Our City Issue 28

Stoke-on-Trent

OurCityStoke-on-Trent ISSUE 28: JULY 2012

VictoriansplendourrejuvenatedRestoration project heraldsnew era for Burslem ParkSEE PAGE 17

Our City p1 19/7/12 16:09 Page 1

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Progress willbenefit everyresident... soplease join inBy City Council LeaderCouncillorMOHAMMED PERVEZ

2 Our City J U LY 2 0 1 2

IT is a year since we launched ourambitious Mandate for Changewith its clear top priority ofcreating jobs for the people ofStoke-on-Trent.

It was important at thislandmark to invite our partners,residents, the businesscommunity and the voluntarysector to give us their feedbackon the first year.

We wanted to see where theMandate for Change has alreadyhad an impact (see the feature onthe opposite page) but also tofind out what we need to domore, what we need to do lessand what we need to do quicker.

It is important that we makesure everybody understandswhat Mandate for Change is allabout, so we can encourage themto participate – because each andevery resident, business andorganisation has a role to play.

Now we need everyone torealise this, and join in.

This is how we will acceleratethe progress being made in ourcity.

We must not forget that theseare very difficult times forcouncils, and that the austeritymeasures announced by theGovernment look like continuingfor some time to come.

It is a tribute to the hard workand commitment of councillors,officers and our partners in thepublic, private and voluntarysectors that so much is beingachieved in terms ofregeneration.

It is astonishing, when we havehad to cut our budgets by around£60 million over the last twoyears, that we are talking aboutstepping up the pace of change toimprove quality of life in our city.

But we must keep up thatmomentum, in spite of the factthat council finances will continueto be under significant pressure.

It’s clear that we will not beable to sustain and grow thenumber of jobs in the publicsector, so we must attract evenmore private sector jobs.

We have started the processand won’t stop until we succeed.

We will face up to thechallenges ahead, and nothingwill shake our passion to improvethe quality of life of our citizens.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To see and hearthe debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visitstoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting.

A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedbackon this issue of Our City by [email protected] or write to: FREEPOST Our City.

Council in line for three national WOW awards

TALKS are alreadyunder way to startthe ball rolling on a

massive redevelopment ofStoke town centreincluding job creation andregenerating derelict sites.

It is aimed at “filling the gap”left when the city counciltransfers its main offices to thecity centre in 2015 to kick startthe huge Central BusinessDistrict there.

One of the city’s biggestemployers has already expressedan interest in moving into one ofthe offices which will be vacatedby the city council.

And an exciting plan is alsobeing hatched to transform thesite of the former Spode factoryinto a 21st Century learning,training and leisure

development... a landmark forthe city and visible to thousandsof motorists passing every dayon the A500.

Work has already started toclear the land at the CentralBusiness District, which willeventually provide office spacefor around 6,500 workers as wellas a gym, cafes and bars.

As the so-called anchortenant, the city council will moveinto a 140,000 sq ft two storey

office development, completewith a customer hub where thepublic can access a whole rangeof services and a new centrallibrary.

Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, Councillor MarkMeredith said: “The CentralBusiness District will not onlyboost our city’s economy but willalso provide an opportunity forthe city council to reduce thenumber of buildings it occupiesto save money.

“But we are also working hardto support the economy of Stoketown centre by filling buildingswhich will become empty, withworkers who will spend moneyin local shops, cafes and otherbusinesses.

“Part of our Mandate forChange is to attract jobs andinvestment. We have already hadpositive talks to attractinvestment to Stoke. We arefollowing up a number of

expressions of interest, some ofwhich we received during theMIPIM regeneration event inthe South of France.

“And developing the Spodesite is an important part of ourstrategy for the town.”

Stoke-on-Trent’s InwardInvestment Team is currentlyworking on 24 activeopportunities that will lead to aninvestment decision in the next12 months.

Stoke could also be at thecentre of plans to make the cityenergy self sufficient, with thecivic centre and other buildingsheated using surplus warmthfrom other buildings.

Cabinet Member for GreenEnterprises and City ServicesCouncillor Andy Platt said:“We’re looking at how a numberof projects around the Stoketown plan can be implemented.We’re not simply writing offStoke. We’re investing in Stoke.”

Plans in the pipelinefor big Stoke boost

QR codes like this one are printed alongsidearticles and advertisements throughout this issueof Our City. They are direct links to a world ofrelevant information on the internet.

This one is a link to the city council’s mainhomepage, but a QR code can be produced to linkto any site online. All you need to do to use the QR code is downloada free app to your smartphone or tablet. Take a photograph or scanthe QR code using your phone and the app will take you online.

Codes make surfing simple

THESHAPE OF

THINGS TO COME...Cabinet Member for

Economic DevelopmentCouncillor Mark Meredith

at StaffordshireUniversity’snew science

building.

STOKE-on-Trent City Council has beenshortlisted in three categories at the nationalWOW! Awards – the only awards based purelyon nominations from customers.

The city council is up for Best LocalAuthority 2012, which reflects the quality,quantity and diversity of nominations sent inpraising the council’s commitment tocustomers.

The Day Rehabilitation Team based at St Michael’s House has made the shortlist inthe WOW! You Changed My Life category.

One nomination read:“Before I wasintroduced to the Rehab Team, I just wanted tolock the door, throw away the key and die. Ihave now got my life back.The experience haschanged my life.”

Tracy Jackson OBE, Strategic Manager for

the South Locality, has been shortlisted forMost Inspiring Front Liner 2012 (Public Sector).

One of her nominations read:“Tracy is awonderful person and really cares for eachand every family who passes her path.”

The judges will hear presentations inLondon in September before the winners areannounced at the gala awards ceremony inthe capital on 3 December.

Our City p2 19/7/12 16:58 Page 1

J U LY 2 0 1 2 Our City 3

QUIT smoking services inStoke-on-Trent havesmashed targets to achievetheir best results ever.

In the year to March 3,248people managed to kick thehabit for at least four weeks– almost 30 per cent morethan the target of 2,500.

The NHS Stop SmokingService in the city offers:

● One-to-one or groupsupport.

● Free friendly advice onpreparing to quit, quittingand staying quit.

● Stop smokingmedications such aspatches or chewing gumwhich are available for thecost of a prescriptioncharge, or free to peoplewho do not pay forprescriptions.

● Stop Smoking support isalso available in GPsurgeries, pharmacies andother community venues.

Acting Director of PublicHealth Dr Zafar Iqbal said:“This record breaking yearshows how much is beingdone to help support thosepeople who want to quit inour city.

“I’d also like to say welldone to all those peoplewho have given up – weknow it’s not easy.”

● To find out more aboutsupport to stop smokingplease call Freephone 0800 085 0928.

ANYONE who has been avictim of hate crime or whoknows a victim is being urgedto report it.

This means anyone who hasbeen targeted on the groundsof race, religion, sexualorientation, transgender, ordisability.

Hate crime in any form iswrong. That’s why it’simportant when hate crimehappens it is reported.

Help Staffordshire Police totackle hate crime:● Report it online –

www.report-it.org.uk ● Report it to your local

police – call 101 ● In an emergency, always

dial 999

3,248 kickthe habit tobeat target

BUSINESS leaders and communityrepresentatives have

challenged the city councilto step up the pace of itsMandate for Change anddrive forward the city’sregeneration even quicker.

An event staged to mark thefirst 12 months of the ambitiousprogramme celebrated successacross areas including:● Securing 500 new jobs via help

from inward investment andincreasing the number of newbusinesses.

● Setting up an inwardinvestment team to roll out thered carpet to companieswanting to locate in Stoke-on-Trent.

● Working with partnerships toincrease the number ofapprenticeships offered in thecity from 2,600 in September2010 to 3,900 in November2012.

● Delivering adult and familylearning to over 5,000 people.

● Streamlining the planningservice to say “yes” to gooddevelopment.

● Working with partners toinclude energy efficiencymeasures at over 5,500 homes.

● Installing solar panels at 568homes across the city.

● Cleaning up busy junctions onthe A500 and A50.

● Helping 19 local companies bidfor £15million from theRegional Growth Fund.

● Continuing the £270millionBuilding Schools for the Futureinitiative to rebuild or remodel

13 secondary schools and fivespecial schools.

● Helping over 28,000 peopletackle potential healthproblems early on.

● Building 17 new homes to higheco standards in Chell Heath.Council Leader Councillor

Mohammed Pervez said: “We’vebeen busy for the last 12 monthsand the list of achievementsproves it. But there is lots more to do.

“We agreed that our number

one priority was to create jobs byencouraging new businesses tolocate in the city and helping newstart-ups, and by making surethat our existing businesses aresupported in their growth andexpansion plans.

We also pledged to be aneffective council and we arerapidly getting our own house inorder, being open and transparentwith public money, streamliningour systems and processes tomake them more efficient and by

being tougher with those who tryto cheat the benefit system.”

Hundreds of local businesspeople, communityrepresentatives and public servicepartners attended the breakfastmeeting at the King’s Hall inStoke.

They were asked to give a markon their perception of theprogress made under Mandate forChange.

A total of 96 per cent of thepeople present gave a mark ofthree or above out of five, in ascoring system where zerorepresented Some Progress andfive Much Progress.

Among the challenges theyidentified going forward wereengaging more sections of thecommunity, including youngpeople.

MEMBERS of the public are being urged to helptheir local schools by signing up to join their boardof governors. Governors play an important role inschool life, with responsibilities including settingtargets for pupil achievement, managing theschool’s finances, making sure the curriculum isbalanced and broadly based, appointing staff andreviewing staff performance and pay.

Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor AlanDutton said: “If you can question, challenge andscrutinise then you could have an important future

as a school governor. We’re looking for people fromall sorts of backgrounds and professions tostrengthen the teams of governors at a time whenwe are investing around £270million in rebuildingour schools. We want to give all our young peoplethe very best start in life and school governorshave a vital role to play.”● Anyone interested in becoming a schoolgovernor should contact the city council’sGovernor Support Unit on 01782 236889 or [email protected]

School governors wanted across our city

City Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez andChief Executive John van de Laarschot at the Mandatefor Change event.

Mandate challenge now is tospeed up successes

REGENERATION IN ACTION... left to right, 200 jobs created at Steelite International, solar panels on the roofs of hundreds of homes and half abillion pounds being spent on the City Centre, including the massive City Sentral development, are just a few of the achievements under the citycouncil’s Mandate for Change.

Call to reporthate crime

Trentham High School pupilsReine Holt, Paul Sunderland,Libby Steele and Ben Evans.Reine and Ben took to themicrophone to give their viewof the Mandate for Change.

Our City p3 19/7/12 16:59 Page 1

CELEBRATIONS arealready planned forthe Tour of Britain’s

fifth visit to Stoke-on-Trentin September.

The world’s top cyclists – many ofthem fresh from the London 2012Games – will compete in a gruellingroad race on 13 September. Teamsinclude Endura Racing, Team Sky,Garmin Sharp, Node4 GiordanaRacing, and Rapha Condor Sharp.

The Stoke-on-Trent Stage of the Tourof Britain was officially launched at theItalian Gardens in the Trentham Estate.

During the launch the Tour ofBritain route was revealed to guestsincluding local school children who were alsoentertained by BMX stunt rider NorbertOnodi, and they shared a birthday cake.

Stage 5 will once again start from the ItalianGardens. Entertainment and the race warm-upstarts from 9.30am, where spectators can enterfree of charge, finishing in the city centre from1.45pm after almost 150 kilometres.

Councillor Mark Meredith, CabinetMember for Economic Development forStoke-on-Trent City Council said, “Our cityhas rightfully earned the prestigiousreputation for staging world class sporting

events like this one. The positive economicand ‘feel good’ impact it has on the city is veryexciting and we welcome this opportunity tobe the host for the fifth time.”

For more information on the Tour of Britainvisit tourofbritain.com

Amateur cyclists will also have the chance toexperience The Tour of Britain first hand, asthe highly popular Tour Ride Stoke-on-Trentreturns on Sunday 23 September.

This also starts in the Trentham Estate butoffers a choice of a 98km Challenge or a FullPro Ride of 169km. More details will beavailable via tourride.co.uk soon.

4 Our City JULY 2012

THE hip-swingingculmination of a three-yeardance project inspired byLondon 2012 will be stagedin the city this August.

Scores of people areexpected to attend The SalsaBig Band Dance Night, whichtakes place at The VictoriaHall, City Centre, on Friday,24 August.

More than 12,000 peoplehave enjoyed eventsincluding taster sessions inBhangra and belly dance,dance lessons in ballroomand salsa and theperformance of major danceshows involving hundreds oflocal school children.

The Salsa Big Band DanceNight is part of Dancing forthe Games, which is part ofthe Cultural Olympiad in theWest Midlands, and isfunded by Legacy Trust UKand Arts Council England.

Tickets for The Salsa BigBand Dance Night featuringGrupo Lokito a band thatfuses Congolese and Latinosounds cost £5 and can bebooked by calling 0844 8717649 or boughtfrom the Regent Theatre BoxOffice.

Games inspiredance success Plans all set

to celebrateTour 2012

Actionfrom the

Tour Seriesraces in the city

centre inJune.

Tour 2011 factfile...33,000 spectators were in the City Centre to watch the finish of the Tour of Britain.

Overall 110,000 spectators attended Stage 3 of the Tour.

14,000 tweets were sent on the stage daymentioning the tour and Stoke-on-Trent.

Over 500 Stoke-on-Trent schoolchildren camealong on the day.

592,000 people tuned into ITV4 to watch theStoke-on-Trent Stage of the TOB highlights –The highest of all the TOB stages.

Our City p4 19/7/12 17:38 Page 1

Improvementswill happenfor manyyears to come

By City CouncilChief Executive

Johnvan deLaarschot


OUR Mandate for Change – launched 12months ago to make Stoke-on-Trent agreat working city – has alreadyachieved a great deal.

The list of progress is too long to printhere so please take a look at page threeor visit stoke.gov.uk/mandate to learnmore about our commitment to the cityand to hear from local people andbusinesses about the difference that theMandate for Change has made to them.

But Mandate for Change is not a yearlong initiative – the physicalimprovements and culture change willcontinue over many years to come.What we want to do now is to makemore and more people aware of all thepositive things that are happening andwhat each and every one of you can doto help drive the city forward.

Chief Superintendent Bernie O’Reillysummed it up very well when he saidthe challenge was to get the Mandatefor Change into everyone’s DNA!

We are doing all we can to raiseaspirations of those who live here,improving the city centre, our schools,our environment and our infrastructure.

Progress is also being made to ensurethere are real opportunities for trainingand jobs, not just for our young peoplebut for all ages.

We are doing lots more to attractprofessional wealth to the area – peoplewho will spend their money in city shopsand restaurants.

Last month we launched our customhome build competition for those whowant to buy plots of land and designand build their own executive homes.Attractive locations in the historic villageof Penkhull and the popular suburb ofHanford, together with support indesign, planning and finance, were animmediate hit.

