Burslem Port Vale secured a memorable 2–1 victory after extra time in the replay at Cobridge on 2 February 1898. The image includes several named players and staff from the era, including Allen (trainer), Boullemier, Clare (captain), Birchenhough, Bayley (reserve), J.E. Evans, Beech, Spilsbury, Peake, McDonald, R. Evans, Simpson and Heames. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-22-09.23.01.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-22-09.22.22.png) (Left) Amanda Bromley Barewall And Sue Potts, Hospitality sales manager PVFC (Right) Amanda Bromely Showing Sue Potts and Ryan Grant PVFC the press cutting on photos The donation represents an important moment in preserving the heritage of one of the area’s oldest and most celebrated football clubs, offering supporters and historians a rare glimpse into football life in the Victorian era. Brian Nuttall said: > **“** *I wanted the photos to be passed on to Port Vale Football Club where they will be cared for and looked at by club members and fans. I am delighted that they are now with the Port Vale football club for everyone to see now and into the future.”* Ryan Grant, Director of Growth at Port Vale, said: > *"We're incredibly grateful, both to Brian and the team at Barewall, for entrusting us with such a great piece of Vale history. It's incredibly timely as we celebrate the club's 150th anniversary in 2026 and serves as a great reminder of our roots from the late 1800s. Over time, we have ambitions of creating a permanent home for Vale memorabilia here at Vale Park and I have no doubt this piece will be popular among supporters."* Amanda Bromley, Director of Barewall Art Gallery said: > *“We immediately recognised the historical importance of the photograph and felt it belonged within Port Vale’s own archive where supporters and future generations can appreciate it. It is a fascinating insight into the very early years of the club and local football heritage and we were delighted to facilitate the handing over of the photograph and press cutting. As a Port Vale supporter and season ticket holder I couldn’t be more delighted!”* **Barewall Art Gallery** is located in the market place in Burslem and is open weekly from Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit: [www.barewall.co.uk](https://www.barewall.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Battle of Britain flypast to headline The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley tomorrow URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/battle-of-britain-flypast-to-headline-the-big-battle-of-abbots-bromley-tomorrow/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T16:36:28.000Z The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley takes place on Sunday 21 June 2026 at High Ash Farm, Yeatsall Lane, near Cobwebs Coffee Shop, with more than 200 reenactors from over ten living history groups expected to take part. The event will take visitors on a journey through almost a thousand years of history, from 1066 to the Second World War, with immersive camps, demonstrations, cannon and musket firing, and full-scale battle recreations. One of this year’s standout moments will be a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF’s historic aircraft flight. The BBMF is operating aircraft including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota during the 2026 season, with the flypast expected to provide a powerful tribute to Britain’s aviation heritage. ![The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-Battle-of-Britian-Memorial-Flight--Spitfire--Dakota--Hurricane.jpg) The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - Chappers Photography *Organisers have reminded visitors that all flypasts are subject to weather conditions and aircraft serviceability, and that flypast timings will not be published on social media.* Alongside the aviation tribute, the 2026 event will feature an expanded programme of living history displays. Visitors can expect a major Napoleonic battle, a Wild West display by Spearfish Creek, and a battlefield recreation of the Battle of the Alamo by the Remember the Alamo Association, complete with live-firing muskets and cannons. The living history village will also include pirates from The Guilde, displays linked to the Spanish and Russian Civil Wars, Crusader history from the Poor Knights of Christ, and Anglo-Saxon history from King Penda’s group. The English Free Companye will represent the Wars of the Roses and Tudor period, while Company 24 will demonstrate American Civil War drills. The 1879 Group will also be attending, showcasing the redcoats and sharing the history of the Anglo-Zulu War. The public day opens from 10am and is designed as a family-friendly event, with opportunities to meet reenactors, explore historic camps and learn more about uniforms, weapons and everyday life from different periods of history. Children will be able to take part in interactive drill sessions, while families can join a hands-on history activity with the Texian Army and attempt to capture a Mexican cannon. There will also be the chance to have a family portrait taken in 1830s Mexican costume. Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, including a BBQ, ice cream van, local stalls, children’s amusements and more. The event is hosted by Lee Chapman of Chappers Photography and follows the success of the Abbots Bromley Living History Festival, which attracted more than 500 visitors in 2024. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/53093242599_75bd69da3b_c-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/54499294711_cc445d3aed_c-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/look-and-listen-out-for-our-live-firing-demonstrations.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/come-along-and-meet-the-reenactors.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Company-24-on-the-lookout.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/expect-lots-of-activities-around-the-living-history-camps.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Spearfish-Creek--the-UK-s-premier-American-West-group.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-French-Napoleonic-army-heading-to-the-battlefield.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/witness-live-firing-cannons-.jpg) Photo credit Lee Chapman – Chappers Photography Organiser Lee Chapman said: > “This event is all about bringing history to life in a way that is exciting, educational and memorable for all ages. > “We’re thrilled to be welcoming so many high-quality reenactment groups to Abbots Bromley for what promises to be an incredible day. Having the flypast is the icing on the cake.” Advance tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £7 for children. A limited number of tickets will also be available on the gate, although advance booking is recommended for faster entry. For tickets and further details, visit [www.chappersphotography.co.uk](http://www.chappersphotography.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06955.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06946.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06939.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06886.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06879.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06871.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06859.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06979.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC06975-1.jpg) Photo credit - Natalee Trowbridge - The Staffordshire Signal ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Lung Health Charity Calls For Pause On Stoke’s £1.1bn Incinerator Plan URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lung-health-charity-calls-for-pause-on-stokes-1-1bn-incinerator-plan/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T15:42:52.000Z A Staffordshire lung health group has issued an urgent warning over a proposed £1.1 billion waste incinerator expansion, warning it will turn Stoke-on-Trent into a "regional dumping ground" for the next 40 years. With the public consultation closing this Friday, 26th June at 5:00pm, Breathe Easy North Staffordshire (BENS) is demanding a strategic pause. They want an independent review of zero-emission alternatives before future generations are locked into decades of unnecessary air pollution. The current plan for "Hanford 2.0" aims to solve the city's empty district heating pipes by burning rubbish. However, because Stoke does not produce enough waste to fill the massive plant, up to 76% of the rubbish will be trucked in from across the wider West Midlands, severely congesting the A50 and A500 corridors. Victor Cholij, Chairperson of Breathe Easy North Staffordshire, said: "Stoke-on-Trent already suffers from some of the highest rates of asthma and respiratory illness in the UK. Forcing local people to breathe the emissions and diesel truck fumes of other boroughs’ imported trash is a matter of environmental injustice. "This is a 40-year health lock-in. We do not have to choose between keeping our heating pipes empty and harming the lungs of our children. Modern, non-polluting solutions like mine water geothermal energy and high-tech robotic sorting can separate waste from heat entirely. The council needs to look forward, not backward." BENS is not calling for waste to go to landfill. Instead, they are urging the council to pause the tender process until a joint optimisation strategy can be studied with Staffordshire County Council, especially taking into account the 2028 local government reorganisation. The group has launched a public petition and published detailed briefing papers outlining major financial, environmental, and health risks. [Financial Questions Arising from the Hanford 2.0 ProposalAssessing Long-Term Financial Risks, Public Sector Costs and District Heating ImplicationsHanford2.0\_Financial\_Briefing\_Final.docx76 KBdownload-circle](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/content/files/2026/06/Hanford2.0%5FFinancial%5FBriefing%5FFinal.docx "Download") ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Arthritis Action is proud to launch ‘Portraits of the Potteries’ URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/arthritis-action-is-proud-to-launch-portraits-of-the-potteries/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T15:17:40.000Z Arthritis Action is proud to launch a new people-focused project featuring individuals with arthritis from Staffordshire who have found hope, inspiration and support through community connection. The project features portraits taken by local photographer Stephen Lawson, alongside participant’s stories of their journey with arthritis. Each photo and story demonstrates the power of local community to support the wellbeing of people with arthritis. All based in the Staffordshire area, they have found solace, companionship and purpose in five separate community-based activities. Collectively, they demonstrate the power the social connection has in self-manging arthritis. Participating groups included: The New Vic Open House, FRONTLINE Dance, Father Hudson’s Caritas, the New Vic Dementia & Creativity Group and Birches Head Get Growing. Leah Boylan, Head of Services at Arthritis Action said: > *“We have been delighted to work so closely with community groups in Staffordshire to bring these stories to light. It has been a true pleasure seeing how people find support, growth and understanding of their condition through social participation. We want to thank all these groups in allowing us to meet with them”* Arthritis Action is a UK wide charity giving hands-on, practical help to improve the quality of life for people affected by arthritis, through its membership services, online and via community engagement at a local level. It offers an integrated, self-management approach that addresses both the physical and mental health challenges of living with arthritis. By empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need, it helps people take control of their condition and live life to the full. Arthritis Action was able to undertake this in-depth project thanks to a generous legacy donation from Janet Upton, a Staffordshire resident. By leaving a legacy in a Will, those that do are helping future generations benefit from the self-management advice and programmes to enable better living with arthritis. Learn more about the campaign, view the photographs and delve into the stories at [https://arthritisaction.org.uk/portraits-of-the-potteries/](https://arthritisaction.org.uk/portraits-of-the-potteries/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Find out more about how arthritis affects daily life, the self-management services or how a legacy can help future generations, at [www.arthritisaction.org.uk](http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Cervical Screening Awareness Week: Why Making Time for Your Appointment Could Save Your Life URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cervical-screening-awareness-week-why-making-time-for-your-appointment-could-save-your-life/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T14:34:48.000Z This week marks Cervical Screening Awareness Week, an opportunity to raise awareness of cervical screening and the important role it plays in helping to prevent cervical cancer. Whether cervical screening is something that affects you personally, or someone you care about, talking about it matters. Raising awareness can help more people understand the test, respond to their invitation and access a potentially life-saving appointment. Life gets busy. Appointments are easy to put off. But cervical screening really does save lives, so if you are eligible and have been invited, it is important not to miss yours. ### What is cervical screening? Cervical screening, sometimes called a smear test, is a routine health check that looks for high-risk HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is the virus responsible for almost all cervical cancers. Cervical screening is not a test for cancer itself, but it can identify changes that may develop into cancer if they are left untreated. In England, women and anyone with a cervix are routinely invited for cervical screening between the ages of 25 and 64\. Regular screening helps detect abnormalities early and can prevent cervical cancer from developing. > Screenings really do save lives. If you have received your invitation, do not delay. Book your appointment. ### Your guide to cervical screening Despite its importance, around one in three eligible people do not take up their invitation. Around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the UK each year, but screening is estimated to save approximately 4,500 lives annually. When you are due your screening, you should receive an invitation through the NHS App, by text message, or by letter. This will ask you to make an appointment and explain how to book. If you have received your invitation, book as soon as you can. ### Screening and the HPV vaccine Recent studies have highlighted the impact of cervical screening alongside the HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer. New research shows that young women who received the HPV vaccine at ages 12 to 13 now have a close to zero risk of dying from cervical cancer before the age of 30. Together, vaccination and regular screening provide the strongest protection. ### What to do if you think you are due If you think you are due for cervical screening but have not received an invitation, contact your GP practice to check your details. This is especially important if you have moved house, changed contact details, or are unsure whether your NHS records are up to date. ### Support for all communities Some people face additional barriers to accessing healthcare and cervical screening. This can include people with learning disabilities, people from ethnic minority communities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who may find screening difficult, uncomfortable or worrying. Support is available, and you can talk to your doctor or nurse about any adjustments you may need. That could include asking for a longer appointment, requesting a particular clinician, talking through the process beforehand, or discussing anything that would make the appointment feel more manageable. ### Learn more about cervical screening Cervical Screening Awareness Week is a reminder that prevention matters. If you have received your invitation, book your appointment. If someone you care about has been putting theirs off, a gentle reminder could make all the difference. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Newcastle MP Delivers Constituents' Views on Local Government Reorganisation to Downing Street URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-mp-delivers-constituents-views-on-local-government-reorganisation-to-downing-street/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T14:04:56.000Z The Government sought proposals from local authorities across Staffordshire, with the aim of creating unitary authorities to replace the current two-tier model. The submission to Downing Street includes data from a local survey conducted by Adam Jogee MP, together with correspondence from constituents who have written to him on the issue. Adam has also written to the Prime Minister, stressing the importance of clear and ongoing communication with the community throughout the process of LGR. Adam Jogee MP said: > *"I promised the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme that I would listen to them every day. That's why I've delivered a dossier to Downing Street, containing the views, survey data, and correspondence I've gathered from constituents on Local Government Reorganisation.* > *“The voices, needs, and concerns of the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme should be heard clearly, and I urge my colleagues to engage with our community throughout this process."* ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Cascade Exhibition opens at Burslem Town Hall, showcasing young people’s vision for the future of their city URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cascade-exhibition-opens-at-burslem-town-hall-showcasing-young-peoples-vision-for-the-future-of-their-city/ Last updated: 2026-06-20T13:56:40.000Z Cascade’s Art Exhibition presents work created over the past year by a group of Year 7 and 8 students from Haywood Academy, who have worked alongside professional artists to reimagine Burslem through their own perspectives. Facilitated by Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL) and led by creative producer Emily Andrews alongside key Arts practitioner Fran Buxton, the Cascade project has supported young people to take on the role of commissioners, developing ideas, working collaboratively with artists and shaping a public exhibition. The final showcase invites visitors to experience Burslem in new ways through a specially created audio trail produced with Listening Shelf Audio, a series of art prints, and a short film produced with Anderson West, all developed around the theme of *Future Heritage*,exploring what makes the town distinctive today and how those stories can be shared with future generations. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/IMG_4607.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/PHOTO-2026-06-19-15-48-14-5.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/PHOTO-2026-06-19-15-48-15.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/PHOTO-2026-06-19-15-48-12.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/PHOTO-2026-06-19-15-48-06.jpg) *Images included show the artwork by students from Haywood Academy who created cyanotype prints with artist @nataliewillatt - designed their own typeface with @siobhangracemcaleer - using work that was created by students in workshops with illustrator Becky Bell @soft.pineapples - installed with Muddy Publishing.* Over the course of the project, students have grown in confidence, developed creative skills and built stronger connections to their local community. One participating student said: > “I have learned that when I lock in, I can have quite good design ideas, and I can also speak well in a group of people.” Another reflected: > “I have gained lots of confidence… from speaking to people in groups.” A further student said: > “I am more confident than I thought… I now understand how others’ opinions matter as well.” Parents have also highlighted the project’s impact. One parent of a participating student commented: > “My child’s confidence has grown through taking part in the project… it has given them valuable new experiences.” Another said: > “I’ve seen their confidence grow, and it’s lovely to see their interest in art increase.” Creative skills for the future The Cascade project has been designed to support young people to develop confidence, critical thinking and creative production skills, while fostering civic pride and a deeper understanding of their local area. Through hands-on experiences and collaboration with professional artists, students have been encouraged to think ambition and creativity without limitation, exploring how art can shape how we see and understand place. Event details Burslem Town Hall, Market Place, Burslem Tuesday 23 June, 9am – 4pm Wednesday 24 June, 9am – 6pm Contact: [cascade@picl.uk.com](mailto:cascade@picl.uk.com) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Internal Email Reveals Staffordshire Libraries Were Ordered To Remove Pride Displays As Questions Mount Over Council Policy URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/internal-email-reveals-staffordshire-libraries-were-ordered-to-remove-pride-displays-as-questions-mount-over-council-policy/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T11:54:42.000Z When Staffordshire County Council adopted its new Libraries Strategy earlier this year, it described libraries as "vibrant community hubs" and "welcoming spaces" where people could connect, learn and feel a sense of belonging. The strategy spoke repeatedly about accessibility, inclusion, community engagement and ensuring that libraries remained relevant to the people they serve. Residents who took part in the consultation praised libraries as safe spaces, valued their inclusivity and highlighted the importance of community provision for people from all backgrounds. Just four months later, library staff across Staffordshire received an email instructing them to remove Pride displays, stop Pride-related social media activity and ensure that no Pride-themed events or activities took place within libraries. For many people, those two positions appear difficult to reconcile. Public libraries occupy a unique position within British public life. They are one of the few genuinely shared civic spaces, used by people of every age, background and political belief. For supporters of the council's decision, the issue is whether publicly funded institutions should remain politically neutral. For opponents, the concern is that removing visibility from one community creates a precedent that could eventually affect others. It is that tension, rather than the displays themselves, which has turned a local library decision into a county-wide debate. The debate that has followed has often been framed as an argument about books. Social media posts have claimed that LGBTQ+ books were being removed from library shelves, while Staffordshire County Council has repeatedly insisted that no books have been banned and that LGBTQ+ materials remain available to borrow. Based on the evidence currently available, the council is correct on that point. The Staffordshire Signal has seen no evidence that LGBTQ+ books have been removed from library stock, withdrawn from public loan or deleted from library catalogues. However, as this investigation has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that the controversy was never really about books. Instead, it centres on a different question altogether. Why was Pride singled out? On 10 June, library staff received an internal email stating that libraries had received: > "a clear political steer from our portfolio lead regarding Pride in Libraries this June." Staff were instructed that: > "We will not be celebrating Pride in any form, including promotion through book displays. If you currently have Pride/LGBTQ+ displays in your libraries, please remove them immediately and reshelve the books." The email went further, directing staff to ensure: > "that no Pride/LGBTQ+ content is shared on social media and no events or activities are delivered on the theme." The wording is important because the instruction was not concerned with library stock. Staff were not told to withdraw books from circulation or remove titles from catalogues. Instead, they were instructed to remove displays, halt events and activities, and cease Pride-related communications. The distinction matters because it shifts the conversation away from access to books and towards visibility, representation and the role public institutions play in recognising the communities they serve. The Staffordshire Signal has spoken to multiple members of library staff who requested anonymity because they fear repercussions for speaking publicly. Several staff members independently told The Staffordshire Signal that a follow-up call was made later that day, which they understood to be a welfare check, but during which questions were also asked about whether displays had been removed. One member of staff, who identifies as LGBT+, said they now felt unsafe and increasingly worried about speaking openly at work. Others described concerns about the future direction of library services and a fear that publicly challenging decisions could have consequences for their careers. They told The Staffordshire Signal that, for the first time in their career, they felt their identity had become the subject of a political decision rather than simply part of the diverse communities libraries exist to serve. Several staff members told The Staffordshire Signal that they were instructed to remove Pride displays and Pride-related social media content immediately. They also said they were unaware of equivalent instructions being issued regarding other awareness campaigns, commemorative events or community initiatives. That point lies at the heart of the controversy. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/20260311_135214.jpg) Staffordshire County Council's public explanation for the decision has been based on consistency. In a statement provided to The Staffordshire Signal, Councillor Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, said: > "Staffordshire's libraries are for everyone. > They give local people access to books, digital resources, advice, activities and council services, and they are increasingly becoming community hubs where people can learn, connect and get practical support. > As part of that approach, we are applying a consistent approach across our libraries on how public display space is used. Displays will focus on the core library offer, local services, reading and learning. > Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone." The council later clarified that: > "LGBTQ+ materials continue to be available to loan." Council Leader Martin Murray subsequently addressed the issue publicly, stating: > "No books have been removed from your library shelves. No authors have been pulled from the catalogue. No titles have been placed off-limits." He also said: > "Our new Staffordshire County Council Libraries Strategy 2026-2028 will focus on core services and will no longer use taxpayer-funded resources, sites and communications channels to promote any particular group, cause or identity." Councillor Murray added: > "As such, Pride events will no longer be promoted in our public libraries." The council's position is therefore clear. The decision is not being presented as opposition to LGBTQ+ people but as part of a broader policy of neutrality. Yet that explanation raises as many questions as it answers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/20260616_135948.jpg) The Staffordshire Signal has seen examples of libraries promoting Armed Forces Day activities. Libraries have also hosted and promoted VE Day commemorations and a range of community initiatives throughout the year. No evidence has emerged that staff were instructed to remove those displays. No internal emails have yet surfaced instructing libraries to stop promoting those events. No equivalent directions regarding social media activity have been produced. If the policy genuinely applies to every cause, every campaign and every identity equally, many residents are now asking why Pride appears to be the first and only example of that policy being implemented. That concern has spread beyond campaign groups and library users. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/720449234_122293230266207557_2260352239519673259_n.jpg) On 12 June, nine Staffordshire MPs wrote jointly to Councillor Murray expressing concern about reports that Pride displays had been removed and associated activities cancelled. The signatories included Dame Karen Bradley, Sarah Edwards, Leigh Ingham, David Williams, Josh Newbury, Adam Jogee, Dr Allison Gardner, Dave Robertson and Jacob Collier. The MPs described: > "worrying reports of a county-wide directive ordering the removal of all LGBTQ+ Pride-related displays from Staffordshire's libraries, the cancellation of all associated activities, and the removal of any mention of Pride from library social media channels." They warned that such actions would send a damaging message to LGBTQ+ residents and library users. Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell was equally critical. In a statement provided to The Staffordshire Signal, he said: > "Libraries should be refuges of the imagination, a place for the pursuit of knowledge and a space where new ideas are discovered." He added: > "Removing texts and books with LGBT themes is regressive and totally at odds with British values." [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Associates-image-template-2.png)](https://www.indexoncensorship.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The controversy has also attracted attention from Index on Censorship, the international free expression organisation founded in 1972 and known for its work defending freedom of speech, access to information and intellectual freedom around the world. Responding to questions from The Staffordshire Signal, a spokesperson said: > "Concerns about censorship or intellectual freedom arise when decisions about library materials are driven by ideological / religious / political reasons rather than by transparent policies driven by a professional librarian." The organisation stressed that not every decision to remove or relocate library materials should be viewed as censorship. Public libraries routinely review stock, replace worn books and make decisions about collections based on demand, relevance and available space. However, Index on Censorship said the issue becomes more concerning when particular subjects or communities appear to be singled out. The spokesperson said: > "Not every decision to withdraw a book counts as censorship. Libraries routinely review collections. However, concerns about censorship arise when books are singled out because they address particular themes (LGBTQ+, gender, race, religion or political issues) or when restrictions are imposed without a clear, evidence-based and transparent process." The organisation also emphasised the wider role public libraries play within society, describing them as places where members of the public should be able to access a broad range of ideas, viewpoints and experiences. Index told The Staffordshire Signal: > "Libraries are spaces where the public can go to access literature on a wide range of topics and viewpoints. Our intellectual freedom is undermined when materials are removed or restricted because someone or a group of people object to the content or ideas they represent." While Index on Censorship said it could not comment directly on the specifics of Staffordshire County Council's decision, its comments highlight the questions now being asked by campaigners, library staff and politicians alike. The debate is no longer simply about whether books remain on library shelves, but about how public institutions balance neutrality, representation and access to information, and who ultimately decides where those boundaries should lie. Meanwhile, community reaction has been swift. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-125215.png)](https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-staffordshire-county-council-protect-inclusion-visibility-and-representation-83ef85e7-0a93-45af-bdb7-55cd2ac68ca3?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) A petition launched by Rainbow Connections calling on Staffordshire County Council to reverse the decision has been started, and supporters argue that representation and visibility should not be treated as political campaigning and point to the council's obligations under the Equality Act 2010. The Equality Act 2010 identifies sexual orientation and gender reassignment as protected characteristics. The council's objective commits it to considering the experiences of all Staffordshire residents when designing and delivering services and local opportunities. Whether the removal of Pride displays is compatible with that objective is likely to be one of the central questions raised by campaigners and residents in the weeks ahead. Those obligations are particularly noteworthy because Staffordshire County Council adopted a new Equality Objective in January. The objective commits the authority to consider the experiences of all Staffordshire residents when designing and delivering services and to promote accessibility regardless of people's circumstances. The council's own Libraries Strategy repeatedly speaks about inclusion, belonging and creating welcoming spaces where people from all backgrounds can connect with their communities. It describes libraries as vibrant community hubs that enrich lives, strengthen communities and provide places where everyone can feel part of something larger than themselves. It is against that backdrop that many residents, library staff and campaign groups are struggling to understand the decision. Staffordshire County Council has been clear that LGBTQ+ books remain available to borrow, and council leaders insist the policy is intended to apply equally to all groups, causes and identities. However, the evidence that has emerged so far points in one direction. The only documented instruction seen by The Staffordshire Signal relates specifically to Pride. The only displays known to have been ordered removed were Pride displays. The only social media content known to have been targeted was Pride-related content, and the only activities known to have been cancelled were those connected to Pride Month. That does not, in itself, explain why the decision was made or what motivated it. What it does do is raise a series of legitimate questions about consistency, transparency and how the council's stated commitment to neutrality is being applied in practice. Those are questions that many people across Staffordshire are now asking, and which the council has yet to fully answer. The council may ultimately provide answers that satisfy residents. It may produce a written policy showing that the same approach will be applied to every awareness campaign, heritage month and community initiative in the future. It may demonstrate that Equality Impact Assessments were undertaken and that the decision forms part of a wider strategy affecting all groups equally. Until then, however, one question remains at the centre of this debate. If this policy is genuinely intended to apply equally to every cause, campaign and community initiative, why is Pride the only example that has so far been identified? Until Staffordshire County Council provides fuller answers, that question is likely to remain at the centre of a debate that shows little sign of going away. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stafford deaf cyclist takes on entire Tour de France Femmes route after mum's blood cancer diagnosis URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stafford-deaf-cyclist-takes-on-entire-tour-de-france-femmes-route-after-mums-blood-cancer-diagnosis/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:53:34.000Z In August 2026, Laura Ganderton, a deaf amateur cyclist from Stafford, will ride every stage of the Tour de France Femmes route, cycling one day ahead of the professional race as part of The Route 2026 challenge. The challenge will see Laura cover more than 1,000 kilometres across France, tackling the same mountains, climbs and demanding stages as the world's best female cyclists. Alongside 15 other inspiring amateur female riders from around the world, she will complete the entire route before the professionals arrive, raising money for the blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia. The route Laura will tackle is far from an ordinary cycling event. Starting in Lausanne in Switzerland and finishing in Nice, France, the 2026 Tour de France Femmes route is the longest and hardest Tour to date and includes some of the toughest climbs in professional cycling, including the legendary Mont Ventoux, known as the "Giant of Provence." Often regarded as one of the most challenging mountains in world cycling, Mont Ventoux rises to 1,909 metres and has tested generations of the men’s Tour de France riders. In the 2026 race, it will see the women’s peloton climb it for the first time as it forms the Queen Stage – traditionally the hardest and most decisive stage of the entire Tour. With its exposed lunar-like landscape, relentless gradients and often extreme heat and winds, Ventoux is a climb that professional cyclists approach with respect. Laura will be tackling the same ascent just 24 hours before the world's best female cyclists arrive. > "As an amateur rider, the thought of climbing Mont Ventoux is both exciting and intimidating," Laura said. For Laura, this challenge is about far more than cycling. The cause became deeply personal when her mum was diagnosed with blood cancer last year. > "Watching someone you love go through cancer changes your perspective on life," Laura said. > "You see first-hand the fear, uncertainty and emotional impact it has on patients and their families. > "Thankfully, because of advances in treatment and care, my mum received the support she needed. I know not every family is as fortunate, which is why I wanted to do something meaningful to help." Cure Leukaemia funds specialist research nurses and clinical trials across the UK, helping patients gain access to potentially life-saving treatments that might otherwise not be available. Laura hopes to raise £10,000 to support the charity's work, specifically to help children with blood cancer by raising funds for the ATICUS Network enabling all children to receive life saving clinical trials no matter where they live in the UK. What makes the challenge even more remarkable is that Laura is not a professional athlete. > "I am just an ordinary woman taking on an extraordinary challenge," she said. > "The Tour de France Femmes route is one of the hardest cycling events in the world and there will be moments when it feels incredibly tough (part way up Ventoux!). > "But when I think about what blood cancer patients and their families face every day, my challenge feels small in comparison. If cycling across France > can help make a difference, then every mile will be worth it." As a deaf cyclist and hearing aid wearer, Laura has faced challenges throughout her life and sporting journey. However, she believes those experiences have helped shape the resilience needed to take on such an ambitious goal. > "Being deaf has taught me that obstacles don't have to define what you can achieve," she said. > "I've learned the importance of determination, adaptability and asking for support when needed. "I hope this challenge shows that whatever barriers people face, incredible things are possible when you believe in yourself and keep moving forward." Training for the event has already involved countless hours in the saddle, early mornings, long rides and pushing beyond her comfort zone. Over the coming months, Laura will continue preparing for what will be one of the biggest challenges of her life. Laura explains that she would not be able to commit to training for this challenge without the unwavering support and belief of her partner Chris. She hopes her journey will not only raise funds for blood cancer research but also inspire others to support a cause that affects thousands of families every year. > "Every donation, no matter the size, will help fund research and treatments that give children and their families hope," she said. All the riders pay their own costs so every penny goes to Cure Leukaemia. > "If my ride can help even one family facing blood cancer in the future, it will have been worth every pedal stroke." Laura visited Birminghams Children’s Hospital and saw first hand the work of the doctors and nurses treating children with blood cancer. > “It was a very humbling experience and being able to fundraise to help > these children is an honour” Laura said. How You Can Support Laura Laura is aiming to raise £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia ahead of her Tour de France Femmes challenge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/image3.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/image2.jpeg) Laura Ganderton, a deaf amateur cyclist from Stafford Donations can be made via her JustGiving page: **justgiving.com/page/laura-ganderton** You can also follow Laura's training journey and challenge updates on Instagram: @lganderton ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### DJH Crowned Winners of Knot a Sports Day 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/djh-crowned-winners-of-knot-a-sports-day-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:46:56.000Z Award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm DJH have been crowned the winners of the third annual Knot a Sports Day. Staffordshire’s largest team building day saw 24 teams of competitors from businesses across the region descend on University of Staffordshire’s Leek Road campus for a challenging, and fun-packed day. Knot a Sports Day aims to raise £10,000, which will be split between 10 worthwhile local charities, including Gingerbread Family Support, The Alice Charity, The Hubb Foundation, North Staffs Linkline, Symmetrical North Staffs and AED Donate. The event itself was a throwback to an old school sports day, with competitors taking part in challenges such as an inflatable obstacle course, go karts, powerball, egg and spoon race, sack race plus a World Cup special penalty shootout. Fiona Hawkins, managing director of Plinkfizz and one of the event’s organisers, commented, > “We’d like to congratulate the team from DJH for winning the coveted bespoke Knot a Sports Day trophy. > > “It was amazing to see so many organisations come together for an unforgettable day and to raise so much money for 10 local charities. We’re counting donations now, and we’re hoping to smash our £10,000 fundraising target.” > > “Also, a big thank you to all of our sponsors, we couldn’t do Knot a Sports Day without their support.” Find out more about Knot a Sports Day 2026 here - [https://knot-events.co.uk/knot-a-sports-day-2026/](https://knot-events.co.uk/knot-a-sports-day-2026/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### New mum Ellie hoping to get fit and raise funds with Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-mum-ellie-hoping-to-get-fit-and-raise-funds-with-dougie-macs-moonlight-walk/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:44:30.000Z New mum Ellie Moss is hoping to raise funds for Dougie Mac after signing up to take part in the charity’s Moonlight Walk event. Ellie – along with other members of Meg’s Reading Club – will be dressing in book-themed t-shirts and jumpers with tutus and glow sticks for the event which is taking place on Friday, June 19. Ellie, 25, gave birth to her son at the end of last year and decided to take part in the hospice’s flagship event as a chance to get back into shape and raise funds for Dougie Mac. She said: > “This is my first time taking part and I’m very excited. I had my son at the end of December so I am using this as an opportunity to get in shape whilst raising money for a cause close to my heart. In 2023, my husband’s lovely Nannan Pamela passed away in the hospice so I am doing this to honour her.” Ellie will be joined by other members of the book club which is a women-only group and has been running for around 18 months. The group meets monthly at different venues throughout Stoke-on-Trent and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said: > “Our Moonlight Walk is a really popular, fun event that brings people together to support their local hospice. We’ll meet at St Peter’s Academy, Fenton from 8.30pm, where our walkers will be greeted by an entertainment stage with live music, refreshment stands and a glitter station. There will then be a short warm up before it’s time to hit the streets at 10pm. > > “While our Moonlight Walk is a really fun, lively event, many of our walkers will be taking part in memory of a loved one who has been cared for by Dougie Mac, which also makes the walk really special. As part of the route there’s an opportunity to stop at the Moonlight Gardens at out Adult Services in Blurton and our Children and Young Adults Services in Trentham.” Everyone who enters will receive a Moonlight Walk T-shirt to wear on the night, as well as a medal when they cross the finish line. Deborah added: > “Funds raised will help us provide our specialist care services to local adults, young adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, as well as offering support to their families and carers.” Although registration for the event closed on Monday, June 15, anyone who would like to take part can sign up on the night of the event. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Local Stoke-on-Trent Baker to Take Centre Stage at Foodies Festival Cheshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/local-stoke-on-trent-baker-to-take-centre-stage-at-foodies-festival-cheshire/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:37:52.000Z Sally Berrisford-Pratt, founder of Sally's Baked with Love, will exhibit at the three-day festival taking place at Tatton Park, Knutsford, from 10th–12th July 2026\. As part of the festival programme, she will also appear in the popular Cake & Bake Theatre, where she will demonstrate some of the techniques behind her handcrafted cheesecakes. The invitation marks a major milestone for the Stoke-on-Trent cheesecake specialist, whose business began in her home kitchen in 2021 and has since grown into a well-loved local brand with a loyal customer following across Staffordshire and beyond. While baking had always been a passion, Sally's love of cheesecake inspired her to start creating homemade cheesecakes for friends and family. As demand grew, what began as a hobby soon developed into a thriving local business built on quality, creativity and community support. While the business has grown significantly since 2021, every cheesecake is still handmade by Sally in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, ensuring the same personal touch that customers have come to expect. What sets Sally's cheesecakes apart is her commitment to quality and attention to detail. Every cheesecake is handmade to order using premium ingredients, including locally sourced eggs and cream cheese from suppliers across Cheshire and Derbyshire. Baked using a traditional water bath method, her cheesecakes are known for their smooth, creamy texture and exceptional flavour. Today, Sally's Baked with Love supplies local retailers including One Stop Packmoor, regularly attends artisan markets and food events across Staffordshire and Cheshire, and creates made-to-order cheesecakes for birthdays, weddings, celebrations and special occasions. The business has built a strong reputation for both classic favourites and creative flavour combinations, attracting customers from across the region and earning a loyal following of returning customers. Speaking about the opportunity, Sally commented: > "This is a really proud moment for me and something I honestly couldn't have imagined when I first started. I am incredibly grateful to all of the customers, local businesses, market organisers, friends and family who have supported Sally's Baked with Love over the years. Every order, recommendation and visit to my stall has helped the business grow to where it is today. > To be invited to showcase my business at Foodies Festival and demonstrate in the Cake & Bake Theatre is a fantastic opportunity. I'm really looking forward to meeting visitors, sharing my passion for baking and showcasing what Sally's Baked with Love is all about." Visitors to Foodies Festival Cheshire will have the opportunity to meet Sally, sample a selection of her handcrafted cheesecakes and discover some of the flavour combinations that have helped make the business a favourite amongst customers across the region. As part of the festival programme, Sally will also take to the stage in the Cake & Bake Theatre, where she will share her passion for baking and demonstrate some of the techniques behind her cheesecakes. The invitation marks the latest milestone for a local business that has grown from a home baking hobby into a well-loved Staffordshire success story. Foodies Festival Cheshire takes place at Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6SG, from 10th–12th July 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-10.34.45.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-10.34.05.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-10.33.26.png) ****Sally's Baked with Love** **About Sally's Baked with Love** Founded in 2021, Sally's Baked with Love is a Stoke-on-Trent-based cheesecake business specialising in handcrafted, made-to-order cheesecakes. From weddings and birthdays to markets, festivals and special occasions, every cheesecake is handmade using high-quality ingredients and created with a focus on flavour, creativity and personal service. Email: sallysbakedwithlove@gmail.com Website: www.sallysbakedwithlove.com ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### A New Chapter for Middleport Matters and Founder Amelia Bilson URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/a-new-chapter-for-middleport-matters-and-founder-amelia-bilson/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:13:25.000Z Since establishing the organisation in 2015, Amelia has played a central role in developing Middleport Matters from a volunteer-led grassroots initiative into a trusted multi-site local charity with a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and community partners. The organisation now supports residents each week through practical support, wellbeing activities, youth provision, social activities and community-led projects, while helping bring more than £2.3 million of funding and investment into the area over the past decade. Over the past 10 years, the organisation has helped secure and develop several important community assets, including the Community Hub at St Paul’s Church, Harper House, Root ’n’ Fruit Community Allotment and most recently The Block youth hub in Middleport Park. During this time, Middleport Matters has worked alongside residents, volunteers, partners and funders to help strengthen local opportunities, reduce isolation and support community wellbeing in one of the most historically disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the country. Following Amelia’s departure, Mel Smith, the organisation’s current Grants and Development Officer, will become Acting Executive Director from July 2026, supported by the existing staff team and Board of Trustees. Mel has been a key part of the organisation’s recent growth and development and brings strong knowledge of Middleport Matters’ work, partnerships and future direction. Over recent years, she has played an important role in strengthening funding relationships, organisational development and long-term planning, while working closely alongside staff, trustees and partners across a wide range of projects. Amelia Bilson said: > “Leading Middleport Matters over the last 10 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. When my family first moved to Middleport, I simply wanted to create a safer place for my children to grow up. I never could have imagined what that small Facebook group started in 2015 would eventually become. > I’m incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved together, not just the projects and buildings, but the relationships, trust and sense of community that have grown over the years. > Middleport Matters has always been a collective effort involving residents, volunteers, partners and funders who care deeply about this community. I’m hugely grateful for all the support, encouragement and commitment people have shown along the way. > Although stepping away is bittersweet, I feel this is the right time for a new chapter for our family. Middleport and the people here will always hold a very special place in my heart.” Heather Sheldon, Chair of Trustees, said: > “Amelia leaves an extraordinary legacy within Middleport and beyond. Her leadership, vision and determination have helped create an organisation rooted in compassion, trust and community empowerment. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Amelia for the enormous contribution she has made over the last decade. > We are pleased that Mel Smith will be stepping into the role of Acting Executive Director. Mel has been an important part of the organisation’s leadership and development in recent years, and the Board is confident the charity will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.” Mel Smith said: > “It’s a privilege to continue building on the incredible work and relationships that Amelia, the team and the wider community have developed together over the years. Middleport Matters remains deeply committed to supporting local residents and strengthening our neighbourhood, and I look forward to working with the > team, trustees, partners and community as we move into this next chapter together.” The organisation’s focus remains unchanged, working alongside the community to create a safe, welcoming and thriving neighbourhood, providing practical early help and support, and creating opportunities for people to connect and take part. With the support of its staff team, trustees, partners and local community, Middleport Matters looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference within the community for many years to come. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stafford midwife releases new book to help parents avoid unnecessary baby spending URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stafford-midwife-releases-new-book-to-help-parents-avoid-unnecessary-baby-spending/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:12:07.000Z A Stafford midwife with more than 20 years’ experience has released a new book aimed at helping expectant parents avoid spending thousands of pounds on baby products and services they may never need. Freya Mahal, founder of Expecting Antenatal Classes and a registered midwife, has written [*Baby without Bankruptcy*](https://amzn.to/4vUEW0g?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) to support families preparing for a new baby during the cost of living crisis. The book, which is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback from Wednesday 17 June, offers practical advice for parents who feel overwhelmed by baby shopping lists, social media pressure and the growing number of products marketed as “must-haves.” Freya, who is also a mum of two, says she has seen too many families spend large amounts of money on items they barely use, while feeling underprepared for the parts of parenthood that matter most. According to Freya’s calculations, following the advice in [*Baby without Bankruptcy*](https://amzn.to/4vUEW0g?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) could prevent new parents wasting up to £16,785. > “Having a baby is emotional enough without feeling like you have to buy half the internet before your baby arrives. Marketing teams know exactly how to pull on your heart strings, poke your insecurities, and make you feel like a bad parent if you don’t buy their product”. > “After more than 20 years as a midwife, I’ve seen what families actually need and what often ends up shoved in a cupboard, barely touched. This book is not about making parents feel guilty. It’s about giving them permission to step back, think clearly and spend their money where it genuinely helps. It’s not about doing parenting on the cheap. It’s a book about doing it with confidence and intention.” ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Challenging the pressure to buy everything new [*Baby without Bankruptcy*](https://amzn.to/4vUEW0g?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) looks at the pressure many new parents feel to buy everything brand new, expensive or Instagram worthy. The book covers common spending traps including expensive travel systems, designer baby bags, changing tables, wipe warmers, excessive newborn clothes, nursery furniture and gadgets marketed as essential. Freya says the baby industry often targets anxious first time parents at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. > “Parents want to get it right. But when you’re pregnant, tired, emotional and scrolling through endless lists of ‘essentials’, it’s very easy to feel like you’re failing before the baby has even arrived. > “I wanted to write the book I wish more families had before they started spending. It’s warm, honest and practical. It says: you can absolutely prepare for your baby without bankrupting yourself in the process.” Freya founded Expecting to provide antenatal education and practical support for families across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock and Wolverhampton. Through her work, she has supported more than 10,000 families from pregnancy through to birth and early family life. The book arrives at a time when many households are already under financial pressure, with parents to be often facing a flood of online adverts, influencer recommendations and lengthy baby product checklists. Freya hopes the book will help families feel calmer, more confident and less pressured as they prepare for their baby. [*Baby without Bankruptcy*](https://amzn.to/4vUEW0g?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback from Wednesday 17 June. For more information, visit [https://expectingclasses.co.uk/](https://expectingclasses.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), follow @expectingantenatalclasses or search *Baby without Bankruptcy* on Amazon. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Major Literacy Boost for Primary Children URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/major-literacy-boost-for-primary-children/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T09:06:57.000Z The initiative, part of the charity’s acclaimed [*Roots to Reading Programme*](https://www.bookmarkreading.org/schools/programmes-grants-resources-for-schools/roots-to-reading?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) will bring new opportunities to inspire a love of reading among young learners. Bookmark Reading Charity has awarded 29 primary schools across the area a package worth £2,000 each, comprising 200 new books alongside targeted teaching resources. The aim is to help primaries enhance their whole-school reading culture and encourage pupils’ desire to read for pleasure. To celebrate the programme’s launch, pupils at St. John’s CE(A) Primary School were treated to workshops with author John Dougherty; a special ‘unboxing’ of the new books; and a welcome visit from Lord Mayor of Stoke, Councillor Joan Bell. The programme comes at an important time for Stoke, where Key Stage 2 reading outcomes remain below the national average. One in four children in England leave primary school unable to read well, a gap that disproportionately affects children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Currently, around 70% of pupils in the Stoke area meet the expected reading standard, underlining the need for focused support to help more children reach this milestone. Research from the Education Endowment Fund shows that only 10% of children who fall behind in primary school go on to pass English and Maths GCSE. *Roots to Reading* takes a structured approach by equipping schools with carefully selected, high-quality books and resources that represent the diversity of classrooms in the area, to embed reading for pleasure into everyday learning. From refreshing classroom libraries to supporting guided reading activities, the programme is designed to make reading more accessible, consistent, and enjoyable for pupils. Frankie Smith, Interim CEO of Bookmark Reading Charity, said: > *“Reading is fundamental to a child’s learning journey, but it should also be something they genuinely enjoy. Through Roots to Reading, we’re giving schools in Stoke access to high-quality books and resources that can spark curiosity, build confidence and help children see themselves as readers. We’re delighted to be working with 29 schools across the area to support this.”* Research shows that children who enjoy reading are more likely to achieve better academic outcomes, alongside wider benefits for wellbeing and life chances. By focusing on both enjoyment and attainment, *Roots to Reading* aims to create strong foundations for future success. With 29 primary schools selected to take part, the programme represents a significant investment in Stoke’s young readers, helping to ensure more children can develop the skills, confidence and enthusiasm they need to thrive. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/0058_bookmark_st_johns_primary_stoke.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/0091_bookmark_st_johns_primary_stoke.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/0055_bookmark_st_johns_primary_stoke.JPG) **St. John’s CE(A) Primary School celebrates the arrival of 200 new books* To learn more about programmes, grants, resources and volunteering opportunities with Bookmark Reading Charity, visit [www.BookmarkReading.org](https://www.bookmarkreading.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### “We’re here for you” - Stone funeral home to support bereaved families on Father’s Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/were-here-for-you-stone-funeral-home-to-support-bereaved-families-on-fathers-day/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T08:50:15.000Z After research\* found that 58% of those who have experienced bereavement find calendar events such as Father’s Day difficult, Co-op Funeralcare Stone, on High Street, is inviting local people to join its bereavement support group. Led by Jill Forkin, Funeral Arranger, at Stone, the group will meet on Wednesday 24th June at 1.30pm at Co-op Funeralcare Stone, offering support to those navigating the emotional challenges that significant dates can bring. The drop-in session is intended to be a safe space where people can share their experiences, take comfort in a supportive environment, or simply listen over a cup of tea or coffee. The group is built on two simple principles: confidentiality and respect. Through peer support and shared experiences, it provides an essential service to those in the local community and is open to anyone who is grieving and looking for a supportive space to connect with others who have experienced loss. Reflecting on the impact the group has had on the community, Jill said: > “Grief can feel isolating and loneliness can affect people at any stage of life. For those who have experienced bereavement, occasions like Father’s Day can bring memories to the surface and make the absence of a loved one feel even more profound. > “Bereavement groups can be a vital outlet for open conversation, connection and emotional support. Through this support group, we want to remind people that they’re not alone. > “Our role in the community goes far beyond arranging funerals. Support doesn’t stop once a service has taken place and we feel honoured to continue being there for families as they navigate their grief. > “We encourage anyone in Stone experiencing grief to pop in and get in touch. We're here for you.” To find out more about Stone (Co-op) Funeralcare, or for further information on the bereavement support group, visit: [Stone Funeralcare - Co-op](https://www.coop.co.uk/funeralcare/funeral-directors/stone/ST15-8AJ/33-high-street?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### ‘We’re still open for business’ – Lesters Arms owner urges people to back the pub to help it overcome the Brewood bridge closure URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/were-still-open-for-business-lesters-arms-owner-urges-people-to-back-the-pub-to-help-it-overcome-the-brewood-bridge-closure/ Last updated: 2026-06-17T08:37:05.000Z A Staffordshire entrepreneur, who invested more than £1m into bringing a derelict pub back to life, is urging people to back local businesses struggling with the impact of the canal bridge being closed in Brewood. Billy Hutchinson, owner of The Lesters Arms on Kiddemore Green Road, says footfall has dropped by more than 30% in the wake of road closures put in place to repair structural damage to the bridge. Whilst he appreciates that the Canal & Riverside Trust and Staffordshire County Council needs to act, he wants ‘works’ to be completed as soon as possible and is calling for greater support for companies being hit by circumstances out of their control. The passionate advocate for hospitality would also like to see more done to promote that firms and venues are still very much ‘open for business’. > “We rely heavily on ease of access for customers travelling from nearby towns and villages,” explained Billy. > “Since the closure, many regular customers have simply stopped visiting because the journey has become confusing or considerably longer due to poor signage and the roads used for diversions not being suitable for increased volumes of traffic. > For a hospitality business, this level of disruption is extremely damaging.” > He continued: “It’s tough, especially with the rise in energy prices and other changes to employment costs. However, we’re 100% committed to building on what has been a hugely successful first two years for The Lesters Arms, which has seen us become one of the go-to gourmet pub and restaurants for great drinks, creative food and special events. > “We believe we’ve created something special - bringing in the most talented chefs, creating tasty menus that celebrate the best of local produce and delivering a welcoming environment for drinks and a great place to catch-up with friends and family.” ![Jay Platek, Kyle Whitehouse, Phil Jones (Head Chef), Alison Talbot, Mia Williams (General Manager) and Megan Wells (all Lesters Arms)](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-Lesters-Arms-team.jpg) Jay Platek, Kyle Whitehouse, Phil Jones (Head Chef), Alison Talbot, Mia Williams (General Manager) and Megan Wells (all Lesters Arms) Billy has welcomed the Council’s actions to improve diversion signage to make it easier for visitors to find local businesses but has asked for more regular communication updates so that affected owners can understand repair progress and expected timelines. He also believes affected companies should be considered for temporary support measures should the disruption continue for an extended period. > “20 full and part-time jobs in Brewood have been created since we launched, and this is just the start – there’s so many exciting plans we’ve got to take The Lesters Arms to the next level,” added Billy. > “We just need to get through the bridge closure, and we can do that with the support of the council and local people. Kiddemore Green Road - from Bishops Wood - is open all the way to our pub, so come along and see what we’ve got to offer.” The Lesters Arms, which is open six days per week, can seat up to 60 guests inside and tens more in the large outdoor space and garden that overlooks beautiful countryside - making it an ideal venue for summer dining. > "Special events are planned until the end of the year, from live England game screenings to themed evenings and seasonal promotions across the coming months." For further information, please visit [www.thelestersarms.co.uk](https://www.thelestersarms.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Newcastle Nursery awarded 'Early Years Stronger Practice Hub' Status URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/newcastle-nursery-awarded-early-years-stronger-practice-hub-status/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T20:20:41.000Z Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, has congratulated Oaklands Nursery School on its appointment as part of the government's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub programme. The network brings together the best nurseries and childminders across England to share proven approaches to early education. The Hubs host specialist advisers and leads in early language, maths, and personal, social and emotional development – delivering tailored training so the highest quality teaching reaches more children in more communities. The programme supports Labour's 30 funded hours childcare offer, which has brought childcare costs back to 2005 levels. Evidence shows that more highly qualified staff leads to better outcomes for children – yet fewer than one in ten nursery staff currently hold a graduate teaching qualification, a legacy of years of under investment in early years education. Oaklands' new hub role is part of the government's wider workforce strategy, which also includes the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship and the Do Something Big campaign to attract new nursery staff. Adam Jogee MP said: > "I’m delighted that the team at Oaklands Nursery are being recognised for the work they’re doing to give children across Newcastle-under-Lyme the best start in life. The work they will do, as an Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, will be crucial for so many – raising the quality of early years education for children who need it most. Combined with Labour's 30 funded hours offer, this is exactly how we give every child the best possible start in life." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: > "Giving every child the best start in life is my top priority, and integral to our mission to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year. > “That’s why despite the inherited challenges we face, we are pressing ahead with the investment and leadership needed to support families and make sure that every child, regardless of background, can access the high-quality early education they deserve" #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Robbie Williams named Port Vale Foundation Ambassador and Official Front-of-Shirt Partner URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/robbie-williams-named-port-vale-foundation-ambassador-and-official-front-of-shirt-partner/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T20:04:08.000Z Through the exciting new partnership, Robbie will use his platform to shine a light on the club’s award-winning charitable work, as an Ambassador for Port Vale Foundation. His ‘RW’ mark will also feature prominently on the front of Port Vale’s home and away shirts in both 2026/27 and 2027/28. Born and raised just a short distance from the club’s home at Vale Park, Robbie has supported the club since childhood and continues to follow Vale’s fortunes closely. He returned to Burslem in 2022 for a special homecoming concert at the stadium, with this partnership the latest chapter in both his and the club‘s story. Robbie Williams said: > “It feels pretty incredible, to be honest. Robbie Williams, on the front of a Port Vale shirt. It’s a match made in heaven, for me. > “I started going to the Vale when it was 50p for a junior supporter to get in. It takes a village to raise a child, and the Railway Paddock at Vale Park raised me. > “I’m back here and back involved because of \[Chair and Co-Owner\] Carol \[Shanahan\] and the family, and what they have created backstage. Being embraced again by the Port Vale family has been very important to me, and it feels wonderful.” Port Vale Chief Executive Officer, Matt Hancock said: > “This partnership means a huge amount to us here at the football club, and we are absolutely delighted to be working alongside Robbie. He is not only a global superstar, but also a genuine supporter of the club with a deep and personal connection to our town. It’s that authenticity which makes this so powerful. > “From the very first conversations, it was clear this was about Robbie’s life-long love for Port Vale and making a tangible difference to people’s lives. The support and exposure the partnership will give to the club and Foundation will help us reach more people, create more opportunities and continue using the club as a force for good. > “We’re grateful to Robbie and his team and can’t wait to see the partnership come to life, starting with the release of our new kits for 2026/27.” Port Vale's official 2026/27 home shirt will be available to purchase from Saturday 13th June at 9am, both in person at the Club Store and online via [store.port-vale.co.uk](https://store.port-vale.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Propelled by a new three-year strategy of its own - ‘One Vale’ - Port Vale Foundation delivers projects supporting health, education, inclusion and opportunity for people of all ages across the city. The One Vale strategy will focus on building belonging and powering potential. Robbie is the first of several official Foundation ambassadors to be confirmed, with others to follow in the coming weeks and months. Through this partnership, he will use his platform to help amplify the Foundation’s impact and ensure more support reaches those who need it most. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### City gets on board for Better Transport Week URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/city-gets-on-board-for-better-transport-week/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T19:54:06.000Z Organised by Campaign for Better Transport, the annual event underlines the importance of affordable, accessible and reliable travel options. This year, the council is highlighting the Smart tickets scheme, which continues to offer cheaper, simpler bus travel across multiple operators with one great-value ticket, making public transport more accessible for work, education and shopping. Councillor Finlay Gordon McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure, planning and regeneration, at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “The speed and scale of progress of the bus network across the city has been impressive – and our Smart tickets, which we’ve extended to March 2029, have played a huge role in that. > “However, there are many people who perhaps haven’t used a bus in a long while, and I think they would be surprised by how much has changed. > “Affordable, simple fares make a real difference to people’s daily lives. Whether you’re travelling for work, education, to a health appointment, out shopping, or just meeting family or friends, a Smart ticket means you don’t need to search for cash or worry about providing the exact change. They are so much quicker, easier and cheaper. > “From booking tickets in advance on a mobile app, to receiving live updates from over 100 Real Time Information displays across the city, today’s bus network offers an all-round faster and more reliable experience for passengers. > “Even before boarding their bus, many people will see improvements to bus stations and stops with waiting areas increasingly more accessible for wheelchair or pram users. Similarly, we’ve upgraded over 200 bus stops with CCTV in place at many which, along with our team of Transport Safety Officers, adds to passenger safety and security. > “Therefore, to those who haven’t been on a bus in a while, I would say, use Better Transport Week to ‘give it another go’. > “And there are more improvements in the pipeline as we look to deliver the bus network that the city deserves.” Stoke-on-Trent’s bus service experience continues to improve at pace, and the council continues its work to keep the city moving outside of standard business hours by subsiding many important evening, early morning and Sunday bus links on a daily basis. At the same time, both the council and transport operators remain committed to building on the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and March’s unprecedented £105 million transport settlement. Of that settlement: - £14 million has been allocated to continue the Smart ticket scheme up to March 2029 - More than £7m has been ringfenced for investment in upgrading bus stops, shelters, Real Time Information and CCTV, improved walking routes and access to the bus network over the next four years - £10m will go towards electric buses - Funding to road improvements will be boosted to combat congestion and help buses and traffic move more reliably. Ben Plowden from Campaign for Better Transport said: > “Good public transport networks, shared travel, walking/wheeling and cycling help connect us to the people we love, the things we need and the places that matter. That’s why we are delighted to have Stoke-on-Trent City Council take part in Better Transport Week 2026 to help celebrate the connections that count.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Get Creative in Castle Launches with Six Weeks of Free Family Workshops This Summer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-creative-in-castle-launches-with-six-weeks-of-free-family-workshops-this-summer/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T12:35:37.000Z Based at​ 2/3 Lancaster Building, opposite the Market Cross, the new programme builds on the success of the BID's popular Pop Up Park activities, which have brought free creative workshops to the town centre for several years. Thanks to support from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the BID has secured a dedicated indoor venue, allowing activities to take place regardless of the weather while expanding the programme to offer two free workshops every week throughout the six-week summer holidays. Launching on Tuesday 21st July, Get Creative in Castle will host free creative sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm until 2pm, delivered by local artists, makers, performers and creative practitioners. The programme has been developed in response to feedback from families and participants, who wanted more opportunities to take part in creative activities across the summer holidays. Charl Pearce, BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > "Over the last few years we've seen just how popular our creative activities have become. We have children and families who come back year after year and it's been incredible to watch their confidence grow, see friendships form and watch young people develop new skills through creativity. > One of the biggest challenges has always been the British weather. We wanted to create something that families could rely on and that would allow us to deliver a bigger and better programme, so we're really looking forward to launch Get Creative in Castle from a dedicated town centre space. > Creativity plays such an important role in building confidence, encouraging self expression and helping young people discover new interests. By making these sessions completely free, we're ensuring that local families can access high quality creative experiences throughout the summer holidays regardless of their circumstances.” **Workshop Schedule:** Tuesday 21st July – LoveShiv – Creative arts and crafts Thursday 23rd July – Drop City Books – Creative writing for 9-11 year olds Tuesday 28th July – Cartoons by Chris – Cartoon drawing workshop Thursday 30th July – Gabriella Yoga – Creative arts and crafts Tuesday 4th August – Brilliant Bamboo – Bamboo printing and den building Thursday 6th August – Alice Thatcher – Creative clay workshop Tuesday 11th August – Chloe Breeze Illustration – Creative illustration workshop Thursday 13th August – Paige Sutton – Self portrait workshop Tuesday 18th August – Ian Mood – Urban sketching workshop Thursday 20th August – Hart Studios – Colourful tissue paper creations Tuesday 25th August – Chloe B. – Illustration and printmaking Thursday 27th August – Circus in a Box – Circus skills workshop All sessions take place from 12pm to 2pm at 6/7 Lancaster Building, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre. Full workshop details and booking information will be announced via Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's social media channels @newcastlebid #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire Moorlands residents invited to have their say on future local priorities URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-moorlands-residents-invited-to-have-their-say-on-future-local-priorities/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T10:34:24.000Z Staffordshire Moorlands residents are being invited to share their views on the future of their local communities as part of new locality planning work across the district. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is holding a series of online resident engagement sessions to help develop new Locality Action Plans for different areas of the Moorlands. The plans are intended to set out a shared picture of what each area needs now and in the future, helping to identify local priorities and guide how investment, services and partnerships are shaped at a local level. Residents, community groups and local organisations are being encouraged to take part and share their experience of living and working in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The sessions will look at what is working well in local areas, what could be improved, and what “good” should look like for communities in the future. No specialist knowledge is needed to take part. The council says the sessions will be informal, facilitated discussions held online via Microsoft Teams, with each one lasting 60 minutes. The feedback gathered will directly inform the priorities in the Locality Action Plans, alongside input from community groups, businesses and other stakeholders. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Staffordshire Moorlands locality areas The engagement sessions cover six locality areas across the district. These are North Moorlands, covering Heaton, Horton, Leek, Longsdon and Rushton, Northwest, covering Biddulph, Bagnall, Brown Edge and Endon with Stanley, Southeast, covering Alton, Cheadle, Checkley, Draycott in the Moors, Farley and Forsbrook, and Southwest, covering Caverswall, Dilhorne and Werrington. The Rural Moorlands area includes communities in the Peak District, including Alstonefield, Blore with Swinscoe, Butterton, Fawfieldhead, Grindon, Heathylee, Hollinsclough, Ilam, Leekfrith, Longnor, Onecote, Quarnford, Sheen, Tittesworth, Warslow & Elkstones, Waterhouses and Wetton. There is also a Semi Rural & Churnet Valley area, which includes Bradnop, Cheddleton, Consall, Cotton, Ipstones, Kingsley and Oakamoor. Residents who are unsure which area or ward meeting to attend can use the postcode search tool on the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council website to identify their ward boundary. ## Engagement session dates The online sessions will take place throughout June and July. The first session is for the Semi Rural & Churnet Valley area, including Bradnop, Cheddleton, Consall, Cotton, Ipstones, Kingsley and Oakamoor, and will be held on 16 June at 6pm. The Rural Moorlands, Peak District session will take place on 18 June at 6pm, followed by the Southwest session for Caverswall, Dilhorne and Werrington on 24 June at 6pm. The North Moorlands session, covering Heaton, Horton, Leek, Longsdon and Rushton, will take place on 29 June at 6pm. The Southeast session, covering Alton, Cheadle, Checkley, Draycott in the Moors, Farley and Forsbrook, will take place on 30 June at 6pm. The final listed session is for the Northwest area, covering Biddulph, Bagnall, Brown Edge and Endon with Stanley, and will take place on 1 July at 6pm. ## How to take part Residents over the age of 18 from all communities and backgrounds are being encouraged to register their interest. Places are limited to allow for meaningful discussion, so registering an interest does not guarantee a place. Attendance details will be confirmed with participants in advance. Those who cannot attend one of the online sessions can still share their views by completing the online survey through Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Organisations are also being asked to circulate the opportunity through their networks so that as many local voices as possible can be heard. Anyone with questions about the Locality Action Plans can contact [democratic.services@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk](mailto:democratic.services@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk) Find out more and register your interest: [Residents Locality Action Plans, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/8655/Residents-Locality-Action-Plans?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Could You Have Cash Waiting for You? MP Urges Local Young People to Check Child Funds. URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/could-you-have-cash-waiting-for-you-mp-urges-local-young-people-to-check-child-funds/ Last updated: 2026-06-15T08:55:35.000Z Child Trust Funds were introduced by the last Labour Government in 2005 to help give every young person a financial foundation as they entered adulthood. The tax-free savings accounts were automatically set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, with most receiving an initial Government contribution of at least £250\. Families on lower incomes received additional support. The accounts could not be accessed until the account holder turned 18, but millions of pounds remain unclaimed nationally, with many young people unaware they even have an account. David Williams is now encouraging local families to check whether they or their children may have money waiting to be claimed. He said: > “Young people in Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove deserve the best possible start in life. Too many have grown up through years of austerity, rising costs and pressure on local services, making it harder to get ahead. > “This Labour Government is focused on giving young people and working families more security and more opportunity, whether through breakfast clubs, support with the cost of living, or helping people build a better future. > “But Labour has long believed that background should not determine opportunity. Child Trust Funds were created to make sure every young person had something behind them as they entered adulthood, yet thousands of accounts are still sitting untouched. > “That money could help with driving lessons, education, training, housing costs or simply provide a financial cushion at an important stage in life. > “I would urge every young person to check whether they have an account waiting for them, and I would encourage parents and grandparents to help spread the word.” Young people who already know their provider can contact their bank or savings provider directly to access their account. Those unsure where their account is held can use [HMRC’s free online tracing service](https://www.gov.uk/child-trust-funds/find-a-child-trust-fund?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) by entering their details to find their account provider. Mr Williams added: > “The young people in our area face enough challenges already. I do not want to see anyone miss out on money that belongs to them and could help them take their next step in life. > “If you think you might have a Child Trust Fund, check today.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Why Compete When We Can Collaborate? The Staffordshire Signal and 6 Towns Radio Join Forces URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/why-compete-when-we-can-collaborate-the-staffordshire-signal-and-6-towns-radio-join-forces/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T18:49:36.000Z The Staffordshire Signal and 6 Towns Radio have announced a new partnership that will help bring more local stories, community news and positive coverage to people across Staffordshire. The collaboration will see the two independent organisations work more closely together, sharing content and supporting each other's coverage to ensure important local stories reach as many people as possible. As organisations rooted in Staffordshire, both The Staffordshire Signal and 6 Towns Radio share a commitment to championing local communities, celebrating the people who make the county special and providing accessible local news and information. The partnership means readers and listeners can expect more local stories, more community features, wider coverage of events and increased opportunities for local charities, businesses, groups and residents to have their voices heard. Stories featured on 6 Towns Radio may also appear through The Staffordshire Signal, while articles and features from The Staffordshire Signal may be shared with 6 Towns Radio audiences. For The Staffordshire Signal, the partnership forms part of a wider mission to create a stronger, more connected local media landscape across Staffordshire. Jenna Goodwin, CEO and Editor of The Staffordshire Signal, said: > "At The Staffordshire Signal, we firmly believe that local organisations achieve more when they work together rather than compete against each other. > "Our mission has always been to tell the stories that matter to local people, celebrate the positives happening across Staffordshire and provide accessible local journalism without paywalls or clickbait. > "Partnering with 6 Towns Radio allows us to reach more people, support another fantastic local organisation and ensure even more community stories are heard." The move comes at a time when many local news outlets are reducing coverage or placing content behind subscription barriers. Both organisations remain committed to keeping local information freely available and ensuring communities continue to have access to trusted local news, events and features. The partnership is expected to benefit community groups, charities, volunteers and organisers across the county by providing more opportunities for local initiatives and events to be promoted. Initially, the focus will be on content sharing and collaborative coverage, although both organisations hope the partnership will continue to develop and create new opportunities in the future. For local people, the outcome is simple: more local stories, more community voices and stronger coverage of the people, places and organisations that make Staffordshire such a unique place to live, work and visit. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Plans unveiled for new memorial honouring Royal Doulton workers who gave their lives in war URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/plans-unveiled-for-new-memorial-honouring-royal-doulton-workers-who-gave-their-lives-in-war/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T15:07:49.000Z Plans for the first of two new war memorials dedicated to Burslem's fallen servicemen have been unveiled, marking an important step in preserving the town's rich industrial and military heritage. The new Kilngate Memorial will honour 59 Royal Doulton workers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. The memorial is intended to be installed in central Burslem, facing towards Nile Street, the route many of the workers would have taken as they left the town to serve their country. The project will restore an important piece of local history that was lost following the closure and redevelopment of the former Royal Doulton factory site. For generations, Royal Doulton was one of Burslem's most significant employers, with thousands of local people passing through its gates. Among them were men who left their jobs in the pottery industry to answer the call of duty during two world wars, many never returning home. The original memorial once stood proudly within the factory complex, serving as a reminder of their sacrifice. When the site closed, the memorial disappeared, leaving a gap in the town's collective memory. Now, thanks to a community-led initiative supported by local businesses, craftspeople and volunteers, the memorial is set to return permanently to the heart of Burslem. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Royal-Doulton-memorial.jpg) The Kilngate Memorial is the first phase of a wider remembrance project. It will eventually be joined by a second memorial, known as Burslem Remembers, which will commemorate more than 1,600 men and women from the town who lost their lives in conflict. The project has been sponsored by St. Modwen and Miller Homes. Specialist local firms have played a key role in bringing the memorial to life. Meighs & Westleys Ltd is producing the bronze panels, while Tailored Stone is creating the Portland stone surround and memory stone. The bronze design has been developed with the involvement of Stoke-on-Trent sculptor Andy Edwards, whose work includes the internationally recognised Lemmy statue in Burslem, a landmark that continues to attract visitors and Motörhead fans from around the world. Behind the scenes, volunteer researchers Ruth Butler and Rob Price have spent more than a year uncovering the stories of those named on the memorial, helping ensure that the men behind the names are remembered as individuals as well as part of the town's wider history. Community engagement work linked to the project is being delivered by New Vic Borderlines and Port Vale Foundation, with support from Hon. H.M.T. Gibson and Fiskars Ltd. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Alfred-Holdcroft.jpeg) Mike Lightfoot, who leads the Kilngate Memorial Project, said: > "This is the first of two memorials that will bring together Burslem’s industrial history and its wartime story. > > "Those fifty-nine on The Kilngate Memorial were local people who worked at Royal Doulton and went on to serve their country and are to be the first of more than 1,600 names who will eventually recognised and remembered. > > "Thanks to the support of local businesses, skilled crafts people, and dedicated researchers we are able to return this memorial and the forthcoming Burslem Remembers a named memorial to Burslem’s 1,600 Fallen to the heart of the town, where it belongs." Councillor Steve Watkins said: > "This memorial is an important part of Burslem’s history and Stoke-on-Trent’s wider story. > > "Restoring and creating them ensures that future generations understand the contribution and sacrifice made by local people. > > "It will give Burslem a lasting place of remembrance and ensure these workers who served their country and never returned home are never forgotten." The second memorial, Burslem Remembers, is expected to be unveiled next year, creating a lasting focal point for remembrance in the town and recognising the wider contribution made by generations of local families during times of conflict. Research into the names continues, with organisers keen to trace relatives and descendants connected to those commemorated. As Burslem continues its wider regeneration, the memorial project serves as a reminder that the town's story is not only one of industry and craftsmanship, but also of the people whose lives shaped its history and whose sacrifices helped shape the nation. For more information about the project visit [Honouring the Royal Doulton Fallen](https://www.honouringtheroyaldoultonfallen.co.uk/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### MP Gareth Snell welcomes government funding for Stoke-on-Trent College URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mp-gareth-snell-welcomes-government-funding-for-stoke-on-trent-college/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T10:22:29.000Z Funding is set to be allocated to Stoke-on-Trent to provide hands-on learning and boost employability for learners who start their construction courses from this September. The construction industry faces significant shortages, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing that there are over 35,000 job vacancies - over half of which are due to a lack of required skills. Labour is taking action to bring vocational education on par with academic. It has published a plan to support schools and colleges to transition to a clearer system of V Levels, T Levels and A Levels from 2027 as options after GCSEs, along with two new qualifications for lower attaining students to support them to progress beyond GCSEs. New subjects have been announced to address skills shortages and boost key industries such as housebuilding. These subjects include construction design, bricklaying and plumbing. **For 16-year-olds who are not quite ready to progress beyond GCSEs, there are two new qualifications:** • Occupational Certificates: two year courses for those who want to get into work or an apprenticeship but need support to achieve English and Maths GCSEs. • Foundation Certificates: one-year courses for students who want to progress to A-levels, T-levels or V-levels but need extra support to pass their GCSEs. Gareth Snell MP, Labour and Cooperative Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central said: > “A housebuilding revolution requires a skills revolution, and this investment into Stoke-on-Trent College puts our area at the centre of it. > “I warmly welcome the shake up of the education system - at last, putting hands on skills on a par with academic routes. People in Stoke-on-Trent have an abundance of both and both deserved to be championed. > “After years of drift and decline, this government is cracking on. Building homes for families and opportunity for young people.” Announced in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, V Levels will sit alongside A Levels and T Levels. Equivalent to one A Level, they will allow students to mix and match academic and vocational subjects if they do not yet know where they want to specialise. New guidance has also been published, removing the red tape around T Level industry placements to help more young people access premium placements and empowering businesses to offer placements that work for everyone. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### UKSE West Midlands team to cycle 100km for CALM charity URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ukse-west-midlands-team-to-cycle-100km-for-calm-charity/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T09:35:17.000Z Regional manager Steve Grice and regional executive Mike Lowe will cycle 100km from Stoke on Trent to Coventry on July 29, covering urban roads and winding country lanes to raise funds for UKSE’s Charity of the Year, CALM. Established in 2005, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) provides tools, resources and a dedicated helpline to support people living in crisis find the right tools to manage their wellbeing and ultimately prevent suicide. For every £1 donated to the charity, 75p is spent on supporting people who are struggling, including through their suicide prevention helpline. Steve and Mikes’ challenge will begin at Stoke-on-Trent railway station and pass landmarks including the Bet365 Stadium, Blithfield Reservoir, the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Kingsbury Water Park, the Cyclists War Memorial in Meriden and onto the finish line at Coventry railway station. Steve Grice commented: > “Our area spans as far north as Stoke on Trent, all the way down to Coventry, so when we discussed our fundraising challenge, this seemed like the perfect route, combined with our love for cycling too. > “CALM are an incredible charity providing life-saving support to those who are struggling with their mental health. It would be fantastic if we could raise £500 for the charity and continue their vital services.” Mike Lowe added: > “UKSE is committed to making a positive impact to good causes supporting the communities it operates in. We hope that the funds raised will allow the charity to continue its incredible work.” Steve and Mike have combined their passion for cycling and networking through their popular Networking on Two Wheels events, which have been running since 2023 and offer fitness, fresh air and the chance to connect with like-minded people. Providing strategic funding of up to £1m to generate growth, create jobs and bolster the economy, UKSE’s team based in Keys Business Village, Cannock, supports SMEs across Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Staffordshire and Telford. Celebrating 50 years of building relationships and supporting communities, UKSE makes equity investments, ensuring management stays in control and offering a flexible exit policy. To donate, please visit: [https://www.justgiving.com/page/uksemidlandsbikeride](https://www.justgiving.com/page/uksemidlandsbikeride?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### By-Election to be held for seat on Stafford Borough URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/by-election-to-be-held-for-seat-on-stafford-borough/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T09:27:18.000Z The election will take place on Thursday 16 July in the Manor Ward of Stafford. Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on the day and residents have until Tuesday 30 June to register to vote - and you can find out how at [www.staffordbc.gov.uk/how-do-you-register-to-vote](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/how-do-you-register-to-vote?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday 1 July with more information from [Elections - Voting | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk).](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/elections-voting?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) People will need to bring photographic identification with them to vote at a polling station - such as a UK passport, Driving Licence, or disabled blue badge. A full list of acceptable identification can be found at [Voter ID | Electoral Commission](https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) People who do not have the identification have until 5pm on Wednesday 8 July to apply for a free ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ at [www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate](https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). The by-election is being held following the death of Councillor Angela Loughran. For more information go to [www.staffordbc.gov.uk/manor-ward-election-16-july-2026](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/manor-ward-election-16-july-2026?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or email [elections@staffordbc.gov.uk](mailto:elections@staffordbc.gov.uk) or 01785 619 424. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Swansway Fund Supports Local Charities Across North Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/swansway-fund-supports-local-charities-across-north-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T09:06:38.000Z The Swansway Fund, established by Swansway Motor Group, supports grassroots organisations making a meaningful difference within local communities. At the latest panel, nearly £5,000 was awarded to organisations working to support people facing homelessness and financial hardship across North Staffordshire. **The funded organisations are:** The Macari Foundation –to support core costs for its homeless people project in Stoke-on-Trent, helping provide stability and essential support for people experiencing homelessness. Green Tree House –to provide food support to local families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis in the Biddulph area. Gingerbread Family Support –to support its Activity Club, which builds confidence and provides fun, positive experiences for children who have experienced homelessness in Stoke-on-Trent. Matthew Shannon from Swansway Motor Group said: > “Supporting our local communities is a big part of who we are as a family-owned business and something we genuinely care about. Through the Swansway Fund, we’re proud to be able to support three fantastic organisations that are making a meaningful difference across Staffordshire. > By investing in charities close to home, we know the support is going directly into communities that matter to our colleagues and customers. It’s important to us that we can see the impact being made and these partnerships allow us to do just that. Giving back locally isn’t just something we do, it’s a reflection of our Caring value and the role we believe we should play in supporting the areas we serve.” Joe Palmer, Programmes Officer from The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire added: > “We are proud to administer the Swansway Fund and to work alongside Swansway Motor Group to support organisations that are rooted in their communities. These grants will help local charities respond to real and pressing need, ensuring help reaches people where and when it is most needed. Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of local giving to create meaningful, lasting impact across Staffordshire.” The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire works with businesses, donors and partners to connect charitable funding with trusted local organisations, ensuring support is targeted, effective and community led. For more information, please contact: The Community Foundation for Staffordshire & Shropshire #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent-based vehicle technician crowned best in the world by Kia URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-based-vehicle-technician-crowned-best-in-the-world-by-kia/ Last updated: 2026-06-11T08:30:51.000Z Tom Sharples, a Master Technician and EV Specialist employed by Ken Jervis Kia in Stoke-on-Trent, has been recognised as the best Kia technician in the world after winning the Gold Award at Kia's prestigious 2026 Skill World Cup in Korea. Competing against 41 highly skilled Kia technicians from 40 countries, Sharples claimed the Gold Award. Having established himself as one of the UK's leading Kia technicians earlier this year, Tom earned the right to represent both Kia UK and Ken Jervis Kia on the world stage, being put to the test through a series of demanding written and practical assessments, covering advanced diagnostic techniques, vehicle repair procedures, component analysis and electric vehicle technology. The Kia Skill World Cup is a global technical competition designed to identify outstanding global service technicians and enhance overall service capabilities. First launched in 2002, the event has been held biennially as one of Kia’s flagship global training and skills initiatives. Winners received trophies and medals, along with prize money comprising of $5,000 USD (£3,717) for Gold; $3,000 (£2,230) for Silver; and $2,000 (£1,487) for Bronze. In addition, six participants received Excellence Awards, each with a plaque and $500 (£371). Commenting on his success, Tom said: > “It was an incredible honour to represent both Ken Jervis Kia and Kia UK at the Skill World Cup. To compete against the very best Kia technicians from around the world was a fantastic experience, and to come away with the Gold Award is something I am immensely proud of. > "Achievements like this don't happen in isolation. The support, encouragement and opportunities I've received from everyone at Ken Jervis Kia have played a huge part in my development, and I am grateful to work alongside such a talented team." The achievement reflects years of dedication to technical excellence, continuous learning and a passion for delivering outstanding customer service. As a Master Technician and EV Specialist, Tom is responsible for diagnosing and repairing some of the most complex technical issues encountered within Kia's ever-evolving vehicle range. James Norwood, General Manager at Ken Jervis, said: > "Everyone at Ken Jervis is incredibly proud of Tom. To be recognised as the best Kia technician in the world is an extraordinary achievement and one that reflects the commitment, professionalism and technical expertise he demonstrates every day. > "What makes this success even more special is the journey Tom has taken. He first had to prove himself against the very best technicians in the UK before earning the opportunity to represent his country on the global stage. To then go on and win the world final is simply outstanding. > "Whilst this recognition rightly belongs to Tom, it also reflects the culture we have worked hard to create at Ken Jervis. We invest heavily in training, development and supporting our people to reach their full potential, and Tom's success is a wonderful example of what can be achieved." For customers of Ken Jervis Kia, Tom's achievement provides further reassurance that their vehicles are being maintained and repaired by technicians operating at the very highest level of the profession. To find out more about Ken Jervis and the Kia range, contact the dealership at 01782 202782, [customercare@kenjervis.com](mailto:customercare@kenjervis.com), [www.kenjervis.com](http://www.kenjervis.