In fact, over 90 people expressed aninterest at our launch event for 22 plots,and we have since had over 40 furtherenquiries! The project will not onlyattract people to Stoke-on-Trent whomay previously only have consideredCheshire or Shropshire but also widensour housing offer. Due to the incrediblesuccess of this project, we are nowlooking at other attractive sites acrossthe city and if you want to find out moreabout available plots, guide prices, howto finance your home and constructionoptions, why not get in touch.

We want everyone in Stoke-on-Trentto share our passion and understandhow working together can drive our cityforward.

Over the coming months, we willspread this message across the city andexplain how you can get involved. Welook forward to your active participationto make our city one of which we can allbe proud!

Public urged to report nuisance illegal motorcyclingILLEGAL off-road motorbikes and quad bikescould be seized and crushed in a clampdownby Staffordshire Police, leading to criminalconvictions.

The public are being urged to use aconfidential Antisocial Behaviour Hotline toreport nuisance caused by the noisy bikes.

Working in partnership with the citycouncil, the police are aiming to stop theantisocial behaviour wherever it happens.

People with quad bikes or minimotos arebeing told to drive their machines only on alegal site with the landowner’s consent, tomake sure they wear a helmet and safetyclothing and to visit the Auto Cycle Union (atacu.org.uk) to find out about establishedclubs in the area.

A police spokesman said: “We arecommitted to facilitating a better quality oflife for everyone and will continue to work

together to combat the problem of illegalmotorcycling on our greenways, parks andgreenspaces.”

The public can report incidents and arebeing asked to provide information of riders’names, ages and addresses (where known),descriptions of riders and their motorbikes.● To report an incident phone theAntisocial Behaviour Hotline on 0800 5615610, or email [email protected]

Academy building to create

five schools in oneCONSTRUCTION

work on the new£18.7 million St

Peter’s Academy is right ontarget with pupils set totransfer into the impressivenew building in Septembernext year.

The ambitious developmenton the Sixth Form College’sformer site at Fenton is part ofStoke-on-Trent’s £270 millionBuilding Schools for the Future(BSF) programme – the city’sbiggest ever investment ineducation infrastructure.

Sponsored by the Church ofEngland’s Lichfield Diocese andWoodard Schools, the iconicthree storey building willprovide 21st Century facilitiesfor 1,200 students aged 11-16who are currently on sites atPenkhull and Bucknall.

The Academy is committed toproviding a “world classeducation” within a clearChristian ethos, reflecting thesponsors’ vision of “an Academyat the heart of the city with faithat the heart of the Academy”.

Specialist ICT, media,business and technologyfacilities will enable the deliveryof excellent educationalprovision and allow for a highquality, personalised andrigorous education.

The design of the buildingtakes into account that theschool will be arranged intoteaching chapters – five smallschools within a school – whichare centred on a dramatic, fullheight central forum space.

There is also a bigger-than-normal assembly, performanceand sports hall with seating for1,350 people.

There will be ample openspaces for lecture-style lessons,project-based work, small grouplearning and work rooms forone-to-one mentoring andsupport. Gardens are beingplanted to provide an outdoorarea for teaching, relaxing andreflection.

Creating the distinctivechapters is part of theAcademy’s commitment to eachstudent to have the highestquality pastoral care and to bepersonally known, valued andsupported to achieve maximumpotential. Each chapter will be

overseen by a senior leadercalled Head of Chapter.

The Academy’s centrallocation within the city will alsoensure that students haveexcellent opportunities to moveon to higher education throughclose links with the Sixth FormCollege and the UniversityQuarter.

In addition to the academicareas, the Academy will havewhat will be among the bestschool sports facilities in theUK including a six court sportshall, grass and all-weatherfootball pitches, a grass athleticstrack, changing facilities andplans for a cricket pitch.

The changing facilities will beshared with the adjacent FentonManor Sports Complex and theSixth Form College providingthe city with another first classsports hub. The Academy willalso be able to make use ofFenton Manor’s facilitiesincluding the swimming poolswhich are the largest inStaffordshire.

BSF Project Director TracyPenrose-Gould said the

relatively short time available forconstruction had made the StPeter’s Academy one of themost challenging BSF projects,but contractors ThomasVale/Wates were making greatprogress and meeting all theirtargets. She said: “St Peter’sAcademy is an exciting projectand shows yet again that BSF isbuilding superb educationalfacilities for today’s students inStoke-on-Trent.”

SPONSORS’ VISION

An artist’s impressionshowing how the newbuilding is designedto house the fiveteaching chapters.

Constructionwork on the new

St Peter’s Academyis progressing on

schedule.

“”An Academyat the heartof the citywith faith atthe heart ofthe Academy

Our City p5 19/7/12 16:32 Page 1


HE began his working life at theage of nine in a coal mine, butfrom those humble beginningsrose to become one of mostdynamic political figures of hisage in Stoke-on-Trent – with aspecial place in the history of thetrade union movement.

Enoch Edwards, pictured right,died 100 years ago last monthand to mark that centenary, apottery company has produced alimited edition plaque.Appropriately the plaque hasbeen created by Burslem-basedStaffordshire Creamware – forAlderman Edwards served asMayor of the Mother Town beforegoing on to be MP for Hanley andPresident of the MineworkersFederation of Great Britain.

The plaque is on show at aStaffordshire mining historyexhibition currently beingstaged at the Old PostOffice Gallery inBurslem – partof which is apresentationabout Enoch’smassivecontributionto the welfareof miners.

Mininghistorian KeithMeeson, who hasput together theexhibition, said:“Enoch Edwardswas an inspirational man.Although he left school with avery meagre education, hetaught himself to read and writewhile working as a collier which

led to him becoming an officialwith the local miners’ federation.

“He was involved in the minerescue service and took part in anumber of successfulunderground rescue operationsof trapped and injured miners.He was dedicated to improvingthe working conditions of minersand played a key role indeveloping the miners’ tradeunion at a national level.”

Born in 1852, the son ofa coal miner, Enoch

was deeply religiousand his Methodist

morals were astrong influenceon his public lifework. Anindication of the

great esteem inwhich he was held,

was after his death in1912 the North

Staffordshire MinersFederation produced a medal,pictured above, in his honour.

It is commendable that acentury later his achievementshave not been forgotten and areagain being commemorated.

Tribute to an inspirational man

AS VIP gifts go it took somebeating... former Lord MayorTerry Follows had done hisresearch when looking for amemento to present to the LordMayor of London, AldermanDavid Wootton, as he left after aday-long visit to the Potteries.

The gilded, enamel bowlshowed scenes of The Thames,

emblems of the LondonBoroughs and even AldermanWootton’s beloved rowing.

And to cap it all, the icing onthe cake, a dozen oatcakes,neatly packed and ready for thekitchens at the special visitor’sofficial residence, the MansionHouse. A tasty reminder of asuccessful visit (see page 10).

Gilded bowl holds a tasty treat

New bus station set forearly 2013 openingSTOKE-ON-TRENT city

centre’s new £15 millionbus station will be

opened in January – after thebusy Christmas and New Yearsales period is over.

Construction work on thelandmark bus station, which has afuturistic wave-form design to itssteel roof, is now set to becompleted by late-December 2012.

Complex curved steelworkwhich will support the new busstation buildings – weighing over240 tonnes – has been completed.

But councillors have decided todelay the closure of the old busstation and opening the new onein light of concerns that a move inDecember could disrupt festivetrade.

Principal constructioncontractor Vinci had originallyscheduled the opening for autumnof this year but work has beenslowed down by the discovery of15 underground cellars on the site.

The cellars – the remains ofterrace houses previously on theland – were not on any siteinvestigation drawings and had tobe excavated and filled. It alsomeant further ground stabilisationwork needed to be carried out.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet Member forRegeneration, Planning andTransport, said: “We needed tomake sure ground issues weredealt with thoroughly.

“This is a prestigious andlong-awaited development for thecity centre and we want to makesure we get everything absolutelyright.

“It is not a long delay in thescheme of things – especiallywhen you consider it will be amajor asset for the people of thecity for many generations to come.

“We agreed to wait until early inthe new year for the opening so asnot to disrupt retailers at theirbusiest time of the year – adecision which has beenwelcomed by traders.”

The opening of the new busstation clears the way for themassive City Sentral retail andleisure development at the formerEast West Precinct. When the firstbuses pull into bays at the newstation, demolition work will beginshortly after on the 1960s old busstation.

Birmingham-based RealisEstates are pumping around £350million into the scheme which willsee a new flagship M&Sdepartment store – three timesbigger than the existing city centreM&S – and a Vue multiplexcinema surrounded by 80 stores,11 food and drink units, an80-bed hotel and parking for morethan 1,000 cars.

AMBITIOUS plans to use wasteheat and underground hotwater to create an energyself-sufficient city took a stepforward with the appointmentof an expert partner to helpdeliver the initiative.

Plans to harness surplusenergy from largemanufacturing plants, and evento use hot water in old mineworkings deep beneath theground, to heat buildings in thecity, were unveiled at thelaunch of Mandate for Change.

Now technical expertsAECOM, who have a global

track record of innovativeenergy work, includingLondon’s Olympic Park, havebeen brought in to help the citycouncil make the projects work.

Councillor Andy Platt,Cabinet Member for GreenEnterprises and City Services,said: “We said in our Mandatefor Change that we want tomake Stoke-on-Trent a greatworking city and the place tobring business, and withinnovative steps like this wecan not only achieve that, butcan also become a leader ingreen energy worldwide.”

Technical experts to helpharness hot water energy

Keith Dawson, Staffordshire Creamware Director, withone of the plaques commemorating Enoch Edwards.

RIVETING WORK: steelworkassembly is moving on apace.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member forRegeneration, Planning and Transport, and SimonHourihan, the council’s Project Manager for thebus station development, make a site inspection.In the background the distinctive wave-formdesign can be seen to be taking shape.

Our City p6 19/7/12 16:36 Page 1


MY global businessbackground stretching

back 20-odd years has givenme invaluable experience as Iand my fellow councillors workhard to regenerate the city andattract new jobs.

I’ve always been a LabourParty member and my dadDennis was a councillor in thesame area as me for 40 years. Idecided I too could make adifference when I took stocknine years ago. So despite myvery busy life, I stood. Now I’mDeputy Council Leader andpassionate about improvingStoke-on-Trent for all.

With my businessknowledge, I’m able to dealwith senior council figures ontheir level and talk tobusinesses who want to cometo the city. With the CitySentral development, thebusiness district and buildingwork well advanced on the newbus station, this city is movingforward. The current Cabinet isdedicated to making the citybetter not only in theUK but also in Europe.

I have a family historyof community activism.

They’re trade unionists andmy gran was a parishcouncillor during the miners’strike.

I was chair of the LabourClub at Keele University andworked with the local LabourParty on campaigns. After I’dgraduated, I worked for a fewyears as a researcher for MPRob Flello. The Labour Partygauged my interest in runningas a councillor when I was 23but I didn’t think I’d stand achance because of my age.

When the Longton branchselected me it was a surpriseand I was lucky enough to goon and win. I’ve been acouncillor for over four yearsnow and I’m chair of thedevelopment managementcommittee. My real passionand hobbyhorse at the momentis devolving council services tothe community. For instanceI’d like to see leisure servicesrun as a co-operative with farmore communityinvolvement.

COMMUNITY iseverything to me. I

went to school here and havealways lived in the area. I’vebeen involved with theResidents Who Care Residents’Association for 16 years andI’ve been chair for 15 years.

My family has always beenheavily involved in the area.My nanna and granddad ran ayouth club and jazz band, mymum and dad ran a dancetroupe and still help out withthe association luncheon club.My husband, sister, brother,sister-in-law and both mydaughters are on thecommittee.

People are always coming tome for help.When theysuggested I stand as acouncillor I thought if I canmake a difference I’ll give it ago. It’s hard work and verytime consuming but verysatisfying.

For me it’s not just about myarea but the whole city. I havemany contacts at otherresidents’ associations sothat’s a good thing.

THIS is my first timeas a councillor and my

ambition to better thecommunity is what pushed meinto local politics. I am astrong believer in political andsocial activism.

I think it’s important to bepositive rather than critical. Wewill all make society betterourselves if we engagetogether at all stages in thestruggle for improvement.Things will not get better ontheir own so we have to jointogether instead.

I have held regular surgeriesin my ward since I waselected. People come withtheir problems and issues andI do my best to come up withsolutions. This is not alwayspossible but I am alwayshappy to put forward otherpeople’s points of view.

I am always availablearound the clock to listen anddiscuss the issues of thecommunity. I always try togive people my best effortsinside and outside of the council.

Councillor

PeterHaywardaged 67:City IndependentsHanford and Trentham

Councillor

PaulShottonaged 51:LabourFenton East

Councillor

TomReynoldsaged 27:LabourBroadway andLongton East

Councillor

DebbieWheeldonaged 50:LabourMeir South

Councillor

MuhammadAumiraged 42:LabourMeir Hay

Pictured at the Civic Centre are,left to right, Debbie Wheeldon,

Tom Reynolds, Paul Shotton, PeterHayward and Muhammad Aumir.

I have lived in the cityfor most of my life and

had become increasingly criticalof the council. The impositionof the Governance andPerformance Transition Boardwas the final insult.

Although I had no experienceof local politics I decided tostand as an independentcouncillor. Life is going tobecome increasingly difficult asthis financial squeeze continues.

As an independent councillorfor Hanford and Trentham I’mnever going to be a decisionmaker in the Cabinet, but restassured that I will becontinuing to keep a diligenteye on where and on what thecouncil spends its limited cashresources. My other prioritywill continue to be“Community Development”.

Whilst one can argue thatthere can be no way to avoidfurther council cut backs, thereis no denying that living in avibrant caring local communitywill significantly help reducethe impact of anycutbacks.

“

”

“

”

“

”

“

”

“

”

Five more councillors speak to Our City for the latest in our on-going series wherewe delve into their backgrounds to find out what makes them stand for election inthe first place and what makes them serve the city and its people.

Our City p7 19/7/12 17:27 Page 1


LOTTERY funding worth£750,000 has boosted thepioneering CoRE trainingcentre in Longton.

The cash, from the HeritageLottery Fund, will reduce the£4.4 million the city councilwas paying towards theproject.

The complex is based in aformer pottery works and is anational centre forconstruction industry training.

Students will learn a wholerange of skills which areneeded to bring olderbuildings into modern use.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet Member forRegeneration, said: “The citycouncil has invested in theCentre of RefurbishmentExcellence to give anunprecedented opportunity tolearn relevant skills inrestoring old buildings withthe latest techniques,including renewable energy.Skills learned at the CoRE willhelp students find jobs so itwill help fulfilour promiseof makingStoke-on-Trent a greatworking city.”

CoRE... it’s alottery boost ART and music-based memorial events are being

held in the city to remember the 70th anniversaryof the World War II Lidice tragedy.

More than 300 men, woman and children diedfollowing the destruction of the Czech village bythe Nazis in 1942. However, with the help of acampaign launched by Stoke-on-Trent peoplemoney was raised to help rebuild it after the war.

To mark the milestone, the launch of theBarnett Stross and Lidice exhibition is to be heldon 6 September at the Potteries Museum & ArtGallery. It opens to the public on 7 September.

And on 8 September, a Lidice memorialconcert will take place at the Victoria Hall,

Hanley, featuring music from the Ceramic CityChoir and The Florence Brass (miners) Band.

The Mayor of Lidice, accompanied by threesurvivors of the tragedy, will also visit the city tomark the 70th anniversary of the launch of TheLidice Shall Live campaign.

Last month, Lord Mayor Councillor TerryCrowe visited Lidice, the latest in a long line ofevents connecting the city to the village,spanning the last seven decades.

On 6 September 1942, city councillor BarnettStross – who later became Stoke-on-Trent CentralMP – founded the Lidice Shall Live campaign,which led to the rebuilding of the village. The

fundraiser was backed by local coal miners whodonated a week’s wages. The campaign raisedsignificant sums (equivalent to approximately£1million in today's money).

This funded more than 150 modern state-of-the-art homes. In 1955 Barnett led an initiativeto construct the world’s largest rose garden with23,000 roses donated from around the world.

The rose garden formed a bridge between thesite of the old village and the new Lidice. In 1966Barnett Stross initiated the Lidice Art Collection.

Tickets are now on sale for the concert on 8September at the Victoria Hall box office pricedat £5 each.

Events mark city’s response to Lidice atrocity

AS Neighbourhood Watch celebratesits 30th anniversary, communityspirited Graham Simm continues

to be the driving force behind the schemethat keeps his street safer in Hartshill.

The 74-year-old retired music teacher andformer Special Constable set up the WatsonStreet scheme 12 years ago and has been theco-ordinator ever since.

Covering 30 properties, Graham keeps intouch through leaflets and emails as he alertshis neighbours to specific problems.

Graham, who is also vice chairman of theHartshill and Harpfields Residents’

Association, said:“I’d joined aneighbourhoodwatch scheme acouple of yearsafter retiringfrom the specialconstabulary anddecided we neededone for my ownstreet.

“So I pushed notesthrough letter boxes andabout half said yes.

“We got some advicefrom the city’sNeighbourhood WatchManager and off wewent. Almost half thehouseholds are nowmembers. I produceleaflets myself and printthem off beforedelivering them andliaise closely with theNeighbourhood WatchManager who alerts meif there are anyparticular issues orproblems.

“It’s been quitesuccessful and I get alot of satisfaction out ofit – a feeling that I’mhelping theneighbourhood. It’simportant for thecommunity and has helped bring uscloser together as people look out fortheir neighbours.

“I’m pretty active so I’ll keep going aslong as I can, maybe another 74 years,”joked Graham.

Dave Twist, Staffordshire Police CrimeReduction Manager, said: “We’reencouraging people of all ages to joinexisting NHW schemes or to set up a newpolice registered scheme in their area.

“Establishing orformalising regularcommunication with thepolice, other residents andlocal businesses makes local communities feeleven safer and confident that they’re making adifference in their local area.”● For more information on setting up aNeighbourhood Watch Scheme, go tostaffordshire.police.uk or call 101 and ask foryour local Neighbourhood Watch Manager.

Neighbourhood Watch bringscommunity together

BUDDING chefs have helped food safetyexperts from Public Protection demonstratehow to safely use leftovers to create freshmeals.

They staged a cook-off at The CrescentChildren’s Centre during Food Safety Week.Advice on how to avoid food poisoning wasalso on offer as the Lord Mayor, CouncillorTerry Crowe, served as chief taster.

Councillor Janine Bridges, CabinetMember for Housing, Neighbourhoods andCommunity Safety, said:“In these

financially hard times, we are all lookingfor ways to make what we have go thatlittle bit further. But it is important that wedo so in a safe and healthy manner. Thiswas a fun way of getting people to thinkabout what they can do with leftoverswhile also becoming awareof the risks and minimisingthem.”● To learn more go to theFood Standards Agency atfood.gov.uk

Food safety cook-off uses left-overs

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH...74-year-old Graham Simm talksthrough community issues withPolice Community SupportOfficer Yvonne Klebukowski.

Our City p8 19/7/12 16:59 Page 1


COMMUNITY healthfacilities which enablepatients to be treated

closer to where they live havebeen officially opened.

Her Majesty’s representative inStaffordshire Lord Lieutenant IanDudson CBE cut the ribbon the £14million Cobridge Community HealthCentre as well as the Integrated SexualAssault Referral Centre which providesgenitourinary medicine, contraceptionservices as well as HIV counsellingand the Sexual Assault Referral Centrewhich supports the victims of sexualassault and abuse on the same site.

Work on the development started inJune 2010 and the impressive newcentre has brought together two localGP practices – the Dr Pathak surgeryand Apsley House Surgery, which werebased on Waterloo Road.

Other facilities include districtnursing, health visiting and schoolnursing teams, a range of outpatientsservices, including a chest clinic, apharmacy, X-ray services and bloodtesting.

It is the culmination of years oftireless campaigning by local residentsand volunteers who worked with thePCT and city council to bring the

ultra-modern facility to fruition.Staffordshire PCT Cluster Chief

Executive Graham Urwin said: “I amdelighted that the Lord Lieutenant hasopened the community health centreand the integrated sexual health unit.It has given the community theopportunity to celebrate the hard workthat has gone into making thesedevelopments a reality.

“We expect in excess of 160,000patients to use the Community HealthCentre every year.”

Councillor Adrian Knapper, thecouncil’s Cabinet Member for Health,said: “Centres of this nature providean extremely important service topeople who need immediate support intimes of extreme difficulty.

“In Stoke-on-Trent we are dedicatedto supporting people who’ve been thevictim of sexual crimes and, asoutlined in our Mandate for Change,we want to promote independentliving and healthy lives within the cityand these centres will be at theforefront of that vision.”

To celebrate the building of thehealth centre, a community artsproject was launched, which saw fiveartists create three pieces of work thathave been prominently displayed inCobridge.

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Thought you couldn’t afforda home of your own?

Think again!

LORD Mayor Terry Crowe joined more than240 high school pupils at NorthwoodStadium for an early taste of Olympicexcitement. The city’s First Citizen cut aribbon to officially open the DiscoveryAcademy’s very own version of the OlympicGames.

There were 10 forms of Year 7 students –11 and 12-year-olds – from the Academyand each form represented a differentcountry to take part in track and fieldevents as well as fun events such as wellywanging.

“Perhaps an omen of what’s to come thissummer, is that Jamaica came out on topwith the United States runner-up and Spain

in third place,” said Academy Director ofHealthy Lifestyles Janet Baggaley.“But it isnot a bad sign for the host nation – all the10 forms wanted to be Team GB so wethought it fairest not to have a Team GB inour Games.”

The Lord Mayor said:“It was great to seethe youngsters entering into the spirit ofthe Olympics with the flags and colours ofcompeting nations.”

The Discovery Academy – which hasreplaced the former Edensor and MitchellHigh Schools – will move into a new £23million complex at Bentilee in September2013, as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s BuildingSchools for the Future programme.

Lord Mayor cuts the ribbon – andstarts the Olympics excitement

Holding a pottery plaque to commemorate the official opening of the Cobridge CommunityHealth Centre and Integrated Sexual Health Unit are Her Majesty’s representative in Staffordshire Lord Lieutenant Ian Dudson CBE, who performed the opening ceremony, and Staffordshire Chief

Constable Mike Cunningham. Looking on are Staffordshire PCT Cluster Chief ExecutiveGraham Urwin, second left, and John Taylor, Chairman of Prima 200, the company whichproject managed the construction of the new buildings – pictured in the background.

Health services arecloser to home

Lord Mayor Terry Crowe cuts the ribbon to startthe Discovery Academy’s Olympic Games event.

Our City p9 19/7/12 17:42 Page 1


Fundingsoughtforceramicskills

academy

POLICE are urging residents totake simple crime preventionmeasures to deter would-bethieves who target vehicleswith valuables left on display.

Most thefts from a vehicleoccur when they have been leftinsecure. Preventions include:● ALWAYS ensuring the vehicle

is locked and secured.● ALWAYS removing bags and

valuables from view.● NEVER leaving keys in the

ignition while paying for fuelor popping to a shop.

● ACTIVATING security deviceswhen leaving the vehicle.Suspicious activity should be

reported to Staffordshire Policeby calling the non-emergencynumber 101, or CrimeStopperson 0800 555 111.

A historic chapel, known as theCathedral of the Potteries willbe throwing open its doors tothe public each month to showoff restoration progress.

Bethesda Chapel, in AlbionStreet, City Centre, is openbetween 12 and 3pm on thesecond Saturday of eachmonth, when its organ can beheard and visitors can see thestages works have reached.

The roof, windows, pulpitand communion rail havebeen restored and thebeautiful ceiling and stainedglass windows replaced.

FRAUDSTERS are beingtargeted in a £210,000 CityCouncil ‘Spot the Cheater’campaign.

The crackdown isconcentrating on housingtenancy and benefit fraud,council tax evaders and thosewho misuse the blue badgescheme for people withmobility problems. Posters,parking tickets, billboard andbus adverts are urging thepublic to report any cheatsthey suspect.

Corporate Fraud ManagerPaul Bicknell said:“It isn’t justthe city council being rippedoff, it’s the citizens of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Deputy Council Leader PaulShotton said:“Cheats need toknow they can run but can’thide. People can contact us intotal confidence and theirinformation investigated.”

Reports of potential fraudhave doubled so far. Anyonewho suspectsfraud can call01782 236800 orvisit stoke.gov.uk/reportfraud

Open days atthe Bethesda

Simple steps totackle car crime

Public urgedto reportthe Cheaters

ABID to set up a Ceramic SkillsAcademy in Stoke-on-Trent,to fill skills gaps in the pottery

industry, has been submitted.Outline funding of around £20,000 has

been granted to allow a comprehensive bid for£1.5million to be submitted to the UKCommission for Employment and Skills(UKCES).

North Staffs Chamber of Commerce andthe British Ceramic Confederation, on behalfof the industry, now have three months tostate the case for the prestigious academy.

It comes as our city’s world famousceramics industry enjoys a resurgence basedon the quality of ware produced here and thetraditional skills of the workforce.

But as many companies try to grow, theyare experiencing a shortage of people whoeither have the skills they need, or even wantto work in a ceramic factory.

Work together

Amazingly the bid for the academy wasbeing put together as the idea was discussedduring a VIP visit by the Lord Mayor ofLondon. Alderman David Wootton came to Stoke-on-Trent, where his father lives, andvisited several pottery factories as part of acommitment to help promote the industry.

He chaired a luncheon hosted by the CityCouncil which was attended by industrialists,senior councillors, regeneration experts, themedia and educationalists to discuss what couldbe done to build on growth in the ceramicsindustry as part of the city’s regeneration.

The skills gap was the topic oflengthy discussion, when it wassuggested that pottery companiesshould work together to supporta programme to train people inthe skills the industry needs.Meetings have taken place,attended by representatives ofStoke-on-Trent City Council,North Staffordshire Chamber ofCommerce and Industry, BritishCeramic Federation,Staffordshire University andrepresentatives of the industry,since Spring this year.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industrydrew up the Ceramic Skills Academy bid withthe support of the City Council. If given thegreen light, Government funding of £1millionwill be boosted with £500,000 from partnersand the ceramic industry. It will be announcedlater in the summer.

Councillor MarkMeredith, CabinetMember for EconomicDevelopment, said: “Theceramic industry hasstarted to grow again inthe area as demonstratedby the success ofcompanies like Steelite,Portmeirion and EmmaBridgewater.

“To ensure futuregrowth is secured bothtraditional and new skillswill be required, this bidshould give both themeans to deliver themand send a clear messageabout the excitingpotential for growth inthe ceramic industry inour city.”

Talks are now underway between thepartners to produce a structure for thelearning opportunities and to involve moreceramics companies in offering different partsof the training.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London,Alderman David Wootton said: “I amdelighted to hear that plans are afoot to createa Ceramic Skills Academy in Stoke-on-Trent.When I visited the Potteries and met leadersof the ceramics sector in May this year, it wasapparent that a skills shortage was one of thebiggest threats facing the industry.

“We discussed an innovative, industry-led,‘modular approach’, which would inspire a newgeneration of ceramicists and enable students togain ‘hands on’ experience and qualifications.

“I was struck by the industry’s energy andcommitment to develop and realise theseplans, and am encouraged to see how far theyhave progressed. A Ceramic Skills Academy isan excellent, effective, essential step towardsregenerating and revitalising this importantindustry.

“I commend the vision and leadership of theBritish Ceramic Federation, North StaffordshireChamber of Commerce and Industry,Staffordshire University, Stoke on TrentCollege, Stoke-on-Trent City Council – and theregion’s pottery and ceramic companies.”

FIRE chiefs have sent out a summer safetymessage... in spite of it being the wettestMay and June for decades. Any spell ofhotter weather means it’s out with thebarbecues... and an increased safety risk.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue’s Head ofRisk Reduction, Glynn Luznyj said:“We wantpeople to have fun but we also want themto celebrate safely – we don’t want to turnup to save their bacon!”

The summer months also bring otherpotential fire risks and the service alwayssees an increase in grass fires duringwarmer weather.

Though the majority of grass fires aredeliberately started something as simple asthrowing a cigarette from a car window or

leaving a glass bottle on the floor canaccidentally start a grass fire.

Glynn Luznyj added:“We ask that peopletake care when they’re outside enjoying thenice weather and simply ensure thatcigarettes are appropriately extinguishedand disposed of and that litter is put intobins provided or taken home with you.“● For more information about celebratingsafely this summer, including a list of tips forpeople organising street parties,visit staffordshirefire.gov.uk Also followStaffs Fire on Twitter andFacebook for regularupdates throughout thesummer.

David Wootton addresses a lunch hosted by council chiefs andceramic industry bosses watched by Moorcroft Chairman HughEdwards, city council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot andCity Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez.

Head of Risk Reduction, Glynn Luznyj with thesummer safety campaign poster.

Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy Funding sought for ceramicskills academy

To ensure futuregrowth is securedboth traditionaland new skillswill be required.

“”

‘Don’t get burned’warning for summer funseekers

The Rt HonThe Lord Mayor ofLondon, Alderman

David Woottonduring his visit to

MiddleportPottery.

Our City p10 19/7/12 16:16 Page 1


Children’s CentreUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATE

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 238989

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

Tel: 01782 236333

Tel: 01782 234357

Tel: 01782 237100

Tel: 01782 231815

Tel: 01782 596421

Tel: 01782 237650

Tel: 01782 233775

Tel: 01782 234024

Tel: 01782 233670

Tel: 01782 237500

News and information from Stoke-on-Trent’s Children’s Centres July 2012

GOVERNMENT funding for hi-tech equipment hasrecognised pioneering work in

Stoke-on-Trent's Children’s Centresto help parents understand the waytheir children learn.

Less than a handful of local authoritiesacross the country – including our city – weresuccessful in applying for funds from theTrialling New Approaches for Free Educationprogramme last year.

The city council bought iPads to helpparents across the city study and understandhow their children learn through play.

The powerful computer tablets enable staffin the children’s centres to film childrenlearning, and instantly review the videos withtheir parents.