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Cannock Chase Council shortlisted for prestigious regional planning awards URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cannock-chase-council-shortlisted-for-prestigious-regional-planning-awards/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T17:16:43.000Z The Council has been shortlisted for Planning Authority of the Year, recognising the outstanding achievements of its Planning Service, alongside a second shortlisting for Young Planner of the Year, awarded to Interim Planning Policy Team Leader Grace Lockley. The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are among the most respected accolades in the planning profession, recognising excellence, innovation and positive outcomes for communities. The Planning Authority of the Year nomination highlights the Council’s strong and consistent performance across both its Development Management and Planning Policy teams. The Council’s Planning Service has delivered significant results in recent years. Key achievements include: \*Adoption of the Cannock Chase Local Plan in March 2026. \*Maintaining excellent performance in determining planning applications, consistently exceeding national targets and delivering timely decisions. \*Supporting major developments and investment, including the expansion of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and the regeneration of the former Rugeley Power Station site. \*Delivering high success rates at appeals. The award nomination also highlights the team’s collaborative culture, with Planning Policy and Development Management working closely together to ensure that planning policies are practical, deliverable and aligned with decision-making. The Council is also celebrating the shortlisting of Grace Lockley for Young Planner of the Year in recognition of her leadership and impact since joining the Council in 2019. Now leading the Planning Policy team, she played a key role in progressing the Local Plan through Examination in Public to adoption. She is also recognised for her technical expertise, collaborative approach and commitment to supporting colleagues. Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Corporate Strategy, Councillor Paul Jones said: > “We are delighted to be shortlisted in two categories at this year’s RTPI Awards. This reflects the dedication and professionalism of our Planning Service, which continues to deliver excellent outcomes despite operating as a small team > “The adoption of our new Local Plan is a major milestone, and it is fantastic to see Grace recognised as one of the region’s leading young planners.” The winners of the RTPI West Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence will be announced on 23 July 2026, with successful entries progressing to the national finals. This double shortlisting recognises the strength and expertise within Cannock Chase Council’s Planning Service, as well as its continued commitment to delivering high-quality planning that benefits residents, businesses and the wider community. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Little-Known Paint Scheme Saving DIY Enthusiasts Money Across Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-little-known-paint-scheme-saving-diy-enthusiasts-money-across-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T17:06:15.000Z However, renovation costs can be high, and many self-renovators are looking for ways to cut spending without compromising on results. Analysis of Community RePaint locations by [Fast Loan UK](https://www.fastloanuk.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) shows Staffordshire is home to 13 paint redistribution centres - one of the highest concentrations anywhere in the UK. The centres can be found across the county, including Stoke-on-Trent, Stone, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cannock and more. Money-saving experts predict these schemes could save Brits over £300 on unnecessary paint purchases while cutting back on waste. Households could be missing out on free paint whilst 50 million litres go to waste, every year, in the UK. Joe Brunt, Consumer Finance Expert at [Fast Loan UK](https://www.tiktok.com/@charliaitkenx/video/7620888330040904982?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), has explained how these schemes are helping homeowners save money, > “Across the UK, there are budget-friendly schemes like Community Repaint and re3paint, which are paint-reuse networks that redistribute leftover and surplus paint to households and community groups at low cost, or for free, instead of sending it to landfill. > “The average cost of painting a living room in the UK is around £150-£300, once you factor in brushes, rollers, sheets and other supplies, this could rise. By using paint reuse schemes, households can cut decorating costs, while giving a second life to a perfectly usable can of paint.” Joe adds, > “Distribution centres don’t just save people money, they help the environment too. In the UK alone, around 50 million litres of paint go to waste every year, despite much of it still being usable. > “Community RePaint also remanufactures recycled paint into its own product line called “ReColour”, made from filtered and blended leftover paint, further helping to reduce the environmental impact of unused paint.” To find your local RePaint, follow this link: [https://communityrepaint.org.uk/need-paint/find-your-nearest-scheme/](https://communityrepaint.org.uk/need-paint/find-your-nearest-scheme/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Burleigh Pottery Saved as New Ownership Secures Future of Historic Stoke-on-Trent Manufacturer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/burleigh-pottery-saved-as-new-ownership-secures-future-of-historic-stoke-on-trent-manufacturer/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T16:12:29.000Z Burleigh, based at Middleport Pottery, is the UK's oldest continuously working Victorian pottery and is renowned around the world for its craftsmanship and heritage. The business is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Christopher Bailey, best known for his transformational work at Burberry. David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove, welcomed the announcement, describing it as a positive moment for both the company and the city. He said: > "This is wonderful news for Burleigh, for our city, and for our skilled, passionate and dedicated workers who have made this iconic company globally recognised for the quality and craftsmanship of its products. > "I am delighted that Christopher Bailey recognises the unique heritage, expertise and craftsmanship that make Burleigh so special. His remarkable experience and international reputation will be a tremendous asset to the business, and I warmly welcome him to our city." Mr Williams said the news was another reminder of the importance of the ceramics industry to Stoke-on-Trent. > "Pottery is part of our DNA in Stoke-on-Trent. It is woven into who we are as a city and a community. Our ceramics industry has shaped generations of local families, and Burleigh remains one of the finest examples of the talent, skill and creativity that exists here." The news follows last month's announcement of a £120 million government support package for the ceramics industry, designed to help manufacturers tackle rising energy costs and safeguard the future of UK production. Mr Williams added: > "This announcement follows the welcome news that the ceramics sector will benefit from a £120 million support package announced by this Labour Government which I have been campaigning on with my fellow MPs since I was elected. > "That support package demonstrates a clear commitment to backing one of Britain's most important manufacturing industries. > "I have always said that I would fight to protect our pots, our jobs and our proud industrial heritage. Today's announcement is another vote of confidence in Stoke-on-Trent's world-leading ceramics sector, and I look forward to seeing Burleigh go from strength to strength in the years ahead." The announcement will be welcomed across Stoke-on-Trent, with many hoping the investment will help secure the future of one of the city's most iconic pottery brands for generations to come. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Piecing it All Together: From Factory Floor to Flagship Store URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/piecing-it-all-together-from-factory-floor-to-flagship-store/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T08:47:51.000Z Great British Jigsaws (GB Jigsaws Ltd), one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of premium bespoke jigsaw puzzles, has officially announced the opening of its first dedicated physical retail store at the renowned Trentham Gardens Shopping Village in Staffordshire. The new flagship location marks a significant bricks-and- mortar expansion for the brand, bringing its celebrated range of British-designed and British- made puzzles directly to high street consumers. Moving from its manufacturing and online roots based in nearby Stafford, the new retail store, due to open on Saturday 6th June, will showcase Great British Jigsaws' comprehensive wholesale and signature collections. Visitors to Trentham Gardens will be able to browse and purchase popular ranges, including the highly detailed, vibrant illustrated collections by British artist Emma Joustra. Customers can also enjoy a special opening offer of 25% off all stock over the first weekend, as well as trying their hand at a puzzle on display. > "Opening our very first physical store at Trentham Gardens is a momentous milestone for us," said Kathy Cornish, Director of Great British Jigsaws. > "Since our founding in 2020, we have been incredibly proud to manufacture everything right here in Staffordshire. Trentham Shopping Village, with its wonderful mix of independent businesses, gorgeous surroundings, and passionate visitors, is the absolute perfect home for our flagship store. We cannot wait to welcome puzzle lovers in person and give them a tangible look at the craftsmanship behind our British-made products." Trentham Gardens Shopping Village, located on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, is one of the Midlands’ premier leisure and shopping destinations, welcoming millions of visitors annually to its scenic lakeside walks, historic Italian gardens, and outdoor retail hub. The addition of Great British Jigsaws brings an authentic, locally produced craft element to the village's diverse retail portfolio. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Floral tributes highlight total of 200 years in Stafford Borough URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/floral-tributes-highlight-total-of-200-years-in-stafford-borough/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T08:42:26.000Z The carpet beds in Victoria Park, Stafford and Stonefield Park, Stone have been designed to honour major milestones of two local organisations. Stafford Rangers are celebrating their 150 anniversary this year, and the club’s logo has been designed in flowers in Victoria Park. The bed at Stonefield Park is decorated to mark 50 years of the biannual Girlguiding’s ‘A Handful of Songs’ show. The parks have previously commemorated major events. Last year they marked 80 years since ‘Victory in Europe’ (VE) and ‘Victory over Japan’ (VJ) in 1945\. Other occasions included the coronation of King Charles lll and the platinum jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth. The floral tributes have also honoured the NHS, armed forces and several charities and organisations that do great work to benefit the borough. Around 800 plants in a variety of colours have been used to display the logos across both beds in the award-winning parks this summer. Cabinet Member for Leisure at Stafford Borough Council, Gillian Pardesi, said: > “It is great to be able to show our appreciation to local organisations that have reached key milestones in their history. > “Tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to see these vibrant floral designs and I know they are always well received by visitors and a wonderful addition to two parks that have been nationally recognised for their quality.” Stafford Rangers Football Club is a semi-professional team playing in the Northern Premier League Division One West. Their formation is recognised as 1876 based on articles in local newspapers – as early club minute books were destroyed during the First World War. The Girlguiding show has involved hundreds of Guides from Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding villages entertaining audiences with song, dance and comedy over the years. Both borough council run parks hold ‘Green Flag’ awards - the national yardstick for the best open spaces in the country. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Tell us what you think about where you live URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tell-us-what-you-think-about-where-you-live/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T08:26:57.000Z Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is developing action plans to inform how investment, services, and partnerships are developed at a local level and wants to hear directly from the people who live there to: - Gather their views on what is working well locally - What could be improved - What ‘good’ looks like for your community in the future A series of online sessions are taking place in June and people interested in taking part can register now on the Council’s website [Residents Locality Action Plans - Staffordshire Moorlands District Council](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/8655/Residents-Locality-Action-Plans?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Councillor Mike Gledhill, Council Leader, said: > “Changes to how local government operates across Staffordshire are coming. Whilst we wait further decisions from the Government on what that looks like for the Moorlands, we want to do all we can to ensure our towns, villages, and communities are in the best position to continue to thrive > “That’s why we’re doing this work now and why it’s really important that people that live and work in the Moorlands get involved. You don’t need any specialist knowledge, just your experience of living locally. > “There’s more information on our website so I’d encourage people to take a look and, if they’re able, to join us at the session that is local them so their voices are heard and we can factor in what matters to people here in the Moorlands as we plan for the future.” The six locality areas in the Moorlands and the dates of the engagement sessions are: - **Semi-Rural and Churnet Valley** – Bradnop, Cheddleton, Consall, Cotton, Ipstones, Kingsley and Oakamoor. **Online session date: 16 June.** - **Rural Moorlands (Peak District)** – Alstonefield, Blore with Swinscoe, Butterton, Fawfieldhead, Grindon, Heathylee, Hollinsclough, Ilam, Leekfrith, Longnor, Oncecote, Quarnford, Sheen, Tittesworth, Warslow and Elkstones, Waterhouses and Wetton. **Online session date: 18 June.** - **Southwest** – Caverswall, Dilhorne and Werrington. **Online session date: 24 June.** - **Northwest** – Biddulph, Bagnall, Brown Edge and Endon with Stanley. **Online session date: 25 June.** - **North Moorlands** – Heaton, Horton, Leek, Longsdon and Rushdon. **Online session date: 29 June.** - **Southeast** – Alton, Cheadle, Checkley, Draycott in the Moors, Farley and Forsbrook. **Online session date: 30 June.** Sessions will be informal, facilitated discussions held online via Microsoft Teams starting at 6pm and lasting around 60 minutes. Places at each session are limited to help keep the discussions meaningful, so registering your interest does not guarantee a place. We’ll confirm attendance details with participants in advance. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Teenagers help make Stafford park a better place to visit URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/teenagers-help-make-stafford-park-a-better-place-to-visit/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T08:14:33.000Z Nine students from Walton Hall Academy in Eccleshall have been carrying out litter picking, planting, and feeding the animals as part of their work experience duties. The students aged between 16 and 19 years old braved the inclement weather during the week and received a glowing report from council workers who were on hand to help them carry out a number of tasks. And they even got to meet the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Mark Winnington, (pictured) to let him know what they had been doing. They cleaned up rubbish, planted and designed flower beds at the award-winning Victoria Park, and fed the snake and chameleon in the park’s greenhouse last week. They even found a lost identity badge which they handed in to the nearby college. The teenagers also made posters telling people not to drop litter - and helped write this article about their experience. Everyone agreed that holding and feeding the snake had been the highlight of their week. And during their work experience, visitors to the park thanked the young people for making the area look better. Walton Hall Academy is a special secondary school for students aged from 11 to 19 years which caters for a wide and varied range of learning needs. Louise Major, class teacher, said: > “We would like to give a special thank you to Kelly from the council for organising our work experience and to Bryan and Kieran and their colleagues for looking after us in the park.” Jack, 18, who became spokesperson for the group, said: > “We were litter picking and picked up lots of cans and bottles. We fed the chameleon and I held the snake.” Council Leader, Aidan Godfrey, had a chat with the students and said: > “It was great to see how enthusiastic the young people were about what they had been doing - and it is obvious that they got a lot of positive things out of their week with us.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Ceramics Industry Petition Passes 100,000 Signatures as Fight for the Future Continues URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ceramics-industry-petition-passes-100-000-signatures-as-fight-for-the-future-continues/ Last updated: 2026-06-09T08:12:13.000Z A petition calling for greater support for Britain's ceramics industry has passed the significant milestone of 100,000 signatures, ensuring it will now be considered for debate in Parliament. For Stoke-on-Trent, a city whose identity, economy and heritage are deeply intertwined with ceramics, the achievement represents an important moment in a campaign that has gathered momentum amid some of the most challenging conditions the industry has faced in decades. Created by Hayley Baddiley, [the petition](https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785?utm%5Fid=97758%5Fv0%5Fs00%5Fe0%5Ftv2%5Fa1den5f12pfez9&fbclid=IwY2xjawRXGvtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFiZHpDUG42NXJ6Y0p0QjZac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlOQ-ixnBbZuJizA5b1PDrq9U91%5FOsm0dGko5gu2lQhmSwmuDFtO4FLrO7eX%5Faem%5FIjDEoWr-BTlOwvQqOoddqQ&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) calls on the Government to extend energy cost relief available through the British Industry Supercharger scheme to include ceramics manufacturers. Supporters argue that soaring industrial energy costs are placing enormous pressure on businesses and putting jobs, skills and centuries of manufacturing expertise at risk. At the time of writing, the petition has attracted more than 105,000 signatures. ## A Campaign Born from Industry Challenges The petition was launched against a backdrop of increasing concern across the ceramics sector. Manufacturers have faced rising energy costs, increasing labour costs, international competition and wider economic uncertainty. For ceramics businesses, energy prices are particularly significant because firing kilns is an essential part of the manufacturing process and cannot simply be switched off when costs rise. These pressures have already had serious consequences. Earlier this year, Denby Pottery entered administration, citing rising energy and labour costs. Manufacturing ceased in April and more than 100 jobs were lost. The company has been one of the most visible supporters of the petition and welcomed the news that it had passed the 100,000-signature threshold. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) In a statement, Denby said: > "We have now reached 100,000+ signatures on our ‘Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills’ petition which means that this will be considered for debate in parliament. The petition calls for the government to consider offering relief on the high energy bills required to make ceramics in the UK. > Whilst Denby's position is sadly unchanged, this outcome could make a difference for our fellow potteries and acknowledges the importance of our shared heritage and skills, offering hope for the future of manufacturing ceramics in this country. > To everyone who has signed, thank you. We are proud of Denby's history and pleased that this step can be part of its legacy." The statement highlights an important reality. While the petition cannot reverse the fortunes of businesses already lost, many hope it can help secure the future of those still operating. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/FB_IMG_1773342728891.jpg) ## Government Announces £120 Million Support Package The petition's success comes just weeks after the [Government announced a £120 million support package for the UK ceramics sector](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/opinion-stoke-on-trents-pottery-industry-has-been-given-a-lifeline-but-what-happens-next-matters-most/). The funding includes £60 million in capital investment to help manufacturers improve energy efficiency and modernise equipment, alongside a further £60 million to support operational costs. The announcement was widely welcomed across the industry. Ceramics UK Chief Executive Rob Flello described the funding as "a fantastic recognition of the importance of the UK ceramics industry". The package followed extensive lobbying from industry leaders, manufacturers, local MPs and organisations representing the sector. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the funding would help support thousands of jobs and strengthen businesses for the long term. For many within the industry, the announcement represented an important first step. However, campaigners argue that further action is still required, particularly regarding ongoing energy costs. ## Why the Supercharger Matters The British Industry Supercharger scheme currently provides relief from certain electricity costs for eligible energy-intensive industries. Supporters of the petition believe ceramics should be included because of the sector's substantial energy requirements and its strategic importance to British manufacturing. The Government has already confirmed that the Department for Business and Trade intends to review the eligibility criteria for the scheme later this year. A public consultation is expected and ministers have acknowledged the importance of the ceramics sector, particularly the role of the tableware industry in Stoke-on-Trent. The Government has stated that it will continue working with industry representatives, trade unions and Ceramics UK to better understand the challenges facing manufacturers. ![gray and yellow industrial machine](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1598621961279-557cec9ba744?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGpldCUyMGVuZ2luZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3ODA5OTI1MjV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Kaspars Eglitis](https://unsplash.com/@kasparseglitis?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## More Than Plates and Pottery While many people associate ceramics with tableware and giftware, the industry plays a much wider role in the modern economy. Research commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council highlighted the sector's importance to industries including aerospace, defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and electronics. The report concluded that North Staffordshire's ceramics sector could continue to thrive and grow if the right support mechanisms are put in place. Despite recent challenges, the research found evidence of growth in several specialist ceramics sectors and highlighted opportunities for future expansion. The findings reinforce the argument that ceramics should not simply be viewed as part of the region's heritage, but as a modern manufacturing industry with significant economic potential. ## A National Debate with Local Significance Passing the 100,000-signature threshold does not automatically guarantee changes to government policy. However, it does ensure that the concerns of the industry will receive national attention through parliamentary scrutiny. For Stoke-on-Trent, that matters. The city was built on ceramics. Generations of local families have worked in factories, studios and workshops, passing skills from one generation to the next. Those skills remain internationally respected and continue to underpin thousands of jobs across Staffordshire and beyond. The success of the petition demonstrates that public support for the industry remains strong. Combined with the Government's £120 million support package, it suggests that the future of British ceramics is now firmly on the national agenda. Whether that ultimately leads to inclusion within the Supercharger scheme remains to be seen. What is clear is that the conversation about protecting British ceramics, safeguarding skilled jobs and supporting manufacturing has moved from the factory floor to Westminster. For the Potteries, that may prove to be one of the most important developments in years. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Two Arrested After Serious Incident in Longton Town Centre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/two-arrested-after-serious-incident-in-longton-town-centre/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T15:57:30.000Z Residents and visitors reported seeing an increased police presence in the area, along with both road ambulances and the air ambulance. Parts of The Strand were cordoned off for several hours while emergency services dealt with the incident. We contacted Staffordshire Police for more information on the incident, and they have since confirmed that officers were called to The Strand at 11.45am, following reports of a group of people fighting in the street. According to police, the group was then seen running towards Longton Market and in the direction of Fenton. Officers attended alongside paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and established a cordon around the scene. Two men were found suffering from multiple suspected stab wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed. A 28-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent, while a 22-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. Detectives are also trying to trace a third man who may have been involved in the incident. He is described as white, bald, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, middle-aged, and wearing black joggers. He was reportedly seen on King Street shortly after the incident occurred. Officers are continuing their enquiries and are speaking to local businesses to review CCTV footage from the area. Staffordshire Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have relevant CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police on 101 or via Live Chat, quoting incident 281 of 6 June. Information can also be passed anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This remains an active police investigation and further updates are expected as enquiries continue. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Open Water Swimming URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/open-water-swimming/ Last updated: 2026-06-06T09:44:49.000Z If you’re someone who likes to think outside the box when it comes to your health, exploring more natural, low‑cost and uplifting ways to feel better can be a reliable option- and open water swimming delivers exactly that. It offers powerful health and wellness benefits and is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most popular choices. Open water swimming has recently become a popular trend in the UK, with an estimated 7.5 million adults now venturing into open water and regularly swimming in lakes, rivers or seas. What was once a niche hobby has become a routine event, now attracting everyone from experienced athletes to complete beginners. Open water swimming simply means ‘swimming in natural outdoor waters’- instead of a swimming pool. Unlike a pool, there are no lanes, no walls and no shallow or solid bottom beneath your feet. Just open, natural water and the freedom to move at your own pace. This is part of what makes it so appealing: every swim feels different, shaped by the weather, water, and landscape around you. The rise in open water swimming isn’t just a trend- it’s driven by real, meaningful benefits that people feel almost immediately. Cold water immersion can trigger a rush of endorphins, boost mood, and help calm the mind. Many swimmers say it helps them manage anxiety, feel more grounded, and start their day with clarity. Compared to gym memberships or structured fitness classes, open water swimming is incredibly affordable. Many locations are free and you don’t need expensive equipment to get started. It’s also a great form of exercise and regular swimmers say it boosts their fitness, strength, circulation, energy levels and immune system, giving them a low impact, full body workout. Many also find that it reduces inflammation and muscle tension, helping their bodies recover from trauma, injury, and pain. Being outdoors, especially near water has proven wellbeing benefits. Open water swimming combines movement, fresh air, and natural surroundings in a way few activities can match. Most people who engage in outdoor swimming report feeling less stressed and noticeably happier after a swim. Nearly all say they swim for physical fitness, to build resilience or for social or spiritual reasons. They often describe feeling more connected with nature and a large number also swim for the sense of adventure it brings. As participation has grown, so has the focus on safety. Natural water is very unpredictable, so beginners are advised to always swim with others or choose a recognised or supervised swimming spot. Swimming outside requires common sense and with the right precautions, open water swimming is safe, accessible and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) suggest > “There is no such thing as a safe swim, only safe swimmers; no water is safe if you can’t swim. With the right knowledge and skill level, people can swim safely” Staffordshire has some amazing supervised open water swimming sites that are safer for you to try, especially if you are new to the experience. Field Head Farm, Pillaton Hall Farm, Whitmore Lakes and Chasewater Lake are a few to try that are all affiliated with the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA). Field Head Farm, near Uttoxeter, is a family‑run venue offering open‑water swimming alongside their glamping, rural meetings space, and activity‑based workshops. Their natural spring‑fed lake is open to members all year round, providing a peaceful and authentic outdoor swimming experience. The site is fully supervised by qualified open‑water lifeguards and a dedicated water‑safety team, making it suitable for both novice and experienced swimmers. Swimmers with accessibility needs are also welcomed, but individuals are encouraged to get in touch directly to discuss their specific requirements. After a cold swim, guests can enjoy heated changing rooms, toilet facilities, and a cosy communal space with a log burner and hot drinks. For further information, please contact Anna@fieldheadfarmstaffordshire.co.uk or call 07813 606576. [Contact Anna For Further Information](www.fieldheadfarmstaffordshire.co.uk) Pillaton Hall Farm in Penkridge offers regular supervised sessions in a safe and welcoming environment. The lake supports open‑water swimming, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking, and a range of other water activities. A dedicated lifeguard and water‑safety team are always on duty, and an assistance boat is available for additional support where needed. Introductory courses are also available for beginners looking to build confidence in open and cold- water swimming and include equipment hire and guidance from an experienced instructor. For further details, please email swim@pillatonhallfarm.co.uk or contact the office on 01785 715177. [Find out more](www.pillatonhallfarm.co.uk) Whitmore Lakes, near Newcastle‑under‑Lyme, is a private wild water swimming site offering secluded lakes for open‑water swimming, water sports, and competitive training. Swan Lake, known for its clear spring‑fed water, provides a tranquil, natural setting for visitors all year round. Sessions are managed by expert staff and coaching / swimming courses are also available for all abilities, via Kuotos Swim. Whether you’re being introduced to cold‑water swimming, seeking customised 1‑to‑1 coaching, or looking for support to overcome water‑related fears, these sessions are designed to help individuals become capable, confident swimmers. The venue has entry slopes with handrails, picnic benches for changing and a “Cake Shack” for post swim refreshments, plus wood‑fired sauna to enjoy after your swim. Pre‑booking is essential and further information can be found by visiting info@whitmorelakes.co.uk [For Booking and More Information](whitmorelakes.co.uk) Chasewater Lake, based at Chasewater Country Park, Burntwood is a haven for open water swimmers of all abilities wanting to connect with nature. It provides introductory coaching sessions for beginners with staff helping to improve swimming confidence. Guest swimmers are also welcome. Please check specific accessibility support before you attend or contact Ant for more information on 07974257086 or email chaseows@gmail.com. [For details of opening times and costs](www.chaseopenwater.com) Three Shires Head, in the Peak District, is an ideal freshwater swimming spot for anyone wanting to try open‑water swimming without feeling out of their depth. The area is known for its crystal‑clear, shallow pools-around 1 metre deep-tucked beneath mesmerising waterfalls that create a peaceful and scenic place to take a dip. Blakemere Pond-often called Mermaids Lake, in the Staffordshire Moorlands, is a striking and slightly eerie spot for wild water swimmers. Local legend tells of a ghostly mermaid who fell in love with a sailor who now haunts the waters. Despite the tale, the lake remains a popular destination for adventurous open‑water swimmers. Set in an isolated pocket of the moors, it offers a moodier and more rugged experience, with cold, dark, and often muddy water that adds to its mysterious charm. Dosthill Quarry, near Tamworth, is a renowned diving and open‑water swimming site with depths reaching up to 26 metres. Now offering full‑moon swims and magical winter night swims, it’s a major hub for scuba divers and open water enthusiasts, due to its spring‑fed freshwater crystal- clear lake. As one of the oldest inland dive sites in the country, it features a 400‑metre swimming circuit that remains open all year round and is suitable for all ages. The quarry is home to a diverse range of wildlife and divers can explore unique underwater attractions. Facilities are basic but practical, with changing containers and a café serving hot food and drinks after your swim. The site is staffed by a friendly welcoming team who are always on hand to help and entry is by booking only. All swimmers must complete a float test before they are accepted. For bookings or information please contact pauline@divein.co.uk or ring 01733 351288 or 07421908757. [For Bookings and T&C's](dosthillquarry.com) Safe open‑water swimming requires thorough preparation, the right equipment, and a clear understanding of the conditions you’re entering. The RNLI recommend the following essential safety practices are followed before entering the water. · Always check weather and water conditions before going out for a swim: · Avoid strong currents, heavy winds or poor weather. · Always swim with a buddy or join an organised or supervised group. · Always acclimatise yourself slowly: Enter the water gradually and splash cold water on your neck and face to reduce the risk of cold‑water shock. · Always increase your visibility: Wear a brightly coloured swim cap and use a tow float for safety. · Always wear a wetsuit to help maintain warmth and buoyancy · Know your limits: Swim parallel to the shore rather than heading into deeper water and get out of if you feel too cold or tired. · Always plan your exit: Identify safe entry and exit points before getting in · Always tell someone on land where you are going and when you expect to return · After leaving the water, warm up slowly. Change into dry clothes immediately-even if you feel warm-and have a hot drink and a sugary snack to help your body recover. In an emergency: · Float to live: If you get into difficulty, roll onto your back, spread your arms and legs, and float until you can control your breathing. · Signal for help: Use a whistle attached to your tow float and raise one arm to attract attention. Some open‑water swimmers carry a small, compact diving knife or Z‑knife to free themselves if their wetsuit or tow line become snagged on fishing lines, nets, or weeds. This tool should only be used for emergency entanglement and must be stored where it can be reached quickly with either hand, such as on your forearm, on a belt, or attached to your tow float. Carrying a knife in public is against the law, so it must only be taken to and from the water when you have a legitimate reason for its use. If you’re a confident pool swimmer and want to try outdoor swimming grab your wetsuit, join a group and get involved. ![Three Shires Head](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/DSC08974.jpg) Three Shires Head #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Persistent illegal tobacco sellers ordered to close by Trading Standards team URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/persistent-illegal-tobacco-sellers-ordered-to-close-by-trading-standards-team/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T13:19:51.000Z The orders reinforce ongoing action by the council’s trading standards team, HMRC and National Trading Standards to protect residents, support legitimate businesses and keep communities safe. Longton Drinks Limited Vape Shop and Victoria Eastern European Food had both previously been subject to three-month closures by the city council’s trading standards team. Since reopening, illegal activity was found to be continuing, with both shops storing and supplying illegal tobacco products. Both premises are mini markets, which were acting as a front for selling illegal tobacco products. Longton Vape Shop received a complaint, which led to a small seizure of illegal tobacco in January 2026, and further investigating found five test purchase of counterfeit tobacco were made despite repeated warnings. Victoria Eastern European Food originally reopened in February 2026, but in April this year, a test purchase of counterfeit cigarettes was made, which led to a seizure of illegal tobacco. The closure orders were granted on Thursday 21 May. Councillor Amjid Wazir, cabinet member for city pride and enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “I welcome the closures of these two persistent offenders, who have continued to sell illegal tobacco. We will not tolerate the sale of these products in Stoke-on-Trent. > “Removing these products off our streets keep young people safe, supports honest local traders and forms part of the city council’s wider work to make our town centres family friendly and safe to live if. The message is clear – you will face serious consequences if you choose to sell products illegally.” Anyone with concerns about illegal tobacco, vapes and underage sales can contact Trading Standards on the hotline at 01782 238884 or visit: [www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/tradingstandards?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Vape-Shop-Photo.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Victoria-Stores-Photo-1.jpg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Weston Park celebrates volunteers at 40th anniversary lunch URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/weston-park-celebrates-volunteers-at-40th-anniversary-lunch/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T11:03:57.000Z The lunch was a chance to recognise the contribution of more than 100 volunteers who give their time across the house, gardens, gallery and grounds and whose efforts have been integral to transforming Weston Park into the award-winning attraction it is today. The celebration comes as the foundation marks its 40th anniversary year, having been established in 1986 when Weston Park was gifted to the nation by the 7th Earl of Bradford. Colin Sweeney, chief executive of the Weston Park Foundation, said: > "Our volunteers are the heart of Weston Park and, as we celebrate 40 incredible years of the foundation, it's only right that we take a moment to recognise the tireless dedication they bring to everything they do. > “Over four decades, they have played a vital role in transforming Weston Park into the attraction it is today sharing their passion, knowledge and time so that every visitor leaves with a lasting memory. We are truly grateful to each and every one of them." Volunteers at Weston Park take on a wide variety of roles, from guiding visitors around the Grade I listed house and its collections, to supporting outdoor education programmes, conservation work and archival research. Many have given years of service to the estate. Pat Cook, who is in her 19th year as a volunteer, said: > "There's a role for everybody here and you can never have too many volunteers. I would certainly say that you get out of volunteering what you put into it." At 34 years, Weston’s longest-serving volunteer Pat Lowe, who takes pride in the upkeep of the house and its furnishings, added: > "People come to the house and they have a lot of knowledge about something specific, so we are learning all the time which is lovely." The foundation's volunteer network continues to grow, with newer recruits such as David Standley, who joined two years ago and has since designed a child-friendly tour of the house led by Olly the Parrot, helping to make the estate's collections accessible to younger visitors. Vikki Duncan, who joined Weston as head of collections and engagement last December, added: > “It has been a delight to work with such enthusiastic and committed volunteers. Since my arrival at Weston we have been working on a variety of projects together and their passion for bringing the collection to life is so refreshing. David’s family tours have been very well received and our Stories from the Shelves, where the team have uncovered rare books in the library, has been equally successful.” Weston Park is open to visitors throughout 2026 as part of a year-long programme of events celebrating the foundation's 40th anniversary. For more information visit [weston-park.com](https://weston-park.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Weston-Park-s-longest-serving-volunteer-Pat-Lowe.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Weston-Park-celebrates-its-volunteers-during-National-Volunteers-Week.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Weston-Park-s-newest-volunteer-David-Standley-1.jpg) (Left) Longest serving volunteer Pat Lowe - (Centre) Weston Park celebrates its volunteers - (Right) Newest volunteer David Standley #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Hanley Bus Station Remains Closed as Safety Repairs Continue URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/hanley-bus-station-remains-closed-as-safety-repairs-continue/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T10:33:30.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council says the fitting may have been affected by the recent extreme fluctuations in temperature. Following the incident, the site was immediately inspected and a decision was taken to close the station while checks and repairs are carried out. Work has been taking place throughout yesterday, overnight and today to ensure all light fittings are safe before the station reopens. The council is aiming to reopen the bus station over the weekend. Passengers can still travel as normal, with bus services continuing to operate from temporary stops nearby. The newsagent located inside the bus station also remains closed while the work is completed. A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: > "We acted quickly to assess the site as soon as the problem emerged. > "As always, public safety is our number one priority and we have closed the station in order for necessary work to be carried out as quickly as possible. > "We apologise for any inconvenience." #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Amerton Farm & Billy's Farm Barn URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/amerton-farm-billys-farm-barn/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T09:10:01.000Z Amerton Farm & Billy’s Farm Barn, located in Stowe- by- Chartley, is one of those rare places that manages to feel homely, educational, and exciting all at once. Set in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, it offers families an affordable, activity- packed day out with plenty to discover and do. Whether you are visiting with toddlers, school- age children, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, the farm delivers a warm welcome and a full day of fun. Animals are at the heart of Amerton Farm and lambing season is one of its most captivating highlights- a time when visitors can truly experience the excitement and charm of new life on the farm. Guests can also meet an array of other livestock including highland cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, goats, ducks and geese. Smaller domesticated animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets also make an appearance. Even flightless birds like emus and quails can be seen, adding an unexpected and memorable twist to the farm experience. The farm’s commitment to animal welfare is clear. Pens are spacious, animals have access to enrichment toys, and they enjoy regular interaction from both visitors and staff. Heated lamps ensure they remain comfortable in all weather conditions. All baby lambs are hand reared, and bottle fed 4 times a day, giving visitors, especially children, the chance to help care for them and feed them, from such an early age. Predominantly lambs that are rejected by their mothers or born into large litters are raised on the site following their birth and remain at the farm until around 18 months of age. Low, gapped fences make it easy for children and wheelchair users to see all the animals up close, while fact boards scattered around the grounds turn curiosity into learning. Billy’s farm barn is the hub for indoor fun. Inside, families will find a soft play area, a dedicated under 2s zone, an indoor toddler play area and a large adventure play space with rope bridges, slides, and climbing structures, styled like giant hen houses and chicken coops. There is an abundance of tables and chairs in the large cafeteria, plus some additional comfortable seating for visitors wanting to enjoy the onsite food. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are also available both inside the barn and just outside the entrance. Outdoors, the farm offers even more opportunities for children to immerse themselves in fun, stimulating activities. There are two air bouncers-one designed specifically for under‑6s and another for older children-alongside a spacious sandpit and a large outdoor play area suitable for all ages. Little adventurers can enjoy the mini go‑kart track, while the ever‑popular tractor ride takes families on a gentle journey around the farm, offering a close-up look at all the outdoor animals. Picnic lovers will appreciate the wealth of outdoor seating, though it’s worth noting that many of the pathways are gravel or grass, which can be more difficult for prams or wheelchairs to navigate. Benches and rest areas are available at various points, however, around the grounds if needed, but the park is small in size and is quite manageable. The in- house restaurant opens from 10am to 2pm and offers a surprisingly varied menu, all cooked to order. Options include chicken or beef burger meals, stone- baked pizzas with multiple toppings, mini breakfasts, jacket potatoes, toasties, wraps, hot sandwiches, and kids’ meals averaging around £5\. There’s also a pick n mix, crisp and sweet selection and a wide variety of cold drinks. Gluten- free and dairy- free options are available and staff are happy to try to accommodate other allergens if discussed. Orders are announced over the Tannoy when ready for collection. For a quieter break, visitors can stop by Belle a Pep tearoom or browse the farm shop which displays a wide range of other produce and gifts. Just a short walk from the main farm area, Amerton Railway adds an extra layer of charm to the day. The heritage line offers a delightful one‑mile journey by steam or diesel train, depending on the day you visit, and it remains one of the farm’s most loved family attractions. Visitors can hop aboard for a gentle picnic train ride-an ideal way to round off a fun‑filled visit. Best of all, no advance booking is usually required, making it an easy and spontaneous addition to your day out. Amerton Farm makes a clear effort to be both welcoming and safe to all who visit. While the mix of gravel, grass, and block paving can be uneven in places, staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and most areas are easy to reach. With its mix of animals, play spaces, hands‑on experiences, affordable tickets, well‑cooked food, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Amerton Farm is the kind of place children remember fondly. It’s a brilliant choice for families seeking a memorable day out-somewhere to slow down, explore, and enjoy simple pleasures together. If you want to visit Amerton Farm & Billy’s Farm Barn please go to the website to book tickets or just go and visit the farm at Amerton, Stafford, ST18 0LA. ![a tractor pulling a trailer filled with people](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/photo-1713802476991-15194076d3dc.jpeg) Tractor rides around the grounds [Book Tickets Here](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8daed5582a11dcf1bdf47f78f410c71ecb019e63b94218c8c62748b5b8aa7b84JmltdHM9MTc3Njk4ODgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=0dbff1ae-9d90-63f2-2f50-e7549c746206&psq=amerton+farm+website&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1lcnRvbmZhcm0uY28udWsv&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent Lord Mayor helps to raise more than £15,000 for local good causes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-lord-mayor-helps-to-raise-more-than-15-000-for-local-good-causes/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T13:22:09.000Z During the 12-month period Councillor Steve Watkins was in office, he raised thousands of pounds for his chosen charities – Help for Heroes, Saltbox and National Literacy Trust Stoke-on-Trent. A range of fundraising activities took place throughout the year, including a 1920s-themed afternoon tea and the publication of a children’s book written by former Lady Mayoress, Councillor Lynn Watkins. The book offers a cats-eye view of the Lord Mayor’s year in office and proved a popular with children and families across the city. ![A Cat Called Harry - Lynn Watkins](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/HARRY-book-COVER.jpg) A Cat Called Harry - Lynn Watkins ![Illustration from the children’s book written by former Lady Mayoress, Councillor Lynn Watkins](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/HARRY-book-Last.jpg) Illustration from the children’s book written by former Lady Mayoress, Councillor Lynn Watkins Cllr Steve Watkins, former Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: > “It’s been a real honour to serve as Lord Mayor and to support three such important charities. > “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who attended events, bought the book or made a donation. Your generosity has made a genuine difference and will help these organisations continue their vital work.” Dean Williams, community fundraising manager at Help For Heroes said, > “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Councillors Steve and Lynn Watkins for nominating Help for Heroes as one of their worthy causes to support over the past year. > “Veterans have fought all over the world trying to help establish peace and many of them are struggling to find peace themselves now. This donation will go a long way in helping to fund our cause, it could be put to numerous uses but just a couple of examples would be: 11 veterans could be supported by a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner or 21 veterans could receive financial relief with a one-off grant for gas, electric or essential white goods. > “This donation will give those veterans one less battle to fight, thank you.” Linda Smith, operations manager at Money Matters and Carelink, said: > “We are so grateful at Saltbox to have been chosen as one of the Lord Mayor’s charities this year. We will use this generous donation towards the ongoing running costs of our Carelink service which supports older people who are struggling with loneliness and isolation. > “We do this through our telephone befriending service, where dedicated volunteers make weekly keep-in-touch calls to our beneficiaries who may otherwise not speak to anyone during the week. > “We also run 5 weekly Chatty Cafes across the city, and run monthly trips to a wide variety of venues near and far.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Harry-the-cat-reading.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/LM-Afternoon-Tea.jpg) Lois Bateman, Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, said: > “It has been a true privilege to be chosen as one of the Lord Mayor’s Charity of the Year. > “It is wonderful that the Lord Mayor has highlighted the life-changing impact that reading can have on children across our city – particularly during this National Year of Reading. Thank you for all the opportunities and support you have provided. > “This funding will enable us to deliver one of our inspirational “Tales in the Park” family storytelling festivals this summer, helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy books and stories during the school holidays.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Toy Story 5 Inspired Menu Arrives at Staffordshire Playbarn for Father's Day Weekend URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/toy-story-5-inspired-menu-arrives-at-staffordshire-playbarn-for-fathers-day-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T12:22:50.000Z Families visiting Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood will be able to enjoy a special Toy Story-themed menu over Father's Day weekend, from 19 to 21 June, to coincide with the release of Toy Story 5. The limited-edition menu features dishes inspired by characters and locations from the popular film franchise, including Woody's Rodeo Burger, Pizza Planet Pizza, Slinky Dog-themed items, Ham-inspired dishes and treats based on the Toy Story aliens. Hockerhill co-owner Tessa Giffard said the menu is designed to celebrate a film series that many parents grew up with and now enjoy alongside their own children. She added that the playbarn continues to focus on healthy, family-friendly food made with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Climbing-equipment-at-Hockerhill-Adventure-Playbarn.-Credit---Paul-Carroll-Photography-min.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-cafe-s-seating-area-at-Hockerhill-Adventure-Playbarn.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/The-cafe-at-Hockerhill-Adventure-Playbarn--2-.jpg) Since opening in March 2024, Hockerhill's café has become a destination in its own right and was recently nominated for an Excellence in Food & Beverage Award by the Association for Indoor Play. The attraction, located on the Chillington Hall Estate, features an all-weather adventure play area centred around a giant mock oak tree inspired by the famous tree linked to King Charles II's escape after the Battle of Worcester. Play tickets start from £7.50 for adults, £8.50 for children and £5 for toddlers, with discounts available for Blue Light Card holders, military personnel, carers and guardians. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### Wildlife at Stafford Wetland Set for Major Summer Boost as Restoration Work Begins at Doxey Marshes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/wildlife-at-stafford-wetland-set-for-major-summer-boost-as-restoration-work-begins-at-doxey-marshes/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T06:18:05.000Z Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is preparing to begin a significant conservation project at Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve in Stafford, with work expected to start from mid June and continue for around five weeks, subject to weather conditions. Funded by the Environment Agency, the project aims to restore more natural features to the River Sow and its floodplain, helping water move and settle more naturally across the landscape. The work will include the creation of shallow pools designed to attract wading birds and aquatic invertebrates, alongside improvements to visitor access through new sections of boardwalk. The reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is already recognised as an important habitat for wetland birds. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says the improvements will support a wider range of wildlife, including fish, frogs, dragonflies and other wetland species. Preparatory work is scheduled to begin during the week commencing 8 June, with contractors and wildlife specialists carrying out surveys before restoration work starts the following week. Victoria Bunter, Living Floodplains Manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said the project would enhance an already important site for wildlife and help strengthen habitats across the reserve. The Trust has stressed that the work will not increase flood risk to nearby homes. Visitors may encounter temporary path closures or diversions during the project and are being asked to follow on-site signage for safety. The restoration forms part of a wider programme of work across Staffordshire aimed at helping nature recover and improving habitats for wildlife across the county. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. ### ATG Entertainment Confirmed to Operate Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, Securing the Future of Stoke-on-Trent's Cultural Heart URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/atg-entertainment-confirmed-to-operate-regent-theatre-and-victoria-hall-securing-the-future-of-stoke-on-trents-cultural-heart/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T17:37:03.000Z The future of two of Stoke-on-Trent's most treasured cultural landmarks has been secured after ATG Entertainment (ATGE) was confirmed as the operator of both the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall. While the announcement may appear administrative on the surface, it represents something far more significant for Stoke-on-Trent, Hanley and the wider region. It provides continuity, stability and long-term confidence for two venues that have entertained generations, drawn millions of visitors into the city centre and helped shape Stoke-on-Trent's cultural identity for well over a century. For many local people, memories of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall are woven into the story of their own lives. They are places where families have enjoyed their first pantomime, where schoolchildren have watched world-class productions, where music lovers have seen their favourite artists perform and where communities have gathered for celebrations, performances and special occasions. Together, the venues form the beating heart of Hanley's Cultural Quarter and remain among the most important entertainment destinations anywhere in Staffordshire. ![The Regent Theatre, Hanley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/20250909_145208.jpg) The Regent Theatre, Hanley ## A theatre born from a golden age The Regent Theatre first opened its doors in 1929 as a grand super cinema during the golden age of picture palaces. At the time, it was one of the most impressive entertainment venues in the region and quickly became a focal point for social life in the city. Like many historic theatres, it faced challenges during changing times, but its story did not end there. Following a major £23 million city centre redevelopment, the building was transformed and reopened as the Regent Theatre in September 1999\. Since then it has become one of the country's leading regional theatres, attracting major touring productions that many cities would envy. From blockbuster musicals and West End productions to ballet, opera, comedy and family favourites, the Regent has established itself as one of the premier venues on the UK touring circuit. Productions such as *War Horse*, *MAMMA MIA!* and *Jersey Boys* have all appeared on its stage, bringing audiences from across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and beyond into Hanley. ![Victoria Hall, Hanley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/20260422_120453.jpg) Victoria Hall, Hanley ## A Victorian landmark at the centre of the city Just a short walk away stands Victoria Hall, one of Stoke-on-Trent's most recognisable civic buildings. Built in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the venue has been part of the city's story for nearly 140 years. It remains one of the finest surviving Victorian concert halls in the Midlands and continues to play a vital role in the city's cultural life. Following refurbishment in the 1990s, Victoria Hall became firmly established alongside the Regent Theatre as part of Hanley's growing Cultural Quarter. Since then it has hosted internationally recognised musicians, comedians, speakers and performers. Artists including Paul Weller and Morrissey have performed there, while generations of local residents have attended concerts, graduations, community events and celebrations beneath its historic roof. ![The Regent Theatre, Hanley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Regent-Theatre-Exteriror.jpg) The Regent Theatre, Hanley ## More than entertainment The importance of the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall extends far beyond what happens on stage. Every major production, concert and comedy show brings visitors into Hanley. Those visitors use local car parks, eat in restaurants, stay in hotels, shop in local businesses and help support jobs across the city centre. In an era where many town and city centres are facing challenges, venues like these provide a powerful reason for people to visit, spend time and invest emotionally in the city. Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Economic Development, Culture and Sport, highlighted their significance when announcing the decision. She said: > "The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall are two of Stoke-on-Trent's most important cultural assets, bringing people into the city centre and providing residents and visitors with access to a fantastic programme of live entertainment. > We are pleased to be moving forward with ATGE as operator, and look forward to continuing to work together to protect and strengthen these much-loved venues for the future. This is about ensuring our city has a sustainable, ambitious and high-quality cultural offer that supports our communities, our city centre and the wider visitor economy." ![Victoria Hall, Hanley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Victoria-Hall.JPG) Victoria Hall, Hanley ## Confidence in Stoke-on-Trent ATG Entertainment operates venues across Britain, Europe and the United States, including some of the world's most famous theatres. Its portfolio includes London's West End venues, Broadway theatres in New York and major regional venues throughout the UK. The company's decision to continue investing in Stoke-on-Trent sends an important message. It demonstrates confidence in the city, its audiences and its future. Claire Dixon, Business Director for UK Venues at ATGE, said: > "We're delighted to have been confirmed as the operator for the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall. These are fantastic venues, but what makes them truly special is the incredibly passionate and committed venue team behind them. > Being able to continue running these venues together is something we're very proud of, and this decision reinforces our long-term commitment to investing in both our people and the cultural future of Stoke-on-Trent." ## A home for culture and community For those who work within the buildings, the venues represent something much deeper than bricks and mortar. Theatres create memories. They inspire future performers. They introduce people to music, storytelling and creativity. They provide spaces where communities come together and share experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else. That sense of connection was reflected by Theatre Director Cheryl Taylor, who described the venues as a home for many members of the team. She said: > "For many of the team here, these iconic venues are more than just places to work - we consider them our home. I am thrilled that ATGE has been confirmed as the operator, allowing us to continue doing the work we love. This is a brilliant opportunity to further embed ourselves in Stoke-on-Trent's cultural landscape and provide our wonderful communities with the very best live entertainment." ## Looking ahead At a time when many historic venues across the country face uncertainty, the confirmation of ATG Entertainment's continued involvement provides welcome reassurance. The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall have survived economic downturns, changing entertainment habits and shifting cultural landscapes. Through it all they have remained constants in the life of the city. Their continued success matters not only for arts and culture, but for tourism, hospitality, regeneration and civic pride. For Hanley, it means two of its most important anchor institutions remain secure. For Stoke-on-Trent, it means future generations will continue to experience world-class theatre, music, comedy and live entertainment in venues that have been part of the city's story for decades. And for everyone who has ever sat in the audience, applauded a performance or created a memory inside these historic buildings, it is another chapter in a story that continues to unfold. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### WalkSafe rolled out across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme to support safer nights out URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/walksafe-rolled-out-across-stoke-on-trent-and-newcastle-under-lyme-to-support-safer-nights-out/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T08:25:26.000Z WalkSafe has been introduced through a partnership between Staffordshire Police, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The app provides a range of safety and reassurance tools for residents, that are simple to use. This includes sharing your live location with trusted people, planning and tracking journeys and accessing a UK wide map of accredited safe spaces and venues. The rollout of the app builds on the existing community safety measures already in place across Staffordshire to make communities safer and strengthen confidence in towns and city centres. It comes as research shows 81 percent of women feel they have to consider their safety when getting home from pubs, clubs and bars. It also found that people are 63 percent more likely to visit venues with visible safety measures in place. Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are out and about - especially women, who feel they have to take steps to ensure their safety when heading home at night. > “The rollout of the WalkSafe app is a really positive step that gives people simple, practical tools to help them feel more confident and supported when travelling across our city. > “This is a great example of partners working together to improve safety across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/walksafe-launch-3-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/walksafe-launch-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/walksafe-launch.jpg) WalkSafe For more information on WalkSafe, visit their website: [https://walksafe.io/walksafe/](https://walksafe.io/walksafe/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) To download on Android phones – [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.walksafe.walksafeplus&gl=GB](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.walksafe.walksafeplus&gl=GB&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) To download on the Apple Store - [https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/walksafe/id1600039378](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/walksafe/id1600039378?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### New funding boost to bring nature back to Gun Moor URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-funding-boost-to-bring-nature-back-to-gun-moor/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T08:19:22.000Z A visit to Gun Moor on a summer evening offers far reaching views over The Roaches and surrounding Staffordshire Moorlands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Woodcock-Mark-Hamblin.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Lesser_redpoll_c_Margaret_Holland--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Curlew_Damian_Waters_Drumimages.co.uk.jpg) Wildlife on Gun Moor As flowering cotton grass shimmers in the breeze, visitors might be lucky enough to witness a rare natural spectacle. The male woodcock taking to the dusk sky, flying across his territory in straight lines while grunting. All an effort to attract a female. His display is called 'roding' and these birds are one of the county's most elusive, their display seen by very few. This special site, which is owned by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT), is also home to snipe and curlew. Both of which are on the brink of localised extinction. Other special birds such as the lesser redpoll and cuckoo can be spotted here. While Gun Moor may appear nature rich on the surface, delve a little deeper and it's a worrying story. Years of historic artificial drainage, and a hotter drier climate, has dried out deep peat and wet heath habitat. The latter is an uncommon habitat in Peak District National Park. On World Peatlands Day, Tuesday 2 June, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust announced a new habitat restoration project which will bring the site back to life. Thanks to new Government funding, the charity has been awarded the development phase funding - a grant of £280,000 from a £30 million investment announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) recently. The funding is part of Defra's efforts to meet the country’s international commitment to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030\. It will also go some way to help it hit its legally-binding target to restore more than 50,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat by 2042\. Funding is dedicated to projects which will restore habitats across England’s National Parks, National Landscapes, and the Broads over the next three years. Helping bring nature back to the places people love most. Jeff Sim, Head of Nature Reserves and Species Recovery at SWT, says: > “Gun Moor is vital to iconic species but it’s in need of significant restoration. Without intervention, we risk losing this habitat and all the wildlife it supports. > “This investment will enable us to create 24 hectacres of restored habitat. We'll rewet deep peat by blocking ditches and we'll plant moisture capturing mosses to keep water on the moor. Curlew needs areas like this to nest. We’ll restore the wet heath by planting sphagnum mosses, cross-leaved health and bog rosemary along with other specialty plants. New native woodland on the lower slopes of the site will also provide more habitat for rare birds. The lesser redpolls and woodcock rely on dense native woodland and scrub to shelter and feed.” SWT will work with the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to complete the project. Work is planned to begin on site at the end of summer, once bird nesting season has finished. > “The habitat at Gun Moor is what makes the Peak District moors internationally significant for wildlife. It's really important that we restore these areas so they can host more struggling nature,” adds Jeff. ![Gun Moor - Peak District National Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/06/Gun-Moor-28---Susan-Freeman.jpg) Gun Moor - Peak District National Park #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Ray Cooney’s Out of Order to be staged at Crown Wharf Theatre this month URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ray-cooneys-out-of-order-to-be-staged-at-crown-wharf-theatre-next-month-2/ Last updated: 2026-06-02T07:58:56.000Z Written by the “Master of Farce” Ray Cooney, this Olivier Award-winning play follows a chaotic evening in a Westminster hotel, where Tory Junior Minister Richard Willey attempts to meet one of the Opposition’s secretaries – only for events to spiral out of control when they discover a body trapped in a sash window. With the help of his well-meaning but hapless private secretary George, Willey’s situation quickly unravels, with interruptions from hotel staff, spouses and a disgruntled nurse adding to the confusion. The production is being staged by Stone Revellers, one of the area’s longest-established theatre companies, and features a cast and crew drawn from across the local community. Rob Stanway, Chairman of Stone Revellers, said: > “We’re really excited to bring this show to Crown Wharf. It’s a genuinely laugh-out-loud comedy and a brilliant night out for audiences.” > “We’ve got a fantastic team working on this production and it’s already shaping up to be something special.” The Crown Wharf Theatre, located in the heart of Stone, continues to build a reputation for high-quality local productions. Out of Order runs for four performances from 10–13 June 2026, with shows starting at 7:30pm each evening. Tickets are priced at £16 for adults and £14 for concessions, and are available via the Crown Wharf Theatre website: www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Bolton Gate Arts URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/bolton-gate-arts/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T08:26:31.000Z Nestled discreetly in the residential suburb of Weston Coyney, on the outskirts of Stoke‑on‑Trent, lies the unique setting of Bolton Gate Farm. Once a busy saddlery and stables, it now stands as a central hub for the local community, where traditional sheep grazing, a café and an outdoor creative arts space all come together. As you step inside the grounds you are instantly met with its rustic charm, with weathered farm buildings and a bustling new café. Continue further and as you reach the brow of the hill the landscape suddenly unfolds to reveal sweeping countryside views and a natural grassland, which is now home to Bolton Gate Arts CIC. The company was initially founded by Joe Mathews and Emma Sanders in September 2021\. The idea first took shape during the COVID pandemic, when Joe- having just moved to London to pursue his acting career-was forced to return home and at the same time, Emma, an old friend, had taken on temporary work in a school office, as she was unable to maintain her stage management role within the theatre. What began as a “crazy idea” from Joe to create an open‑air theatre company on a working farm is now in its 5th year of operation and is continuing to grow in ambition and scale. With both Joe and Emma now serving as its Creative Directors they are guiding an venture that has evolved far beyond its original expectations. From the initial concept, it took nearly a year for the business to fully take shape. Joe’s father had long envisioned establishing a small family business on the farm as part of his retirement plan, having been in ownership of the farm for over 12 years. When a small parcel of unused land became available it presented the perfect opportunity for Joe and Emma to develop their idea. Drawing on Joe’s background in hospitality and the arts, they aimed to combine these passions and create something unique. The project has now not only transformed their careers but the direction of their lives and future plans. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Joe’s ambition was always to establish an arts centre in a place no-one would expect, using unconventional rural spaces to host creative projects to bring people together. Over time, their original vision has evolved significantly, with them continuing to learn, develop and adapt as they expand. The organisation has become increasingly community-driven, with local residents and visitors playing an active role in shaping events and activities, providing feedback event by event. The local community has now fully embraced the venue as a local creative hub and are regular active participants at most events. The organisation is supported by an advisory board of local professionals in the arts sector and a steering group made up of representatives from community organisations such as Equal Base and Futures Together. These groups help guide decision-making and ensure events reflect community interests. Success is evaluated following each event using a range of methods from QR codes, audit forms, online reviews, direct engagement, demographic data, ticket sales and actual attendance. Collectively, these insights enable Joe and Emma to shape future programming with far greater expertise and confidence. The business was built organically from scratch, initially relying on word-of-mouth, free advertising and locally distributed leaflets. However, as it has grown, Joe and Emma have recognised the importance of using social media and printed brochures to broadcast their events, reaching much wider audiences across neighbouring areas. The café marked the beginning of the business, created by converting the farm’s old saddlery and stables, it is now a thriving addition to the farm. Run by Joe and his father, the café has become a central feature of the venue and has played a key role in raising the organisations profile, attracting increasing numbers of visitors, especially on events days. During their first major opening weekend in 2021, they hosted an arts fayre called “Creative Countryside”, featuring a market, theatre performance, and art exhibition. Launched alongside the café’s opening, the event acted as a pilot to gauge interest and footfall and exceeded expectations by drawing in large crowds. Although the two businesses operate as separate entities, they work closely together, sharing customers and supporting one another whenever events take place. Accessibility is a major priority for the business, and this can sometimes present challenges for visiting guests with restricted mobility due to the uneven terrain on the farm. Visitors are encouraged to discuss accessibility needs in advance, so that accommodations can be made available and Emma always tries to provide a personalised service in meeting people where possible to remove any barriers. The site includes an accessible toilet and flexible parking arrangements, with disabled parking and overflow parking onsite if required. Bolton Gate Arts aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where people feel comfortable exploring creativity without the formal barriers often associated with larger arts organisations. All events are targeted towards anyone with an interest in arts, craft and nature. Although most attendees are either young families or of retirement age, they are always looking for new ways to bring in new audiences and are open to any suggestions. Their ethos centres on community engagement, encouraging visitors to try new experiences, develop skills, and enjoy a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. I had the pleasure of meeting the team during the launch of their summer event, ‘The Garden Gate’, on 2 May, where they hosted a free family arts day for attendees travelling in from surrounding counties. The programme offered a day full of nature‑themed activities and DIY garden crafts; such as building bug hotels from recycled materials, stone painting, pot decorating, and hands‑on planting in the herb and vegetable garden. Guests could also join wellbeing walks across the landscape, take part in a poetry workshop, or follow a Wildlife Trust nature trail that sent young explorers hunting for clue‑filled information cards around the site. Throughout the day, live music played as the DJ set up for Gigz@thegate, an increasingly popular open‑mic event and monthly highlight of the calendar. Each edition sees 12 performers take to the stage, offering an evening of live music and entertainment for an enthusiastic audience. Everyone at the event was really welcoming and appeared passionate about its purpose, creating an atmosphere that immediately made visitors feel at home. ![Bolton Gate garden](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-09.12.42.png) Bolton Gate Arts garden The 2026 social calendar shows no signs of slowing down, with a lively mix of unexpected and engaging activities, from UV resin pendant and fused‑glass workshops to prosecco‑and‑paint sessions and recurring quiz nights and Gigz@theGate events. Seasonal highlights also include Easter, Summer, Autumn and Christmas markets selling high quality local goods, open‑air theatre performances featuring various plays and shows, pumpkin carving plus cookie decorating, and a festive Christmas wreath workshop- all contributing to what is shaping up to be a vibrant year. ![Bolton Gate Arts Events](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-09.11.50.png) Bolton Gate Arts Events Alongside its packed programme of themed events, the venue also offers a weekly Wednesday community gardening club, with family‑friendly planting activities for visitors to enjoy at their leisure, a free monthly Craft and Chatter drop‑in session at the café, and a monthly Book Club where you can relax, chat, make friends and connect with the community. Joe and Emma also offer bespoke workshops for schools and community groups, giving young people the chance to explore creativity outside the classroom. The majority of these events are held in the Manège Outdoor Arts Space, formerly a horse‑training arena, but now transformed with a stretch‑tent canopy it keeps activities running smoothly whatever the weather. As colder winter conditions set in, some events however move indoors to the café, ensuring the full programme can continue without interruption. The majority of events are pet friendly, including the café, with the exception of some of the more delicate craft events which are not accessible to pet owners due to safety reasons. A dedicated team of 17 volunteers assist in delivering the annual programme of events, with roles matched to individual interests. Additional volunteers are always welcomed, and no previous experience is required, as comprehensive training is given, allowing everyone to feel supported and confident to contribute to a safe and welcoming environment. Theatre events operate a “pay what you can” ticket scheme, helping to improve accessibility for everyone. Ticket prices typically range from £10 to £20, allowing attendees to choose a price that suits their budget and circumstances. Theatre tickets generally follow this scale, with supporter tickets at the higher price helping to subsidise the lower-cost options. Attendance at each workshop does vary so if you are interested in an event be sure to book quickly to reserve your place. Strong relationships have been built with returning artists and theatre companies, with collaborations now forming a key part of the organisation’s success. As a not‑for‑profit organisation, every penny earned is poured straight back into future events and into supporting local artists. This commitment also makes it possible to offer a rich mix of free community activities, including events like The Garden Gate, ensuring that creativity remains accessible to everyone. Although the business has taken time to set up Joe and Emma have enjoyed every minute of the journey. What they didn’t anticipate though was how tough securing initial grant funding would be, as many of their early applications were unsuccessful. Support from Outside Arts, the Community Foundation, Arts Council England, and B- Arts in Stoke have all been vital to the company’s survival. These organisations have played a crucial role in enabling Joe and Emma to move the organisation forward and have given them the strength they needed to push their vision forward and imagine what their organisation could be. With the right timing, space and support Joe and Emma are now showing that you can turn a bold idea into a real, sustainable business. As they attract more audiences, they are gaining more momentum each year and providing even greater ideas of how to connect the local public with nature in one welcoming rural setting. Their goal has always been to be accessible to everyone and over the next 5 years they hope to continue to expand event capacity while still being accessible to all. They are also interested in developing a sponsorship model and welcome any support or collaboration opportunities. Their main objective is to continue to focus on what the community want and steer the business in that direction, but they would also love to encourage the local community to discover new skills and interests and to try things they may never have experienced before or ever believed possible. Their message is abundantly clear- go and experience one of their outdoor events, take time to relax, learn and explore- and above all, enjoy a fantastic day out. Bolton Gate Farm, Leek Road, Weston Coyney, ST3 5BD. Website - boltongatefarm.co.uk/showsandevents to book tickets and see the full calendar of events with dates and times. Or email arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk for further information. [Book Tickets Here](boltongatefarm.co.uk/showsandevents) [For Further Information](arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Staffordshire Signal Magazine – May 2026 | Staffordshire's Free Independent Lifestyle Magazine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/the-staffordshire-signal-magazine-may-2026-staffordshires-free-independent-lifestyle-magazine/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:05:30.000Z Our May issue is about the things worth fighting for, and flying for. Inside: Saving Our Ceramics, the city's fight to save its proudest trade; the Moorlands Growth Fund and the new grants bringing rural villages to life; Spitfires in Flight, as R.J. Mitchell's icon prepares to take to the skies once again; Oatcakes in Parliament, as the Potteries' finest breakfast storms Westminster; and Why British Flowers Matter, meeting the growers behind Staffordshire's home-grown blooms. Free to read, made for Staffordshire. ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Nationally important Bronze Age gold Treasure secured for city museum URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nationally-important-bronze-age-gold-treasure-secured-for-city-museum/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T18:33:17.000Z The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery has acquired the 3,000-year-old solid gold object - believed to be a dress fastener - after it was discovered by Jonathan Needham, a metal detectorist, near Ellastone in 2023. It has since been declared Treasure and is the first object of its kind found in Britain in almost 30 years. Only seven others are recorded across England and Wales. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004764.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004765.jpg) Now the money to keep it in the county has been raised through a combination of public donations – through support from the Friends of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery – and grants from Art Fund, the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The fastener will eventually go on public display at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery from spring 2027 when the museum fully reopens following its multi-million-pound transformation. In the meantime, the museum team will deliver outreach events and activities supported by National Lottery players to help people explore the dress fastener and Staffordshire’s Bronze Age past. The artefact will sit alongside the Staffordshire Hoard and the Leekfrith Torcs as one of the county’s most significant archaeological gold discoveries. Its acquisition means the museum’s Treasure collection now spans thousands of years of local history. Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance and anti-poverty at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This discovery, alongside the Staffordshire Hoard and the Leekfrith Torcs, confirms Staffordshire as home to some of the most important gold treasures ever found in the country. > “Securing this piece will strengthen the museum’s offer while it undergoes its multi-million-pound transformation and give visitors even more reason to explore our area’s history.” Joe Perry, curator of local history at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, said: > “Made from solid gold and carefully worked, this would not have been an everyday item. > “Objects like this were worn as visible displays of wealth and status, and it is likely the person who wore it belonged to the highest levels of Bronze Age society. > “This is the most significant item of Treasure the museum has acquired for almost a decade and the first of its kind to be discovered anywhere in Staffordshire. > “To find such a rare artefact in the county changes our understanding of the region during the Bronze Age. We are incredibly pleased that this nationally important object will remain in a publicly accessible collection following a successful fundraising campaign.” Peter Wilson, chair of the Friends of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, said: > "The Friends are delighted that this important find has been saved for local people and visitors to see and enjoy, and thank everyone who supported our appeal." Aysha Afridi, Interim Director (Museums), Arts Council England commented: > “We're delighted to support The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent in acquiring the remarkable 3,000-year-old solid gold object - believed to be a dress fastener - with generous support through the Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Fund. > “This acquisition is testament to the continuing impact of the Fund, our colleagues at the V&A’s expertise and support, and the value of Arts Council England investment across the nation. We're excited to see how this extraordinary find will inspire deeper engagement with Stoke’s rich history." Physical and digital replicas of the fastener will also be created for events linked to the Festival of Archaeology in July and Heritage Open Days in September. A Festival of Treasure is planned to mark the reopening of the museum next spring and the fastener’s first public display. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Urgent Appeal Launched to Protect and Restore Fire- Damaged Nature Reserves in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/urgent-appeal-launched-to-protect-and-restore-fire-damaged-nature-reserves-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T17:49:13.000Z The plea follows a series of devastating fires, including at The Roaches, Ipstones Edge and earlier this month at Snake Pass (in Derbyshire). The moorlands are home to many rare ground-nesting birds such as curlew and lapwings, as well as many species of plants including bog asphodel, heather and sphagnum moss. The Trust is stepping up efforts to prevent future fires; they also need to restore habitats already ravaged by fire. Fires can tear through fragile moorland and grasslands in a matter of hours, destroying years of careful conservation work. They leave wildlife like ground nesting birds, insects and brown hares without shelter, food or breeding grounds. Recover can take decades, even with the intervention and dedicated restoration work of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Now, they are appealing for donations to fund essential work, including fire prevention measures, habitat restoration, and ongoing care for vulnerable sites. > “Fires are one of the biggest threats to our nature reserves,” said Charlie Forrest- King, who works to care for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust reserves and lives in Stoke-on-Trent. > “We’re working hard to reduce the risk through better peatland restoration, firebreaks and public awareness. When fires do happen, with training and equipment we can act quickly to reduce the risk, but the damage is immediate and severe. We need support to restore these places and give nature a fighting chance to recover.” For volunteers like John Pears, who has spent years caring for The Roaches, the impact is deeply personal, > “I’ll never forget my first visit after the fire. It was gut wrenching to see everything gone,” After tirelessly helping to restore the habitat for local wildlife, they were left crushed when fire ripped through the site in 2018. > “To see all our hard work go up in flames was incredibly demoralising. We’d created a space for special wildlife that has nowhere else to go. So much was lost in the fire. > You feel helpless, and it’s a constant worry it might happen again. What’s at stake can’t be underestimated – it takes decades for peat to form and you can still see the scorch marked peat today.” Restoring The Roaches following the fire is an ongoing team effort. Dedicated volunteers have planted thousands of sphagnum moss plug plants covering an impressive 687m2 (27.5 hectares). More than 30,000 other staple moorland plants, such as cotton grass, have also been planted. Other work to restore the rare and precious blanket bog habitat has included blocking artificial drainage ditches by installing over 600 dams to hold water back and rewet the peat. A race against time Longer, hotter summers are increasing the risk of severe moorland fires, making urgent action more critical than ever. People are being urged to act now and donate. Support will help to:  Create and maintain firebreaks to slow or stop the spread of fires  Restore damaged habitats so wildlife can return  Support volunteers and conservation staff on the ground  Raise awareness to help prevent fires before they start. To donate and support the appeal, visit: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/summer-appeal-2026 or call 01889 880100. Every donation will help to protect and restore Staffordshire’s wild places. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire County Show Draws Huge Crowds for a Fantastic Two Days of Farming, Family Fun and Rural Life URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-county-show-draws-huge-crowds-for-a-fantastic-two-days-of-farming-family-fun-and-rural-life/ Last updated: 2026-05-28T18:01:26.000Z With glorious sunshine across both days, the showground was busy from morning until evening, with huge crowds exploring the many attractions, displays, competitions and trade stands spread across the site. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004726.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004719.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004725.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004724.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004715.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004717.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004707.jpg) The livestock sections once again proved hugely popular, with a fantastic turnout of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and other animals taking part in competitions and showing classes throughout the event. The standard of presentation was incredibly high, with animals impeccably groomed and handlers proudly showcasing months of hard work and dedication. One of the standout moments of the show was the grand parade of prize-winning cattle and magnificent heavy horses, which drew large crowds around the main ring. The sight of the winning animals proudly making their way through the arena was a real celebration of Staffordshire’s farming community and agricultural heritage. Elsewhere around the showground, visitors packed into the arena displays throughout the day. The BOLDDOG LINGS FMX Team delivered a thrilling performance packed with jumps, tricks and high-speed action that had crowds cheering in the sunshine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004752.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004733.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004736.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004730.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004759.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004735.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004711.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004762.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004737.jpg) The dog displays were another huge hit with families, with talented dogs tackling obstacle courses, performing tricks and even leaping through fire to the amazement of spectators gathered around the arena. Away from the main arenas, there were countless stalls and exhibits to explore. From handmade gifts and artisan products to country clothing, crafts, homeware, gardening items and local produce, the shopping areas were busy throughout both days with visitors browsing and buying from traders across the region. Traditional craft displays offered a glimpse into countryside skills and heritage trades, while farming contractors, machinery companies, vehicle sales stands, auctioneers, community organisations, schools and colleges all showcased their work and services to visitors. The farrier competition drew plenty of attention despite the intense heat, with competitors working in challenging temperatures to demonstrate their blacksmithing and horseshoe skills in front of fascinated crowds. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004749.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004756.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004722.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004747.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004729.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004754.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004741.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004721.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004731.jpg) Families also queued throughout the day for rides on the ever-popular steam train, which remained busy from morning until evening as children and adults alike enjoyed a trip around the showground. Across every corner of the event there was a strong atmosphere of community, celebration and pride in Staffordshire’s rural traditions. The Staffordshire County Show continues to be one of the county’s biggest and most loved annual events, bringing together farming, countryside life and family entertainment in a way few other events can. Judging by the crowds this year, it remains a date firmly marked in many people’s calendars. If you have never been before, it is certainly one not to miss in 2027. www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk/staffordshire-county-show/ ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004718.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004748.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004727.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004753.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004760.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004728.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004710.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004743.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004740-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004739.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004706.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004732.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004744.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004723.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004708.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004714.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004755.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004757.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004705.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004742.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004738.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004761.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004739-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004704.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004709.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004716.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004713.jpg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Homelessness programme set to continue thanks to government funding URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/homelessness-programme-set-to-continue-thanks-to-government-funding/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T16:30:48.000Z The Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) provides high quality accommodation and support to two key groups – long standing rough sleepers with complex cases and vulnerable young people who are homeless or sleeping on the streets. The scheme is currently run by Brighter Futures, who have helped 107 people since it launched in 2023. Now, the city council has been awarded £586,601 of government money to extend the scheme through to March 2029. SHAP is designed to help people with complex needs find a safe place to live and get their lives back on track through secure accommodation and specialist, one-to-one support. It focuses on long term outcomes rather than short term fixes, with residents being supported to sustain their accommodation, build confidence and develop practical life skills. It has had a clear positive impact, with a number of people using the service being helped to move on into regular housing with less intensive support. The extension of the programme aligns with the city council’s wider homelessness strategy, which prioritises prevention, stability and early support over costly crisis responses, such as emergency hotel placements. Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “The work the SHAP scheme has already achieved in helping vulnerable people in our city is so important, which is why I am pleased it will continue to support rough sleepers and their complex needs until March 2029. > “Evidence shows that supported accommodation delivers better outcomes for individuals and the long term approach SHAP has championed reduces the likelihood of people returning to rough sleeping, while easing pressure on temporary housing and other frontline support. > “It has changed people’s lives for the better and has become an integral part of homelessness prevention in Stoke-on-Trent as we continue to work to reduce health inequalities and create a healthier standard of living for all.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Weston Park brings its stories on the shelves to life URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/weston-park-brings-its-stories-on-the-shelves-to-life/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T14:51:11.000Z Behind the Secret Door – Stories from the Shelves will give visitors to the stately home on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border the chance to explore tales from a different corner of the library throughout the year. Vikki Duncan, Head of Collections & Engagement at Weston Park, said: > “Stories from the Shelves is an invitation to visitors to spend a couple of hours delving into the history of Weston Park’s library of more than 3,000 fantastic books, ranging from travel to nature, history to architecture. > “These are books collected over many, many years, brimming with stories and offering an insight into the lifestyle and attitudes of the families who lived at Weston Park – their interests and hobbies. > “With Weston Park Foundation celebrating it 40th anniversary, we couldn’t think of a better time to be showcasing the history and tales of the estate.” The open library events follow a year-long project undertaken by the estate’s volunteers, who have been digitally cataloguing the library books as part of a national initiative to share access to private and unique library collections. The JISC Library Hub project allows users worldwide to search and access library catalogues that might otherwise be hidden in small collections. ### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone! [ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Vikki added: > “Our team of volunteers here at Weston are the link between the estate > and its visitors, enthusiastically sharing their passion and knowledge. > “During this project they’ve had the opportunity to get their hands on the library’s stunning and varied collection of books, talk about which ones are their favourite and discover more about the stories behind the thousands of titles that line the shelves and their new found knowledge will form the basis of our events.” Behind the Secret Door – Stories from the Shelves will be held throughout the year, each session with a different focus: from books that reflect the attitudes and humour of their time, to those that explore buildings and architecture across the years. Sessions run from 10am until noon and are led by one of the estate’s knowledgeable volunteers. The price is just £15 per person. For more details about each session, and how to book, visit [weston-park.com](https://weston-park.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Uttoxeter Lions Urge Over 50s to Sign Up for Free Prostate Cancer Test URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/uttoxeter-lions-urge-over-50s-to-sign-up-for-free-prostate-cancer-test/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T11:16:18.000Z The Rocester-based company, which also has three factories in Uttoxeter, donated £750 towards the charity’s annual testing event on Thursday June 4th at Oldfields Sports and Social Club. This is the 13th time Uttoxeter Lions has put on the free testing event which over the years has seen thousands of local men take up the potentially life-saving opportunity. This year there are 600 free testing slots available. The event kickstarts a weekend of fundraising celebrations on June 5th and 6th at the Party on the Pitch and Uttoxeter Beer and Cider Festival, with all proceeds going towards the £15,000 costs of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing campaign. Uttoxeter Lions’ Vice President, Terry Adams, said: > “The test is just a simple blood test that is sent off for analysis by our partner the Graham Fulford Trust. Results are presented in a traffic light format. If it comes back green that’s fine, amber is ‘be careful and consult your GP if you have any unexplained symptoms’, and red is ‘go and see your doctor for further testing’. > “When I got a red result, my GP gave me a second test for confirmation, before referring me to hospital for further testing. Fortunately, my cancer is not very aggressive, so I am currently under active surveillance with my Urology consultant. I would urge everyone over 50 to take the test, because in the early stages you may have no symptoms of prostate cancer. Each year five per cent of the men we test need further tests or treatment. Some men with aggressive cancers run risk of dying if they are not treated. > “There is no government screening programme for prostate cancer and we believe that men, irrespective of their financial standing, should have access to this service. We are proud that over the years we have helped many men, who would otherwise have needed extensive treatment, major surgery, or could have died, had they not attended our event.” Any men who are over the age of 50 from Uttoxeter and the surrounding area can book an appointment by visiting [http://ulc.mypsatests.org.uk/](http://ulc.mypsatests.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) . Tests are available, between 6pm and 9-30pm on Thursday June 4th, at Oldfields Sports and Social Club, Springfield Road. **Attendance is by appointment only.** Photo: JCB Communications Director John Kavanagh (pictured centre) welcomes Uttoxeter Lions Vice President Terry Adams (left) and Lions Club Vice District Governor John Fitchett to JCB World Headquarters to officially receive funding for the prostate cancer screening programme. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire businesses turn out in force for first ever conference URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-businesses-turn-out-in-force-for-first-ever-conference/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T11:11:26.000Z Held at The Octagon Centre in Stafford, the sell-out event gave delegates the opportunity to discover the variety of tailored support available from a single source and build valuable connections across the local business community. Guests heard from the leader of Staffordshire County Council, Martin Murray, Karen Woolley from the Federation of Small Businesses, Kerry Haughton from HSBC and Chelsea Spencer, Chartered Marketer and Founder of Big Reputation based in Uttoxeter. Martin Murray said: > “The first ever Staffordshire Business Support Conference provided us with an opportunity to showcase everything the county council has to offer, including our support structures where SMEs can access training, opportunities and connections. > “Businesses were able to gain practical insight from experts and create networks and relationships that can help them to thrive. Our comprehensive package of small business support demonstrates delivery in one of our priority areas in backing enterprise and innovation across our county.” Representatives from the Council’s specialist business services showcased the wide range of start-up and business support available, giving delegates the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success. Conference delegate Misbah Gulzar, Founder and Director of Equitas Consultancy Services, said: > “This kind of environment is so important and useful, not just to push your business forward, but for you as an individual to build your confidence, your self-esteem and build upon your business.” Break out room workshops provided delegates with the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success, with sessions led by KMC Legal, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Supporting Care Leavers into Employment and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub. Mike Thompson, of Blu Sky Technical Services, a start-up based in Uttoxeter, said: > “Events like this give access to opportunities and funding as well as networking. Having a conversation with someone on your table, or the next table, could just help you get over that line for a problem you may have. It may be a connection with an investor or a connection with a customer. > “It’s also nice to hear from the leader about the help that’s available to businesses. > “What Staffordshire County Council is providing for businesses and the business support is absolutely fantastic.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SBSC-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SBSC-2.jpg) Staffordshire County Council’s inaugural Business Support Conference #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### M Club’s £1 Million Investment Will Help Boost Tourism URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/m-clubs-1-million-investment-will-help-boost-tourism/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T10:58:31.000Z In its latest announcement, M Club has confirmed it is now an official HYROX affiliate, marking a significant step forward in the club’s expansion strategy. The Festival Park-based facility is set to double the size of its fitness floor to create a dedicated HYROX Centre, with work started this month ahead of an official opening in July. The new HYROX training space will span 6,000 square feet. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/New-fitness-centre.jpg) New fitness centre Launched in Germany in 2017, HYROX has rapidly grown into a global fitness phenomenon, combining endurance running with functional strength workouts. The competition now hosts events in more than 30 cities across Europe, North America and Asia, attracting more than 1.5M participants in their 2025/26 season. M Club’s affiliation with HYROX will bring the format directly into its day-to-day training environment, giving both members and visitors access to structured workouts that replicate official competition standards. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Shanie-Chaudry-Goodall.jpg) Shanie-Chaudry-Goodall M Club Company Director Shanie Chaudry-Goodall said: > “Aligning with HYROX is a hugely exciting step for us. It’s a prestigious global brand that is growing rapidly and we are proud to become part of that journey. We introduced Les Mills into our membership offering last year and, within the past few weeks, both HYROX and Les Mills announced their global partnership. > Bringing HYROX’s performance-driven training together with Les Mills’ world-class group fitness programmes allows us to create a truly unique training experience for both our members and visitors. > We’ve invested heavily in training our team to deliver official HYROX sessions, ensuring members receive a consistent, high-quality experience that genuinely prepares them for competition. > For our members, this means access to specialist HYROX training and early-bird competition tickets ahead of the general public. But it also represents a major opportunity for the business and the wider city. We expect to attract visitors from outside the region who are specifically looking for HYROX training facilities, helping strengthen both the local community and the city’s profile.” Speaking about the wider impact on tourism in Staffordshire, Arthur Barnard. Chair of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership said: > “Investments such as M Club’s £1 million expansion demonstrate the confidence businesses have in Staffordshire as a place to grow and innovate. Through the Staffordshire Investment Agency and in partnership with the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, we are all keen to support investment that helps existing businesses scale while also attracting new companies looking to locate in the county. He added: > “Developments like this strengthen Staffordshire’s £2.7 billion visitor economy, diversify our offer, and reinforce our reputation as a destination that supports business growth, attracts visitors and delivers long‑term benefits for our communities. A huge congratulations to the team at M Club!” Shanie explained: > “This is just the beginning for us. We have ambitious plans to continue building on this partnership, expand our HYROX offering and further develop a facility that supports both participation and performance at every level.” For more information about M Club please go to: [https://mclubspaandfitness.co.uk/](https://mclubspaandfitness.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent pledges support for dementia awareness in city URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-lord-mayor-of-stoke-on-trent-pledges-support-for-dementia-awareness-in-city/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T10:38:00.000Z Councillor Joan Bell has officially been appointed as the new Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent. Councillor Bell was selected as the city’s latest Lord Mayor during the annual council meeting on Thursday 21 May. She was first elected to the city council almost 40 years ago and has represented several wards across the city. She currently serves as ward councillor for Sandford Hill. Before becoming a councillor, Councillor Bell worked in schools supporting early years children and people with special educational needs. She later joined Stoke on Trent College as an outreach development officer, helping establish courses and activities within local communities, particularly for groups that were often harder to reach. She also served for several years as a Non-Executive Director of the Stoke South Primary Care Trust. During her year in office she will focus on raising awareness of dementia and supporting those affected by the condition across Stoke-on-Trent. Instead of focusing on a small number of individual charities, she aims to raise awareness of dementia and support several related charities through a citywide campaign. The new Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Joan Bell, said: > “As Lord Mayor and First Citizen of this wonderful city, I feel deeply privileged to have been given the opportunity to serve the city I love. > “During my year of office, I have chosen Dementia, Stoke-on-Trent – raising money for dementia causes across the city - as the Lord Mayor’s Charity. > “So many people and their families living in our city are affected by this cruel condition. We need to create places in every ward in our city where these people can be helped and supported.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Keele opens new insectary to advance malaria and pest control research URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-opens-new-insectary-to-advance-malaria-and-pest-control-research/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T10:16:16.000Z The University has officially opened a state-of-the-art insectary - one of the largest and most advanced of its kind at any UK university - giving researchers the unprecedented ability to study, manipulate and control insect species that have a profound impact on global health and agriculture. The facility features seven independent, walk-in, climate-controlled chambers capable of housing multiple insect pest species. These include major tropical disease vectors - such as Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles gambiae, the primary mosquito responsible for spreading malaria in sub-Saharan Africa - as well as agricultural pests that significantly impact farming productivity, including locusts, aphids and fruit flies. Dr Tim Harvey-Samuel, lecturer in arthropod genetics and lead for the insectary, said the new facility would cement Keele’s position as one of the leading centres for entomological research excellence in the UK. > “The new insectary is really a world-class facility for this kind of research. It is one of the largest and newest insectaries of its type at a UK university,” he said. > “What distinguishes the insectary is its scale, flexibility and state-of-the-art design, enabling the safe housing of multiple insect species, each maintained under carefully controlled and highly specific climatic conditions. > “It provides us with the tools to undertake cutting-edge research into how > insects transmit disease and intervene effectively, while also improving food security by reducing crop losses. Crucially, it supports the development of more sustainable solutions, helping to reduce reliance on chemical insecticides.” The facility has been developed with the help of a £623,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation, an independent, grant-making charity with a focus on education and research. Its aim is to contribute to civil society by supporting high-quality projects in science, health, heritage, humanities and the arts. Combined with specialised equipment for insect genetic modification and Keele’s existing Containment Level 3 (CL3) pathogen vector-infection suite, the facility offers a rare and powerful integrated capability. Researchers can house, modify and infect pest insects within a single, secure environment, allowing detailed investigation of pathogen-host interactions under precise and reproducible conditions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/IMG_4773.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/IMG_4778.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/IMG_4791.jpg) Keele opens new insectary to advance malaria and pest control research Dr Harvey-Samuel added: > “This unique combination of infrastructure positions Keele at the > forefront of insect and pathogen research, enabling scientists to address complex questions and pursue lines of inquiry that are currently beyond the reach of most UK institutions.” A central focus of the work in the insectary will be tackling malaria, which remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five in parts of Africa. Scientists at Keele will investigate ways to genetically modify mosquitoes so they are less capable of transmitting the disease. Beyond global health, the research has wide-ranging implications for agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By improving methods to control pest species without heavy chemical use, the work could help protect crops while reducing environmental impact. The new facility has been named after Edith Patch, a pioneering American entomologist known as a world-renowned expert on aphids, the first female president of the Entomological Society of America, and a trailblazer for women in science. Paul Ramsbottom OBE, chief executive at the Wolfson Foundation, said: > “From our founding in the 1950s, the Wolfson Foundation has believed in the importance of investing in capital infrastructure to unleash the full potential of research and education, and we are delighted to be supporting the university with facilities whose impact will be felt not just in the UK but worldwide. > “Insect-transmitted diseases present a wide and growing range of threats – to human health, to livestock and to crops – often with particularly devastating effects in the Global South. Research in Keele’s School of Life Sciences is addressing urgent topics such as plant-insect interaction, sustainable pest management and transmission of malaria, all of it reliant on cutting-edge insectary facilities and environmentally controlled laboratories. > “It is a huge pleasure to see the new Edith Patch Insectary being formally launched, and we look forward to hearing more about the important work it will enable in the years to come.” The facility will also play a key role in training the next generation of scientists. PhD and Master’s students will gain hands-on experience conducting research in a state-of-the- art environment, working alongside experts in entomology and disease biology. Emily Chesters, a PhD Student at the Centre for Applied Entomology and Parasitology at Keele, said: > “Students like me are going to benefit enormously by conducting real-life > research in one of the most cutting-edge facilities of its kind in the UK, alongside researchers actively engaged in scientific practice.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### City’s record-breaking tea party brought to life in new exhibition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/citys-record-breaking-tea-party-brought-to-life-in-new-exhibition/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T09:54:52.000Z The immersive, multi-zone exhibition will take place at Stoke Minster and combine visuals, sound, storytelling and interaction. It comes as the city gears up to celebrate the second Stoke-on-Trent Day – an annual celebration held on 5 June, the day city status was granted by King George V. The exhibition will use photography, film, sound and interactive displays to revisit one of the standout moments of the city’s Centenary year celebrations. Visitors will be able to explore animated images, hear stories from people involved and step inside recreated tea party scenes celebrating the event that brought thousands of people together across the city and beyond. More than 15,000 people across 169 locations took part in The Big Centenary Tea Party in 2025, helping Stoke-on-Trent break the Guinness World Record for the largest cream tea party held across multiple venues. Across Stoke-on-Trent, Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords, people came together to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday. The exhibition has been created by YMCA North Staffordshire, Stoke Minster, Carse and Waterman and Pete Herbert of PH Productions. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/515500376_1052983977017877_6923520502497836588_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/516707225_1052983907017884_7785718801701251993_n.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/515936015_1052983927017882_2923194692183960563_n.jpg) Nichola Twemlow, CEO of YMCA North Staffordshire, said: > “Last year showed the very best of Stoke-on-Trent. More than 15,000 people stopped, connected, shared a cuppa, and became part of something bigger than themselves. > “This achievement was never just about breaking a world record - it was about celebrating community, kindness, belonging, and the incredible spirit of our city. > “As we launch Stoke Day, we hope people once again take a moment to pause, connect with others, and celebrate what makes Stoke so special.” Dan Waterman at Carse and Waterman, said: > “Stoke-on-Trent has an incredible story, but even the biggest milestones need an engaging narrative to sustain their legacy. > “The Big Centenary Tea Party in Pictures celebrates a monumental achievement that saw 15,000 people across 169 locations unite to break a Guinness World Record. > “Carse & Waterman is thrilled to bring a fresh digital perspective to this retrospective, using immersive storytelling and creative design to ensure the impact of the Centenary continues to inspire.” Simon Drakeford, of Stoke Minster, said: > “The Minster is excited to host this celebration of community and of our great city Stoke-on-Trent. > “The images from our city-wide centenary tea party, remind us of how great we are all together and what brilliant World Record Breakers we all are. We very much look forward to welcoming you to Stoke Minster.” Outgoing Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: > “The Big Centenary Tea Party was one of the standout moments of our Centenary year. > “From Stoke-on-Trent to Erlangen in Germany and even the House of Lords, people across the world joined in to mark our 100th birthday and we even broke a world record along the way. > “It was a reminder of our city’s motto, Vis Unita Fortior – united strength is stronger. As we prepare to celebrate the second Stoke-on-Trent Day, it’s a great moment to look back on last year’s celebrations and to get together with friends, family and colleagues over a brew once again on 5 June to celebrate our city and all things Stoke-on-Trent.” The exhibition forms part of this year’s Stoke-on-Trent Day celebrations on 5 June. Following the success of last year’s Big Centenary Tea Party, people are once again being encouraged to come together with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent. Communities across the city are being encouraged to organise their own tea parties and share photographs on social media using #SOTDay and #BigStokeonTrentTeaParty #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### JCB Pledges Support as Cheadle Doubles Up on Summer Fun Events URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jcb-pledges-support-as-cheadle-doubles-up-on-summer-fun-events/ Last updated: 2026-05-26T09:07:58.000Z IT’S CELEBRATION time for two high-profile Cheadle summer entertainment events after the town’s biggest employer pledged its support. Digger giant JCB which has two factories at the Harewood Estate, Leek Road, Cheadle donated £1,500 each to Cheadle Carnival, which kicks off in early July, and the town’s Party in the Park event which takes place in early August. Handing over the cheques, JCB Compact Products Operations Manager Jamie Barker said: > “Cheadle is home to two important JCB manufacturing sites – our Compact Products and Earthmovers factories – and many of our employees are local families, so we are delighted to give back to the community that supports us so well. These events are the lifeblood of the community and I am sure they will both be a great success.” Cheadle Carnival will take place from Friday July 10th to Sunday, July 12th at Tean Road Recreation Ground and will feature a "*Rave on the Rec*" on Friday, a parade and live music on Saturday, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend. Carnival Committee spokesperson Hayley Beresford said: > “After being cancelled in 2025 owing to lack of funds, we are delighted to be back with a brilliant line-up of entertainment for the whole town to enjoy. As a volunteer committee we rely on fundraising and sponsorship from local businesses to make the carnival happen and we are grateful to JCB for their continued support.” Cheadle’s family fun day ‘*Party in the Park*’ will be on Sunday August 9th at Tean Road Recreation Ground and will feature a main arena act, live music, free entertainment for children, food and drink outlets and charity stalls. Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Party in the Park, Town Mayor Cllr. Kate Mills said: > "Cheadle Town Council’s annual Party in the Park has become a firm favourite with the local community and the continued support of JCB and other local businesses means it can remain a free event for families to enjoy." To find out more about Cheadle Carnival visit [www.facebook.com/cheadlecarnival](https://www.facebook.com/cheadlecarnival) and for more information about Cheadle Party in the Park visit [https://cheadletowncouncil.org.uk/](https://cheadletowncouncil.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **Picture caption:** Pictured at JCB Compact Products, Cheadle are (left to right): Cheadle Party in the Park organiser Cllr. Paulette Upton, JCB Compact Products General Manager Jamie Barker, Mayor of Cheadle Cllr. Kate Mills, Operations Manager Greg Leese, Cheadle Carnival organiser Hayley Beresford and Materials Manager William Watson. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Lymelight Festival Brings Music, Creativity and Summer Atmosphere to Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lymelight-festival-brings-music-creativity-and-summer-atmosphere-to-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T16:14:36.000Z The sun blazed over Newcastle-under-Lyme across the Bank Holiday weekend as thousands of people headed into town for this year’s Lymelight Festival, with soaring temperatures doing little to slow down the crowds or dampen the atmosphere. Even the beer struggled in the heat at times, but the mood across the town centre remained upbeat, energetic and full of laughter as festivalgoers packed out the streets, stages and venues for two days of live music, creativity and community spirit. Now in its 13th year, the free festival once again transformed Newcastle town centre into a celebration of grassroots music and culture, with more than 60 acts performing across the Guildhall Stage, Ironmarket Stage and 6 Towns Radio Acoustic Stage, alongside fringe events in venues including The Rigger, Artisan Tap and The Crossways. We visited on the Saturday and the atmosphere throughout the town was fantastic. All three stages pulled in strong crowds throughout the day, with people moving between live music, markets, workshops and local businesses enjoying the sunshine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004698.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004696.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004699.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004695.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004702.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004694.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004700.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004703.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004692.jpg) Lymelight Festival 2026 - Newcastle Under Lyme Alongside the performances, Newcastle’s high street remained busy with independent shops open across the weekend, while artisan market stalls lined the town centre, adding to the festival feel. One of the standout additions away from the music was the free Album Art workshop with Ian Mood at the Lancaster Building, delivered in partnership with ArtsKeele. The relaxed and creative session gave visitors the chance to design their own artwork and proved hugely popular throughout the afternoon. We also spent time exploring the Drop City Books pop-up shop and Lit at Lymelight activities, which brought an extra cultural element to the weekend with books, workshops and family-friendly events woven into the programme. Across the town, there was a real sense of people simply enjoying being out together. Friends gathered outside venues, families filled the streets and music echoed through the centre from midday into the evening. Lymelight Festival has become one of the highlights of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s cultural calendar, not just for the music, but for the way it brings life into the town centre and supports local venues, creatives, businesses and independent traders. With another successful year complete, the festival once again showed the value of free, accessible events in bringing communities together and creating a reason for people to spend time in the heart of the town. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004697.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004701-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004690.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004693.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004689.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004691.jpg) Lymelight Festival 2026 - Newcastle Under Lyme #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Overclockers UK Car Meet Draws Car Enthusiatst to Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/overclockers-uk-car-meet-draws-car-enthusiatst-to-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-05-25T15:47:56.000Z Held at the Overclockers UK headquarters in Etruria, the front of the building was filled with an impressive mix of vehicles throughout the day, ranging from classic American cruisers and vintage motors to modern sports cars, supercars and heavily modified performance vehicles. Visitors spent the day exploring rows of cars, chatting with owners and enjoying the atmosphere, with everything from Corvettes and McLarens to Japanese imports and retro classics drawing attention from crowds. Inside the building, attendees were able to experience the latest PC and sim racing technology, with the racing simulators proving especially popular across the day. The hot laps challenge attracted a steady queue of competitive visitors all keen to put their virtual driving skills to the test. So… did you manage to set a fast lap? And more importantly, how did you do? ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004687.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004684.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004674.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004682.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004676.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004680.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004672.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004683.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004675.jpg) Overclockers UK Car Meet 2026 Stoke On Trent Alongside the gaming experiences, guests could browse exclusive tech deals and offers on PCs, components and peripherals, while food vendors outside helped keep visitors fuelled throughout the event. The meet once again highlighted the strong crossover between car culture and gaming communities, something Overclockers UK has built a reputation around over the years. The combination of enthusiast vehicles, technology and community atmosphere created a busy but welcoming event that drew people from across Staffordshire and beyond. With strong attendance, packed displays and plenty of conversation around both cars and tech, the 2026 event proved once again why the Overclockers UK Car Meet has become one of the region’s most anticipated enthusiast gatherings. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004678.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004681.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004686.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004688.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004677.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004679.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004673.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000004685-2.jpg) Overclockers UK Car Meet 2026 Stoke On Trent #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Opinion: Stoke-on-Trent’s Pottery Industry Has Been Given a Lifeline, But What Happens Next Matters Most URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/opinion-stoke-on-trents-pottery-industry-has-been-given-a-lifeline-but-what-happens-next-matters-most/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T18:52:47.000Z There is something quite surreal about standing inside a Victorian pottery factory, watching people hand-finish ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent in 2026 while discussing government policy, energy prices and the future of British manufacturing with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. That was my Friday. I visited Emma Bridgewater to tour the factory and interview Business Secretary Peter Kyle following the announcement of a £120 million government support package for the UK ceramics industry. For people outside Stoke-on-Trent, £120 million probably sounds like just another government figure attached to another political announcement. Here, it feels deeply personal. Because ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent has never simply been an industry. It is identity, heritage, family history and, for thousands of local people, the reason generations of families have been able to build lives here. It is part of the rhythm of the city itself. Also joining the visit was Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell, who, alongside pottery firms, unions and industry leaders, has spent years pushing for greater recognition and support for the ceramics sector in Westminster. And for the first time in a long time, it genuinely feels as though Westminster might finally be listening. ![Business Secretary Peter Kyle takes a tour of the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/11-DSC04204.jpg) Business Secretary Peter Kyle takes a tour of the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent ## What Is The £120 Million Ceramic Support Package? The government’s newly announced support package includes £60 million of capital investment funding to help ceramics manufacturers modernise equipment and improve energy efficiency, alongside a further £60 million to help businesses manage operational costs. The funding comes after years of lobbying from pottery firms, MPs, unions and industry leaders, all warning that soaring energy prices, overseas competition and rising production costs were placing enormous pressure on the sector. This is not theoretical. The industry has already lost businesses. Factories have closed, jobs have disappeared and some iconic names have struggled to survive. At the heart of many of those problems has been energy. Ceramics production relies heavily on gas-fired kilns, with one report commissioned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council stating that gas accounts for around 90% of the sector’s energy consumption. That is why this funding matters so much. Not just to the household names people recognise on shelves, but to the decorators, mould makers, kiln workers, warehouse teams, designers, packers, suppliers and independent makers who form part of the wider ecosystem of ceramics across Staffordshire. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/4-DSC04258.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/2-DSC04275.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/3-DSC04268-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1-DSC04290.jpg) Business Secretary Peter Kyle tried his hand at decorating a cup as he takes a tour of the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent ## Walking Around Emma Bridgewater What struck me most during the visit was how alive the factory felt. There is often this misconception outside Stoke-on-Trent that pottery is something historical, almost frozen in time, a relic of Britain’s industrial past that people occasionally visit on school trips or see represented by bottle ovens on postcards. But walking around the Emma Bridgewater factory reminds you immediately that this is still a living, breathing industry. There were people laughing across workbenches, chatting while carefully decorating ceramics by hand, moving with the kind of speed and confidence that only comes from years of skill and repetition. There was warmth, humour and pride in the building, but also real craftsmanship. When I asked Peter Kyle whether he had ever visited a Victorian pottery factory before, he admitted he had not. But what struck me was how quickly he seemed to understand the atmosphere of the place and the importance of preserving not just the buildings, but the life inside them. > “It feels like you're walking into a friendly family business,” he told me. “The combination of it being a historic building and having vibrant life inside is exactly what I see represented here in this business, but also the ceramics industry in general.” He also spoke about the balancing act ceramics companies now face, preserving heritage while surviving in a modern global economy. > “The challenge is how you take a traditional business, a heritage business, and then set it in the modern times that we're living in,” he said. “Facing the future, finding a market, staying true to the values of that heritage in the way that you produce, but also doing it in a way that can compete in the modern world.” That probably sums up Stoke-on-Trent perfectly. This city is not asking to be preserved in amber. It is not asking people to buy ceramics out of sympathy or nostalgia. What it wants is the opportunity to compete fairly while protecting the skills and craftsmanship that make the industry unique in the first place. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/21-DSC04128.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/19-DSC04139.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20-DSC04138.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/18-DSC04140.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/14-DSC04172.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/12-DSC04181.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/13-DSC04180.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/9-DSC04217.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/7-DSC04219.jpg) The Emma Bridgewater factory, Stoke-on-Trent ## Why This Fund Feels Different One thing Peter Kyle repeatedly stressed during the interview was that this package had been deliberately designed specifically around ceramics, rather than trying to squeeze the industry into broader manufacturing support schemes that do not really reflect the realities of pottery production. > “People have constantly been asking me, will I do this scheme or that scheme, but nothing quite fitted ceramics,” he explained. “So creating a scheme that has £60 million for investment in transformation and then £60 million to help with revenue costs through that period gives so much flexibility.” That flexibility matters because ceramics in Staffordshire is incredibly diverse. You have small independent makers hand-throwing pottery in studios, large-scale tableware manufacturers exporting around the world, and advanced ceramics companies producing specialist materials for aerospace, defence and engineering sectors. Each faces different challenges, and modernisation will not look the same for all of them. ![Business Secretary Peter Kyle takes a tour of the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/15-DSC04164.jpg) Business Secretary Peter Kyle takes a tour of the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke-on-Trent ## The Energy Challenge Is Still Huge One of the biggest issues facing the industry remains energy. During the interview, I asked Peter Kyle about concerns surrounding the shift towards electric kilns and whether there would be future funding for research and development, particularly for businesses requiring temperatures that current electric technology still cannot achieve. His answer again focused heavily on flexibility and allowing businesses themselves to determine what modernisation means for them. > “Modernisation doesn't mean the same thing in every company,” he explained. “Modernisation in some companies might be the way it's marketed, it might be the way that it adapts products, the way that it trains its workforce.” He also made it clear that he did not want government imposing solutions from London onto Stoke-on-Trent businesses. > “I'm not coming in from London to tell businesses how to do it,” he said. And honestly, that is probably the right approach. The ceramics industry is incredibly specialised, and many of the people working inside these factories know far more about the technical realities of production than politicians ever could. Some businesses may invest in greener kilns, others in machinery, exports, training or digital systems. What matters is that many firms now have the opportunity to invest in their future rather than simply trying to survive month to month. ![The Emma Bridgewater factory, Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/16-DSC04163-1.jpg) The Emma Bridgewater factory, Stoke-on-Trent ## More Than Manufacturing One moment during the interview genuinely stayed with me afterwards. Peter Kyle spoke openly about not wanting to see Stoke-on-Trent experience the kind of industrial decline that scarred communities elsewhere in Britain during previous decades. > “The idea that on my watch, a sector could disappear and leave a scarring for a community that Thatcher left in parts of the Northeast and East and West Midlands… I wouldn't get to sleep.” Whatever people’s politics, I think most people in Stoke-on-Trent understand exactly what he meant. This city knows what industrial decline looks like. It knows what happens when factories close, when skilled jobs disappear and when industries that communities were built around slowly vanish. That is why pottery still matters so much here. Not because people are trapped in the past, but because they understand the cost of losing industries that hold communities together. Peter Kyle also spoke about the connection between businesses, families and communities in Stoke-on-Trent, and I actually think this was the moment where he seemed to truly understand the city itself. > “When people go home in the evening, their families depend on these jobs as well,” he said. “When families are confident, then communities are as well.” And he is right. Pottery jobs in Stoke-on-Trent have never only been jobs. They support families, streets, local shops, schools and entire communities. ![The Emma Bridgewater factory, Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/DSC04292.jpg) The Emma Bridgewater factory, Stoke-on-Trent ## Storytelling Might Be One Of The Industry’s Greatest Strengths What really stayed with me at the end of the day, though, was something much simpler. At the end of the interview, I asked Peter Kyle whether seeing the craftsmanship and skill inside the factory would make him more likely to buy Stoke-on-Trent ceramics in future. His response was immediate. > “There's no question,” he said. I then asked whether storytelling and showing people what actually happens inside these factories is part of getting the public to support British ceramics. Again, his answer came instantly. > “There's no question,” he said. “It does make you want to become an evangelist for this and businesses like it.” And honestly, I think that is incredibly important. Because most people never get to see what goes into making the things they buy. They do not see the person carefully hand-painting a mug. They do not see the generations of experience standing behind every process. They do not see the workers who have spent decades mastering techniques that cannot simply be automated or replaced overnight. Peter Kyle spoke about meeting one worker who was the third generation of his family to work in that very building, and about seeing the camaraderie, humour and pride among staff. He said: > “It'll be hard to conceive of ever buying anything else.” And I completely understood what he meant. Because once you actually walk around a pottery factory and witness the skill, care and humanity behind the products, ceramics stops being just another item on a shelf. You begin to understand that when you buy something made in Stoke-on-Trent, you are not simply buying a mug or a plate. You are buying into generations of craftsmanship, protecting specialist skills and supporting communities that have spent centuries shaping this city’s identity. That is why storytelling matters. Not as marketing spin, but because people connect with people. And perhaps that is something Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry has always had in abundance. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Woolcool recognised again as one of UK’s Best Places to Work URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/woolcool-recognised-again-as-one-of-uks-best-places-to-work/ Last updated: 2026-05-22T08:09:31.000Z Stone based sustainable packaging pioneer Woolcool® is celebrating another national recognition after being named one of the UK’s Best Places to Work 2026 by The Sunday Times. The award, run in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, marks the second consecutive year the Staffordshire business has earned a place on the prestigious list. For Woolcool®, the recognition is more than a workplace accolade. It reflects the people first culture behind a company that has grown into a globally recognised leader in sustainable temperature controlled packaging, while also becoming the first packaging company of its kind to achieve B Corp certification. The latest announcement comes during a milestone year for the business, which celebrates its 25th birthday in 2026\. It also follows Woolcool® being awarded a King’s Award for International Trade earlier this year, adding to previous recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2018 and the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2022. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work survey, powered by WorkL, assesses organisations through employee engagement feedback across six areas: Reward & Recognition, Instilling Pride, Information Sharing, Empowerment, Wellbeing and Job Satisfaction. ![Vicki Tomlinson - Executive Business Manager](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Vicki-Tomlinson---Executive-Business-Manager.jpg) Vicki Tomlinson - Executive Business Manager Woolcool® has continued to invest in its team through training and development opportunities including NVQs, Health & Safety training, FLT certifications and degree programmes. The company also supports wider personal development through Mental Health awareness, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and Carbon Literacy training. Alongside this, employees benefit from initiatives designed to support wellbeing and work life balance, including flexible working, birthday holidays, additional holiday schemes, a cycle to work programme, team events and the Woolcool® rewards initiative. Josie Morris, CEO of Woolcool®, said: > “Being recognised as one of the UK’s Best Places to Work for a second consecutive year is an incredibly proud moment for all of us at Woolcool®. It is a reflection of the culture our team has built together: supportive, innovative and driven by purpose. > > “Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are constantly striving to create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to grow, both personally and professionally. This recognition reinforces just how important our team is to everything we achieve.” > > “As Woolcool® continues to grow across the UK and international markets, our commitment remains the same: to lead with purpose, support our people and continue building a workplace where everyone can thrive.” For a Staffordshire company to receive this recognition for a second year running is a significant achievement, and one that underlines Woolcool®’s wider approach to business. Alongside its work in sustainable packaging for the food and pharmaceutical sectors, the company is continuing to show how purpose, innovation and people can sit at the heart of growth. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Etruria Canals Festival returns on 30th to 31st May 2026 with boats, heritage and a celebration of Stoke-on-Trent’s waterways URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/etruria-canals-festival-returns-on-30th-to-31st-may-2026-with-boats-heritage-and-a-celebration-of-stoke-on-trents-waterways/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T16:50:15.000Z Returning on 30th to 31st May 2026, the long running free festival will bring colour, music, heritage and community spirit back to Etruria for a packed two day celebration. First launched in the early 1990s, the festival has become a firm favourite in Staffordshire’s events calendar and continues to celebrate the rich canal heritage that helped shape Stoke-on-Trent. This year's theme is *World of Gardens*, taking inspiration from the 40th anniversary of the 1986 National Garden Festival, the landmark event that transformed large parts of the local area and helped redefine perceptions of Etruria and Festival Park. Visitors can expect a lively mix of attractions across the weekend. Historic narrowboats will gather along the canal, joined by heritage demonstrations, family activities, storytelling, performances, live music, craft stalls, street food and a beer tent. The Etruria Industrial Museum will once again come alive, with the mill running in steam and adding another layer of atmosphere to the historic setting. The festival is also expected to create a visually striking scene along the waterways through narrowboats dressed with banners supporting the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign, alongside historic vessels and all the spectacle that has become synonymous with the event. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085735.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085733.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085732.jpeg) Photos from previous Etruria Canals Festivals Standing opposite the museum is the statue of James Brindley, overlooking the waterways he helped create. The canals transformed the Potteries, allowing goods and materials to move more efficiently and helping drive the rapid industrial growth that shaped the city and the wider Industrial Revolution. ![Statue of James Brindley, overlooking the waterways he helped create.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085737.jpeg) Statue of James Brindley, overlooking the waterways he helped create. Today, those same waterways have found a different purpose. While boats still travel through them, they have increasingly become places for walking, cycling, running, wildlife and everyday moments of quiet escape. For many communities, canals are no longer just historic infrastructure. They are part of daily life. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085734.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085731.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085736.jpeg) Photos from previous years This year’s festival also arrives with a wider message. The Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign has been raising awareness of growing concerns around the future of the nation’s canal and river network. Campaigners argue that waterways face increasing pressures from ageing infrastructure, environmental challenges and funding concerns. The message behind the campaign is that canals are far more than routes for boats. They support local economies, create spaces for leisure and wellbeing, provide habitats for wildlife and preserve an important part of Britain's industrial story. As thousands prepare to visit Etruria at the end of May, the festival feels like a reminder of what these waterways continue to mean to the city. Not simply relics of the past, but living spaces that still bring people together. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### British Wheelchair Basketball announces new Official Wheelchair Partner URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/british-wheelchair-basketball-announces-new-official-wheelchair-partner/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T14:21:15.000Z As part of the partnership, RGK will work alongside BWB to deliver technical expertise, repair services and specialist performance wheelchair knowledge across programmes and key events, helping athletes perform at their best. The collaboration will focus on strengthening participation and performance across the sport, supporting players from grassroots participation through to elite competition. By combining RGK’s innovation in sports wheelchair design with BWB’s national reach, the partnership aims to enhance how players access and experience high-performance equipment. RGK will provide technical support and specialist wheelchair expertise at selected training camps and events, helping athletes optimise setup, maintenance and on-court performance. The partnership will also see RGK support selected competitions and events throughout the season, offering on-site expertise and engaging directly with athletes and clubs to support ongoing development across wheelchair basketball. [The National Championships Finals](https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/national-championship-finals-2026-tickets-available-now/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), which took place on 16-17 May at Derby Arena, marked the first major milestone in the partnership. RGK was present across the weekend, supporting one of the biggest fixtures as athletes, clubs and fans came together from across the UK. Mike Prosser, Commercial Manager at RGK, commented: > “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with British Wheelchair Basketball and to be working alongside such a passionate and ambitious community. > “As a wheelchair manufacturer focused on performance and innovation, we understand how important the right equipment and technical support can be to an athlete’s confidence, comfort and performance on court. > “Sport has the power to build confidence, independence and community, and we’re excited to work more closely with athletes, clubs and the wider BWB network to continue supporting the growth of wheelchair basketball at every level. > “Being present at major events like the National Championships Finals also gives us a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with players and contribute to the sport in meaningful ways. We’re looking forward to what we can achieve together through this partnership.” Justine Baynes, CEO at British Wheelchair Basketball, said: > “We are very excited to be strengthening our partnership with RGK. Working together we can drive performance and provide technical support and promotional offers to our members.” The partnership reflects a shared commitment to progressing the sport through innovation and inclusion, ensuring more athletes can access the right equipment, develop their performance and reach their full potential. To find out more about RGK, go to [rgkwheelchairs.com/](https://rgkwheelchairs.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) For more information about British Wheelchair Basketball, visit [britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/](https://britishwheelchairbasketball.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Ceramics UK welcomes Government’s £120 million industry support package URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ceramics-uk-welcomes-governments-120-million-industry-support-package/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T12:17:01.000Z The £120 million investment package unveiled today by Government will propel the ceramics sector into a new period of innovation, safeguarding jobs and putting it on a sustainable pathway for the future. Ceramics UK has welcomed the funding, announced today in Parliament by the Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, that £60 million is being allocated towards capital expenditure to help the ceramics sector invest in equipment, with a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Another £60 million has been ringfenced to help the ceramics’ industry fund related costs. Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle met with Rob Flello, Chief Executive of Ceramics UK, earlier this week to discuss the support package and how to design and implement it. Rob Flello said: > “This is a turning point for the sector, with the Government taking decisive action that recognises the fundamental role of ceramics in the UK economy. > “It should propel us ahead into the years and the decades to come, and once more make the UK’s ceramic industry the talk of the world. > “With a focus on decarbonisation, it can create investment in new equipment and technology that will champion innovation, while safeguarding jobs and putting the sector on a more sustainable footing for the future. > “Ceramics are critical to the manufacture of vital products such as steel, glass and other high temperature products, as well as items that are used daily in homes and businesses across the UK. > “Ceramics UK has previously pressed for the Government to include ceramics in the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, but this new package announced by the Secretary of State surpasses that, with much more targeted support geared to the unique needs of our sector. > “Now, working with our members as the voice of the industry, we look forward to working closely with Ministers and civil servants in designing and implementing the measures outlined in the Business Secretary’s statement of intent. Ceramics UK, Commerce House, Festival Park, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5BE > “Our priority is to ensure that the scheme works for all members of Ceramics UK, from the smallest ceramics companies through to the largest organisations, creating a sustainable future for our industry.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Overclockers UK Car Meet Returns to Stoke-on-Trent This Weekend URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/overclockers-uk-car-meet-returns-to-stoke-on-trent-this-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T12:00:58.000Z Taking place on Saturday, 23 May at Overclockers UK HQ, ST1 5GP, the event is expected to bring together more than 120 vehicles, alongside gaming experiences, exclusive offers and food stalls. Overclockers UK has long had strong ties to car culture, with a dedicated community of motoring enthusiasts stretching back to the company’s early years. The crossover between performance cars and PC enthusiasts has become a natural fit over time, with many sharing a passion for building, upgrading and fine tuning their latest projects. Visitors can expect an extensive line-up of vehicles spanning multiple generations and styles. The display is set to include several McLarens, a collection of Corvettes from across the decades, supercars, sports cars, American vehicles, classic cars and even a DeLorean. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/P1073457-1.JPG) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/nissan_logo-1-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/image--23-.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Cars.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Corvettes.jpg) Alongside the automotive displays, guests will also be able to explore the latest in PC and sim racing hardware, with immersive racing simulator experiences and a hot laps challenge giving visitors the chance to test their virtual driving skills. Exclusive event deals and discounts will also be available across PCs, components, peripherals and more, while hot food stalls will be on site throughout the day. Jay Hooper, Head of Digital at Overclockers UK, said: > "Following the incredible success of our previous meets, we're super excited to be back for our fifth official car meet at the Overclockers UK HQ! Community has always been at the heart of what OcUK is about and this event promises something for everyone — from the impressive lineup of high-performance and enthusiast cars on display to our immersive OcUK racing simulator rigs for those ready to put their skills to the test on the virtual track." With more than a hundred vehicles expected and a mix of motoring, gaming and technology all under one roof, the event looks set to attract enthusiasts from across Staffordshire and beyond. ### Event Details 2026 Overclockers UK Car Meet Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 Location: Overclockers UK HQ, ST1 5GP Entry offers a chance to experience the worlds of motoring and gaming side by side, all powered by a community that continues to grow. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Castle Classics Car Show URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/classic-car-show/ Last updated: 2026-05-21T12:01:46.000Z Newcastle- Under- Lyme geared up once again on Saturday 28th March, as the much- loved Retro and Classic Vehicle Show returned to the Ironmarket and High Street, transforming the town centre into a vibrant celebration of motoring heritage. Running from 10am to 3pm, the free, family- friendly event showcased more than 60 classic vehicles, each proudly displayed by their passionate owners. Now in its 3rd year, Castle Classics has become a major date in the local calendar, bringing together enthusiasts, families, and curious onlookers who simply want to soak up the lively atmosphere. While the cars remained the stars of the show, the day offered far more than motors alone. Guests enjoyed live music, a buzzing crowd, and a series of awards recognising standout vehicles. The event hosted by Newcastle- Under- Lyme BID, in conjunction with The Red Haired Stokie, Envy Autos Ltd and 6 Towns Radio, was another great success, as it attracted thousands of people into the town to admire these beautifully preserved vehicles spanning decades of automotive history. Dan, from 6 Towns Radio commented on how > “Castle Classics is a great event to be part of. The work the Business Improvement District Team and Jenna (The Red Haired Stokie) do behind the scenes to bring such a great selection of vehicles into the town is amazing, and it’s great to see so many local people supporting the event too!” The occasion can be seen to appeal to far more than car enthusiasts. Visitors included families with young children, people with disabilities, complete novices, like myself, visiting for the first time, casual shoppers, and avid loyal supporters who return year after year. The town centre was completely filled with nostalgia, excitement, and community spirit as Castle Classics brought together a diverse mix of people united by curiosity, or simply the desire for an enjoyable day out. Whether you are a lifelong classic car devotee or someone seeking an engaging experience, the event promised a warm welcome and a brief escape from modern life. Throughout the day, I had the pleasure of speaking with many visitors and hearing what Castle Classics meant to them. One enthusiast, Garry Jones from Northwood and a member of the North Staffs Carers Group, spoke warmly of his lifelong passion for Ford and Jaguar models. He shared a particular fondness for the classic Capri and Cortina, telling me, *“It brings me back to my youth”*, adding that he is currently writing a book about his love of cars. Another visitor, Bev from Stoke- on- Trent, was eager to express how much she enjoyed the event and the local town. She felt the show was a brilliant way to bring people together, and encourage visitors to explore the town while enjoying the vehicles on display. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085713.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085719.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085718.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085717.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085716.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085715.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085712.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085714.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-21-09.34.03.png) Among the many remarkable vehicles on display, was the rare 1964 Ford Consul Capri, owned by father and son duo, John and Paul Beckett. Their car deservedly won ‘Best Classic vehicle on the day’. Converted by Hooper Bodyworks in Meadowvale, London, only 40 Consul Capris were ever modified- and just 2 remain on the road today, this one in Newcastle- Under- Lyme and the other in Cornwall. The Becketts’ story is as captivating as the car itself. Paul bought his first Capri at the age of 14, spending all his savings on it while still at school. His passion soon “rubbed off” on his father. “Instead of ‘like father like son’, it was ‘like son like father’”. When they purchased this car, it had no working engine and required extensive restoration. Over 3 years, Paul painstakingly sourced parts, had components rechromed, and bought the Capri back to life. Today, it stands as a testament to his dedication, craftmanship, and love for classic motoring. The Beckett’s now own 4 Capris- 2 standard models and 2 GT’s, including one of only 2002 GT’s ever produced. The pair are active members of the Ford Classic and Capri Owners Club, regularly attending shows across the region. For John, the best part of owning a classic car is the conversation it sparks. *“I love talking to people about it and reminiscing”* he said. He also enjoys seeing young people take an interest, especially when they notice the difference in design and manufacture compared to modern vehicles. His wing mirrors, mounted on the front wings rather than the doors, always triggers a lively debate. If he could bring back any car, it would be his father’s first- a Pippin Red Ford Anglia, registration number 2248 NF. *“I remember it like it was yesterday”* he recalled. Having only recently seen the Back to the Future Films, as they were first aired before my time, I was keen to see the spectacular Delorean on show, with its brushed stainless-steel body and iconic gull- wing doors. Will, from Trentham, happily shared the story of his recent *“impulse purchase”* of the car from the Owners Club, just 3 months prior to the show. Inspired by his love of the Back to the Future Franchise, he has been overwhelmed by the attention the car has attracted. Driving the left- hand- drive DeLorean back from Northern Ireland remains *“the best experience I’ve had with it so far”* he said. This was Will’s first classic car show, having spotted the event post only a few days earlier. He also planned to attend the Caffeine and Machine in Warwick the following day, where he had been invited to showcase the DeLorean due to its French Renault engine. As a supplier of vehicles for the film production industry, Will also owns a retro Vauxhall Vectra Police Car, also on show at the event, which is soon to appear in a channel 4 production. His collection includes a rare Citroen Saxo VTS, one of only 116 remaining on UK roads, and he hopes one day to own the iconic KITT car from the Knight Rider series. Will has loved cars since childhood, though he admits he isn’t sure where the passion comes from, as his father was more of a bike enthusiast. What matters most to him is keeping the vehicles as original and as standard as possible- and making people smile. He fully intends to return next year and “*hopes the weather might be a little warmer*”. Most exhibitors have taken part in the event since its inception and love the unique atmosphere the town provides. The setting helps drive footfall to Newcastle-under-Lyme’s retail, hospitality, and independent businesses. Exhibitors particularly appreciate that the event allows them to enjoy local refreshments, food, and the wider town experience, rather than spending the day standing in a muddy field. All of the vehicle owners I met at the event displayed a deep sense of love and pride in their vehicles, and an infectious joy when interacting with fellow enthusiasts and members of the public. Many lit up when asked to recount the memories, experiences, and personal histories tied to their cars. Each person had a unique story to share about their collection of vintage, classic, and retro vehicles. A significant number of these cars are now rare models from across the globe, and events like this play a vital role in preserving their visibility. Without gatherings of this kind, very few people would ever have the chance to see such remarkable vehicles up close. Congratulations to all the lucky winners in the 5 categories Most Unique Winner \-MK1 Golf Van Show & Shine Winner \- Ford Prefect Best Retro Winner \- Mini Cooper Best Classic Winner \- Ford Consul Capri Best In Show Winner \- Ford Mustang ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000080340.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000080339-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000080342--1-.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000080341-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000080338-1.jpeg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Photographers urged to enter their best nature snaps to raise funds to help bring more nature back to Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/photographers-urged-to-enter-their-best-nature-snaps-to-raise-funds-to-help-bring-more-nature-back-to-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T16:51:08.000Z From bugs to birds, and gardens to nature reserves, the charity calendar will celebrate the special wildlife and places of Staffordshire. Sarah Davison, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: > “Nature is in trouble. Decades of decline have left little diversity – only pockets of nature rich space remain. > “Each day, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is working to bring nature back across the county. We want to restore what we’ve lost and bring diminished landscapes back to life, so wildlife can thrive once again. > “We need local photographers help. By entering our photography competition you’ll help raise vital funds towards our work. You'll also inspire more people to enjoy Staffordshire's nature and fight for its future.” The Trust is also encouraging up and coming young photographers to enter with a dedicated under 18 category. The winning youngster will win a photography tutorial with top local wildlife photographer Adrian Clarke. > “Entries close at 9am on Monday 13 July. We can’t wait to see your entries - good luck!” adds Sarah. The best entries will feature in the Trust’s 2026 calendar, and all winners will receive a copy. The overall winner will be chosen by an online public vote - with their image featured on the calendar’s cover. They will also receive a pair of 8x42 binoculars worth £89.95, kindly donated by Viking for the competition. The winners will be announced by the end of July, with a public vote running during August before the overall winner is revealed in early September. Photographers can submit up to three landscape-oriented photos, which must have been taken in Staffordshire. Here are some of last years winners: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/02-FEB-Jewel-of-the-Trent-kingfisher--action--Ian-Eardley.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/06-JUNE-Elaine-Henshaw---Ladybug---ladybird-on-fern--Cannock-Chase-.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/11-NOV-Call-of-the-wild---red-deer-stag---Oliver-Cadman--portrait--1.JPG) 1\. Jewel of the Trent kingfisher - Ian Eardley 2\. Elaine Henshaw - Ladybug - ladybird on fern 3\. Call of the wild - red deer stag - Oliver Cadman Details of how to enter, plus full terms and conditions, can be found online: [www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/photography-competition](https://www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/photography-competition?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent sends united call for government to secure the future of ceramics as major new report plots path to a bright future URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-sends-united-call-for-government-to-secure-the-future-of-ceramics-as-major-new-report-plots-path-to-a-bright-future/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T15:30:49.000Z The independent report found ceramics was already driving innovation and was a vital component of key “future-facing” industries like aerospace, defence, clean energy and electronics. But it warned firms were acutely vulnerable to gas price shocks following the Ukraine war. Government support had focused only on bringing down electricity bills, it said, and therefore provided “minimal relief”. Gas is responsible for 90 per cent of energy consumption in ceramics, leaving most firms excluded or only marginally helped. As a result, the report found, the total number of ceramics firms in North Staffordshire had fallen from 137 in 2018 to 123 in 2024\. Despite that, the report found clear areas of growth and resilience in the sector. Turnover and net company worth had increased since 2018 in advanced and technical ceramics, sanitaryware and refractory products. Supply chain turnover increased by 35% between 2018 and 2024 – supporting local jobs. The report concluded: > “With the right support, Stoke and North Staffordshire ceramics sector can prosper as a highly dynamic internationally respected foundational sector that creates excellent local jobs driving economic renewal and regional pride.” The report found ceramics remained a foundation industry of national importance with growing opportunities in advanced, technical and high-value markets. It noted that ceramics > “underpins supply chains in construction, energy, defence, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, while continuing to shape the region’s international reputation for design and quality”. The report did not shy away from the impact of economic pressures – particularly on the tableware and gifts sector, which has seen significant job losses since 2018\. The authors highlighted a growing appetite for collaboration across the ceramics industry. Businesses, universities and innovation centres such as AMRICC and Lucideon are already working together on new materials, cleaner production methods and product innovation. With the right support, the report found, this collaborative model could accelerate growth and create high-quality local jobs. Overall, the report found the UK ceramics industry contributes over £2 billion a year and employs around 20,000 people. The authors add: > “The sector has growth opportunities through decarbonisation and innovation. > “Initiatives such as Ceramics UK’s Decarbonisation Roadmap, pilot hydrogen-fired kilns, and recent government funding demonstrate the industry’s commitment to low-carbon manufacturing. > “Advanced ceramics remains critical to high-tech manufacturing, underpinning automotive, aerospace, advanced materials and space industries due to their strength, temperature resistance and versatility.” Stoke-on-Trent City Council commissioned the report to provide a clear, evidence-based picture of where the sector stands and where it can go next. It was written by KADA Research and Ortus Economic Research - two leading economic analysis consultancies. The report included consultation with senior industry figures, whose key messages included the fact that ceramics was a *“hidden foundation industry” which was “still not being given the weight it deserves”* by government. Respondents pointed out North Staffordshire’s concentration of skills, research and heritage formed a strong base for a world-class ceramics hub. They also highlighted that there were strong prospects in aerospace, defence, energy and healthcare – noting that the UK’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan had identified ceramics as a critical advanced material for machinery in automotive and aerospace. But they also warned that the key immediate pressure was unavoidable reliance on gas, when government support was focused exclusively on reducing electricity costs for business. The report includes an action plan, which recommends continuing to lobby government for additional support on the grounds that ceramics is a foundational sector, providing vital support for high-growth sectors including energy, defence and advanced manufacturing. The report will be shared with ministers as the council and local MPs continue to press the case for immediate support. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This report makes clear that ceramics isn’t just part of our past, but our future, too. > “This isn’t just about tableware – important though that is – but also about the vital role ceramics plays in key sectors like defence, health and aerospace. > “There is a huge amount of innovation already happening, and huge potential for growth. > “What we need right now is direct and immediate help to weather an economic storm that is not of this industry’s making. Ceramics underpins every other industry – and deserves the same levels of support.” David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: > “Ceramics is part of Stoke-on-Trent’s history, and it must be part of our future. It supports thousands of skilled jobs here and plays a vital role in Britain’s manufacturing strength. > “But right now, that future is under real threat. Sky-high energy costs are putting enormous pressure on local firms and risk hollowing out an industry we lead the world in. If the Government is serious about backing British manufacturing, it must step up with targeted support for energy-intensive industries like ceramics. Without it, we risk losing not just businesses, but skills, jobs and a proud industrial heritage that cannot be replaced.” Allison Gardiner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: > “Improving energy efficiency is the fastest, most cost‑effective route to reducing emissions and lowering energy bills. Local companies are already making progress through innovation, process heat recovery, and AI enabled energy optimisation. I have been calling on the Government to release an Industrial Energy Innovation Fund for energy intensive industries to support this work at a sector level, with government grants to explore process optimisation and new technologies, and vouchers to access shared pilot facilities. > "This would achieve the dual aim of supporting the sector to decarbonise – reducing reliance on gas in the long-term - whilst backing British manufacturing, safeguarding local jobs, and ensuring that our ceramics industry remains competitive in global markets. > "Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics cluster is uniquely placed to serve as a model for other hard-to-abate industries, and I would be delighted for Stoke-on-Trent to be the Centre of Energy Efficiency for Ceramics." Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: > “The potential for the ceramics sector is bright with the right help and support. Not just for tableware but technical advancements including aerospace, defence and medical equipment. Working with Ceramics UK and as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ceramics, I know that galvanising the support from industry, unions and national government is the only way that we stand a chance of ensuring that future exists.” Rob Flello, chief executive of Ceramics UK, said: > “Ceramics UK welcomes all reports that draw attention to the essential value of the UK ceramic industry in all its forms. > “It is vital that the sector is supported and that action is taken to stop unfair imports from taking market share. > “We hope that this report acts as a catalyst for the government to support the UK industry with, in particular, full unfettered access to the Supercharger electricity relief scheme.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Outdoor adventure charity starts £200,000 fundraising drive with big ‘heritage’ unveil URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/outdoor-adventure-charity-starts-200-000-fundraising-drive-with-big-heritage-unveil/ Last updated: 2026-05-20T15:31:33.000Z Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures, which was formed with 123 acres of land in 1937, is looking to create up to 10 sustainable 8-bed pods as part of ambitious expansion plans to offer overnight stays and longer retreats. To do this it will need to raise more than £200,000 over the next eighteen months, an exciting challenge that was kick-started by His Lordship, The Eighth Marquess of Anglesey, officially unveiling the ninth and final Heritage Information board in front of 50 invited guests. > “Demand for our outdoor adventure activities is growing every year, as we continue to support local schools and community groups to give young people access to a truly magical place that boosts their education, health and wellbeing,” commented Martin Kirby, Operations Manager at Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures. > “The official unveiling of our Heritage Information boards was a great way to boost awareness of what we do and how we do it, not to mention underlining the fact we need to continue to raise funding to help even more youngsters.” He continued: > “A new podded village - set in the picturesque setting of Cannock Chase - is > our next big project and will open up a different type of accommodation that we can offer. > “It was great to welcome The Eighth Marquess of Anglesey as our guest of honour, with his family playing such a vital role in the foundation and ongoing success of the centre.” More than 50 guests were on hand to see the unveiling of the ninth Heritage Information board and to hear more about the history of the site and how it has evolved since it was opened in the 1930s. The interpretation boards are now all installed and range from a ‘generic starter’ outside reception and the Lady Garden to the viewpoint, the ruins themselves and the East Façade. They then cover The Pond and Ice House bank, The Quarry and Gas Works, The Cascades and, finally, the Walled Garden. All of them detail the history of the estate, providing additional info for Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures hugely popular history walks, whilst also allowing self-led groups to explore the grounds. Charles ‘Alex’ Paget, the Eighth Marquess of Anglesey, was delighted to add his support: > “My family’s connection with Beaudesert dates back nearly 100 years and we are extremely passionate about promoting its history, whilst also supporting the essential work it undertakes with young people. > “Due to the marvellous work done by the trust, people will now be able to appreciate Beaudesert's history that is so marvellously explained by these well written and well- designed boards.” Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, concluded: > “I have worked in education all of my career, so I am always very grateful of anywhere that offers experiences for our young people, especially when you hear about the disadvantaged and disabled children we are supporting - not only in Staffordshire, but also from further afield.” ### For further information, please visit www.beaudesert.org.uk *Image: (l-r) Nick Lovett, Tony Hague, Beth Gumb, Jeremy Cotton,* *Marquess of Anglesey, Elizabeth Barnes CBE, Carl Benbow and Tracey Chamberlain (all trustees of Beaudesert Outdoor Adventures)* #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Community invited to help shape the future of Burslem Market Hall as restoration work begins URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/community-invited-to-help-shape-the-future-of-burslem-market-hall-as-restoration-work-begins/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T17:05:34.000Z For more than two decades, one of Burslem's most recognisable landmarks has stood empty, waiting for a new chapter. Now, with restoration work underway, local people are being invited to help decide what that future could look like. Burslem Market Hall, the Grade II-listed building on Queen Street, is now at the centre of a £4 million programme of structural repair and stabilisation. While the current works focus on securing and preserving the historic building itself, attention is already turning to a much bigger question. What should the Market Hall become once its restoration is complete? Rather than making that decision behind closed doors, Stoke-on-Trent City Council says it wants residents, businesses and young people to play a central role in shaping the building's future. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260501_110933.jpg) For many people in Burslem, the Market Hall is more than bricks and mortar. It sits at the heart of the town and remains one of the most significant reminders of Burslem's long trading history. Once a busy focal point for everyday life, the building has remained largely silent for years. Now, there is an opportunity to rethink what a market hall can be in the modern era. Across the country, historic market halls have found new life through carefully balanced redevelopment. Traditional trading spaces have evolved into destinations that combine food and drink, independent businesses, markets, events, culture and community spaces under one roof. Many have become places where people spend time throughout the day and into the evening rather than simply somewhere to shop. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260501_103629.jpg) Ideas being explored for Burslem could include food and drink venues, independent retail, markets, live events, cultural activity, hospitality, leisure spaces, community uses, or a blend of several different concepts. The council, alongside government funding and support from Historic England, hopes local feedback will help shape future plans and strengthen investment opportunities for the site. The public engagement programme is being delivered alongside regeneration specialists Next Phase, a consultancy experienced in bringing market halls and historic buildings back into use across the UK. An online survey is now open and residents have until Monday 15 June to take part: [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/burslemmarketpublicsurvey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/burslemmarketpublicsurvey?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) People can also attend two drop in sessions to speak directly with the project team and share their thoughts face to face: **Thursday 28 May** Barewall Art Studio, Market Place, Burslem 10am to 7pm **Wednesday 10 June** 32 Queen Street, Burslem 10am to 7pm The consultation will also include dedicated sessions with businesses and local stakeholders, while a youth engagement programme is being developed to ensure younger voices are included in the conversation. ![Market Passage, Burslem](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/204/243/Resource/37982-0.jpg) Market Passage, BurslemMarket Passage runs off Market Place in Burslem, giving access to the indoor market (sometimes known as St John's Market). The shop on the right was originally the Home & Colonial Store.[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=37982&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track Finlay Gordon-McCusker said: > *“This is a genuinely exciting moment for Burslem. After years of uncertainty, real work is happening on this building, and now we want the community to be part of deciding its future.* > *“Burslem Market Hall has enormous potential, and we are determined to unlock it in a way that works for local people.* > *“I would urge everyone to take a few minutes to share their views. The more people who respond, the better the plans we can put forward, and the stronger the case we can make for the investment this building deserves.”* Hayden Ferriby added: > *“Burslem Market Hall is exactly the kind of building that can anchor a town centre: a space with real character, real history and real potential.* > Modern market halls are doing something remarkable right across the country, reclaiming their place at the heart of communities and becoming the kinds of destinations people genuinely choose to spend time in. > “We have seen what that transformation looks like when it is done well, and we believe Burslem has everything it needs to be part of that story. Getting there starts with understanding what local people genuinely need, and we want those voices to be at the heart of everything we put forward.” For a town with such a strong industrial and trading history, the future of Burslem Market Hall could become an important part of the wider story of regeneration in the Mother Town. This time, local people are being invited to help write that next chapter themselves. An online survey is now open and residents have until Monday 15 June to take part: [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/burslemmarketpublicsurvey](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/burslemmarketpublicsurvey?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Lymelight Festival Set to Fill Newcastle-under-Lyme with Free Live Music and Culture This Bank Holiday Weekend URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lymelight-festival-set-to-fill-newcastle-under-lyme-with-free-live-music-and-culture-this-bank-holiday-weekend/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T16:50:27.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year as Lymelight Festival returns this late May Bank Holiday, bringing a packed programme of free live music, creativity and activity in the town centre across Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May. Now in its 13th year, the annual festival will once again transform the town centre into a celebration of grassroots music and culture, with more than 60 live acts performing across three outdoor stages, plus additional evening performances in local independent venues. Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Lymelight has grown into a major fixture in the local calendar, drawing around 16,000 visitors across the 2025 festival weekend and continuing to champion Staffordshire’s grassroots music scene. Music will take place across the Guildhall Stage, Ironmarket Stage and the 6 Towns Radio Acoustic Stage, with the wider festival extending into The Rigger, Artisan Tap and The Crossways across the weekend. Festival fringe events begin on Friday 22nd May, with live music at The Rigger and Artisan Tap helping kick off the weekend early. Alongside the music, visitors can expect a programme of free and family friendly activity designed to create a proper festival feel across the town centre. Castle Artisan Market will return with independent traders on the Ironmarket, alongside street food, children’s funfair rides and pop up activity from Drop City Books, who will bring their Lit at Lymelight programme to the weekend. Activity from Drop City Books starts with a free author event with Lisa Blower at 12pm on Saturday, alongside a kid’s Kitchen Disco story time sessions on Saturday 23rd May at 2:30pm and Sunday at 11am. Free creative workshops at the Lancaster Building include an Album Art session with Ian Mood on Saturday (2pm–5pm) and a Block Printing workshop with Le Peche Art on Sunday (1pm–4pm), delivered in partnership with ArtsKeele. Sunday morning also offers something a little slower, with Stretch & Start, a free gentle movement and breathing session led by Jess from Divinity Studios in Queen’s Gardens. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Jorge-Wilson.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/KOALA.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Mara-Liddle.jpg) 1st Jorge Wilson, 2nd KOALA, 3rd Mara Liddle Music begins from midday each day, with the first acts taking to the 6 Towns Radio Stage at 12pm, followed by the Ironmarket Stage at 12:30pm and Guildhall Stage from 1pm, with outdoor programming continuing through to 9:30pm. Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said: > “Lymelight has become one of the highlights of the town’s calendar because it brings together so much in one weekend. > Across the three stages and venue programme, there’s a real breadth of music on offer, from acoustic and indie through to rock, alternative, rap, electro pop and everything in between giving emerging artists a platform, while making sure there’s something to appeal to all kinds of audiences. > What makes the weekend special is that it’s completely open and accessible. People can plan their day around acts they already know, or simply wander through town, discover something new, grab food, browse the market, join a workshop and make a full day or weekend of it. > Events like Lymelight are about creating energy across the whole town centre, giving people a reason to spend time in Newcastle and supporting the brilliant local businesses, venues and independents that help make weekends like this possible.” Supported by stage sponsors NSCG, Keele University and Heywoods Property, alongside 6 Towns Radio and Valcato Entertainment as well as a range of local venues and partners, the festival continues to showcase Newcastle-under-Lyme as a vibrant cultural destination while driving footfall into the town centre. Full line-ups and programme details are available at [www.lymelightfestival.co.uk](http://www.lymelightfestival.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) and via @lymelightfestival on social media. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Spitfires could take to the skies 90 years on as Staffordshire designer’s legacy prepares for a new chapter URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-spitfires-could-take-to-the-skies-90-years-on-as-staffordshire-designers-legacy-prepares-for-a-new-chapter/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T16:42:05.000Z Ninety years after the Supermarine Spitfire first took to the skies, one of Britain's most iconic aircraft could be preparing for an unexpected new chapter, as a team of designers and engineers works towards creating a new generation of Spitfire inspired aircraft based on previously abandoned wartime plans. The project centres around the Aerolite Spitfire Type 433, a newly developed two seater concept aircraft that its creators hope will eventually progress towards full production. Rather than restoring original wartime aircraft or producing static replicas, the ambition is to create entirely new aircraft inspired by the legendary Spitfire while using modern materials and engineering techniques. ![Reginald Mitchell](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/100/94/Resource/15796-0.jpg) Reginald MitchellReginald Mitchell was born at 115 Congleton Road, Butt Lane, Kidsgrove in 1895 and was educated at Hanley High School. At sixteen, he gained an apprenticeship at Kerr Stuart & Co of Fenton. After studying ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=15796&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track For Staffordshire, there is an added significance to the story because behind one of the world's most recognisable aircraft was a man from North Staffordshire whose work continues to capture imaginations nearly a century later. Reginald Joseph Mitchell, better known as R.J. Mitchell, was born in Butt Lane in 1895 and grew up in the Potteries before beginning a career in engineering that would eventually see him become chief designer at Supermarine. While he designed numerous aircraft during his career, the Spitfire would become the machine forever associated with his name. ![R. J. Mitchell's Birth Place, 115 Congleton Road, Butt Lane](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/171/161/Resource/21948-0.jpg) R. J. Mitchell's Birth Place, 115 Congleton Road, Butt LaneReginald J Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire, was born at 115 Congleton Road, Butt Lane, Stoke-on-Trent. ,He then moved with his family to 87 Chaplin Road, Longton, and later to nearby Victoria Cottage ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=21948&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track This year marks the 90th anniversary of the aircraft's maiden flight on 5 March 1936, and despite the passing decades, public affection for the Spitfire appears as strong as ever. Air displays featuring surviving examples still attract large crowds and the aircraft remains one of the defining symbols of Britain's role in the Second World War. Anyone who has stood beneath a Spitfire display will recognise the reaction it creates. Recently at Tatenhill Airport, *Lady Ellen III* once again demonstrated why the aircraft still has such a hold over people. [Spitfire Lady Ellen III Takes to the Skies from Tatenhill AirportWe headed to Tatenhill Airport to watch Lady Ellen III, one of the iconic Spitfires operated by Fly a Spitfire, take to the skies for a weekend of flights that had already been receiving rave reviews from visitors on Saturday.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/Untitled-design--6--1-f5914fdcd9b730500d2565b080a2b07c1d372c3458cafb9c1241357ec9864c8d.png)The Staffordshire Signal CICNatalee Trowbridge![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/1000085542-71f3b51ac63cbec4617b335d69ee51a4f4561d5db33347f69fb68b74a279dfcc.jpeg)](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/spitfire-lady-ellen-iii-takes-to-the-skies-from-tatenhill-airport/) Very few aircraft designed in the 1930s still generate that sort of excitement. Perhaps that continuing fascination is part of the reason this latest project exists at all. The Aerolite concept itself has roots in a little known chapter of wartime history. During 1940, concerns over dwindling aluminium supplies prompted investigations into alternative methods of constructing future Spitfires, including the possible use of a composite material called Gordon Aerolite for aircraft fuselages. Those plans were eventually shelved and never progressed further. Now those forgotten proposals have been revived and reimagined using contemporary composite materials. According to the team behind the project, this approach has allowed them to revisit ideas that had remained untouched for decades while also creating what could potentially become the world's largest kit form aircraft. ![(from left) Jeremy Meeson, David Spencer Evans and Bridget Donaldson in front of an Aerolite Spitfire Type 433 (Aerolite Spitfire/PA) ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Aerolite-Spitfire-Type-433.webp) (from left) Jeremy Meeson, David Spencer Evans and Bridget Donaldson in front of an Aerolite Spitfire Type 433 (Aerolite Spitfire/PA) The concept model itself reportedly cost around £750,000 to develop, a figure considerably lower than the more than £3 million often required to purchase an original Spitfire. The aircraft's composite construction also means it is weather resistant and would not require traditional hangar storage in the same way as historic aircraft. Jeremy Meeson, chief executive of Great British Supermarine Ltd, said: > “The moment is right to reimagine the Supermarine Spitfire because today’s materials, propulsion, and digital engineering finally let us evolve an icon without losing what made it exceptional." The team is now expected to take the full scale concept model to air shows and military and classic vehicle events around Britain this spring and summer while gauging interest from enthusiasts and potential investors. ![Spitfire Type 300. F 37/34. Circa 1936](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/5/5/Resource/6622-0.jpg) Spitfire Type 300\. F 37/34\. Circa 1936Reginald Mitchell completed the prototype Spitfire just a year before his death. This aeroplane was capable of 342 m.p.h. and was officially the fastest military aircraft of the time.This aircraft would ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=6622&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track Mitchell himself never lived to see the full impact of his creation. He died in 1937 at the age of 42, before the Spitfire became synonymous with the Battle of Britain and before it secured its place as one of the most admired aircraft in aviation history. Nearly ninety years after its first flight, however, his work continues to do something remarkable. It still fills airfields, still turns heads and still inspires enough affection that people are not only preserving Spitfires, they are trying to build new ones. For a young engineer from Staffordshire, that is a legacy few could ever have imagined. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Spitfire Lady Ellen III Takes to the Skies from Tatenhill Airport URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/spitfire-lady-ellen-iii-takes-to-the-skies-from-tatenhill-airport/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T16:12:40.000Z There are some sounds that stop you in your tracks. The rumble of a classic steam engine. The whistle of a heritage railway. And then there is the unmistakable roar of a Spitfire engine. Yesterday we headed to Tatenhill Airport to watch *Lady Ellen III, 1944 VIII Trainer - MT818*, one of the iconic Spitfires operated by [Fly a Spitfire](https://flyaspitfire.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), take to the skies for a weekend of flights that had already been receiving rave reviews from visitors on Saturday. This year also carries special significance, marking the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire's very first flight. Nine decades on from that maiden journey into the skies, the aircraft remains one of Britain's most recognisable symbols of engineering, innovation and wartime history. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085538.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085541-2.jpeg) Spitfire Lady Ellen III at Tatenhill Airfield Staffordshire by Natalee Trowbridge For Staffordshire, the story carries an even closer connection. The legendary aircraft was designed by Reginald Joseph Mitchell, better known as R.J. Mitchell, the brilliant aeronautical engineer born in Butt Lane, Staffordshire. His creation would go on to become arguably the most famous fighter aircraft of the Second World War and remains one of Britain's greatest aviation achievements. Nestled in the Staffordshire countryside near Burton upon Trent, Tatenhill Airport has its own fascinating history. Originally built during the Second World War as RAF Crossplains, the airfield trained bomber crews before later evolving into the civilian airport visitors know today. While Spitfires were never based there historically, its RAF roots make it feel like the perfect place to experience one of Britain's most famous aircraft in flight. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085544.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085537.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085542-1.jpeg) Spitfire Lady Ellen III at Tatenhill Airfield Staffordshire by Natalee Trowbridge We visited on Sunday morning and arrived just in time to watch the first Spitfire take off at around 9am. Seeing one on the ground is impressive enough, but watching it thunder down the runway and lift into the Staffordshire sky is something else entirely. Afterwards, we headed into Cafe26 for what turned out to be a brilliant Captain's Breakfast. The café quickly became one of the best viewing spots of the day because after the Spitfire landed, it taxied right past the windows. ![Cafe26 and Spitfire Lady Ellen III at Tatenhill Airfield Staffordshire by Natalee Trowbridge](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085536.jpeg) Cafe26 and Spitfire Lady Ellen III at Tatenhill Airfield Staffordshire by Natalee Trowbridge Not long afterwards we watched the second flight prepare for take off from the café garden, waving to the lucky passenger as they rolled past towards the runway. Curiosity got the better of us, so while watching online flight tracking we noticed both routes crossing over Blithfield Reservoir. That sent us on an impromptu Staffordshire adventure. The 800 acre reservoir sits within the Blithe Valley and seemed worth the gamble. We jumped in the car and headed over, hoping we'd timed it right. We had. The third flight did not simply pass overhead. Instead, the skies above suddenly turned into an unforgettable display. *Lady Ellen III* swept overhead before launching into a series of aerial manoeuvres. I am absolutely no expert and cannot promise I have the names right, but from where we stood there were loops, Spitfire Victory Rolls and all sorts of incredible movements unfolding against the Staffordshire sky. Whatever they officially were called, they looked amazing. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085543.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085539.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/1000085540.jpeg) There is something surreal about seeing an aircraft so tied to Britain's history performing in the modern skies above places you know so well. One moment you're standing beside a Staffordshire reservoir and the next you're looking up watching a Spitfire twist and roar overhead. Photos: *Natalee Trowbridge / The Staffordshire Signal* #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire friends take on 140K charity challenge to support communities living in poverty URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-friends-take-on-140k-charity-challenge-to-support-communities-living-in-poverty/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T11:12:41.000Z They are actually aiming to run and walk 140km, to raise money for the work of Christian Aid’s partners around the world who support communities in finding practical and sustainable ways out of poverty. Sadie explained: > “I've been a Christian Aid organiser since about 2004 - first in Farnham, Surrey and, since 2018, at St Margaret's in North Staffordshire. Gill is a friend, a member of St Margaret's and a regular supporter of Christian Aid.” During Christian Aid Week, which this year is May 10-16, people across Britain and Ireland come together with services, events and challenges to raise money and awareness. This year’s appeal is focusing on work in Nairobi, Kenya, where intense poverty means families have a daily struggle to feed their children. With secure jobs hard to find, and most people earning less than a dollar a day to cover school costs, rent and water, some days there isn’t enough for a meal. But with tools, seeds and specialist training from Christian Aid’s partner, Beacon of Hope, families are learning how to make the most of a small space in the city to grow a steady supply of fresh vegetables to cook or sell. In the first week or so, Sadie and Gill have collectively completed 65km and all donations are going into the St Margaret’s appeal contribution. Sadie, who has done challenges like this before, said Gill didn’t take a lot of persuading to join her: > “I’ve done 300,000 steps in 2022 and the 70k since 2024\. We’re doing this because we are lucky enough to be able to plan ahead. To plan fun things and to plan for the proverbial 'rainy day'. It's a world away from waking up each morning not knowing if you'll earn enough to buy food for your children that day. Intense poverty means families have a daily struggle to feed their children, but Christian Aid's partner Beacon of Hope is working to help people set up tiny urban farms and grow their own food. It gives them a bit more security day to day and hopes for a brighter future. And that's something everyone deserves.” To support Sadie and Gill, please go to their fundraising page - [Gill and Sadie's 140k in May - Christian Aid Week](https://caw.christianaid.org.uk/challenge-2026/gill-and-sadies-140k-may?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) – and to get involved with Christian Aid Week, visit [Christian Aid Week 2026](https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or [70k in May](https://fundraise.christianaid.org.uk/70k-in-may?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Business and community leader Carol Shanahan named new Keele University Chancellor URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/business-and-community-leader-carol-shanahan-named-new-keele-university-chancellor/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T10:58:10.000Z Carol, who was awarded an honorary degree by the university in 2022 for her services to the community, becomes the sixth person to hold the role. She is the first woman to be appointed since Keele’s inaugural Chancellor, HRH The Princess Margaret, who held the position from 1962 to 1986\. The Chancellor is the University’s most senior honorary position and includes presiding at graduation and other key ceremonial duties. Carol said she felt “honoured beyond words” to be appointed as Chancellor and was “excited to get started” in the role. She succeeds Lord Timpson OBE, who stepped down as the University’s Chancellor after being appointed Prisons Minister in the UK Government. > “I’ve long admired the important role Keele University plays across the region and beyond, and its commitment to creating positive social impact and widening opportunity closely reflects the values that have guided my own work over many years,” she said. > “Academic rigour, leadership and guidance are vital if we want to drive meaningful social change, and universities like Keele have a crucial role to play in helping tackle some of the major challenges facing society. > “I spoke to the previous Chancellor, Lord Timpson, and told him he had left very big boots to fill, but I’m incredibly excited to get started. I look forward to encouraging and celebrating the achievements of our students - the next generation of leaders and changemakers - and to supporting the university in every way I can.” Carol is a distinguished business leader, civic figure and philanthropist with a strong record of ethical leadership, community impact and public service. She is widely recognised for her contribution to regional regeneration, education and social mobility, particularly in Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands. She co-founded Synectics Solutions, a UK-based technology company specialising in data analytics and financial crime prevention, which grew under her leadership into an internationally respected organisation working with governments, financial institutions and public sector bodies, leading to a Queen’s Award for enterprise. Alongside her business career, Carol has played a significant role in sporting and civic leadership as chair of Port Vale Football Club, a position she has held since 2019\. Taking ownership at a time of significant financial risk, she is credited with placing the club on a more sustainable and transparent footing, emphasising community engagement, good governance and long-term responsibility. Carol also founded the Hubb Foundation, a charitable organisation set up in 2018 to support children and families in Stoke-on-Trent during school holidays. Now a trustee and patron of the charity, it reached a milestone in 2024 when it provided its one millionth free meal. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, Carol oversaw the transformation of Port Vale FC into a thriving community hub. She galvanised volunteers, local businesses and staff from Port Vale FC, and sister companies Synectics Solutions, Summit Hospitality, as well as the Port Vale Foundation and Hubb Foundation charities. Together, the teams oversaw the delivery of 350,000 meals to homes across Stoke-on-Trent. Along with being awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to the community of Stoke-on- Trent, Carol was also awarded the Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent in 2025, in recognition of her impact on Burslem and the wider city. Welcoming the appointment, Keele University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin Shakesheff, said: > “I’m delighted to welcome Carol to the University. Her career exemplifies values strongly aligned with Keele University’s mission – access to education, social justice, civic responsibility, sustainability and partnership with local communities. > “Her blend of entrepreneurial success, leadership experience and deep regional commitment make her a highly credible and respected ambassador for the University, and I am sure she will be a source of great inspiration and a fantastic role model to our students, staff and alumni alike.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Top 10 Bluebell and Woodland Walks in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/top-10-bluebell-and-woodland-walks-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T10:31:44.000Z As we say goodbye to one of the dullest yet notably wet and mild winters of 2025/2026, we can finally welcome the long‑awaited arrival of spring. More than a rise in temperature, this moment marks nature’s turning point as life slowly reawakens after months of dormancy. At the heart of this shift is the spring equinox, falling between 19th and 21st March, when day and night are almost equal across the globe. It signals the official start of spring, bringing longer, lighter days and gradually warmer weather. Throughout history, the season has symbolised rebirth, growth, and new beginnings, and the landscape reflects that beautifully. As early blossoms push through the soil, parks and gardens burst into colour, and migrating birds and newborn animals fill the air with energy and sound. In Staffordshire, the transformation is especially enchanting. Snowdrops, hellebores and crocuses are first to appear, followed by daffodils and sweeping carpets of bluebells that turn familiar woodlands into something magical. Dogwood and cherry trees add brief but brilliant bursts of colour, while honeybees and hedgehogs emerge in search of food and new homes. As the days grow brighter and winter loosens its grip, it’s the perfect time to pull on your boots, grab your camera, and unwind in the calm of Staffordshire’s awakening countryside. A vibrant new world is waiting just outside. ### 1 - Hem Heath Newstead Woods Hem Heath, one of Stoke-on-Trent’s treasured local woodlands, spans around 90 acres and is cared for by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. Over the years, the reserve has evolved through a variety of different management approaches, resulting in a rich mosaic of woodland types and habitats. From mid-April to late May, you can view the main attraction, a forest floor of bluebells in vibrant blue. As you wander through the reserve, you will also encounter an impressive mix of tree species such as Oak, Ash, Cherry, Sycamore, Beech and Holly. This diversity supports a thriving ecosystem and creates a woodland that changes beautifully with the seasons. Hem Heath is home to a wide range of wildlife. With a bit of patience and quiet observation, you might see animals like badgers, foxes and deer, along with a variety of small birds and larger birds of prey. The reserve offers a peaceful escape for both wildlife and visitors. For anyone unfamiliar with the area, the postcode is ST4 8FR. ### 2 - Parrot’s Drumble Nature Reserve Parrot’s Drumble is a peaceful, free-to-enter nature reserve and one of the country’s hidden gems for breathtaking bluebell displays in the country. Tucked away on Pit Lane (ST7 1UH), it offers a wonderfully secluded and quiet woodland experience. If you visit between April and May, you will be able to witness the woodland flora at its best. Listen out for blue tits, willow tits, wrens and willow warblers, and both greater and lesser spotted woodpeckers can be found here. Look out for the colour of the stream, but don't be alarmed by its startling appearance. There are old mine workings in the area, from which iron oxide leaches, giving the stream a reddish colour. There is no parking directly at the reserve, but visitors can use the small parking area within the nearby industrial estate. From there, clear signposts guide you to the reserve entrance. ![a dog is walking through a field of bluebells](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1684190342159-0b637f977a76?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDExfHxibHVlYmVsbCUyMHdvb2RzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3OTA5NzQzOXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Simon Ford](https://unsplash.com/@firemansword?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 3 - Birches Valley Forest Centre Birches Valley Forest Centre, located in Cannock Chase, ST15 2UQ, has everything you need to plan a memorable day out in the forest. Children can enjoy the Gruffalo Spotters Trail, complete with an activity pack to keep them entertained throughout their visit. The site offers a variety of walking, cycling and horse-riding routes suitable for all ages. The valley showcases vibrant woodland scenery, featuring many budding trees and spring flowers, particularly bluebells and is especially beautiful as the spring foliage begins to develop. Stop at the café or enjoy the wide range of nesting birds and emerging insects as you pass through the walking trails. It’s an ideal setting for encouraging active minds and outdoor exploration. ### 4 - Cannock Chase, Rugeley - WS15 2UQ Cannock Chase is a 69 square kilometre National Landscape in Staffordshire, known for its extensive pine forests, open heath lands and diverse wildlife. Despite being mainland England’s “*Smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty*”, it offers an expressive variety of outdoor experiences. What makes it special is the blooming scenery of snowdrops and bluebells from ancient woodland to rare lowland heath. It is home to deer, birds of prey and a wide range of plant species. It is a peaceful escape that still feels wild and expansive. Walking on foot, there are miles of way-marked trails, suitable for all abilities, cycle through the well-known "Follow the Dog" mountain bike trail, plus enjoy "The Room on the Broom" trail, Go Ape and horse-riding bridleways that weave through forest and heath. ### 5 - Downs Banks - National Trust Downs Banks is a lovely pocket of wilderness tucked right into the heart of Stone, Staffordshire (ST15 8UU) and a spectacular place to explore with your dog. Managed by the National Trust, it offers a peaceful mix of woodlands, open heath and gentle streams- perfect for a short escape into nature. **Please note** the main trail is around half a mile and contains narrow pathways and steep and uneven surfaces, but has regular bench seating throughout. Unfortunately, there are no toilets on site. The nearest radar-adapted toilets are approximately 2 miles from Downs Banks. ### 6 - Yoxall Lodge, Bluebell Woods - Near Burton-on-Trent (DE13 8RL) Often referred to as Lodge Hill Bluebells, this family-run private woodland is widely praised for its stunning spring bluebell displays. Visitors often describe it as a “peaceful, beautifully maintained escape where you can wander for hours among carpets of vibrant bluebells and abundant wildlife". The woods are typically open for only a few weeks in April/May when the unspoiled scenery and dense native bluebells are in full bloom. There are different walks of different lengths overlooking natural landscapes of hills and farmland. It’s a favourite spot for couples thanks to its calm, romantic atmosphere, and the experience is made even sweeter by the availability of homemade cakes at the woodland café. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll, a nature-filled afternoon, or simply a quiet place to unwind, Yoxall Lodge offers a wonderfully immersive woodland walk. Parking is available on site- please check for annual opening dates. ### 7 - George Hayes George’s Hayes is made up of 2 separate ancient woodland blocks, forming one of Staffordshire’s most treasured nature reserves. It is especially celebrated for its spectacular display of native wild daffodils, which carpet the woodland floor in early spring. You will find George’s Hayes in Upper Longdon, nestled between Rugeley and Lichfield, just off the A51 ( WS15 4LP). The reserve covers 19 hectares of peaceful, wildlife- rich woodland. Free parking is available at the small car park at Piggot’s Bottom with access to the reserve on foot. For disabled access or to open the car park padlock, visitors can contact the Trust on 01889 880100. Paths can be uneven and wet, so please watch your step and sturdy footwear is a wise choice. The best times to visit are February to May- perfect for witnessing the country’s largest colony of native wild daffodils. And in September to October, enjoy the woodland’s rich Autumn colours. If you are an early riser or simply love birdsong, visit on a May morning to experience the dawn chorus. Woodland birds fill the air with a vibrant, overlapping symphony as they compete to be heard. ![purple flower field during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1621403905924-ccf0f1154ae1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fGJsdWViZWxsc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3NzkwOTczNzJ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jonny Gios](https://unsplash.com/@supergios?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 8 - Jackson’s Coppice & Marsh, Eccleshall A peaceful 8-hectare nature reserve combining ancient woodland and open marshland. Wander through Jackson’s Coppice, where the terrain can be uneven or steep in places due to burrowing wildlife. A new boardwalk lets you explore the marsh without getting your feet wet, offering elevated views across the wetland. The best time to spot grazing animals is April to May and again in July to September. It is free to visit the site, but there is only limited parking in a small parking area in the field next to the marsh. Gates from the car park lead directly to the boardwalk. There is a slight incline from the boardwalk back to the car park. ### 9 - The Wolseley Centre Nature Reserve - Rugeley A beautiful, revamped, completely free to visit nature reserve and the headquarters of the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The Wolseley Centre is one of the country’s true hidden gems with peaceful lakes, riverside paths, and wildlife-rich habitats. Major improvements were completed in 2019, including a new gift shop, the Kingfisher café, overlooking Swan Lake, and a learning hub dedicated to educational activities. It is completely free to enter, although donations are also welcome to support wildlife conservation. There is a large car park, which closes daily at 5 pm. Bike racks can be found at the entrance. Accessible footpaths suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs, and young children. Boardwalks offer views over the river and ponds. Mobility scooters are available for hire, but a donation is required. Grazing animals are present in the summer months on the wet meadow and river walk. This is a great spot for dragonfly watching, kingfisher sightings and lakeside picnics. It’s a hub for nature lovers, and the 26-acre site particularly highlights delicate snowdrops and daffodils in their prime during the spring months. For more information, call the centre on 01889 880100 ![Bluebells in the British countryside at spring time](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1645374158583-90ef17f789ee?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGJsdWViZWxsc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3NzkwOTczNzJ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Chris Whatley](https://unsplash.com/@chriswah?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 10 - Bishton Hall & Gardens – Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, ST17 0XN A springtime escape into history, beauty and tranquillity. Step into the charm of Bishton Hall and Gardens this Spring, where history and natural beauty come together in a truly captivating setting. Wander through the expansive grounds, enjoy peaceful strolls among the seasonal blooms, featuring daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses along its woodland walk and take in the serene atmosphere that makes the Georgian estate so special. After exploring, unwind at Sparrows Tearoom, open daily from 10am to 3pm, where you can savour a warm drink or a delicious treat in a cosy, welcoming space. The gardens and the car park are open every day from 10am to 4pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Bishton Hall stands as a striking example of Georgian architecture, blending classic elegance with historical character. Inside, the house reveals beautiful, detailed interiors and a timeless sense of grandeur. Its heritage and design offer a fascinating window into the past, while the estate itself provides a stunning backdrop for events, gatherings, and leisurely days out. Entry is free, but a small parking charge may apply during specific events. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Historic flypast confirmed for The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/historic-flypast-confirmed-for-the-big-battle-of-abbots-bromley/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T10:03:05.000Z History lovers, families and reenactment enthusiasts are set for a packed day in Staffordshire this summer, as The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley returns with a major addition for 2026. Organisers have confirmed that the legendary Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a flypast during this year’s event, adding an extra piece of living history to what is already shaping up to be one of Staffordshire’s biggest historical weekends. Taking place on Sunday 21 June 2026 at High Ash Farm, Yeatsall Lane, Abbots Bromley, the event transforms the countryside near Cobwebs Coffee Shop into a journey through nearly a thousand years of history, from the Norman era through to the twentieth century. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF's historic squadron, operates some of Britain's most recognisable wartime aircraft. During the 2026 season the flight includes the Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota aircraft. Organisers say confirmation of which aircraft will appear at Abbots Bromley will be announced nearer the event. The flypast is expected to become one of the highlights of the weekend and a fitting tribute to Britain's aviation heritage. Visitors should note that all flypasts remain subject to weather conditions and aircraft serviceability, and timings will not be released publicly. ![The Guilde will be portraying Pirates - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/The-Guilde-will-be-portraying-Pirates.jpg) The Guilde will be portraying Pirates - Chappers Photography ## A day of living history across the centuries The Big Battle of Abbots Bromley has built a reputation for combining education with entertainment, allowing visitors to walk through different periods of history and speak directly with reenactors who bring the past to life. Across the site, visitors will find immersive camps, historic displays and battle recreations covering centuries of conflict and culture. ![The French Napoleonic army heading to the battlefield - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/The-French-Napoleonic-army-heading-to-the-battlefield.jpg) The French Napoleonic army heading to the battlefield - Chappers Photography This year's programme includes: • A spectacular Wild West display from Spearfish Creek, one of the UK's leading American West living history groups • A large scale recreation of the Battle of the Alamo by the Remember the Alamo Association, complete with live firing muskets and cannons • A dramatic Napoleonic battlefield display • Pirates from The Guilde • Displays exploring the Spanish Civil War and Russian Civil War • The Poor Knights of Christ portraying the Crusades • King Penda's Anglo Saxon encampment and demonstrations • The English Free Companye representing the War of the Roses and Tudor period • Company 24 demonstrating American Civil War drills • The 1879 group bringing the Anglo Zulu War to life with displays and educational talks Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, visitors can wander through camps, ask questions and see how people lived, fought and travelled across different periods of history. ![Witness live firing cannons - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/witness-live-firing-cannons-.jpg) Witness live firing cannons - Chappers Photography ## Family activities and hands on experiences The event also has a strong family focus, with activities designed to get younger visitors involved. Families can enjoy: • Children's drill sessions • Meet and greet opportunities with reenactors • Interactive living history experiences • The chance to join the Texian Army and take part in a hands on mission to capture a Mexican cannon • Family portraits in authentic 1830s Mexican costume ![Spearfish Creek, the UK's premier American West group - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Spearfish-Creek--the-UK-s-premier-American-West-group.jpg) Spearfish Creek, the UK's premier American West group - Chappers Photography Alongside the historical action there will also be plenty of festival atmosphere, with food and refreshments available throughout the day. Visitors can expect: • BBQ food • Ice cream • Local stalls • Children's amusements • Refreshments throughout the site ![Company 24 on the lookout - Chappers Photography](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Company-24-on-the-lookout.jpg) Company 24 on the lookout - Chappers Photography ## Photography day returns Photographers can also take part in a dedicated photography day on Saturday 20 June. Unlike the Sunday public event, this session offers exclusive photographic access to reenactors and staged historical scenes and is designed specifically for photography enthusiasts. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/expect-lots-of-activities-around-the-living-history-camps.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/look-and-listen-out-for-our-live-firing-demonstrations.jpg) Look and listen out for our live firing demonstrations, and expect lots of activities around the living history camps - Chappers Photography ## Organisers promise a memorable day > “This event is all about bringing history to life in a way that is exciting, educational and memorable for all ages,” says organiser Lee Chapman. “We’re thrilled to be welcoming so many high-quality reenactment groups to Abbots Bromley for what promises to be an incredible day. Having the flypast is the icing on the cake” Advance tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £7 for children. Tickets can be booked through [www.chappersphotography.co.uk](http://www.chappersphotography.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Limited tickets will also be available at the gate, although advance booking is recommended. For Staffordshire families looking for a summer day out with cannons, cavalry, Spitfires and nearly a thousand years of history, Abbots Bromley could be one to add to the diary. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent children’s gym celebrates 20 years after supporting more than a quarter of a million children in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-childrens-gym-celebrates-20-years-after-supporting-more-than-a-quarter-of-a-million-children-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T09:25:08.000Z Founded by Yvonne Shuttleworth, the educational gym has spent the last two decades helping children build confidence, co-ordination, social skills and healthy habits through movement, learning and structured play, while continually evolving to meet the changing needs of children and parents alike. Balance & Beam has become a familiar part of childhood for generations of Staffordshire families, with former members now bringing their own children to classes. One of those former members is Stephen Clarkson, who now brings his own children, Finley and Oscar, to sessions at Balance & Beam. Stephen said: “Gymnastics at Balance & Beam was a pivotal part of my childhood, teaching me discipline, confidence and resilience all whilst having fun. The thrill of perfecting new skills whilst being in a class full of my friends created memories I’ve kept to this day.” “Now, as a parent myself, I decided to bring my own children to Balance & Beam because I wanted them to experience the same joy and growth that I did. It’s a place where they can develop strength, coordination and self-esteem in a supportive environment, whilst learning important life lessons and having fun.” The lasting impact of Balance & Beam can also be seen within its own team, with five current staff members first attending sessions there as children themselves, including Bella, Macy, Bekah, Freya and Libbie. Assistant Coach Libbie first attended Balance & Beam when she was four years old and now helps inspire the next generation of children in the gym. She said: “When I first started at Balance & Beam, I was so shy that I had to be carried into my first session. Coming to classes helped me build confidence, develop physical skills and make friendships that stayed with me as I grew up.” “Years later, I came back to volunteer before becoming part of the coaching team because I wanted to help inspire children in the same way the coaches inspired me.” Founder Yvonne Shuttleworth said she has seen huge changes in children over the last 20 years, particularly around attention spans, confidence and screen use. She said: > “What a difference 20 years makes. Many children today are surrounded by constant digital distraction and we’re seeing the impact that can have on focus, confidence and social development.” > “When we talk about paying attention, what we’re really talking about is the ability to sit, focus and listen, skills that are essential for children to be able to learn and develop throughout their lives.” With many parents increasingly concerned about screen time, focus and confidence in young children, Balance & Beam believes its classes are more important than ever. Through structured, coach-led activities, the team helps children develop essential life skills including listening, concentration, co-ordination, confidence and social interaction, all within a fun, active and supportive environment. Twenty years after opening its doors, Balance & Beam continues to welcome hundreds of children every week and is currently at its highest-ever membership levels, reflecting growing demand from Staffordshire families for structured, active and educational children’s activities. Recently, the team has expanded its offering to support more local families, including growing demand for SEN sessions and newer programmes such as Baby Yoga & Massage. Founder Yvonne said: > “We are constantly evolving our sessions to meet the changing needs of children today and ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, develop and most importantly have fun.” > “Over the last 20 years, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of children grow in confidence, build friendships and achieve things they never thought possible. That’s what makes Balance & Beam so special.” As part of their anniversary celebrations, the team is also raising money for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital through a special anniversary charity t-shirt initiative, with 50% of sales donated to the charity. To donate to Balance & Beam’s fundraiser for Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital: [https://www.justgiving.com/page/balance-and-beam-bch](https://www.justgiving.com/page/balance-and-beam-bch?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) To find out more: [https://www.balanceandbeam.co.uk/](https://www.balanceandbeam.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Finley-Clarkson.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Libbie.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Bella.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Freya.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Stephen-Clarkson.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Macy.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Bekah.png) Balance & Beam, a children’s educational gym based in Stoke-on-Trent #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Pretty Woman The Musical Returns To Stoke On Trent in 2027 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/pretty-woman-the-musical-returns-to-stoke-on-trent-in-2027/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T08:48:23.000Z It’s time to head to Beverly Hills and experience one of Hollywood’s most iconic romantic comedies of all time as the production takes to the road again in 2027 following a record-breaking run in the West End and a sell-out first UK tour in 2023. The tour will head to the **Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent** from **Tuesday 20 – Saturday 24 July 2027.** Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie - and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way - in this dazzlingly joyous love story for the ages. Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway, **PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL** features direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award® winner **Jerry Mitchell** (*Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray*), an original ‘blazing rock score’ (Daily Mail) score by Grammy® winner **Bryan Adams** and **Jim Vallance** (*‘Summer of ’69’, ‘Heaven’*) and a book by the movie’s legendary director **Garry Marshall** and screenwriter **J.F. Lawton**. Featured in the musical is **Roy Orbison** and **Bill Dee**’s international smash hit song *‘Oh, Pretty Woman’* which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film (produced by **Arnon Milchan** \- New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. **PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL** has scenic design by **David Rockwell**, costumes by **Tom Rogers** from the original Broadway designs by **Gregg Barnes**, lighting design by **Kenneth Posner** and **Philip S. Rosenberg**, sound design by **John Shivers**, hair design by **Josh Marquette**, and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by **Will Van Dyke**. **101 Productions, Ltd/Kathy Kim** are the Global General Management Consultant. Direction recreated by **Dominic Shaw**. **PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL** had its world premiere at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway where it ran at the Nederlander Theatre. The German production opened in Hamburg at the Stage Theater an der Elbe in September 2019 to rave reviews, and a US Tour of the show opened in October 2021\. The production opened in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre on 13 February 2020, before relocating to the Savoy Theatre from 8 July 2021, where it played its final performance on 18 June 2023, ahead of embarking on its first sell-out UK and Ireland tour in October 2023. **PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL** is produced by ATG Productions, Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO & Gavin Kalin Productions. **Tickets go on general sale today, Friday 15 May at 10am.** **Tickets are available online at** [**www.atgtickets.com/stoke**](http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)**.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Outlook-32ztajtp.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--7-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--2-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--6-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--5-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--4-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--3-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-West-End-Company.-Photo-Helen-Maybanks--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/PRETTY-WOMAN-The-Musical.-2023-Touring-Company.-Photo-Marc-Brenner--1-.jpg) Pretty Woman - The Musical - Returns to Stoke on Trent #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### JCB is targeting a new land speed record with a 32-foot car powered by its own hydrogen engines URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jcb-is-targeting-a-new-land-speed-record-with-a-32-foot-car-powered-by-its-own-hydrogen-engines/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T08:33:32.000Z The Staffordshire-based manufacturer, which employs more than 20,000 people worldwide, has spent five years developing hydrogen internal combustion engines as part of a £100 million investment. JCB diggers powered by the technology have just started rolling off production lines. Now, exactly 20 years after rewriting the record books with the JCB Dieselmax car, the company is returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah to attempt a new speed record – this time using hydrogen power. In August 2006, JCB Dieselmax, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, set a world diesel land speed record of 350.092 mph – a record that still stands. In August this year, Green will once again take the wheel, driving the hydrogen-powered JCB Hydromax. The JCB-led project is being supported by Prodrive and Ricardo. JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has spearheaded the company’s hydrogen programme, said: > “Britain has a proud heritage of setting speed records and, as a British company, I’m excited to challenge for a new one using hydrogen. This is not just about speed – it’s about showcasing the world-class engineering talent we have here in the UK and the robustness of our new hydrogen engines.“ > JCB Dieselmax was always a bit of an unusual idea – but it proved a point. Putting an advanced engine into a land-speed car showed the world what it could do in a way a digger never could. It’s the same thinking with hydrogen today. If you’re serious about emissions, you have to be serious about hydrogen – and a land-speed project is the perfect way to prove it.” He added: > “As for the speed, we’re aiming for with JCB Hydromax – we intend to beat 350 mph.” Andy Green, the fastest man on earth at 763.035mph and the only person to break the sound barrier on land, said: > “Twenty years ago, JCB took two of its diesel engines, sprinkled some magic engineering dust on them and put them into a racing car. We raced the JCB Dieselmax up to an astonishing speed - and a new FIA world record - of just over 350 mph. Today, that car is still the fastest diesel-engined vehicle in history. Now we're going back to the Bonneville Salt Flats, spiritual home of the World Land Speed Record, with JCB's new hydrogen engines. > “The 'JCB Hydromax' car is lighter, more powerful and faster than its predecessor of 20 years ago. Once again, we're going to show the world just how good British engineering and technology really is. This August we're going to smash the hydrogen-powered vehicle record in the world's fastest (and most exciting!) zero-emissions vehicle. I can't wait.” Testing will begin in the UK before the team heads to Bonneville SpeedWeek, the world’s leading land speed racing event, where competitors from around the globe gather to chase records on the vast Salt Flats. JCB Hydromax will run with two production-based hydrogen engines, producing a combined 1,600 bhp. SpeedWeek is run by the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), which governs and verifies official class records at the event. The team will then remain at Bonneville to pursue officially recognised world records under the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport. JCB’s speed attempt comes ahead of the opening of the company’s new $500 million, one million sq. ft, 400-acre factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ 1,500 people, manufacturing machines for the US market. JCB has a long history of pushing the limits of speed. In 2019, the JCB Fastrac tractor was crowned the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191 mph, while in 2014 the JCB GT set the world record for the fastest backhoe loader at 72.58 mph. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Longton Community Cyber Day to bring free cyber security advice to local businesses URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-community-cyber-day-to-bring-free-cyber-security-advice-to-local-businesses/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T08:28:18.000Z As businesses increasingly rely on digital systems, online payments and connected technology, keeping organisations safe online has become a growing challenge. From phishing emails and scams to cyber attacks and data breaches, threats continue to evolve and many smaller organisations are left wondering where to turn for support. Now a new event in Longton aims to help change that. Longton Community Cyber Day will take place at Longton Exchange on Monday 8 June 2026, bringing together police, cyber professionals and business support organisations for a free day focused on online safety and cyber resilience. The police-led event has been organised by Sergeant Richard Lloyd of Staffordshire Police in partnership with the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, Longton Exchange and supporting organisations. Designed specifically for SMEs, charities, sole traders and community groups in and around Longton, the event aims to raise awareness of online threats while connecting people with practical support and guidance available locally. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can drop in and speak directly with cyber professionals and police officers through informal one-to-one clinics and advice sessions. Topics covered will include current scams and online threats, cyber security best practice and guidance on protecting organisations from increasingly sophisticated attacks. Visitors will also be able to learn about fully funded support services available through the Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands. The event then continues into the evening with a presentation and networking session, including an opportunity to hear more about emerging cyber trends and meet ambassadors involved with cyber resilience work across the region. Organisers say there is no need to book in advance, with local organisations encouraged to drop in throughout the day or attend the evening session. ### Longton Community Cyber Day Former Shoe Zone unit, Longton Exchange, Longton Monday 8 June 2026 **12pm to 5pm** Drop in sessions and one-to-one cyber clinics **5:30pm to 6:30pm** Presentation and Meet the Ambassadors session, including refreshments **6:30pm to 7pm** Business networking For further information visit: [Longton Cyber Day | WMCRC![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)WMCRC![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9bdcbc_1fe30ff559094f6b8f9ac2c1ed0c537a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_2500,h_1330,al_c/9bdcbc_1fe30ff559094f6b8f9ac2c1ed0c537a~mv2.png)](https://www.wmcrc.co.uk/longton-cyber-day?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) As more aspects of business life move online, events like this are becoming an increasingly important way for local organisations to access support and stay one step ahead of the latest threats. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stoke-on-Trent households set to benefit from £16.8m fund to help those facing financial crisis URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-households-set-to-benefit-from-16-8m-fund-to-help-those-facing-financial-crisis/ Last updated: 2026-05-15T08:03:15.000Z The Crisis Resilience Fund will help households deal with sudden financial shocks while also investing in longer‑term support to prevent people falling into difficulty. The fund, which runs until March 2029, will provide £5.6 million each year to support residents struggling with essential costs such as food, energy, housing and transport. It will allow the council to continue offering crisis payments and housing support, while also expanding services that help people strengthen their finances and regain stability. The fund will provide for timely and effective crisis payments based on need. It will also give support towards housing costs to those who face a shortfall. Longer-term support will include funding for services to improve financial resilience - whether delivered by the council or partner organisations. There will be money to provide advice, budgeting help, income maximisation, digital inclusion and stronger local support networks, helping people to recover and reducing the likelihood they will need crisis help again. Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This funding will help us continue supporting residents through times of real financial hardship while also helping people build longer-term stability and resilience. “We know many households are still under pressure from the rising cost of living. This fund means we can provide practical support when people need it most, while also investing in services that help residents improve their financial situation and reduce the risk of future crisis. “By working closely with trusted local partners, we can make sure support reaches people quickly, fairly and in a way that delivers lasting benefits for our communities.” The council will act as the accountable body for the funding, working with trusted local partners to deliver support quickly and fairly. A dedicated governance and monitoring framework will ensure the funding is spent as intended, with strong safeguards to protect public money and maximise impact for residents. There will be regular reporting to cabinet and to government on how the fund is being used and the difference it is making. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Longton Exchange Launches Stoke-on-Trent’s Only Tourism Office URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-exchange-launches-stoke-on-trents-only-tourism-office/ Last updated: 2026-05-14T14:59:12.000Z The new tourism office, located at the front of the Longton Exchange Management Suite, will officially open on Monday 25th May, just in time for the May half-term holidays. The project was initiated after Centre Manager Chris Ward discovered that Stoke-on-Trent no longer had a dedicated tourist information point available for visitors. Recognising the importance of tourism to both the local economy and the wider community, Longton Exchange began developing a welcoming and accessible space where visitors can discover everything Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have to offer. Developed with support from Visit Staffordshire and Visit England, the tourism office will provide information on local attractions, events, accommodation, shopping, dining, heritage sites and family activities across the city and county. Chris Ward, Centre Manager at Longton Exchange, said: > "When I discovered that Stoke-on-Trent no longer had a tourism information point, I felt it was important that we did something about it. Tourism plays a huge role in supporting local businesses and encouraging people to explore our city. > > "Stoke-on-Trent has a rich heritage and so many fantastic attractions, from Gladstone Pottery Museum and Duchess China to independent businesses, cultural venues and family attractions across all six towns. > "Longton itself attracts visitors from across the country, particularly those wanting to visit the home of The Great Pottery Throw Down, alongside the many historic and cultural attractions within the town. Creating a central point where visitors can access information while exploring the area felt like a natural step forward. > "Longton Exchange is about far more than shopping, it’s about supporting the wider community, promoting local pride and helping drive footfall into Longton > and Stoke-on-Trent as a whole. We are incredibly proud to now be home to the city’s only tourism office." The opening forms part of Longton Exchange’s wider commitment to supporting the regeneration of Longton town centre and promoting Stoke-on-Trent as a destination for visitors and residents alike. The tourism office will promote local events, independent businesses, visitor attractions, cultural experiences and family activities throughout the year. The tourism office officially opens on Monday 25th May at Longton Exchange. For further information, please contact: *Roz Ryan* *Tenant, Community Engagement & Marketing Manager* *Community | Retail | Events* *roz@longtonexchange.co.uk* #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Innovative AI solution set to boost prevention of early rent arrears URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/innovative-ai-solution-set-to-boost-prevention-of-early-rent-arrears/ Last updated: 2026-05-14T14:31:12.000Z The new software will enable the council to better identify "early warning" patterns in tenant payment behaviour, allowing for earlier and more targeted intervention aimed at helping those who are struggling to cope financially. The AI-driven platform will also provide risk-based prioritisation, automate routine processes and support more efficient and effective case management. The proposal to buy a cost-effective AI-powered system, which is subject to cabinet approval next week, keys into the council’s commitment to not only modernise services but support residents amid ongoing financial and cost of living pressures. The council's approach is to tackle the root causes of problems as well as providing more immediate help when problems have escalated. The need for the improved system has grown in recent years – with an increasing number of tenants moving onto Universal Credit. This means rent payments are typically made directly by the resident rather than through Housing Benefit This change has added complexity to income collection and increased demand on staff. The AI digital solution will streamline processes, reduce unnecessary administrative workload, and allow officers to concentrate on higher-risk cases as well as enable more consistent and accessible communication with tenants, to promote tenancy sustainment and support tenants experiencing financial difficulty Financial modelling indicates the proposal could deliver a strong net financial benefit, with increased income collection and reduced bad debt provision. Over a three-year period, the council anticipates significant revenue gains alongside improved outcomes for tenants. Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “As part of our ongoing digital transformation, we are exploring a number of options to increase efficiency and deliver better services to the people of Stoke-on-Trent. > “We are committed to identifying risks of tenants falling into rent areas early so we can help them before problems mount up. > “As with all our uses of AI, we aren’t just looking at automating process and freeing up staff time, but providing real insight and better services for our residents. > “This investment represents a significant step forward in how we manage rent arrears and support our tenants. By using modern technology, we can focus our resources where they are needed most, intervene earlier, and help residents avoid falling into unmanageable debt.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### The Architectural Legacy of the Sugdens in Leek: The Chimneys, Churches and Character of a Moorlands Town URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/the-architectural-legacy-of-the-sugdens-in-leek-the-chimneys-churches-and-character-of-a-moorlands-town/ Last updated: 2026-05-14T08:59:37.000Z Next time you visit Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, look up. You will soon start to notice the unusual chimney pots and towering chimney stacks that pepper the rooflines. Some of them are part of the architectural legacy of Sugden & Son, the architects who left their distinctive mark on the town during the nineteenth century. When you ask visitors to Leek why they have come, you hear about the vibrant market days, with the newly refurbished indoor Butter Market adding to the appeal. They will also tell you about the excellent choice of independent shops and the friendliness of the locals they encounter. ![The rooftops of Leek - image by The Red Haired Stokie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260226_091902.jpg) The rooftops of Leek - image by The Red Haired Stokie But many also love to wander the quaint streets lined with old-fashioned shopfronts, pubs, churches, commercial premises and public buildings. The town’s architectural heritage is not always conventionally beautiful, but it is distinctive, characterful and unmistakably Leek. Much of it was shaped by the Sugdens. William Sugden was a gritty, energetic Yorkshireman who arrived in the area in 1848 to supervise the construction of several stations on the new Churnet Valley Railway line nearby. He quickly recognised that Leek was expanding rapidly, with silk mills, houses and churches rising across the town and many more still to come. Seeing opportunity, he established himself in Leek as an architect and surveyor. ![Trinity Church on Derby Street, originally designed by William Sugden in the Gothic Revival style - image by The Red Haired Stokie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20251030_095240.jpg) Trinity Church on Derby Street, originally designed by William Sugden in the Gothic Revival style - image by The Red Haired Stokie When it came to ecclesiastical work, Sugden followed the popular Gothic Revival style, harking back to medieval churches and cathedrals and strongly favoured by nineteenth-century church authorities. This could be seen in his designs for Brunswick Chapel, now demolished, the cemetery chapels and his impressive Congregational Church on Derby Street, now known as Trinity Church, inspired by the Gothic Decorated period. Sugden’s secular buildings in Leek showed far greater variation and eclecticism. Above ground level he favoured rounded or arched windows and decorative brickwork, features that became hallmarks of his work after the 1850s. Two examples in the town centre are the Mechanics’ Institute on Russell Street and the former Alsop Cottage Hospital on Stockwell Street. The use of brick banding helps elevate many of the town’s houses above the ordinary, particularly around Bath Street, Ford Street, York Street and Deansgate. This decorative use of brickwork continued under his son after 1870, with William Larner Sugden adding moulded brick highlights to openings and ceramic tiles to doorways in some of his terraced housing commissions. When his schooldays were over, William Larner Sugden joined his father in the business as a trainee. Work from the 1870s and 1880s was often jointly designed, with Larner introducing newer styles such as Queen Anne Revival and Arts and Crafts influences. ![The Nicholson Institute in Leek, one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Staffordshire Moorlands - image by The Red Haired Stokie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20231027_140538-1.jpg) The Nicholson Institute in Leek, one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian architecture in the Staffordshire Moorlands - image by The Red Haired Stokie/ Their most celebrated collaboration remains the magnificent Nicholson Institute, completed in 1884 off Stockwell Street. It was conceived as a multi-purpose public building for the people of Leek by Joshua Nicholson, a wealthy silk manufacturer and philanthropist. The result was a building that is striking and distinctive rather than conventionally beautiful, combining a Renaissance-style tower with Queen Anne gables and Arts and Crafts decorative features. ![Old Police Station, Leek](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/207/325/Resource/51975-1.jpg) Old Police Station, LeekThe old Police Station on Leonard Street, Leek.This former County Police Station is a Grade II listed building dating from 1891-2, it was designed by local architects: the father and son practice of ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/details.aspx?ResourceID=51977&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track This willingness to borrow from multiple architectural styles can also be seen in the Old Police Station on Leonard Street, designed in a dramatic Scottish Baronial style. Why not? Its appearance certainly conveys strength and authority in abundance. William Larner Sugden was also responsible for the striking bank on Derby Street built for the Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Company in 1882\. Today it remains one of Leek’s finest buildings. It is Grade II listed by [Historic England](https://historicengland.org.uk/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com) and was recently vacated by [NatWest](https://www.natwest.com/?utm%5Fsource=chatgpt.com), leading to concerns about its future. The left-hand side has a flat, solid and beautifully crafted brick façade edged with stone, while the right side features an elegant gable with ornate oriel windows and decorative pargetting. The interior is equally lavish, with no expense spared, should you ever get the opportunity to step inside. The Co-op’s former regional headquarters, located on the corner of High Street and Field Street, is another excellent example of Larner’s work. ![Leek Battery leaving for France](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/55/177/Resource/26797-0.jpg) Leek Battery leaving for France3rd Leek Battery passing William Sugden's Sanders Building, occupied at the time by J. Mears. On horseback is Lt. Arthur Falkner Nicholson, who was later wounded in action.[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=26797&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track Larner was also responsible for Sanders Buildings, the large commercial property on the corner of Derby Street and Haywood Street. It has a grand and well-balanced appearance, complete with an unexpected roof spire somewhat overshadowed by those massive square chimney stacks that the Sugdens simply could not resist. And we must not forget Larner Sugden’s own house on nearby Queen Street, along with the neighbouring property built for his elderly father. Stepped window surrounds, moulded brickwork, external terracotta tiles, early Arts and Crafts motifs and inevitably towering chimneys create a remarkable mixture of features that still divides opinion today. ![Leek as viewed from the clock tower of St Edwards church - image by The Red Haired Stokie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/IMG_20191002_113350.jpg) Leek as viewed from the clock tower of St Edwards church - image by The Red Haired Stokie The streets of Leek remain distinctive and full of character. The Sugdens made a substantial contribution to how the town looks today, although they were certainly not responsible for all of it. There are many other architectural delights to discover. Any survey of Leek’s buildings should also include the beauty and diversity of St Edward’s Street. Admire the town’s own black-and-white timber buildings, like those that chocolate-box Cheshire is famous for, but do not forget to look upwards, because some of them have huge and wonderfully quirky chimneys of their own. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Council partnership helps residents in Stafford to Beat the Cold URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-partnership-helps-residents-in-stafford-to-beat-the-cold/ Last updated: 2026-05-12T13:21:45.000Z Stafford Borough Council work with Staffordshire-based Beat the Cold to provide a wide range of support and advice to residents in the area to help reduce ill health caused by fuel poverty and cold homes, and help build lower-carbon communities. Through the partnership, Beat the Cold advisers supported residents through telephone calls, home visits and outreach at community events, creating a potential overall benefit of £275,465 through resident savings, grants and social value. Councillor Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, said: > “Our partnership with Beat the Cold provided residents across the borough with access to expert help and advice on reducing costs and increasing energy efficiency as well as supporting healthier living. > “Almost half of all residents who engaged with the charity reported an immediate improvement to their sense of wellbeing following intervention with Beat the Cold and it is wonderful to hear someone say that support has been ‘life changing’ for their family.” The success of the project is explored through resident stories hosted on the council’s website, which includes feedback from people who accessed support, including a parent of three from Stafford who said: > “I’m not working now due to my health and things have been tough. I honestly can’t put into words how this support has made a difference. > “I am now on a better tariff and paying less each month. This has taken a huge weight off my shoulders and given me peace of mind at a difficult time. It’s literally life changing.” Beat the Cold works with the council to refer residents for energy efficiency measures such as insulation and low carbon technology, offer advice on tariffs, energy supplier issues and water bills, as well as identifying those in need of damp and mould advice. The service also helps people sign up to National Grid Priority Services Register which provides urgent support in the event of a power cut to those who are vulnerable or rely on energy to power medical equipment. Beat the Cold Chief Executive, Fiona Miller said: > “We are proud to work with Stafford Borough Council as the commissioned Energy Advice Service, providing local residents with advice and guidance on their energy matters. > “Our strong links with government initiatives and other voluntary sector partners enable a seamless service which is simple to navigate, and Beat the Cold are able to simplify the process for residents, ensuring that they can affordably keep warm and power their homes effectively.” To read the case study in full go to [Energy Advice Service | Stafford Borough Council](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/energy-advice-service?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Meet Hugo, 8, preparing to take on Three Peaks Challenge for Dougie Mac – in just three days URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/meet-hugo-8-preparing-to-take-on-three-peaks-challenge-for-dougie-mac-in-just-three-days/ Last updated: 2026-05-12T13:02:49.000Z Eight-year-old Hugo, from Meir Heath, along with his dad, Matt, are to take on the Three Peaks Challenge at the end of May and scale the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, whilst raising vital funds for the hospice. They have set themselves a fundraising target of £1,500\. The pair are planning to climb Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon in an adventure they hope will take just three days – a mountain a day, back-to-back. Hugo decided to take on the challenge as he ‘wanted to raise money for a local charity’. He said: > “We wanted to do something challenging for a local charity and found Dougie Mac to be the perfect fit. I’ve always been on big walks with my family and climbed Snowdon when I was six with my dad, so doing the Three Peaks seemed like the next big challenge – who knows where I’ll climb next!” Hugo and Matt will spend three days living out of a VW van, kindly donated to them by Volkswagen Van Centre in Stoke. Hugo continued: > “Me and my dad have been training and go out a couple of times a week for a big walk. I recently did eight miles and was tired and hungry afterwards. I feel very excited to be doing the challenge but also a little bit nervous. I know it’s going to be amazing when I reach the top of each mountain, but I feel nervous because it’s going to be a big challenge. I think Ben Nevis will be the trickiest because it’s the tallest mountain – but I think I’ll pass the challenge. > “I’m really looking forward to raising as much money as I can for Dougie Mac. I’d really like to get a gold leaf in the Dougie Mac reception so my aim is to get over £1,500.” Matt said: > “This isn’t just a challenge for me - it’s something incredibly special I’m doing alongside Hugo. At such a young age he’s already showing determination, resilience and a willingness to push himself far beyond his comfort zone. As a dad, I couldn’t be prouder.” Hugo and Matt will begin their challenge on May 27 th. To donate to their fundraiser, visit: [Matthew Dale is fundraising for Douglas Macmillan Hospice](https://www.justgiving.com/page/mattandhugo?utm%5Fmedium=FR&utm%5Fsource=CL) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Council updates on plans for investing in MyActive Cheadle URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-updates-on-plans-for-investing-in-myactive-cheadle/ Last updated: 2026-05-12T12:52:12.000Z The proposed improvements form part of the Council’s wider programme of investment in local leisure facilities and are designed to enhance the experience for both existing users and future generations. The plans include: - A brand-new fitness suite bringing together the two existing spaces - A new dedicated, immersive indoor cycling studio - A new, large additional group exercise studio - A new active wellbeing suite focused on supporting people just starting out, being referred for exercise by their GP or health professional, or who might be recovering from surgery or illness - Fully-refurbished wet-side changing facilities Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: > “We know MyActive Cheadle is much-loved and well used but is in need of investment, so I’m pleased to be able to update people on where we are with our plans to significantly refurbish and modernise the centre. > “We’re moving positively through the design phases and aim to be able to share some exciting images in a few weeks to illustrate what we’re planning and what people can expect from this upgrade. We’ll also be asking you for your feedback on the plans to help shape them before they are taken forwards. > “We’ll display the images in the centre and on our website and social media channels so watch this space and we look forward to hearing your views.” There’s more information about the Council’s leisure centres, which are operated by MyActive, on [the website.](https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/article/580/Leisure-centres?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Rob Wilks, Managing Director of MyActive, said: > “The progress being made by the Council on plans to invest in MyActive Cheadle is extremely exciting and we’re looking forward to helping to share more information with the community very soon. > “We know that having access to high quality opportunities and facilities which support people’s health and wellbeing is vital, and are committed to working with the Council on this significant project as things progress.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Trainspotting The Musical is heading to Stoke-on-Trent after West End premiere URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/trainspotting-the-musical-is-heading-to-stoke-on-trent-after-west-end-premiere/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T09:20:55.000Z Direct from London’s West End, **Trainspotting The Musical** is heading to the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent as part of a major UK tour. The show will run from **Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 January 2027**, bringing Irvine Welsh’s story to the city more than 30 years after the film became one of the defining British cultural moments of the 1990s. Written by Irvine Welsh, adapted from his best-selling debut novel, and directed and developed by Caroline Jay Ranger, the musical follows Renton, Sick Boy, Begbie, Spud, Tommy and Kelly as their world is brought to life on stage. The 1996 film **Trainspotting** became the highest-grossing UK film of the year, taking more than $76 million worldwide. It also won several awards, including a BAFTA for Best Screenplay. In 1999, it was ranked 10th in the British Film Institute’s **Top 100 Greatest British Films of the 20th Century**. Robbie Scott will play Renton, the role made famous on screen by Ewan McGregor. He will be joined by Sheridan Townsley as Sick Boy, Kieran Andrew as Spud, Frankie O’Connor as Begbie, Finlay Paul as Tommy, Yana Harris as Kelly, and a wider Scottish cast and ensemble. [![Trainspotting the Musical](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/3.-L-R-Frankie-O-Connor--Yana-Harris--Sheridan-Townsley--Kieran-Andrew--Robbie-Scott.-Credit_-Jaap-Buitendijk.jpg)](www.atgtickets.com/stoke) Trainspotting the Musical > “I believe the musical has a bigger, loudly beating human heart than either the book or the film. People need to think about the world we’re living in, and we offer that inspection, but they also need to sing their hearts out and laugh their heads off. It’s what being human is all about. We’ve put together an incredible Scottish cast and I can’t wait to see them bring the musical to life.” > > **Irvine Welsh** The production looks at the way the world has changed since **Choose Life** first became a challenge to a generation. The musical explores addiction, powerlessness, wealth, political power and modern life, while also bringing music, humour and energy to the stage. The show features new songs, with music and lyrics by Stephen McGuinness and Irvine Welsh, alongside some of the tracks from the original film. Tickets for ATG+ members are now on sale. General sale opens at **10am on Wednesday 13 May**. Tickets are available from [**www.atgtickets.com/stoke**](http://www.atgtickets.com/stoke?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Take the plunge for Dougie Mac and take part in the Big Swim URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/take-the-plunge-for-dougie-mac-and-take-part-in-the-big-swim/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T09:20:56.000Z Following the success of last year’s Big Swim, Dougie Mac is once again asking people to sign up for this year’s event and help raise vital funds for the hospice. The event - supported by Fenton Manor and Active Stoke - is taking place throughout July and August with supporters being urged to decide their own distance or choose either 16, 32, 60, 100 or 200 lengths at a pool of their choice and at their own pace. Alternatively, participants can choose to join other Dougie Mac swimmers in our Big Swim Event Day on Saturday, July 18. Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said: > “Just like last year, we are hoping this will be a really popular challenge for swimmers of all abilities. Our fundraising events and challenges are not only good fun, they also play a vital role in helping us to raise the money we need to continue our care and support services for local children, young adults and adults. So, no matter how far you swim and how much you raise, you’ll be making a real difference to people in our local community.” Ready to dive into this year’s challenge? You can find out more information and register today at: **www.dougiemac.org.uk/events/big-swim/** #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### New Mayor makes his Mark in Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-mayor-makes-his-mark-in-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T09:20:55.000Z Hundreds of people are expected to line the streets as the servicemen and women, along with local organisations, celebrate the inauguration of **Councillor Mark Winnington, as Mayor of Stafford Borough.** Councillor Winnington will take the chains of office following a ceremony at the Gatehouse Theatre on Saturday (16 May). He will take over the role from current Mayor, Councillor Jenny Barron. The annual meeting of the council, which is more commonly known as ‘Mayor Making’, will be followed by a church service and then the military march through the town at around 12.45pm. Councillor Winnington said it was an ‘honour’ to have been chosen as the borough’s ‘first citizen’ – a role that dates back more than 400 years. His wife, Rosie, will become Mayoress. He will be raising funds during his Civic year for Katharine House Hospice and Staffordshire Air Ambulance. Councillor Winnington was first elected to the borough council in 2003 and currently represents the Gnosall and Woodseaves Ward on the local authority. He has also served as a Staffordshire County Councillor and is a member of Ranton Parish Council. He said: > “This is a great honour and I thank everyone for putting their faith in me. I am looking forward to representing the borough and promoting it as a great place to live and work. > “I was born here, I went to school here, and I live and work here – and that makes me so proud to now be the ‘first citizen’ of an area I really cherish. It will be an incredible 12 months in office and I hope to raise the profile of this borough while raising money for my chosen charities.” Councillor Frank James was chosen as the Deputy Mayor. He represents the borough ward of Holmcroft and previously served as Mayor in 2024/25\. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Council celebrates sustainable success at leisure centre in Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-celebrates-sustainable-success-at-leisure-centre-in-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T08:49:18.000Z As part of a drive to celebrate sustainable success stories, Stafford Borough Council is shining a spotlight on the project at the leisure centre, which is featured in an online case study and video. The Council is also encouraging schools, community groups, businesses and residents to share their own sustainability efforts and help inspire others across the Borough. Councillor Tony Pearce, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery at the Borough Council said: > “The installation of solar panels and eco showers at Stafford Leisure Centre have helped secure the centre’s future for the long term by driving down operating costs and at the same time, reducing environmental impact. > “We’re championing sustainability by highlighting the work people across the borough are doing to make more efficient use of resources and help protect nature. > “Projects like this can inspire others to take similar action and lead the way in building a more sustainable future for everyone.” At Stafford Leisure Centre, the rooftop solar panels help reduce operating costs through the winter and allow the centre to operate off-grid through the summer months with zero energy costs. Electricity consumption at the centre has been cut by 140,000kW annually, while the introduction of eco showers has driven down water usage by almost 4 million litres a year. Steve Jefferies is Area Facilities Manager for Freedom Leisure which runs the leisure centre in partnership with the Borough Council. He said: > “By being more sustainable as an organisation, we can ensure we remain open for the public and make sure people can continue to come here to train and swim and feel good about themselves. > “Freedom Leisure and Stafford Borough Council are working really hard behind the scenes to keep ourselves highly sustainable for the future, to ensure we’re around for the long term and to continue benefitting the local community.” Residents can read more about the good work from the council’s website – and you can also watch the [leisure centre video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBfua2c0uk4&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). To support the initiative and help inspire more sustainable actions in the borough email [**climatechange@staffordbc.gov.uk**](mailto:climatechange@staffordbc.gov.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Linel will not leave messy footy pitches in Stafford Borough URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/linel-will-not-leave-messy-footy-pitches-in-stafford-borough/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T15:00:42.000Z Stafford Borough Council has boosted their squad after recruiting a new football pitch line marking machine. The new piece of equipment, affectionately known as ‘Linel,’ has been introduced to speed up the marking out of football pitches in the borough. The move will also benefit the community as it will free up staff to carry out other tasks such as tidying up play areas, litter picking and emptying bins - while Linel carries out the line painting work. The battery powered machine will only take around 20 minutes to complete the markings and will be used on all the 16 adult and junior pitches across the borough managed by the local authority. But unlike its much-heralded footballing namesake, this Linel uses the latest SatNav technology to get the job done. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Mow Cop Killer Mile 2026 sells out as runners take on legendary uphill challenge URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mow-cop-killer-mile-2026-sells-out-as-runners-take-on-legendary-uphill-challenge/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T14:36:31.000Z There are races, and then there is the [Mow Cop Killer Mile](https://killermile.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). Every May, runners gather beneath the shadow of the famous hilltop castle to take on one of the toughest and most iconic uphill races in the country. It is only a mile long, but with sections reaching a brutal 25% gradient and a relentless climb of around 570 feet, there is a reason it has earned its fearsome name. On Thursday 7 May, the 2026 event once again transformed the village of Mow Cop into a sea of runners, spectators, volunteers and supporters, as the sold out event returned with huge crowds and another unforgettable atmosphere. Entries for this year’s Killer Mile completely sold out, continuing the growing popularity of the race and proving the enduring appeal of one of Staffordshire’s most challenging sporting events. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_182241.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_182250.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191030.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191102.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191144.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191217.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191331.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_191857.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_192513.jpg) Mow Cop Killer Mile 2026 - Photos by Sammy-Jo Strowbridge From elite runners chasing fast times to families tackling the fun runs and junior races, the atmosphere across the evening was electric. Roads lined with cheering supporters, packed viewing points near the finish, and exhausted but smiling runners crossing the line at Mow Cop Castle all helped create one of the area’s most unique sporting events. Organisers described the evening as “another unforgettable year”, thanking runners, marshals, sponsors, volunteers, local businesses and the wider community for helping make the event such a success. The Killer Mile first began back in April 1982, when 95 local runners took part in the inaugural race. Martin Bishop won that first event in a time of 6 minutes 50 seconds, beginning what would become a legendary fixture in the regional running calendar. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the race had exploded in popularity, attracting more than 1,100 entrants in some years and drawing elite runners from across the country eager to test themselves against the unforgiving climb. The current men’s course record was set in 1991 by Bashir Hussain with an astonishing time of 6 minutes 12 seconds, a record which still stands today. The women’s record was set by Shireen Barbour in 1992 with a time of 7 minutes 54 seconds. Over the decades, the race has evolved beyond pure competition and become something much bigger, a community event that brings together people of all ages and abilities. Junior races, fun runs, spectators, local food stalls and community celebrations have become just as much a part of the tradition as the race itself. Following the disruption of the pandemic years, the event returned strongly in 2022 and has continued to grow ever since, with recent years regularly attracting between 600 and 800 participants. The 2026 edition continued that momentum with another full field of runners taking on the challenge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_192754.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_193006-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_193136.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_195332.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_195350.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_193001.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_190959.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_185306.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260507_183856.jpg) Mow Cop Killer Mile 2026 - Photos by Sammy-Jo Strowbridge This year’s prize race was won by Jay Hutchinson in an impressive time of 7 minutes 2 seconds. Pat Buckingham finished second in 7 minutes 52 seconds, followed by Richard Cowell in third with 8 minutes 8 seconds. In Fun Run A, Thomas Mayers crossed the line first in 7 minutes 56 seconds, while Sam Burgess led the field in Fun Run B with a time of 8 minutes 30 seconds. The junior races also drew strong performances from younger runners. Hugo Miller won Junior Race 1 in 7 minutes 2 seconds, while Albert Lofthouse took victory in Junior Race 2 with an impressive 5 minutes 32 seconds. Yet for many taking part, the Killer Mile is not really about records or podium places. It is about simply reaching the top. The route itself has become legendary among runners. Beginning near Scholar Green before climbing relentlessly towards Mow Cop Castle, the race tests endurance, pacing and mental strength as much as physical fitness. For spectators, it also creates one of the most dramatic race settings in Staffordshire. As runners climbed the steepest sections this year, crowds gathered along the roadside ringing cowbells, clapping, shouting encouragement and helping drag competitors towards the finish line. The event also continues to have an important local impact, supporting community initiatives, charities and local organisations while bringing visitors into the area. For many in Staffordshire and Cheshire, the Killer Mile has become more than just a race. It is now part of the local calendar, a tradition that mixes sport, endurance, community spirit and the unmistakable landscape of Mow Cop itself. And judging by the scenes on Thursday evening, and another complete sell out of entries, its appeal shows no signs of slowing down. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### First Look: Zanzibar Set for a New Chapter as Site Prep Gets Underway URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/first-look-zanzibar-set-for-a-new-chapter-as-site-prep-gets-underway/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T08:38:18.000Z Sitting at the gateway to the town centre, on the junction of Marsh Parade and Hassell Street, the site is being reimagined into a high-quality new neighbourhood. It’s a big shift for a site that’s been part of the town’s story for years. With 62 affordable homes, leafy landscaping and a layout designed to feel closely connected to the surrounding town, the plans will create a welcoming new community. Improved pedestrian access, parking and public space will help create a place that feels part of the wider high street, not just somewhere to live. Being brought forward in partnership with Aspire Housing, every home will be genuinely affordable - helping to meet local demand while giving a well-known brownfield site a fresh start. Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: > “Zanzibar is one of those sites that lots of locals will have a connection to. It’s a really prominent gateway into the town centre but has long been waiting for its next chapter. We’re creating genuinely affordable homes with Aspire in a brilliant central location, helping to create a new community while supporting the wider regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme." Dan Gray, Executive Director of Place at Aspire Housing, said: > “We are exceptionally proud to begin work on the Zanzibar site, a development with such a rich history and connection for us and our local community. > "This flagship development will provide an additional 63 homes at a key gateway into Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre, giving future generations the chance to build their own connections and memories. > “We’re looking forward to seeing the local community continue to grow and thrive > and we are very grateful to have received financial support for the project from Homes England and the Towns Fund." **Completion is expected in Autumn 2027.** The Zanzibar plans form part of Capital&Centric’s wider push to breathe new life into underused sites in Newcastle, turning forgotten corners into communities and neighbourhoods where people want to live, hang out and put down roots. Elsewhere in the town the developer is delivering “Rye Park” (a buzzing new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme); “Karparc” (turning the former Midway Car-Park into homes in a UK-first) and “Astley Place” (the former York Place shopping centre). #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Landlord given prison sentence after trying to illegally evict Stone mum URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/landlord-given-prison-sentence-after-trying-to-illegally-evict-stone-mum/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T14:24:45.000Z A court heard the tirade was an attempt to force the tenant out of the property in Stone. It began after the mother of two complained to Stafford Borough Council about the condition of the house - including damp and mould, faulty boiler, and inadequate ventilation. Magistrates in Cannock were told that Janice Pope sent voice messages, texts, and calls, to the tenant who was living in the semi-detached house in the Walton area of Stone. There were abusive messages, threats that the bailiffs were coming, and that the rent was being increased by around 25 percent. On one day alone Pope tried to contact the tenant on 35 occasions - and on another day she made 21 calls to her. And magistrates heard the former tenant was “terrified” to give evidence in court. Lucy Taylor-Grime, prosecuting for the Borough Council, said the nine-month period of behaviour started as soon as the council became involved because of the poor state of the property. She continued: > “There were unlawful demands for increased rent, threats to attend the property and threats to cause harm. There appears to be no justification for these actions other than to avoid compliance with the statutory obligations of a landlord. > “The tenant was left in a position of fear and intimidation by the defendant when there was no need to be.” Pope, of Higher Contour Road, Kingswear, Dartmouth admitted pursuing a course of action in an attempt to illegally evict a tenant by ‘sending multiple messages, making multiple telephone calls demanding your tenant leave the property, demanding money that was not owed by the tenant, and failing to complete remedial work to the property.’ The actions, which started in January 2024, are contrary to the Protection from Eviction Act 1977\. She was given 24 weeks custody suspended for two years and was ordered to pay a total of £754 in costs. As part of the sentence she must also complete 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. At a hearing last year she was ordered to pay nearly £3,500 by magistrates after ignoring legal action to improve the house. The Borough Council helped to rehome the mother and her two teenage daughters. Speaking after Tuesday’s hearing, Councillor Ian Fordham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said that people should be able to live in decent conditions without fear of intimidation from their landlord. He added: > “We work closely with landlords, offering plenty of advice and support to ensure their tenants, who are our residents, have a home that is safe to live in - and it is reassuring to know that the vast majority of our landlords take their responsibilities seriously when it comes to providing this. > “I would encourage any tenant who is worried about the state of their property, and unable to get their landlord to do the repairs, to contact us.” There are thousands of properties in the private rented sector in Stafford Borough. Landlords and tenants can find more information about their rights and duties at [Main Duties of Landlords and Tenants | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)](https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/main-duties-of-landlords-and-tenants?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Residents recycle 80 tonnes of food in first week of new service URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/residents-recycle-80-tonnes-of-food-in-first-week-of-new-service/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T14:16:58.000Z The food waste service got underway Monday (13th) as part of a government initiative. The national move is aimed at increasing the amount of food households across the country currently recycle. Bin crews were even sent out on Saturday because of the volume of food being recycled by local people. The food waste will go to an ‘anaerobic digestion’ plant to be converted into energy and the digestate produced used in agriculture to improve soil. Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Ian Fordham, said: > “This is the biggest change to household recycling across our borough in more than a decade - and the evidence from the first week suggests residents are supporting it. > “Obviously rolling out a national initiative across the whole country has made this extremely challenging with local authorities competing to have new vehicles and containers ready to deliver the service - so I can understand how other councils have not been able to do this within the government timescales.” Around 60,000 properties across the borough have received two new containers for their leftover food - a small internal seven-litre kitchen caddy, a larger 23-litre external kerbside caddy, and a roll of liners - along with detailed instructions of how the new service will work. The kerbside caddy is collected alongside the green, blue and brown bins - but at a different time of the day, and in a different vehicle. Among the items that can go in the new caddies are: · Fruit and vegetables - including peelings. · Fish, meat and bones. · Tea bags and coffee grounds. · Eggs and dairy products. The caddies cannot be used for liquids, oils or fats, garden waste or food packaging. Councillor Fordham added: > “There is no additional charge to our residents for the new equipment or the service as this has been funded by central government.” See more information on the new service at [www.staffordbc.gov.uk/food-waste](http://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/food-waste?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Leek team to transform iconic textile mill into modern apartments URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/leek-team-to-transform-iconic-textile-mill-into-modern-apartments/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T14:12:56.000Z The architects, consultants and contractors working on the project, along with the building’s owner, either grew up in Leek or the surrounding area, or now live locally, and say it is an “honour” to be part of such a significant development in their home district. Scaffolding will soon be erected at London Mill on Ashbourne Road after enabling works to secure and preserve the Grade II listed building through the winter were completed in December. The 12 month project will create 21 one bedroom and seven two bedroom apartments, with homes expected to be ready between late 2026 and early 2027. Hanley based Inc Architects and Brada Developments are working on the project alongside C2C Consulting Engineers, based in Hartshill. Sammons Architectural, based in Leek, prepared the planning application in 2022. Inc director Kim Mountford, who grew up in Cheddleton and attended Westwood College in Leek, said: > “It is an honour to work on this exciting project to transform one of the iconic buildings that make up Leek’s identity. Growing up around the town’s industrial heritage inspired me to go into architecture. > “London Mill is a very functional and utilitarian warehouse, not fancy or ornate, which was built for a purpose and will now go on to have a new life instead of falling further into disrepair. > “The recent loss of Big Mill, a building I always wanted to work on, was tragic and it is great that we have the opportunity to take the London Mill building forward.” Structural engineer Sam Walker, of C2C Consulting Engineers, who is also from Cheddleton, added: > “It’s easy to pass these old buildings without giving them a second thought. Having grown up in the town, when I saw the project gaining traction, I was keen to get involved. > “It has been refreshing to work with such an inspired local design team that has the same common interest in preserving the town's heritage.” The mill, which dates back to 1853, was associated with one of Leek’s dominant silk and textile companies, Brough, Nicholson and Hall Limited. Many of the building’s original features, including masonry and brickwork, will be incorporated into the new development. The building is also undergoing thermal improvements as part of the conversion and will be fitted with sustainable heating and ventilation systems to bring it up to modern standards. The building’s owner, Nirad Solanki, chairman of Solanki Holdings, who lives in the Staffordshire Moorlands, added: > “London Mill is more than just another project for me. A Grade II listed silk mill in the heart of Leek carries generations of craftsmanship in its brickwork and scale. I was drawn to the opportunity to take a building that helped shape the town and give it a strong future. > “The 28 new build apartments will bring much needed homes and new activity, but it’s vital we respect the mill’s heritage at the same time. London Mill gives us the chance to protect an important part of Leek’s history while creating high quality homes for today.” #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Bag it Bring it and help raise vital funds for Dougie Mac URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/bag-it-bring-it-and-help-raise-vital-funds-for-dougie-mac/ Last updated: 2026-05-10T13:58:12.000Z Bag it Bring it encourages companies to host a donation point in their offices for staff to donate items they no longer want. The items are then sold in Dougie Mac’s local charity shops, with every bag donated raising an average of £40 to support local adults, young adults and children facing life-limiting illnesses. Since April last year, 3,392 bags have been collected with a monetary value of £135,680. One business taking part in the scheme is the Lymedale branch of Asda which, since April last year, has collected a whopping 584 bags. A spokesman for Asda said: > “We’ve been taking part in Dougie Mac’s Bag it Bring it campaign since 2020 and it has become a regular and valued part of our community efforts each year. > “We signed up because it’s a simple yet meaningful way to support Dougie Mac’s vital work in our community. The campaign allows our colleagues to directly contribute to a cause that makes a real difference to local families and we were keen to be involved in something that has such a positive impact. > “It’s extremely easy to take part. We have a pallet set up in our canteen where colleagues can drop off any unwanted clothes, shoes, or household items at their convenience. The process is straightforward, requires very little time and anyone in the business can get involved. > “We would encourage other companies to take part because it’s one of the simplest ways to make a big difference. It brings colleagues together, supports a fantastic local charity and requires very little effort to set up. Any organisation — regardless of size — can get involved and help make a meaningful contribution to the community.” By taking part in Bag it Bring it, companies are helping local families like Jordan Sambrook’s whose Nan, Christine, was cared for by Dougie Mac. Jordan said: > “When the decision was made to withdraw the chemotherapy treatment Nan had been receiving, she was admitted to Dougie Mac. As Nan had been a volunteer for the charity, it was her wish to go into the hospice where she spent two weeks being cared for before she died. > “The care my Nan received was amazing and the support we as a family got was fabulous. Dougie Mac staff became like a little family to us – not only did the nurses take care of my Nan’s every need but they also checked in with us. As a family we could take a step back and let Dougie Mac care for my Nan, meaning we > could focus on just being with her.” Head of Retail, Liz Clarke, said: > “We now have 21 shops across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. From clothing and toys to books and homeware, donated goods help us to raise more than £6 million each year to sustain the hospice’s specialist care services. > “We simply couldn’t do it without the help of local businesses, the support of hundreds of volunteers, thousands of generous donations and our loyal customers. And that’s why we are encouraging local businesses to take part in our Bag it Bring it campaign as their donations really do make a huge difference to us.” Dougie Mac charity shops provide a sustainable and ethical option for people wishing to recycle their unwanted items. Last year Dougie Mac scanned and recycled 10,854 books and 20,638,472 CO2 emissions were saved by selling 1,842,209 donated items. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Reform UK takes control of Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire election shake-up URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/reform-uk-takes-control-of-newcastle-under-lyme-in-staffordshire-election-shake-up/ Last updated: 2026-05-08T16:21:11.000Z Voters across parts of Staffordshire went to the polls on Thursday in a set of local elections that have delivered one of the biggest political shake-ups the county has seen in recent years. The most significant result came in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where Reform UK took control of the borough council in a dramatic breakthrough for the party locally. The election saw all 44 seats on the council contested, with Reform winning 27 seats, giving the party an overall majority. The Conservatives won 15 seats, while Labour was reduced to just two councillors. The result marks the end of Conservative control of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, which the party had led since 2017. The Newcastle result had been closely watched across Staffordshire and nationally, particularly following Reform UK’s strong performance in the 2025 Staffordshire County Council elections, where the party won 49 seats across the county and took control of the county council. The elections took place against the backdrop of proposed local government reorganisation across Staffordshire. Plans currently being discussed could eventually see existing borough, district and county councils abolished and replaced with larger unitary authorities. The future structure of local government in Staffordshire remains undecided, but the debate has become a major political issue across the county. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. In Newcastle-under-Lyme, turnout and political engagement appeared higher than in many previous local elections, reflecting wider national trends seen across England. Across the country, Labour and the Conservatives both faced losses, while Reform UK, the Green Party and Liberal Democrats made gains in many areas. Elsewhere in Staffordshire, only limited local elections took place this year. There were no elections in Stoke-on-Trent itself, while some boroughs and districts only had partial elections or parish council contests. The Newcastle-under-Lyme result is likely to lead to significant political changes at the borough council over the coming weeks as the new administration takes shape. It also adds further momentum to Reform UK’s growing presence across Staffordshire politics following last year’s county council success. The outcome will now fuel further discussion about the future political direction of Staffordshire, particularly ahead of any future reorganisation of local government structures across the county. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke-on-Trent ceramic skills project secures £131,514 to protect endangered pottery traditions URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-ceramic-skills-project-secures-131-514-to-protect-endangered-pottery-traditions/ Last updated: 2026-05-09T17:44:50.000Z Stoke-on-Trent’s world-famous ceramic heritage is set to be preserved and passed on through a major new project backed by more than £131,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding has been awarded to **Stoke 100: Our Time, Our Place, Our Heritage**, an intergenerational programme designed to celebrate and help safeguard the industrial hand-skills that helped shape Stoke-on-Trent into one of the most important ceramic centres in the world. Led by Stoke Creates in partnership with British Ceramics Biennial, the project will bring together ten “Living Heritage Heroes” aged over 65 with twelve young people aged between 16 and 25. Together, they will explore what it means to be part of a city recently recognised as a World Craft City, while documenting and sharing endangered pottery skills through workshops, archive research and practical learning. [![Lee Price - Prestige Ceramic Artist at Duchess China 1888 Prestige](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/475985618_1779591439250489_9120012015563720785_n.jpg)](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/prestige.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [Lee Price - Prestige Ceramic Artist at Duchess China 1888 Prestige](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/prestige.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The project comes at a significant time for the ceramics industry, both locally and nationally. Across the UK, traditional hand-skills are increasingly under threat. Heritage Crafts, the national charity dedicated to protecting traditional craftsmanship, now maintains a [Red List of Endangered Crafts](https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/skills/redlist/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), highlighting skills at risk of disappearing altogether. Among those listed as critically endangered are industrial pottery and encaustic tile making, once major parts of Staffordshire’s industrial identity. [![Minton Tiles in St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20260428_112348.jpg)](https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/staffordshire-craftsmanship-beneath-westminster-the-minton-tiles-of-st-stephens-hall/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Minton Tiles in St Stephen’s Hall, Westminster Encaustic tiles, famous for their decorative inlaid patterns, became synonymous with Victorian Britain and were produced in huge quantities by Stoke-on-Trent companies including Minton. They were exported across the world and installed in churches, public buildings, railway stations and the [Palace of Westminster](https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk/staffordshire-craftsmanship-beneath-westminster-the-minton-tiles-of-st-stephens-hall/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) itself. Industrial pottery has also been placed on the critically endangered list, reflecting growing concerns around an ageing workforce, limited training opportunities, rising costs, and the decline of traditional manufacturing processes that once defined life across the Potteries. That wider context gives projects like this even greater significance. [![Worker at Duchess China 1888, Longton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/FB_IMG_1773342751929.jpg)](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Worker at [Duchess China 1888](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), Longton For generations, Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic industry relied on highly specialised craftspeople whose skills were learned by hand, often over decades. Mould-makers, transfer printers, casters, modellers and gilders formed the backbone of the industry, yet many of those traditional skills are now practised by fewer and fewer people. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The new programme aims to help address that by creating opportunities for knowledge to be shared directly between generations before those skills are lost. Participants will document techniques including mould-making, tissue transfer, hand-casting and gilding through research visits, practical workshops and archive exploration. The project will also result in a co-created Clay Manifesto examining the future of Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic identity, alongside a touring exhibition and a newly commissioned documentary film. [![Worker at Duchess China 1888, Longton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/FB_IMG_1773342711636.jpg)](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Worker at [Duchess China 1888](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), Longton Susan Clarke, Executive Director of Stoke Creates, said: > "The ceramics industry is facing significant challenges for many reasons. > This funding allows us to act at this critical moment. Stoke-on-Trent has > recently been designated a World Craft City, but designation alone is not > enough. We need to safeguard the skills that built this city and ensure > young people see themselves in that story. > Our Time, Our Place, Our Heritage is about celebrating the makers > behind the objects and creating new pathways for the future, and our > thanks go to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery > players for making this project possible." Creative direction for the project will be led by internationally recognised ceramic artist Neil Brownsword, whose work has long explored the decline and transformation of Stoke-on-Trent’s traditional ceramic industries. Heritage research will be led by Martin Brown, drawing on extensive knowledge of the city’s archives and industrial history to support the documentation of endangered ceramic hand-skills. [![Worker at Duchess China 1888, Longton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/FB_IMG_1773342767590.jpg)](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Worker at [Duchess China 1888](https://www.duchess-china1888.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), Longton [Partners in Creative Learning CIC](https://www.picl.uk.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) will oversee the schools engagement programme to ensure young people are actively involved in shaping the Clay Manifesto and contributing to the future conversation around Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic identity. The programme itself will be managed by arts and heritage consultant Sarah Bonam. The project runs from April 2026 until February 2027. Funding has been provided through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supports projects that help communities connect with, preserve and celebrate heritage across the UK. For Stoke-on-Trent, this project is about more than nostalgia. At a time when the city’s ceramic industry continues to face economic pressure, energy costs and changing manufacturing practices, it represents an attempt to protect the knowledge, craftsmanship and lived experience that helped build the Potteries. Because while Stoke-on-Trent may now hold the title of World Craft City, the future of that identity depends on whether the skills behind it survive long enough to be passed on. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Community share offer launched to support solar project at Lichfield Leisure Centre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/community-share-offer-launched-to-support-solar-project-at-lichfield-leisure-centre/ Last updated: 2026-05-07T07:12:16.000Z The offer, led by Staffordshire Community Energy, opened last week, with an official launch event held at the leisure centre, where residents and stakeholders met the team behind the project and heard how community investment can support long-term local impact. Delivered in partnership with Lichfield District Council, the scheme saw 395 solar panels installed on the leisure centre roof in autumn 2025\. The system is already generating renewable electricity, helping to reduce the building’s energy costs and carbon footprint. The share offer will enable the project to move into community ownership, refinancing initial development costs and ensuring that any surplus generated is reinvested locally. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Launch-event-300426.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Lichfield-Lesiure-Centre-2.jpg) Lichfield Leisure Centre Mike Kinghan MBE, Staffordshire Community Energy, said: > “As a Community Benefit Society owned by its members, Staffordshire Community Energy has a powerful not-for-profit community business model addressing climate change while also recycling financial surpluses back into local communities.Our aim has always been to keep the benefits of clean energy here in Staffordshire. Lichfield Leisure Centre shows what that means in practice: a brand-new leisure centre receiving power from the sun, lower bills from day one, and a community fund to support local projects. It’s proof of what’s possible when people come together to take control of their energy future.” Staffordshire Community Energy are hosting an online evening webinar on Thursday 14 May, offering the opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions. Full details of the share offer, including how to invest as well as booking for the webinar can be found online at [staffscommunityenergy.org.uk](https://staffscommunityenergy.org.uk/llc-shareoffer/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire charity triumphs at the 2026 Charity Film Awards URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-charity-triumphs-at-the-2026-charity-film-awards/ Last updated: 2026-05-07T06:37:58.000Z A Staffordshire-based charity has been named a winner at the 2026 Smiley Charity Film Awards, with Staffordshire Women’s Aid taking home the award in the £1 - £2.5 million income category for its film Celebrating 50 Years of Staffordshire Women’s Aid. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SWA-Still---Young-Woman.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SWA-Still---Young-Mum.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SWA-Still---Mum---Child.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SWA-Still---Bathroom-Caller-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/SWA-Still---Banner-Holder.png) The Smiley Charity Film Awards celebrate the most powerful and impactful cause-based films across the UK and internationally. Now in its ninth year, and powered by the positive news platform Smiley Movement, the awards champion storytelling that moves people to take action. The Awards are recognised by both the British Film Institute and IMDb, and have become a global platform for purpose-driven storytelling. Over the past nine years, the awards have generated more than 400 million film viewings on its website, with over 3 million people tuning into its virtual events and over 3 million people tuning in online globally. A total of 29 winners have been awarded £101,000 in prize funding, with category winners, including Staffordshire Women’s Aid, each receiving £3,000. Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company & Founder of the Smiley Movement, said; > “Every year, these awards prove just how powerful storytelling can be when it’s driven by purpose. These films don’t just raise awareness, they inspire action, shift perceptions and ultimately help charities reach the people who need them most. This year’s winners are a reminder that creativity can be a force for real change, and we’re proud to support the incredible organisations behind them.” Staffordshire Women’s Aid supports individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, offering a wide range of services including a 24-hour helpline, refuge accommodation, sexual assault and abuse support, therapeutic counselling and community-based services. Their work empowers victims to become survivors and supports them in building safer, independent lives free from violence and abuse. For nearly 50 years, the charity has played a vital role across the region, supporting thousands of people and working alongside communities to drive lasting change. Celebrating 50 Years of Staffordshire Women’s Aid is a powerful and reflective film that charts the charity’s journey from its grassroots beginnings in 1976 to the present day. Through key moments in history, from the 1980s through to the modern day, the film highlights the evolution of the charity’s work and the ongoing need for its services. It pays tribute to the women who founded the organisation, the staff and supporters who have carried its mission forward, and the courage of survivors who have shared their stories. By combining historical context with present-day realities, the film underlines both the progress made and the urgent need for continued support for those affected by domestic abuse. About the awards: Selected from more than 500 entries, this year’s 200 finalists represented causes ranging from mental health and homelessness to disability inclusion, youth services and international development. Finalists included 155 national charities alongside a strong cohort of regional organisations from across the UK, including London, as well as entries from countries including India, Palestine, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Uganda. Categories are structured by annual income, ensuring charities of all sizes have an equal opportunity to be recognised. All People’s Choice winners are decided by a public vote whilst the Film of the Year and category winners were decided by a panel of over 40 industry judges from the world of charity, film, business and entertainment. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Students celebrate successful first year of classes improving local people’s health URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/students-celebrate-successful-first-year-of-classes-improving-local-peoples-health/ Last updated: 2026-05-07T05:47:04.000Z The Ageing Well workshops, led by Keele Physiotherapy students under the guidance of Clinic Director Katie Brown, have welcomed more than 80 older adults from the local area since launching last year, with more than 30 attending two or three times every week. The Ageing Well initiative sees students delivering exercise classes for older adults in a circuit-style format, guiding groups through exercises designed to enhance strength, balance, coordination and flexibility, which are all key components of physical health that naturally decline with age. Students have been monitoring things like grip strength, balance and squat performance for those who take part, with early results showing improved performance among those who attend the classes. Alongside the exercise classes themselves the workshops also include weekly talks on sessions including nutrition and ageing, sleep tips, and understanding conditions like osteoarthritis. These talks are researched, written, and delivered by the students, and designed to give participants practical knowledge to take control of their own health and wellbeing, as well as giving the students valuable experience of community and public engagement, as well as communication of healthcare messages. The classes also have a strong social element, with participants all socialising and celebrating wins together throughout the classes. Katie Brown, Lecturer in the School of Allied Health Professions and Physiotherapy Clinic Director, said: > “It is wonderful to see how the strength and confidence of our participants has built over the last year. They really get on with each other too, and the classes are warm, welcoming and fun. It’s the highlight of my week and something I feel immensely proud to have set up. I have also seen the change in our students, with the classes giving them the confidence to lead and encourage participants.” Mavis Williams has regularly attended the classes over the past year, and said: > “These classes are somewhere that we can go and exercise with friendly like-minded people without fear of being judged. It is also nice to meet new students and help them to gain confidence during class time dealing with the ageing population, and we all gain from meeting them and learning about their backgrounds and hopes for the future. > “We feel stronger and fitter for our efforts and really look forward to seeing the regulars supporting this wonderful class. The music is always fantastic, and Katie's enthusiasm is contagious.” ![Physiotherapy Lecturer Katie Brown](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/physio-960.jpg) Physiotherapy Lecturer Katie Brown The classes are run from Keele’s Sports Centre four times a week, with spaces available. The talks are also free to attend, with no booking required, and take place on Wednesdays at 11am. Upcoming events include: - 6th May: Simple exercises for ageing well. - 13th May: Digital/online support workshop To book a place or learn more about the classes, or to find out more about upcoming talks in the series, call 01782 733368 or email [sahp.physioclinic@keele.ac.uk.](mailto:sahp.physioclinic@keele.ac.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Ray Cooney’s Out of Order to be staged at Crown Wharf Theatre next month URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ray-cooneys-out-of-order-to-be-staged-at-crown-wharf-theatre-next-month/ Last updated: 2026-05-07T05:36:05.000Z Written by the “Master of Farce” Ray Cooney, this Olivier Award-winning play follows a chaotic evening in a Westminster hotel, where Tory Junior Minister Richard Willey attempts to meet one of the Opposition’s secretaries – only for events to spiral out of control when they discover a body trapped in a sash window. With the help of his well-meaning but hapless private secretary George, Willey’s situation quickly unravels, with interruptions from hotel staff, spouses and a disgruntled nurse adding to the confusion. The production is being staged by Stone Revellers, one of the area’s longest-established theatre companies, and features a cast and crew drawn from across the local community. Rob Stanway, Chairman of Stone Revellers, said: > “We’re really excited to bring this show to Crown Wharf. It’s a genuinely laugh-out-loud comedy and a brilliant night out for audiences.” > “We’ve got a fantastic team working on this production and it’s already shaping up to be something special.” The Crown Wharf Theatre, located in the heart of Stone, continues to build a reputation for high-quality local productions. Out of Order runs for four performances from 10–13 June 2026, with shows starting at 7:30pm each evening. **Tickets are priced at £16 for adults and £14 for concessions, and are available via the Crown Wharf Theatre website: www.crownwharftheatre.org.uk** *This amateur production of OUT OF ORDER is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French, Ltd.