Play and Learning Team Lead for the SouthLocality Jacqui Higginson said: “Previously wehad to shoot video on a camera and transfer itto a laptop, which could take up to an hourand lose the impact. Now we use the portableiPads to film children and instantly reviewtheir play with parents.

“It is far more practical and means we can

concentrate on involving parents in theirchildren’s development by helping them tounderstand how children learn and developthrough play.”

Children’s centre teams in Stoke-on-Trentdeliver a parenting programme called PICL(Parents Involved in Children’s Learning)which looks at how children learn and helpsprofessionals and parents understand how tosupport children’s learning.

OFSTED inspectors who saw the initiativein action at the Crescent Children’s Centre inMeir said: “Videos are used to record parentand child interaction which has a tremendousimpact on their parenting skills.

“Children are notably more able to socialise.The improvement in learning is clearly evidentwhen they start full time nursery aged three,compared to those who do not attend thechildren’s centre.”

Council Leader Councillor MohammedPervez, whose portfolio includescommunications, said: “This is a greatexample of our city leading the way in givingchildren the very best start in life.

“The Government asked local authorities toput forward their ideas for innovative uses oftechnology to make a difference in children’slives. Stoke-on-Trent was one of only ahandful of councils which were successful inbeing granted funding.

“The iPads are a very practical yet powerfultool and are helping our children’s centresengage parents in their children’s learning andbring families together.”

Government backs city bid to support

the iPad generation

Filming Max as he paints.

Kelly Clark, left,

and Play and Learning

Practitioner Laura

Compton observe Kelly’s

three-year-old son Max

using an iPad to boost

his learning and

development.

Our City p11 20/7/12 09:45 Page 1

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play & Learn team. ■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only.

MONDAYCook and Eat taster session

■

(6,13,20 Aug) 10-11:30amReady Steady Learn 1-3pm(6,13,20 Aug.Transition based group)

TUESDAYHome Play Sessions 9:30-12:30pmBaby Stay and Play 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.0-2yrs)

WEDNESDAYParent Time (Resumes Sept)Little Stars* 9:30-11:30amStay and Play 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.2-5yrs)Messy Play 1 AugBeach Theme 8 AugHanley Park Picnic 15 Aug(Bring your own picnic and a bear)Joiners Square Picnic 22 Aug(Ask centre for venue)Junk Modelling 29 Aug(Bring cereal box,toilet roll holders,teabag box etc.)

THURSDAYDove Service* 9-11amPostnatal Drop-In 1:30-3pmHealth Visitor and Baby WeighingGroup Drop-In 1:30-2:45pmMini Olympics 10-11am(2,9,16,23 Aug)

FRIDAYBaby Massage Taster Session ▲

27 July 1:30-2:30pm10,17,24 Aug 10-11:30amRegistration Drop-In 10-2pm(3,31 Aug)

OTHER SERVICESSpeech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

0178223633301782

238352

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF

MONDAY

Family Play Together 9:15-11:15am

(30 July,6,13,20 Aug.Open to all

families with a child under 5.Older

siblings welcome)

Let’s Get Started 1-2:45pm

(Invitation only)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9:30-1pm

Art Session (7,21 Aug) 10-12pm

Teddy Bears Picnic (14 Aug) 10-12pm

Disco (28 Aug) 10-12pm

WEDNESDAY

Growing Together 9:30-11am

(Only regular families to attend,older

siblings welcome throughout August)

THURSDAY

Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Baby Jabadao 9:30-11am

(0-First steps)

Growing Together 1-2:30pm



OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Restarts in September)

01782233775

01782596421

MONDAY

Playspace and Café 9:30-4pm

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm

Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAY


Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY


Baby Massage 1-2:30pm(0-12mths,book at reception)

Parent’s Forum (5,19 Sept) 9:45-11am

Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm(SMILE training & employment Drop-In)

THURSDAY



Fitness Group ▲ 10-11am

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Playspace and Café 9:30-3:30pm

Moss Green Growing Together(Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am


Lets Get Started 9:30-11:30am(Invite only)

Play Together 12:30-2pm

Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm

Family Play Together 12:30-2pmFruity Friday 27 July Bug Hunt 3 AugMessy Play 10 AugTeddy Bears Picnic 17 AugFun Day 24 AugSports Day 31 Aug

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur)

Playspace and Café (Open to the public)

Start-Up Courses available(Term time only)

Volunteering Programme

Travers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR

01782237650

Normacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW

01782234024

01782233670

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY01782231096

MONDAY

Stay and Play 9:30-11:30am(Book at reception)

Adult Learning and Crèche #

TUESDAY

Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am

Parent Forum Meeting (Every secondTuesday of the month) 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pmDrop-In

Jumping Beans 1:30-2:30pm(18mths plus,book at reception)

WEDNESDAY


Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding CaféDrop-In 9:30-11:30am

Trip to Westport Lake #

Locality Event 11-2pm(8 August,Burslem Park)

THURSDAY


Young Parents Group 10-12pm


FRIDAY

Busy Babies Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)

Well Baby Clinic 9:30-11:30am

Growing Together * 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Tiny Talkers

01782231096 01782

232977

01782238989

01782236655

MONDAY

Stay and Play (PICL,2-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Growing Together 1:15-2:45pm(Baby Stay and Play for 0-12mths)

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

TUESDAY

Triple P ▲ 9:30-11:30am

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm

Stay & Play (PICL,1-2yrs) 1:15-2:45pm

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

WEDNESDAY

Cook and Eat* 9:30-11:30am

New Birth Registration Drop-In (27 July,30 Aug,Trent Vale Health Centre)10-11am

Transition Group* 1-3pm

Beach Party■

(1 Aug) 10-12pm

Olympic Sports Day■

(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Messy Morning■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Explore the World■

(22 Aug) 10-12pm

Retro Junk Modelling■

10-12pm(29 Aug)

THURSDAYHealth Visitor Drop-In (0-5yrs) 9:30-11amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (26 July,30 Aug,Penkhull CC) 9:30-11amMidwife Clinic

■All Day

Teddy Bears Picnic 11:30-1pm(2,16,30 Aug.Various locations)

Sports Day■

10-12pm(9 Aug.St John’s,Trent Vale)

Beach Party 10-12pm(23 Aug.St John’s,Trent Vale)

FRIDAYSinging Sunflowers 9:30-10am &(0-5yrs,Stoke Library) 10:15-10:45amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (27 July,31 Aug,Stoke Library) 11-1pmTiny Talkers* 1-2pm

OTHER SERVICESToy LibrarySensory Room (By request)Speech and Language Support*Play and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Jo Jingles ■

(£2) 10-10:45am

Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am(10 Sept,then fortnightly)


Baby Massage (6wk course,starts 20 Aug. Invitation only) 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am

Family Play Together 9:30-11:30am(31 July,7,14,21,28 Aug)

WEDNESDAY

Triple P 9:30-11:30am

Let’s Get Started 9:30-11:30am(Invitation only)

Growing Together 1-2:30pm(Only regular families to attend,oldersiblings welcome throughout August)

Art Session ■

(1 Aug) 10-12pm

Art Session ■

(8 Aug) 12-2pm

Family Bingo ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Treasure Hunt ■

(22 Aug) 10-12pm

Caribbean Fun Day ■

(29 Aug) 11-1pm

THURSDAY

Child Health Clinic 9-11am(Weston Heights Community Centre)

Numeracy 9:30-11:30amLiteracy 12:30-2:30pm(For more info speak to Caz 596421)

FRIDAY


Mini Olympics ■

10-12pm(27 July,weather permitting)

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche Training,Volunteering andRespiteMon,Thur 9-11:30amThur 12:30-3pmFri 9-11:30am

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm(Tue,Wed,Thur)

Dads Saturday (18 Aug) 10-12pm


MONDAYHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11amFenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm(27 Aug)Growing Together 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs, invite only)

TUESDAYPlay Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAYBreastfeeding Café 10:30-12pmVarious Training Courses

■

(Limited Crèche places available)

Community Garden 1-3pmSunflower Planting 1 AugVegetable Planting 8 AugBug Hunt 15 Aug

THURSDAYCoffee Morning Drop-In 9:30-11:30amYoga Session 26 JulyMeditation 2 Aug(Small donation £1 required)Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Baby Massage 1:30-3pm

Baby Jabadao (0-Walking) 1-2:30pm

Movie Time (27 July) 1-3pm

SATURDAY

Dads Group (4 Aug) 10-12pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy and Book Library

Community Garden

Play and Learning Home Visits

Sensory Room ■


Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW

MONDAYStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30amAdult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

TUESDAYMessy Monkeys Baby Group(0-18mths) 9-10:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30amStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(Whitfield Valley)Adult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

WEDNESDAYStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(25 July,1 15,22,29 August)


THURSDAY

Tiny Talkers # 1-2:30pmAdult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

FRIDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11am

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Fathers Group

MONDAY


TUESDAY

Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)


WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(25 July,1,15,22,29 August)


THURSDAY

Growing Together * 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Adult Learning and Crèche #Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JWBishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Crèche for Training and Parent Forum9:30-11am

Parent Forum 9:30-11am

Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm

Busy Hands ■

(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Flag Making ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Wet & Wild Olympics ■

10-12pm(22 Aug)

THURSDAY


Let’s Get Started 9:30-11:30am(by invitation only, for children startingNursery/School placements inSeptember 2012)

Health Visitor Drop-In 1-3pm(1st and 3rd Thursday in the month)

FRIDAY

Family Play Together (0-5yrs)(10,17,24 August) 9:30-11:30am

Foster Carers’Group(7 Sept,12 Oct,23 Nov)

OTHER SERVICES

Play Together (0-5yrs)Mon,Fri 9:30-11:30am

Growing Together (0-5yrs)Tue 9:30-11amThur 1-3pm

Outdoor Play Area


MONDAYPlay Together 9:30-11:30amTwins and More Siblings 10:30-12pmStart-Up Course ▲ 12:45-2:45pm(Speak to Andy for more information)

TUESDAYPost Natal/New Baby 10-11am(Mums and Babies up to 9mths)Busybodies 11:30-12:15pm(£1 per family)Baby Clinic

■4:30-6pm

(First Tue of every month)

WEDNESDAYSpeech & Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pmLets Get Started 9:30-11:30am(places are limited)Development Checks ▲ 9:30-1pmPlay and Sing Together 1-2:30pmSafety Awareness Event 12-2pm(22 Aug)

THURSDAYBreastfeeding Cafe 10:30-12pmBaby Clinic 1-3pmBaby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAYParent Forum (27 July) 9:30-11:30amGrowing Together 1-2:30pmWestfield Family Fun Day “SummerSpectacular”Themed(10 Aug) 10-12pmESOL – Tests 12:30-2:30pm(Last one 27 July)

OTHER SERVICESSoft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pmMidwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲

Crèche Training,Volunteering and respite (Mon-Fri)Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(26,31 July) 11:30-1:30pmPlay and Learning Home Visits(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)PACT Drop-In Session (26 July) 3pmVolunteering ProgrammeEarly Intervention TeamTraining and Employment Support

Buccleuch Road, Normacot,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF

Greatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

Families welcome totake part in packedactivity programme EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trentcan make the most of a greatrange of services and facilities atthe city’s children’s centres.

The teams reach out into theirlocal communities to supportfamilies and give children the verybest start in life.

But anyone is welcome to popinto their local centre and takepart in one of the dozens ofactivities featured on this pull outand keep special feature.

Children’s centres provide arange of services including:● childcare and children's learning

and development● health services

● family support● specialist support for children

with additional needs● outreach workers● information for

parents● activities to help

parents and carersget back to work.Each children’s centre also

delivers additional servicestailored to meet local needs.

There are even opportunitiesto volunteer and learn new skillsthat could lead to qualifications, ajob or career change.

Contact details are includedwith each centre’s calendar.

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.* Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

TUESDAY


THURSDAY

Childminders 9:30-2:30pm(26 July,2,23,30 August)

FRIDAY

Little Sprouts Stay and PlayGardening Group (0-5yrs) 1-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 1-3pm


TUESDAY



WEDNESDAY


Baby Massage 9:30-10:30amDrop-In


THURSDAY

Tiny Explorers Baby Group(0-18mths) 9:30-11am


FRIDAY

Lets Get Creative 9:30-11:30am(Messy play Drop-In,please bring achange of clothing)

Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm Jo Jingles

■11:15-Noon

(1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time)Growing Together

■ (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm(Blurton Primary School,term time only)

TUESDAY

Baby Clinic 9:30-10:30am(Hollybush Community Centre)Play Together Group

■9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-11amBaby Jabadao

■ (0-First steps) 9:30-11am

Baby ClinicBlurton Children’s Centre 11-NoonBlurton Health Centre 1:30-3:30pmStart Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pmParent Forum (fortnightly) 1-2:30pmBusy Hands

■(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Flag Making ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pmWet & Wild Olympics

■10-12pm

(22 Aug)

THURSDAY

Let’s Get Started (by invitation only, forchildren starting Nursery/Schoolplacements in Sept 2012)9:30-11:30am

Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm

Baby Massage ■

1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Growing Together■

(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Play Together (Newstead PrimarySchool,term time only) 1:30-3pm

Birth Prep (book with Midwife, firstFriday of the month)

OTHER SERVICES

Indoor and Outdoor Playspace(open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm

Crèche (Available for parentsundertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering,Training and Respite)Mon 9:30-11:30amWed 12:30-2:30pm

Baby Massage* (one to one sessions)


Sensory Room

01782231815

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR

01782237500

Pinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ

01782234357

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

SUMMERACTIVITIES

For the latest newsabout summer events,

pop into your localChildren’s Centre.

01782237100

College Road, Shelton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ

MONDAY

Time 4 You* 12:30-2:30pm(30 July,6 Aug)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am

Babbling Babes/Growing Together(31 July,7,14 Aug) 10:30-11:30am

NEW Play Together 1-2:30pm(31 July,7,14,28 Aug)

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play (PICL) 10:30-11:30am(1,8,15,22 Aug)

Baby Massage* 1-2:30pm(1,8,15 Aug)

Open Day (22 Aug) 1:30-3:30pm

Mini Olympics (29 Aug) 10:30-11am

THURSDAY

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

Ready Steady Learn 9:30-11:30am(Please enquire)

Baby Weighing Clinic 1:30-3:30pm(Abbey Hulton Clinic)

FRIDAY

Breastfeeding Peer Support withcrèche 9:45-11:45am

Safety Roadshow 10-11:30am(17,24 Aug)

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12:30pm

Messy Monsters Craft 1-2:30pm(27 July,3,10,17,24 Aug)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library (By request)

Sensory Room■

Speech and Language Support*

Play and Learning in the Home*

Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)


MONDAYStay and Play 9:30-11amLet’s Explore – Messy Play

■30 July

(PICL,18mths plus)Teddy Bear Picnic 13 Aug(Northwood Park.Older siblingswelcome.Don’t forget your bears!)Beach Party

■20 Aug

(Bring your swimwear and a towel.Don’t forget your sunglasses!)Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30amMini Olympics (6 Aug.Hanley ForestPark.Older siblings welcome) 10-12pmChanges * 1-3pm

TUESDAYConnect Community Group ^(31 July,7,21 Aug) 9:30-11:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am(Hanley Health Centre)Growing Together 1-2:30pmHealth Visitor Drop-In 1-3pm(Cobridge Health Centre)P & L in the home* 1:30-2:30pmLet’s Move at Eturia Park10-11:30am(28 Aug.Older siblings welcome)

WEDNESDAYBaby Stay and Play – GrowingTogether (0-18 mths) 10-11:30amMandarin Group 12-1:30pmBabble and Speak* 1:30-2:30pmZUMBA at the PARC (Portland Street,Hanley,£3 per session) 7pm

THURSDAYReady, Steady, Go* 9:30-11:30am(Transition crèche to NEG/School.)Hands from Around the World*

10:30-12pmBouncing Bears 11-11:45am(City Central Library)

FRIDAYTriple P* 9:30-11:30amLet’s Move

■10-11:30am

(17 Aug.Older siblings welcome)Story Session

■ (24 Aug) 10-11:30am

Let’s Do Lunch■

10:30-12:30pm(31 Aug. Older siblings welcome)

OTHER SERVICESPlay and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

Our City p12-13 19/7/12 16:23 Page 1

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play & Learn team. ■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only.