* www.concordtheatricals.co.uk #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire Local Elections 2026: What You’re Actually Voting For, Why You Might Not Be Voting, And Why It Matters URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-local-elections-2026-what-youre-actually-voting-for-why-you-might-not-be-voting-and-why-it-matters/ Last updated: 2026-05-05T18:18:09.000Z As Staffordshire prepares for local elections on Thursday 7 May 2026, a familiar pattern has begun to emerge across the county. People are not disengaged, and they are not uninterested. They are simply unsure. Unsure what they are voting for, unsure whether they should be voting at all, and unsure what difference it will actually make. That uncertainty does not come from a lack of care. It comes from a lack of clear, straightforward explanation. Local elections have long been overshadowed by national politics. Conversations quickly drift towards Westminster, the Prime Minister, the NHS, immigration, and wider policy debates. But this election is not about any of those things. It is not a smaller version of a general election, and it will not decide who runs the country. This is a local election, and that distinction matters more than many people realise. ![Newcastle-under-Lyme](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20241026_080116.jpg) Newcastle-under-Lyme ## What this election is actually about On 7 May, voters in parts of Staffordshire will head to the polls to choose their local councillors. These are the people responsible for decisions much closer to home. Planning applications, housing developments, waste and recycling, local services, parks, leisure facilities, and how council budgets are spent all sit within their remit. It is not always headline-making work, but it is the work that shapes everyday life across towns and communities. For many residents, these are the decisions that are felt most directly. Questions about why a development was approved, why an area has been improved or overlooked, or why local services operate in a certain way often lead back to decisions made at council level. These are not decisions taken in London, but by councillors representing wards just a few miles away. ![Tamworth Castle](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20140713_123630_Richtone-HDR-.jpg) Tamworth Castle ## Why some people are voting and others are not One of the biggest sources of confusion this year is why some residents are voting while others are not. The answer is simple, but rarely explained clearly. Not every council holds elections at the same time. Some councils elect all of their councillors every four years. Others elect a portion of councillors each year as part of a rolling cycle. There are also what are known as fallow years, where no elections take place in a particular area at all. That is why someone living in one part of Staffordshire may be heading to the polls, while someone just a few miles away is not. In Stoke-on-Trent, there are no local elections taking place this May. The city council elects all of its councillors every four years, and 2026 is not one of those years. Nothing has been cancelled and nothing has changed, it is simply not Stoke’s turn in the cycle. The next elections there are expected in 2027. Elsewhere, the picture is different. Newcastle-under-Lyme is holding an all-out election, meaning every seat on the council is being contested. In Cannock Chase and Tamworth, only some seats are up for election this year, as those councils operate on a staggered system. This variation is one of the main reasons local politics can feel confusing. It is not always obvious why elections are happening in one place but not another, or why the number of candidates differs between areas. ## Find out who you can vote for Enter your postcode below to see election information for your area, including candidates and polling details where available. ## What about the changes to local government? There has also been some uncertainty this year following discussions about potential changes to how local government is structured across parts of England, including Staffordshire. At one stage, there were proposals to delay some elections while those changes were considered. Those plans were later withdrawn, and elections are now going ahead as scheduled. While wider structural changes may still happen in the future, they do not affect the elections taking place on 7 May 2026. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ## What councillors can and cannot do Another common misunderstanding is the role of a local councillor. Councillors can influence planning decisions, support local residents, shape services, and push for improvements within their communities. They can raise concerns, challenge proposals, and represent the views of the people who elected them. However, their powers have limits. They do not control national policy. They cannot change immigration rules, they do not run the NHS, and they do not set national taxes. These decisions sit with central government. This is where local elections are often misunderstood. Approaching them as a statement on national politics risks overlooking the practical, day to day decisions that councillors are actually responsible for. ## Why your vote carries weight Turnout in local elections is typically much lower than in general elections. In some areas, only a relatively small proportion of the population takes part. That means each vote carries more weight than many people expect. Decisions about local areas, from development to services, can ultimately be shaped by a small number of votes. For those who do take part, the impact can be significant. ## Find out who you can vote for Enter your postcode below to see election information for your area, including candidates and polling details where available. ## How to find your candidates For those unsure who is standing in their area, there are simple ways to find out. The most accessible option is to use the postcode search tool on Who Can I Vote For?, which allows residents to see their ward, the candidates standing, and the parties they represent. Councils also publish official candidate lists, although these are often presented as formal documents rather than easy to read guides. Across Staffordshire, the areas voting on 7 May include Newcastle-under-Lyme, where all wards are being contested, Cannock Chase, where most wards are electing one councillor and one ward is electing two, and Tamworth, where several wards are voting while the Wilnecote election has been postponed. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm, and voters will need to bring valid photo identification in order to cast their vote. ## A decision close to home For many people, the question is whether voting will make a difference. Local elections can feel quieter and less visible than national ones, but they are often where the most immediate changes happen. The condition of local services, the direction of development, and the priorities of a town or borough are all shaped at this level. This is not about choosing a national government. It is about choosing who makes decisions about the place you live. And for those taking part on 7 May, it is worth looking beyond party labels and national debates, and taking the time to understand the people standing, the issues they are talking about, and the communities they are asking to represent. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### DJH Announced as Platinum Sponsor for Knot A Sports Day 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/djh-announced-as-platinum-sponsor-for-knot-a-sports-day-2026/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T10:45:03.000Z Award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm DJH have been announced as the Platinum sponsor of Staffordshire’s largest team building day; Knot A Sports Day which returns to University of Staffordshire on Friday 12th June. Knot A Sports Day is a spin on the classic sports day with activities for people of all levels. To come out on top, teams need to work together to rise to the challenges and claim the coveted winner’s trophy and bragging rights. The one-day event supports 10 worthwhile charities including The Alice Charity, The Hubb Foundation, Stoke City Foundation, Port Vale FC Foundation, North Staffs Linkline, Brake, AED Donate, Gingerbread Family Support, Symmetrical Staffs and University of Staffordshire Horizon Fund. As well as sponsoring Knot A Sports Day, DJH will once again enter a team of colleagues, reflecting the firm’s commitment to supporting local causes and championing teamwork across the business. Matt Hustwit, Head of Business Development at DJH says, > “Community is one of DJH’s core values, so seeing the best of Staffordshire come together, all while raising money for brilliant local causes, is something we genuinely look forward to. It’s a day that reminds us of what teamwork looks like beyond the office, and we love being part of it.” This year’s event will feature classic favourites such as a pedal kart derby, wheelbarrow races, the egg & spoon race plus to celebrate the World Cup, a series of football-themed challenges are being added to the roster, including a penalty shootout competition. Fiona Hawkins, MD at Plinkfizz and co-founder of Knot A Sports Day added, > “We’re delighted to have DJH back as a headline sponsor of this year’s Knot A Sports Day. This year promises to be the biggest and best one to date, with plenty of activities and a few surprises for participants. > > “We’re hoping to have over 400 participants from local businesses competing on the day and raising money for 10 worthwhile charities.” Entry for Knot A Sports Day is £450 per team (4-8 participants per team). Interested businesses can sign up here - [https://knot-events.co.uk/knot-a-sports-day-2026/](https://knot-events.co.uk/knot-a-sports-day-2026/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Friends Take on Three Peaks Challenge in Memory of Stoke-on-Trent Teenager Niamh Taylor URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/friends-take-on-three-peaks-challenge-in-memory-of-stoke-on-trent-teenager-niamh-taylor/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T10:32:31.000Z A group of friends are taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in memory of a Stoke-on-Trent teenager. Sean Lewis, Matt Preston, Geoff Warren and Dale Teece – along with driver Andy Thompson - are preparing to scale the tallest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in just 24 hours. They will be raising vital funds for Dougie Mac after the charity’s Children’s Services cared for Niamh Taylor, who died on February 8, 2026, aged just 14\. Niamh, a huge Stoke City fan, underwent major heart surgery at just one week old and spent the first ten months of her life at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Over the next few years, the brave youngster suffered two strokes and had various complex medical issues, including a condition called hypoplastic heart syndrome. ![Niamh Taylor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/niamh-taylor1.jpg) Niamh Taylor The challenge was the brainchild of Sean and Matt who are friends with Niamh’s dad, Jake. Sean said: > “We have always been a close group of friends and have been in Niamh’s life since the beginning – we all went to her Christening at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Niamh faced more challenges than most of us ever will but through it all, she remained a happy, carefree girl who lived life to the fullest and brought so much joy to everyone around her. > “Around her 13 th birthday, her family received the heartbreaking news that she was in heart failure and, due to further complications, was not eligible for a transplant. Niamh spent the last six months of her life at Dougie Mac’s Children’s Services, where the care she and her family received was nothing short of incredible. > “The team there went above and beyond every single day – providing not just medical care, but comfort, compassion and a place filled with warmth and love. They made an unimaginably difficult time that little bit bearable, and for that, we will be forever grateful. > “We saw what Dougie Mac did for Niamh and the family and so we wanted to give something back and show our gratitude.” The friends are planning to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland on June 10, followed by Scafell Pike in the Lake District and then Mount Snowdon, in Wales, climbing throughout the day and night. They have set themselves the fundraising target of £1,000\. They are also helping Niamh’s dad to create a Garden of Remembrance at his home in Tean with help from the local community, family and friends, as well as erecting a bench at Park Hall in memory of Niamh who liked to visit there. **To donate to the Three Peaks fundraiser, take a look here:** Team fundraising for the Donna Louise Hospice in Honour of Niamh Taylor is fundraising for Douglas Macmillan Hospice - [https://www.justgiving.com/team/team-taylor-?msockid=068033bc92bc68441c362516934869b1](https://www.justgiving.com/team/team-taylor-?msockid=068033bc92bc68441c362516934869b1&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Rural Regeneration Fund Launched To Support Moorlands Villages URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rural-regeneration-fund-launched-to-support-moorlands-villages/ Last updated: 2026-05-04T10:04:23.000Z Community and voluntary organisations, and parish councils, are being invited to apply for funding to support practical projects that make rural areas more attractive, accessible and welcoming. The District Council’s new Rural Regeneration Fund will help pay for small community-led projects that improve the experience of visitors and enhance the quality of life for residents such as: Improvements to public information boards, interpretation panels, and signage Enhancing wayfinding, local trail maps, or visitor interpretation. Creating or promoting local walking and cycling trails, Improving accessibility in high streets, community spaces, or visitor locations. Small environmental tidy-ups or enhancements of public green areas Free to access arts, creative, or heritage events and activities Councillor Darren Price, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Regeneration and Planning, said: > “We’re delighted to make this funding available in the more rural areas of the Moorlands to ensure that some of our smaller villages get the investment they deserve. > > “It’s about making a real, visible difference that, whilst attracting visitors, delivers benefits for our residents that they can be proud of. Applications for this funding are now open and I look forward to seeing the exciting projects and ideas our communities put forward.” Grants of £500 to £3,000 per application are available and applications will be accepted in two rounds, the first runs from now until August and the second will be open from September to December. All projects that receive funding must be completed by the end of March 2027. Cabinet member for Tourism and Leisure, Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, said: > “This is a fantastic opportunity for our rural communities to turn their plans and ideas into reality. > > “The fund covers a broad range of activities – from physical improvements to events and activities – so there’s plenty of scope for people to get creative. Our team are on hand to help with applications, or to chat through your ideas, so get in touch and let’s put this funding to work!” For more information or to discuss your ideas, email the team at regeneration@staffsmoorlands.gov.uk and apply online via the website. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stafford PR Agency Stone Junction Recognised with Seven Wins at CIPR Midlands Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stafford-pr-agency-stone-junction-recognised-with-seven-wins-at-cipr-midlands-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-05-11T09:20:55.000Z Staffordshire-based technical PR agency Stone Junction has secured seven wins at this year’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Midlands Awards, with campaigns delivered for clients including Ovarro, CP Automation, Ultralife, MintMech and WEG recognised by judges. Stone Junction received awards across integrated campaign work, alongside recognition for B2B activity and international delivery, reflecting outstanding work produced by its team. Stone Junction received awards for its integrated campaign work, alongside recognition for B2B and international PR, reflecting the outstanding work done by its team. Campaign activity with CP Automation was awarded Gold for Best Integrated Campaign, while Stone Junction’s work with MintMech also received Gold for Best Public Affairs Campaign. The agency also secured both Gold and Silver recognition in the Best B2B Campaign category, with CP Automation awarded Gold and a campaign for Ultralife receiving Silver. Work delivered for Ovarro received Silver for Best Use of Social Media, while activity delivered for WEG received Silver for Best International Campaign. Lucia Scarano, account executive at Stone Junction, also won silver in the Rising Star category, recognising her work in expanding the company’s media relations activity in Italy and developing relationships with journalists in the region. Scarano’s work forms part of the agency’s wider international activity, supporting client campaigns beyond the UK and contributing to continued growth across overseas markets. > "Taking home seven awards at the CIPR Midlands Awards 2026 is a real > reflection of the consistency the team has shown across very different client > campaigns this year,” said Richard Stone, founder of Stone Junction. > “Companies in the engineering and automation sectors face real pressure to build credibility with the people making purchasing decisions, and PR is central to how they do that. Maintaining that quality across multiple campaigns at once is genuinely difficult, and I'm proud in particular of the lead generation work these campaigns contained, something which isn’t always common in PR." Based in Stafford, Germany and Romania, Stone Junction delivers campaign work across the engineering, science and technology sectors, with recent awards reflecting activity across a range of client projects. The CIPR Midlands Awards 2026 recognise public relations and communications work across the region, with entries assessed on strategy, execution and results. The awards highlight campaigns that demonstrate clear thinking and measurable impact across a range of sectors. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Rare Opportunity to Explore Staffordshire Parkland This Bank Holiday Monday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rare-opportunity-to-explore-staffordshire-parkland-this-bank-holiday-monday/ Last updated: 2026-05-03T13:10:47.000Z Families across Staffordshire are invited to don their walking boots this bank holiday (Monday 4 May) take a peaceful walk through the parkland of Chillington Estate which is not normally accessible to the public. Walkers will be able to choose from two beautiful routes to enjoy at their own pace between 10am and 4pm. There will be a 5km route and a slightly shorter 3km route and maps of both routes will be available on the day to pick up from The Stables. The routes will take walkers through the stunning grounds and parklands of Chillington Estate, which were designed by acclaimed landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in the 1760s. The landscape is home to birds and wildlife, so walkers are encouraged to bring their binoculars. Both routes begin and end at The Stables where there will be a pop-up café for hungry walkers serving hot drinks and homemade cakes. Tessa Giffard, custodian of Chillington Hall, said: > “We’re so excited to welcome people to take a stroll through the walking routes this bank holiday Monday. Spring is such a magical time on the estate, when the spring flowers are out and the leaves in the woodland are unfurling. > “We will be holding a small number of events throughout spring and summer to invite people to come and enjoy the beauty of the Hall’s grounds and gardens. Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for more information.” Sitting in the heart of the beautiful South Staffordshire countryside, just outside Brewood, Chillington Hall and Estate is a hidden gem. With roots back to the 12th century, the Hall has seen hundreds of years of history unfold. Today, the historic estate is home to the Giffard family who are responsible for the conservation of the Hall and Estate. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Chillington_Hall_Grounds-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Chillington_Hall_Elegant_Interior-2.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Rhododendron_Pool_2014-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-03-12.38.17-3.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/the_chillington_estate-4.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Mist_clearing_at_the_Chillington_Estate_Park.jpg) Chillington Hall, grounds and parkland Chillington Hall offers guided tours of the grounds and parkland, as well as the stately home, on select days throughout the season. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tours provide an in-depth history of the hall, the people who have lived there over the years and the treasures it holds. Dogs are welcome to join the walk but they must be kept on a lead at all times. The route through the wood is not paved and is therefore unsuitable for pushchairs wheelchairs or motorised scooters. Tickets are £5 per person, with free entry for children under 16. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit [chillingtonhall.co.uk](http://www.chillingtonhall.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Staffordshire Day marked with planting at Wedgwood Capo sculpture URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-day-marked-with-planting-at-wedgwood-capo-sculpture/ Last updated: 2026-05-03T11:05:12.000Z Stoke-on-Trent will mark Staffordshire Day with new planting at a statue of one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous figures. Pupils from Etruscan Primary School will plant heather – Staffordshire’s county flower – at the base of the Capo sculpture of pioneering entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood at Etruria Hall. ![Pupils from Etruscan Primary School plant heather at base of Capo sculpture](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Media--17-.jpeg) Pupils from Etruscan Primary School plant heather at base of Capo sculpture The planting will be carried out with Lord Mayor Councillor Steve Watkins and will reflect the city and county’s shared industrial heritage. Staffordshire Day takes place each year on 1 May. The date marks the anniversary of the day in 1759 when Josiah Wedgwood established his pottery company, helping to shape an industry that defined the region’s identity. It is also the anniversary of the opening of the Stoke-on-Trent National Garden Festival in 1986, when reclaimed land at the former Shelton Bar steelworks was transformed into a national showcase for regeneration. That legacy continues today, with former industrial sites like the Olympus Engineering factory in Shelton reshaped for housing, business and public space. The Capo sculpture brings those threads together. Created for the garden festival by artist Vincent Woropay, it was installed in 2025 near his former home at Etruria Hall, close to the site of Wedgwood’s Etruria Works. The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: > “Staffordshire Day is a chance to celebrate our county, its history and everything there is to shout about. > “Our ceramics legacy still shapes our identity today and helped put Staffordshire on the world stage. > “As this is also the 40th anniversary of the opening of Stoke-on-Trent’s National Garden Festival, it’s fitting that we’re celebrating at a statue that brings those multiple strands of our city and county’s shared culture and heritage together. > “It’s also a moment to look to the future and our city and county’s ability to adapt and renew. > “Inspired by figures like Josiah Wedgwood and moments such as the National Garden Festival, the same spirit of ambition and change is still shared across Stoke‑on‑Trent and Staffordshire today.” Staffordshire Day has been celebrated annually since 2016 and is marked across the county by councils, businesses and other organisations to promote the historic county of Staffordshire. For more information go to: [https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/whats-on/staffordshire-day/](https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/whats-on/staffordshire-day/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Rural charity set to host country’s largest gathering of village hall advisers URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rural-charity-set-to-host-countrys-largest-gathering-of-village-hall-advisers/ Last updated: 2026-05-03T11:06:41.000Z Village hall advisers from across England will travel to Staffordshire later this month for a one-of-a-kind networking and training conference hosted by the country’s only dedicated charity for rural communities. Around 30 delegates are expected to attend the annual two-day event, which is delivered by national charity Action with Communities in Rural England, making it the largest gathering of village hall advisers anywhere in the country. The 2026 edition is set to take place on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May at Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre, which is located in the Staffordshire market town of Stone. Those coming along will have the opportunity to meet others working in a similar role, share learning and receive training from industry experts, which can then be taken away and used to offer practical support to the vast army of volunteers who work tirelessly across England’s 10,000 village halls. *Action with Communities in Rural England is the national charity for all rural* *communities, as well as the umbrella body for the ACRE Network.* Made up of 38 standalone member charities, with each one representing the rural interests of its respective county, the Network collectively campaigns for change, enables on-the-ground action and unlocks support for those most in need. Each member also operates a local village hall advisory service, with its advisers working to provide local volunteers with the support needed to keep their community building up and running. Deborah Clarke, Village Halls Manager, ACRE, said: > “Village halls are not just simple spaces-for-hire, but true community assets that have the power to bring people together and to enhance the lives of rural families. > “Despite their enormous social contribution, most village halls are run entirely on goodwill, which makes our annual advisers conference so important. > “By bringing village hall advisers together under one roof, we can guarantee that essential information – on everything from securing lower energy bills to negotiating complex insurance policies – can be shared with the volunteers on the ground who work so tirelessly, often without any training or prior experience, to keep their venue’s doors open and lights switched on.” Industry experts from a range of fields and backgrounds, including nearby Keele University and Cannock Chase District Council, along with local professional services firms Cubed Tax and Ellis-Fermor & Negus Solicitors, will also be at the event to share their knowledge and insight. Among the sponsors for this year’s event is Norris and Fisher Insurance Brokers, who work exclusively with charities, village halls and other voluntary groups. Jade Winter, Director at Norris and Fisher, said: > “We are delighted to once again be partnering with ACRE to deliver this extremely useful and worthwhile event. > “At Norris and Fisher, we understand just how important community buildings are to everyday life in rural areas, and that protecting these valuable venues from the unexpected is a necessity that shouldn’t be complicated or overly expensive. > “We look forward to what promises to be a fantastic two days, and would > encourage any community group in need of help with their insurance to contact us directly.” Other event sponsors include Hallmaster, Utility Aid, Sound Reduction Systems, ARC Thermal, TJB Community and Easyfunding. For more information about ACRE and its work in supporting the more than 10,000 village halls across England, visit www.acre.org.uk. Registered Charity No 1061568 VAT No 477763003 Company Limited by Guarantee 3336101 #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Where to find the Staffy Trail Sculptures across Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/where-to-find-the-staffy-trail-sculptures-across-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-05-02T18:51:42.000Z A new countywide public art trail has launched to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. The Staffy Trail, which went live on 1 May, features eleven large Staffy sculptures across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Tamworth, Lichfield and Uttoxeter, with visitors encouraged to explore the county, support local businesses and discover more about Staffordshire’s heritage, creativity and communities. The free trail is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors and generate at least £600,000 for the local visitor economy. Created by local artists and inspired by ideas from young people across Staffordshire, each sculpture tells a different story about the county. ![Unveiling of the 'Graham' Staffy Sculpture (by Ruth Allen) at Staffordshire Place One, Stafford](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Unveiling-of-the--Graham--Staffy-Sculpture--by-Ruth-Allen--at-Staffordshire-Place-One--Stafford..jpg) Unveiling of the 'Graham' Staffy Sculpture (by Ruth Allen) at Staffordshire Place One, Stafford In Stoke-on-Trent, sculptures can be found at Hanley Park, The Goods Yard and Stoke Minster. They include Sonney by Chloe Breeze, Outdoors Muddy Paws by Lynne Hollingworth, and Artie by Becki Kremer. The trail has been delivered by the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership and Staffordshire County Council, in conjunction with Making Trails. It will run for ten weeks, with themed weeks including running and cycling challenges, a dedicated paws week for visitors exploring with pets, and a connection week encouraging people to use trains and buses. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Visitors can download the official trail app to follow the route, unlock rewards at each location and find more things to see and do nearby. Printed Staffy Trail maps are also available from Staffordshire libraries. > “Staffordshire Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our county special, and this year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate its tenth anniversary. > > “The Staffy Trail is a fantastic addition to this year’s celebrations. It will bring people into our towns, support local businesses and help showcase Staffordshire as the nation’s playground — a place full of energy, creativity and great experiences at the heart of the country. > > “We’re proud to see this project come to life and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to explore everything we have to offer.” > > Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council ![Children interact with 'Jasper' at Victoria Park](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Children-interact-with--Jasper--at-Victoria-Park.jpg) Children interact with 'Jasper' at Victoria Park Arthur Barnard, Chair of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent LVEP, said: > “The Staffy Trail is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through partnership working. It brings together creativity, community and our visitor economy in a way that will have a real impact. > > “By encouraging people to explore more of Staffordshire, spend time in our towns and discover new experiences, the trail will help strengthen our position as a must-visit destination.” Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: > “This is a fantastic moment for Stoke-on-Trent, as the trail will bring visitors to our amazing city, where they can see for themselves everything we have to offer. From our cultural heritage and history to the many local businesses and tourism hotspots we have, there is something for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent. > > “Staffordshire Day is about celebrating the shared culture, heritage and sense of pride that runs across the county and this trail is a brilliant way to bring that to life. > > “We are proud to be part of this partnership that is delivering something exciting for residents and visitors to enjoy as part of Staffordshire Day celebrations.” The Staffy Trail is now live and free to explore. For more information, to download the trail app, and to see what is happening across Staffordshire Day, visit: [https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/follow-staffy/](https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/follow-staffy/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) There are eleven Staffy sculptures across Staffordshire, forming The Staffy Trail. Each has been designed by a local artist and inspired by ideas from young people across the county. They are as follows: ![Abbey Hill Academy College Students with artist, Chloe Breeze, next to 'Sonney' Staffy sculpture at Hanley Park in Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Abbey-Hill-Academy-College-Students-with-artist--Chloe-Breeze--next-to--Sonney--Staffy-sculpture-at-Hanley-Park-in-Stoke-on-Trent..jpg) Abbey Hill Academy College Students with artist, Chloe Breeze, next to 'Sonney' Staffy sculpture at Hanley Park in Stoke-on-Trent **‘Sonney’ by Chloe Breeze.** Located at Stoke-on-Trent's Hanley Park outside the pavilion, this sculpture focuses on the theme ‘welcome and warm’ and invites people to explore, stay and return to Staffordshire. Designs created by students from PINC College and Abbey Hill Academy College inspired Sonney’s artwork and Chloe created the design to look like patches of fur on a Staffy dog. ![Newcastle College Students with Trentham Estate Sponsors of 'Outdoors Muddy Paws' Staffy at The Goods Yard, Stoke-on-Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Newcastle-College-Students-with-Trentham-Estate-Sponsors-of--Outdoors-Muddy-Paws--Staffy-at-The-Goods-Yard--Stoke-on-Trent.jpg) Newcastle College Students with Trentham Estate Sponsors of 'Outdoors Muddy Paws' Staffy at The Goods Yard, Stoke-on-Trent **‘Outdoors Muddy Paws’ by Lynne Hollingworth.** Located at Goods Yard in Stoke-on-Trent, this sculpture is sponsored by the Trentham Estate and celebrates Staffordshire as an active outdoor destination. Lynne, in collaboration with NSGC Newcastle College students, created artwork that captures the joy of exploring Trentham with playful pathways and footprints leading the eye around the sculpture. Dandelions and natural details reflect the gardens and wider Staffordshire landscape while the Staffordshire knot adds a local touch, and the Trentham-inspired palette keeps it bright and full of energy. **‘Artie’ by Becki Kremer.** Located at Stoke Minster and sponsored by the University of Staffordshire, this sculpture highlights the county as a place of opportunity for young people. It reflects the county’s ceramics heritage, the energy of student life, green spaces and vibrant music and arts scene. Created by Becki in collaboration with students from the University of Staffordshire, the design also reflects the diversity of the area, especially the many students who go on to shape industries beyond the county. ‘Artie’ captures a place where people grow into who they’re meant to be, where artistic talent is truly nurtured, and where imagination carries Staffordshire into the wider world and the future. **‘Kindred’ by Tom Edwards.** Located in Stafford Market Square and sponsored by Fostering for Staffordshire, this sculpture explores care and connection through scenes inspired by UK wildlife and natural habitats. Ideas were developed with young people from The Voice Project. !['Graham' Staffy Sculpture by Ruth Allen at Staffordshire Place One, Stafford](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/-Graham--Staffy-Sculpture-by-Ruth-Allen-at-Staffordshire-Place-One--Stafford.jpg) 'Graham' Staffy Sculpture by Ruth Allen at Staffordshire Place One, Stafford **‘Graham’ by Ruth Allen.** Located at Staffordshire Place One, this sculpture is inspired by heritage within Staffordshire with a focus on the architecture and history of local industry. A workshop with students at Sir Graham Balfour High School inspired ideas for the artwork. ![‘Jasper’ Staffy Sculpture by Sarah Grateley outside Victoria Park, Stafford](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/---Jasper----Staffy-Sculpture-by-Sarah-Grateley-outside-Victoria-Park--Stafford..jpg) ‘Jasper’ Staffy Sculpture by Sarah Grateley outside Victoria Park, Stafford **‘Jasper’ by Sarah Grateley.** Located at the Victoria Park entrance opposite Stafford Train Station, this sculpture brings together Staffordshire’s iconic brands, attractions and communities. The main heart motif is a nod to Staffordshire being ‘The Heart of the Country.’ Each other heart depicts a brand or place in Staffordshire that is great to visit, including Stafford Castle, the Pottery Museums, the canals, St Michael’s Church in Penkridge and local cafe, ‘Jasper’s’. Jasper's boots represent the former Lotus Show factory in Stafford and his scarf is decorated with an Emma Bridgewater pattern. Connecting all the hearts together are canal routes and the famous Alton Towers rollercoasters. **‘Patch’ by Joanna Dawidowska.** Located at Frog Lane in Lichfield, this Staffy sculpture follows theme of ‘Inclusion’. Joanna worked with South Staffordshire College students on the design and the college also sponsored the sculpture. The flowers on the artwork represent how we are all different but can live happily together. The tree of life and its roots remind us that we are connected and that what we share and have in common is more important than how we look or speak. **‘Birdie Boy’ by Steve Edwards.** Located outside St Editha’s Church, this sculpture celebrates nature and rural communities. Developed with year 9 pupils from King Edward VI School, it combines Staffordshire symbols – like the Knot and coat of arms - with British birds and the artist’s signature camouflage style. Steve also used the yellow and red from the Staffordshire flag as a basecoat. ![Amy Stokes, Carla Dee, Greg Hedges with pte Watchman VII and Sgt Watchman VI](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Amy-Stokes--Carla-Dee--Greg-Hedges-with-pte-Watchman-VII-and-Sgt-Watchman-VI-2.jpg) ****Amy Stokes, Carla Dee, Greg Hedges with pte Watchman VII and Sgt Watchman VI** **‘Beam Me Up. Staffordshire’ by Carla Dee.** Located in Ladybridge in Tamworth, this sculpture focuses on the theme of ‘Connection’. Carla worked with students from Wilnecote High School to create this sculpture. It includes local landmarks like Tamworth Castle, the SnowDome and local theme parks, alongside icons such as Trentham Estate and Lichfield Cathedral, with a beer barrel for Burton upon Trent, poppies for the National Memorial Arboretum and a vase for The Potteries Museum, celebrate Staffordshire’s shared heritage and identity, while local touches like Spud Man add character and community pride. ![Handler Greg Hedges with Sgt Watchman VI, 'Clay' Staffy Sculpture, competition winner Amy Stokes who helped to create Clay, artist Carla Dee, and a PCSO](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Handler-Greg-Hedges-with-Sgt-Watchman-VI---Clay--Staffy-Sculpture--competition-winner-Amy-Stokes-who-helped-to-create-Clay--artist-Carla-Dee--and-a-PCSO.jpg) Handler Greg Hedges with Sgt Watchman VI, 'Clay' Staffy Sculpture, competition winner Amy Stokes who helped to create Clay, artist Carla Dee, and a PCSO **‘Clay’ by Victoria Turner.** Located on Market Street, Tamworth, this ‘Pride in Place’ sculpture was co-designed with ‘Sketch a Staffy’ competition winner Amy Stokes (16). The Staffy is named Clay to honour the region’s rich ceramics heritage and adorned with a bandana inspired by the Staffordshire Knot. This sculpture has been designed to reflect the county's natural beauty and love for wildlife with the iconic Tamworth Pig, Monkey Forest, 'Ay up, me Duck', and the swallows that grace the University of Staffordshire’s crest. Above all, it represents pride in the county’s architecture, heritage, engineering, and the place we are proud to call home. **‘Staffy's Travels by Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt.** This sculpture, located on Uttoxeter’s High Street, features various modes of transportation in Staffordshire from hot air balloon rides and cable cars to buses, trains and cars. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Restoration work underway at historic Burslem Market Hall as £4 million project begins URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/restoration-work-underway-at-historic-burslem-market-hall-as-4-million-project-begins/ Last updated: 2026-05-02T17:47:58.000Z [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/15522f7e-7de7-70d4-10d3-876b39c14b70.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/15522f7e-7de7-70d4-10d3-876b39c14b70?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/15522f7e-7de7-70d4-10d3-876b39c14b70?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Work is now underway to restore one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most recognisable heritage buildings, as Burslem Market Hall enters the next phase of its long-awaited transformation. Scaffolding now surrounds the Grade II listed structure on Queen Street, with contractors beginning the complex task of repairing and securing the building, which has stood largely unused for more than two decades. Built in 1879, Burslem Market Hall was once at the heart of daily life in the Mother Town, serving as a bustling indoor marketplace for generations. However, the building closed in 2003 after falling masonry made it unsafe, and it has remained empty ever since. [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/138e65be-bb77-ccab-0009-21ce7882fa43.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/138e65be-bb77-ccab-0009-21ce7882fa43?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/138e65be-bb77-ccab-0009-21ce7882fa43?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## A major restoration effort The current project, valued at around £4 million, is focused on stabilising and repairing the structure, with a particular emphasis on the roof, which has deteriorated significantly over time. Work includes stripping back unsafe materials, repairing and replacing sections of the roof, and addressing long-standing issues with the building’s brickwork, guttering and external features. Wherever possible, original materials are being retained in order to preserve the character and historic fabric of the building. The work is being carried out by Stoke-on-Trent-based contractors, with funding coming from a combination of the city council, central government and heritage bodies. The aim of this phase is to make the building watertight and structurally secure, allowing it to be brought back into use in the short to medium term. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/76898bc0-3a23-184c-1950-17f1f7442de0.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/76898bc0-3a23-184c-1950-17f1f7442de0?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/76898bc0-3a23-184c-1950-17f1f7442de0?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Plans for future use Once the building has been stabilised, the council intends to reopen the space for temporary uses, including events, leisure activities and hospitality. In the longer term, plans are being developed to return the market hall to permanent use, with a focus on creating a sustainable and active space that can once again serve the community. Specialist regeneration company Next Phase Projects has been brought in to help shape these plans, drawing on experience from similar market hall transformations in towns and cities across the UK. [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/01bd39c5-c538-7a85-e216-e086165bd9ad.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/01bd39c5-c538-7a85-e216-e086165bd9ad?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/01bd39c5-c538-7a85-e216-e086165bd9ad?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## A wider heritage challenge The restoration of Burslem Market Hall sits within a much broader effort to address the condition of historic buildings across Stoke-on-Trent. Earlier this year, the city declared a “heritage emergency”, estimating that around £325 million is needed to protect and restore its most significant historic assets. Burslem, in particular, has a high concentration of listed buildings, many of which have faced years of underinvestment and decline. The market hall, along with nearby landmarks such as the Wedgwood Institute and Burslem School of Art, has become a symbol of both the town’s rich history and the challenges it faces. There have also been setbacks. Historic England previously withdrew £1 million of funding from the project due to rising costs and delays, instead offering a smaller development grant to support planning work. Despite this, work has now begun on site, marking a significant step forward after years of uncertainty. [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/cd471b45-af06-da7c-dc3a-fa90f6deb3eb.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/cd471b45-af06-da7c-dc3a-fa90f6deb3eb?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/cd471b45-af06-da7c-dc3a-fa90f6deb3eb?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## A building with deep local significance For many residents, Burslem Market Hall is more than just a historic structure. It is a place tied to memories of shopping, socialising and everyday life in the town centre. Its closure in 2003 left a visible and symbolic gap in Burslem’s high street, contributing to a wider sense of decline. The current restoration offers an opportunity not only to preserve the building itself, but also to re-establish it as a focal point for the community. [ ![Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/embed/3e8c44f2-a1c8-14c6-e79b-c64856bb6492.jpg) ](https://lumenira.com/click/3e8c44f2-a1c8-14c6-e79b-c64856bb6492?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk "Burslem Market Restoration by TheRedHairedStokie on Lumenira") [Burslem Market Restoration](https://lumenira.com/click/3e8c44f2-a1c8-14c6-e79b-c64856bb6492?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)by [TheRedHairedStokie](https://lumenira.com/user/TheRedHairedStokie?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Looking ahead The project is expected to be completed by May 2027, although the reopening of the building in some form could happen sooner once it is made safe and watertight. While challenges remain, the start of physical work on the building represents a turning point for Burslem Market Hall. After more than 20 years of uncertainty, one of the town’s most important historic spaces is finally being brought back into use. [Click here to see the rest of the photos](https://lumenira.com/album/0dc708f0-93ba-420d-9e93-49512f797f98?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Mo Chaudry secures future of historic Barlaston Hall on Staffordshire Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mo-chaudry-secures-future-of-historic-barlaston-hall-on-staffordshire-day/ Last updated: 2026-05-01T07:28:56.000Z A new chapter is beginning for one of Staffordshire’s most remarkable historic homes, as entrepreneur Mo Chaudry and his wife Ann complete the purchase of Barlaston Hall. Set within nine acres of land and accompanied by the deconsecrated St John the Baptist Church, the Grade I listed Georgian property has been acquired for an undisclosed fee, securing its long-term future. The hall, previously on the market for around £3.5 million, has most recently been used as both a private residence and a venue for weddings and events. Now, it is set to become the Chaudry family home, with plans already in place to restore and enhance the estate, including the creation of a Georgian garden. Completion of the purchase on 1 May, Staffordshire Day, carries added significance. The date also marks the founding of Josiah Wedgwood’s pottery company in 1759, a connection that reflects the hall’s deep historical ties to the Wedgwood estate in nearby Barlaston. > Mo Chaudry said: “We had no plans to move and were in the process of upgrading our current home, but the opportunity arose when a buyer for the Hall failed to proceed and the opportunity only knocks once! I am absolutely thrilled to be able to call Barlaston Hall our family home – it feels like everything has come full circle. To own such an incredible piece of Staffordshire history, which has deep ties to Wedgwood, is genuinely special. It’s especially poignant because my former business, Waterworld, was also on Wedgwood land. When I launched MOmentum Capital, it was with the hope of finding the Josiah Wedgwood of our time, someone whose vision and creativity can change the world. Completing this on Staffordshire Day, May 1st, feels like serendipity.” > He added: “This is a huge moment for me and our family but also an opportunity to preserve this beautiful building for the future. While it will be a private home for us, we also hope to allow people to enjoy the grounds and use the Church. The plans for how that will look are still at an early stage, but I am so excited for my family and to be able to preserve Barlaston Hall and the Church for generations to come." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20240323_120921.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/20240323_103559.jpg) St. John's Church As part of those early plans, weddings already booked for this year will be honoured, while there are ambitions to open the grounds to the public at certain times and host charity events. The church is also expected to become a community space for events and workshops. > Crispin Harris, Director of Jackson-Stops Alderley Edge, said: “Barlaston Hall is one of those exceptionally rare estates that speaks not just to architectural beauty, but to the resilience of Britain’s country house heritage. From its 18th-century Palladian origins, set at the heart of the Wedgwood estate, through to its remarkable restoration, it represents a truly important part of the UK’s historic landscape. > > “Opportunities to acquire a property of this calibre are extraordinarily rare, and we are delighted to have found a custodian who recognises its significance and is committed to preserving and enhancing it for the future. It’s very much a continuation of the Barlaston Hall’s story, now entering an exciting new chapter.” ![Barlaston Hall: sepia drawing](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/45/43/Resource/7178-0.jpg) Barlaston Hall: sepia drawing'View of Barlaston Hall, Staffordshire,' showing a tall, three-storeyed house, with a classical front door (up 5 steps), wings with bay windows. Pediment top to front. artist: J. Buckler.[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=7178&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track ## A hall shaped by Staffordshire’s history Barlaston Hall stands on a ridge overlooking the Trent Valley, just south of Stoke-on-Trent, and is widely regarded as one of the county’s finest surviving Georgian country houses. Built between 1756 and 1758 for local attorney Thomas Mills, the hall was designed by Sir Robert Taylor, a leading architect of the Georgian period. Its red-brick exterior, Palladian symmetry, and distinctive sash windows with octagonal and diamond glazing reflect the refined architectural style of the time. Inside, the house was designed around a central Doric hall, with elegant reception rooms and a striking staircase beneath a domed skylight, typical of the classical influences that defined Georgian design. The estate later passed into the Adderley family before entering a new phase in 1937, when it was purchased by the Wedgwood pottery company. The acquisition formed part of a wider move by Wedgwood to relocate its operations from Etruria to Barlaston, shaping the village’s identity for generations. During the Second World War, the hall was requisitioned by the War Office and used by British Army units. In the years that followed, it became home to the Wedgwood Memorial College, serving as a residential adult education centre from 1945. ![Barlaston Hall under Repair,](//cdn.staffordshire.gov.uk/pasttrack/18/7/Resource/1906-0.jpg) Barlaston Hall under Repair,Barlaston Hall stands on a hill, overlooking the Trent Valley. It was built in 1756 for Thomas Mills, an attorney from Leek. The design is attributed to Sir Robert Taylor.In 1774 Barlaston Hall featured ...[](http://www.search.staffspasttrack.org.uk/Details.aspx?ResourceID=1906&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)View Full Resource on Staffordshire Past Track ## From near ruin to remarkable recovery Despite its significance, Barlaston Hall came close to being lost forever. By the late 1960s, the building had fallen into disrepair, suffering from vandalism, structural damage, and severe subsidence caused by historic coal mining and the fact that it had been built on a geological fault. 4 inch cracks opened in the walls, parts of the structure collapsed, and by the early 1980s the hall was considered at serious risk of demolition. In 1981, the property was famously sold for just £1 to the conservation charity Save Britain’s Heritage, which led a complex and determined effort to rescue the building. Supported by engineers, heritage organisations, and funding bodies, the restoration included major structural work, including the installation of a concrete raft beneath the hall to stabilise it. The external restoration was largely completed by the early 1990s, before the property returned to private ownership, where further work restored its interiors over several years. Today, Barlaston Hall stands not only as an architectural landmark, but as a symbol of what can be achieved through preservation, investment, and care. ![Barlaston Hall](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/05/Barlaston-Hall-2.jpeg) ## Looking ahead The latest purchase marks another turning point in the hall’s long and varied story. With plans to restore the building further, open parts of the estate to the public, and create opportunities for community use, there is a clear intention to balance private ownership with wider access and engagement. For a building that has survived centuries of change, near collapse, and one of the most ambitious heritage rescue projects in the country, this next chapter offers both stability and renewed purpose. As Staffordshire continues to celebrate its history and identity, Barlaston Hall remains firmly at the heart of that story. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Arty Duck 3D Modelling Studio URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/arty-duck-3d-modelling-studio/ Last updated: 2026-04-30T09:03:36.000Z Chris Burgess, owner of [Arty Duck Studio](https://www.artyduckstudio.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), specialises in 3D modelling and heritage‑inspired design. What began in 2023 as a small social‑media space for sharing illustrations has since grown into a studio dedicated to preserving local history through detailed, tactile 3D printed models. Drawing on CAD modelling skills developed through video‑game design, Chris moved from digital illustration into physical 3D modelling, combining technical accuracy with traditional craftsmanship. Today, Arty Duck Studio works closely with organisations such as Leek Town Council, Outside Arts, and the Friends of the Nicholson Institute to celebrate and preserve Leek’s architectural heritage in three dimensions. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. At Arty Duck Studio, 3D printing becomes a form of expressive artistry. Each project begins in the digital realm; architectural plans are redrawn, historical references are studied and missing or lost details are carefully reconstructed. Once the digital model is complete, ultra‑thin layers of filament build up slowly over many hours, capturing the smallest architectural features- the rhythm of windows, the depth of stonework and the shape of roofs and towers. But the process doesn’t end when the printer stops. Finishing, refining, and sometimes re‑imagining historical details transforms each print into a storytelling object. One of the studio’s most distinctive strengths is the ability to recreate buildings not only as they stand today, but as they once were. Using historical records, photographs, and architectural research, Chris can restore lost features, earlier designs, or even entire structures that no longer exist. In an age dominated by virtual reality and digital walk‑throughs, physical scale models offer something different. Holding a miniature building in your hands provides clarity at a glance, revealing proportions, layout and context in a way that drawings or photographs can never quite achieve. A model sparks curiosity - you can turn it, examine it, and notice details you might otherwise miss as you explore it from every angle. Details that might be overlooked in real life suddenly become visible, allowing people to appreciate the expertise, history, and character of a place with fresh eyes. For educators, collectors, and history enthusiasts, these models create a deeper, more memorable connection to the past. Arty Duck Studio uses biodegradable or recyclable filaments and produces models on demand, reducing waste associated with traditional manufacturing. It’s a modern approach that respects both legacy and the environment. Arty Duck Studio currently stands at the crossroads of technology and history, proving that innovation can enhance tradition rather than replace it. By combining 3D printing with historical research and artistic finishing, the studio preserves the past in a strikingly modern way. In these models, history comes back to life- layered, textured, and tangible. Perhaps this is the studio’s greatest achievement: not simply recreating buildings, but rekindling the connection to the stories they hold. After speaking with Leek Town Council, it became clear that the town had very few souvenirs available for visitors. That realisation strengthened the studio’s mission- to create meaningful, locally rooted pieces that celebrate Leek’s identity while offering something unique for tourists to take home. ### The Models ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--11-.png) The Nicholson War Memorial Model • The Nicholson War Memorial was the project that started it all. In 2025, Chris partnered with Leek Town Council to create 100 limited‑edition 3D printed models of the Nicholson War Memorial to mark its centenary. Each model was individually numbered and designed for historians, collectors, and local residents, and was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. All 100 sold out, with pieces now residing as far as Italy, America, Ireland, and across the UK. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--10-.png) The Nicholson Institute Model • A defining feature of the Leek skyline, the Nicholson Institute - home to the town’s public library and museum - was the natural next project. Chris focused on the building’s iconic tower due to its many interesting shapes and details. Working closely with the Friends of the Nicholson Institute, the model was released in March 2026 for purchase. The model is planned to be stocked in the newly refurbished museum shop later this year when it reopens. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--12-.png) The Big Mill Model • Modelled alongside the Nicholson Institute, The Big Mill was close to completion when the tragic fire of 27 March 2026 led to the building’s demolition. Out of respect, Chris paused work on the project until the demolition was fully concluded on 30 March. The model was later announced as a tribute to Leek’s textile heritage - a way to preserve the memory of a landmark that had shaped the town’s industrial past. It became available for purchase in April 2026. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/image--6-.png) Leek Lion Statue • A beloved Leek landmark, the Lion Statue has been part of countless childhood memories - including Chris’s own. To capture it in its original form, the model was created using advanced 3D‑modelling software on an iPad, allowing for greater precision and ease during the sculpting process. Released in late April 2026, it quickly became a favourite among both locals and the wider community. • A symbol of Leek’s identity as a market town, the Market Cross - otherwise known as the Butter Cross - has been part of local life for generations, acting as a defining landmark and a focal point of the Market Square. Chris created an early prototype in 2025 and even displayed it while running a stall at the Butter Market. However, unsatisfied with the initial version, he returned to the project, making adjustments and carrying out several site visits to take measurements and capture finer details. The model has since been completely reworked and remains in the prototype phase, with a final version on the way. Arty Duck Studio continues to expand its range of heritage models, with plans to introduce them into local shops through a rent‑a‑shelf scheme - making them available both online and in person. To view all current models, along with keyrings, decorations, and other items, please visit www.artyduckstudio.com to see and purchase some of Chris’ amazing work or contact him at aduckstudio@gmail.com for any other details or information. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Logo-1.png) Arty Duck Studio Logo #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### The Staffordshire Signal Magazine – April 2026 | Staffordshire's Free Independent Lifestyle Magazine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/the-staffordshire-signal-magazine-april-2026-staffordshires-free-independent-lifestyle-magazine/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:05:16.000Z Our April issue is full of Staffordshire people making a difference. Inside: the story behind the Leek Big Mill fire and why the landmark disappeared; Operation Mindset, the veterans using their own world experiences to help young people lead a happier lifestyle; the HUBB Foundation, giving disadvantaged teens a leg up with Easter career steps into construction; Proud Primrose, the seven-year-old schoolgirl embarking on her third fundraiser for Dougie Mac; and a first look at the Festival of Brilliant 2026, with beloved authors, illustrators, poets and performers set to appear. Free to read, made for Staffordshire. ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Live theatre returns to outdoor community arts company in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/live-theatre-returns-to-outdoor-community-arts-company-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T13:34:01.000Z Almost 5 years on from turning a small, family farm on the outskirts of Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent, into a bustling, outdoor visual arts centre, Bolton Gate Arts CIC is a company continuing to grow and serve its communities with a unique cultural offering. The Manège Outdoor Arts Space at Bolton Gate Farm (named in homage to its former life as a horse training arena) will once again play host to a series of live outdoor theatre shows, music events, seasonal markets, craft workshops and much more. The area, consisting of a large pop-up stretch tent, boasts stunning natural surroundings overlooking Park Hall Country Park, as the company aims to connect audiences back to creativity and nature alike. Live theatre returns to the venue, with 5 shows and something for all the family. This years lineup consists of; a reality tv inspired adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing from local company Lucid Spark; a comedic retelling of Romeo & Juliet by 440 Theatre; family friendly classic The Railway Children by West Midlands company Paperback Theatre; a one man memoir of the life of Patrick Hamilton, Silence of Snow written and performed by Mark Farrelly; and spamalot-style hilarity in King Arthur and the Holy Fail from touring company Three Inch Fools. Bolton Gate Arts aims to make accessing theatre as simple and affordable as possible with its ‘pay-what-you-can’ ticket scheme which allows customers to choose the ticket option which best fits their budget, with tickets available from just £10! To kickstart the launch of another bustling summer arts season, the company will be hosting a free to attend, family arts day called The Garden Gate on Saturday 2nd May. The event will consist of a series of arts and nature inspired workshops including DIY garden crafts, wellbeing walks, poetry and live music from local artists. The full schedule for the event can be found here - The Garden Gate summer event. Other events include seasonal artisan markets, monthly open mic music nights- Gigz@theGate- and a series of craft arts workshops including fused glass, UV resin and prosecco & paint. You can find the full programme at www.boltongatefarm.co.uk/showsandevents And finally, if you’re a school or community group looking to get out and about and be creative this summer, the company also offer bespoke workshops in the Manège Outdoor Arts Space lead by creative directors Joe and Emma. For more information please contact arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk With its on-site artisan cafe, accessible ticket scheme and an entrance straight onto Park Hall Country Park, Bolton Gate is growing into a popular daytrip destination for families from miles around. It’s set to be another busy summer! ![Bolton Gate Arts Events](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-29-142901.png) Bolton Gate Arts Events **Audience / Community Comments:** > “A fantastic asset to the local community” > “Really well organised and always so welcoming. It's a lovely set up...a proper little gem! We will be looking out for > more events.” > “\[JARMAN\] was an absolutely spell-binding performance... Our first time at Bolton Gate Arts & we’re certainly looking forward to visiting again. Such welcoming staff & a fab cafe too!” > “Fab way to spend an afternoon” > “Cool event, venue great, lovely to see people repurposing” > “Go and see one (or all) the shows there, you won’t be disappointed” > “\[The Places That Make Us project\] was a fantastic opportunity for the children, we would love to continue with work with Bolton Gate Arts and other local artists. It was great to see the children express themselves through art, whilst considering their local environment." #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### A Celebration of Excellence and Talent: Sixth Form College Hosts 2026 ASPIRE Awards URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/a-celebration-of-excellence-and-talent-sixth-form-college-hosts-2026-aspire-awards/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T13:18:59.000Z The City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College marked another landmark year of student success as it hosted the **ASPIRE Awards Evening 2026** on Wednesday 22nd April, returning once again to the historic King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. The annual celebration brought together students, families, staff, and partners to honour exceptional achievement across a wide range of academic and personal development categories. A centrepiece of the college calendar, the ASPIRE Awards recognises students who embody the college’s core values - Achievement, Skills, Participation, Independence, Resilience, and Endeavour. This year’s ceremony continued the tradition of celebrating not only academic excellence but also the character, determination, and ambition that define the college community. The College was thrilled to welcome Nathan Heaney as the 2026 guest speaker. A proud Stoke-on-Trent native and former student of the Sixth Form College, Heaney has risen to national prominence as a professional middleweight boxer. Known as “The Hitman”, he has held the British Middleweight Title, built an impressive undefeated streak for much of his career, and become a fan favourite for his discipline, sportsmanship, and electrifying ring Presence. In his address, Heaney reflected on his journey from local student to professional athlete, emphasising the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and staying grounded in one’s roots. His message resonated strongly with students, many of whom share similar aspirations to make an impact in their chosen fields. Awards were presented across a wide range of categories, recognising students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, progress, and personal growth. **Nicole Latos, Winner of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Sport Academy: Elite Scholarship Programme Award**, which supports students competing at a high or elite level in their chosen sport by enabling them to balance academic study alongside highlevel training, specialist coaching and access to professional facilities, said: > "I am proud of how far I have come this year, and receiving this award shows just how many milestones I’ve overcome. I’m proud of myself for everything I have achieved. In Archery, I have represented England, and I’ve just been selected for the European Youth Cup in Bulgaria, which feels like another huge step forward. My goal is to become a coach so I can inspire more people to follow their hearts in sports. One of my best memories at college has been talking to my teachers about the amazing competitions I’ve taken part in and hearing how genuinely impressed they were — and still are — with me." **Daniel Moran, Winner of the ASPIRE Potteries Educational Trust Award for Skills**, which recognises students who demonstrate exceptional skill development, ambition and personal progress as part of the Potteries Educational Trust’s commitment to preparing young people for higher education and future careers, reflected on his achievement: > "It feels great to win this award, and it means a lot to have my hard work recognised. I plan to go on to university to study Architecture after college, and the support I’ve had here has really helped me grow in confidence and creativity. The Sixth Form College has been such a supportive place to learn — a community where teachers genuinely want you to succeed, and I’m grateful for the encouragement that has helped me develop creatively.” **Connie Coope, Winner of the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College Award for Outstanding Duke of Edinburgh Success**, recognised for her achievement within one of the College’s standout enrichment programmes, which uniquely enables students to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award up to Gold level alongside their academic studies, supporting the development of independence, resilience and leadership beyond the classroom, reflected on her journey: > "Winning this award feels incredibly special; it’s a real moment of pride for me. My time at the Sixth Form College has pushed me to challenge myself, especially through the Duke of Edinburgh programme, and it’s helped shape my ambition to study Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University. One of my favourite memories here has to be the Environmental Science and Biology trip to Chester Zoo; it brought everything we’d learned in the classroom to life and reminded me why I love science.” **Mahad Aamer, Winner of the ASPIRE Award for Participation in ASPIRE+**, which celebrates active engagement in the College’s ASPIRE+ programme - a timetabled enrichment offer providing access to clubs, leadership opportunities, community involvement and activities designed to build employability skills and personal confidence beyond qualifications — shared his excitement about the recognition: > "Winning an award means a lot, especially at college level. The ASPIRE+ Programme has helped me grow, get involved, and push myself, and I hope to continue doing so at university while staying committed to cricket. My proudest experience has been working as an Inclusion Ambassador - making sure everyone feels welcome, respected and able to take part equally. Inclusion is something I believe in deeply. Sixth Form College has been one of the best parts of my journey, and I’ll always look back on it with pride." **College Principal, Nicky Birch** praised the achievements of all students recognised during the evening: > “As a college, we are incredibly proud to have celebrated the outstanding achievements of our students at this year’s ASPIRE Awards Evening. Their dedication, resilience and ambition shine through in everything they do, and each award winner represents the very best of our college community. I am also deeply grateful to our families, partners, local employers and colleagues across the Potteries Educational Trust for the support they give our young people.” The 2026 ASPIRE Awards Evening once again highlighted the remarkable talent and determination of students across the College. The College extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, supporters, and guests who contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of aspiration and achievement. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Nicole-Latos.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Mahad-Aamer.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Connie-Coope.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Daniel-Moran.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/L-to-R-Mahad-Aamer--Connie-Coope--Nicole-Latos-and-Daniel-Moran.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Nathan--The-Hitman--Heaney.jpg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent students help shape debate on social media ban for under-16s URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stafford-and-stoke-on-trent-students-help-shape-debate-on-social-media-ban-for-under-16s/ Last updated: 2026-05-18T11:04:16.000Z More than 100 young people from Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent shared their thoughts on a social media ban for under 16s with their local MP and the Minister for AI and Online Safety, thanks to parallel events hosted by Leigh Ingham MP and Gareth Snell MP. The events gave Staffordshire young people a say in the conversation on children's safety online, as part of the Government's national consultation on banning social media for under 16s. Gareth Snell, the MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central hosted his event at Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College for students from the college itself, St Peter’s Academy, St Joseph’s Academy, Excel Academy, Discovery Academy, Thistley Hough Academy and Birches Head Academy. Leigh Ingham, the MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, hosted an event at the NSCG Institute of Technology, welcoming students from Stafford College, Blessed William Howard Catholic School, Sir Graham Balfour School, Stafford Manor High School, and King Edward VI School. The sessions were led by the MPs alongside the Minister for AI and Online Safety, who joined the events at the MPs’ invitation. The students spent the sessions discussing social media, exploring what works, what doesn't, and what they'd change. Young people took part in group discussions and voted on key policy questions, including whether under-16s should be banned from social media, whether tech companies should be required to end infinite scroll, and who bears the greatest responsibility for keeping children safe online. Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the Villages, said: > "When we make decisions that affect young people, we should be making them with them, not to them. That's why I wanted to bring the Minister to Stafford, so that the students here could speak directly to the person helping to shape these policies. > “I think it’s really important we create a safe online environment, where companies are properly regulated and held accountable, and where children are supported to navigate the online world. Listening to the ideas and concerns from the young people at the event was such a vital perspective to take forward as the Government decides the best approach to do this.” Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: > “I share the Government’s commitment to protecting young people from the harms that they might encounter online but to best achieve this we need to hear the voices and experiences of those young people. > “That’s why it was great to have so many students take part in the consultation event and speak with the Minister directly. Their insight into the platforms that they use and their take on what works well and what needs to be improved is invaluable.” Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI and Online Safety, said: > "Young people are the experts on their own online lives, and any policy on children's safety online has to start by listening to them. The students I met in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent were thoughtful, informed, and didn't shy away from the hard questions - on infinite scroll, on age limits, on who should be held responsible when things go wrong. > "I want to thank Leigh Ingham and Gareth Snell for bringing together young people from across Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent to share their views, and every student who took part. What they told me today will directly inform how we approach the consultation on banning social media for under 16s, and the wider work we are doing to make the online world safer for children." Heather McLachlan, Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College said: > “In our academy trust, we understand that social media is part of daily life for our children and young people and that we are only beginning to understand its impact thanks to a growing research base. Our staff are using this research to try and navigate the best ways we can prepare students to navigate the positive and negative sides of social media” The sessions form part of the Government's national conversation on children's digital wellbeing, launched in March 2026\. The three-month consultation, which closes on 26 May, is seeking views from parents, young people, and educators on measures including potential age limits for social media, overnight curfews, and restrictions on addictive platform features such as autoplay and infinite scroll. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### FOI reveals acid attacker roaming Staffordshire streets after police fail to identify suspect URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/foi-reveals-acid-attacker-roaming-staffordshire-streets-after-police-fail-to-identify-suspect/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T12:20:08.000Z A dangerous criminal who launched an acid attack on a victim in Staffordshire, is roaming the streets after entirely evading justice. A harrowing investigation, launched through a series of Freedom of Information requests by Legal Expert, shows Staffordshire Police recorded just a single acid attack over the last three years. The solitary incident took place in 2024, with the county remaining completely free of such terrifying attacks throughout 2023 and 2025. Despite the sheer rarity of the crime in Staffordshire, justice sadly remained elusive for the victim of the county's sole attack. Data provided by the force confirmed that the assailant did not face justice in court, as the investigation was ultimately shut down with no suspect ever being identified. The incredibly low volume of incidents in the county sits in stark contrast to the explosive numbers seen across Staffordshire's borders and the wider West Midlands region. Just to the south, West Midlands Police recorded a staggering 74 direct acid attacks between 2023 and 2025. However, data provided by the force reveals a much darker picture, noting an additional 40 attacks where acid was used but caused no injury or damage, alongside a further 46 occasions where acid was used as a threat. This brings the grand total of acid-related incidents in the West Midlands to an astonishing 160\. Shockingly, 64 of those combined cases were closed without a suspect ever being found. To the east, Derbyshire Constabulary recorded 30 incidents over the same three-year period - across those cases, seven investigations were shut down without a suspect ever being identified. Data from the force also highlighted a troubling lack of accountability, confirming that there were no custodial sentences handed down for any of the 30 offences, although some cases are still live. Further south-east, Warwickshire Police recorded 21 attacks, with the numbers creeping up year-on-year from four in 2023 to nine in 2025. Similar to the wider region, justice stalled for many, with eight cases closed pending further investigative opportunities because no suspect could be identified. Three more investigations collapsed because victims either withdrew support or declined to help the police investigate. Even when suspects were identified, only seven of Warwickshire's incidents resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed to court. To the west, West Mercia Police recorded 12 acid attacks, but justice proved staggeringly elusive. Out of those 12 recorded incidents, ten investigations collapsed entirely due to evidential difficulties, victims withdrawing support, or no suspect ever being found. Meanwhile, to the north, Cheshire Constabulary recorded eight incidents across the three years, leaving one victim without a suspect. Responding to the figures, a spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: > "Acid attacks are extremely serious, violent crimes and we take all reports extremely seriously. > "In 2024, a thorough investigation was conducted into a reported acid attack. The investigation was closed after all lines of enquiry were exhausted and no suspect was identified. > "We remain committed to tackling all violent offences and protecting victims of crime across Staffordshire." The statistics paint a devastating picture of the dangers and lack of resolution across the wider region, with dozens of unsolved cases guaranteeing that a large number of violent assailants are still walking the streets. Ellie Lamey, a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) specialist at Legal Expert said: > “These figures highlight a deeply concerning lack of accountability for what is a barbaric and life-altering crime,” > “When perpetrators of such horrific attacks go unidentified, victims are robbed of the justice and closure they so rightfully deserve. > “Corrosive substance attacks leave victims with devastating physical and psychological scars that can take a lifetime to heal. It is absolutely vital that survivors understand they are not alone and that they can still seek specialist support and financial compensation to help rebuild their lives, even if their attacker has completely evaded the courts.” Legal Expert offers expert legal support and advice to those affected by acid attacks. You can book a free consultation or call their 24-hour helpline by visiting their website. [https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/criminal-injury-compensation/acid-attack-victims-claims/](https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/criminal-injury-compensation/acid-attack-victims-claims/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Harrison Drury grows Stoke presence with senior property hires and larger office space URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/harrison-drury-grows-stoke-presence-with-senior-property-hires-and-larger-office-space/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T12:03:18.000Z Independent Northern Law firm Harrison Drury continues to strengthen its presence in Stoke-on-Trent with the announcement of two senior appointments. Katie Pinnell joins as partner in the firm’s residential property team and Rebecca Parry joins as a senior associate solicitor in the commercial property team. Katie and Rebecca will further broaden Harrison Drury’s range of legal support available to businesses, landowners, and home buyers and sellers in the area. Harrison Drury opened its Stoke office at Smithfield Works, Hanley, in November 2025\. Headed up by corporate partner Hayley Goodwin, the team has expanded quickly and already moved into a larger office within Smithfield Works to accommodate its growing team. Katie joins from O’Neill Patient where she worked as head of conveyancing. She has over 20 years of conveyancing experience with strong expertise in leasehold, newbuild and freehold management matters. In her new role at Harrison Drury, Katie will lead the firm’s residential property offering in the region and will advise clients on residential property transactions. Rebecca joins Harrison Drury from Talbots Law where she worked as regional head of commercial property. She has over a decade of experience in the commercial property sector and will focus on transactional work including development matters, sales and purchases, landlord and tenant issues, and refinance and secured lending. Hayley Goodwin, partner and head of Harrison Drury’s Stoke office, said: > “Since opening our Stoke office, we’ve had a really positive period of growth and welcomed some exciting new additions to the team across a range of legal services. Our fast-expanding team has meant we’ve had to move to a new office in Smithfield Works within six months. > “Rebecca and Katie will add further depth to both our commercial and residential property offering, enabling clients to access high-quality specialist advice. Their arrival is another display of our ambition to grow the Stoke office and our commitment to the local business and professional community.” Katie added: “Harrison Drury’s reputation for client service and its willingness to embrace technology really stood out to me. I’m excited to be based in Stoke and to help grow a residential property team that delivers responsive, high-quality support for clients across the region.” Rebecca said: > “Joining Harrison Drury at this stage of its growth journey is a great opportunity to really shape its presence in Stoke. I’m looking forward to growing our commercial property offering in Stoke and building strong relationships with our clients.” Harrison Drury’s Stoke office gives clients access to the firm’s full range of services, which includes corporate and commercial services, employment law, wills, trusts and probate, and family law. Its existing offices are spread across the North West in regions including Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### MPs put spotlight on Staffordshire in Parliament for tenth anniversary celebration of Staffordshire Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mps-put-spotlight-on-staffordshire-in-parliament-for-tenth-anniversary-celebration-of-staffordshire-day/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T11:54:13.000Z Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire's businesses, culture, and talent were showcased in Parliament on Tuesday 28th April, as MPs Leigh Ingham and Gareth Snell co-hosted a House of Commons event to mark the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. The event brought together businesses and industry leaders from across the county with MPs and Ministers, putting Staffordshire's economic strength, creativity, and skills on a national stage. Organised alongside We Are Staffordshire and other Staffordshire MPs Dave Robertson and Dame Karen Bradley, the event included a showcase featuring more than 20 businesses. The exhibitors represented the full breadth of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, from global manufacturers GE Vernova and JCB to independent food and drink producers, tourist attractions, education providers, and cultural organisations. Three roundtables took place in Parliament, exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire's future. Leigh Ingham MP led a discussion on the role of culture in Staffordshire's identity and economy. Gareth Snell MP chaired a session on skills and learning for business, in partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. Josh Newbury MP led a session on an Interview Promise for care-experienced young people. MPs were also able to sample the delights of Staffordshire Oatcakes for breakfast which were on the menu in the Members’ Tea Room. Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall, and the villages, said: > "It was an absolutely buzzing event, with so much interest in Staffordshire from MPs, Ministers, and industry leaders. > “The roundtables were a constructive opportunity for conversations about skills, investment, and opportunity. I hope Ministers left today with a clearer picture of what this part of the country has to offer, and the specific investment we need to move forward.” Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: > “Today’s events were a fantastic opportunity to showcase the very best of StokeonTrent and Staffordshire, from our businesses and industries to our culture and heritage. > “From Staffordshire oatcakes being served to MPs to seeing them try their hand at throwing a pot, all set against the historic backdrop of Parliament, it was a truly memorable occasion. > “We must now build on this momentum and continue to show Ministers just how much our county has to offer. With the right investment, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire can not only succeed, but thrive.” Staffordshire Day takes place annually on May 1st. 2026 marks its tenth anniversary, with a programme of events across the county including the launch of the Staffy Trail, a new visitor economy initiative celebrating Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire as a destination for adventure, culture and community. #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Oatcakes Arrive in Parliament Ahead of Staffordshire Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/oatcakes-arrive-in-parliament-ahead-of-staffordshire-day/ Last updated: 2026-04-29T11:42:12.000Z Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams has praised the House of Commons catering team after oatcakes appeared on the parliamentary breakfast menu this week, ahead of Staffordshire Day on Friday. The Potteries staple made its Westminster debut to mark the annual celebration of all things Staffordshire, though David admitted the experience came with a few notes for improvement. > "They tried to be a bit too posh," he said. "The folding was like something I've never seen before, I think the chef might double up as an origami champion on the side." After taking matters into his own hands and refolding it, David made a further discovery: something green had been added on top. He declined to identify the offending ingredient, but confirmed it was promptly removed and replaced with red sauce. > "A good save in the end," he said. "But joking apart, it is brilliant that we are able to showcase our special food to people down here in Parliament. I am really grateful to the catering team for everything they do." Staffordshire Day is celebrated annually on the First of May, marking the county's heritage, culture, and as David would no doubt argue, its superior breakfast options. ![MP David Williams, Oatcakes in Parliament](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/David-Williams-MP-Parly-Oatcake.jpg) MP David Williams, Oatcakes in Parliament #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade 2026 Brings Crowds, Colour and Community Spirit to the Town URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-carnival-and-pig-walk-parade-2026-brings-crowds-colour-and-community-spirit-to-the-town/ Last updated: 2026-04-27T08:43:33.000Z Longton was full of colour, laughter and community spirit for Longton Carnival & Pig Walk Parade 2026, held today 26th April 2026, as huge crowds gathered to enjoy a bright and busy day in the town. With the sun shining and temperatures rising above 20°C, the event brought happy faces, great food, good music and a real sense of celebration to Longton. Local businesses were busy throughout the day, with visitors making the most of everything on offer. The parade was one of the highlights, with creative handmade costumes adding fun, imagination and character to the streets. It was a joyful sight and a reminder of how much local events can bring people together. The day was really well organised by Urban Wilderness, with a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. From the food and music to the crowds and costumes, Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade felt like a real celebration of local pride. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Longton is also running for the UK’s first Town of Culture award, a national competition launched by the UK Government through DCMS. The winning town will receive £3 million to spend on a cultural programme, delivered in 2028, celebrating what makes that place unique. You can find out more about Longton’s nomination here: [https://urbanwildernesscic.com/longton-28](https://urbanwildernesscic.com/longton-28?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Browse our full photo album from the day and see if you can spot yourself in the crowd. Photos taken by Natalee Trowbridge. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082723-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082732.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082731.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082726.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082717.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082714.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082710.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082740.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082736.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082723-2.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082730.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082720.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082735.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082713.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082729.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082727.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082712.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082725.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082716.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082721.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082728.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082722.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082718.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082719.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082715.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082734.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082711.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082739.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082745.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082743.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082744.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082741.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/1000082737.jpeg) #### Enjoyed this story? The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. Read [The Staffordshire Signal Magazine](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/) here... Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. /tip ### Lymelight Festival 2026 Announces Full Line-Up for May Bank Holiday Weekend in Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lymelight-festival-2026-announces-full-line-up-for-may-bank-holiday-weekend-in-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-04-24T07:25:29.000Z Lymelight Festival returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme this May, with the full line-up now announced for two days of live music, culture and town centre energy. Taking place on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May, the festival will once again turn the town into a live music takeover, with three outdoor stages across the Guildhall, Ironmarket and the 6 Towns Radio Acoustic Stage outside Keele in Town, alongside a wider programme happening in venues and spaces across Newcastle-under-Lyme. Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Lymelight is supported by stage sponsors NSCG, Keele University and Heywoods Property alongside 6 Towns Radio and a range of local venues, businesses and partners who help bring the festival to life across the whole town. ![Lymelight Festival 2025 Hotel Cola](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Lymelight-Festival-2025-Hotel-Cola.jpg) Lymelight Festival 2025 Hotel Cola Now in its 13th year, Lymelight has grown into a key date in the local calendar, known for championing the Staffordshire music scene and creating a festival atmosphere that runs right through the town. Across the weekend, more than 40 artists will perform across the three main stages, with live music continuing into the evening at venues including The Crossways, The Rigger and Artisan Tap as part of the wider festival weekend. Visitors can also enjoy delicious street food, Castle Artisan Market traders, pop up activity from Drop City Books and free creative workshops delivered in partnership with ArtsKeele. On Sunday morning, visitors can also take part in a free ‘Stretch & Start’ session with Divinity Studios in the town centre. It creates a full weekend of live music and town centre activity, encouraging people to explore, stay longer and support local businesses. > “Lymelight has grown year on year because it’s built around the town and the people in it. It brings people into the town centre, supports our local businesses and creates a real atmosphere right across the weekend. > > Keeping Lymelight free is really important to us. People can come down for an hour, stay all day, or make a full weekend of it without that barrier. It means more people can enjoy live music throughout the day across the three stage, discover new artists and then continue their evening in some of Newcastle’s independents bars and venues.” Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID The event continues to deliver strong footfall for the town centre, with around 16,000 visitors attending across the 2025 weekend. Lymelight Festival runs from 12pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May. Full line-ups and programme details are available on [www.lymelightfestival.co.uk](http://www.lymelightfestival.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or on social media @lymelightfestival ![Lymelight Festival 2025 Greg Murray & the Seven Wonders](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Lymelight-Festival-2025-Greg-Murray---the-Seven-Wonders.jpg) Lymelight Festival 2025 Greg Murray & the Seven Wonders ## Full Line Up ## Saturday 23rd May ### Guildhall Stage 13:00 Kaskade 14:00 The Groves 15:00 Clayhead 16:00 Gregzy 17:00 Noise of Angels 18:00 SideEye 19:00 Camp Stag 20:30 The Crowns ### Ironmarket Stage 12:30 Bob M 13:30 Oli NG 14:30 And What! 15:30 Mystiek 16:30 Jorge Wilson 17:30 Fractured Mind 18:30 K-Estate 19:45 Mara Liddle ### 6 Towns Radio Stage 12:00 Jay Johnson 13:00 Attack Of The Vapours 14:00 Dennis Dinkle 15:00 Scott Walklate 16:00 Alway 17:00 Beth Hill ## Sunday 24th May ### Guildhall Stage 13:00 Whaterface 14:00 Blackbirds 15:00 Gambling with Dogs 16:00 Glass Ghosts 17:00 Snowdrop 18:00 The Ghoules 19:00 KOALA 20:30 Raj Mahal & the Beatroots ### Ironmarket Stage 12:30 Scullopendras 13:30 Sarah Riches 14:30 Daniall Lee 15:30 Heidi Rolph Scott 16:30 Eve Buckley 17:30 Redi 18:30 Johntay 19:45 Greg Murray and the Seven Wonders ### 6 Towns Radio Stage 12:00 Ava Ralph 13:00 Hannah Sophie 14:00 Samantha Lloyd 15:00 Ellie Galvin 16:00 Samantha Cantliff 17:00 Nettles ### Care Homes and Residential Homes Wanted for New Staffordshire Signal Memories Feature URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/care-homes-and-residential-homes-wanted-for-new-staffordshire-signal-memories-feature/ Last updated: 2026-04-24T08:08:37.000Z This new feature will see Beth, our Features Writer, and sometimes Jenna Goodwin, founder and editor of The Staffordshire Signal, visiting homes across the county to sit down with residents, hear their stories, look through old photographs, and, where appropriate and with permission, take portraits to accompany the feature. The aim is to preserve the memories of Staffordshire’s older generation and share them with readers across the county. ## Why preserving older people’s memories matters Some of the most important stories in Staffordshire are not always found in official records or history books. They are found in memory. They are stories of growing up in Staffordshire, working in local industries, raising families, living through wartime, seeing towns and villages change, and remembering communities as they once were. These memories help paint a fuller picture of life across the county and deserve to be heard, valued and preserved. In today’s digital world, fewer people write letters, keep diaries, or print photographs. As a result, many personal stories and everyday memories risk being lost over time. Through this new monthly magazine feature, The Staffordshire Signal wants to help protect those memories and make sure they are shared with future generations. ## A new monthly feature for care homes and residential homes in Staffordshire The Staffordshire Signal will be working with care homes and residential homes that would like to give residents the opportunity to share their memories and personal stories. Beth will visit participating homes and spend time talking with residents in a relaxed and respectful way. If residents are happy to do so, they may also share old family photographs, historical images, or have a portrait taken for the feature. The focus of the project is simple. We want to record the memories of Staffordshire through the voices of the people who have lived its history. This monthly feature will appear in the magazine and will celebrate the stories, experiences and memories of older people across Staffordshire. ## Staffordshire stories that should not be lost Across care homes and residential homes in Staffordshire, there are countless memories waiting to be shared. Stories of pottery, mining, farming, village life, school days, family life, celebrations, hardship, friendship, work, and the changing face of local communities. These are not small stories. They are the building blocks of Staffordshire’s history. By recording and sharing them, we hope to create something meaningful for residents, families, care staff, and readers right across the county. It is a chance to celebrate lives, preserve personal history, and remind people that the story of Staffordshire belongs to everyone. ## How care homes and residential homes can get involved We are now inviting care homes and residential homes across Staffordshire to register their interest in taking part. If you work in a care home or residential home and think your residents would enjoy sharing their memories, we would love to hear from you. If you know a home that may be interested, please do pass this on. To register your interest, email **beth@thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk** We do expect a strong response, so if Beth cannot reply straight away, please do not worry. You are not being ignored, and she will get back to you as soon as possible. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal newsletter If you would like to read more community stories, local features, and positive news from across the county, sign up to the free Staffordshire Signal newsletter here: This new feature is all about making sure Staffordshire’s memories are heard, valued and shared before they disappear. We would be honoured to help tell them. #### Enjoyed this story? Help us tell more like it. As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into local journalism. Your tip helps us keep Staffordshire stories free to read and accessible to everyone. [Leave a tip ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution helps fund local reporting, photography, and storytelling across Staffordshire. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### 24 Stoke-on-Trent heritage landmarks to share £240,000 restoration fund URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/24-stoke-on-trent-heritage-landmarks-to-share-240-000-restoration-fund/ Last updated: 2026-04-22T08:11:37.000Z Twenty-four heritage landmarks across Stoke-on-Trent are set to receive a share of a £240,000 restoration fund, helping protect small but important pieces of the city’s story. The sites were chosen following more than 600 votes from residents and organisations as part of the Centenary Restoration Fund, led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Re-Form Heritage. The programme is supported by a £240,252 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. ## Get the best of Staffordshire every Wednesday Sign up for our free newsletter and get thoughtful local news, what’s on, culture, history and community stories sent straight to your inbox. Sign up free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam, no nonsense. Unsubscribe anytime. The funding will support landmarks across all six towns, as well as Bucknall, Etruria and Hartshill. The selected sites include war memorials, tombs, fountains and sculptures, each reflecting different parts of Stoke-on-Trent’s heritage. Together, they tell stories of ceramics, coal mining and the lasting legacy of the 1986 National Garden Festival, which is approaching its 40th anniversary. Among the chosen landmarks is the Sneyd Colliery Disaster Memorial in Burslem, which commemorates the 57 men and boys killed in a coal dust explosion on New Year’s Day 1942\. The memorial, often known as the pit wheel, was unveiled in 2007 near Swan Bank and includes a plaque listing the names of those lost. Also included is *Her Head* by Dhruva Mistry, one of the artworks commissioned for the 1986 National Garden Festival. The sculpture was given to the city by the Henry Moore Foundation and moved to its current location on Potteries Way in 1988. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20240917_103352.jpg) The tomb of Josiah Wedgwood at Stoke Minster will also benefit from the scheme. The Grade II-listed burial site sits in the churchyard to the south of the main building, where Wedgwood, a non-conformist, was buried outside the church rather than within it. The programme will fund practical conservation work to repair and protect the landmarks, helping to keep them visible and cared for within the communities they serve. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the scheme reflects how strongly people feel about the city’s local heritage. > “These landmarks matter to local communities. They help tell the story of our city and the people who shaped it. > > “The level of public support we’ve had for this scheme shows how much these landmarks matter to people across Stoke-on-Trent. > > “This restoration fund is about protecting the heritage people see every day in their neighbourhoods. > > “We'll now begin work to protect and care for these features across all six of our towns.” Andrew Emery, CEO at Re-Form Heritage, said the work will also create opportunities for people to connect more closely with the places around them > “As we prepare to start the first stage of repair works, we’re also beginning to work with partners and community representatives to develop a programme of public activities alongside the repairs. > > “This means people will have opportunities to learn more about their local heritage, share stories, and get involved while the work is taking place. > > “Taking this joined-up approach helps make sure these sites are well cared for and continue to matter to the communities around them.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20240515_115055--1-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20240922_145929.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_20220311_111654_941.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20240922_135856.jpg) ## Full list of Stoke-on-Trent landmarks chosen for the restoration fund ### Tunstall - Cenotaph and Memorial Wall, Memorial Gardens - Memorial to Lance Sergeant Rhodes ### Burslem - Sir Henry Doulton Statue - Swan Square War Memorial - Sneyd Colliery Disaster Memorial - War memorial at St John's Churchyard - Trubshaw Cross - Hot Lane War Memorial - Drinking fountain, St John's Square - Burslem Park Gates ### Etruria - Shirley Drinking Fountain ### Bucknall - Bucknall War Memorial ### Hanley - Hanley Cemetery War Memorial - Albion Square War Memorial, Hanley - Statue of James Brindley - Colliery Wheel Memorial - Her Head Sculpture ### Hartshill - Orthopaedic Hospital Railings Memorial ### Stoke - Tomb of Josiah Wedgwood - Kingsway Cenotaph - Statue of Colin Minton Campbell ### Fenton - Glebedale Park Memorial - Fenton War Memorial ### Longton - Longton Cenotaph ## About Re-Form Heritage Re-Form Heritage is a Stoke-on-Trent-based charity that works to transform historic buildings at risk for the benefit of the local and wider community. Its flagship site, Middleport Pottery, was saved from closure and restored through public and private funding, becoming both a visitor attraction and a centre for creative businesses. Appointed the Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent in 2023, the charity now plays a leading role in safeguarding the city’s built heritage, including the ongoing regeneration of the Grade II\*-listed Bethesda Methodist Chapel. ## Enjoyed this article? Support better local media in Staffordshire. Join our free Wednesday newsletter and help us keep telling the stories that matter across our county. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? Help us tell more like it. As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into local journalism. Your tip helps us keep Staffordshire stories free to read and accessible to everyone. [Leave a tip ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution helps fund local reporting, photography, and storytelling across Staffordshire. ### Weekly food waste collections start in Cannock Chase next week URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/weekly-food-waste-collections-start-in-cannock-chase-next-week/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T19:12:11.000Z Residents across Cannock Chase will begin receiving their weekly food waste collections from next week (week commencing 27 April 2026), as part of a new government initiative to increase food waste recycling. Households should by now have already received two new food waste containers: a 23-litre external kerbside caddy, containing a small seven-litre kitchen caddy for use indoors, and a roll of liners. These were delivered with full instructions explaining how the new service will work. Food waste currently accounts for around onethird of all household rubbish, with the average home throwing away approximately £800 worth of edible food every year. Food which is currently sent for incineration. This national programme aims to boost the amount of food waste that households recycle. Under the government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, all councils are required to introduce a separate, weekly kerbside food waste collection service by April 2026. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The kerbside caddy will be collected weekly alongside the green and blue bins. The food waste will be collected in specialist wagons and once collected it will be transported to a local ‘anaerobic digestion’ plant to be converted into energy and fertiliser. > Joss Presland, Head of Operations said: “Weekly food waste collections are being > introduced across Cannock Chase as part of a national government funded scheme. > “This new service makes it easier for residents to recycle food waste, cut down on what goes in general waste bins, and play a direct role in reducing our environmental impact, by turning food waste into green energy. > “We appreciate residents’ cooperation as the new service begins and are confident that they will soon see the benefits of the new service." More information on the new service can be found at: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/foodwaste #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### ASTLEY PLACE TOPPING OUT – A UK FIRST URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/astley-place-topping-out-a-uk-first/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T19:00:48.000Z **Capital&Centric** has hit a major milestone at Astley Place in Newcastle-under-Lyme, with the scheme officially topping out and reaching its full height. But this isn’t any old topping out. Astley Place is a genuine UK-first, the first time a former shopping centre has been transformed into homes anywhere in the country. It’s a completely different way of thinking about town centre regeneration, taking a redundant retail space and turning it into somewhere people really want to live and spend time in. The site has civic history, once a busy retail and community hub at the heart of the town, before falling into disuse in recent years. Now it’s being brought back to life with a mix of design-led homes and commercial spaces right into the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme, creating a diverse mixed-use neighbourhood. Astley Place will feature: \- 42 design-led homes: A mix of 1 and 2-bed apartments for rent, right in the thick of the action \- Indie spaces: 11,150 sq ft of space for independent shops, bars, and cafes \- Music venue: A brand new cultural spot to boost the town’s evening economy \- Green hangouts: Lush outdoor spaces and walkways connecting the neighbourhood to the wider town Achieving this point is a big moment in the build. The structure is now complete, and the focus shifts to bringing the place to life. The milestone was marked on site with the project partners and construction team who’ve got it this far. > Martin Crews, Development Director at Capital&Centric, said: > “Getting Astley Place to this stage is a huge moment for everyone involved. It’s been sat there underused for years, so seeing it now at full height and really taking shape is something else. > “As a UK-first, this is really special for me, we’re taking what was a shopping centre and completely reimagining it into homes. It shows there’s a different way to bring town centres back to life, beyond relying on retail, by creating innovative and beautiful places where people can live, spend time and build a community. We’re putting life back into the town centre and creating somewhere that feels active, welcoming and full of character again.” ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. > Simon McEneny, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: > “The topping out ceremony at Astley Place marks a key milestone in the regeneration of Newcastle town centre. It reflects the strong progress on this site – as well as our two other linked projects – and the collaborative effort of everyone involved. > “We’re excited to see the next phase of this unique scheme take shape and, ultimately, the positive impact it will have in helping to bring new energy to the town centre, supporting a thriving local economy.” With new public spaces and a big focus on quality design, Astley Place is all set to play a key role in the town’s wider regeneration – turning what was a forgotten shopping centre into a buzzing new destination. The project is part of a wider £90m regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, in conjunction with the Borough Council and recently backed by a £19m funding boost from Homes England. It sits alongside Capital&Centric’s other upcoming town centre sites, “Rye Park” (a buzzing new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme) and “Karparc” (turning the former Midway Car-Park into homes in a UK-first). #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Classic children’s stories inspire 2026 Longton Carnival and Pig Walk URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/classic-childrens-stories-inspire-2026-longton-carnival-and-pig-walk/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T18:47:57.000Z The popular Pig Walk parade will return to Longton in 2026 with a celebration of classic children’s literature, as organisers Urban Wilderness CIC mark the National Year of Reading. Now in its fourth year, the Longton Carnival and Pig Walk will once again honour local heroes, while introducing story-inspired elements created in partnership with organisations supporting children and young people. The free family-friendly event – which last year attracted around 30,000 people to Longton – will take place in the town centre on Sunday, April 26, from 10am to 4pm. Among the highlights of the parade, which will set off at 3pm, pupils from Clarice Cliff Co-op Academy will bring Peter Pan to life, with permission from Great Ormond Street Hospital and a donation being made to the charity. Urban Wilderness CIC’s Teen Squad, made up of young people aged 14 to 18, will present The Odyssey, featuring a handmade Trojan horse and Scylla the six-headed dragon. The 8th North Staffordshire Boys Brigade will showcase Treasure Island with a galleon ship, while Urban Wilderness CIC creative volunteers and performers will reimagine Alice in Wonderland. All sections will feature costumes created by Shademakers UK, an international carnival company based on the Isle of Wight, and worn by local volunteer performers. Stoke-on-Trent Literacy Trust will also be part of the event, hosting free family workshops in Longton’s Victorian Market alongside the Family Hub, which will be launching a new permanent soft play space. > Urban Wilderness CIC co-director Jenny Harper said: “We’re so excited to share the hard work of our Teen Squad and Creative Volunteers in bringing beloved childhood books to life as part of the National Year of Reading Pig Walk. > “Life is richer for the stories that we share, and the talent and energy the teenagers have put into building puppets for their Odyssey section has been a joy.” This year’s event also reflects growing community involvement, with an increasing number of Longton-based partners supporting the celebration, including U7 Arts, Longton Snooker & Pool Club, BSN Construction Group, Launch-It, the Family Hub and The Sound of Coffee. They join existing supporters such as Longton Exchange, Longton Cultural and Artisan Market, Longton Victorian Market, Duchess China 1888 Ltd, Longton Central Methodist Hall and Staffordshire Film Archive. As part of a wider outreach programme, 12 groups and more than 25 individual makers have created nearly 500 daisies, which will form a giant daisy chain installation across Longton. The wider programme for the day will feature Warwick’s Fun Fair, Circus in a Box, Trentham Brass Band, City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir, Art Brasil Carnival Drummers and Six Towns Radio, with the parade led by local nu-marching band KiLNE. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Pottery painting workshops will take place at Kiln at Number 12 in Longton Exchange, while U7 Arts will host an after-party at their base in Sutherland Road. There will also be heritage film screenings by Staffordshire Film Archive in Longton Central Hall, and charity and community stalls featuring more than a dozen local organisations. > Co-director Isla Telford added: “The scale of this day is only possible through the strength of the community partnerships built through the shared purpose of bringing life back to Longton. > “Urban Wilderness CIC firmly believe that people need places and reason to connect in order to become a community, and that when that purpose is creativity communities grow in cohesion and optimism. > “Longton’s recent bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture shows how much Longton’s creative confidence has grown over the last four years, and we are looking forward to celebrating our town together through Carnival.” The event is supported by sponsors including BSN Group, which is funding the daisy-making outreach packs and the Teen Squad, Longton Exchange, which is funding the bandstand stage, and Duchess China 1888 Ltd, which will provide free bookable factory tours. Funding has also been provided by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via the UK Government and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Stoke Creates and the National Lottery Community Fund. To see the full programme and for further information, visit [www.pig-walk.com](https://www.pig-walk.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Foundry Festival to Open with SHADER at The Underground and Close with War Child Charity Finale at Artisan Tap URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/foundry-festival-to-open-with-shader-at-the-underground-and-close-with-war-child-charity-finale-at-artisan-tap/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T17:51:21.000Z **Foundry Festival** will bring almost 60 live bands to Stoke-on-Trent across four days of music this May Bank Holiday weekend, launching with SHADER at The Underground on Friday 1st May and closing with a charity finale in aid of War Child UK at Artisan Tap on Monday 4 May. The festival launches on Friday 1 May at The Underground, with the return of SHADER, headlining a special opening night show supported by The Groves and SideEye. Running from 7.30pm to 11pm, the gig marks the first event of the Foundry Festival weekend and sets the tone for four days of live music across the city. *(The show at The Underground is a ticketed event and is not included in the Foundry Festival wristband discount offer.)* Across the Bank Holiday weekend, Foundry Festival will showcase almost 60 bands, with free daytime stages taking place in Piccadilly and Tontine Square on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May, alongside additional evening gigs in venues including The Sugarmill and The Underground. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Festival wristbands are available by registering for a free Foundry Festival ticket via FoundryFestival.co.uk. Audiences can collect their wristband from the festival box office near the Piccadilly stage, which unlocks 50% off entry to gigs at The Underground and The Sugarmill on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 May. The weekend of music will conclude with a special charity event on Monday 4 May, as Artisan Tap on Hartshill Road hosts the Foundry Festival Charity Finale in aid of War Child UK. Running from 1.00pm until 11.00pm, the event will feature two stages of live music, alongside street food and a large charity raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. The Main Stage will feature performances from GRACE, Yoodoo Voodoo, and Balaban & The Bald Illeagles, while an Acoustic Stage will showcase Gary Davies, Brooke Welsh, and Tyler Kent. Peter Herbert, Producer of Honey Box and part of the team behind Foundry Festival, said: > “It’s fantastic to see almost 60 bands performing across the Bank Holiday weekend. From Friday through to Monday there’s an incredible amount of live music happening across the city, from grassroots gigs in venues to the outdoor stages in the city centre. > Foundry Festival is about celebrating the strength of our local music scene and giving audiences the chance to discover brilliant artists across a whole weekend of music.” Foundry Festival is funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and delivered in partnership with Your City Festival, Stoke Buzz, and Honey Box. Tickets and full programme details are available at **FoundryFestival.co.uk**. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Weekly food waste collections get underway in Stafford URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/weekly-food-waste-collections-get-underway-in-stafford/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T13:48:40.000Z Weekly food waste collections get underway in Stafford The first weekly food waste collections in Stafford Borough got underway last week (Monday 13 April) as part of a government-funded initiative. The national move is aimed at increasing the amount of food households across the country currently recycle – with the new food waste collection service starting this week. Around 60,000 properties across Stafford have received two new containers for their leftover food for the new service. A small internal seven-litre kitchen caddy, a larger 23-litre external kerbside caddy, and a roll of liners have been delivered to households along with detailed instructions of how the new service will work. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The kerbside caddy will be collected alongside the green, blue and brown bins – and there is no additional charge to borough residents for the new equipment or the service. Among the items that can go in the new caddies are: · Fruit and vegetables - including peelings. · Fish, meat and bones. · Tea bags and coffee grounds. · Eggs and dairy products. The caddies cannot be used for liquids, oils or fats, garden waste or food packaging. The food waste will go to an ‘anaerobic digestion’ plant to be converted into energy and the digestate produced used in agriculture to improve soil. Cabinet Member for Environment at Stafford Borough council, Ian Fordham, said: > “The Government requires all councils to provide this separate food collection in what is a major change to our waste and recycling service. > “The new service has been funded by central Government and will be run alongside our residents’ usual recycling and waste collection days.” Food waste makes up around a third of household rubbish which is currently incinerated. See more information on the new service at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/food-waste #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Currie Young supports sale of Stoke-on-Trent haulage and logistics firm, saving jobs URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/currie-young-supports-sale-of-stoke-on-trent-haulage-and-logistics-firm-saving-jobs/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T13:43:26.000Z Currie Young support sale of haulage and logistics firm, UK Drivers & Logistics Solutions Ltd to R D Transport (Stoke) Ltd. Insolvency & Restructuring specialists, Currie Young, have helped to save jobs for a Stoke-on-Trent haulage and logistics firm, following a sale to R D Transport (Stoke) Limited. A pre-packaged sale having completed swiftly following the appointment of Steven John Currie and Sophie Murcott as Joint Administrators of UK Drivers & Logistics Solutions Ltd on 23 March 2026. As well as the transfer of the workforce to RD Transport (Stoke) Limited, the sale has assisted in providing continuity to the company’s customers, and as a result, it is anticipated that the secured creditor will be repaid in full. Higher costs associated with trading in administration, and complications relating to transport licenses, were avoided due to the swift nature of the sale. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. “After the previous director passed away late last year, the company’s financial position was unstable due to inherited debts and increasing creditor pressure. A pre-packaged sale via an administration process to the newly appointed director was considered to be the best outcome compared to liquidation. “The sale to R D Transport (Stoke) Limited was strategically chosen to preserve the value of the business and safeguard the jobs of the workforce. As a result of the sale, customer service has remained largely unaffected.” Steve Currie (pictured), Joint Administrator from Currie Young commented, > “After the previous director passed away late last year, the company’s financial position was unstable due to inherited debts and increasing creditor pressure. A pre-packaged sale via an administration process to the newly appointed director was considered to be the best outcome compared to liquidation. > “The sale to R D Transport (Stoke) Limited was strategically chosen to preserve the > value of the business and safeguard the jobs of the workforce. As a result of the sale, customer service has remained largely unaffected.” #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### New sexual and reproductive health strategy launched in Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-sexual-and-reproductive-health-strategy-launched-in-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T12:13:09.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council is building on the city’s strong communities and local health services, by setting out ambitious plans that will make it easier for people to look after their sexual and reproductive health. A new Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy sets out clear steps to reduce sexually transmitted infections, prevent unplanned pregnancies and give people more choice and control over contraception. The strategy includes a major push to take services where people are, such as testing vans in neighbourhoods, increased contraception appointments at times that suit residents and expanded online testing and advice. In addition, access to Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) will grow in GP surgeries, pharmacies and community clinics alongside faster and simpler access to short-acting methods. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The city council and its partners will also strengthen prevention work on sexually transmitted infections, including targeted action to reduce late HIV diagnoses, better sexual health education in schools and improved links between local services. Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for health integration and wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “People in Stoke-on-Trent want reliable, easy to access service that fit around their lives. This strategy builds on what the city is already doing, while giving people more tools to make informed choices, protect their health and plan their futures with confidence. “I encourage residents to take their own action as well, whether this be getting tested, talking to their GP or pharmacist or sharing information about local services with people they know – sexual health is an important part of our overall health.” The strategy is set to be approved at cabinet and more information about sexual health services in Stoke-on-Trent will be shared as it is rolled out. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Care residents draw on over 700 years of tea-drinking wisdom to crown their perfect cuppa URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/care-residents-draw-on-over-700-years-of-tea-drinking-wisdom-to-crown-their-perfect-cuppa/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T18:19:34.000Z A Midlands care home has drawn on more than seven centuries of tea-drinking experience to answer two of Britain’s most hotly debated questions ahead of National Tea Day (21st April): what makes the perfect cup of tea, and when is the best time to drink it? According to residents at Wyrley Rose, part of the [Macc Care Group](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmacccare.com%252F%2F1%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2FXwKkp-o8vKX4oFxr4iRrXmViXDI%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=4b429a8c&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), the ideal cuppa is a properly brewed, strong black tea, with Earl Grey emerging as the standout favourite. In terms of the best time to enjoy a brew, the overwhelming consensus was the early morning, when a comforting cup can set the tone for the day. Tea remains one of Britain’s best-loved daily rituals, with the [UK Tea & Infusions Association](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fwww.tea.co.uk%252Ftea-faqs%2F1%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2Feq8tk5fKlzLohaadSINSo15Pwsg%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=33cd6e07&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) reporting that more than 100 million cups are consumed across the UK every day. Research cited from [YouGov](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fyougov.com%252Fen-gb%252Farticles%252F52458-is-britain-still-a-tea-drinking-nation%2F1%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2Fpt2D9kF%5F7pnDd2y6cEza5HUngEY%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=aa583b0b&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) also suggests that 41% of British adults drink tea at home or at work at least twice a day, underlining just how central a good cuppa remains to everyday life. The verdict was reached during a special tasting session led by tea specialist James Green, founder of [Tea From The Manor](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fteafromthemanor.co.uk%252F%253Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOorc0j2XVDSTH-9Ag5w4vQb0wqIbeuQa2uYRV9JXxDbBMKozQGY%5F%2F1%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2F70qs2jzQ6b1JzIdFTmZOt2O1lPQ%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=98c2cf35&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), which supplies high-quality, ethically sourced loose leaf and tea bags to hospitality venues and care homes. James joined the residents of Wyrley Rose to explore a variety of blends and gather their own tried-and-tested views on Britain’s best-loved beverage. The event saw 15 residents take part, with a combined age of 723\. Together, they sampled a range of teas, shared personal rituals and reflected on the small details they believe make all the difference – from flavour and brewing strength, to timing and personal taste. While opinions varied on flavour, a clear theme emerged: a good cup of tea should be properly brewed, full of character and made with care. Earl Grey proved especially popular among residents, while traditional black teas and builders’ tea also received strong backing. James Green’s journey into tea began during his military career, where he learned from Gurkhas serving in the British Army, an experience that later inspired him to launch Tea From The Manor. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. During the tasting at Walsall-based Wyrley Rose, he introduced residents to a range of blends, from classic black teas to more unexpected flavours including red berries, vanilla, chocolate and lapsang souchong. For the occasion, he created a bespoke blend inspired by Macc Care’s “rose” homes: a Lotus Rose tea, featuring rose buds and jasmine petals. Residents also shared their own tea wisdom, shaped by decades of daily routines and personal preference. Kay, 81, whose lifetime tea tally could be around 43,133 cups, stayed true to tradition and championed builders’ tea at breakfast. Ethel, 92, with an estimated 48,990 cups behind her, backed a strong black tea first thing in the morning and named Earl Grey as her personal favourite. Sheila, 85, who may have enjoyed some 45,263 cups of tea over the years, declared midday the best time for a cuppa and named red berries as her favourite tea of the day. Muriel, 90, with an estimated 47,925 cups to her name, said any time of day was right for tea, choosing chocolate as her standout flavour and insisting that the secret to a good brew is making sure it is “properly brewed”. Jane, 84, whose lifetime tea count could be around 44,730 cups, said the perfect cup should always be made strong, while Carol, 85, with an estimated 45,263 cups behind her, tried lapsang souchong for the first time on the day, and advised against making tea too strong – while acknowledging that tastes will always vary. > Bhav Amlani, Director at Macc Care, said: “Tea has a unique way of bringing people together. It sparks conversation and stirs memories, while creating a sense of comfort and familiarity that’s deeply meaningful for many Britons.” > “That’s what made the occasion so special. It was a chance for residents to share their personal tastes and life experience, while enjoying something that has been part of British daily life for generations.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--73-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--72-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--71-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--70-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--69-.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/unnamed--68-.jpg) > *Commenting on the tea tasting, James Green said:* “What I especially love about tea is that there’s theatre involved. There are ceremonies and presentations tied into specific cultures, and they’re all different in little ways. So whenever I’m presenting these different tea blends to an audience, I feel like I’m on a stage.” > “It means a lot to be welcomed into a home like Wyrley Rose and give residents an experience they might not otherwise have. What stood out straight away was just how engaged everyone was. Every resident had their own story and their own view of what makes a good cup of tea. That’s exactly what made it such a joy.” **To learn more about Macc Care Group, visit:** [https://macccare.com/](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmacccare.com%252F%2F2%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2F7gPl7-cFSbYdWv9AOXbEo2DE4C4%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=661dff8a&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **And for Tea from the Manor, please visit:** [https://teafromthemanor.co.uk/](https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2F74n5c4m7.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fteafromthemanor.co.uk%252F%2F1%2F0102019d97388c21-d83810f9-db47-4f95-9aae-fac66b13b4d4-000000%2F7f97DLPSTpGXJ20H%5FWLy2cNDaEg%3D473&e=8a5ce75d&h=92cab893&f=n&p=y&m=4fxPKW1wnjz2x9x&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### £4.7 Million Support to Increase Fire Safety in High-Rise Flat Blocks URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/4-7-million-support-to-increase-fire-safety-in-high-rise-flat-blocks/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T08:06:10.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council is accelerating fire safety improvements in high-rise blocks across the city. Last year, the government announced over £1 billion of new investment to ensure people living in social housing, as well as privately-owned flats, could benefit from the Homes England Cladding Safety Scheme (CSS). Seven high-rise blocks in Stoke-on-Trent have now been confirmed as eligible for the extra funding. Those are Pedley Court in Blurton, Robinson Court in Blurton, Arthur Cotton Court in Burslem, Port Vale Court in Burslem, Brookfield Court in Hanley, Boundary Court in Hanley, and Forest Court in Hanley. The council has secured £667,500 of "pre-tender support" for each building, a total of £4.7 million. The money will be used to evaluate two recommended options, either installing a full sprinkler system or removing polycarbonate stairwell coverings. The council will then apply to government for the full costs. The new funding builds on the Council’s ongoing programme to install sprinklers in apartments and communal areas in all 16 of its high‑rise blocks. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Seven buildings have already had sprinklers fitted or are close to completion. Had new funding not been made available, the council would have had to fund the entire programme by itself. Direct government funding would allow the council to speed up work and manage the process under one programme, rather than phasing it over many years. > “This investment will help drive forward the safety improvements we are carrying out in our high-rise blocks – providing real peace of mind for people. Residents will not pay for any of this work. No leaseholder will be charged, and no recovery costs will be added. And at every stage of this process we will keep residents informed, answer their questions and provide clear timelines.” > > **— Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, planning, improvement and governance** Subject to cabinet approval, the council will now prepare a full funding application within five months. This will include final designs, full cost breakdowns and engagement with residents. If the full applications are approved, the national Cladding Safety Scheme will pay for the entire cost of the remedial works. This will free up more than £4.2 million of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account capital programme, which could be reinvested in other housing improvements across the city. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### OUTSIDE awards 30 Creative Community Commissions across Staffordshire Moorlands URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/outside-awards-30-creative-community-commissions-across-staffordshire-moorlands/ Last updated: 2026-04-20T07:42:48.000Z Arts programme OUTSIDE has awarded 30 Creative Community Commissions to artists, community groups and organisations across the Staffordshire Moorlands. The successful funding applications, totalling more than £24,000, were selected by OUTSIDE’s advisory group and youth advisory group, both made up of local residents. The funding will support a wide range of arts activity taking place over the next year across the district’s towns, villages and rural communities. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** The funded projects span a broad mix of art forms, from heritage crafts to dance, and include everything from workshops to festivals. Among the projects being supported are a dance festival in Leek, a drawing for wellbeing project that takes referrals from social prescribers, cob making workshops, an exhibition of young people’s artwork in Biddulph Town Hall, and an eight week after school knit and crochet activity in Cheadle. OUTSIDE director Katie Aldous said: “Once again, the quantity and quality of applications received for the Creative Community Commissions this year was fantastic. It was wonderful to see how much thought had been given to community engagement and innovation particularly, something that the Advisory group was keen to see represented. “Huge thanks to our advisory group and youth advisory group for developing and refining the application process to make it accessible and clear for applicants. They thoughtfully designed the call out, and deliberated and selected the successful applications with a huge amount of care, time and attention. “The Creative Community Commissions are a big part of OUTSIDE’s ambition to support high quality creative arts activity across the whole of the Moorlands. The selected proposals ensure a wide range of residents will benefit from these projects.” [March 2026 - The Staffordshire Signal MagazineIssue Number 5![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The Staffordshire Signal Magazine![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/shot.jpg)](https://online.fliphtml5.com/TheStaffordshireSignal/March-2026/index.html?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Click here to read this months magazine ## The successful 2026 Creative Community Commissions are: - Artificial Silk – How I want my Planet to be (Ex Objects), Werrington - Autin Dance Theatre CIO – Autin Dance Theatre Workshops, Biddulph - Beau Pudsey – Folklore, Nature & Storytelling Workshops, Leek - Biddulph Methodist Church and Victoria Centre – Portable Histories - Biddulph Moor Community Association – Biddulph Moor Well Dressing - Biddulph Town Council – Young People's Art & Photography Exhibition - Biddulph Youth and Community Zone – SEN Youth-led Creative Project - Bolton Gate Arts CIC – Bolton Gate Bloom - Borderland Voices – Pride Banners, Staffordshire Moorlands - Brown Edge Well Dressing – Brown Edge 80th Well Dressing - Caverswall Community Society – Creative Writing & Spoken Word Project - Cheadle Arts – Cheadle Arts Festival - Danielle Beardmore – Cheadle Young Makers - Endon Village Hall – Community Garden & Youth Arts Design Project - Endon Well Dressing Organising Committee – Create Your Own Well Board - Foxlowe Clay Collective – Foxlowe Clay Collective, Leek - Grindon Parish Council – Community Wall Hanging - Kate Dawes Studio – Pen Drawing for Wellbeing, Staffordshire Moorlands - Kingsley Holt Centre – Summer Community Event - Leek Yarn Bombers – Leek Yarn Bombers - Many Strands – Knit Network Skills Workshops, Staffordshire Moorlands - Staged CIO – Read to the Beat Flash Mob, Biddulph - Stephanie Akerman – Community Threads, Tean - Stockton Brook Time and Space – Big Draw Festival - Teresa Pattison – Teresa Pattison Dance Festival, Leek - The Happy Makers – The Happy Makers Community, Leek - The Leek Polish Connection – Polish Arch - The Navel of the Moon – The Navel of the Moon, Leek - Waymark Interpretation CIC – Centenary Hum, Staffordshire Moorlands - Victoria Motika – Cob Making Workshop, Leek ## About OUTSIDE OUTSIDE is a Creative People and Places project, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. It is a participatory arts programme led by local residents in the Staffordshire Moorlands working with professional artists. Together, they co-curate arts and cultural activities and events celebrating life in the rural landscapes, villages and market towns of the Moorlands. Thanks to National Lottery players, Creative People and Places is focused on helping more people choose, create and take part in creative and cultural experiences where they live. Since 2012, there have been more than 15 million engagements with the CPP programme, and 90 per cent of people who participate in CPP were not previously engaging regularly with creativity and culture. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Staffordshire to Secure Advanced Manufacturing College Status Following MP Support URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-to-secure-advanced-manufacturing-college-status-following-mp-support/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T14:41:06.000Z Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group has been designated one of just four Advanced Manufacturing (AM) Technical Excellence Colleges in England, following a campaign led by Staffordshire MPs including Gareth Snell MP. The proposal includes a purpose-built £10 million Advanced Manufacturing Hub at the college’s Stafford site, which will serve young people and businesses across the county. As a Technical Excellence College, NSCG will act as a national hub of excellence for advanced manufacturing skills, working with employers, other colleges, and training providers across the country to raise the quality of technical education and ensure learners progress into well-paid, skilled jobs. It will operate as a shared regional asset, giving businesses and learners across Staffordshire access to cutting-edge facilities aligned with the latest manufacturing technologies. NSCG already has 1,150 learners on advanced manufacturing programmes and works closely with 240 advanced manufacturing businesses. Over 92% of its advanced manufacturing students go on to related employment, apprenticeships, or further study, with destinations including GE Vernova, Rolls-Royce, and the Ministry of Defence. The college has back-to-back outstanding Ofsted ratings, demonstrating its strength across the board. > Gareth Snell MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central said: “NSCG is so deserving of this national recognition, which brings with it significant government investment. Creating opportunities for young people is one of my priorities as an MP, and I'm so incredibly proud to have worked with the brilliant NSCG team and other MPs to help make this happen. > > “The designation will also bring significant benefits to Stoke-on-Trent’s worldrenowned advanced ceramics sector. The hub will help develop the next generation of highly skilled technicians and engineers needed by ceramics manufacturers serving global markets such as aerospace, defence, medical devices, and clean energy.” ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, said: “The backing of MPs across Staffordshire made a huge difference. They understood what becoming a Technical Excellence College would mean for young people and local employers in this region, and they made that case powerfully. “We share the same ambition: to make sure people growing up in Staffordshire can access skilled, well-paid careers close to home, and this is a huge step towards delivering that.” The investment is part of the Government's wider Industrial Strategy, which puts skills and manufacturing at the heart of its plan for economic growth. The new Advanced Manufacturing Hub is expected to be operational by 2028/29\. It will serve businesses and learners across Staffordshire and beyond, with NSCG working alongside a national network of colleges, providers, and employers to raise the standard of advanced manufacturing education across the country. Every Staffordshire MP backed the bid, including: Dame Karen Bradley, Jacob Collier, Sarah Edwards, Dr Allison Gardner, Adam Jogee, Josh Newbury, Dave Robertson, Gareth Snell, David Williams, Sir Gavin Williamson, and Mike Wood, as well as Cheshire MP Connor Naismith - a strong show of cross-party support. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### New Urgent Treatment Centre for Royal Stoke Hospital to Combat A&E Pressure URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/new-urgent-treatment-centre-for-royal-stoke-hospital-to-combat-a-e-pressure/ Last updated: 2026-04-19T09:52:37.000Z Royal Stoke Hospital, part of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is set to receive a new Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) as part of a major national drive to reduce corridor care and improve patient experience across the NHS. The new UTC will provide rapid assessment and treatment for patients with urgent but non lifethreatening conditions, helping ensure people are treated in the right place and easing pressure on the busy Accident and Emergency department at Royal Stoke University Hospital. The investment forms part of a £215.5 million government programme to deliver 40 new and expanded urgent care and same day emergency care services across England. The expansion is a part of wider plans to end corridor care by the end of this Parliament by improving patient flow, speeding up assessments, and reducing unnecessary hospital admissions. Urgent Treatment Centres treat conditions such as minor injuries, sprains, infections and cuts, with walkin and same day access available for patients who do not need full A&E care. By creating additional frontline capacity, the new UTC at Royal Stoke will help reduce waiting times, improve dignity for patients, and ensure emergency departments can focus on the most serious cases. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The move sits alongside targeted support for NHS trusts facing the highest levels of corridor care, with specialist clinical teams working directly with hospital leadership to improve discharge processes, forecasting of demand, and senior clinical decisionmaking. Gareth Snell said: > “For too long, corridor care has been a normalised part our NHS. New urgent treatment centres like this one at Royal Stoke will help ensure patients are seen faster, in the right setting, and with the dignity they deserve. > > “Royal Stoke’s A&E is a Major Trauma Centre, so tackling corridor queues here won’t just improve care locally – it will have a ripple effect across the entire region. This government investment, combined with the trust’s renewed focus on cutting ambulance waiting times, is a decisive step towards restoring dignity, reducing delays, and delivering a far better experience for patients when they need urgent care most” The new UTC will strengthen urgent and emergency care provision across North Staffordshire and surrounding areas, supporting both patients and NHS staff, and helping build a more resilient system ahead of future winters. Some new urgent care services are expected to open later this year, further boosting NHS capacity and improving access to care for local communities. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Petition launched as Staffordshire ceramics industry misses out on energy support URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/petition-launched-as-staffordshire-ceramics-industry-misses-out-on-energy-support/ Last updated: 2026-04-18T08:32:33.000Z Staffordshire’s ceramics industry has been left out again. At a time when the Government is announcing fresh energy support for parts of British manufacturing, ceramics leaders are warning that one of this country’s most important industrial sectors is still not getting the help it desperately needs. That should matter to everyone in Staffordshire, because this is not some distant policy row happening elsewhere. This is about the future of an industry rooted in our towns, our communities and our identity, and once again it feels like ceramics is being praised in words while passed over in practice. ## Care about the future of Staffordshire ceramics? Sign up to our free newsletter for updates on this petition, local industry, and the stories that matter to our county. Sign up free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** The [latest petition calling for support](https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) has already gathered more than 17,000 signatures (at the time of writing) and passed the 10,000 mark needed for a formal government response. It is now pushing towards the 100,000 signatures required to be considered for a debate in Parliament. It was launched to demand that ceramics be properly included in energy intensive industry relief through the Supercharger scheme, with campaigners warning that without urgent intervention more businesses could be pushed towards collapse. [Petition: Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skillsApply energy intensive industry relief (Supercharger scheme) to the ceramics industry to help cut soaring industrial energy costs & support ceramics businesses, which are at the risk of imminent collapse without urgent intervention, as seen with Denby Pottery registering for administration support.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-1811b4db1f54c375ab28c40e5e5381a474192ae1c1ed813252708b066b3fd87c.png)Petitions - UK Government and Parliament![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/opengraph-image-74d2a08295a6290b3e3c5b57a8d37deedf3d61f8a07d36883a6750f1ac82e828.png)](https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Click here to sign the petition and show your support And let us be clear, this is not just about teacups and plates. Yes, ceramics is part of our heritage. Yes, it is tied to the famous names, the bottle ovens, the tableware and the craftsmanship that Staffordshire is known for across the world. But modern ceramics is also a major manufacturing sector that supplies vital products and components for construction, healthcare, aerospace and defence. When ministers fail to support ceramics, they are not just turning their backs on tradition. They are failing to back a strategically important industry that still matters hugely to Britain’s future. The Government has announced that more than 10,000 businesses will benefit from the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, which aims to reduce electricity bills for eligible firms by up to 25 per cent. On paper, that sounds like welcome support for manufacturing. The problem is that the ceramics sector says the help still misses the point, because ceramics production depends so heavily on gas, not just electricity. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/clay-oven-with-open-door-in-pottery-2026-01-09-08-31-11-utc.jpg) That distinction matters. Ceramics UK says around 86 per cent of the sector’s energy use is gas, because firing kilns at the temperatures required for production cannot simply be swapped over with the flick of a switch. So while ministers talk about helping industry with electricity costs, ceramic manufacturers are still exposed where it hurts most. For Staffordshire, where ceramics is both a cultural cornerstone and a serious employer, that is not a technicality. It is a real and immediate threat. Rob Flello, chief executive of Ceramics UK, has said the sector has heard “warm words” from Government time and again about the heritage, skill, innovation and critical importance of ceramics, only to be excluded from the support it actually needs. His frustration is understandable, and frankly shared by many people here. How many times can an industry be told it is valued while being left to shoulder impossible costs? This is not hypothetical either. The warning signs are already here. Denby said in March that the Denby group of companies in the UK had filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after a period of severe financial pressure. Denby’s own campaign has linked that crisis directly to soaring costs and low consumer confidence, and it has urged people to support the petition as part of the wider fight to protect the ceramics industry. That matters in Staffordshire because Denby’s group includes Burgess & Leigh, the company behind Burleigh Pottery in Middleport, one of the most significant working pottery sites in Stoke-on-Trent. So when people sign this petition, they are not just commenting on an abstract national issue. They are standing up for jobs, skills and sites that are deeply connected to North Staffordshire and to the story of this area. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/9db56f3d-0673-4729-ab16-d3afe75c1b08-1-1.jpg) There is another reason this matters so much locally. Once specialist manufacturing skills disappear, they do not come back easily. Kiln firing, materials knowledge, design, decoration, technical ceramics, industrial processes, engineering expertise, all of that takes years to build and can be lost frighteningly quickly when businesses are pushed to the edge. Staffordshire knows the cost of industrial decline. That is exactly why so many people are angry that ceramics seems to be fighting the same battle all over again. The Government has said it knows this is a difficult time for potteries and ceramics, that it meets regularly with Ceramics UK and trade unions, and that the industry will be able to help shape possible future changes when consultation on the Supercharger scheme takes place later this year. But for many in the sector, that will not be enough. Businesses do not pay bills with warm sentiments. Workers do not keep jobs because ministers promise to keep talking. The crisis is now, and the support still is not. That is why [this petition](https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) matters. It matters because it sends a message that Staffordshire is watching. It matters because it pushes ceramics higher up the political agenda. It matters because if government can recognise the importance of other industries when energy costs surge, then it can and should do the same for ceramics. And it matters because the loss of this sector would not just be an economic blow. It would be a cultural wound to the communities that built it, sustained it and still believe in its future. If you care about British manufacturing, sign it. If you care about Staffordshire jobs, sign it. If you care about protecting not just heritage pottery, but the wider advanced ceramics sector that serves modern industry, sign it. And if you are tired of seeing this county’s defining industries treated as an afterthought, sign it and share it. [Petition: Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skillsApply energy intensive industry relief (Supercharger scheme) to the ceramics industry to help cut soaring industrial energy costs & support ceramics businesses, which are at the risk of imminent collapse without urgent intervention, as seen with Denby Pottery registering for administration support.![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)Petitions - UK Government and Parliament![](https://petition.parliament.uk/assets/os-social/opengraph-image-74d2a08295a6290b3e3c5b57a8d37deedf3d61f8a07d36883a6750f1ac82e828.png)](https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Sign the petition and show your support ## Signed the petition? Now sign up to our free newsletter and we’ll keep you updated on what happens next, from Government response to local reaction across Staffordshire. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### MP Gareth Snell welcomes government funding boost for B Arts Ltd and Collab Training Academy CIC URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mp-gareth-snell-welcomes-government-funding-boost-for-b-arts-ltd-and-collab-training-academy-cic/ Last updated: 2026-04-18T07:47:40.000Z MP Gareth Snell welcomes government funding boost for B Arts Ltd and Collab Training Academy CIC. To strengthen community cohesion B Arts Ltd and Collab Training Academy CIC in Stoke-on-Trent Central has been awarded government funding to help bring people together and bridge divides. This is part of over £2 million investment supporting more than 200 grassroots organisations across England. The funding will help strengthen unity, trust and opportunity within local communities. The organisation is among 212 recipients of the Common Ground Award, which is providing over £2 million to grassroots groups across England working to build connections between people from different backgrounds, foster trust, and create stronger, more resilient communities. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The funding will support B Arts Ltd and Collab Training Academy CIC to help more people across Stoke-on-Trent Central to connect and participate in community life. This investment is designed to back local organisations that are tackling division, social isolation and the pressures facing communities, including the rising cost of living. Projects funded range from community hubs and kitchens to sports, cycling, gardening and cultural initiatives. > Gareth Snell MP, Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent Central said: “I am delighted that B Arts Ltd and Collab Training Academy CIC has secured this funding. Their work plays a vital role in bringing people together across Stoke-on-Trent Central, creating opportunities for connection and strengthening our community. This investment will help them reach even more people and continue making a real difference locally.” The Common Ground Award forms part of the government’s wider commitment to empowering communities, alongside the Pride in Place programme, which is investing £5.8 billion in neighbourhoods across the UK. Both initiatives contribute to the government’s Protecting What Matters strategy, aimed at fostering a more cohesive and united society. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke Artist Exhibits Painting of Burslem Alongside Lowry URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-artist-exhibits-painting-of-burslem-alongside-lowry/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T14:13:35.000Z Ian Mood is exhibiting a painting of the old Royal Doulton site in a landmark exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of L. S. Lowry’s death and the 150th anniversary of the birth of his tutor, Adolphe Valette. > **Demolition of Royal Doulton by Ian Mood** Ian’s painting ‘Demolition Of Royal Doulton’ is a stark reminder of the threat to the heritage of Stoke on Trent - and hangs proudly alongside works by the greatest artists of the Northern Industrial art scene at Contemporary Six Gallery in Hale. **Peel Park, Salford by L.S. Lowry The Irwell by Pierre Adolphe Valette** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3478.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3479-1.jpeg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/IMG_3509-1.jpeg) This major exhibition marks both the 50th anniversary of L. S. Lowry’s death and the 150th anniversary of the birth of his tutor, Adolphe Valette. Yet it extends beyond commemoration, tracing a lineage of Northern artists across more than a century – from the early 20th century to artists painting today – exploring the landscapes, streets, and ways of seeing that define the North. The artworks assembled reveal over 100 years of lived experience in the region. Across generations run parallels, recurring motifs of industrialism, and a continued fascination with commercial progression set against a nostalgia for traces of the past. For many of the artists displayed here, being out in the world to paint or sketch en plein air , at least in part, is central to their practice. From the impressionist strokes of Valette – who was reported to 'stand sketching with his paintbox supported by a strap around his neck' before completing works in the studio – to Lowry's street drawings, to the present day. Although distinct in subject, texture, and style, the works are nonetheless unified by the senses ignited by the North. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Ian Mood is a contemporary artist with an international reputation, having shown at Venice Biennale, Rome Art Fair, Saatchi London, Brooklyn Art Library, Battersea Art Fair & Manchester Art Fair – as well as being represented by numerous established galleries in the UK and US. He recently held his first solo show in New York. He has numerous awards including the 2025 Painting Award at Bath Society of Artists and the Artists Association of Nantucket Frank Swift Chase Plein Air Award in 2014. In 2019, he collaborated as artist in residence with The National Theatre (Madness of George III with Mark Gatiss) and The Royal Exchange Manchester (Mother Courage with Julie Hesmondhalgh). Ian is a member of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts, Society Of Staffordshire Artists and the Artist Association of Nantucket (USA) where he regularly lectures as part of their summer arts programme. Stoke on Trent is incredibly important to Ian’s practice as an artist. He works regularly and closely with local art organisations such as B-Arts and Appetite, and in Jan 2026 held his first retrospective at The New Vic Theatre. Ian was born in 1972 and grew up in Stoke on Trent, graduating in Fine Art at the University of the West of England, Bristol in 1994. ### Exhibition Details **FROM IMPRESSIONISM TO INDUSTRIALISM: VALETTE, LOWRY & BEYOND** **Exhibition Dates:** 20 March - 23 April **Location:** Contemporary Six Gallery, 155 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA14 2UW #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Tamworth Care Home Named Among Best in West Midlands URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/tamworth-care-home-named-among-best-in-west-midlands/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T12:01:56.000Z A care home in Tamworth has been named one of the best in the West Midlands by the UK’s leading care home review website. The website, carehome.co.uk, announces the winners of the Care Home Awards annually, which recognises the top-rated homes and Care UK’s Arkall Manor has been listed in the top 20 in the West Midlands. The prestigious awards honour homes that have received outstanding reviews in the past year from those who matter most: residents, service users and their families and friends. > "I moved my father from another home in Lichfield to Arkall Manor in September 2024\. Since moving in, he has improved considerably, he eats properly, he has people to socialise with, and he is cared for with kindness and respect. The home is absolutely beautiful, the staff are amazing and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Arkall Manor to anyone considering temporary or long-term care." ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/image--5-.png) **Care UK’s Arkall Manor celebrates Top 20 award win* Another commented: “I call it ‘Sparkle Manor' because it is the most fantastic care home in the area with the best staff. From the moment you walk in it's obvious that every member of staff, not just the care team, is invested and involved in the welfare and care of the residents and every single member of staff is professional, friendly, polite, attentive, responsive, happy, engaging, and helpful. The sunny patio and garden areas are lovely, the bedrooms are beautiful, the communal areas are safe, light, happy, tidy, beautifully presented and relaxing or sociable spaces. The entertainment staff are amazing, with a varied weekly programme and something for everyone. Joining mum for lunch is a treat (at no cost) and so is the free tea/coffee and amazing cakes for visitors! We moved mum here from another care home and could not believe that care as good as this existed. Thank you to all the sparkling Arkall Manor staff!” ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. The Ashby Road home is known for its commitment to enabling residents to lead active and fulfilling lives. Arkall Manor provides daily group and one-to-one activities, as well as a weekly Cake and Coffee event. Samukaliso Marozo, Home Manager at Care UK’s Arkall Manor, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Arkall Manor has been recognised as one of the top 20 care homes in the West Midlands. It’s a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the team’s dedication and hard work every single day. “I’m so proud of the warm, welcoming environment we’ve built together. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone here for their commitment to helping residents live happy, fulfilling lives. A huge thank you to every member of the team for making Arkall Manor such a wonderful place to call home.” Arkall Manor is a purpose built care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home with garden view rooms has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation. For more information on Arkall Manor, please email reception@arkallmanorcarehome.co.uk, call 01827 438 225 or visit:[careuk.com/arkall-manor](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://careuk.com/arkall-manor&authuser=4&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Securing the Future of Early Years and SEND Support in Bentilee URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/securing-the-future-of-early-years-and-send-support-in-bentilee/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T12:24:15.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Council are taking steps to secure high quality early years and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision for families in the city. Bentilee Nursery School has served its community for many years, but due to the requirement to operate as a school, pupil numbers and rising costs mean it could face a £185,710 deficit this year. Projections show this could increase to more than £340,000 by 2027/28 if no action is taken. The city council is therefore proposing a new way of delivering services that keeps early years support in the community while making it more sustainable for the future. The proposals aim to maintain local access to early education while strengthening support for children with additional needs. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. There are plans to expand specialist support by creating a dedicated SEND nursery for children up to the age of five on the existing Bentilee site. The proposal is that it would be run by either a Private, Voluntary or Independent Early Years Provider or an Academy Trust and would significantly increase nursery place capacity in the city for children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). Under the plans, nursery place capacity would be available at other providers in the area, notably Maple Court Academy and Eaton Park within Alpha Academies Trust, where nearly 60 percent of children attending Bentilee Nursery School move on to one of these two schools for primary education. The proposals come as Bentilee and Ubberley are among three communities in Stoke-on-Trent selected to take part in the government’s Pride in Place programme, with more than £20 million to be invested over the next decade in community-led regeneration, including opportunities for young people. > "We are committed to protecting the future of high-quality early years provision in Bentilee. Every child deserves the best start in life, and these proposals will ensure early services will continue to be delivered in the community, whilst specialist SEND provision at nursery level is increased, this will mean all children get the right support they need to thrive." — **Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough**, cabinet member for children’s services The council’s cabinet will consider launching a full statutory consultation for the community to have their say. No final decisions have been made, and a final recommendation will be brought to Cabinet in July once all responses have been reviewed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke-on-Trent City Archives Set to Reopen Amid £5 Million Museum Upgrade URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-city-archives-set-to-reopen-amid-5-million-museum-upgrade/ Last updated: 2026-04-17T12:17:51.000Z Stoke-on-Trent City Archives is set to reopen to the public on Wednesday 6 May as work continues on the £5 million transformation of the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. The archives, located on the lower ground floor of the museum, collect, preserve and make accessible records that tell the story of life in Stoke-on-Trent, past and present. The City Archives holds collections from world-famous ceramics manufacturers including Minton, Royal Doulton and Spode. Visitors can also access family history resources, the service’s specialist Pottery Library and a wide range of material from local organisations, businesses and individuals that reflect the city’s industrial, literary, social and religious history. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. > “Our archive service connects people with the stories and heritage of the city, so it is great to welcome visitors back. It gives people the chance to explore nationally and internationally important collections that reflect the city’s global impact and local identity.” > > **— Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services** Stoke-on-Trent City Archives offers outreach for schools and community groups, as well as volunteering opportunities for all ages. The service welcomes visitors from the city, county and across the globe. Visitors should book in advance due to ongoing building works at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery by emailing stoke.archives@stoke.gov.uk. The service is part of the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, which is jointly funded and managed by Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The wider museum redevelopment is being made possible through a successful bid by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for £5 million from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture Media and Sport Cultural Development Fund. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### CHPI research claims £135.9 million leaked out in profits from the NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the last two years URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/chpi-research-claims-135-9-million-leaked-out-in-profits-from-the-nhs-in-staffordshire-and-stoke-on-trent-over-the-last-two-years/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T16:44:57.000Z A new report from the [Centre for Health and the Public Interest](https://www.chpi.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) claims that £135.9 million in profit was made from NHS spending on private companies in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the past two years. The figure comes from CHPI’s newly published analysis of NHS spending with private firms across England, and the organisation says it represents the highest estimated total, and joint highest proportion, for any Integrated Care Board area in the country. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before profits. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** According to CHPI, the NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent spent £502.2 million on private companies over the two-year period it studied. The think tank estimates that £135.9 million of that was taken as profit, which it says is equivalent to around 27p in every £1 spent. Using its own salary assumptions, CHPI says that sum could have been enough to pay for around 774 doctors or 1,639 nurses over the same period. The findings come at a time of financial pressure for the local NHS. NHS England’s Financial Performance Report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26 shows Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICS with a year to date deficit of £15.0 million, and a full-year forecast deficit of £95.0 million. CHPI says the local picture forms part of a wider national trend. The organisation estimates that £1.6 billion in profit was made from NHS spending on private companies across all 42 Integrated Care Boards and NHS England over the last two years, based on £12 billion of analysed expenditure involving 760 private firms. It also argues that a profit cap of 8 per cent on companies used by the NHS would have saved £656 million over the same period. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-16-170547.png)](https://www.nhsprofitmap.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) The think tank has also launched an [online NHS profit map](https://www.nhsprofitmap.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk), allowing people to search by postcode to see its estimated figures for their local NHS area. CHPI says the tool is intended to show how much money is leaking out in profit, what proportion of spending that represents, and what those sums could equate to in doctors or nurses. CHPI also raises concerns about ownership and debt. In the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent area, the organisation says £4.9 million of the £502.2 million spent on the private sector went to companies whose ultimate owners are based outside the UK, and that £1.7 million of that went to firms whose owners are based in tax havens. It also says £8.7 million of NHS spending locally went towards paying interest on private sector debt. These figures are attributed to CHPI’s local analysis. Nationally, CHPI says £2 billion of analysed NHS spending went to companies whose ultimate owners are registered outside the UK, £533 million went to companies whose owners are registered in tax havens, and £352 million went towards interest payments on private sector debt. The organisation argues that this raises wider questions about accountability, taxation, and how public money is used once NHS contracts are awarded. In response to the findings, David Rowland, Director of the Centre for Health and the Public Interest and author of the research, said: > “Given the massive pressures faced by the NHS in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the large amounts of profits which are leaking out of the NHS to private companies urgently needs to be looked at both by central government and local NHS leaders. > > When looking at how to achieve the very large savings needed to keep the NHS afloat in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent the first port of call should be a cap to stop private companies making excessive profits from NHS funding.” UNISON Head of Health Helga Pile said: > “NHS contracts shouldn't be a cash cow for the private sector to take hundreds of millions of pounds. > > The health service needs to make every penny count given current funding constraints. This money would be better used to transform services for patients, increase staffing levels and boost pay. The government must act to ensure taxpayers' money isn’t used to swell the coffers of private firms.” CHPI is calling for a cap on the profits of companies with NHS contracts, a limit on the amount of debt those companies can hold, full transparency about where money paid to private firms ends up, and a requirement for all companies providing NHS services to be tax registered in the UK. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before profit. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. --- **Sources and methodology** This article is based on research published by the Centre for Health and the Public Interest, together with NHS England’s Financial Performance Report for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year. CHPI says its analysis draws on spending transparency data from all 42 NHS Integrated Care Boards and NHS England for the financial years 2023/24 and 2024/25\. The organisation states that it identified £12 billion of NHS spending on 760 private companies where sufficient financial data was available for analysis. CHPI says its figures are estimates rather than audited totals. Its analysis uses EBITDA, or Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation, as a measure of profitability. The organisation also states that the study does not include all NHS private sector spending, and excludes areas such as pharmacy, dentistry, opticians, pharmaceutical products, Private Finance Initiative contracts, and other private sector spending by NHS trusts. The NHS deficit figure referenced in this article comes from NHS England’s Financial Performance Report for Quarter 3 of 2025/26: [https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/financial-performance-report-2025-26-quarter-3/](https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/financial-performance-report-2025-26-quarter-3/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) CHPI also states that, for the purposes of its research, the jurisdictions classed as tax havens were Jersey, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Guernsey, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Luxembourg, and Hong Kong. The organisation says this classification is supported by analysis from the Tax Justice Network. The research project was funded by the Friends Provident Foundation. CHPI says expert advice on the project was provided by Professor Anne Stafford of Alliance Manchester Business School and Professor Colin Haslam of Queen Mary University of London. Readers can explore the original CHPI research and NHS profit map here: [https://www.chpi.org.uk/](https://www.chpi.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [https://www.nhsprofitmap.org.uk/](https://www.nhsprofitmap.org.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) A full geographic breakdown of CHPI’s analysis is available through its postcode tool and associated published material. ## ### Historic Burslem Market Hall set for new future as transformation begins URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/historic-burslem-market-hall-set-for-new-future-as-transformation-begins/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T14:37:25.000Z A major new chapter is beginning for one of Burslem’s best-known heritage buildings, as transformation work gets underway at the historic Burslem Market Hall. The Grade II-listed building on Queen Street, which dates back to 1879, is now the focus of an approximately £4 million programme of work aimed at bringing the much-loved site back into use. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** Stoke-on-Trent-based contractor BSN Group has started work on the market hall, beginning with the removal of the current roof, which has been deemed unsafe, before replacing it. The project will also include new skylights, safety walkways, plaster and timber boards, along with the redecoration of the ceiling and steel columns. Repairs and replacement work will also be carried out to brickwork, gutters, lead, tiles and chimneys. Inside the building, basic work will be done to make the floor safe, although it will not be replaced as part of this phase. There are also plans to provide toilets, kitchen facilities, a temporary bar and cloakrooms for a temporary events space, as the budget allows. While not all of the shop stalls will be refurbished, those areas will be screened off with artwork. 🏛️ ****Burslem Market Hall dates back to 1879 and has been closed since 2003 after masonry fell from the ceiling and the building was deemed unsafe.** The market hall closed in 2003 after masonry dropped from the ceiling and the building became unsafe. Now, more than two decades later, the work marks a significant step towards reopening the site and giving it a new role in the town. The scheme is being funded through Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the government and Historic England, with work expected to be completed by May 2027.It is absolutely fantastic to see work get underway on this very popular building that has so many memories for so many people and has such potential. > "It demonstrates our determination to preserve, protect and safeguard our treasured heritage buildings and the work taking place at Burslem Market Hall and at nearby buildings, like the Wedgwood Institute, is a huge step forward." > "The aim is to start using the market hall as soon as possible after the work has been completed. In the short and mid-term that will be temporary uses - and we have already had a number of expressions of interest to use the venue for entertainment, leisure and hospitality. > "However, going forward we want to see it in permanent use, which is why we have brought in Next Phase Projects to help to make this happen. They have a real pedigree for coming up with exciting and transformative solutions – as can be seen in places like Altrincham." > *Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council* ## Wider work planned across Queen Street The work at Burslem Market Hall is part of a wider programme of change taking place across Queen Street and nearby heritage buildings. A £1.5 million package of public realm improvements is planned for Queen Street, with work expected to begin in May or June 2026 and last around eight to ten months. The scheme will include wider footways, a reduced carriageway width, tree planting, new site furniture, natural stone paving and kerbs, ducting, carriageway resurfacing, drainage, signage and line marking. At the same time, future-proofing utility work will be carried out to connect gas, electric and water at Burslem Market and the Wedgwood Institute, helping to avoid digging up newly laid paving later on. ## Wedgwood Institute and School of Art also moving forward At the Wedgwood Institute, railings will be repaired and replaced at the end of April or the start of May in preparation for the next phase of works. Following safeguarding work on the north east corner in late 2025 and early 2026, the main phase is now at the design stage and in the listed building consent process, with works planned from early 2027 to early 2028. Meanwhile, improvement works are also being planned for Burslem School of Art to enhance the building as a learning facility and improve access. Expressions of interest have been invited, tenders have been received, and a decision on appointing a contractor is expected in the coming weeks. Together, the projects represent a significant period of investment for Burslem, with heritage buildings, streetscape improvements and future-use planning all moving forward at once. It also comes just months after Stoke-on-Trent became the first city in the UK to declare a heritage emergency and called for £325 million in public and private investment over the next decade. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### What If Local Media Stopped Chasing Metrics and Started Listening Again? Why Clicks, Reach and Engagement Don’t Always Build Trust URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/what-if-local-media-stopped-chasing-metrics-and-started-listening-again-why-clicks-reach-and-engagement-dont-always-build-trust/ Last updated: 2026-04-16T10:08:55.000Z A recent [Journalism UK article](https://www.journalism.co.uk/what-does-engagement-actually-mean-in-2026/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) raised a question that reaches far beyond the newsroom: have we been measuring the wrong things all along? For businesses, publishers, and organisations trying to build trust online, clicks, shares and reach can look impressive, yet still tell us very little about why people truly listen, care, or choose us. ### Are we tracking the wrong things? For years, businesses and media organisations alike have been encouraged to believe that if the numbers look healthy, the strategy must be working. Clicks, impressions, shares, comments, reach, views, and follower growth are presented as signs of success, and because they are easy to measure, they are often treated as proof of impact. Yet many businesses know, often from frustrating experience, that strong-looking social metrics do not necessarily translate into meaningful results. A post can do well and still produce no real enquiries. A campaign can get plenty of attention and still leave a business wondering where its actual customers are coming from. A brand can be visible all the time online and still struggle to understand why people choose them, or why they do not. That is because being seen is not the same as being chosen. ## [Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/support-the-staffordshire-signal/) Tired of noise, clickbait, and shallow metrics? Join our free Wednesday newsletter for thoughtful journalism, local stories, and what matters across Staffordshire. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** ### Why clicks and reach do not always lead to trust One of the most important lines in the article was this: **“readers don't care whether they saw a story three seconds before anyone else. Speed and volume are not the same as value.”** That point lands just as sharply for businesses as it does for publishers, because the same problem exists across the wider digital world. Brands are being pushed to post more, react faster, chase trends, monitor dashboards, and optimise for immediate signals, while still being left with the far more important questions unanswered. Where are customers really converting from? What actually made them trust you? Why did they come to you rather than a competitor? What message stayed with them after they had scrolled past hundreds of other posts that day? These are the questions that matter, and yet they are often the hardest ones to answer. The modern online environment is noisy by design. Social platforms reward reaction, not depth. They reward frequency, not always meaning. They reward what stops the scroll, not necessarily what builds trust. In that kind of environment, many businesses end up chasing visibility while feeling increasingly disconnected from genuine customer understanding. They know people are seeing their content, but they are less sure whether people are really listening. They can measure engagement, but cannot always measure resonance. They can count interactions, but not always the reasons behind them. That is a serious problem, because in business, as in journalism, not all attention is equal. A click does not tell you whether someone values what they saw. A share does not tell you whether your message was properly understood. A spike in reach does not tell you whether your brand has become more trusted. A comment does not necessarily tell you whether you have built a stronger relationship. Those things may look impressive in a report, but they do not automatically explain why a person becomes a customer, why they stay loyal, or why they recommend you to somebody else. For many businesses, that gap between measurable activity and real-world outcome is where the frustration lives. It is also one of the reasons why we believe [**The Staffordshire Signal**](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/) is on the right track. > [**Looking for a better way to reach people in Staffordshire?**](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise/) > If your business is tired of chasing shallow online visibility, discover a more meaningful way to be seen in Staffordshire through trusted local media. [Advertise in Staffordshire | Partner with The Signal CICPartner with Staffordshire’s premier media ecosystem. Reach 40,000 monthly readers across print and digital in an ad-clutter-free environment. Support local journalism that prioritises people over profits and connects your business with a loyal, engaged community![](https://static.ghost.org/v5.0.0/images/link-icon.svg)The Staffordshire Signal CICJenna Goodwin![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/20260318_141524-2-2-1.jpg)](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/advertise/) [The Staffordshire Signal](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/) is a **community-powered platform for Staffordshire news, events, what’s on, places to visit, and local stories**, with a strong focus on connection, local identity, and meaningful visibility rather than empty digital noise. We are not trying to add to the constant churn of forgettable content. We are not trying to compete in a race to be loudest for a few seconds. We are not building a platform around the idea that attention at any cost is a win. Instead, we are building something rooted in trust, relevance, and place, because that is what people increasingly respond to when they are exhausted by noise. That difference matters for readers, but it matters just as much for businesses. ### Why businesses are struggling to make real connections online If you are a business owner, you already know how difficult it has become to make a real connection online. You are competing not just with local rivals, but with every advert, every creator, every headline, every trend, every algorithmic interruption, and every piece of content somebody sees before and after yours. In that environment, it is no wonder so many brands struggle to work out what is actually landing with people. The numbers can make it look like your message is moving, while in reality it may simply be passing through. What businesses often need is not more noise, but better context. Not more impressions for the sake of it, but a stronger environment in which to be seen. Not more fleeting attention, but more meaningful association. Not just a platform where people might see them, but a platform where they are encountered in a more trusted, more considered, more locally relevant setting. That is exactly where [The Staffordshire Signal](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/) is different. Because when people engage with a platform that feels rooted in their county, that reflects their communities, that champions what is good and important locally, and that is trying to create something with real value rather than simply chasing reaction, the businesses that appear within that environment benefit from that same sense of trust and relevance. It becomes less about being another post in the feed and more about being part of something people want to spend time with. Less about interrupting people and more about reaching them in a setting that aligns with their interests, their identity, and their sense of place. That is much harder to reduce to a vanity metric, but it is often much closer to how real decisions are made. People do not always choose businesses because of the post with the biggest reach. They choose them because the name feels familiar, because they have seen them in a context they trust, because the brand feels credible, because they remember it at the right time, or because they feel a genuine connection to what it stands for. Those are quieter forms of value, but in many cases they are far more commercially important than a burst of likes or shares that never turns into anything real. This is why the conversation raised by that Journalism UK article matters so much. It is not just asking whether publishers have borrowed too much from the logic of social media. It is asking whether all of us have, and whether the things we have become trained to monitor most obsessively are actually the things that matter least when it comes to trust, loyalty, and meaningful action. ### What The Staffordshire Signal is building instead At [The Staffordshire Signal](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/), we believe that local media should do more than chase attention. It should help people feel more connected to Staffordshire, more informed about what is happening here, and more aware of the businesses, events, organisations, and people shaping life across the county. That is why we are focused on building a platform that cuts through the noise rather than contributing to it. A platform that listens. A platform that understands its audience as people, not just data. A platform that gives local businesses a more thoughtful and meaningful place to be seen. So yes, perhaps the better question now is not simply how to get more engagement, but what kind of engagement is actually worth having. If the metrics are rising but the connection is weak, what have we really built? If the content is performing but the customer journey is still unclear, what are we actually learning? If people are seeing more and remembering less, then surely it is time to rethink what success looks like. That is what we are doing with [The Staffordshire Signal](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/about/). We have stopped running after the same empty race for numbers, and started listening more closely to what people and businesses actually need. We are building something more grounded, more useful, and more human, because in a world full of noise, trust and relevance matter more than ever. If you are a business that is tired of shallow visibility and wants to be part of a platform that offers stronger local connection, greater credibility, and a more meaningful way to reach people across Staffordshire, then we would love to work with you. **Join The Staffordshire Signal. Read us, support us, advertise with us, and be part of a platform building something more meaningful for Staffordshire.** ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. ### Bolton Gate Arts CIC launches family, nature-inspired, arts day to celebrate the start of their summer season 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/bolton-gate-arts-cic-launches-family-nature-inspired-arts-day-to-celebrate-the-start-of-their-summer-season-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-15T18:30:50.000Z **The Garden Gate** **Saturday 2nd May, 10am – 9pm** **FREE arts and nature inspired activities, 10am – 4pm** **Open mic event from 4pm** To celebrate the launch of another bustling summer arts season at Bolton Gate Arts, the company will be hosting a free to attend, family arts day called The Garden Gate on Saturday 2nd May, with a programme of events from 10am to 9pm. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** The day will consist of a series of arts and nature inspired workshops including make-your-own garden crafts, planting, painting, well being walks, poetry and live music from local artists. The full schedule of workshop activities can be found here, The Garden Gate summer event. The event aims to bring communities across Weston Coyney and the surrounding towns and villages together, encouraging participants to get outside, get messy and get creative, contributing to the company’s community garden during the bank holiday weekend. Family friendly arts activities include recycled garden crafts such as bug hotel building, plant & paint, rock decorating and garden hangers. Creations from these activities can be taken home or used to contribute to the company’s own community garden in The Manège Outdoor Arts Space. The project will also see the involvement of local group Caverswall Creative Hub, who will be writing a community poem through workshops on the day with local people that will be integrated into the garden. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/img13.jpg)](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/boltongateartscic/2147144?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) There will be short well being walks, ‘Park Hall Exploration’, taking place at 10.30am and 1.30pm for those who love exploring nature at a leisurely pace. This is part of the wider Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival. Finally, live music will be kicking off at 4pm with an open mic event celebrating talent from across the region known as Gigz@theGardenGate. If you are a musician interested in taking part, slots must be booked in advance by emailing arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk. Participants can wind up the day with live entertainment until 8pm before enjoying the sunset in the peaceful tranquillity of the farm surroundings. Hot food and beverages will be available from Bolton Gate Cafe. In addition to crafts, poetry, walking and music, the company are inviting participants to help transform the area known as The Manège Outdoor Arts Space. The area has been disused and run down for a number of years before the company set about transforming the space in 2025 by establishing a community gardening club and laying the foundations for a community garden with some unique arty features. The social group, who meet every Wednesday evening throughout the summer, is looking to expand it’s membership welcoming new members of all ages and abilities to come and get involved. > “People should come along to The Garden Gate to have fun, inspiration, learning and connection with other people,” says workshop lead Tatiana, who runs the Bolton Gate Gardening Club. “Being part of a community improves well being by developing a sense of belonging, reducing loneliness and this helps to improve mental health. When people feel that they belong and are valued, they feel more confident and resilient.” For more information and to reserve your free ticket, please head to [www.boltongatefarm.co.uk/showsandevents](https://www.boltongatefarm.co.uk/showsandevents?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) or if you’d like to know more, you can contact the company directly by emailing arts@boltongatefarm.co.uk The event is made possible with the kind support of funding from Outside Arts Creative People and Places and the Community Foundation, North Staffordshire Environment Fund. ### **Audience / Community Comments:** - “A fantastic asset to the local community” - “Really well organised and always so welcoming. It's a lovely set up...a proper little gem! We will be looking out for more events.” - “\[JARMAN\] was an absolutely spell-binding performance... Our first time at Bolton Gate Arts & we’re certainly looking forward to visiting again. Such welcoming staff & a fab cafe too!” - “Fab way to spend an afternoon” - “Cool event, venue great, lovely to see people repurposing” - “Go and see one (or all) the shows there, you won’t be disappointed” - “\[The Places That Make Us project\] was a fantastic opportunity for the children, we would love to continue with work with Bolton Gate Arts and other local artists. It was great to see the children express themselves through art, whilst considering their local environment." ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### MP Gareth Snell secures major upgrades to restore pride in Stoke-on-Trent College URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/mp-gareth-snell-secures-major-upgrades-to-restore-pride-in-stoke-on-trent-college/ Last updated: 2026-04-15T18:13:46.000Z Stoke-on-Trent College and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) is to receive part of Labour’s £307 million to repair and maintain colleges in England. This forms part of Labour’s £1.7 billion investment to modernise college buildings by 2030. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** Young people in Stoke-on-Trent Central will see major upgrades to Stoke-on-Trent College, as Labour provides over £1.1 million to the college and over £2.7 million to NSCG as part of £307 million investment to turn the page on years of neglect. From repairing leaky roofs and fixing broken windows, to updating worn-out heating systems, Stoke-on-Trent College and NSCG are two of 175 colleges that will benefit. The colleges will be given the flexibility to decide how the funding is spent, so it can be directed where it is needed most. These upgrades will restore pride and break down barriers to opportunity for students, with fewer disruptions to lessons, more comfortable learning environments, and better spaces for students to focus and succeed. Modernised colleges will be key to delivering on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s target for two-thirds of young people to be taking a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to university by the age of 25. > **Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:** "The young people in these colleges are the engineers, bricklayers and designers of the future, and they and the dedicated staff teaching them deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed.” **Gareth Snell MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central said:** “I’m delighted to have worked with the Labour government to secure vital investment for Stoke-on-Trent College, the heart of further education in Stoke-on-Trent Central. “I back the bold target to get two-thirds of young people into a gold standard apprenticeship or heading to university by the age of 25\. His ambition is matched in this funding. “I’ll be working with constituents and speaking with the college about where this money will be best spent, so we can unlock opportunity for young people in Stoke-on-Trent Central and restore pride in their college.” It follows Labour’s announcement of £570 million to increase capacity in colleges to train the next generation of skilled workers. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Call for entries: Celebrating 30 years of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/call-for-entries-celebrating-30-years-of-the-three-counties-open-art-exhibition/ Last updated: 2026-04-14T15:19:21.000Z Artists and photographers from Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire are being invited to submit their work for a landmark edition of a popular regional exhibition this summer. The Three Counties Open Art Exhibition returns to Fenton Town Hall from Saturday, August 8th to Saturday, August 29th, celebrating its 30th anniversary with a showcase of creative talent from across the region. The long-standing exhibition celebrates the creativity of local amateur and professional artists. Entry is free and is open to all artists who are based in or connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire or Shropshire. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** The exhibition is organised by ArtsKeele at Keele University in partnership with ACAVA Spode Works, Appetite, Burslem School of Art Trust, Barewall Gallery, PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning), and Restoke. This year's exhibition welcomes a range of mediums from painting to printmaking, drawing, photography, sculpture, textiles, moving image and installation-based works. People have until midnight on Monday, May 25th to submit entries. > “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating 30 years of the Three Counties Open Art Exhibition. Over the past three decades, it has become a vibrant platform for creativity, bringing together artists of all backgrounds and giving them the opportunity to share their work with a wider audience. > > “Thousands of people have taken part since it began. Some have gone on to build sustained creative careers; others have discovered the confidence that comes from having their work publicly recognised. Every submission, selected or not, is an act of creative courage. > > “Marking this milestone year, we’re especially excited to welcome a new wave of talent, and with free entry, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Whether you’re an emerging artist or more established, we encourage everyone to take part and be part of this special anniversary celebration.” > > **— Kerry Jones, Arts Keele** Selected artists will have the chance to win one of 11 prestigious awards, including: - **George Mallalieu Emerging Artist Award (2026–2030):** A new award for 2026, created in tribute to George Mallalieu. George was a charismatic figure on the local arts scene, a highly respected artist, writer and academic in Staffordshire and former judge of the exhibition. Prize £500; - **Arthur Berry Prize:** Sponsored by the New Vic Theatre Archive Fund, with a £500 prize. This award reflects on the legacy of Arthur Berry, whose work has left an indelible mark on the art world and the cultural heritage of Stoke-on-Trent, and celebrates artistic excellence; - **The ACAVA Studios Artist Development Award:** Sponsored by ACAVA Studios, the award aims to support and nurture artistic talent by providing an artist with the opportunity to undertake a three-month open studio residency at ACAVA Spode Works. The award includes a public engagement outcome for one week at the end of the residency, fostering community interaction and showcasing the artists' work; - **Young Artist Award:** This award, open to artists aged 21 and under, highlights exceptional artistic achievement and originality. The winner will receive a £100 prize and unique trophy, sponsored by PiCL (Partners in Creative Learning). All submitted works must have been created within the last two years and must not have been previously shown at the exhibition. For more information, visit [https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/artskeele/threecountiesopenart2026/](https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/artskeele/threecountiesopenart2026/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Contact open.art@keele.ac.uk for queries. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### A County in Celebration: Your Ultimate Guide to Staffordshire Day 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/a-county-in-celebration-your-ultimate-guide-to-staffordshire-day-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-14T08:09:15.000Z This year marks a landmark 10th anniversary for the celebration, which originally launched in 2016 to coincide with the county’s 1,000th birthday. The date, chosen by a public poll in 2016, honours our most famous son, Josiah Wedgwood. It marks the anniversary of Wedgwood setting up his pottery company in 1759, a moment that transformed Staffordshire into the centre of the world’s ceramics industry. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** This year, Staffordshire Day isn’t just a day, it’s a four-day county-wide extravaganza. The 2026 celebrations on Friday 1st May and across the May Bank Holiday weekend offer something for every resident and visitor. From the unveiling of The Staffy Trail to niche local history talks, here is the full line-up of events you cannot miss. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/660457564_1364590172377068_6419469507859047373_n.jpg) **The Headliner: The Staffy Trail** At the heart of the 2026 festivities is **‘Staffy’**, a new mascot inspired by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Designed to be active, adventurous, and loyal, Staffy represents the hardworking spirit of our people. Launching on May 1st is **The Staffy Trail**, a major public art and heritage trail featuring ten large 5ft sculptures unveiled across **Stoke-on-Trent City Centre, Tamworth, Stafford, and Lichfield**. "Among the many things to do for Staffordshire Day, NEW for Staffordshire Day 2026 is ‘The Staffy Trail’ - a new sculpture and heritage trail across our county connected by easy transport links." Visitors can use a mobile app or a printed map to take self-guided walking tours, discover unique sculptures, and collect prizes. The trail is expected to attract 30,000 visitors and generate over £600,000 for the local economy, providing a welcome boost to our shops, cafés, and attractions. **Friday 1st May: The Official Anniversary** - Behind the Scenes Museum Tour: Join the Archives and Heritage team for a free tour of the museum stores at Beacon Business Park, Stafford (10:00 am to 12:30 pm). See textiles, art, and carriages. Places are strictly limited and must be booked online. - Lichfield Cathedral: An evening of "Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight." - History of Rugeley Talk: Hosted by the Rugeley & District Lions Club at the Rugeley Rose Theatre. Local historian Jonathan Oates will guide the audience through the town's fascinating past. This event is free, and all are welcome. - Trentham Estate Celebrations: Trentham has officially joined the Friday lineup with a dedicated Staffordshire Day event. - Leek Arts Festival (LAF): The month-long festival begins, featuring performing arts, music, and exhibitions across the town. - A Hans Zimmer Candlelight Experience: A string trio performs cinematic classics at the candlelit All Saints Church, Leek. - Moorlands Walking Festival: Kick off the weekend with a "Mindful Walking" session at Park Hall Country Park or the "Biddulph Half Marathon Hike" from Biddulph Grange Country Park, plus more walks. - Stafford Archives and Heritage team are hosting a "Behind the Scenes at the Museum Stores Tour" at Beacon Business Park. From 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, visitors can see textiles, art, and carriages that tell our story. Places are strictly limited and must be booked via their online shop. **Saturday 2nd May: Markets and Music** - Leek Arts Festival: Ongoing performances and theatre based at the Foxlowe Arts Centre. - The Ancient High House, Stafford: Visit for the "If Walls Could Talk" exhibition and a "Craft, Catch-up and Coffee" workshop. - Stone Farmers’ Market: Pick up local produce and crafts from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on High Street. - Drayton Manor Resort: Late-night rides and a Fireworks Extravaganza. - Lichfield Cathedral: An evening "Music of Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight" concert. - Uttoxeter Racecourse: The Staffordshire Plate Raceday on May 2nd features jump racing and a Robbie Williams tribute act. - Weston Park: Hosting the XTERRA Triathlon and outdoor festival. **Sunday 3rd May: Engines and Exploration** - Cars & Coffee, Tutbury: Start your engines on Tutbury High Street from 10:15 am. This free, family-friendly gathering is perfect for petrolheads to admire classic and custom rides. - Izaak Walton’s Cottage: A special opening day celebration from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Staffordshire_Day_10_Anniversary_300x330_074bbb77-cf21-449b-9c7e-5cfa2c863548.png) **Bank Holiday Monday 4th May: The Big Finale** Stafford Market Square Celebrations The main civic event takes place in the heart of the county town from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. - Street Food & Community Stalls: A vibrant market featuring local traders and organisations. - Vibe 1 Radio Roadshow: Presenters will be broadcasting live, providing music and a party atmosphere. "The celebration recognises Staffordshire Day while highlighting Stafford's role as the county town and providing an opportunity for local organisations, businesses and community groups to be part of the day." **For the Kids: The 10th Birthday Prize Draw** If you have a child turning 10 in 2026, they could win a massive family day out! To mark "10 years of Staffordshire Day," children across the county are invited to enter a special prize draw. Entries close on 23rd April, so visit the official Visit Staffordshire website to get involved before the deadline. *Don’t forget to share your celebrations online using the hashtag #StaffordshireDay!* [Home![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/favicon-13.ico)Visit Staffordshire![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/VS_STAFFY_2026_Staffy_Ready_for_adventure_follow_my_lead_300x300__d33ba6fd-c2f3-4048-8393-56f6bc006cde.png)](https://www.visitstaffordshire.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) [Home - We Are StaffordshireCelebrating our county![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/icon/cropped-staffs-favicon-300x300.png)We Are Staffordshire![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/thumbnail/a-place-to-be-proud-of-keele.webp)](https://wearestaffordshire.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Shaping the Future of The Staffordshire Signal: Have Your Say URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/shaping-the-future-of-the-staffordshire-signal-have-your-say/ Last updated: 2026-04-13T14:40:13.000Z The Staffordshire Signal was founded on a simple belief: our county deserves a newsroom that belongs to the people, not a distant corporate boardroom. As a non-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), we are funded by local businesses and the community, and we operate on the principle of **People Over Profits**. This means that as we grow, we don't guess what matters to the residents of Stoke-on-Trent, the Moorlands, and the wider county, we ask. We are currently at an exciting crossroads. As we plan our next big moves for 2026, including deep-dive investigative reporting and the launch of our new video newsroom, we are opening our doors for a community consultation. ### **Have Your Say** Whether you have been a supporter from day one or have only just joined the journey, your voice is the engine that drives this newsroom. We want to know what is working, what needs to change, and where we should be shining a light next. [**Click here to take part in our Community Survey**](https://forms.gle/hgNXtRRNyJv12VgS7?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **Why your input matters:** - **Setting the Agenda:** Your feedback helps us choose which local issues to investigate and how. - **Improving the Experience:** Tell us what you want more (or less) of in our print and digital editions. - **Staying Independent:** Community input ensures we stay accountable to you, not to corporate advertisers or "big media" clickbait. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping to prove that honest, community-led journalism has a permanent home here in Staffordshire. **Jenna Goodwin** Founder, Editor & CEO The Staffordshire Signal CIC ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade 2026: Your Essential ‘What’s On’ Guide URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/longton-carnival-and-pig-walk-parade-2026-your-essential-whats-on-guide/ Last updated: 2026-04-12T09:06:24.000Z **The historic town of Longton is preparing to burst into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound as the annual Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade returns for 2026.** Produced by the Longton-based arts organisation **Urban Wilderness CIC**, this beloved family-friendly event is scheduled to take place on **Sunday 26 April 2026**. From **10am until 4pm**, the town centre will be transformed into a vibrant hub of live music, performance stages, and local culture. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** ![Longton Carnival and Pig Walk Parade 2025](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DSC00607--1-.jpg) ### A Quirky Heritage: The Story of the Pig Walk At the heart of the festivities is the spectacular Pig Walk Parade, which sets off at **3pm**. This unique procession celebrates a true and eccentric piece of local history from the 1880s. The story tells of **John Aynsley**, the founder of Portland Works and Mayor of Longton from 1886, who made a daring bet with the **Duke of Sutherland**. Aynsley wagered he could successfully drive a pig all the way from Trentham to Longton. Against the odds, he succeeded. As a result of winning the bet, the Duke donated the land required to create **Queen’s Park** and provided the funds to build **Longton Cottage Hospital**. Today, this heritage is brought to life by a giant pig puppet named **Jolly**, who will be accompanied this year by another local character, **Meddlesome Millie**. Based on **Millicent, the Duchess of Sutherland**, Millie was a social reformer who campaigned tirelessly for better working conditions in the Potteries, including the removal of lead paint glazes. > "We love working with local community groups and businesses to put this event on for Longton. Stoke-on-Trent is one of the greenest cities in England, so we are filling Longton with flowers for the day. Our city's motto reminds us that we are stronger together, which is always evident on carnival day because everyone pulls together to create a brilliant day for families and visitors." — **Isla Telford, co-director of Urban Wilderness CIC** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DSC00471.jpg) ### What to Expect: The 2026 Programme The 2026 edition promises a packed programme of free entertainment, with entry to the event being completely free of charge. Whether you are here for the legendary parade or the artisan market, we have rounded up the full programme so you don’t miss a second of the action. > “What a fantastic day seeing the community come together.” ### Essential Event Info - **Entry:** FREE entry for everyone. - **Entertainment:** All live performances and workshops are free of charge. - **Paid Activities:** Please note that fair rides, street food, pottery painting, face painting, and henna require payment. --- ### Bandstand Stage - **10am:** Uke ‘n’ Sing - **11am:** Trentham Brass Band - **12pm:** Six Town Sound - **1pm:** Hannah Sophie - **2pm:** City of Stoke-on-Trent Male Voice Choir ### The Strand - **3pm: THE PIG WALK PARADE** - **All Day:** Darts Competition with Longton Snooker Club - **All Day:** Short Sleeves Magician - **10am:** Outdoor Games - **11:15am, 1pm, & 2:30pm:** Eve & Baldy’s Mad Hatter Tea Party by Circus in a Box - **11:45am & 1:30pm:** Dance Workshops with Indian Fusion - **12pm:** Art Brasil Carnival Drummers ### Star Corner - **All Day:** Aerial Circus with Pole & Aerial Fit - **All Day:** Six Towns Radio, Hula Hoops, and Henna by Cherrie - **All Day:** Face painting with The Face painting Pixie - **12pm, 1pm, & 2pm:** Aerial Circus Workshops --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DSC00489.jpg) ### Beyond the Pavement: Tours & Workshops **Duchess China Factory Tours** Explore behind the scenes with tours at 11am and 1pm. Tickets are limited and must be pre-booked via Eventbrite - [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-the-oven-factory-tours-of-duchess-china-tickets-1986314104958?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-the-oven-factory-tours-of-duchess-china-tickets-1986314104958?aff=oddtdtcreator&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **Dimbleby Ceramics** Try your hand at pottery painting at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, or 2pm. Prices start at £10, and booking is highly recommended at [https://www.dimblebyceramics.co.uk/service-page/pottery-painting](https://www.dimblebyceramics.co.uk/service-page/pottery-painting?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **The Sound of Coffee** Enjoy Northern Soul and Motown hits performed by Albie from 11:30am until 1:30pm. --- ### Quiet Spaces & Community **Longton Central Hall** - **10:30am:** Sunday Morning Service - **11:30am – 1pm:** Heritage Film Screenings with Staffordshire Film Archive **U7 Urban Arts** - **All Day:** Breakout space with free tea and coffee, plus crafts and pebble painting - **3:45pm:** The Official After Party (Ticketed event via Eventbrite - [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pig-parade-after-party-tickets-1986320263378](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pig-parade-after-party-tickets-1986320263378?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)) **Longton Victorian Market** - Launch of the Stoke-on-Trent Family Hub’s Soft Play Area - Family activities with the National Literacy Trust --- ### All Day Attractions - **Warwicks Funfair:** Traditional family fun for all ages. - **Street Food Stalls:** A wide variety of delicious options, including halal and vegan choices. - **Longton Artisan & Cultural Fair:** Shop local handmade goods and gifts. - **Charity & Community Stalls:** Meet local heroes from Dougie Mac, Midlands Air Ambulance, Greyhound Gap, and many more. > “I loved every second of it! It was amazing, it really was.” ### Community and Future Supported by the local community and funded by various bodies including **Arts Council England** and **Stoke-on-Trent City Council**, the carnival remains a vital part of Longton's identity. Beyond the fun, the event provides a significant boost to the area, with the 2025 parade generating over £300,000 for the local economy. > "We know that many people remember growing up attending carnivals with fond nostalgia and we want to bring back that feeling." — **Isla Telford, co-director of Urban Wilderness CIC** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/DSC00622.jpg) ### Join the Team: Volunteering and Getting Involved The event relies on a dedicated team of volunteers. Enthusiastic locals can sign up for two main roles: - **Event Stewards:** Responsible for setting up, providing information, and supporting performers. Training takes place on **Saturday 18 April 2026** (10am - 12pm). - **Parade Performers:** Volunteers can wear fabulous costumes and be part of the parade. Costume fitting and training is scheduled for **Sunday 12 April** (2pm - 5pm). Creative individuals can also attend drop-in workshops at **The Moony Club** to help make decorations and costumes on various Wednesdays throughout March and April. For more information on the full programme or to register as a volunteer, visit the official website at [https://www.pig-walk.com/](https://www.pig-walk.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Cheadle Town Council West Ward By-Election: Your Complete Guide URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cheadle-town-council-west-ward-by-election-your-complete-guide/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T15:06:30.000Z If you live in Cheadle and have noticed more political chatter, it is because a local vote is taking place this Thursday, 16 April 2026\. Residents in the West Ward will choose a new person to represent them on the Cheadle Town Council. This special by-election was triggered following the departure of a councillor earlier this year. While Town Councillors are volunteers who provide a democratic voice for the town, their actual powers are very specific and different from those of the District or County Councils. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** **A Two-Horse Race: Separating Local from National Politics** In a break from the usual local line-up, there are no Labour or Conservative candidates on the ballot for this specific by-election. Instead, West Ward residents face a direct, head-to-head choice between the **Green Party** and **Reform UK**. When two parties with such distinct national identities dominate the conversation, it is completely natural to view the election through the lens of big, country-wide issues, whether that is national net-zero targets, immigration, or the cost-of-living crisis. However, it is crucial not to get national politics confused with local realities. A Town Councillor’s day-to-day job is hyper-local, and their legal powers are strictly limited. Before you head to the ballot box, it helps to understand exactly what the person you elect will, and won't, have the power to change. --- ### Understanding the Role: What Are You Actually Voting For? When reading campaign promises, it is vital to remember what a Town Council can actually achieve. Local government in Staffordshire operates on a three-tiered system: - **Cheadle Town Council (The Town Level):** The most local tier, responsible for maintaining community assets like the cemetery, town parks, allotments, and footpaths. They raise community concerns and comment on planning applications, but they do not have the final say on major developments or national policy. - **Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (The Middle Level):** Handles services like bin collections, recycling, and council tax billing. - **Staffordshire County Council (The Strategic Level):** Responsible for large-scale services across the county, including schools, social care, and highways, which includes fixing potholes. ### The Limits of Town Council Power It is common for candidates to discuss big-picture changes for our town, but the actual role of a Town Councillor is very specific. To help you make an informed choice, it is worth noting what Town Councils **cannot** do: - **Roads and Potholes:** While a Town Councillor can certainly pressure for repairs, they cannot fix potholes directly or change the highway repair system. These are duties specifically managed by the County Council. - **Infrastructure and Schools:** Decisions about building new schools or the delivery of NHS services, like new GP surgeries, fall under the authority of the County Council and the health service. - **Housing Decisions:** Town Councillors are asked for their opinions on plans to ensure local voices are heard, but they cannot independently stop housing developments or decide major planning applications. - **National Policy:** Local councils do not control national issues such as immigration, the cost of living crisis, or national police funding. ![Greyhound Walk, Cheadle, Staffordshire](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20250826_081606-1.jpg) Greyhound Walk, Cheadle --- ### Meet the Candidates Following the closure of nominations, two candidates are contesting the single seat in the West Ward: #### Emma Chatwin (Green Party) Emma Chatwin is a local mother of four and works as a quantitative analyst. She aims to be a proactive and visible voice for the community and has noted that she recognises the limitations town councillors have. **According to her campaign leaflets, her focus includes:** - **Local Service Funding** - **Small Business Support** - **Local Voices First** - **Protect Green Spaces** #### Lee Bentley (Reform UK) Lee Bentley was born and raised in Cheadle and has spent 20 years managing residential homes for people with learning disabilities. He has stated that while he represents a party, his primary focus is Cheadle town. **According to his campaign leaflets, his focus includes:** - **Support local shops** - **Strengthen community health services** - **Stand up for ageing residents** after the loss of vital hubs - **Deliver more schools and GP services** as Cheadle grows - **Improve public safety** - **Changing the highway repair system**, meaning that potholes will be dealt with more efficiently --- ### Where to Vote: Ward Boundaries and Polling Stations The West Ward roughly covers the area from Brookhouse Road to the High Street. To save public money, the council decided not to send out physical polling cards for this election. Polling stations are open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Thursday 16 April 2026. #### Polling District E–E (Vote at Cheadle Primary School, The Avenue) Residents in this district will vote at Cheadle Primary School. This covers streets including: - Ash Tree Hill, Attlee Road, Austin Close, Aynsley Close, Balmoral Drive, Bank Street, Bassett Close, Beswick Close, Birchwood Grove, Browning Close, Byron Close, Carlos Close, Carlton Close, Chapel Street, Charles Street, Coalport Close, Coleridge Drive, Commonside, Coneygreave Close, Copeland Close, Coronation Street, Cross Street, Croxden Close, Dandillion Avenue, Delphouse Road, Doulton Close, Draycott Cross Road, Draycott Drive, Dryden Way, Giles Close, Glebe Court, Glebe Gardens, Glebe Road, Greenways, Hardy Close, Harplow Lane, High Street, Huntley, Huntley Close, Huntley Lane, Hurst Close, Kenilworth Walk, Lid Lane, Litley Dale, Litley Drive, Majors Barn, Meadow Drive, Meakin Close, Minton Close, Mobberley, Moorcroft Close, New Haden Road, Oak Street, Paragon Close, Pullman Court, Rawle Close, Shelley Drive, Spode Close, Station Road, Tape Street, Tean Road, Teanford, Tennyson Close, The Avenue, The Birches, The Green, The Paddock, The Sidings, The Sonnet, Town End, Tuscan Close, Victoria Court, Victoria Street, Wade Close, Warwick Avenue, Watt Place, Wedgwood Road, and Wordsworth Close. #### Polling District ED (Vote at Bishop Rawle Primary School, Royal Walk) Residents in this district will vote at Bishop Rawle Primary School. This covers streets including: - Adderley, Adderley Mill, Bate Lane (Dilhorne), Beaver Drive, Birchenfields Lane, Blakeley Lane, Boundary View, Brookhouse Road, Brookside Court, Church Street, Dairy House Lane, Daisy Bank (Leek Road), Delphouse Road, Dilhorne, Dilhorne Road, Friars Close, Friars Court, Gordon Avenue, Greenways Drive, Hall Orchard, Harewood Close, High Street, Kingsley Moor, Leek Road, Monkhouse, Park Drive, Park Lane, Park Lane Close, Patch Meadow Road, Perkins Lane, Prince George Street, Spout Lane, The Green, The Rindle, The Terrace, and Town End. --- ### A Vital Reminder: Bring Your Photo ID Under national rules, you cannot vote without showing a **physical, original photo ID**. Accepted forms of identification include a passport, driving licence, Blue Badge, or an Older Person’s Bus Pass. Even if the document is recently expired, you can still use it as long as the photo still looks like you. ## Local news is broken. Help us fix it in Staffordshire. We’re putting people before advertisers. Join our community-led mission to keep ****Staffordshire** informed by signing up for our ****free Wednesday newsletter.** Want to go further? Support our non-profit work, and we’ll deliver our ****monthly printed lifestyle magazine** straight to your front door. Join the Mission Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. ****Sign Up For Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Where Did the £29m Go? The Full Stoke Station Funding Breakdown URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/where-did-the-29m-go-the-full-stoke-station-funding-breakdown/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T16:20:10.000Z It has been a while now since the orange barriers finally vanished from the front of Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station, but the questions from locals are only getting louder. If you have scrolled through social media lately, you will know the score. Like many of you, we have walked past the new layout and wondered: "Is that it?" Baffled residents have suggested that £29 million was seemingly spent on a moved statue and a few new paving stones. As locals ourselves, we shared that scepticism, so we decided to do a bit of a public service. We have gone digging into the official council accounts to find out where that eye-watering sum actually went. It turns out the biggest part of the project is one you cannot even see. The "£29 million spent on Stoke Station" has become a bit of a lightning rod for local frustration. Many of us expected a flashy, futuristic overhaul for our city gateway. Instead, what we got looks suspiciously like the old station, just a bit tidier. Because misinformation on social media has left so many people confused, we investigated the full itemised spending records from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The reality is that the **£29 million** pot, competitively won from the government’s **Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)**, was never intended for just one road. It was a massive city-wide infrastructure rescue mission designed to fix problems that have been ignored for decades. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### The £12.45 Million "Invisible" Fix The work immediately outside the station on **Station Road and Winton Square** cost a total of £12,451,154\. If you are wondering why it does not look like a £12 million job, you need to look down. ![North Stafford Hotel showing the ponding in a photo I took in 2023](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/20230331_092917.jpg) North Stafford Hotel showing the ponding in a photo I took in 2023 For years, the station entrance was a nightmare for "ponding," with deep puddles forming every time the Potteries saw a bit of rain. Our investigation found that a huge chunk of the budget went into a **major drainage overhaul**. Engineers had to dig up to 3 metres deep to fix failing Victorian infrastructure and add capacity for the next century. #### Breaking Down the Station Road Bill: - **Pavements and Kerbs (£3,409,983.95):** Because this is a high-quality conservation area, the council used premium materials to match the Grade II\* listed heritage of the station. - **Preliminaries (£2,197,618.78):** This covers the essential site setup, safety management, and initial works. - **Design and Heritage Planning (£1,238,319):** Architects had to ensure the changes did not ruin the Neo-Jacobean manor house style of our historic station. - **Restoration and Landscaping (£1,945,637.20):** This funded the restoration of Winton Square and the relocation of the Josiah Wedgwood statue. ![The Wedgwood statue in it's new placement in front of Stoke Station](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot_20260410_165403_Photos.jpg) The Wedgwood statue in it's new placement in front of Stoke Station ### The Wedgwood Statue & Bus Gate Not everything in the budget has been met with a smile. The relocation of the **Josiah Wedgwood statue** was branded "unnecessary" by the Victorian Society, who feared moving the Grade II listed memorial closer to the station entrance would result in it being ignored by visitors. However, the council argued that moving it enabled the road to be realigned, creating a larger, safer public space for circulation. Then there is the **Station Road Bus Gate**. While the council maintains it makes bus services more reliable, it has become a "cash cow" in the eyes of some locals. Since its launch, drivers have faced £70 fines for passing through the restricted zone, with many complaining that sat-navs have not been updated and signage is difficult to see at night. ![The bus gate outside Stoke Station](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Screenshot_20260410_165240_Photos-1.jpg) The bus gate outside Stoke Station ### The Secret £15 Million Road You Might Have Missed While everyone has been focusing on the station front, the biggest spender was actually a mile away. **£15,388,066** was spent on the **College Road corridor**. This was a massive civil engineering feat connecting the station to Hanley city centre. The council rebuilt the entire road and footway infrastructure from the ground up to fix potholes and utilities that were falling apart. It also introduced: - **Segregated cycle lanes** north of Avenue Road to keep cyclists safe. - **Wider pavements** and new parallel crossings for pedestrians. - **A new bus gate** south of Avenue Road to help public transport bypass the usual gridlock. ### Where did the rest of the cash go? The remaining millions were sprinkled across high-tech upgrades and future-proofing other parts of our city: - **£402,000:** Upgrading Hanley Bus Station for real-time passenger info. - **£286,000:** Creating a direct route from Platform 3 toward the new Goods Yard site. - **£192,000:** Installing contactless "tap-on, tap-off" technology on our buses. - **£640,000:** Initial work to improve Longton town centre and pedestrian links. - **£1,095,000:** Preparation for future bids, including the long-awaited Longton Station lifts and Etruria Valley. ### The Verdict: A Legacy for Our City The reason the station looks mostly the same is that the council chose to spend your money on **long-term resilience** rather than just a cosmetic makeover. By rebuilding the foundations and the sewers now, they have ensured the station is fit for purpose for decades to come. This investment was the "front door" needed to support the **£60 million Goods Yard** development next door, which is already bringing new life and young professionals to the city. To protect this investment, the council has even imposed a **30-month roadworks ban** until March 2028 to ensure utility companies don't dig up the brand-new pavements. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker summed up the project's positive impact: > "In short, we unlocked £29 million of improvements; transforming key gateways, supporting sustainable travel, and delivering infrastructure that will boost the city’s prosperity and residents’ wellbeing for years to come. That is something we should be proud of." ### The Longton Connection: A Town No Longer Left Behind? While the station front has taken the spotlight, a significant portion of the conversation has turned toward Longton. For years, residents there have felt that their town centre and transport links were an afterthought compared to the city’s central hub. Our investigation into the £29 million pot found that Longton was originally set for a major upgrade, including long-awaited new lifts at Longton Station. However, those plans hit a roadblock when the project went over budget and had to be shelved in its original form. Instead, the council has allocated an initial minimum of **£640,000** specifically for works in Longton town centre to improve pedestrian links and the area around the railway station. While this is a smaller slice of the pie than some had hoped for, local leaders insist it is just the beginning. According to the council meeting records, the authority is currently in talks with East Midlands Railway to find further ways to improve the station area, with plans to invest any remaining funds from the wider TCF programme there. Furthermore, over **£1 million** of the total fund has been used for preparatory work, essentially getting the designs ready, for future funding bids for those crucial Longton Station lifts and improvements to Boughey Road. Councillor Gordon-McCusker noted that the work at the main station has "set a new standard" that is now driving investment back into Longton. By combining the TCF money with the Bus Service Investment Plan and the Levelling-Up Partnership Fund, the council aims to renew confidence in a town that many locals feel has been neglected for too long. --- While it is easy to be cynical about a project that looks "unchanged," the numbers show a city finally getting the basic infrastructure it deserves. So, the next time you hear someone say the money was wasted on a few slabs of stone, you can tell them the real story is buried three metres deep under their feet. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### First Look: Karparc’s Game-Changing Atrium Revealed in Newcastle-under-Lyme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/first-look-karparcs-game-changing-atrium-revealed-in-newcastle-under-lyme/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T13:39:41.000Z The image lifts the lid on the centrepiece of the scheme, a dramatic, full-height atrium carved straight through the existing structure. It rips open what was once a dark, featureless internal structure, flooding the space with natural light from top to bottom and completely reimagining how it feels to move through it. Planting will spill down from roof terraces to ground level, softening the raw concrete frame and bringing a sense of calm to the heart of the building. What used to be solid and enclosed is being turned into something open, bright and full of life. Karparc will deliver new homes right in the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme, creating a community neighbourhood feel in a building most people would never have considered living in. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. By reusing the existing structure, the scheme slashes carbon while celebrating the building’s original bones, proof that even the most overlooked spaces can be brought back to life. This is the first time a multi-storey car park has been converted into homes in the UK, setting a new benchmark for how we rethink tired, redundant structures. Martin Crews, Development Director for Capital&Centric said: > “This is exactly the kind of bold, innovative transformation we’re known for. Plenty of people said turning a multi-storey car park into homes was pie in the sky. When we submitted planning, we were told it would never happen. Now it’s under construction and we’re making it real. > > “The next step is getting people to want to live here, and the way we do that is through brilliant design. This project leans into those raw, 60s retro vibes, with exposed concrete and loads of character. We’ve taken cues from iconic mid-century projects like the Barbican, and as this image shows, it’s going to look incredible.” The image marks a major step forward for the scheme, offering a first look at how the internal spaces will come together as work progresses. Simon McEneny, Deputy Chief Executive of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: > “This structure has been a familiar landmark in the town for decades. > > “However, this representation of how the site will look once it is complete shows why this innovative project, part of the wider multi-million pound regeneration of Newcastle’s town centre, is provoking international interest and will become a new landmark in its own right.” The project is part of a wider £90m regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, recently backed by a £19m funding boost from Homes England. It sits alongside Capital&Centric’s other upcoming town centre sites, “Astley Place” (the former York Place shopping centre) and “Rye Park” (a buzzing new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme). The community is expected to complete in mid-2027. ## About Capital & Centric Social impact property developer Capital & Centric is delivering some of the most creative communities across the UK, bringing historic buildings back to life alongside imaginative new builds. Co-founded by Tim Heatley and Adam Higgins, it has an enviable pipeline of regeneration projects featuring over 6,000 homes and totalling nearly £2bn. Expanded across the UK from its foundations in Manchester, it now spends an average £3 million a week on regeneration, with over 1,000 people employed on their sites. See below for all the details on their completed projects, places in progress and some of the other cool stuff the team get up to. **Places in progress.** | **Place** | **Where** | **What** | | --------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Farnworth Green** | Bolton | Re-boot of the town centre, with 85 apartments, net zero town houses, shops, bars, a community hub and new public square. | | **Northstowe** | Cambridge | Design of a town centre and 2000 homes as part of the Northstowe new town, named as a priority in the Chancellor’s maiden speech. | | **Old Town Hall** | Gateshead | Restoration and repurposing of the stunning Old Town Hall in Gateshead, Capital&Centric’s first project in the North East. | | **The Littlewoods Project** | Liverpool | Transformation of the former Littlewoods art deco building in Liverpool into a landmark destination for TV and film. | | **Ferrous** | Manchester | Growth of Manchester’s Piccadilly East neighbourhood, with 107 design-led rental apartments, rooftop garden and café bar. | | **Talbot Mill** | Manchester | Restoration of one of Manchester’s oldest Victorian mills in Castlefield into 190 apartments, with a lush canalside hidden garden. | | **York Place** | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Part of a coordinated overhaul of the town centre, with the former shopping centre being repurposed into homes and commercial spaces. | | **Midway** | Newcastle-under-Lyme | Groundbreaking conversion of a 60s concrete multi-storey car park into designer community, with homes, resident spaces and greenery. | | **Ryecroft** | Newcastle-under-Lyme | A mixed use neighbourhood centred around a new parkland, transforming a sprawling brownfield site in the town centre. | | **Cannon Brewery** | Sheffield | A new neighbourhood at the city’s former Cannon Brewery, featuring 500 new homes, workspaces, public square and community facilities. | | **Weir Mill** | Stockport | Stockport’s newest neighbourhood centred around restoration of the historic Weir Mill, with homes, workspaces, shops and outdoor spots. | | **Goods Yard** | Stoke-on-Trent | Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest regeneration project, a new urban district with homes, gardens and commercial spaces next to the mainline station. | | **Civic** | Wigan | Re-birth of the brutalist concrete civic centre into a new hub for creative businesses in the centre of Wigan. | | **St Georges** | Wolverhampton | A new city centre neighbourhood centred around a repurposed church, the subject of a RIBA design competition. | **Completed communities.** | **Place** | **Where** | **What** | | ------------------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Lightbox** | Birkenhead | Design-led industrial spaces for R&D and lab spaces. | | **Bunker** | Liverpool | Award-winning, super energy efficient workspaces transformed from a windowless concrete bunker. | | **Tempest** | Liverpool | From brutalist beast to a thriving home of ambitious businesses, with café-bar and rooftop hangout. | | **Crusader** | Manchester | Award-winning re-birth of Victorian mill into an owner-occupier community, centred around a cloistered courtyard garden. | | **Ducie Sreet Warehouse** | Manchester | Creation of a cultural hub at the city’s heart, with an aparthotel, co-working space, café, bar, restaurant and gym. | | **Kampus** | Manchester | Canalside garden neighbourhood, packed with indie business, lush public gardens and over 500 homes across restored and new buildings. | | **Leonardo** | Manchester | A new icon on the city skyline, the ‘jenga hotel’ that brought the Leonardo brand to the city. | | **Neptune Mill** | Manchester | Envy-inducing workspaces packed with character in the converted Piccadilly East mill. Also Capital&Centric HQ. | | **Phoenix** | Manchester | New build community of homes just for owner occupiers at the heart of the city’s Piccadilly East neighbourhood. | | **Foundry** | Salford | Creative workspaces with a green boulevard. Home to film studios, micro-brewery and tech start-ups. | | **Eyewitness Works** | Sheffield | Character-packed apartments in a restored cutlery works, with three green courtyards and new build neighbour Brunswick. | ### Other stuff they get up to > Capital & Centric is all about social impact, whether delivered through the communities it creates or the extra initiatives it comes up with. Outside of the day job, the team have: - Created the **Regeneration Brainery**, a non-profit network of academies focused on supporting young adults to access careers in the property industry, and increasing the diversity and inclusivity of the sector. - Led delivery of **Embassy Village** with the Embassy charity, a purpose built community in Manchester that will provide homeless and vulnerable men with their own front door and wrap-around support. - Worked with countless creators across the cultural sector to foster communities by facilitating charity events, street parties, pop-up performances, art battles and residencies with indie operators in the communities where they work. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Staffordshire Car Buyers Lead the Way in Long Distance Travel for New Vehicles URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-car-buyers-lead-the-way-in-long-distance-travel-for-new-vehicles/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T13:24:14.000Z Car buyers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are travelling further than most to secure their next vehicle, according to new data from Swansway Motor Group. Insights from the dealer groups dealerships including BYD Stoke, Motor Match Stoke, Stoke Audi, Stafford Audi and Stafford Land Rover, show that the 50+ mile bracket is the most common distance travelled by customers in the region. This makes Staffordshire the highest distance market across Swansway’s network, with buyers regularly exceeding the UK average of 48 miles. (Source: Motor Trade News) ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The findings suggest that in less densely populated areas, customers are more willing to travel further to find the right car, whether that’s for better value, a specific model, or the right specification. While over a third of customers across the group still buy within 10 miles, Staffordshire stands out for its higher proportion of long distance journeys. Judge Service’s latest State of the Nation report also highlights the importance of trust in the buying journey, with customers recognising the value of purchasing from a main dealer, which may explain why many Staffordshire buyers are willing to travel further for the right vehicle. > “Across our Staffordshire dealerships, including sites in Stoke and Stafford, we’re seeing more customers travelling significant distances to secure the right vehicle. It shows that for many buyers, getting exactly what they want is worth the extra journey.” — **A spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group** These findings are based on Swansway Motor Group’s 2025 retail sales and excludes fleet, trade and Motability vehicles. [![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Potteries Museum to get new foyer café bar in £5 million revamp URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/potteries-museum-to-get-new-foyer-cafe-bar-in-5-million-revamp/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T12:38:43.000Z The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will open a new fully licensed café bar as part of its £5 million transformation, creating a more welcoming and flexible space at the museum’s main entrance. The new PMAG Café Bar will be located in the foyer and designed to support events and evening activity, with the ability to operate independently when the rest of the museum is closed. Its position next to the museum’s Forum Theatre will allow it to function as a lobby bar during performances and events, helping to create a more vibrant atmosphere and extend the visitor experience beyond daytime opening hours. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The café bar will showcase Staffordshire produce, including local favourites such as oatcakes and lobby. Bread and oatcakes will be sourced from local suppliers, alongside a selection of cakes made on site and sourced locally. As part of the changes, the current café - which has reopened during the first phase of the museum’s transformation - will be repurposed as a dedicated gallery and events space. The project will strengthen the museum’s role in the city centre, increasing footfall and supporting wider regeneration in the area. > “This is about making the museum a place people can visit at any time of day. The new café bar creates a more welcoming entrance and gives us the flexibility to host events and stay open into the evening. It’ll also showcase local produce, giving visitors a real taste of the city while they’re here.” > > **— Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services** The museum’s wider development is being delivered by Seddon, following funding secured from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport through the Cultural Development Fund. The new café bar will be part of the museum's offer when it fully opens flowing the transformation work. Further details on opening dates, exhibitions and events will be shared via the museum’s website: [https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/](https://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/pmag/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Details on the reopening of the Stoke-on-Trent City Archives Reading Room, located on the ground floor of the museum, will be announced in due course. For urgent statutory legal or other time-sensitive requirements, where no digital or remote service is suitable, limited onsite access is available. For all enquiries, residents can contact stoke.archives@stoke.gov.uk or go to [https://www.staffordshirehistory.org.uk/stoke-on-trent-city-archives/](https://www.staffordshirehistory.org.uk/stoke-on-trent-city-archives/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke-On-Trent Van Rental Secures £15,000 in Funding to Support Growth URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-van-rental-secures-15-000-in-funding-to-support-growth/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T13:30:24.000Z GoVantage, a commercial vehicle rental service based in Stoke-On-Trent, has secured £15,000 in funding from First Enterprise under the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. The funding will be invested in vehicles, online tracking technology and operational capabilities to support growth. The business provides specialised van rentals to service providers for large businesses, primarily couriers. It offers an intuitive platform for tracking documents, audits, and maintenance records, along with online booking, competitive pricing, and 24/7 customer support. Founder Ionut Balaj established the business after seeing firsthand recurring issues and inefficiencies in the van rental sector that existing providers were unable to resolve, such as managing profitability per vehicle used and tracking fleet-wide performance. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The £15,000 loan from First Enterprise will help to improve GoVantage’s software for booking and auditing van rentals, allowing them to make smarter fleet decisions. It will also be used to cover essential office setup costs, and scale operational capabilities by deploying their proprietary platform across multiple systems. These systems will support maintaining a full servicing audit trail, giving the business full expenditure visibility that wouldn’t be possible to do manually. > “A key challenge has been sourcing suitable vehicles at competitive prices, which fluctuate significantly throughout the year. My experience with First Enterprise was exceptional, highly professional, patient, and instrumental in helping me achieve my business goals. I highly recommend their services.” > > **— Ionut Balaj, Founder of GoVantage** Inderpal Singh, Investment Manager at First Enterprise, comments: “I really enjoyed working with Ionut through his application. His business idea is interesting, and I admire his dedication to being proactive in addressing a need in the van rental industry. I wish him the best of luck, and I look forward to seeing his business thrive.” Louise McCoy, Managing Director, Start Up Loans Products, British Business Bank, said: “The Start Up Loans programme is designed to help smaller businesses access vital equipment to kickstart their ideas with much needed finance. The Bank looks forward to seeing GoVantage’s progress as they continue to close a gap in the market with efficient solutions in the industry.” ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Jack Kemp Nominated for Freedom of Stafford Borough Alongside Sir Ian and Lady Jane Dudson URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/jack-kemp-nominated-for-freedom-of-stafford-borough-alongside-sir-ian-and-lady-jane-dudson/ Last updated: 2026-04-10T14:27:06.000Z A former council leader could be joining an iconic war-time Prime Minister and an Olympic Gold medalist in receiving the Freedom of Stafford Borough. Alderman Jack Kemp, who was an elected councillor for 50 years and served as Mayor of the Borough, has been nominated for the award for his “huge contribution” to the area. His name, along with former Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dudson, and his wife Lady Jane Dudson, has been put forward by leader of the Borough Council, Aidan Godfrey. Councillors will be asked to confer the ‘Freedom’ on all three at a special meeting next week. It is the highest honour the council can bestow on an individual to recognise their "eminent services" to the borough. They would join wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and Rio Olympic Kayak Gold medalist, Joe Clarke, by signing the 126-year-old ‘Freedom of the Borough’ book. The honour was bestowed in 1946 on Churchill to recognise his leadership during the war. And in 2016 local-lad Clarke, was granted the Borough Freedom in front of more than 10,000 people at the Christmas Lights Switch on in Stafford after his gold medal triumph. It will require two thirds of elected members attending the extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday 14 April to vote for the recommendation to grant Freedom to the nominees. Recipients of the award are given a ‘Freedom scroll’ and will add their name to the book that dates back to 1899. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. > “Jack’s contribution to our area has been huge. He was one of the architects of the borough council as we know it today and continued to serve our residents and businesses selflessly for 50 years. This achievement is unrivalled and will never be matched now, with the borough council due to be replaced in 2028. > > “Joe Clarke was the last individual to be given this honour, ten years ago, and it has been 80 years since it was bestowed upon Winston Churchill, which demonstrates just how high the bar is to be considered for such an honour.” — **Councillor Aidan Godfrey** Sir Ian was Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012-2025 and High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 2010\. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours in recognition of his dedicated service to the Crown and community. Councillor Godfrey added: “Sir Ian and Lady Jane have given exceptional service and made outstanding contributions to the local community, organisations and charities during their long and distinguished service to Stafford Borough and the county as a whole.” The recommendation in a report asks that the council ‘resolves to grant Freedom of the Borough of Stafford’ to Alderman Jack Kemp, Sir Ian Dudson and Lady Jane Dudson in recognition of their services to the Borough. It states: “The Council has powers to confer Honorary Freedom of the Borough under section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972\. This provides that the Council may, by resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting thereon at a meeting specially convened for the purpose, admit to be Honorary Freeman of the Borough persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Borough.” Alderman Kemp, Sir Ian, and Lady Dudson will be granted the Freedom of the Borough at a meeting in July if councillors agree to the recommendations next week. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Your Voice, Your Village: Navigating the 2026 Staffordshire District Elections URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/your-voice-your-village-navigating-the-2026-staffordshire-district-elections/ Last updated: 2026-04-08T11:45:31.000Z Another spring brings another set of council elections to our doorstep in Staffordshire. On Thursday 7 May, residents across the county will head to the polls to decide who represents their interests at a local level. History was made in the county last year when Reform UK swept to power with a huge majority to take control of Staffordshire County Council, ending 16 years of Conservative reign. Now, 2026 brings the ballot boxes to several of the county's boroughs. This includes an all-out election in Newcastle-under-Lyme, while in the south of the county, both Tamworth Borough and Cannock Chase District have a third of their seats up for grabs. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### A Final Roll of the Dice? These elections could see local authorities change hands between political parties, but they also represent a milestone for our region. This may be the last chance to vote before these councils are set to become abolished and replaced in a major shake-up of local government. Ministers will make a decision on how the new authorities will be broken up, but the plan is for Staffordshire to potentially have a mayor overseeing two or three new unitary authorities. This means those councillors elected on 7 May in Newcastle, Tamworth, and Cannock might only serve 1 or 2 years in post before facing another vote. --- ### Every Ward Up for Election Across the county, specific wards are preparing for the ballot. Whether you are in the historic market town of Newcastle or the heartlands of Cannock Chase, here is the definitive list of where the votes will be cast. #### Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council (All 44 Seats) Newcastle is holding an "all-out" election, meaning every single seat on the borough council is up for grabs across its 21 wards: - Audley (3 seats) - Bradwell (3 seats) - Clayton (1 seat) - Crackley & Red Street (2 seats) - Cross Heath (2 seats) - Holditch & Chesterton (2 seats) - Keele (1 seat) - Kidsgrove & Ravenscliffe (3 seats) - Knutton (1 seat) - Loggerheads (2 seats) - Madeley & Betley (2 seats) - Maer & Whitmore (1 seat) - May Bank (3 seats) - Newchapel & Mow Cop (2 seats) - Silverdale (2 seats) - Talke & Butt Lane (3 seats) - Thistleberry (2 seats) - Town (2 seats) - Westbury Park & Northwood (2 seats) - Westlands (3 seats) - Wolstanton (2 seats) #### Cannock Chase District Council (13 Seats) In Cannock Chase, a third of the council is typically contested, but this year 13 seats are up for election (including a vacancy in Hednesford Pye Green): - Brereton and Ravenhill - Cannock Longford and Bridgtown - Cannock Park and Old Fallow - Chadsmoor - Etching Hill and the Heath - Hawks Green with Rumer Hill - Heath Hayes and Wimblebury - Hednesford Green Heath - Hednesford Hills and Rawnsley - Hednesford Pye Green (2 councillors to be elected) - Norton Canes - Western Springs #### Tamworth Borough Council (11 Seats) Tamworth is voting by thirds, with one seat available in each of the following 10 wards, except Mercian, where two seats are being contested because of an additional vacancy: - Amington - Belgrave - Bolehall - Castle - Glascote - Mercian (2 seats) - Spital - Stonydelph - Trinity - Wilnecote --- ### Essential Deadlines for Your Diary To ensure your voice is heard, there are several key dates to remember. Only people who are registered will be able to vote. If you have moved recently, you must register again. > "There are some key deadlines approaching for anyone wishing to vote in the local elections this May. If you’re not registered or you don’t have an acceptable form of photo ID, you won’t be able to cast your vote. Paper application forms are available for anyone who prefers not to register online. Our Electoral Services team is ready to assist - just give them a call on 01543 464754." > > — **Chris Forrester, Returning Officer for Cannock Chase** #### The 2026 Election Timetable: | **Deadline** | **Requirement** | | ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Monday 20 April (Midnight)** | Last day to register to vote. | | **Tuesday 21 April (5pm)** | Last day to apply for a postal vote. | | **Tuesday 28 April (5pm)** | Last day to apply for a proxy vote. | | **Tuesday 28 April (5pm)** | Last day to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (Photo ID). | | **Thursday 7 May (7am–10pm)** | **Polling Day.** | ### Voting in Person Residents must ensure they have a valid form of photo ID if they plan to vote in person. If you do not have an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or via your local council until 5pm on 28 April. From the future of our local services to the looming reorganisation of the county, the decisions made on 7 May will shape the landscape of Staffordshire for years to come. Make sure you are ready to play your part. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Rav Wilding to Headline Power of Local Conference for Staffordshire VCSE Sector URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/rav-wilding-to-headline-power-of-local-conference-for-staffordshire-vcse-sector/ Last updated: 2026-04-08T11:10:57.000Z Rav Wilding to headline Power of Local conference for Staffordshire’s VCSE sector TV presenter Rav Wilding will headline a major new conference bringing together charities, community groups, social enterprises and civic organisations from across Staffordshire. Power of Local will take place on Thursday 7 May at The Octagon Conference Centre in Stafford, offering a full day of insight, discussion and practical support for organisations working at the heart of their communities. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Power-of-Local-2026-Logo-01.png) Power of Local Support Staffordshire Conference 2026 The event is organised by Support Staffordshire, the county’s infrastructure body for charities, community groups and social enterprises, and comes as the organisation reaches the milestone of 1,500 member organisations. The conference will bring together both members and the wider sector at a time when many organisations are facing rising demand, increasing complexity and ongoing pressure on resources. Delegates will hear from Rav Wilding, whose keynote interview and Q&A is expected to be one of the highlights of the day, as well as Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, who will speak about The King’s Award, celebrate local organisations that have already been recognised, and explain how others can get involved. A central part of the programme will be the Ask the Experts breakout sessions, designed to give attendees the chance to put their burning questions directly to specialist speakers. Topics will include trusts and grants, EDI, volunteering, fundraising, sustainability and AI for charities. ![Photo Credit Sue Freeman](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/PRESS-RELEASE---Power-of-Local-image.jpg) Photo Credit Sue Freeman Alongside Rav Wilding and Professor Barnes, the conference will feature other speakers and expert contributors from across the sector, sharing practical insight, experience and ideas throughout the day. Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet exhibitors, connect with peers, partners, funders and service providers, and hear the latest updates from Support Staffordshire on its work and impact across the county. > “Local organisations are doing some of the most important work in our communities, often under real pressure and with limited time and capacity. Power of Local is about creating space for people to step back, hear fresh perspectives, ask honest questions and make useful connections. We are creating something that feels truly worthwhile for our sector, a high-quality event close to home that reflects the importance of the work local organisations do every day.” > > — **Garry Jones, CEO of Support Staffordshire** With notable speakers, expert-led sessions, networking, lunch, and refreshments all included, Power of Local is designed to give organisations useful insight, fresh connections and practical ideas they can take straight back into their work. Tickets cost £25 for Support Staffordshire members and £45 for non-members. Lunch and refreshments are included. Book your ticket now at poweroflocal.org.uk #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Saving a Lifeline: The Emergency Appeal to Protect Staffordshire Sight Loss Association URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/saving-a-lifeline-the-emergency-appeal-to-protect-staffordshire-sight-loss-association/ Last updated: 2026-04-08T09:09:44.000Z **The North Staffordshire community is rallying together as the Staffordshire Sight Loss Association (SSLA) faces a critical turning point. With a target of £100,000 to be raised by the end of April 2026, the charity is calling on local residents to help preserve a service that thousands call a "lifeline."** ### A Vital Part of North Staffordshire In our corner of the world, community is everything. For those navigating the challenges of visual impairment, the Staffordshire Sight Loss Association provides more than just practical help; it provides hope. Current data from the RNIB Sight Loss Data tool suggests there are approximately 17,094 people living with sight loss in North Staffordshire. For many of these individuals, the SSLA is the primary bridge between isolation and connection. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal CIC Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The charity is a dedicated hub for support, friendship, and independence. It serves as a trusted place for families to turn during difficult times, offering everything from social groups to specialist information. However, this vital local service is now under serious threat and could be forced to close its doors for good. ![Saving a Lifeline: The Emergency Appeal to Protect Staffordshire Sight Loss Association](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-01-15-03-25.jpg) ### The Challenge Ahead To continue its mission and keep its doors open, the SSLA must raise £100,000 before the end of this month. If the target is not met, blind and partially sighted people across North Staffordshire may lose access to the specialist, in-person support they rely on daily. Every donation to the appeal goes directly toward protecting essential services, including: - Practical advice and emotional support - Social groups and community connections - Help with independent living - Access to specialist information and guidance ![Saving a Lifeline: The Emergency Appeal to Protect Staffordshire Sight Loss Association](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-01-15-01-46.jpg) ### A Message from the Heart of the Charity Suzanne Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Staffordshire Sight Loss Association, has expressed the urgency of the situation while sharing the charity's deep commitment to the region. > "Staffordshire Sight Loss Association is facing closure. We provide vital in-person services, support, and social opportunities for people living with sight loss in North Staffordshire. But right now, that support is at risk." The impact of the charity is best felt through the voices of those it supports. Recent donors have shared their encouragement, including Chrysta Poppitt, who noted: > "Thank you for the essential work that you do and I hope you meet the target and are able to sustain the charity to continue supporting people with sight loss." ![Saving a Lifeline: The Emergency Appeal to Protect Staffordshire Sight Loss Association](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/PHOTO-2026-04-01-15-04-03.jpg) ### How You Can Help The Staffordshire Signal is a proud supporter of our local organisations, and the SSLA represents the very best of our community's resilient spirit. Whether you have been helped by the association yourself, know someone who has, or simply believe that no one should face sight loss alone, your support can make a definitive difference. Together, we can ensure that these vital services remain available for the 17,000 people in our community who need them most. **Donate to the Appeal:** You can contribute directly to the emergency fund via their official JustGiving page:[https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpsavessla](https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpsavessla?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Honey Box Series 9 Finale: Award-Winning Artists to Perform at The Rigger URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/honey-box-series-9-finale-award-winning-artists-to-perform-at-the-rigger/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T15:14:41.000Z ### Honey Box Series 9 Ends on a High with Music Awards Celebration at The Rigger Honey Box Live will bring Series 9 to a close with a special Music Awards celebration show at The Rigger in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Sunday 12 April, featuring standout artists recognised at the Music Awards of Staffordshire and Cheshire. ![Eve Buckley](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Eve_Buckley.webp) Eve Buckley The final episode of the series will showcase Eve Buckley, winner of Best Solo Act, Sarah Riches, finalist for Best Solo Act, and K-Estate, nominees for the Best New Act Award. The event marks the culmination of another packed season of Honey Box’s live music broadcast series, celebrating some of the region’s most exciting grassroots talent. Doors open at 4pm, with the live broadcast beginning at 5pm, as Honey Box returns for a second time to The Rigger, the project’s hometown venue in Newcastle-under-Lyme. ## Sign up for The Staffordshire Signal Staffordshire’s community newsroom. Monthly print magazine, local news, and events. Reader-funded, business-supported, and 100% non-profit Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. The finale brings to a close a touring series that has taken Honey Box across the Midlands, broadcasting live performances from a range of venues including Keele University Clock House Courtyard, Foxlowe Arts Centre in Leek, Blue Note Nightclub in Derby, 2Funky Complex in Leicester, Wolverhampton Arts Centre, and hometown shows at The Rigger. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/K-Estate-Honey-Box-Promo-@-1.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/SR---Guitar-original---Copy-1.jpg) K-Estate & Sarah Riches Across the series, Honey Box has continued its mission to showcase and document grassroots music, featuring 48 musicians, 19 live acts, and producing 72 individual band performance videos. > “Series 9 has been a huge celebration of the creativity and talent we have in this region,” said Peter Herbert of Honey Box Live. > > “From outdoor shows at Keele to venues across the Midlands, we’ve had the chance to work with an incredible mix of artists and partners. Bringing the final show back home to The Rigger for a Music Awards special feels like the perfect way to close the series and celebrate the artists who are making such an impact on the local music scene.” Alongside the live performances, the Honey Box programme has also supported artist development through the Amplifying Grassroots Talent project, funded by Arts Council England. Across the series, musicians and creatives have taken part in a range of development workshops including Songwriting: Craft and Context, Marketing for Music, Working with Live Audio, and Building a Sustainable Fanbase. The programme has also hosted a series of music industry talks featuring BBC Introducing DJ Andrew Marston, Max Thomas of Skinny Lister and director of Bullfrog Arts, Yasin El Ashrafi of HQ Recordings in Leicester, and Ricky Hill of Sync R Music, giving emerging artists the chance to hear directly from professionals working across the industry. Fans can expect the unique Honey Box pop-up TV studio experience, where live performances are recorded in front of an audience and shared with a growing online community. With award-recognised artists taking the stage, the finale promises a fitting send-off to a series dedicated to celebrating the best of the region’s grassroots music. The Series 9 finale and Music Awards Special takes place Sunday 12 April at The Rigger, Newcastle-under-Lyme. **Doors open 4pm** **Live broadcast begins 5pm** **Tickets are available by checking Honey Box Live’s social media channels: @HoneyBoxLive** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Residents invited to shape Longton’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/residents-invited-to-shape-longtons-bid-to-become-the-uks-first-town-of-culture/ Last updated: 2026-04-05T13:54:36.000Z Residents, businesses and community groups in Longton are being invited to help shape a bid to make the town the UK’s first Town of Culture. The winning town in the national competition will receive £3 million to deliver a year long cultural programme in 2028, placing local creativity and community pride centre stage. Organisers are asking local people to help define what makes Longton special and what should be celebrated on the national stage. The ideas, stories and ambitions shared now will shape the vision for a potential year long programme. The bid, initiated by Longton Exchange, has already gathered support from organisations including: - Stoke-on-Trent City Council - The World Crafts Council - Duchess China 1888 The campaign is being led by Urban Wilderness CIC, the team behind Longton Carnival and Pig Walk and the Wintr Gathering, and who supported the People’s Parade during the city’s Centenary year. They are now inviting people to complete an online survey and take part in community conversations about Longton’s future. Longton has a strong cultural identity shaped by both heritage and modern creativity. It grew into a major centre for bone china and earthenware production and today is home to artists, musicians, makers, community organisations and events that continue to define the town’s character. > "This is a great opportunity for the people of Longton to tell their own story. We're called the 'Neck End' and it's easy to overlook the activity, passion and talent that still thrives here, led by the community. > > We don't have big venues, theatres, or even a cinema but on top of our world-class industrial heritage and ongoing ceramics production, we also have thriving independent businesses, huge numbers of dance clubs, sports clubs, and creative groups - and a community that knows how to say 'yes' to a good celebration. > > We want all those voices to shape this bid, and who knows? Someone has to win!" > > — **Isla Telford, Urban Wilderness** Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent city council said: “Longton’s culture is shaped by the people who live, work and create here. This bid is an opportunity for those voices to shape a shared vision for the town and show the country what Longton has to offer. “Longton’s pottery heritage, creative industry, public artworks and growing arts and music scene give the town a character you can’t find anywhere else. “We know there is real pride and creativity in Longton. Its pottery heritage, creative industry and growing arts and music scene give the town a character you can’t find anywhere else. “Community involvement will be key to making this bid strong and credible.” People can support the bid by hosting community discussions, sharing the survey with local networks, contributing photos and stories and spreading the word on social media. Residents are also invited to learn more and share ideas at the Longton Town Forum on Wednesday 4 March, 6pm at The Moony Club, Longton Exchange. For more information, and to complete the survey, visit:[https://urbanwildernesscic.com/longton-28](https://urbanwildernesscic.com/longton-28?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Residents reassured over new food waste collections in Staffordshire Moorlands URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/residents-reassured-over-new-food-waste-collections-in-staffordshire-moorlands/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:12:08.000Z Residents across the Moorlands are being reassured that coming changes to their waste and recycling services as a result of the national scheme to introduce weekly food waste collections will not require households to have a fourth bin and will not result in fines. Recent reports in the national and local media have suggested that all residents will receive additional bins and could be fined up to £400 if recycling isn’t separated in line with the new rules. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is now reassuring residents that no fines will be introduced and households won’t be receiving another bin – instead a caddy for collecting food waste will be distributed together with full details of the changes and what they mean. > “Some of the recent reporting of the changes that are coming could have been misleading so I want to be clear about what’s happening here in the Moorlands. > > “The Council and its waste collection partner Alliance Environmental Services are working hard to put in place the practical arrangements necessary to meet the new national requirements. We, like many other Councils, will need to procure additional vehicles and equipment to carry out this service which we are aiming to introduce in the summer. > > “We will provide all households will full details of the changes well before they are introduced and will ensure that our teams are available to support people with these changes when they start. Until then, people should continue to present their waste and recycling in the usual way.” > > — **Councillor Charlotte Atkins, Cabinet Member for Services** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Former Nelson’s Distillery team launch new micro distillery in Staffordshire URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/former-nelsons-distillery-team-launch-new-micro-distillery-in-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:04:42.000Z Former Nelson’s Distillery Team Launch New Micro Distillery Honouring Founder’s Legacy Staffordshire, UK. Two former members of the award-winning Nelson’s Distillery team have announced the launch of their own micro distillery, Chuckle Engine Spirit Company, following the sad passing of Neil Harrison the visionary owner behind Nelson’s Distillery. Having worked closely under Neil Harrison, the founders David and Sue of Chuckle Engine Spirit Company developed their craft, passion and expertise within one of Staffordshire’s most respected distilling environments. Now, they are bringing those skills forward into a new venture that both honours his legacy and reflects their own creative direction. Neil Harrison was widely regarded not only for building an award-winning distillery and products, but also for mentoring those around him. His dedication to quality, innovation and traditional distilling methods left a lasting impression on his team - an influence that continues to shape the ethos of Chuckle Engine Spirit Company. > “We owe a great deal to Neil,” said David Hunter. “His knowledge, encouragement, and attention to detail helped define who we are as distillers today. Chuckle Engine Spirit Company is, in many ways, a continuation of the standards he set, combined with our own vision for the future.” ![Chuckle Engine Spirit Company in Staffordshire](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2856-2.png) Chuckle Engine Spirit Company in Staffordshire Based in Staffordshire, Chuckle Engine Spirit Company will focus on producing small-batch, handcrafted spirits, combining traditional techniques with modern creativity. The distillery aims to build a strong local identity while delivering high-quality products to a wider audience. The founders are committed to preserving the craftsmanship and integrity they learned during their time at Nelson’s Distillery, while also introducing new and distinctive expressions under the Chuckle Engine name. Further details on product launches and availability will be announced in the coming months. [Visit Chuckle Engine Spirit Co.](https://chuckle-engine.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. [](https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/custom/domain%5F1/image%5Ffiles/sitemgr%5Fphoto%5F2855.jpg?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) ### Leek Big Mill demolished after devastating fire destroys historic landmark URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/leek-big-mill-demolished-after-devastating-fire-destroys-historic-landmark/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T15:02:38.000Z The skyline of Leek was changed forever on Monday, 30 March 2026, as the final remains of the historic Big Mill were completely levelled. This dramatic conclusion follows a weekend of heartbreak for the town after a devastating fire gutted the Grade II listed landmark on Friday night. Many residents gathered on Mill Street on Sunday to watch as demolition teams began dismantling the charred, six-storey brick shell. By Monday morning, work had intensified, with the once-imposing silhouette of the 170-year-old mill rapidly disappearing as the upper storeys were cleared for public safety. The emergency began at 9:22 pm on Friday, 27 March, when smoke and flames were first seen emerging from the building. At its peak, six crews from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service tackled the blaze, which was so intense it could be seen from miles away. Because the derelict structure, vacant since 2007, posed a severe risk of collapse, firefighters remained outside and used a defensive strategy to stop the fire from spreading to nearby homes. Scores of families were evacuated and spent the weekend in temporary accommodation while Mill Street and Belle Vue were closed to traffic. The fire is being treated as a suspected act of arson. Staffordshire Police arrested an 18-year-old man from Leek on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. Officials confirmed that he has since been released on conditional bail while forensic enquiries continue. ![Big Mill Leek - Image by Jenna Goodwin - The Red Haired Stokie](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/LeekMilll2-1.jpg) Big Mill Leek - Image by Jenna Goodwin - The Red Haired Stokie 💡 ****A Century of Silk Heritage** Constructed in 1857 and designed by William Sugden, the Big Mill was a significant part of Leek’s industrial heritage. For more than a century, it served as the headquarters of Wardle & Davenport, known for artificial silk stockings. The sudden loss of the building has left a heavy feeling across the community. Although the site had planning permission for conversion into 34 residential flats, some have pointed to its long period of dereliction as a factor that left the building vulnerable. A local petition is now gaining support, calling on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to prevent speculative residential development on the site. Instead, residents are urging for a regeneration project that honours the mill’s legacy, including heritage interpretation, a permanent memorial space, or green civic space. As the last bricks were cleared, the loss of the Big Mill stands as a reminder of how fragile historic buildings can be and the importance of protecting them before they are lost. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### The Staffordshire Signal Magazine – March 2026 | Staffordshire's Free Independent Lifestyle Magazine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/the-staffordshire-signal-magazine-march-2026-staffordshires-free-independent-lifestyle-magazine/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:04:58.000Z Our March issue proves there's more to Staffordshire than meets the eye. Inside: Hidden in Plain Sight, how ceramics made right here are powering the modern world; a hidden piece of Tudor history in a Staffordshire village, home to England's oldest legible gravestone; an award-winning wildlife experience for anyone fancying a walk on the wild side; the resurgent river Tame, from Britain's dirtiest river to a thriving wildlife haven; Staffordshire's Shining Stars, the winners of the 2026 Tourism Awards revealed; and the hundred-year journey from horse and cart to industry leader. Free to read, made for Staffordshire. ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Foundry Festival to bring live music into the heart of Stoke-on-Trent this May Bank Holiday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/foundry-festival-to-bring-live-music-into-the-heart-of-stoke-on-trent-this-may-bank-holiday/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:05:05.000Z The full line-up has been announced for Foundry Festival, a brand new two-day celebration of live music taking over Stoke-on-Trent city centre on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May. Across the bank holiday weekend, outdoor stages in Piccadilly and Tontine Square will host a packed programme of live performances, bringing music directly into the heart of the city and showcasing some of the most exciting artists from across the region. Festival-goers can now register for free tickets at FoundryFestival.co.uk, with wristbands also unlocking 50% off entry at selected city centre gigs across the weekend, helping audiences discover even more live music taking place in venues across the city. The newly announced line-up features a strong mix of rising and established artists from the regional scene, including Black Coast, Kira Mac, Darla Jade, and Pale Red, alongside FOARN, Era’s End, Greg Murray & The Seven Wonders, with many more acts performing across the festival’s two outdoor stages. The name Foundry Festival draws inspiration from Shelton Bar, the historic steelworks whose fiery glow has often been linked to H. G. Wells and his novel The War of the Worlds. The festival name reflects the idea of strength forged through shared endeavour, the same spirit of creativity, collaboration and community that continues to power the city’s music scene today. > Richard Buxton, Manager of the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, said: “We’ve relocated the festival from Marsh Street Car Park into the heart of the city centre, bringing it to Piccadilly and Tontine Square. The aim is to create a vibrant atmosphere across the weekend while driving more people into the surrounding shops, cafés, bars and businesses. Events like this help showcase the energy of the city centre and encourage visitors to spend time here, discover what’s on offer and support local businesses.” Foundry Festival is funded by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID and delivered in partnership with Honey Box Live, PH Production Services Ltd, The Buzz Stoke and Your City Festival. The event is produced by the team behind Honey Box Live, which has been platforming emerging artists and hosting live music events across the area for nearly a decade, alongside the creators of Stoke Buzz, a new website and independent ‘zine dedicated to highlighting local bands, venues, gigs and new releases from across the region’s grassroots music scene. > Lee Barber, Festival Music Producer, added: “Foundry Festival is all about shining a spotlight on the incredible music talent we have right here on our doorstep. We’re proud to be platforming some of the best artists from the local and regional scene at a brand-new event, bringing their music to a big outdoor audience and giving the dedicated followers of the local music community something really special to get stuck into across the whole weekend.” With two days of free outdoor live music, a packed festival line-up and additional gigs taking place across city centre venues, Foundry Festival is set to become a new highlight in Stoke- on-Trent’s cultural calendar. Free tickets are available now at [FoundryFestival.co.uk](http://www.foundryfestival.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Step out in the Staffordshire Moorlands this spring as walking festival returns URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/step-out-in-the-staffordshire-moorlands-this-spring-as-walking-festival-returns/ Last updated: 2026-04-07T15:02:50.000Z Step out in the Staffordshire Moorlands this spring Walkers across the region are preparing to put their best foot forward when the popular Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival returns next month. The event, which takes place from Friday 24 April to Monday 4 May, features a choice of free or low-cost guided walks ranging from leisurely to strenuous. Led by knowledge specialist walk leaders, there are walks catering for a variety of interests so look out for walks that showcase stunning scenery and wildlife and routes that help bolster your knowledge of local history. > "It’s the fifth year we’re hosting this festival in the Moorlands and I can’t think of a better place to get outside and enjoy the open air, our stunning countryside and heritage, and a good walk." > > — **Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure** “We all know being more active and spending time outdoors boosts our mood and is good for our physical health and mental wellbeing - and with walks to suit all ages and abilities there really is something for everyone to take part in. “And, at the end of the walks, the Moorlands offers a fantastic variety of hospitality and accommodation options, and plenty of independent shops, award-winning markets, and many other cultural and visitor attractions so there’s every reason to come and join us this spring. We can promise a warm welcome whatever the weather!” The Festival is fast becoming a much-anticipated feature on the Moorlands events calendar. Last year’s festival attracted over 1,500 participants and featured over 80 walks and events. Almost 40 organisations were involved and the festival website had an impressive 51,263 visitors. With weeks still to go before the start of the festival, there are already around 70 walks and events listed for this year. Check the website regularly to book the ones you’re interested in and see what’s been added. Moorlands businesses are also embracing the opportunities the Festival brings by displaying this year’s logo and helping to spread the word as well as, in some cases, offering discounts such as 10% off food. Councillor Swindlehurst added: “Our tourism team is doing a great job of supporting businesses across the district who want to get involved. Do contact the team to discuss how your business could benefit!” #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Blueprint for Stafford town centre transformation to be unveiled URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/blueprint-for-stafford-town-centre-transformation-to-be-unveiled/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:06:05.000Z A food hall, retail outlets, and an expansion to the town’s college, are at the heart of a new blueprint for the centre of Stafford. A report that will be discussed by senior councillors next month (April) will hear that the work to demolish and prepare the groundwork for development in the town centre had created ‘significant developer interest.’ The biggest transformation in the county town in a generation was kick-started when Stafford Borough Council used government money to buy the ailing Guildhall Shopping Centre and derelict former Co-op department store - which have both now been razed to the ground. The iconic frontages of both the Guildhall and Co-op will be retained as part of the development and other historic landmarks are to be incorporated in the plans. The report states that, with people’s shopping habits and leisure requirements changing, old-fashioned town centres across the country were no longer fit for purpose and needed to evolve. Now the council has drawn up a framework of how Stafford will thrive with town centre living, improved public spaces, market hall - including food court, entertainment, competitive socialising, and artisan traders - and office space. > “Our ‘Development Framework’ is an important part of the next stage of work within the regeneration programme. It sets out the Council’s expectations and will shape future development proposals. It means a shift away from tired and vacant shopfronts in a high street that operates primarily in the daytime to a place that people are proud to live in and, equally importantly, want to spend their time in.” > > — **Aidan Godfrey**, Council Leader The town centre could see up to 200 new homes, over 3,000 square metres of commercial space including a new Market Hall, 6,000 square metres of education space to support the expansion of Stafford College, and just under 3,000 square metres of improved public spaces. A planning application has recently been submitted to demolish the former Wilko site which also forms part of the regeneration plans. The report due before the council’s cabinet next month (April) states that they were ‘now entering a critical and exciting phase in the delivery of the Stafford Town Centre Transformation process. It is intended that the Council moves forward at pace, to secure development partner(s) that share the Council’s vision and this will act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the town centre creating confidence in Stafford as the county town as a place to live, work, invest and visit.’ > “This will be the biggest transformation of the town centre in a generation and it will be exciting to see this next phase taking shape. The fact that the Council took the lead in the acquisition, demolition and site clearance works has built confidence in the regeneration programme with investors and we must ensure that this momentum is not lost.” > > — **Councillor Rob Kenney**, Deputy Leader with responsibility for town centres As well as being used to purchase key buildings, money from the Future High Streets Fund has already paid for refurbishment of the Market Square and enhanced the approach and entrance to Stafford Railway Station. There has also been major investment in the county town over recent years with the £22m Institute of Technology campus opening last year, the £9m Staffordshire History Centre, and preliminary work starting soon on the Stafford Station Gateway project - which is backed by £20m of government funds. The Development Framework will be shared with potential investors at the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum in May. The cabinet report and full framework document will be made publicly available soon. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Cannock Chase Local Plan officially adopted URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cannock-chase-local-plan-officially-adopted/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:05:56.000Z Cannock Chase Council has officially adopted the Cannock Chase Local Plan 2018–2040, following approval at Full Council on Monday 23 March. This marks the completion of a major long term project that has shaped the district’s planning framework for years to come. The adoption follows seven years of work involving detailed evidence gathering, multiple rounds of public engagement and a thorough independent examination. With an adopted Local Plan in place, the district now benefits from a secure five year housing land supply for the first time since 2023\. This will give communities greater clarity and reduce the risk of speculative development. The district has also avoided significantly higher housing requirements, which would have applied without an up-to-date plan. > "The adopted Local Plan gives us a clear and sustainable direction through to 2040\. It ensures that development goes in the most appropriate locations, supports employment and investment, safeguards our remaining Green Belt, and protects our natural, cultural and historic assets. It also helps us take meaningful steps towards responding to climate change." > > — **Garry Samuels**, Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets “The scale of work behind this Plan cannot be understated. Members, officers, partners, developers, neighbouring authorities, residents, businesses and many local organisations have all played a part over the last seven years. “Thanks to this shared effort, we have a strong plan that puts well planned, infrastructure led development at the forefront and meets the needs of our district.” #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### UKSPF Funding Transforms Opportunities for Residents Through Cannock Chase Discovery Programme URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/ukspf-funding-transforms-opportunities-for-residents-through-cannock-chase-discovery-programme/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:05:46.000Z Cannock Chase Council is celebrating the success of the Cannock Chase Discovery Programme, delivered by AKG and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The programme has focused on supporting residents who are unemployed or in low paid work, particularly those facing additional barriers such as poor health, low confidence, limited qualifications, or digital exclusion. Through personalised employment, skills, and wellbeing support, the programme has helped people of all ages build confidence, gain new skills, and move closer to sustainable work. AKG has delivered a wide range of tailored activities across areas such as life skills, accredited training, health and wellbeing, job search support, and inwork coaching. Extended in July 2025 and running until March 2026, the programme has engaged with 235 residents. With the highest levels of participation coming from Bridgtown, Rugeley and Hednesford. Thanks to UKSPF funding, the Discovery Programme has achieved strong results. Since the extension, residents have completed 124 basic skills courses, with 44 gaining a qualification or completing further training. A total of 86 residents were supported to gain employment, and 78 improved their digital skills - helping them access new opportunities and boost their confidence online. A recent social prescribing referral led to encouraging progress for an individual facing financial pressures, anxiety and employment uncertainty. When they were first engaged in February 2026, they were struggling with daytoday pressures, awaiting the outcome of a benefit claim and experiencing limited access to food and essentials. Collaborative intervention helped stabilise their situation: they were enrolled onto the Discovery Programme, connected with support services, and provided with a Household Support Fund grant and foodbank voucher. Recognising the importance of wellbeing, the individual was encouraged to attend the local men’s peer support group “Stand By Me.” Initially hesitant, they soon began attending regularly and reported feeling uplifted and supported. Their progress has since been remarkable. They have secured employment starting this month and are preparing for a gym assessment as part of their routine, and report significantly improved mood, confidence and wellbeing. This story highlights the impact of coordinated person-centred support, showing how practical help, emotional encouragement and community connection can take someone from crisis to renewed stability. The programme has also had a positive impact across the wider community, supporting local events, creating volunteering opportunities, and delivering dedicated training sessions. Councillor Garry Samuels, Portfolio Leader for Regeneration and High Streets, said: > “These results show the real difference UKSPF funding is making to people across Cannock Chase. AKG’s programme is supporting residents who need it most—helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and take positive steps towards a brighter future. We are incredibly proud of the progress made and the positive impact this work is having in our communities.” The Cannock Chase Discovery Programme has made a lasting difference across the district, helping residents overcome personal, health, and financial barriers while supporting them to develop long term skills for employment and education. The strong outcomes demonstrate the value of community focused investment and the strength of partnership working in Cannock Chase. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Families invited to take on the Chase Creatures Trail this Easter URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/families-invited-to-take-on-the-chase-creatures-trail-this-easter/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:05:31.000Z Families are being encouraged to step into the magical world of the Chase Creatures this Easter half term, with a special trail event taking place on **Thursday 9 April, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Marquis Drive Visitor Centre.** Originally launched in 2023, the Chase Creatures Trail was created with the help of local schoolchildren and professional artists, who worked together to design the 12 imaginative characters that now live across Cannock Chase. The trail invites children and families to explore the landscape, discover each character, and learn more about how everyone can help protect this special place. ### Creative Fun and Digital Challenges Alongside the trail, visitors can enjoy hands-on creative activities, including designing their own badge and creating their own character using natural art materials. Families are also encouraged to download the **Cannock Chase Can App** to take on the challenge, collect points and discover more ways to enjoy the outdoors. > The event forms part of the Cannock Chase Can programme and is also one of the engagement opportunities delivered through the Cannock Chase SAC Partnership, which works to promote responsible enjoyment of the Chase and raise awareness of its unique habitats. ### Community Voices **Councillor David Williams, Community Wellbeing Leader for Cannock Chase Council said:** “The Chase Creatures Trail is a brilliant way for families to get outdoors, explore Cannock Chase and learn about the importance of protecting this beautiful landscape. It also supports the health and wellbeing benefits of being active together, and it’s a really exciting challenge for families to undertake using the Cannock Chase Can app. It’s fun, imaginative and completely free to take part, and we’re delighted to offer something so engaging for children this half term.” **Tony Pearce speaking on behalf of the Cannock Chase SAC Partnership, said:** “Cannock Chase is an internationally important habitat, and helping young people understand its wildlife and heritage is vital. The Chase Creatures Trail brings that message to life in a playful and memorable way, and we’re excited to welcome families to this special event.” ### Event Details The event is **free and open to all**, with no booking required. Families can download the Cannock Chase Can App ahead of their visit to get the most from the experience. The trail was developed in partnership with the Cannock Chase Cultural Education Partnership and the Cannock Chase SAC Partnership, who work together to promote creativity, environmental awareness and a deeper connection with the Chase. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Fletcher Moorland Marks 80 Years with Dougie Mac Challenge URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/fletcher-moorland-marks-80-years-with-dougie-mac-challenge/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:05:21.000Z # Fletcher Moorland marks 80 years in business with Dougie Mac fundraising challenge 2026 sees Stoke based engineering specialists, **Fletcher Moorland** celebrate 80 years in business. It was in 1946 that electrical engineer, Sam Fletcher, founded a business to rewind and sell electric motors to the local pottery, mining and manufacturing industries in the area. Fast forward 80 years and the company is today, one of the most respected engineering service providers in the country, having local, National and International reach for its services and products. Still in family ownership, Malcolm Fletcher took over from his father and grew the business. Malcolm’s son, Matt Fletcher took the reins in 2008 and drives the business forward today. Matt said, “We are first and foremost a family business, that doesn’t mean being run by a family, it’s the families working together in the business that make us the success we are today. I’d say that almost half the 120 people here are related to someone else in the business. That makes us rather special, we all support each other”. Fletcher Moorland has some of the most highly skilled engineers in the country. Whether it’s refurbishing a servo drive for a food manufacturing company, rewinding a wind turbine generator, repairing a pump from a theme park. It’s a hive of activity in the Stoke based workshops. Matt Fletcher said “We continually develop our service offering here, recently we’ve set up a precision engineering division to manufacture component parts for our customers. It’s great to bring manufacturing back to Stoke”. Matt reckons that his grandfather would still recognise the core of the business’ activity, however he feels that he’d be amazed at the scope of what Fletcher Moorland offers these days. Celebrating 80 years is a major milestone for the company. When the staff were asked how they’d like to celebrate, an overwhelming suggestion was to tie it to a fundraising campaign for the company’s charity of choice, the **Dougie Mac**. Operations Director, Di Bouchier said “We’ve always supported the Dougie Mac here. Everyone knows somebody who’s been cared for or who had been supported by their wonderful staff. My sister’s final days were in the great care of the Dougie Mac.” Di said that Fletcher Moorland is a people-centric business, so it was right to get all the people involved in a fundraiser. A decision was made to join an 80-year celebration into an **‘Around the World in 80 days’** challenge. Set-up in the company’s conference room is a pair of exercise bikes and a treadmill. All the company’s staff have been challenged to cycle or run the cumulative equivalent of the circumference of the Earth, a total of 24,901 miles, in 80 days. > “We are aiming to raise £80,000 for the Dougie Mac with this and other individual challenges by the time we celebrate our 80 years in business with a gala dinner at the Bet365 stadium on the 4th July.” — **Di Bouchier, Operations Director** By donating using our JustGiving page, you’ll be helping us give back to a charity that means so much to our team and our community — together, we can make a real impact. --- [Support the Challenge on JustGiving](https://www.justgiving.com/team/fml-80-days-around-the-world?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Castle Classics Vintage Car Show Returns to Newcastle-under-Lyme this Saturday URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/castle-classics-vintage-car-show-returns-to-newcastle-under-lyme-this-saturday/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:06:27.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will come alive this Saturday (28th March) as Castle Classics returns for its popular spring edition. Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and supported by The Red Haired Stokie, Envy Autos Ltd and 6 Towns Radio, the event will see the Ironmarket and High Street transformed into a showcase of motoring heritage, bringing together vehicle owners, enthusiasts and visitors from across Staffordshire and beyond. Around 100 retro and vintage vehicles will be on display, spanning more than a century of automotive history. From early 1900s models through to modern classics of the 1990s and early 2000s, the event offers a diverse and visually striking line-up set in the heart of the town centre. Castle Classics is a free, family friendly daytime event, designed to boost footfall and encourage visitors to explore Newcastle-under-Lyme’s retail, hospitality and independent business offer while enjoying the displays. Vehicles will be judged across five categories: Best in Show, Show & Shine, Most Unique, Best Classic and Best Retro, with awards presented from the 6 Towns Radio stage on the Ironmarket at 2:30pm. > “Castle Classics has quickly established itself as a key date in our events calendar. It creates a strong visual presence in the town centre and attracts a wide audience, from dedicated collectors to families enjoying a day out. Events like this play an important role in driving footfall and showcasing Newcastle-under-Lyme as a welcoming and vibrant place to visit.” > > — **Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager** Exhibitor spaces for this weekend’s event are now fully booked. Those interested in taking part in the next Castle Classics can sign up for the autumn edition taking place on Saturday 24th October 2026 -[https://bit.ly/4dFxEYc](https://bit.ly/4dFxEYc?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) **Event details:** - **Date:** Saturday 28th March - **Time:** 10am – 3pm - **Location:** Ironmarket and High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme Follow Newcastle-under-Lyme BID on social media for updates. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Big plans brewing at Spode Works as locals invited to help shape first phase URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/big-plans-brewing-at-spode-works-as-locals-invited-to-help-shape-first-phase/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:06:37.000Z The next chapter for the iconic Spode Works is taking shape and locals are being invited to have their say before plans are submitted to Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Social impact developer Capital&Centric is hosting a drop-in event on Thursday 26 March 3pm–7pm at the China Halls at Spode Works with free pizza, pints and padel. Working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the developer is transforming Spode Works into a landmark destination, breathing new life into the historic pottery factory. Consultation has been launched on phase one, which focuses on bringing the public back to the heart of Spode, with new leisure uses at the site for the first time including a food and drink hangout and padel courts. The plans include a new public walking route through the China Halls, which will connect the heart of site to the Kingsway, and the proposed demolition of Gordon House will reveal the full façade of the historic China Hall. The existing Spode Rose Garden will be extended alongside other new public green spaces. As with all Capital&Centric projects, the approach has been to restore the historic buildings that can be brought back to life while carefully removing parts of the site that are beyond repair. > “Spode Works is packed with proper Stoke history and character, so the aim is simple - keep what makes it special and open it up so people can actually enjoy it again. Phase one gets the ball rolling with new public spaces, places to eat and drink, and even spaces for sport. We’d love locals to pop down, grab a slice and a pint, and tell us what they think.” > > — **Tom Wilmot, Managing Director at Capital&Centric** The drop-in event will be held on Thursday 26 March 3pm–7pm at the China Halls, Spode Works, Elenora Street, ST4\. There is no need to book and members of the team will be on hand to answer questions. Feedback will help shape the plans before they’re submitted, with the consultation open until Monday 6 April. Spode Works once sat at the heart of the UK’s ceramics industry, producing fine bone china and the famous underglaze blue transfer printing that helped put Stoke-on-Trent on the world stage. Now the ambition is to give the historic site a new lease of life - blending heritage with publicly accessible uses, which pave the way for future phases of homes and creative workspaces. The long-term vision for the 10-acre Spode Works site is to transform the historic pottery factory into a buzzing neighbourhood with new homes, indie cafés, bars, restaurants, creative workspaces and lush public spaces. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Clay Together campaign aims to support care-experienced young people in Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/clay-together-campaign-aims-to-support-care-experienced-young-people-in-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:07:29.000Z A fundraising campaign is underway to support a powerful creative project in Stoke-on-Trent that is helping care-experienced young people feel seen, supported and inspired. The Clay Together programme, delivered by British Ceramics Biennial, is aiming to raise £13,500 through the Big Give Arts for Impact campaign. The initiative offers regular creative sessions at the BCB Studio in Stoke, providing a safe and welcoming space for young people to explore clay, develop skills, and connect with others who share similar life experiences. In Stoke-on-Trent, there were 1,156 children in care as of March 2024, the highest rate relative to population of any local authority in England. Many young people with experience of the care system face additional challenges, including social isolation and difficulties with mental health, particularly during their teenage years. Clay Together has been designed to respond directly to these challenges. Through hands-on creative sessions, participants are encouraged to express themselves, build confidence and form meaningful connections in a supportive environment. The programme also gives young people a voice in shaping activities, helping them develop communication and leadership skills. Early sessions have already shown a strong positive impact. Participants and carers have travelled from across the region, including as far as Birmingham, to take part. > “You can have freedom with creativity and whatever you do, there's no limits to what you can choose to do.” > > — **Young Participant** > “One of the most important skills that the children have come away with is a huge increase in confidence and the ability to communicate what they're thinking and their ideas. This will have a huge impact as they go forward in life.” > > — **BCB Associate Artist** Donations to the campaign are being matched for a limited time, meaning every contribution can have double the impact. Supporters are encouraged to donate before midday on 24 March to help the project reach its target and continue delivering these vital sessions for young people across Stoke-on-Trent. Link to find out more and donate -[https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000BKtDJYA1](https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000BKtDJYA1?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Easter craft activities at Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/easter-craft-activities-at-hockerhill-adventure-playbarn-in-brewood/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:07:55.000Z Families looking for something creative to do this Easter can head to Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn in Brewood, where a programme of hands on craft activities will run across the bank holiday weekend and school holidays. Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn (Brewood, Staffordshire) is celebrating Easter with a variety of one-off crafting activities to help families get egg-cited over the bank holiday weekend and school holidays. Between 10:30am and 3:30pm on selected days, visitors to the luxury playbarn can: - Embellish egg wreaths (30th March) - Create paper daffodils (31st March) - Decorate Easter greeting cards (2nd April) - Make chocolate Easter nests (3rd April) - Try potato egg printing (4th April) - Fashion bunny headbands (6th April) - Assemble cute cardboard bunnies (9th April) - Enjoy spring-themed colouring sheets (10th April) > “The ethos behind Hockerhill is to ignite imaginations, spark joy and encourage children to get stuck into different activities and this Easter, our crafting table will be doing just that. We’re confident that children of all ages will find something they enjoy during the sessions, as well as making the most of the exciting and varied play spaces Hockerhill holds both inside and outside.” > > — **Sophie Galantini, General Manager at Hockerhill** Owned and managed by the Chillington Hall Estate, Hockerhill is designed by Creating Adventurous Places (CAP.Co), the award winning play creators. The popular attraction takes inspiration from the estate’s history, featuring a giant mock oak tree modelled on the one that King Charles II hid in as he fled the Battle of Worcester. Explorers can climb the trunk of the tree before heading along high level walkways, crossing bridges, slipping down slides and setting their fastest lap times on the pedal go kart track, which starts indoors and continues outside along a winding circuit. The spacious outdoor area is ideal for spring sunshine, offering zip lines, swings for all ages, slides and a sand pit. There is also ample outdoor seating where guests can relax and enjoy food and refreshments from the award winning Hockerhill café. From the new spring menu, visitors can enjoy Superfood Granola served with Greek yoghurt, fresh berries and honey, Smashed Avocado on Toast and Full English breakfasts. Light bites include sandwiches and warming paninis, alongside juicy burgers with beef, chicken and vegetarian options, and hand rolled sourdough pizzas. > “Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch to fuel your family, Hockerhill’s café has options for everyone, including those with intolerances and allergies. One of our proudest achievements is winning ‘Best Food and Beverage of the Year’ award at the recent National Farm Attractions Awards and we’re grateful to be recognised for our nourishing food, top quality coffee and wide range of choice.” > > — **Tessa Giffard, Co-founder of Hockerhill** Tickets start from £7.50 for adults, £8.50 for children and £5 for toddlers. Those under one enter for free, with discounts available for Blue Light Card holders, military forces personnel, carers and guardians. To book, visit:[www.hockerhill.com](http://www.hockerhill.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Charlie and Tessa Giffard are the 30th generation of Giffards to inhabit Chillington Hall, as they strive to preserve the best of the past, capturing the beauty and grace of another era yet modernising the estate and serving the diverse needs of the local community. First and foremost a family home in the heart of Staffordshire, it is open on selected days through the year and hosts a rich programme of events such as guided walks, private dining and group tours. Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn is the estate’s latest venture. Inspired by its rich history, where King Charles II hid in the oak tree at Boscobel House to escape the hands of Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of Worcester, Hockerhill features a mock oak tree in the heart of the playbarn. It includes a central turret for children to explore the many bridges, high level walkways, tunnels, slides and rope equipment that awaits them, as well as a pedal go kart track for thrill seekers. For more information, please visit[www.chillingtonhall.co.uk](http://www.chillingtonhall.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)or[www.hockerhill.com](http://www.hockerhill.