MONDAYCook and Eat taster session

■

(6,13,20 Aug) 10-11:30amReady Steady Learn 1-3pm(6,13,20 Aug.Transition based group)

TUESDAYHome Play Sessions 9:30-12:30pmBaby Stay and Play 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.0-2yrs)

WEDNESDAYParent Time (Resumes Sept)Little Stars* 9:30-11:30amStay and Play 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.2-5yrs)Messy Play 1 AugBeach Theme 8 AugHanley Park Picnic 15 Aug(Bring your own picnic and a bear)Joiners Square Picnic 22 Aug(Ask centre for venue)Junk Modelling 29 Aug(Bring cereal box,toilet roll holders,teabag box etc.)

THURSDAYDove Service* 9-11amPostnatal Drop-In 1:30-3pmHealth Visitor and Baby WeighingGroup Drop-In 1:30-2:45pmMini Olympics 10-11am(2,9,16,23 Aug)

FRIDAYBaby Massage Taster Session ▲

27 July 1:30-2:30pm10,17,24 Aug 10-11:30amRegistration Drop-In 10-2pm(3,31 Aug)

OTHER SERVICESSpeech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

0178223633301782

238352

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9AS

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EF

MONDAY

Family Play Together 9:15-11:15am

(30 July,6,13,20 Aug.Open to all

families with a child under 5.Older

siblings welcome)

Let’s Get Started 1-2:45pm

(Invitation only)

TUESDAY


Art Session (7,21 Aug) 10-12pm

Teddy Bears Picnic (14 Aug) 10-12pm

Disco (28 Aug) 10-12pm

WEDNESDAY

Growing Together 9:30-11am



THURSDAY

Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Baby Jabadao 9:30-11am

(0-First steps)

Growing Together 1-2:30pm



OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Restarts in September)

01782233775

01782596421

MONDAY




TUESDAY


Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY


Baby Massage 1-2:30pm(0-12mths,book at reception)

Parent’s Forum (5,19 Sept) 9:45-11am

Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm(SMILE training & employment Drop-In)

THURSDAY



Fitness Group ▲ 10-11am

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Playspace and Café 9:30-3:30pm

Moss Green Growing Together(Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am


Lets Get Started 9:30-11:30am(Invite only)

Play Together 12:30-2pm

Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm

Family Play Together 12:30-2pmFruity Friday 27 July Bug Hunt 3 AugMessy Play 10 AugTeddy Bears Picnic 17 AugFun Day 24 AugSports Day 31 Aug

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur)

Playspace and Café (Open to the public)

Start-Up Courses available(Term time only)


Travers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR

01782237650

Normacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AW

01782234024

01782233670

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY01782231096

MONDAY



TUESDAY

Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only) 9:30-11:30am

Parent Forum Meeting (Every secondTuesday of the month) 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage 11:30-12:30pmDrop-In

Jumping Beans 1:30-2:30pm(18mths plus,book at reception)

WEDNESDAY


Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding CaféDrop-In 9:30-11:30am

Trip to Westport Lake #


THURSDAY


Young Parents Group 10-12pm


FRIDAY

Busy Babies Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)

Well Baby Clinic 9:30-11:30am

Growing Together * 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Tiny Talkers

01782231096 01782

232977

01782238989

01782236655

MONDAY

Stay and Play (PICL,2-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Growing Together 1:15-2:45pm(Baby Stay and Play for 0-12mths)

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

TUESDAY

Triple P ▲ 9:30-11:30am

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm

Stay & Play (PICL,1-2yrs) 1:15-2:45pm

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

WEDNESDAY

Cook and Eat* 9:30-11:30am

New Birth Registration Drop-In (27 July,30 Aug,Trent Vale Health Centre)10-11am

Transition Group* 1-3pm

Beach Party■

(1 Aug) 10-12pm

Olympic Sports Day■

(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Messy Morning■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Explore the World■

(22 Aug) 10-12pm

Retro Junk Modelling■

10-12pm(29 Aug)

THURSDAYHealth Visitor Drop-In (0-5yrs) 9:30-11amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (26 July,30 Aug,Penkhull CC) 9:30-11amMidwife Clinic

■All Day

Teddy Bears Picnic 11:30-1pm(2,16,30 Aug.Various locations)

Sports Day■

10-12pm(9 Aug.St John’s,Trent Vale)

Beach Party 10-12pm(23 Aug.St John’s,Trent Vale)

FRIDAYSinging Sunflowers 9:30-10am &(0-5yrs,Stoke Library) 10:15-10:45amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (27 July,31 Aug,Stoke Library) 11-1pmTiny Talkers* 1-2pm

OTHER SERVICESToy LibrarySensory Room (By request)Speech and Language Support*Play and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Jo Jingles ■

(£2) 10-10:45am

Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am(10 Sept,then fortnightly)


Baby Massage (6wk course,starts 20 Aug. Invitation only) 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am

Family Play Together 9:30-11:30am(31 July,7,14,21,28 Aug)

WEDNESDAY

Triple P 9:30-11:30am

Let’s Get Started 9:30-11:30am(Invitation only)


Art Session ■

(1 Aug) 10-12pm

Art Session ■

(8 Aug) 12-2pm

Family Bingo ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Treasure Hunt ■

(22 Aug) 10-12pm

Caribbean Fun Day ■

(29 Aug) 11-1pm

THURSDAY

Child Health Clinic 9-11am(Weston Heights Community Centre)

Numeracy 9:30-11:30amLiteracy 12:30-2:30pm(For more info speak to Caz 596421)

FRIDAY


Mini Olympics ■

10-12pm(27 July,weather permitting)

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche Training,Volunteering andRespiteMon,Thur 9-11:30amThur 12:30-3pmFri 9-11:30am

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm(Tue,Wed,Thur)

Dads Saturday (18 Aug) 10-12pm


MONDAYHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11amFenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm(27 Aug)Growing Together 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs, invite only)

TUESDAYPlay Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAYBreastfeeding Café 10:30-12pmVarious Training Courses

■

(Limited Crèche places available)

Community Garden 1-3pmSunflower Planting 1 AugVegetable Planting 8 AugBug Hunt 15 Aug

THURSDAYCoffee Morning Drop-In 9:30-11:30amYoga Session 26 JulyMeditation 2 Aug(Small donation £1 required)Play Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Baby Massage 1:30-3pm

Baby Jabadao (0-Walking) 1-2:30pm

Movie Time (27 July) 1-3pm

SATURDAY

Dads Group (4 Aug) 10-12pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy and Book Library

Community Garden

Play and Learning Home Visits

Sensory Room ■


Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW

MONDAYStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30amAdult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

TUESDAYMessy Monkeys Baby Group(0-18mths) 9-10:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30amStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(Whitfield Valley)Adult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

WEDNESDAYStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(25 July,1 15,22,29 August)


THURSDAY

Tiny Talkers # 1-2:30pmAdult Learning and Crèche #(Starts in September)

FRIDAY

Growing Together * 9:30-11am

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Fathers Group

MONDAY


TUESDAY

Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths)


WEDNESDAY



THURSDAY


FRIDAY

Adult Learning and Crèche #Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JWBishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

MONDAY

Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3pm

WEDNESDAY

Crèche for Training and Parent Forum9:30-11am

Parent Forum 9:30-11am

Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm

Busy Hands ■

(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Flag Making ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pm

Wet & Wild Olympics ■

10-12pm(22 Aug)

THURSDAY


Let’s Get Started 9:30-11:30am(by invitation only, for children startingNursery/School placements inSeptember 2012)

Health Visitor Drop-In 1-3pm(1st and 3rd Thursday in the month)

FRIDAY

Family Play Together (0-5yrs)(10,17,24 August) 9:30-11:30am

Foster Carers’Group(7 Sept,12 Oct,23 Nov)

OTHER SERVICES

Play Together (0-5yrs)Mon,Fri 9:30-11:30am

Growing Together (0-5yrs)Tue 9:30-11amThur 1-3pm

Outdoor Play Area


MONDAYPlay Together 9:30-11:30amTwins and More Siblings 10:30-12pmStart-Up Course ▲ 12:45-2:45pm(Speak to Andy for more information)

TUESDAYPost Natal/New Baby 10-11am(Mums and Babies up to 9mths)Busybodies 11:30-12:15pm(£1 per family)Baby Clinic

■4:30-6pm

(First Tue of every month)

WEDNESDAYSpeech & Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pmLets Get Started 9:30-11:30am(places are limited)Development Checks ▲ 9:30-1pmPlay and Sing Together 1-2:30pmSafety Awareness Event 12-2pm(22 Aug)

THURSDAYBreastfeeding Cafe 10:30-12pmBaby Clinic 1-3pmBaby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAYParent Forum (27 July) 9:30-11:30amGrowing Together 1-2:30pmWestfield Family Fun Day “SummerSpectacular”Themed(10 Aug) 10-12pmESOL – Tests 12:30-2:30pm(Last one 27 July)

OTHER SERVICESSoft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pmMidwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲

Crèche Training,Volunteering and respite (Mon-Fri)Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(26,31 July) 11:30-1:30pmPlay and Learning Home Visits(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)PACT Drop-In Session (26 July) 3pmVolunteering ProgrammeEarly Intervention TeamTraining and Employment Support

Buccleuch Road, Normacot,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF

Greatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

Families welcome totake part in packedactivity programme EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trentcan make the most of a greatrange of services and facilities atthe city’s children’s centres.

The teams reach out into theirlocal communities to supportfamilies and give children the verybest start in life.

But anyone is welcome to popinto their local centre and takepart in one of the dozens ofactivities featured on this pull outand keep special feature.

Children’s centres provide arange of services including:● childcare and children's learning

and development● health services

● family support● specialist support for children

with additional needs● outreach workers● information for

parents● activities to help

parents and carersget back to work.Each children’s centre also

delivers additional servicestailored to meet local needs.

There are even opportunitiesto volunteer and learn new skillsthat could lead to qualifications, ajob or career change.

Contact details are includedwith each centre’s calendar.

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.* Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

TUESDAY


THURSDAY

Childminders 9:30-2:30pm(26 July,2,23,30 August)

FRIDAY

Little Sprouts Stay and PlayGardening Group (0-5yrs) 1-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 1-3pm


TUESDAY



WEDNESDAY


Baby Massage 9:30-10:30amDrop-In


THURSDAY

Tiny Explorers Baby Group(0-18mths) 9:30-11am


FRIDAY

Lets Get Creative 9:30-11:30am(Messy play Drop-In,please bring achange of clothing)

Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library


Jumping Beans

Tiny Talkers

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm Jo Jingles

■11:15-Noon

(1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time)Growing Together

■ (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm(Blurton Primary School,term time only)

TUESDAY

Baby Clinic 9:30-10:30am(Hollybush Community Centre)Play Together Group

■9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-11amBaby Jabadao

■ (0-First steps) 9:30-11am

Baby ClinicBlurton Children’s Centre 11-NoonBlurton Health Centre 1:30-3:30pmStart Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pmParent Forum (fortnightly) 1-2:30pmBusy Hands

■(8 Aug) 10-12pm

Flag Making ■

(15 Aug) 10-12pmWet & Wild Olympics

■10-12pm

(22 Aug)

THURSDAY

Let’s Get Started (by invitation only, forchildren starting Nursery/Schoolplacements in Sept 2012)9:30-11:30am

Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm

Baby Massage ■

1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Growing Together■

(0-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Play Together (Newstead PrimarySchool,term time only) 1:30-3pm

Birth Prep (book with Midwife, firstFriday of the month)

OTHER SERVICES

Indoor and Outdoor Playspace(open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm

Crèche (Available for parentsundertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering,Training and Respite)Mon 9:30-11:30amWed 12:30-2:30pm

Baby Massage* (one to one sessions)


Sensory Room

01782231815

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3AR

01782237500

Pinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ

01782234357

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

SUMMERACTIVITIES

For the latest newsabout summer events,

pop into your localChildren’s Centre.

01782237100

College Road, Shelton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ

MONDAY

Time 4 You* 12:30-2:30pm(30 July,6 Aug)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am

Babbling Babes/Growing Together(31 July,7,14 Aug) 10:30-11:30am

NEW Play Together 1-2:30pm(31 July,7,14,28 Aug)

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play (PICL) 10:30-11:30am(1,8,15,22 Aug)

Baby Massage* 1-2:30pm(1,8,15 Aug)

Open Day (22 Aug) 1:30-3:30pm

Mini Olympics (29 Aug) 10:30-11am

THURSDAY

Midwife Clinic■

All Day

Ready Steady Learn 9:30-11:30am(Please enquire)

Baby Weighing Clinic 1:30-3:30pm(Abbey Hulton Clinic)

FRIDAY

Breastfeeding Peer Support withcrèche 9:45-11:45am

Safety Roadshow 10-11:30am(17,24 Aug)

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12:30pm

Messy Monsters Craft 1-2:30pm(27 July,3,10,17,24 Aug)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library (By request)

Sensory Room■

Speech and Language Support*

Play and Learning in the Home*

Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)


MONDAYStay and Play 9:30-11amLet’s Explore – Messy Play

■30 July

(PICL,18mths plus)Teddy Bear Picnic 13 Aug(Northwood Park.Older siblingswelcome.Don’t forget your bears!)Beach Party

■20 Aug

(Bring your swimwear and a towel.Don’t forget your sunglasses!)Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30amMini Olympics (6 Aug.Hanley ForestPark.Older siblings welcome) 10-12pmChanges * 1-3pm

TUESDAYConnect Community Group ^(31 July,7,21 Aug) 9:30-11:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am(Hanley Health Centre)Growing Together 1-2:30pmHealth Visitor Drop-In 1-3pm(Cobridge Health Centre)P & L in the home* 1:30-2:30pmLet’s Move at Eturia Park10-11:30am(28 Aug.Older siblings welcome)

WEDNESDAYBaby Stay and Play – GrowingTogether (0-18 mths) 10-11:30amMandarin Group 12-1:30pmBabble and Speak* 1:30-2:30pmZUMBA at the PARC (Portland Street,Hanley,£3 per session) 7pm

THURSDAYReady, Steady, Go* 9:30-11:30am(Transition crèche to NEG/School.)Hands from Around the World*

10:30-12pmBouncing Bears 11-11:45am(City Central Library)

FRIDAYTriple P* 9:30-11:30amLet’s Move

■10-11:30am

(17 Aug.Older siblings welcome)Story Session

■ (24 Aug) 10-11:30am

Let’s Do Lunch■

10:30-12:30pm(31 Aug. Older siblings welcome)

OTHER SERVICESPlay and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

Our City p12-13 19/7/12 16:23 Page 1

CHARLOTTEChawner came closeto experiencing

every mother’s nightmare– being separated from thedaughter she loves.

As she went into a spell ofdepression following a break-upwith her partner, the 26-year-oldBurslem single mother wasreaching the point of asking herparents to look after littleAmelia.

But help was at hand fromBurslem Children’s Centre,where Charlotte had alreadyenrolled her daughter in theMother and Baby group becauseshe felt lonely and isolated.

The mum was introduced to afamily support worker and shebegan to see light at the end ofthe tunnel.

Qualified nursery nurseCharlotte was given help to buildback her confidence, andreceived advice on how to moveforward, including the suggestionthat she should discuss herdepression with her doctor.

“The children’s centre helpedme so much when I was feelingdown,” she said. “I had got tothe point at home where I wascrying in one room and Ameliawas crying in another.

“If it hadn’t been for thesupportive staff at the centre, Idon’t think I would still be withmy daughter – she would be withmy mum and dad.”

Charlotte’s confidencecontinued to improve as sheattended the Family Links andTriple P practical parentingprogrammes at the children’scentre, which is located at PortVale Football Club.

“I am now feeling so muchmore positive – I am evenvolunteering to help out withrunning courses such as theCook and Eat healthy eatingsessions,” she said. “We try toencourage parents to move awayfrom fast food meals to foodslike quiche, and sweet potato andcarrot chips.”

Amelia, who is now three,attends the crèche at the centrewhen Charlotte is volunteering.

A team of midwives based at Blurton ishelping children’s centre staff engage newparents even before their baby is born.

The fourteen midwives meet at the centreevery morning to allocate workloads. As wellas staging clinics at the centre every Mondayand Wednesday, they reach out tocommunities across the city and out into theStaffordshire Moorlands with antenatalsessions and home visits.

The fact that midwives are permanentlybased in a room there also helps them forgestronger links with other professionals likehealth visitors and the children’s centre staffthemselves.

The midwives’ Community Team LeaderJulie Day said:“Being based at the centremakes us more visible to the public as well asgiving us spontaneous face-to-face contactwith parents, health visitors and centre staff.”

Nadine Massey, South Locality Co-ordinatorfor Children’s Centres, said: “Mums and dadsto be, visit the midwives at the centre, whichgives us a chance to talk to them and explainwhat we have to offer before we wouldnormally get the chance to meet them.

“We can engage virtually every new parentin our catchment area before their baby iseven born.”

POPULAR breastfeeding cafésthroughout the city are givingdozens of new mums anunbeatable package offriendship and support.

As well as giving them theopportunity to mix with peoplegoing through exactly thesame experiences as they are,the free weekly sessions givenew mums access to healthvisitors, midwives and the NHSMum to Mum service which canhelp them buy or hire usefulitems, like slings for supportinga baby or breast pumps.

Early Intervention FamilyWorker Kerry Cartwright, whoruns a breastfeeding café atPenkhull Children’s Centrewhich regularly attracts up to18 new mums, said the serviceprovided vital support.

She said: “Babies don’t comewith a manual so it’s easy for anew mum to feel isolated andoverwhelmed by the challengeof caring for a little one.

“The breastfeeding cafés arean opportunity to pop in, havea cup of tea and shareexperiences with people whohave exactly the same concernsand issues. It’s friendly, positiveand reassuring.

“Health professionals cangive support to makebreastfeeding more practicaland comfortable, and can evenmake an early diagnosis ofsome medical issues.”

Mum 2 Mum, the NHS bodyset up to promote and supportbreastfeeding, has sessionsacross the city as Stoke-on-Trent has traditionally lowlevels of breastfeeding, whichcan impact on child health.Thanks to initiatives like thebreast feeding cafés thenumber of mums whobreastfeed in the city is startingto increase,” said Kerry.

Breastfeeding cafés takeplace at Penkhull Children’sCentre every Tuesday from10.30am to 12pm, and at thesame time every Friday atKingsland Children’s Centre inBucknall.

New mums can contact theirlocal children’s centre (thetelephone numbers are onpage 11) to find out where andwhen their local breastfeedingcafé takes place.

● For moreinformationvisitbreastfeeding.see.nhs.uk/mum-2-mum/

Friendly,supportivesessions fornew mums

Monitoring baby’s heartbeat... CommunityMidwife Hannah Goodship with parents tobe Natalie Bird and Thomas Jackson atBlurton Children’s Centre.

Midwives enablecentre to engageparents-to-be

Children’s Centre Children’s Centres in Stoke-on-Trent are having a

massive impact on the lives of the families they

engage with. Here, Our City talks to parents and

volunteers about their experiences.


FOR a quick and healthyalternative to a takeaway, whynot try the Children’s Centres’recipe for Summer Risotto?

Ingredients: 2 pints of vegetablestock or chicken stock; 1 onionfinely chopped; 1 garlic clovecrushed; 1tbsp olive oil; 1ozmargarine; 4oz red pepperchopped; 8oz risotto rice;5oz courgettes diced; 2 mediumtomatoes, skinned, de seeded andchopped; 1oz Parmesan or cheddarcheese grated; knob of margarine;Salt/freshly ground pepper.

Method: Bring stock to the boil,then simmer. Heat oil/margarine ina large frying pan.

Fry onion and garlic for a minute.

Add chopped pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the rice making sure it is well coated, stir for 1 minute.

Add one or two ladlefuls of hotstock and simmer, stirring all thetime until it has been absorbed.Then add another ladle of stock.

Continue to add a little stock at atime and simmer until the riceabsorbs the liquid before addingmore, stirring frequently.

After 10 minutes add thecourgette and tomato.

When all the stock has beenadded and the rice is cooked(around 15-20 minutes) stir in theparmesan cheese and the knob ofmargarine. Season to taste.

Children’s Centres’ recipe for aquick and tasty summer risotto

Centre supporthelps Charlotteturn life around









CharlotteChawner

facilitating a cookand eat session with

Ruma Khan atBurslem Children’s

Centre.

UPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATE

Our City p14 20/7/12 11:36 Page 1


GOVERNMENT Business andEnterprise Minister the RtHon Mark Prisk MP haspraised Stoke-on-Trent’sMandate for Change drive toattract investment and createjobs.

He visited the area to seeregeneration in action atMiddleport Pottery – which isbeing developed as a visitorattraction with £1.7millionfrom the Government’sRegional Growth Fund – andthe modern manufacturingfacilities at Michelin Tyre Plcin Trent Vale.

Mr Prisk had been invitedby the Stoke-on-Trent andStaffordshire Local EnterprisePartnership (LEP) in which thecity council plays a leadingrole.

He said: “The Stoke-on-Trentand Staffordshire LEP isdrivingeconomicgrowth. Thereare businesssuccess storiesright acrossthe region andit is fantastic tosee ambitiousfirms growing,creating jobs anddemonstrating that this is agreat place to do business.”

LEP Chairman MaitlandHyslop said: “We offer a redcarpet approach to potentialinvestors in addition to ourongoing support forestablished business andthose starting out.

“Through this visit we wereable to demonstrate projectswhich will make a realdifference to our economy.

“They will create jobs,attract further investmentand enhance our reputationas a centre for business.”

BUSINESSES struggling to raisefinance from the banks canapply for funding from a£200,000 cash pot set up bythe city council.

Loans between £10,000 and£50,000 could be madeavailable to businesses whoseapplications have beenrejected by mainstreamlenders.

Councillor Mark Meredith,Cabinet Member for EconomicDevelopment, said: “This isabout providing Stoke-on-Trentbusiness talent with thesupport it needs.”

For more information call 0845 3138410 or visitbcrs.org.uk

Ministerpraisescity’s jobinitiatives

Loans forbusinesses

Maitland Hyslop

COMMUNITYorganisations,workplaces,

colleges and schools arebeing urged to supportthe use of Fairtradegoods.

Stoke-on-Trent is one ofover 750 Fairtrade townsand cities in the UK – andthe city council uses thegrowing number ofproducts in meetings,schools and retail outlets.

People can instantlyrecognise a Fairtradeproduct by looking out forthe distinctive blue and

green branding. Productsare available in majorsupermarkets, independentshops, cafes, restaurantsand through cateringsuppliers, wholesalers andonline shopping channels.

Items range from coffee,cocoa, rice and spices towine, beauty products andeven gold.

Fairtrade protectsworkers’ basic rights –health and safetystandards, freedom ofassociation, and no bondedor illegal child labour.

The FairtradeFoundation licensesuse of theFAIRTRADE Markon products inaccordance withinternationally agreedFairtrade standards.

The Foundationwas established in1992.

Many schools teachpupils about Fairtradeproducts and howthey promote ethicalbuying andsustainability.

Tracy Brennan,

Sustainable SchoolsOfficer said: “Fairtradeensures producers receivea price which covers thecost of sustainableproduction, as a minimum.

It also pays a premiumfor investment in social,environmental oreconomic developmentprojects – and this fundsimprovements in educationand healthcare or is usedto increase income.”

“People can get involvedat work, school, college,university, places ofworship and othercommunity organisationsby supporting, selling orserving Fairtrade products.● For more informationvisit fairtrade.org.uk To get involved locallycontact Fairtrade Action inStoke-on-Trent (FAST)through the Trade AidFairtrade Centre, locatedat The Methodist BookCentre, Gitana Street,Hanley, ST1 1DY. OpenMonday to Saturday10am-4pm. Or call 01782 212146.

Energise, the city council’s leisure cardscheme for sports and leisure services, hasbeen relaunched so customers receive evenmore value.

Cardholders can now collect points againstpurchases they make and use them for otheroffers and products at council sport andleisure venues.They will also get exclusiveoffers and discounts from selected partners.

The Energise card is free while EnergisePlus costs £5.75 a year for eligible

individuals and comes with additionalbenefits. Points can be used to buy swimsessions, casual and holiday activities andexercise classes as well as parties.

Chris Austin, the city council’s Events andCommercial Manager, said:“We are reallyexcited about Energise. It will give real

rewards to our customers and add evenmore value to the time they spend with us.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to link allof our services together whether it besports venues, coaching courses oroutreach sessions.”

Eligibility criteria apply to Energise PLUS.To find out more about Energise and itsbenefits go to stoke.gov.uk/energise,alternatively, call 01782 234957 or [email protected]

Schools fly the flag for

Fairtrade

SUMMER floods have highlighted how emergencyplanning by local authorities can help avert disaster –and Stoke-on-Trent is just as ready through thepartnership work it does day in day out.

As a member of the Staffordshire Resilience Forum,the city prepares alongside partners from otherorganisations like the emergency services, theEnvironment Agency and health organisations to dealwith anything from severe weather to terrorism andindustrial accidents.

The work is co-ordinated by the Staffordshire CivilContingencies Unit, which works closely with the citycouncil to make sure all involved are prepared andready to respond.

Information and guides on how to deal with theunexpected are published as people are urged not topanic but make sure they are prepared.

To download guides and information go tostaffordshireprepared.gov.uk orcall the Civil Contingencies Unit on 01785 898618 for a paper copy.

You can follow the day-to-daywork of the Unit by following@StaffsPrepared on Twitter.

Partners planningfor emergencies

Sandon High School students Jessica Grundy andJacob Ward, both aged 14, with a selection offairtrade products.

Energise leisure card scheme now even better value

Our City p15 19/7/12 16:29 Page 1


Stoke-on-Trent’s successful fostering programme is

committed to placing Stoke-on-Trent children with local

families. Here, Our City talks to experienced foster parents

who agree with helping young people stay local...

FOSTER carers Linda andPhill Oliver have devotedtheir lives to their own

children and their widerfamily and have no plans togive up any time soon.

The former childcare professionaland her husband, both now 52, havelooked after more than 20 childrensince they first started fostering 17years ago, helping the young peopleto stay local.

Linda said: “I spotted the citycouncil’s fostering ad one day. I askedPhill if he fancied giving it a go. Wespoke to our children Craig andMandy and they were happy aboutthe idea so we applied.

“We were really chuffed when thepanel said we’d been accepted andvery soon afterwards we had our firstchild – an 11-year-old girl who usedto stay at weekends.”

Since then the couple’s three-bedsemi in Blurton has been home tobabies, teenage girls, and otherchildren who have come on short and

long term placements. With six grandchildren as well life is never dull inthe Oliver household.

“We once had three siblings agedthree, seven and nine who stayed withus for four years. They all left butone came back after two years. He’sjust gone and he was 19,” said Linda.

“Many of the children we’vefostered stay in touch and it’s great towork with their families. We once had18 people at our house for Christmasdinner. We’ve got two foster childrenat the minute so we’re always doingthe school run or taking them toclubs as parents do.

“Fostering is so rewarding. Peopleask us how we do it all but to us it’sjust normal. It’d be boring if wedidn’t do it and we wouldn’t knowwhat to do with ourselves.

“It keeps us young and we get atremendous satisfaction from seeingchildren coping on their own andgetting on with their lives. I’drecommend it to anyone and if wecan help children stay local, so muchthe better.”

KEEPING children in the city where theybelong is at the heart of the latest fosteringcampaign just launched in Stoke-on-Trent.

The city council’s Fostering Servicecommissioned commercial radio ads andgiant billboard posters as it urges moreinterested carers to come forward.

Up to 40 people have alreadyresponded to the campaign ads as well asroad shows staged during FosteringFortnight at venues as diverse as FentonManor Sports Complex and the NorthStaffs African Caribbean Association.

Experienced carers were on hand to passon their experiences of being involved witha service rated Outstanding in 2010.

Adrian Sewell, the council’s PrincipalManager – Fostering, said:“It’s vital thatwe keep as many children as we can in thecity so they can maintain family links,keep their friends and stay at schools theyknow.

“So we’re working hard with morepotential carers from all sorts ofbackgrounds so that we can providechildren with the loving,caring and stable supportthey have been lacking.”● To find out moreinformation aboutfostering please visitstoke.gov.uk/fostering

Outstanding service launches‘close to home’ campaign

Fostering is so rewarding

ATHOME...

foster carersLinda and Phill

Oliver with theirlabradoodle

Charlie.

Many of thechildren we’vefostered stayin touch andit’s great towork withtheir families

“”

LINDA OLIVER FOSTER CARER

Please call01782 234555 or visitstoke.gov.uk/fostering

Fosteringfor Stoke-on-Trent

Keeping childrenin the city...Where they belongCould you foster a local child?

Our City p16 19/7/12 16:30 Page 1


Apacked year of eventsand activities is beingplanned at the newly

restored Burslem Park – withorganisers predicting visitorfigures are set to swell tomore than 280,000 over thenext 12 months.