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Better Together partners with Potters Bank to support Stoke-on-Trent residents URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/better-together-partners-with-potters-bank-to-support-stoke-on-trent-residents/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:07:46.000Z A new partnership between Better Together and Potters Bank is set to provide practical financial support to local residents in Stoke-on-Trent. Better Together will welcome Hannah Harrison from Potters Bank to their Community HQ in Trent Vale on Thursday 19th March, marking the beginning of an ongoing working relationship between the charity and the credit union. The collaboration aims to help people access clear information and guidance about affordable savings and loan options. Potters Bank is supported by Just Credit Union, a not-for-profit community savings and loans cooperative owned by its members and managed for their mutual benefit. Established in 2001, Just Credit Union has branches in Worcester, Stafford and several other locations across the Midlands. Like its other branches across the region, Potters Bank offers simple and secure savings accounts and fair personal loans with no hidden fees. The credit union also encourages people to build savings while supporting the wider community. The creation of the credit union has been supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council as an additional source of financial support alongside services already provided in partnership with Citizens Advice through the council’s Supporting Our City initiative. At the official launch of Potters Bank in November last year, Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, described the initiative as “great news for the city because it is all about providing low-cost, safe loans and helping people avoid the trap of dangerous debt”. She added that it was “about helping those people who most need support and sits alongside the wide-ranging help we provide to combat the cost-of-living crisis through campaigns such as Help is at Hand”. > “we know that many of the people who come to our warm space and other events struggling financially... hopefully by working with Potters Bank we can help them to navigate through the confusing world of savings and loans to find a solution that works for them” > > — **Dawn O’Keefe, Better Together CEO** The partnership comes at a time when many people continue to face financial pressure. Figures published by Citizens Advice in January this year showed the number of people contacting the organisation for debt advice has risen by 45% since 2021\. Over the same period, the average debt people were struggling with increased from £6,500 to £8,900. Anne Pardoe, head of policy at Citizens Advice, said it was “clear that the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away”, and that too many people are still “battling to keep their heads above water”. Hannah Harrison from Potters Bank said: “we are excited to be partnering with Better Together to help people in the community access safe and ethical savings accounts and loans”. As part of the initiative, Hannah will be visiting community venues across the city during March through the Potteries Money Hub advice sessions supported by the new credit union. The Better Together Community HQ is located at 4 Woodberry Close, Trent Vale, ST4 5DP and is open between 9.30am and 12pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke Lanterns 2026 returns to Stoke with lantern parade and shadow play URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-lanterns-2026-returns-to-stoke-with-lantern-parade-and-shadow-play/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:07:37.000Z Stoke Lanterns 2026: Stories in the Shadows giant lantern puppets, projections, music, candle-lit lanterns, walkabout performers, a very special large-scale shadow play and more! Friday 20th March, gathering at 6.30pm outside Stoke Library, South Wolfe Street (ST4 4SZ), and will finish with a finale at the Brilliant Bamboo brownfield site on Boothen Road (ST4 4AH). Stoke Lanterns returns for its fourth year on Friday 20th March and will include lots of magical extras! This year attendees are invited on an adventure to help Luma find the Lamp-lighter and bring the fire back to our town. The event is run by Stoke-based arts organisation B. ARTS and brings together different community groups for a celebration of light and community on the streets of Stoke-upon-Trent. This year’s event will feature over 120 lanterns made in community workshops – at Stoke Indoor Market, Spode Museum, Brilliant Bamboo, B. ARTS Climate Café, Ukrainian Family Support, Princes Trust and more! Each is decorated with symbols celebrating each venue. The parade will also include large-scale feature lanterns – including ‘Ember’, a fiery fox made by participants in B. ARTS masterclass workshop, and a specially commissioned ‘Lamp-lighter puppet’ made by the B. ARTS studio team, who will lead the way through the town. The parade will be joined by Dan Fox from Sound Intervention and his two projector bikes – projecting specially commissioned illustrations along the buildings the parade passes. The projections have been created by Stoke-based artist Kidda Kinsey – and bring elements of the story and the town’s heritage to life! The bikes will also play original music created by composer Rachel Gladwin, working with the imaginative children in Years 1 and 2 at Stoke Minster Primary School. The short parade will go from the Library round Kingsway, past the Kings Hall, Stoke Minster and along Boothen Road, before reaching its final destination – Brilliant Bamboo Parklet. As part of the finale, audiences will see a Shadow Play (created by Kate Powell and Julie Moss, based on a short story by Holly Johnson, accompanied by live harp music from Rachel Gladwin). Everyone is welcome to join the parade, and there will be a limited number of spare lanterns for anyone who would like to carry one in the procession. People are also welcome to join in and walk the parade without one. The lanterns are made from willow and tissue paper and are carried on bamboo poles; they are not let loose and do not harm wildlife. > “We are so excited to be working with the wonderful people of Stoke-upon-Trent and some brilliant local artists to bring Stoke Lanterns back for a fourth year. The community support for the event has been fantastic and we cannot wait to share some of the beautiful work that has been created.” > > — **Holly Johnson, Stoke Lanterns Co-Producer** **Access:** The parade will move from outside Stoke Library to the finale point at Brilliant Bamboo. The route is short and accessible (with drop kerbs). There is an accessible portaloo on site at Brilliant Bamboo and some seating. There will be a dedicated access steward at the event (in a pink high-vis marked ‘Access’). We do expect the event to be busy and it will include an amplified soundtrack. Please do let us know any access needs we can support with, or ask any questions, by contacting Rebecca at info@b-arts.org.uk or messaging 07557 797695. **Funders:** Stoke Lanterns is part of B. ARTS’ Cascade programme supported by Stoke Creates and Arts Council England, the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund (supported by the UK Government and Historic England), and the Animate 72 project funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Staffordshire creative health project offers free Parkinson’s training at New Vic Theatre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-creative-health-project-offers-free-parkinsons-training-at-new-vic-theatre/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:08:14.000Z Communities, local groups and activity providers from across Staffordshire are being encouraged to try a free local creative health training programme from Upswing. Supported by Parkinson’s UK, the physical activity programme aims to help more local people with Parkinson’s to live well in a fun and creative way. **When:** Saturday 28 March from 1pm to 6pm **Where:** New Vic Theatre, Etruria Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0JG **Cost:** Free Called *Homemade Circus*, the free training session will teach participants about the principles of accessible circus skills, which are all designed to help more local people with Parkinson’s to live well with the condition. In the free training session, participants will learn about the key principles of delivering the Homemade Circus sessions for people with Parkinson’s and how creative health and movement can be adapted to support people with Parkinson’s. The aim of the training session is to deliver more circus skills sessions for people living with Parkinson’s across Staffordshire. No previous experience of movement or creative health training is required, and the training session is delivered by an experienced team. Being active can have many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s, including: - Improved balance and coordination - Better strength, flexibility and mobility - Improved sense of wellbeing and mindfulness - Better memory and cognitive skills - Greater social interaction - Improved speech and communication skills Celine McKillion, Senior Producer at Upswing, said: “We are grateful for this support from Parkinson’s UK to adapt our successful Homemade Circus programme for communities with Parkinson’s in the Staffordshire area. “We have seen how this kind of circus activity can bring huge benefits in improving the physical mobility, balance, coordination and wellbeing of participants, and we are really excited to pass these skills and benefits on.” For more information about the new Upswing project, contact Anna Duncan at anna@upswing.org.uk. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Government urged to act to save Burleigh Pottery after Denby files notice to appoint administrators URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/government-urged-to-act-to-save-burleigh-pottery-after-denby-files-notice-to-appoint-administrators/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:08:23.000Z Government urged to support Burleigh Pottery and ceramics industry after Denby files notice of intention to appoint administrators Calls have been made for government support for the ceramics industry after the owners of Burleigh Pottery confirmed they have filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. The Denby Group, which owns both Denby Pottery and Stoke-on-Trent-based Burgess & Leigh, the makers of Burleigh Pottery, confirmed the move as a precautionary step while it continues to explore funding and restructuring options. Despite the announcement, the company said that Denby, Burgess & Leigh and its international subsidiaries will continue to trade while discussions continue with potential investors. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2737.jpg) Founded in 1809 during the reign of King George III, Denby Pottery has produced ceramics for more than two centuries and exports its products around the world, including to markets in South Korea, the United States, Canada, Ireland and China, alongside more than twenty other countries. In a statement, the company said the business has faced increasingly difficult trading conditions in recent years. Reduced consumer confidence has softened demand for premium homeware products, while rising employment costs and significant increases in industrial energy prices have placed additional pressure on the business. The company also said it had been unable to secure a suitable investment partner so far, partly due to tighter financial markets. Filing the notice of intention to appoint administrators provides short-term protection while the search for a strategic partner continues, either for the Denby Group as a whole or for its individual brands. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2736.jpg) In Stoke-on-Trent, the news has prompted concern about the future of the historic Burleigh Pottery factory in Middleport. Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said the business remains viable and called for government support for the sector. > “We believe that Burleigh Pottery, the Stoke-on-Trent business owned by Denby, is viable and has a full order book. The management has detailed plans ready to invest to transform the business performance in the next 12 months in response to this growing order book. We will do all we can to assist the firm in lobbying the government to provide necessary support." > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** “This is a difficult time for the ceramics industry. While we welcome the renewed pledge from the Prime Minister to look at support for the ceramics industry, in response to Stoke-on-Trent North and Kidsgrove MP David Williams' question, now it is time for the government to act rapidly and drive investment on energy costs to support sustainable businesses like Burleigh. This will not only respect our industrial heritage but provide investment in our future.” Union representatives have also described the situation as concerning for workers. GMB union organiser Craig Thomson said the announcement would be worrying for employees but emphasised the importance of the ceramics sector to Britain’s manufacturing heritage. He said Britain’s ceramics industry is respected worldwide and called for urgent government intervention on energy costs to support the sector through what he described as a turbulent period. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2735.jpg) Meanwhile, Amber Valley MP Linsey Farnsworth said she had already held an urgent meeting with the company and was working with government departments to explore all possible options to secure a positive outcome for the business. She said Denby remains a world-class manufacturer that continues to meet demand, and she will continue to act as a link between the company and the Department for Business and Trade while potential solutions are explored. For Stoke-on-Trent, the situation highlights the wider pressures currently facing the ceramics industry, where manufacturers are balancing rising costs with the need to protect skills, jobs and a globally recognised heritage that has defined the region for generations. *Photos by - Natalee Trowbridge, The Staffordshire Signal* #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Nam Jai Thai opens in Fenton, bringing authentic Thai flavours to Victoria Road URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/nam-jai-thai-opens-in-fenton-bringing-authentic-thai-flavours-to-victoria-road/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:08:05.000Z A new Thai takeaway has opened its doors in Fenton, and early customers are already calling it a hidden gem. Nam Jai Thai, located on Victoria Road in Fenton, is the latest venture from experienced Thai chef Jeck, who many local food lovers may already recognise from her previous work across Staffordshire. Jeck is no stranger to the local food scene. Over the years she has run a restaurant in Uttoxeter, operated a popular takeaway in Cheadle, and travelled across the county with her mobile Thai catering van. She has also been a resident chef in several Staffordshire pubs, serving freshly cooked Thai dishes to diners looking for something a little different. With years of experience behind her, Jeck has steadily refined and perfected her menu, and the new Fenton takeaway brings together what many are saying is her best selection of dishes yet. Nam Jai Thai focuses on fresh, authentic flavours, with a menu packed with classic Thai favourites. From rich and comforting curries to fragrant stir fries and traditional starters, every dish is cooked fresh and designed to capture the bold flavours Thailand is known for. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2745.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2744.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2743.jpg) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2742.jpg) Early reviews from customers suggest the new takeaway is already making a strong impression. > “Gorgeous Thai food, felt like we were back in Thailand. Highly recommend.” > > — **Phoebe, Customer** > “Absolutely lovely, everyone’s really enjoyed it. So fresh and tasty. Honestly can’t thank you enough. We will certainly be regulars.” > > — **Daniel, Customer** Rhiann described the takeaway as a “little gem”, saying: “First time we have tried this little gem, absolutely gorgeous food and excellent service. We will definitely be back.” Chris was equally enthusiastic about the quality of the food and the value for money: “I tried this last Sunday and let me just say it's probably the best Thai food I've ever had. Jeck and Jo, the experts in the kitchen, are masters at what they do. Fantastic beautiful food at reasonable prices, highly recommend it, give it a try you won't be disappointed.” Another customer praised the range and quality of the dishes: “Fantastic food, great portions, great value for top quality Thai food. Had the chicken massaman, spring rolls, chicken satay, Thai green curry, beef garlic and pepper. All beautiful, 100% recommended.” With its growing reputation for fresh, flavour packed dishes and generous portions, Nam Jai Thai is quickly becoming a go to spot for anyone looking to try something new for their next takeaway night. If you enjoy authentic Thai cooking and bold flavours, this new Fenton takeaway might just become your next food obsession. You can find their menu on facebook, "Nam Jai Thai Fenton" **Facebook:** **Address:** 74 Victoria Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent **Telephone:** 01782 526271 #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Uttoxeter Nordic walking group makes urgent plea for new local volunteers URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/uttoxeter-nordic-walking-group-makes-urgent-plea-for-new-local-volunteers/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:08:35.000Z A Uttoxeter Nordic walking group which supports local people with Parkinson’s communities to live well is now looking for two new volunteers to join the team; a Nordic Walking Instructor and a Walk Leader. To support the new roles, fully funded accredited training will be provided by the Uttoxeter Parkinson's Support Group, using grant funding from Parkinson’s UK to support the successful candidates. **When:** bi-weekly on Mondays from 1.30pm (contact the event organiser for dates) **Where:** Uttoxeter Leisure Centre, Oldfields Road, Uttoxeter, ST14 7QL **Cost:** £3 per person Delivered by an experienced accredited Nordic walking instructor and supported by funding from Parkinson’s UK, the Nordic walking sessions continue to grow in popularity with local residents living with Parkinson’s, and the group is now looking for extra volunteers to support the group in the future. All walks are located at venues with accessible parking and toilets, and every walk can be tailored to the needs of the individual, with all ages and abilities welcome to join in. No previous volunteering experience or Nordic walking experience is needed to volunteer with the new group and training can be provided. Participants are recommended to wear warm and comfortable outdoor clothing, and footwear that is suitable for outdoor walking. It is also recommended to bring a bottle of water and a snack for the walk. ### **How Nordic walking can help people to live well with Parkinson’s** Nordic walking is shown to have many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. These can include: - reduced stiffness - better/increased mobility - better bone health and flexibility - better mood and feeling of wellbeing - more energy and improved sleep - reduced stress and anxiety - better balance and coordination - increased muscle strength and joint health - improved cardiovascular health > “I am delighted to see the growth of the new Nordic walking classes for local people living with Parkinson's. Nordic walking can be really beneficial for a person's physical and mental wellbeing, plus it's a great way to improve social interaction for local communities and I'm really grateful to Parkinson's UK for helping me to deliver these new sessions. I would definitely recommend giving the new sessions a go as no previous experience is required and everyone is welcome to give Nordic walking a try. I hope that I can make a big difference to people living locally with Parkinson's." > > — **Barbara Mawbey, Accredited British Nordic Walking Instructor** To register your interest in becoming a Nordic walking volunteer, contact nuttingsue@gmail.com For more information about participating in the Nordic walking classes, contact Barbara Mawbey on 07732 115 411. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Council land deal set to protect open space and support key improvements across Stoke-on-Trent URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-land-deal-set-to-protect-open-space-and-support-key-improvements-across-stoke-on-trent/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T13:55:06.000Z Council strikes land deal that will safeguard public open space and boost key developments and improvements across city. The city council has acquired six pieces of land from a major developer in Stoke-on-Trent for a minimal fee. St Modwen Properties has agreed a deal to transfer a number of sites it owns across the city to the authority as part of a single package. The agreement will help the council carry out a series of improvement projects, including supporting a key public transport link road, enhancing children’s play facilities and ensuring popular greenspace is safeguarded for future generations. The sites are: - **Land at Newport Lane, Burslem (1.45 acres):** This parcel of land will support delivery of the multi-million-pound Newport Lane Link Road, a key project in the local Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). This will improve bus reliability and safer active travel by reducing congestion delays and will create smoother connections between Burslem and Tunstall and Etruria Valley. It supports BSIP objectives by enhancing punctuality, increasing network capacity and encouraging a shift to public transport, benefitting all road users. - **Land known as ‘South Stoke Play Park’, Edgbaston Drive, Trentham Lakes (1.93 acres):** Potential improvements will focus on the exiting children’s play facility and multi-use games area. The council intends to use money from the £500,000 parks and greenspace capital improvements project to give the play area a “spring clean” and to replace and restore panels behind football goals on the games area. - **Land at Berryhill Fields (148 acres):** The council intends to ensure this site is safeguarded as public open space and will work with other landowners and Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to maximise its potential as a natural asset alongside the existing council-owned nature reserve. Over the coming months, the council will engage with the surrounding communities to explore ideas and what can be done. - **Mossfield Road, Longton (3.85 acres):** The council is reviewing what potential works need to be carried out to the roadway. The intention is to invest in essential works to bring the road up to highways adoption standard. This includes alleviating drainage and flooding issues. The site connects to Berryhill Fields, opening up other connectivity options for the future. - **Land to the east of Woodpark Lane and Lightwood Lane, Longton (22 acres):** Options are being reviewed in terms of potential development on the land. It has been identified as part of a Broad Location in the draft Local Plan for residential development. This has been the subject to a public consultation and feedback is still being reviewed. - **The headlease for Festival Park (165 acres):** The council has put in place arrangements for the continuity of the management of the popular retail, hospitality and leisure park and surrounding greenspace to ensure that it continues to be maintained safely and to a good standard. > “We believe this is a best-value use of council resources because acquiring the package of land enables us to gain control of some key strategic sites that have great potential, both in the short and long term." > > — **Councillor Sarah Hill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Anti-poverty and Corporate Services** “These include land at Berryhill Fields, where acquiring the site enables its protection and enhancement as part of a wider area of publicly accessible open space with improved biodiversity. In addition, acquiring the Newport Lane site enables connectivity with the proposed Newport Lane Bridge as part of the Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP), which will enable us to provide a bus-only link connecting the north of the city with employment opportunities in Etruria Valley.” #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour launches linking Gladstone Pottery Museum and Duchess China URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/beyond-the-bottle-oven-tour-launches-linking-gladstone-pottery-museum-and-duchess-china/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:08:46.000Z A new visitor experience linking Stoke-on-Trent’s famous ceramics heritage with its living industry has been launched at Gladstone Pottery Museum. The **Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour** offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the city’s pottery story from past to present, beginning at the historic Gladstone site before continuing across the road in Longton to the working factory of **Duchess China 1888**, one of the UK’s remaining fine bone china manufacturers. The launch event brought together industry leaders, heritage organisations, artists, and community groups, highlighting how Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics story continues to evolve. The event featured **Ben Miller**, Head of Museums at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, who spoke about the history and heritage of the ceramics industry and its direction today and into the future. The keynote address was delivered by **Keith Brymer Jones**, ceramic designer, head of design for MAKE International and a judge on *The Great Pottery Throw Down*. A passionate advocate for ceramics and for Stoke-on-Trent, he spoke about the importance of celebrating the skills, creativity, and cultural significance of the industry. A panel discussion followed, hosted by **Isla Telford**, Co-Director of Urban Wilderness CIC, with contributions from **Jason Simms**, Director of Duchess China, alongside Keith Brymer Jones and Ben Miller. > "The aim... is to bring attention back to the present day industry and the highly skilled craftspeople who continue to keep these traditions alive." > > — **Jason Simms, Director of Duchess China** The tour begins at Gladstone Pottery Museum, where visitors experience the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a traditional pottery factory. From the towering bottle ovens to the steam engine and historic workshops, the site offers an immersive insight into the working conditions and craftsmanship that shaped the city. Guests then visit Duchess China, where many of those historic skills are still used today in modern production. Inside the factory, fine bone china still passes through an average of **30 pairs of hands** before it is finished, demonstrating the skill and craftsmanship required to create Stoke-on-Trent pottery. Although modern kilns have replaced the old bottle ovens, many traditional processes remain, including hand finishing, attaching handles, and detailed decorative work. The initiative aims to show visitors that the city’s ceramics story is not simply history. It is a living industry that continues to employ skilled craftspeople and export Stoke-on-Trent pottery around the world. Speakers at the launch also highlighted the importance of reconnecting younger generations with the city’s ceramics heritage. Educational tours, school visits, and hands-on experiences are designed to inspire interest in pottery skills and potential careers within the industry. Media exposure is also helping to drive interest. The BBC series *The Great Pottery Throw Down*, filmed at Gladstone for five years, has brought global attention to the skill and creativity of pottery making, encouraging many viewers to explore ceramics themselves. Community partnerships also play an important role. Local arts organisations and cultural groups are working together to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s identity as the world capital of ceramics, with events such as Longton’s Pigwalk parade attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Industry leaders also emphasised the need for stronger marketing and government support to promote Stoke-on-Trent ceramics internationally and address challenges such as skills shortages and rising energy costs. By combining heritage, industry, education, and tourism, the Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour aims to help visitors understand the full story of Stoke-on-Trent ceramics, from historic bottle ovens to modern factory floors. ### **Book the Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour** Visitors interested in experiencing the story of Stoke-on-Trent ceramics from past to present can now book onto the **Beyond the Bottle Oven Tour**, which combines heritage and industry in one guided experience. **The tour includes:** - A guided tour of **Gladstone Pottery Museum** - Potters lunch at the Gladstone Café - A behind-the-scenes visit to **Duchess China 1888 Ltd factory** in Longton **Tour details** - **Group size:** Maximum 12 people - **Price:** £45 per person - **Duration:** Approximately 3–4 hours **Upcoming tour dates** - 25 March – 10:30am - 22 April – 10:30am **To book** - **Email:** gladstone@stoke.gov.uk - **Telephone:** 01782 237777 Spaces are limited to ensure visitors can safely experience the working factory environment, so early booking is recommended. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Capital & Centric Turns Multi-Storey Car Park Into Homes in UK First URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/capital-centric-turns-multi-storey-car-park-into-homes-in-uk-first/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:09:13.000Z ## **Capital & Centric Turns Multi-Storey Car Park Into Homes in UK First** **Article by: Jenna Goodwin** Social impact developer Capital&Centric has begun turning a car park into a pioneering new neighbourhood in a UK-first. The former Midway car park is now being hollowed out to create a stunning, triple-height atrium, where the raw concrete frame is softened by cascading gardens and light-filled social spaces. Work is now underway to transform the unloved building into a community of 111 apartments. The design-led layouts are built for light and space, topped off with a brand-new floor of penthouse apartments featuring distinctive red pitched roofs. Residents will also get access to some serious amenities. The building will feature a social hub, gym, mini-cine and lounge, bringing a big city lifestyle to the town centre and giving people a place to hang out, work out or catch a movie. By saving the building, the project locks in a shed load of embodied carbon that would otherwise be lost. Every single home at Karparc comes with its own slice of the outdoors too. The neighbourhood will feature generous private balconies and roof terraces with integrated edge planters – providing green sanctuary for residents while creating a striking new look for the town centre. > "People doubted it would work but karparc is set to be something truly unique. Taking a concrete hulk of parking spaces and turning them into a buzzing new neighbourhood is something you won’t find anywhere else in the UK. It’s a creative way to solve the housing crisis and protect the planet, by re-using a building with tons of embodied carbon." > > — **John Moffat, Joint Managing Director at Capital&Centric** “Starting the transformation proves the naysayers wrong and now that we’re under construction, people will quickly see the changes happening. It will bring energy back to the town centre and create a neighbourhood that’s packed with character, light, and loads of greenery.” Simon Tagg, Council Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: > “This brilliantly innovative design, which is attracting interest from across Europe, will turn an old Newcastle landmark into a brand new one. Along with the other developments at Rye Park and York Place, it is a delight to see brownfield land and derelict buildings repurposed and become hundreds of homes boosting our town centre economy.” **Karparc will feature:** \* **The Homes** – 111 apartments with character-packed, open-plan layouts that you just don't get with standard new builds. - **The Hangouts** – A residents’ lounge, social hub, gym and mini-cine. These spaces bring a big city lifestyle to Newcastle under-Lyme, making it easy to host movie nights, smash a workout or get some work done without having to leave the building. - **The Look** – Brutalist architecture meets lush greenery. The contrast between the heavy concrete and the new landscaping creates a striking aesthetic, with plenty of lush greenery to chill out in and escape the noise of the town centre. - **The Impact** – A UK first for repurposing a car park, saving tonnes of embodied carbon. Living here means being part of a pioneering community that prioritises the planet by giving an old building a new life. The project is part of a wider £60mn regeneration of Newcastle-under-Lyme, supported by the Borough Council and recently backed by a £19m funding boost from Homes England. It sits alongside Capital&Centric’s other upcoming town centre sites, “Astley Place” (the former York Place shopping centre) and “Rye Park” (a buzzing new neighbourhood in the Ryecroft area of Newcastle-under-Lyme). The community is expected to complete in mid-2027\. Currently investing £3 million a week across eight live construction sites, Capital&Centric is driving regeneration in towns and cities nationwide, from Wolverhampton to Gateshead and Sheffield, where its Eyewitness Works featured on Channel 4’s The Big Interiors Battle. The company recently announced an £860m joint venture with Swiss Life and Homes England to deliver over 2,250 homes in under invested areas in England. They are also creating a new town centre alongside 2,000 homes in Cambridgeshire’s new town Northstowe. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Lucky Leek residents wins Community Lottery jackpot URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/lucky-leek-residents-wins-community-lottery-jackpot/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:09:03.000Z They say charity begins at home – and for one lucky Leek resident, that proved to be true when he won the jackpot in the Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery. The winner, who wishes to be identified only as Kevin, won the top prize of £25,000 in a recent draw. Describing it as a “shock at first” he said he chose to play the Community Lottery because: “The principle of supporting causes that are more locally based to the area I live is something I like the idea of. In this way, I know financial support is directed to my local community, whether that is charities or projects that I’m more likely to see some benefit from. “The nice thing is we don’t need to think about spending the winnings as it’s a bonus to be enjoyed. Whilst the winnings might not be life changing, they are a great opportunity for a bit of luxury or a treat from time to time which will make it a rather a memorable and special year for us. Plus, we’ll no doubt also give a small amount to a local charity or the church. “We’ve never won a thing, so it can happen, but you’ve got to be in it to win it. So I would encourage everyone to get yourself in, even if it’s only one number, and you too could be a winner. Plus, it’s reassuring to know your money is helping your community.” Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery is an online weekly lottery drawn at 8pm every Saturday. Tickets cost £1 and all funds raised go to good causes that benefit the local community in the Moorlands. Players can choose a specific good cause to support or they can support the Lottery Central Fund which is distributed to the community by a committee. > “It’s fantastic to see a local player winning the jackpot. Ticket buyers are helping to provide much-needed funds for a host of community organisations and groups who are doing such good work right across the Moorlands – something that we know they very much appreciate." > > — **Councillor Bill Cawley, Cabinet Member for Communities** “To have a local resident win the top prize just adds to the good news stories that our Community Lottery is delivering every week. I’m delighted for Kevin – I hope he enjoys his winnings and the positive feeling of giving back to your community that comes from playing the Moorlands lottery.” Find out more about the causes the lottery supports and how you can get involved on the Lottery website. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke-on-Trent launches discounted Active Heroes leisure membership for veterans URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-launches-discounted-active-heroes-leisure-membership-for-veterans/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:09:19.000Z Stoke-on-Trent steps up support for armed forces heroes as leisure services offer reduced membership for veterans Veterans and those serving in the armed forces can sign up to the ‘Active Heroes’ membership – meaning they can access the city’s leisure facilities at a reduced rate. The offer forms part of the city council’s commitment to supporting the city’s armed forces communities. At Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Dimensions and the Wallace Centre, residents who have served will be entitled to a 30% discount on gym memberships. In addition, they will also be able to bring one child swimming for free, meaning they can access activities with their young families at a reduced rate. There will be no joining fee and no contract expectations – eligible people can visit one of the leisure centres and prove eligibility through their armed forces identification. **Prices for the Active Heroes offer are:** - Dimensions - £18.20 per month - Fenton Manor - £23.80 per month - Wallace Centre - £16.45 per month - Multi-site membership - £25.90 per month The city council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012 – a national promise to make sure those who are serving or have served in the armed forces are treated fairly and equally. It is about working together to support the armed forces community through understanding the challenges they face, creating chances for connection and encouraging them to take part in local events and projects. The new scheme builds on the Gold Award the city council holds from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme – which encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. > “Our armed forces communities carry out vital work, and we are committed as a city council to supporting them. This offer will mean more residents who have served can access many leisure facilities at a discounted rate, which will help towards their physical and mental wellbeing. I encourage all who are eligible to take advantage of this offer.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent and Armed Forces Champion, said: “As a veteran, I am so proud that our city is so supportive of the armed forces and that veterans are treated with fairness and understanding. It is important we continue to recognise their contribution and create opportunities for them to make connections and be active in the community.” To find out more, visit the Active Stoke website:[Memberships – Active Stoke](https://activestoke.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Business Celebrates a Quarter of a Century With 25 Acts of Community Kindness URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/business-celebrates-a-quarter-of-a-century-with-25-acts-of-community-kindness/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:09:34.000Z A flexible office space and co working provider with four locations in Stoke-on-Trent and the Northwest is celebrating 25 years in business. Business Lodge launched their first flexible office space in Bury a quarter of a century ago, when flexible working and hot desking had rarely been heard of and Harry Potter’s Sorcerer’s Stone was the highest grossing film of the year. The company which started out in Europa House in Bury, now has four buildings on the same site as well as one office in Widnes and two in Stoke-on-Trent (one in Fenton and one in Heron Cross, which was officially opened in January after a £1.5 million investment.) Now a special celebratory party has been held with a DJ and band to mark the occasion where the team pledged to carry out 25 individual acts of community across the group. The first of which is supporting Homeless UK with food donations. As facilities have grown, millions of pounds have been invested over the years in improving office space and ensuring facilities are both contemporary and meet client demand. When it first opened Europa House had space for 170 workers, it now accommodates more than 1000 workstations and more than 2,000 across all sites. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/sitemgr_photo_2702.jpg) BusinessLodge founder Antony Meier took the plunge into flexible office space after being approached by the council. He had previously operated in the town as a weaving company employing many local people. The company launched by offering flexible 24-hour office agreements and working space, computers and serviced internet, which were all unheard of at the time. Now across all sites, BusinessLodge employs a team of 35, offers full serviced office accommodation, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, gym, kitchen and parking facilities as well as dog friendly working arrangements. Offices vary in space from one person offices to spaces big enough for teams of 100. The company prides itself on not only providing high quality, affordable, flexible working space but a business community too. Pop up and community events to help support local businesses are held regularly across all sites as well as networking events, designed to get companies working together to help grow their businesses. > “We are extremely proud to be celebrating 25 years of Business Lodge. What started as a vision to create supportive, flexible workspaces has grown into something much bigger than any of us could have expected - business communities that have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed. > > Over the past quarter of a century, BusinessLodge has played a vital role in supporting local businesses and strengthening the local economy in each of the areas we operate. Seeing companies develop from early ideas into established employers has been incredibly rewarding, and it reinforces why creating the right environment for businesses to succeed really makes a difference. I can’t wait to see how BusinessLodge continues to grow and support businesses in the future.” > > — **Kate Holt, BusinessLodge Managing Director** Although the space is flexible and can and is used as short term space BusinessLodge prides itself on creating an environment where businesses can stay for longer too. A number of companies have been with them for more than 20 years. Since opening in 2001, they’ve housed more than 2000 companies across their sites and have won multiple awards, including winning the Excellence in Customer Services award at the 2022 Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) awards and gaining runners up in 2024. To find out more please go to:[https://www.businesslodge.co.uk/](https://www.businesslodge.co.uk/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Keele graduate’s rise to President of Namibia celebrated for International Women’s Day URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-graduates-rise-to-president-of-namibia-celebrated-for-international-womens-day/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:09:28.000Z To mark International Women's Day, Keele University is celebrating alumna Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who made history in 2024 when she became Namibia's first female president. From her time as a student on Keele's campus to leading a nation, Netumbo has built a career in public service and international leadership, becoming one of Namibia’s most influential political figures. The country's fifth president, Netumbo graduated from Keele in 1989 with a Master's degree in Diplomatic Studies. She has served in high government office in the country for more than a quarter of a century and is Keele's first graduate to become a Head of State. Netumbo looks back on her time at Keele with fondness and highlights how her Diplomatic Studies degree shaped her understanding of leadership, nationhood, and international collaboration. > “Leading a nation is both an honour and a profound responsibility, particularly during challenging moments when citizens look to leadership for reassurance and direction. My journey to national leadership has been shaped by Namibia's struggle for independence and by the collective sacrifices of a generation that believed deeply in freedom, equality, and human dignity." > > — **Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia** “My time at Keele University remains a deeply meaningful chapter in my life. The university fostered strong cooperation between local and international students, creating a supportive academic environment grounded in mutual respect and shared learning. My time at Keele also coincided with an important personal milestone, as I became a mother during my studies. “I benefited greatly from the support and guidance of academic staff, including Professor Alan James, whose commitment to students made a lasting impact. It was a pleasure to later welcome him to Namibia during one of his visits while I was serving as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. “My studies in Diplomatic Relations gave me a solid foundation in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful conflict resolution. They broadened my understanding of nationhood, sovereignty, and the responsibilities of statehood in a connected world, while deepening my appreciation for how nations protect their interests and work together to promote international peace and cooperation. “Keele's campus setting created an atmosphere conducive to focused study and intellectual engagement. The university fostered critical thinking, international solidarity, and appreciation for dialogue among people from diverse cultural and political backgrounds.” Netumbo's political career began in 1966 when she joined the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO), a political party and former independence movement, at the age of 14\. She left the country in 1974 in exile to campaign for Namibia's independence before returning to Namibia shortly after graduating from Keele. Following Namibia's independence in 1990, she was appointed the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. During her political career, Netumbo has held the positions of Minister of Women's Affairs and Child Welfare (2000-2005), Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2005-2010), Minister of Environment and Tourism (2010-2012), and Minister of Foreign Affairs (2012-2015). She played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of the rights of women and children and, as President of the Namibian National Women's Organisation (NANAWO), she worked with the Law Reform Commission of Namibia to promote the adoption of national legislation on Married Persons Equality and Domestic Violence. Looking back on her political career, Netumbo acknowledges that obstacles were present and that many challenges for women in leadership persist today. “Women have historically faced structural limitations, social expectations, and unequal access to opportunity,” she said. “Progress toward women’s participation in leadership was supported by visionary leaders who understood early that sustainable development required the inclusion of women. Leaders such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Namibia’s Founding President, Sam Nujoma, recognised that liberation would remain incomplete if women were excluded from decision-making processes. “Governments must therefore continue investing in education, mentorship, and economic empowerment initiatives to ensure women participate fully in governance, not as symbolic representatives, but as equal partners in development.” Netumbo urges a future where leadership is inclusive, equality is shared, and girls and boys are empowered to succeed together without competition or exclusion. “I hope to see a generation of women and girls who no longer question whether leadership spaces belong to them,” she said. “Our pursuit of equality must remain balanced and inclusive. While empowering the girl child remains essential, there is also growing concern that the boy child may, in some instances, feel left behind. Development should not create competition between girls and boys, but partnership between them. Opportunities must be accessible based on merit, preparation, and commitment. “My advice to young women is to invest in education, remain grounded in your values, and lead with integrity. Leadership requires perseverance, humility, and readiness to serve others. Positions may change, but character and preparation remain constant. True leadership is measured not by authority, but by the positive impact one leaves on society.” #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Former MP Joan Walley to speak on Burslem’s heritage buildings at history club talk URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/former-mp-joan-walley-to-speak-on-burslems-heritage-buildings-at-history-club-talk/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:10:52.000Z Residents, locals and heritage enthusiasts are invited to attend the next meeting of the Burslem History Club on Wednesday 11 March 2026, when former Member of Parliament Joan Walley will give a talk exploring the heritage buildings of Burslem and the latest developments surrounding their future. The talk will take place at The Old Post Office on Wedgwood Street and will offer an insight into the rich architectural heritage of one of the Potteries’ historic towns. Burslem is home to a remarkable collection of heritage buildings, including landmarks such as: - Burslem Town Hall - Queen's Hall - Burslem School of Art - The Old Post Office Burslem - The Wedgwood Institute The town also features notable interwar buildings including the former Duke William pub and the historic Co-operative Building in Swan Square. During the talk, Joan Walley will reflect on what these buildings have meant to local communities and consider whether their preservation is realistic. > "Joan Walley has long been a passionate advocate for Burslem and the wider Potteries area. Her talk will share both historical context and forward-looking ideas for how heritage can play a central role in the town’s regeneration." The meeting will take place at The Old Post Office, Wedgwood Street, Burslem. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the talk beginning at 7.30pm. Admission is £3, payable on the door, and all are welcome. The Burslem History Club is run by Mervyn Edwards. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Steel Man statue to return to original foundry as Stoke-on-Trent celebrates its industrial heritage URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/steel-man-statue-to-return-to-original-foundry-as-stoke-on-trent-celebrates-its-industrial-heritage/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:21:51.000Z The iconic Steel Man statue is set to return to the foundry where it was originally cast, reinforcing its place in Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heritage. The statue will move on Monday 9 March to Goodwin PLC, where it was originally cast in 1974, and will remain on public display at a site closely linked to its industrial origins. Created by local sculptor Colin Melbourne and commissioned by the Shelton and Steel Action Committee, Steel Man pays tribute to the workers of Shelton Bar Steelworks. The steelworks played a central role in shaping the city’s economy and identity from the mid-19th century until its closure in 1978. In Hanley, Steel Man’s current location will become the home of a new statue honouring the often overlooked women who helped shape the ceramics industry. At the start of the 20th century, women made up nearly half of the workforce in the local pottery industry. Their roles were often overlooked, underpaid and undervalued, with men typically taking on the most skilled and lucrative positions. Despite this, women played a vital role in the creation of ceramic products that were exported around the world, helping to secure the city’s global reputation and ultimately contributing to Stoke-on-Trent receiving city status in 1925. > “It’s great that Steel Man is set to return home to the foundry where it was originally cast. It’s a proud symbol of our industrial heritage and it will continue to tell that story in a new setting. > > This is about giving recognition to a part of our history that has too often gone unrecognised. > > Women were often the backbone of the ceramics industry – decorating and finishing some of the world’s most iconic pottery, often without the recognition or pay that men received. > > For every Clarice Cliff or Susie Cooper, there were hundreds of women whose names we don’t recognise but whose skill and labour made this city what it is. This new statue is a proud, permanent tribute to their work and their place in our history.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** When Steel Man was first cast, ex-blastfurnaceman Jesse Clarke was one of the men chosen to model for the statue. Jesse, the last in a long line of Clarke family members to have worked at Shelton Bar, modelled for sculptor Colin Melbourne. Jesse’s niece, Julie Taylor said: “I remember when Uncle Jesse first told us about this – he did have his leg pulled a lot about his new modelling career! “We were proud though. I was only young but I know how proud everyone was. I remember my mum telling people about it. “There was a bit of a family history with Shelton Bar. My grandad - another Jesse Clarke - worked there as well as quite a few generations of the family. “When the statue was first created, we were told it might go to the National Union of Blastfurnacemen’s headquarters in London or even be melted down into small pewter models. “I’m pleased that it will remain on public display here in the city where he lived and worked. “At the same time, it feels right that this new statue acknowledges the women whose contributions were so often overlooked in one of the industries this city was built on.” The relocation and the new ceramics statue, first announced in July 2025, will be funded by Goodwin at no cost to the public. The move keeps Steel Man in a setting that reflects its origins while creating space to recognise more of the people who helped build Stoke-on-Trent and the industries that made it world famous. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Thousands of votes shape Stoke 100 Reads as city’s favourite children’s books revealed URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/thousands-of-votes-shape-stoke-100-reads-as-citys-favourite-childrens-books-revealed/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:16:02.000Z Stoke-on-Trent’s favourite children’s books have been revealed after more than 3,317 submissions from people across the city. The city’s library service has launched two Stoke 100 Reads book lists, created in partnership with the National Literacy Trust from recommendations gathered during last year’s Centenary celebrations. By putting local recommendations at the heart of Stoke 100 Reads, the libraries aim to help more children discover books they genuinely enjoy. Suggestions were made by children and families, teachers, librarians and speech and language professionals. Overall, 3,317 votes were received which has helped shape the two lists: - **A primary list** (children aged 0-5 & 6-11) - **A secondary list** (children aged 11-16) They contain diverse books and cover a wide range of genres, including action, horror, romance and fantasy. There is also space for poetry, nonfiction and graphic novels. This comes as this year has been designated the National Year of Reading, which is encouraging people of all ages to fall back in love with reading. The lists were launched on Tuesday 3 March at the City Central Library in Hanley and resources will be made available in the city’s libraries. > “The Stoke 100 Reads list contain a wide variety of stories for children to fall in love with and enjoy. What makes them extra special is that they have been selected by local people, meaning they are personal to what Stoke-on-Trent enjoy reading. I can’t wait to see children across the city engage with the lists, discover new stories and lose themselves in the joy of reading.” > > — **Councillor Sarah Hill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Anti-poverty and Corporate Services** The project—made possible through funding from Arts Council England—has already made an impact. As part of the nomination process, schools across the city took part in classroom challenges. In one class, a pupil receiving extra support with early reading began reading comics at home with a family member and grew in confidence as a result. > “Reading for pleasure is one of the most important indicators of a child’s future success, however we know that it is currently at crisis point in the UK. By creating a beautifully designed book list which has been made by Stokies, for Stokies, we hope to encourage more children to pick up a book and immerse themselves in a world of stories.” > > — **Lois Bateman, Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent** To see the full lists, visit here:[https://www.stoke.gov.uk/stoke100reads](https://www.stoke.gov.uk/stoke100reads?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Staffordshire tech firm Parker Software to showcase AI innovation at global Abu Dhabi event URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/staffordshire-tech-firm-parker-software-to-showcase-ai-innovation-at-global-abu-dhabi-event/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:14:51.000Z Staffordshire-based global software house Parker Software will be exhibiting at one of the world's largest AI events, AI Everything Abu Exhibition from 11-13th May 2026\. At the event, Parker Software will be debuting the latest advancements in their AI software ThinkAutomation and OptimaGPT. Advances include: - **Ability to integrate Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers** with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to redefine AI possibilities for data-sensitive environments - **Combining the power of ThinkAutomation and OptimaGPT** to automate complex, regulated workflows - **Ability to deploy internal AI assistants** that respect your privacy boundaries - **Automated data extraction with cognitive precision** using intelligent document processing - **The ability to interrogate your own databases** using plain English without third-party exposure Parker Software’s tech is currently used by large security-conscious organisations such as Sony, Emirates, AMEX, Etihad Airways and the Qatar Government. > "As AI moves from experimental to essential, the challenge for regulated industries has shifted from 'how to use it' to 'how to secure it.' > > “At the AI Everything Abu Dhabi Exhibition, we’re excited to demonstrate how our MCP and RAG-integrated solutions allow organisations to harness world-class automation without ever compromising their data perimeter. We look forward to connecting with regional leaders to show that total data privacy and cutting-edge AI are no longer mutually exclusive.” > > — **Steven Parker, CEO of Parker Software** AI Everything Abu Exhibition brings together the world’s foremost AI decision-makers to define how new intelligence shapes economies, institutions, and societies. The event is set to welcome over 25,000 visitors, with 3000 delegates with over 150 nations represented. Parker Software is a global software company specialising in AI-driven solutions. They empower organisations through secure business process automation and private generative AI ecosystems, ensuring the digital transformation never comes at the cost of data integrity. Find out more about the AI Everything Abu Dhabi Exhibition here -[https://aieverythingabudhabi.com/home](https://aieverythingabudhabi.com/home?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)For more information on Parker Software visit:[www.parkersoftware.com/](http://www.parkersoftware.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Major climate and sustainability festival coming to the Kings Hall this March URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/major-climate-and-sustainability-festival-coming-to-the-kings-hall-this-march/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:30:34.000Z The Kings Hall is set to host a free day of sustainability-focused activities as a major climate festival comes to the city this spring. The Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Celebration of the Possible (COP) Festival 2026 will take place on Thursday 12 March, bringing together residents, organisations and businesses from across the region. This year’s festival is being sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is supporting the event by providing the venue free of charge. The event, held at Kings Hall, Stoke, will run from 10am to 3pm and is organised by the Globe Foundation as one of the key dates in the county’s sustainability calendar. The COP Festival will offer an opportunity for attendees to explore practical solutions and local initiatives that support a greener future. The programme includes: - **Interactive stands** - **Hands-on activities** - **Demonstrations from regional organisations** - **Networking opportunities** to connect and share ideas > “The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent COP Festival is a fantastic opportunity to bring people together and highlight the great work already taking place across our region to tackle climate change. > > “By working with partners and communities, we can share ideas, showcase local solutions, and inspire real action that will make a difference for future generations. I would encourage everyone with an interest in sustainability and the environment to come along and be part of the conversation.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** Councillor Ashworth highlighted current local actions, including promoting sustainable travel through bus service improvement programmes, electric vehicle infrastructure roll out, public realm schemes, and school initiatives for active travel. Garry Jones, Chair of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Celebration of the Possible Steering Committee, said: "We are delighted to hold our 3rd annual Celebration of the Possible at the Kings Hall in Stoke-on-Trent. “This historic building at the heart of the Stoke community is a great venue to bring together amazing local volunteers, community groups, charities and our partners to celebrate all that is good in our city and the wider county. We're grateful to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for supporting the Festival through in-kind sponsorship of the King's Hall. Their backing helps keep the event free and accessible for all." Tickets are free and available now. To find out more and book a place, visit:[https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globegroup/1987944](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/globegroup/1987944?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### We Will Rock You rocks into Trentham’s Big Top Arena this March URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/we-will-rock-you-rocks-into-trenthams-big-top-arena-this-march/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:28:20.000Z Stage Productions invites you to the Big Top Arena for their production of **We Will Rock You** from the 7th to the 15th of March 2026. We Will Rock You features over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits. This full-throttle rock musical, written by comedian Ben Elton, is set in a future where live music has been silenced. A group of outsiders known as The Bohemians must rise up to rediscover guitars, freedom, and the power of rock. Packed with wall-to-wall Queen anthems including: - Bohemian Rhapsody - Don’t Stop Me Now - Radio Ga Ga - Somebody to Love - We Are the Champions This is a night of massive songs, big energy, and crowd-pleasing moments from start to finish. > The Big Top Arena is a brand new, temporary live entertainment venue based at Trentham Gardens. Purpose built to host large-scale theatrical and music-led productions, it is a fully heated indoor arena with an 800-seat capacity including padded, tiered seating. The venue will also have a foyer bar where audience members can enjoy drinks before the show and during the interval. Guests can also take advantage of free parking at Trentham Estate. **We Will Rock You** opens on Saturday 7th March with performances through to Sunday 15th March including weekend matinees. Keep up to date with all the action and behind the scenes exclusives by following Stage Productions on social media. To book tickets visit:[bigtoparena.com](https://bigtoparena.com/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Council agrees £14.4 million budget to deliver essential services across the Moorlands URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-agrees-14-4-million-budget-to-deliver-essential-services-across-the-moorlands/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T13:55:20.000Z **Council agrees budget for delivering essential services** Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set its budget for providing essential services to residents, businesses and visitors at £14.4 million for the coming year. A council tax increase of £5.17 (2.99%) has been agreed setting Band D payments at £178.21 for 2026/27. ### Council Tax Reduction Scheme Updates Councillors also agreed to revise the council tax reduction scheme to: - **Allow all applicants who receive Universal Credit** but who do not have any earnings to receive the maximum amount of support. - **Disregard any compensation payments** from the Post Office Horizon and the infected blood compensation schemes and the LGBT financial recognition scheme when calculating any entitlement. - **Align the temporary absence rules** in the current working age scheme with those prescribed by the Government for the pension age scheme. > “The Council’s budget pays for the essential everyday services our residents and businesses rely on including waste and recycling collections, our leisure centres, parks and green spaces, and supporting our town centres and villages to thrive. > > “We are always mindful of the need to strike a fair balance between keeping costs for Moorlands council tax payers as low as possible whilst maintaining the high-quality services people rely on. > > “We know some people need additional help with their council tax and support is available for those who need it. We’ve agreed to expand our council tax reduction scheme to ensure it provides sufficient support for our lowest income households and is applied fairly." > > — **Councillor Chris Wood, Cabinet member for Finance** The District Council collects council tax on behalf of the County Council, Police and Fire Authorities and town and parish councils but only retains around **10%** of the total. ### Accessing Council Services Residents can sign up for an online council tax account to: - View information at any time - Change their method of payment - Report a change of address or ownership - Apply for a single person discount - Sign up for electronic bills to reduce costs and save paper For anyone not able to access council services online, customer advisors are available by phoning **0345 605 3010** or visiting receptions at **Biddulph, Cheadle and Leek**. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Outstanding in Every Way: Dougie Mac Achieves Top CQC Rating Across All Five Areas URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/outstanding-in-every-way-dougie-mac-achieves-top-cqc-rating-across-all-five-areas/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:23:36.000Z Dougie Mac is proud to announce that its adult hospice has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the highest rating possible and an upgrade from its previous ‘Good’ rating. What’s more, the Stoke-on-Trent hospice is the only adult hospice in England to currently be rated Outstanding in all five assessment categories – safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. The hospice received its upgraded Outstanding rating following a CQC inspection in December 2025\. The CQC’s report, released this morning (27th February), praised Dougie Mac’s positive culture which puts people at the heart of their own care. > “We are immensely proud to have achieved this rating, which represents a significant milestone for our hospice and the wider community we are privileged to serve. > > “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication, professionalism and commitment of our staff. I am honoured to lead such an exceptional team, each of whom has played a vital role in securing this outstanding recognition. > > “I am continually inspired by the compassion, resilience and integrity demonstrated by our colleagues, who support patients and families through the most challenging of times. Their commitment knows no bounds." > > — **David Webster, Dougie Mac Chief Executive** He added: “We are also deeply grateful to our local community, whose unwavering support makes our work possible. Whether through fundraising, volunteering, or simply championing our cause, our community stands alongside us every day - this Outstanding rating belongs to them just as much as it does to our team.” Dougie Mac has been providing care to people across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire for more than 50 years, offering a wide range of hospice services to thousands of local people every year. The hospice began as a home for those receiving a cancer diagnosis, but over the last 50 years its services have grown and 40% of care is now for patients with a non-cancer diagnosis, including advanced heart failure, motor neurone disease, incurable lung disease and dementia. Commenting on Dougie Mac’s Outstanding rating, Roger James, CQC Director of Hospitals, said, “When we visited Douglas Macmillan Hospice, we found a positive culture which put people at the heart of their own care, creating a trusted relationship between staff, people and their loved ones all while ensuring their safety and wellbeing. “As part of the hospice’s culture, it was apparent that leaders gave staff thorough support and development opportunities, enabling them to work well together to provide safe care for people. “Overall, leaders and staff should be incredibly proud of the care they provide and the culture they have implemented, which is clearly appreciated by people and the local community.” The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Under the CQC inspection regime, hospices are subject to the same level of scrutiny as hospitals. The commission monitors, inspects and regulates services to ensure fundamental standards of quality and safety are met. The full report is be published on CQC’s website. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Young people shine in first ever Leader’s School Debate at Cannock Chase Council URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/young-people-shine-in-first-ever-leaders-school-debate-at-cannock-chase-council/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:21:10.000Z More than 40 children took part in the first ever Leader’s School Debate hosted by Cannock Chase Council. The 45 children and young people from local primary and secondary schools took part in the event across two days in the Council Chamber in front of a judging panel including the Council’s Leader, Deputy Leader, Chairman of the Council and local MP Josh Newbury. The schools that took part in the debate included: - Sherbrook Primary - Hednesford Valley High - St Peter's Primary - St Mary's Primary - John Bamford Primary - Churchfield Primary - Westhill Primary - Longford Primary This exciting event invited students to debate the motion: **“Schools should only serve food that is good for you.”** Each school was assigned either a for or against argument and had five minutes to present their case. Presentations were judged on the structure of their argument, confidence, clarity and overall delivery. A dedicated session was also held for SEND students, giving them an inclusive platform to participate in the debate and share their views. Students also enjoyed a Question Time-style session with Cabinet members, where they asked thoughtful questions about local decision-making, community issues and the work of the Council. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Free light and sound spectacular to transform Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/free-light-and-sound-spectacular-to-transform-newcastle-under-lyme-town-centre/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:17:40.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will be transformed by illuminated artworks and interactive experiences this week as Appetite presents Newcastle Under Light. The free event takes place on Wednesday 4 March from 6pm to 9pm, outside the Guildhall and in surrounding streets, inviting people of all ages to experience the town centre after dark in a completely different way. The centrepiece of the evening will be an animation by artists leo&hyde, working with 2099 Studios. The artwork combines voice notes, memories and photographs shared by local people into a large-scale projection onto the Guildhall, placing community stories at the heart of the spectacle. Visitors can also enjoy a range of interactive installations: - **And…Breathe by Pif Paf:** A pagoda structure offering a shared sound and light experience centred on breath. - **Squeeze Me by Air Giants:** Giant inflatable creatures that respond and glow when hugged. - **Eternal Ensemble by Onyva! Studio:** Immersive light projection accompanied by cellist Aileen Williams performing Pachelbel’s Canon in D. - **Cloudscapes by Kitsch & Sync:** Unique street theatre performances moving through the event space. Newcastle Under Light is the third and final event in Appetite’s Light Up Winter series, designed to bring people together during the darker months with high-quality outdoor arts experiences that are free and accessible to all. > “Newcastle Under Light is all about creating moments of connection. From seeing residents’ own memories reflected onto the Guildhall to hugging a glowing inflatable creature or taking a breath together inside the pagoda, it’s an evening designed to surprise, delight and bring people together in the town centre.” > > — **Heather Dowler, Interim Director of Appetite** Charl Pearce, manager of Newcastle Under Light co-hosts Newcastle BID, added: “This event is a real celebration of Newcastle-under-Lyme. It will bring families, friends and visitors into the town centre to experience something joyful and different together – and it’s fantastic to see local voices and stories at the heart of it.” The event is free to attend, with no booking required. British Sign Language tours are available and must be pre-booked by contacting askus@appetite.org.uk. Light Up Winter is funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, with additional support from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Denise Coates Foundation and Middleport Matters. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Celebrating Women in the Staffordshire Moorlands with OUTSIDE’s New Photography Project URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/celebrating-women-in-the-staffordshire-moorlands-with-outsides-new-photography-project/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:16:24.000Z Community arts programme OUTSIDE is launching a new photography project with artist Ruby Nixon to celebrate women across the Staffordshire Moorlands, marking International Women’s Day in March 2026. The project is inviting nominations for women who make a difference in their communities – in big or small ways. This could be through their: - **Work or Volunteering** - **Creativity and Leadership** - **Advocacy** - **Everyday acts of care and support** OUTSIDE wants to recognise women whose contributions positively impact others, including those whose efforts might otherwise go unseen. Selected nominees will be photographed by Ruby Nixon, with the portraits forming a public exhibition on **28 March 2026** at **Wellspring Methodist Church in Cheadle**. The exhibition will honour and spotlight the stories of local women, celebrating their strength, resilience and commitment to others. > “We know and have heard about so many incredible women across the Moorlands who make a difference every single day. This project is about shining a light on those stories – celebrating the care, creativity and leadership that holds our communities together. International Women’s Day feels like the perfect moment to recognise and honour the women who inspire, support and uplift others.” > > — **Katie Aldous, OUTSIDE’s Director** ### How to Nominate If you know a woman who makes a difference in the Staffordshire Moorlands, OUTSIDE would love to hear from you. - **Nomination Form:**[https://forms.gle/nrdJe9hp8jfozRCY8](https://forms.gle/nrdJe9hp8jfozRCY8?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) - **Deadline:** Nominations close at midnight on **Thursday 5th March 2026**. - **Further Info:** For further details and nomination guidance, visit[outsidearts.org](https://outsidearts.org/?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Stoke-on-Trent sets out 25-year vision to reshape city centre URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/stoke-on-trent-sets-out-25-year-vision-to-reshape-city-centre/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:14:54.000Z **Masterplan sets out proposals for delivering realistic vision to develop and regenerate the city centre** People are being invited to have their say on a “realistic and practical” vision to transform the city centre over the next quarter of a century by focussing on achievable proposals for retail, leisure, housing and regeneration. The City Centre Masterplan aims to create a more vibrant, connected and welcoming space at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent by 2050\. The draft plan has been drawn up by the council, working in partnership with consultancy experts Arcadis, and is based on substantial engagement with stakeholders and businesses. ### Key Pillars of the 2050 Vision There is a big focus on building new houses on city centre brownfield sites as a key component of the regeneration and also a spotlight on revitalising public spaces, improving transport links and celebrating the city’s rich heritage and culture. The masterplan looks to make the city centre a place where people want to live, work, shop and spend time. It also complements the multi-million-pound work currently being carried out at neighbouring Etruscan Square to regenerate the former bus station site and build residential and leisure developments. Proposals included in the draft masterplan build on people’s aspirations based on engagement to date. In particular, it reflects people's desire to see: - **More ‘things to do’:** An improved retail and leisure offer and a stronger evening and night-time economy. - **Heritage preservation:** Empty shop units and other historic buildings brought back into use. - **Better transport:** Improved connectivity with the railway station. - **Safety & Environment:** Measures to help people feel safer and more green spaces within the city centre. > "The city centre is a vital part of the economy and culture of this city. I'm aware people might hear the word 'masterplan' and think they've heard it all before. This is something different: a realistic and practical vision with clear short and long-term goals. > > “We will start to see the benefits from this quite quickly in terms of addressing empty shops, bringing historic buildings back into use and better public transport connectivity. A lot of this work is already underway." > > — **Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Regeneration** ### Have Your Say Residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to explore the draft City Centre Masterplan proposals and share their views. The four-week consultation runs from **Friday 27 February to Sunday 22 March**. - **Online:** Details and a feedback survey can be found at[www.stoke.gov.uk/citycentremasterplan](http://www.stoke.gov.uk/citycentremasterplan?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk). - **In-Person:** Events will be held in Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall (dates to be released shortly). #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Signed 1966 World Cup Final Programme to Go Under the Hammer URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/signed-1966-world-cup-final-programme-to-go-under-the-hammer/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:46:30.000Z **Signed 1966 World Cup Final Programme to go under the hammer** Football fans dreaming of England’s glory days will want to keep Thursday 12th March firmly in their diaries, as Staffordshire auction house Cuttlestones’ Specialist Collectors Auction will include an exceptional line-up of pre and post-war football memorabilia. Perhaps the most exciting of around 25 carefully curated lots is what can only be described as a true piece of footballing history – a **1966 World Cup Final programme** for the historic England v West Germany match. Signed by ten of the England squad who played that day at Wembley, alongside manager Sir Alf Ramsey and then Prime Minister Harold Wilson, this is a truly generation-defining piece of history. ### Early 20th Century Rarity Equally eye-catching is a **Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers 1921 FA Cup Final programme** – signed by the entire Spurs team and their manager. Such early 20th century programmes are increasingly scarce, particularly examples so well autographed. ### Local Interest: Wolverhampton Wanderers Collectors of club football memorabilia will also be drawn to an impressive run of material relating to local side Wolverhampton Wanderers, including: - **Everton v Wolves** programmes from the 1904/05 and 1905/06 seasons - **Arsenal v Wolves** programmes spanning 1935/36 to 1938/39 - **Everton v Wolves** programmes (1920/21–1938/39), including an example signed by Tommy Lawton - **Chelsea v Wolves** programmes from the 1936/37 and 1937/38 seasons Further highlights include complete folders of Wolves home and away programmes from the 1949/50 and 1950/51 seasons, containing autographs from **Roy Swinbourne, Stanley Matthews, Dennis Compton, Ronnie Allen and Peter Broadbent.** ### International Highlights International material is well represented in this collection. Notable items going under the hammer include: - Programmes from the **1958 World Cup** (including Brazil fixtures) - The **1954 Brazil v Hungary** quarter-final - **Northern Ireland v West Germany** (signed by Peter McParland) - **Hungary v Wales** – Wales’ first ever World Cup match - The **1937 Scotland v England** British Home Championship at Hampden Park (notable for its record European international crowd of over 149,000) > "The full catalogue, complete with descriptions, photographs and estimates, will be available to view online via the Cuttlestones website - www.cuttlestones.co.uk - from the Friday prior to the sale." ### Auction Information Viewing will take place at the **Penkridge saleroom** on Wednesday 11th March (10am–4pm) and again on the morning of the sale, Thursday 12th March (9am–10am). - **Free parking** is available adjacent to the saleroom. - **Bidding:** Live online, commission, and telephone bidding options are available. - **Contact:** Call 01785 714905 or email office@cuttlestones.co.uk #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Strong public response as heritage restoration fund attracts over 600 votes URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/strong-public-response-as-heritage-restoration-fund-attracts-over-600-votes/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:45:03.000Z More than 600 votes have been received for heritage sites across Stoke-on-Trent, as residents and community groups step forward to support a new restoration fund building on the successes of the city’s Centenary. The responses were submitted through more than 200 separate entries, featuring both pre-listed sites and new nominations put forward by members of the public. Together, they reflect a powerful show of support for protecting the smaller but significant monuments that shape the character of neighbourhoods across the city. Submissions ranged widely, from: - **Statues and memorials** - **Tombs and fountains** - **Murals and historic railings** - **Gates and other distinctive historic features** The fund is backed by a £240,252 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and is being delivered in partnership with Re-Form Heritage. > “We’re grateful for the level of engagement from people across all parts of the city. We now have a real opportunity to turn that public support into visible action. > > “We’re working with Re-form Heritage to carefully assess the nominations against clear criteria to identify projects we can deliver within the funding available. The aim is simple, visible improvements that protect and celebrate the features that make each of our towns distinctive.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** All submissions are currently being reviewed against criteria including historic significance, condition, deliverability, value for money, accessibility, visibility and long-term community benefit. The project team has also been analysing responses to ensure that both votes for pre-listed sites and new nominations are properly reflected in the final list of projects selected for repair. > “We’ve been amazed by the incredible range of responses. It’s clear that the people of Stoke-on-Trent care deeply about the monuments that shape their neighbourhoods, and we’re committed to ensuring that both votes and nominations are reflected the final selection of sites to be repaired. > > “This selection will underpin an activity programme that invites communities to help care for the heritage landmarks in their neighbourhoods and to share the stories and personal connections that make these monuments so meaningful.” > > — **Inês Jorge, Centenary Restoration Fund Officer at Re-Form Heritage** A shortlist of proposed restoration projects will be announced in the coming weeks. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Cultural Clash of the Century returns as Port Vale host Bradford City at Vale Park URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/cultural-clash-of-the-century-returns-as-port-vale-host-bradford-city-at-vale-park/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T16:42:44.000Z **Cultural clash of the century back on as Port Vale host Bradford City on 10 March** The Cultural Clash of the century football match between Port Vale FC and Bradford City AFC will now take place on Tuesday 10 March at Vale Park. Originally scheduled during Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary year, the fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will now go ahead as part of the lasting legacy of the city’s 100-year celebrations and Bradford’s year as 2025 UK City of Culture. The fixture brings together two proud cities with strong industrial roots and a deep connection to community, culture and football. The two cities are at the heart of the UK's industrial past – the world capitals of ceramics and wool capital of the world – and have a vital role in its present and future. ### Match Day Highlights - **Walking Football:** Bradford will bring their walking footballers for a special pre-game match. - **Commemorative Kits:** Players will wear Centenary T-shirts and there will be a gift exchange before the game. - **Vale Park Atmosphere:** The stadium will feature Centenary branding, including flags and banners. Stoke-on-Trent celebrated its Centenary throughout 2025 – marking 100 years since King George V officially named it a city. Bradford served as the 2025 UK City of Culture, highlighting its status as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film. Interestingly, the two teams met at Vale’s Old Recreation Ground in 1925, the year Stoke-on-Trent became a city, with Port Vale winning 1-0. > “We’re delighted to help round off what has been an incredible centenary year for Stoke-on-Trent and would like to thank both the Council and Bradford City for their efforts in bringing this idea to life. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate the proud history of our cities and our clubs, during our own 150th anniversary year.” > > — **Matt Hancock, Port Vale Chief Executive** Dan Bates, Executive Director, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “This match is set to celebrate a very special year, through Stoke’s Centenary and Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture, and will be a great opportunity for Bradford City AFC and Port Vale FC to come together on the pitch to make their cities proud." > “The rain may have delayed kick-off, but it hasn’t dampened the spirit behind this fixture. Football has a rare power to cross cultures and bring people together. We’re not ready to blow the final whistle on our Centenary just yet, and we’re pleased it can now go ahead as part of its lasting legacy.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Council passes 2026/27 budget to protect vulnerable residents URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-passes-2026-27-budget-to-protect-vulnerable-residents/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T13:55:37.000Z **Council passes budget to protect vulnerable residents and invest in key services** Stoke-on-Trent City Council has passed a budget for 2026/27 that supports vulnerable residents and invests in people’s priorities. The move comes after the government published its final settlement to local councils on February 9\. That included an extra £13.3 million over three years for Stoke-on-Trent City Council following lobbying by the council and local MPs. The Medium Term Financial Strategy and council tax proposals were passed at a meeting of the full council this week (Thursday, February 26). ### Investing in Residents' Priorities The package of measures includes: - **£5 million** for pothole and road surface repairs, boosting the spring repair programme. - **£1.25 million** to upgrade and improve playgrounds. - **£300,000** for accelerated gully cleaning to strengthen flood prevention work. It also includes significant investment in **Children’s Social Care, Adults Social Care, homelessness services, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support**, reflecting rising demand and the need to safeguard essential provision. The council is also set to continue to invest through its capital programme to preserve local heritage and improve the city’s infrastructure, supporting long-term regeneration and resilience. ### Consultation and Council Tax A draft version of the budget went out for full public consultation. A number of changes were made in the final version, including the decision to **retain the Dimensions café**, with an amended operating model. The budget includes a council tax rise of 4.99 per cent. Data published by the Press Association this week showed 119 out of 153 top-tier councils in England and Wales were proposing similar rises. Stoke-on-Trent currently has one of the five lowest council tax rates in the country, and by far the lowest in Staffordshire. > “Our priority is to support the most vulnerable, protect frontline services and invest in the things that matter to our residents. This budget takes a responsible and balanced approach that puts residents first while seeking to ensure we remain financially sustainable.” > > — **Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### The Staffordshire Signal Magazine – February 2026 | Staffordshire's Free Independent Lifestyle Magazine URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/magazine/the-staffordshire-signal-magazine-february-2026-free-local-magazine-for-stoke-on-trent-staffordshire/ Last updated: 2026-08-05T09:04:44.000Z Our February issue is a rallying cry for the county. Inside: The Potter's Pledge, a wake-up call for Britain's world-leading ceramics industry; Town of Culture 2028, as Newcastle and London go head to head with two very different ambitions; how Stoke-on-Trent landed a top ten spot among the UK's cultural hidden gems; the £325 million question of whether Stoke's historic sites can be saved; our pick of Staffordshire's most scenic drives; and the local maker behind the Music Awards' tiny hat trophies, proof that the biggest stories sometimes come in the smallest packages. Free to read, made for Staffordshire. ## Want to read this? Here's how... This post is free to read, but it's locked to readers who've joined us for free. Add your email below and you'll unlock it straight away, plus every future edition of ****The Staffordshire Signal Weekly**, our newspaper, every Wednesday, and ****The Staffordshire Signal Magazine**, sent directly to your inbox. No card, no catch, and no algorithm deciding whether you see it or not, we send it to you directly. This is only possible because Staffordshire people like you read it. Unlock this post, free Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. --- _This post is for subscribers only._ ### Local charity plea to Stoke-on-Trent Tesco shoppers URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/local-charity-plea-to-stoke-on-trent-tesco-shoppers/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:19:45.000Z Children from Stoke-on-Trent could enjoy free outdoor school holiday activities as Staffordshire Wildlife Trust hopes to win funding to run Forest School-style sessions at Hem Heath Woods, Trentham. The charity is asking local shoppers to vote for their project so more children can enjoy playing outside. The proposed agenda for the sessions includes: - **Den building** - **Natural crafts** - **Bug hunting** - **Campfire cooking** Children could also climb trees and generally get a bit mucky! These sessions are designed to be suitable for children of all ages. > “If you're shopping at Tesco, please vote for us using the blue tokens! We'd love more children to have the chance to connect with nature and play in this beautiful woodland. > > “Playing outdoors has huge benefits for children’s mental health and wellbeing. Connecting with nature from a young age is proven to increase our ability to deal with stress and boosts confidence.” > > — **Aimee Beardmore, Wildchild and Engagement Lead for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust** ### How to Vote The Tesco Stronger Starts community grants programme is funded by Tesco and Groundwork UK. While voting is open, Tesco shoppers can choose the projects they would like to see win funding in their area. **Voting is open until the end of March 2026.** Shoppers can cast their vote using the blue tokens at the following locations: - **Longton Extra** - **Meir Hay Express** - **Meir Superstore** - **Blythe Bridge Express** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Leisure facilities to be revamped under new strategy URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/leisure-facilities-to-be-revamped-under-new-strategy/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:18:42.000Z The city council has set out long term plans to modernise leisure and sports facilities across Stoke-on-Trent. The new Indoor Facilities Strategy, which will cover the next 18 years, will guide investment in sports halls, swimming pools, gyms and other indoor leisure venues. The strategy has a clear vision of high quality, modern, accessible facilities that will support health, wellbeing and quality of life. ### Immediate and Short-Term Priorities The council has identified several immediate focus areas to improve the current offering: - **Essential improvements** at Fenton Manor Sports Complex and Dimensions. - **Energy efficient upgrades** to ensure long-term sustainability. - **Expanded concessionary pricing** to make fitness more affordable. - **Improved community access** to sports halls—many of which currently lie unused during the day. ### The 3 to 5 Year Outlook Over the next three to five years, the strategy will see improved partnership working with schools and sports clubs. The city council is set to explore options for indoor tennis and supporting the continued growth of gymnastics, netball, and basketball. ### Long-Term Vision Looking further ahead, the strategy includes feasibility work on the future of Fenton Manor, with options being drawn up for a potential new **flagship city centre leisure facility**. The strategy is built on a detailed, independent needs assessment carried out in 2024, which looked at checking capacity, quality, and local demand. It found that while Stoke-on-Trent has some excellent facilities, many are either outdated or operating at capacity. > “This strategy is necessary to transforming the city’s leisure services going forward. It is important that facilities are catered to residents and serve their needs, as exercise and moving your body is essential for your physical and mental health. We’re working with partners across the city to ensure that Stoke-on-Trent’s leisure facilities will be fit for purpose for years to come.” > > — **Cllr Majid Khan, Cabinet Member for Health Integration and Wellbeing** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Keele celebrates shortlisting success at Student Nursing Times Awards 2026 URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/keele-celebrates-shortlisting-success-at-student-nursing-times-awards-2026/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:17:24.000Z Keele University has been shortlisted for a Student Nursing Times Award, reflecting its commitment to enhancing learning through creative and meaningful use of digital technology. The School of Nursing and Midwifery is in the running for the **Teaching Innovation of the Year (Digital)** award, receiving national recognition for its innovative use of ThingLink, a platform that transforms traditional learning materials into interactive, immersive experiences that actively support student development. ### Innovation in the Virtual Ward In simulated practice, ThingLink is having an equally transformative impact. The school has developed a virtual ward round presented as an **escape room-style challenge**, where students work through realistic clinical scenarios to solve patient-focused puzzles. This innovative approach enables learners to: - **Strengthen clinical reasoning** - **Enhance decision-making skills** - **Develop patient care skills** These skills are honed within a safe, low-stakes digital environment before being applied in real practice settings. > “Across both academic and clinical contexts, ThingLink is supporting students to build confidence, competence and autonomy. This shortlisting recognises the School’s strong commitment to student-centred, technology-enhanced learning and its proactive role in preparing future nurses for an increasingly digital healthcare landscape. > > “I’m so proud to work alongside such incredibly dedicated and inspiring colleagues who are passionate about providing impactful learning experiences for our students. ThingLink has transformed learning for our students by integrating interactive clinical simulations and academic skills support.” > > — **Dr Lizzie Harling, Student Learning and Development Support Officer** Dr Harling, who led the introduction of the platform in 2023, added that high engagement and positive feedback have positioned Keele's approach as a model for digital innovation in healthcare education. **The winners will be announced at a ceremony on April 24th.** #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Another Stoke-on-Trent councillor defects from Conservatives to Reform UK URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/another-stoke-on-trent-councillor-defects-from-conservatives-to-reform-uk/ Last updated: 2026-04-11T13:55:52.000Z Another shift has taken place at Stoke-on-Trent City Council after councillor Carl Edwards confirmed he has left the Conservative group to join Reform UK. A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “Changes have been confirmed to the political make-up of Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Carl Edwards — who represents the Baddeley, Milton and Norton ward — has left the Conservative group and joined the Reform UK group. The change will have immediate effect.” ### A Resignation Driven by "Broken Promises" Carl Edwards, representing the Baddeley, Milton & Norton ward, stated that he had originally joined the Conservatives to "get Brexit done." However, he expressed deep disillusionment with the party's direction. > "I am proud to be joining Reform UK as I believe it is the only party serious about fixing the problems facing our country. It is a party that recognises Britain is broken and is offering the bold, common sense plan needed to put it right. > > "I had previously joined the Conservatives to get Brexit done and to level up communities like Stoke-on-Trent. However, like so many loyal members and voters, I've watched promise after promise broken." > > — **Councillor Carl Edwards** Edwards further claimed that Brexit was not properly delivered and that "Levelling Up" had become an empty slogan. ### A Wider Pattern of Defections Edwards is the latest in a series of former Conservatives in Stoke-on-Trent to move to Reform UK, signaling a significant local trend: - **November:** Daniel Jellyman, former Conservative group leader, defected to become Reform UK’s leader on the authority. - **January:** Dr Chandra Kanneganti and Heather Blurton joined the party. - **May 2025:** Reform UK gained its first seat via Luke Shenton’s by-election win. - **Last Month:** Former Conservative Party deputy chair Jonathan Gullis also defected to Reform UK. ### Reaction from Party Leaders A Reform UK spokesman described Edwards as an "excellent addition" to the team in Stoke-on-Trent. Meanwhile, Lorraine Beardmore, leader of the Conservative group, expressed disappointment: > "I respect his decision and wish him well for the future. Myself and the group thank him for his service as a Conservative councillor, he will be missed." #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Castle Classics Rolls Back Into Newcastle-under-Lyme This March URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/castle-classics-rolls-back-into-newcastle-under-lyme-this-march/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:23:01.000Z Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre will once again be filled with chrome, colour and character as Castle Classics returns on Saturday 28th March for its popular spring edition. Delivered by Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and supported by The Red Haired Stokie, Envy Autos Ltd and 6 Towns Radio, the event will transform the Ironmarket and High Street into a showcase of motoring heritage. Up to 120 vehicles are expected to take part, representing more than a century of automotive history. From early 1900s models through to modern classics of the 1990s and early 2000s, visitors can expect a diverse display of design and engineering, all set within the heart of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Castle Classics is designed as a free, family friendly daytime event, supporting footfall and encouraging visitors to explore the town’s retail, hospitality and independent business offer while enjoying the vehicle displays. ### The Competition Vehicles will be judged across five categories, with awards presented from the 6 Towns Radio stage on the Ironmarket at 2.30pm: - **Best in Show** - **Show & Shine** - **Most Unique** - **Best Classic** - **Best Retro** All registered exhibitors are automatically entered into the competition and, on arrival, will receive a Castle Classics branded air freshener and commemorative car sticker. > “Castle Classics has quickly established itself as a key date in our events calendar. It creates a strong visual presence in the town centre and attracts a wide audience, from dedicated collectors to families enjoying a day out. Events like this are an important part of our wider programme to drive footfall and showcase Newcastle-under-Lyme as a welcoming and vibrant place to visit.” > > — **Charl Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager** Mark Davies, who exhibited at the October event says: “It’s great to see such a wide range of vehicles all in one place and to have the chance to chat with other exhibitors throughout the day. The town centre setting makes a real difference — you’re not just in a field somewhere. There are plenty of places to grab a coffee, have a wander and enjoy the atmosphere, and the public engagement is always excellent.” ### Event Information Entry is £4 per vehicle and pre-registration is required. With strong attendance at previous events, those wishing to take part are encouraged to book quickly to secure their space. - **Date:** Saturday 28th March - **Time:** 10am to 3pm - **Location:** Ironmarket and High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme - **Booking:**[newcastleunderlyme.org/castle-classics](https://www.newcastleunderlyme.org/castle-classics-classic-and-retro-vehicle-show?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### From London to the Potteries: ST25 Brings a National Wellbeing Movement Home URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/from-london-to-the-potteries-st25-brings-a-national-wellbeing-movement-home/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:21:46.000Z A passing comment at a London conference has sparked a bold new chapter for Stoke-on-Trent’s business community. When Staffordshire entrepreneur Evelyn Howe attended a major wellbeing conference in London hosted by Healf, she did not expect one short exchange to shift her focus. “Someone asked where I was from. When I said Staffordshire, they replied, ‘Oh… nothing really goes on up there.’” That moment stayed with her. Back in Staffordshire, she began looking more closely at the bigger picture. Public health data from Stoke-on-Trent City Council showed that healthy life expectancy in parts of the city remains among the lowest in the country. Conversations with businesses across the county revealed mounting pressures around workforce stress, leadership fatigue and staff retention. > “If conversations about high performance and sustainable wellbeing are happening in London, why not here?” > > — **Evelyn Howe, Founder of ST25** Rather than rushing ahead, she tested the appetite for something different. At a Staffordshire Chambers Expo event at Uttoxeter Racecourse, she asked three direct questions to local business owners. More than 20 businesses expressed clear interest in a corporate wellbeing experience, giving her the confidence to move forward. Her answer was decisive. Book the Bet365 Stadium. ### The Event: ST25 – The Corporate Well-being Experience On **16 April 2026**, ST25 will take place at the **Bet365 Stadium** in Stoke-on-Trent, bringing together business leaders, wellbeing specialists and regional organisations for a one-day event designed to shift both the conversation and the outcomes for the county’s workforce. The programme will feature expertise in: - **Sleep Science** - **Stress Physiology** - **AI and Human-centred Leadership** - **Practical tools** for immediate organisational application For every ticket sold, a self-led wellbeing programme will be gifted to a Staffordshire school, creating a direct link between business performance and community health. “Staffordshire has the talent and the ambition,” says Eve. “ST25 is about building the platform here.” ST25 is positioned as more than a conference. It is a statement that Stoke-on-Trent and the wider county are ready to lead on the issues shaping the future of work, and that local people and businesses should have access to the same quality of thinking available anywhere in the country. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. ### Re-Form Heritage welcomes Andrew Emery as new Chief Executive URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/re-form-heritage-welcomes-andrew-emery-as-new-chief-executive/ Last updated: 2026-04-04T17:20:44.000Z A new chapter is beginning for Re-Form Heritage, as the Stoke-on-Trent charity announces the appointment of Andrew Emery as its new Chief Executive. Andrew returns to The Potteries with more than two decades of experience in tourism, destination development, culture and heritage. He spent 23 years working for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority, holding roles from Senior Member of the Seafront Management Team to Interim Head of Service for Tourism and Destination. In 2024, he set up and led his own placemaking consultancy. Now, he is bringing that experience back to the city where he was born and raised. > “I am super excited to be joining Re-Form Heritage at a key moment for the Trust and the future of the city as, together, we work to secure the future of our built historic fabric and support regenerating the city to deliver economic, social, access and inclusion benefits for our residents, businesses and visitors. > > Returning to The Potteries’ after 25 years working across tourism & destination development, culture, heritage and the creative industries on the South Coast, feels like a real homecoming to the region I was born and raised in. I’m really looking forward to leading the Re-Form Heritage team as we deepen and strengthen our collaborations across the city region and with our funders, partners and the local authority”. > > — **Andrew Emery, incoming Chief Executive** His appointment comes at a time of significant activity for the charity, which was appointed Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent in December 2023. ### A Growing Trajectory Harry Wardill, Chairman of the board of Trustees, highlighted several key projects currently underway: - **Bethesda Chapel:** Major renovation works are currently in progress. - **Centenary Restoration Fund:** A project to regenerate small-scale heritage assets across the city. - **Middleport Pottery & Harper Street:** Continuing the successful operation of these flagship mixed-use sites. > "Andrew joins an experienced and highly capable team who has set us on this path, and under his leadership we will continue to develop and grow as the Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent. Andrew brings with him years of regeneration experience, with a focus on creating vibrant places that have both a sustainable economic future, as well as bring public benefit." > > — **Harry Wardill, Chairman of the board of Trustees** Re-Form Heritage continues to focus on transforming historic buildings at risk, creating places that inspire, educate and connect people with their past. Its flagship project, Middleport Pottery, was saved from closure through public and private funding before undergoing substantial remodelling and renovation. Today, it stands as a visitor attraction and centre for creative businesses, and a blueprint for future restoration work across the city. Andrew joins the team in mid-March, as Re-Form Heritage moves forward with renewed momentum and a clear focus on protecting and reimagining Stoke-on-Trent’s historic spaces for the benefit of current and future generations. #### Enjoyed this story? As a Community Interest Company, we reinvest every penny into Staffordshire journalism. Your tips help us keep our reporting "Open Access" and free for everyone. [Support the Mission (Tip Jar) ](https://thestaffordshiresignal.outpost.pub/donate?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) Every contribution stays in Staffordshire. Thank you for being part of the journey. Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. _Includes the latest 500 public posts. Use `/sitemap.xml` for the complete archive of public content._