A £2 million overhaul has seenthe Victorian park brought back toits former glory and a celebrationday last month to mark completionof the work attracted a 5,000-pluscrowd.

The scheme – paid for by theHeritage Lottery Fund and the BigLottery Fund Parks for PeopleProgramme – has included therestoration of the ornate pavilion,the terrace gardens, paths, gates,balustrades and two terracottafountains which are now working forthe first time since 1895.

More than 50,000 plants, 7,000shrubs and 72 trees have beenplanted to transform the formalgardens, creating a haven forwildlife. “It’s a wonderful place to be– in every corner there is a blaze ofcolour,” said Mike Watson, volunteer

Project Manager for theBurslem Park Partnership whichcampaigned to secure the fundingfor the project with support fromthe city council.

Mike, a 68-year-old retired potterytechnical manager, now dedicatesmore than 40 hours a week topromoting the park – includingleading popular tour talkshighlighting its history.

“It is the pearl of the city’s parksand, in my opinion, the quality is ona par with Trentham Gardens,” hesaid. “The park is somewhere allages can enjoy and we are organisingactivities and events for all ages.There will be a lot more use of thepark. Over the past year there havebeen around 240,000 visitors andthis could well increase to over280,000 over the next 12 months.”

Events already on the calendarinclude the Swan Bank ChurchAdorations Festival, MoorparkPrimary School’s Picnic in the Park,a gala day for nursery schools fromacross the city and brass bandconcerts. The park celebration daywill be held again next year andthere will be the return of the Music

Festival withup to 30 live bands next August.

Mike said the Burslem ParkPartnership intends to continue toimprove the park’s facilities and oneof the first projects will be amakeover for the bandstand whichthey hope to carry out later thissummer.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet Member for Regeneration,Planning and Transportation, said:“The park restoration is anotherpiece in the jigsaw for theregeneration of Burslem.

“It is a big asset and willundoubtedly help to attract morepeople to the Mother Town.”For more details or to volunteer call Urban Park Ranger Tom Pine on 07787 005946 or visit

stoke.gov.uk/burslempark

A newly-erected steelsculpture, called Mayfly, is aneye-catching feature inBurslem Park.

It has been positioned atthe same spot as a statue of awater nymph which wentmissing half a century ago.

The water nymph wasdonated to the park in 1894by benefactor Sir DonaldDoulton – but it disappearedthrough an act of vandalism inthe early 1960s.

Creating the new artworkhas been real communityeffort involving the council,Burslem Park Partnership,

pupils from HaywoodEngineering College,Moorpark Junior School andJackfield Infant School,trainees from PM Training andartists Phil Hardaker andAndrew Edwards.

Phil worked with the pupilsto produce ceramic jewellingfor the Mayfly’s wings andtiles to top the originalterracotta plinth.

He said: “The workembraced listening to thecommunity and local childrento create a truly unique andstunning new addition to therestored park.”

Thomas Mayer andEllie Shepard, bothpupils at MoorparkJunior School, arepictured enjoyingthe blooms atBurslem Park whenthey visited thepark as part of aschools sports day.

True community artwork

Mike Watson, volunteerProject Manager for theBurslem Park Partnership,pictured by one of thehistoric balustrades withthe restored Victorianpavilion in the background.

Kaia Perry of Moorpark JuniorSchool with the new Mayflysculpture. Local pupils wereencouraged to leave positivemessages on the artworkwhich can be seen here.

Sitting on one of the restoredterracotta fountains areMoorpark pupils Ziad Daddiand Katie Taylor.

COVER PICTURE:

The ArthurWilkinson

Memorial drinkingfountain is one of

the restoredfeatures.

A ‘pearl’ of a parkset to pull in many

more visitors

Our City p17 19/7/12 16:02 Page 1


PARENTS with new babies are again beingreminded about best practice to make suretheir new arrival sleeps safely. It comes after ahard-hitting radio campaign in the cityhammered home the key message that thebest place for a baby to sleep is in a cot withtheir feet to the bottom.

The Safeguarding Children Board workedvery closely with health colleagues to promotea number of Sleepsafe leaflets which urgemums and dads or carers never to fall asleepwith a baby on a sofa, armchair or couch.

Safe sleeping, or co-sleeping as it is

sometimes called, refers to the different waysinfants sleep with a parent or someone who islooking after them. It is important to be awarethat adult beds are not designed to ensureinfant safety.

Board Manager Carole Preston said:“It isespecially dangerous for your baby to sleep inyour bed if you or your partner have recentlydrunk alcohol or taken medication or useddrugs.”● For more information and a full list of thedos and don’ts, follow the child safety linkson safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk

KEY informationdesigned to helpkeep children

safe throughoutStoke-on-Trent hasbeen brought togetheron one easy to usewebsite.

Aimed at children, youngpeople, families, parents,carers and professionals wholive or work in thecommunity, the SafeguardingChildren Board site bringstogether a wealth ofinformation, best workingpractices and contact detailsto help people go directly towhere they can get supportor advice.

Children and young peoplecan access advice and helpon abuse, drugs, alcohol,forced marriage, being ayoung carer or even if theyare thinking of running away.

For adults, there aresections on childcare andsafety, how to deal with thedeath of a child, mental

health issues, domestic abuseand children who go missing.

Professionals aresignposted to issues like childsexual exploitation,homelessness and they canalso access the very latestgovernment guidelines,policies, procedures andtraining opportunities.

The SafeguardingChildren Board works inpartnership with lots ofagencies throughout the city,including statutory agencies,the voluntary sector andprivate sector.

More information onpartners and the work theydo together is available atsafeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk

The site is already gettingpositive feedback.

One member of the publicsaid: “I found it very easy tosearch for the information Iwas looking for as the frontpage had all the links.

“I had looked at otherwebsites but found Stoke’s to

have the most up-to-dateinformation and it looked themost attractive whichencouraged me to want touse it.”

A professional said: “TheStoke-on-Trent SafeguardingChildren Board website is ahub of opportunity formulti-agency professionals tofind guidance, up-to-datepolicies and procedures forsafer working practices.”

Carole Preston, the city’sSafeguarding Children BoardManager, said: “We are reallyexcited about thedevelopment of our websitewhich has lots of helpfulinformation and contactnumbers for children, youngpeople, parents, carers andprofessionals.

“Safeguarding iseveryone’s responsibility andif you are worried and notsure what to do, please don’thesitate to get advice.”To get that advice, visitsafeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk

FRESH warnings have beenissued about the dangers oflooped blind and windowcords as the city’sSafeguarding Children Boardcontinues to raise awareness.

The Board continues toback a campaign by the RoyalSociety for the Prevention ofAccidents as it urges parents,carers and people workingwith young children to betterunderstand the risks.

A leaflet reveals it can takejust 20 seconds for a child todie from strangulation if theyget caught and struggle toget free.

So the Board’s website issignposting people to theRoSPA ‘Make it Safe’ packwhich contains a leaflet, ablind cord cleat to help tiecords up safely and a warningtag advising what to look outfor when buying windowblinds.

To find links to the RoSPApack and to download theBoard’s own campaignleaflets on the dangers go tosafeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk and follow the linksfrom adults to child safetyand then blind cord danger.

Blinds risk:understandthe danger

Parents given ‘sleep safe’ advice

MAKING sure our children are safe canbe everyone’s responsibility, fromyoungsters themselves to parents,friends, carers and professionals. Here,Our City reports on an onlineresource to help them all find theinformation and support they need.

Safeguarding servicesexplained in detail

Safeguarding is everyone’sresponsibilityand if you areworried andnot sure whatto do, pleasedon’t hesitateto get advice.

“”

CAROLE PRESTON

SafeguardingChildren BoardManager CarolePreston checks

out the website.

Our City p18 19/7/12 17:18 Page 1


Acommunity educationcentre that wasoriginally built to

house adult education courseshas turned itself into a multi-purpose venue thatwelcomes visitors of all ages.

Meir Community Education Centrecan be hired out for parties, functionsand weddings while it also features agym, a nursery and classrooms.

Meir Fitness Centre is located inthe building, and the centre’s twohalls are used for a variety of purposes– the large one for exercise classes,circuit training and Zumba, the smallone for pre-school play activities.

Four small rooms can be hired andare suitable for people who want totake advantage of an IT suite, sewingfacilities or cooking equipment.

On the educational front, MeirCommunity Education Centre offersa wide variety of courses throughAdult and Community Learning,Workers Educational Association,University of the Third Age and self-financing classes.

Courses for 2012 being run byStoke-on-Trent City Council includeCreating With Ceramics, PaintingWith Oils/Pastels,Youth WorkSkills, Rag Rug Making andCounselling Skills together withseveral courses on computers andsewing.

Self-financing courses includePatchwork and Quilting, CardCrafts, Keep Fit and Line Dancing.

To book on to any of thesecourses or for further informationon courses or room hire, phonethe centre on 01782 235150.

“Meir Community EducationCentre is extremely adaptable,” saidJanine Cartlidge, Stoke-on-Trent City

Council Business Support Manager.“It’s really accessible in Pickford

Place, close to the A50, and there’sgood parking. The surroundings arepleasant and quiet.

“As a venue for hire it is ideal foranything from conferences to babyfayres.

“The halls are served by akitchen area.”

THE nursery within the centre isequipped with teaching aids andstocked with children’s playmaterials. There’s also an outdoor playarea.

Ducklings pre-school holds sessions atthe centre for children aged two to fivefrom 9:30am to 2:30pm Monday toFriday during term time. Their leadercan be contacted on 07817 175228 forfurther information.

Parents can leave their youngsters toenjoy singing, themed play sessions anda Book Corner.

The walls of the small hall where thenursery is housed are decorated withchildren’s artwork.

To book on to any of these courses or for further information on courses or room hire, call01782 235150 or visit stoke.gov.uk and search for Meir Community Education Centre

Spotlight on Meir Community Education Centre

Nursery a greatplace to play

MEIR Fitness Centre is a friendly venue, popular withmany who are long-term members.

The gym, equipped with weights, cycles and a varietyof resistance machines, is staffed by an instructor at alltimes.

To find out more about the equipment and help onoffer, as well as the circuit training class, phone 01782 235177.

The Fitness Centre has an impressively loyalmembership. Rob Charlton, aged 39, said:“The gymchanged my life. I went down from jeans size 46 to 30and lost six stones within a year, allowing me to run theAshbourne half-marathon.”

There are also sporting facilities, like bowls andaerobics, which run in the main hall.

THE classrooms at the Community Education Centre arefully equipped to offer a variety of local authority andself-financing courses.

Sewing groups can accommodate a class of up to 15people. Sewing machines, overlockers, irons and ironingboards are provided.

In the IT suite there are 10 computers plus a tutor’slaptop while cookery courses make use of seven newcookers, pans, pots and cutlery.

NHS-backed Healthy Eating courses are run on aregular basis at the centre.

One of the keepfit classes.

Taking part inan art lesson.

Enjoying a jigsaw puzzle in the centre’s nursery.

Dedicated centre staff boost

skills and fitness

Courses a diversespread of learning Courses a diversespread of learning

Gym and hall arewell-used facilities

Fitness Instructor

Nathan Slatershows new memberDenise Johnson the

equipment in the gym.

Our City p19 19/7/12 16:11 Page 1


Arecovery academy hasbeen launched in the cityto help former addicts

with their rehabilitation.The academy established by adult

community drug service provider CRIoffers structured support as well asinformal drop-in sessions, aimed at

helping former victims of substancemisuse remain drug free and lead ahealthy lifestyle.

The new facility, which is funded bythe Safer City Partnership, is based atCanal Arm, Festival Park, but is alsoavailable through three outreach hubs inMeir, Tunstall and the City Centre.

It works in partnership with a number

of agencies and organisations, includingthe NHS and Stoke on Trent College,who provide a range of educationalcourses in areas such as basic health andhygiene and IT.

Recovery Academy Services ManagerDebbie Arnold said: “The new academyprovides vital after care support for ourservice users and helps to promote drug

free lifestyles.“It also complements the work

we do in terms of detoxprogrammes and structuredintervention. We are working witha number of partners who canprovide expert help in a numberof key areas such as health andeducation.

Accessible to anyone

“Many people attend thecourses or the more structuredparts of the programme, whileothers just like to drop in to usethe kitchen facilities to maketheir lunch or access the internet.

“The outreach hubs make thefacilities more accessible toeveryone in the city.”

CRI Stoke-on-TrentCommunity Drug Service

provides a range of communitybased services for people withsubstance misuse problems.

Many service users attendvoluntarily but others are obligedto do so as part of a court orderand as an alternative to prison.

These services are gearedtowards supporting individuals tosuccessfully overcome substancemisuse problems and lead stablecrime-free lives.● For more details about theservice contact 01782 212800.

THE successful T3 Young People’s Drug andAlcohol Service has completed its first round ofpeer mentor training and appointed its firstsuccessful recruit to the scheme.

The service aims to help young people achievetheir goals with regard to controlling theirsubstance misuse. Part of the outcome is aboutmaking a positive contribution which the peermentoring programme achieves.

The round of training has provided a wealth ofknowledge and provided a firm foundation forfuture development.

The first mentor is Emma* who is now in herearly 20s and worked with the service a few yearsago.

Since her successful exit from treatment, shehas gone on to find full time employment andhad her first child. Despite her work and childcare commitments, she has given up one day aweek to attend the training course with otheryoung people. She successfully completed thecourse and has also attended a consultationevent with local commissioners regarding youngpeople’s delivery planning in Stoke-on-Trent.

Progress into a job

Emma is now working with the service andgaining lots of experience in the hope that shewill progress into a job within the drugs field.

Diane Harper who runs the Peer MentorTraining Programme said:“Emma is a valuableasset to our service. The fact that she sacrificesone day’s salary a week to work on a voluntarybasis helping other young people is a clearreflection of her commitment, dedication andenthusiasm. The whole team is delighted to haveher on board, and her first-hand knowledge of aservice user’s experience is crucial.”

Emma said:“I have really enjoyed the trainingcourse, and now that I am working with the T3team I am realising my ambition to workeffectively in this exciting field. I am fortunate tobe in a position to be able to ‘give somethingback’. I would recommend this route to otherpeople wanting to work in the field of drugs andalcohol use”.

The peer mentoring programme is ready tostart the next round of recruitment. Mentors willneed to be able to commit to attending everyTuesday over 10 weeks for the initial training,which takes place in Hanley. Applications arewelcome from anyone who has first-handexperience of the service or an avid interest.Contact Diane or Becky on 01782 221090 or07507 411733 or email [email protected]

*The peer mentor’s name has been changed toprotect her identity.

Mentors helpprovide service

A WINNING LINE-UP: The T3-Stoke YoungPeople’s Drug and Alcohol Team.

Academy plays vital rolein rehabilitation support

Serviceuser Rachel

Haywood fromGoldenhill using thekitchen facilities atCRI’s Festival Park

headquarters.

Service userClaire Giltrap, left,

with recovery servicesmanager Debbie Arnold

use hi-tech iPads in the Information

Technology suite.

Our City p20-21 19/7/12 16:27 Page 1


How do your drinks add up?

For advice and supporton cutting down, contact 01782 283113

PINT CIDER: ABV 5.3%

3 UNITSRED WINE (175ml): ABV 13%

2.3 UNITSSINGLE GIN & TONIC: ABV 40%

1 UNITPINT BITTER: ABV 5%

2.8 UNITSALCOPOP: ABV 5%

1.4 UNITSBOTTLE LAGER: ABV 5.2%

1.7 UNITSPINT LAGER: ABV 5.2%

3 UNITSDOUBLE WHISKEY: ABV 40%

2 UNITSWHITE WINE (175ml): ABV 13%

2.3 UNITS

SPECIALIST work undertakenby the Safer City Partnershipto help young people withdrug and alcohol problemshas been cited in a nationalgood practice guide.

With help from the Centrefor Public Innovation, theSafer City Partnershipintroduced an outcome-focused and payment byresults service model for T3,the specialist young people’sdrug and alcohol service, in2009.

Service provision waschanged to fit acommissioning model with aclear focus on positiveoutcomes for young people.

The initiative has nowbeen cited in a Compendiumof Good Practice Guidanceon integrated care forchildren and young peopleup to 18 years of age whomisuse substances.

Lauren Eastlake,Programme Lead forChildren and Young People,said:“We are delighted to bereferenced in theCompendium of GoodPractice and wish to thank T3Young People’s Drug andAlcohol Service for their hardwork in implementing theservice model over the lastthree years.”

Work givena nationalaccolade

STOKE-on-Trent’sgroundbreakingCommunity Alcohol

Service is now beingspearheaded by a Midlands-based charitywith decades ofexperience.

Aquarius has been supportingpeople affected by alcohol,gambling and substance misuseissues for 40 years and hashelped numerous people reducetheir consumption of alcohol,abstain completely and rebuildtheir lives.

The effective service willcontinue to be operated from acentral base at Balwant Housein Shelton.There will also beoutreach venues geographicallyspread throughout the city toensure easier access to offersupport to any person affectedby alcohol misuse, whetherincreasing risk, higher risk,

dependent or a concerned other.Aquarius have pledged to offer

smoother pathways throughtreatment for dependent drinkersand an enhanced focus onlinking service users intocontinuing care and supportafter their treatment.

365-days-a-year

The service, which is fundedby the Safer City Partnership,will offer counselling and homedetoxification and deliver theAlcohol Treatment requirement

project in partnership with theProbation Service.

It will be open Monday toSaturday, including twoevenings, and will operate a 24-hour 365-days-a-yeartelephone support service.

Senior Manager PaulMcTague said: “We aim tobuild on the performance ofcurrent services and improvethe treatment and longer termoutcomes for service users.”

Additionally, the AlcoholBrief Interventions Service will

also be delivered byAquarius. It is alsobased at Balwant

House but will predominantlyoperate on an outreach basis.

The service offers drop-insessions and support toorganisations in identifyingalcohol misuse and a scheme,which diverts people fromcriminal justice into support foralcohol misuse.

The Safer City Partnership iscontinuing to support the revisedservice with complementaryartwork and promotionalliterature.This includesleaflets, posters andmouse mats carryingalcohol safetymessages.

Serviceusers are

guaranteed a friendly,

supportivewelcome.

AreaManager

Paul McTague inthe reception areaat Balwant House

in Shelton.

All the stops were pulled out forthe latest Respect Day held in thecity. Refuse collection vehicles, flytipping teams, the city council’senvironmental crime unit, policeand fire officers and Street Pastorsall worked with residents to cleanup the Hoskins Road estate inTunstall.

The big clean up events arestaged once a month up and down

the city and are having a positiveeffect on neighbourhoods. BillJames, Respect Programme Leadfor the Safer City Partnership said:“All the organisations involvedreally pulled the stops out to makethis one of the biggest and bestRespect Days yet.“Residents reallyjoined in on the day and we aremaking a significant impact on thecleaning up of Stoke-on-Trent.”

Respect Day clean up makes impact

Top charity spearheadsalcohol service

● To enquire about support orfor more information call theservice’s new number – 01782283113 or email [email protected]

Respect Programme Lead Bill James with Chair of the GreenfieldsResidents Association Terry Cope, secretary Carol Johnson andHydrant Technician Jeff Moore on Linda Road, Tunstall.

Our City p20-21 19/7/12 16:30 Page 2


Working with you for a better Stoke-on-Trent

What is Overview and Scrutiny?

There are four Overview andScrutiny Committees

Overview and Scrutiny

A closer lookOut of 44 councillors, 34 can takepart in Overview and Scrutiny

● Cabinet ● Non-Executive

Overview and Scrutiny is about

councillors working with local

people, the community, council

teams and other organisations to

improve the quality of life for

everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.

Cabinet decide on priorities: Overviewand Scrutiny ensure that they are heldto account for delivering them and thatany public concerns are represented.

Adults and Neighbourhoods

Hospitals, Police,Social Care,

Social Housing

Business Services and

Chief Executive’s

Staffing, IT,Buildings

Children and Young People

Learning Services,Vulnerable Children,

Education

City Renewal

Regeneration,Planning,Transport,

Property

How do we do it?

Activity 2011/2012

Taking Part

Work Programme

Cabinet Budget proposals

Petitions

Public Spend

TOTAL 33

Health £502m

Schools £198m

Council £324m

Fire £8m

Police £37m

Call In

Reject

Review

Support

Proposals forsavings orinvestments

Call in is the process where cabinet proposals

can be questioned by a minimum of three councillors.

Nine councillors sit on the O and S committee and vote to

support or reject the decision in question.*

There have been three call-ins this year.*The cabinet is not bound by a vote to reject the proposal but must say

why if they choose to uphold it.

� Attend open public meetings

� Read free reports including our big 5 reviews

� Schools/businesses: want to learn more? Take partin free training (who makes the big decisions?)

Asking questions of those in power.

!

mandate for change

PERFORMANCE:Are services fit for purpose and on budget?

POLICIES:Do our plans and partners plans support a great working city?

CALL IN AND PETITIONS:Are new issues being addressed? Is the big decision the right one for the city?

COUNCILLOR REVIEWS:New ideas and serviceimprovement to support Mandate for Change.

Big 5 Reviews� Better working with local business

� Better ways of collecting money

� Options for sports and leisure

� Options for Council Tax

� Better theatre entertainment

Health Spotlight

� Performance of new A&Efacilities and waiting times

� Health of the city – Annual Report

� Soundboard on proposal to a change in service (eg mental health services)

Big QuestionsAn example of a popular question

Q. Can a cabinet member carryout overview and scrutiny?

A. No – they are separate roles.

� There are more answers to popular questions on our webpages (see link right)

14 Granted

5 Granted in part

1 Response Issued

13 Declined

A large proportion (one third) of petitions related to localparking, highways, or passenger transport issues.The petitionrequesting a review of homecare services attracted the highestnumber of signatures (6,275), the lowest just 5.

stoke.gov.uk /scrutiny

Do you want toknow more?

� Read our internetpages – suggesttopics, give views,know what is goingon, ask a question,contact a councillor

� Raise a petition

1 2

3 All councillorsdecide budget

Public and Overviewand Scrutiny Response

to Proposals

Our City p22 20/7/12 10:06 Page 1


YourCouncillors

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL(Labour)(01782) 26316607557 [email protected]

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour) 07714 [email protected]

Bentilee and Ubberley

SHEILA PITT(Labour)07957 [email protected]

ALISON WEDGWOOD(Labour)07968 [email protected]

Hanford and Trentham

TERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents) (01782) 31812707944 [email protected]

PETER HAYWARD(City Independents) (01782) 64405207920 [email protected]

Great Chell and Packmoor

JANINE BRIDGES(Labour)(01782) 85184207989 385631/07717 [email protected]

ANN JAMES(City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Baddeley, Milton and Norton

JACK BRERETON(Conservative)07855 [email protected]

ANDREW LILLEY(Labour)07717 [email protected]

DUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 91242207748 [email protected]

Birches Head and Central Forest Park

PAUL BREEZE(Unaffiliated)(01782) [email protected]

MARK MEREDITH(Labour)07717 [email protected]:@markmeredith01

Blurton East

GLENYS WARD(City Independents) (01782) 31267007922 [email protected]

Blurton West and Newstead

NEIL DAY(Labour)(01782) 59884407796 [email protected]

Bradeley and Chell Heath

GURMEET SINGHKALLAR(Labour)07900 [email protected]

Burslem Park

JOY GARNER (Labour)(01782) 768846 07986 [email protected]

Dresden and Florence

SHAZAD HUSSAIN(Labour)07899 [email protected]

Broadway and Longton East

TOM REYNOLDS(Labour)07850 [email protected]:@longtontom.

Burslem Central

ALAN DUTTON(Labour)(01782) 82405107982 [email protected]

Boothen and Oakhill

ANDY PLATT(Labour)07919 [email protected]:@CllrAndyST4

Fenton West and Mount Pleasant

KAREN CLARKE(Labour)07917 [email protected]

Ford Green and Smallthorne

MATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 [email protected]

Etruria and Hanley

MAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 [email protected]

Fenton East

PAUL SHOTTON(Labour)(01782) 434445paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park

TERRY CROWE(Labour)(01782) 26942207818 [email protected]

Joiner’s Square

ALASTAIR WATSON(Labour)07736 [email protected]:@CllrActional22

Lightwood North and Normacot

BAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 [email protected]

Hartshill and Basford

SHAUN PENDER(Labour)(01782) 63210407825 [email protected]

Hollybush and Longton West

KATH BANKS(Labour)(01782) 39975907790 [email protected]

Hanley Park and Shelton

AMJID WAZIR(Labour)07747 [email protected]

Meir Park

ABI BROWN(Conservative)07793 [email protected]

Meir South

DEBBIE WHEELDON(Labour)(01782) 59504307870 [email protected]

Meir Hay

MUHAMMAD AUMIR(Labour)07886 [email protected]

Meir NorthRUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 [email protected]:@CllrRuthRosenau

Little Chell and Stanfield

DAVID CONWAY (City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Sneyd Green

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour)07917 [email protected]:@debra_gratton

Springfields and Trent Vale

ANY WARD QUERIESPlease telephone:(01782) 231922/231924

Penkhull and Stoke

RANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents) (01782) 256869 07920 [email protected]

Sandford Hill

OLWEN HAMER(Labour)07717 [email protected]

MoorcroftMOHAMMEDPERVEZ(Labour)(01782) [email protected]:@pervezstoke

Weston Coyney

MATTHEW FRY(Labour)07826 [email protected]

Tunstall

LEE WANGER(City Independents) 07971 [email protected]

Goldenhill and Sandyford

MARTIN GARNER(Labour)(01782) [email protected]

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.

For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillorsCouncillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team who can takemessages and forward them on. They can be contacted on 01782 231922 or 231924.

Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm:6 and 30 August 2012, 27 September 2012 and25 October 2012.

Full City Council meetings are scheduled at5.30pm: 6 September 2012, 18 October 2012and 6 December 2012.

FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:

VACANCY

Our City p23 19/7/12 16:34 Page 1


PEOPLE are being urged to take theplunge and support a charity swimathonto raise money for the UniversityHospital of North Staffordshire.

The five-kilometre fundraiser will takeplace at Fenton Manor Sports Complexon 24 August at 4pm. It has beenorganised to support the hospital’sAccident and Emergency Departmentand arranged in conjunction with theShapes Health and Leisure Club team.

Participants will need to swim 150lengths of the pool and many are

already in training for the big day.Council Tenant Involvement OfficerLinda Davies, who is taking part in theevent, said: “We are looking for peopleto come forward and take part in theswim or help by pledging sponsorshipor a donation.

“It is for a fantastic cause that affectseveryone in the city in some shape orform during their lives, so we hope this

will inspire people to help out.”The swim is one of four events that

form a summer challenge of fundraising.Others being staged include a Three

Peaks challenge, a sponsored sky diveand a Zorbing event, which involvespeople being strapped into giantspheres and being rolled downhill atspeed.● To take part in the swim [email protected] or todonate log onto virginmoneygiving.com/landseaair

SUMMER activities and holidays are being organisedfor children with disabilities thanks to a pioneeringscheme.

Aiming High is a Government programmeproviding additional services and short breaks fordisabled children aged up to 19.

It has been developed by the city council inpartnership with Crossroads Care Staffordshire and isaimed at a range of youngsters from those withcomplex health needs to those with a palliativecondition.

Activities range from adventure playgroundsessions and a film club to indoor music, arts, craftsand Wii sessions and DJ school.

Crossroads also provide transportto children who are unable to maketheir own way to activities.For more information log ontocrossroadsstaffordshire.org.uk orcall 01782 207863 for bookings or01782 268391 for general enquiries.

KEEPING the family occupied during the schoolholidays is not easy at the best of times so thetourism team at the city council has come up with alist of free things to do this summer break.

Why not visit the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery –home to the Staffordshire Hoard and the SpitfireGallery – or relax and enjoy the 1,480 hectares ofopen space in the city including the newly restoredBurslem Park.

You could discover the city’s waterways by walkingor riding alongside miles of the Trent and Merseyand the Cauldon canals as well as the River Trent.

For the more energetic, Europe’s biggest skateplaza at Central Forest Park has more than enough toentertain the adrenaline junkies.

Browsing at the Trentham Estate shopping villageand garden centre or the city’s 20 or so potteryfactory shops is great fun and the Staffordshire PeakDistrict is right on the city’s doorstep with fantasticwalking to be enjoyed at places like The Roaches.

■ For a full list of activities and special offersavailable in the city for places likethe Gladstone Pottery Museumand the Wedgwood Visitor Centreand Museum go to the Visit Stoke-on-Trent website atvisitstoke.co.uk or you could alsotry facebook.com/visitstoke andtwitter.com/visitstoke

Free Summer holidayfun for all the family

Disabled children givenAiming High boost

MORE than 200eye-catchingartefacts from the

world-famousStaffordshire Hoardhave gone on display atthe Potteries Museum& Art Gallery… thebiggest-ever exhibitionof the exciting find.

The event, running untilSeptember 2013, is the first timeever in the UK that individual artefactsfrom the 3,500 piece collection have beenseen fitted together – restored to theirDark Ages glory for the first time in over13 centuries.

The exhibition is being funded by a£40,000 grant from the Heritage LotteryFund and will feature new items such as aSeax handle – a knife or short sword –which has been carefully reconstructedafter being discovered in several pieces.

It will feature new interpretation boardsand interactive displays to help bring theitems to life and set them in context forvisitors.

Principal Collections Officer DebKlemperer said: “This is a trulyfascinating exhibition which will givemembers of the public more of an insightinto these items.

“Following extensive research, work has

been carried out to very carefully cleanand fit together some of the pieces andthese have been put on display for thefirst time in the UK.”

The world-famous treasure – which isthe biggest and most valuable hoard ofAnglo-Saxon gold ever found – wowedthe crowds in Washington DC when itwent on display at the NationalGeographic Museum earlier this year.

The pieces returned to the UK inMarch to be further tested ahead of thesummer exhibition.

Visitors to the museum will be in foranother treat – they will be greeted by anine-foot-tall Anglo-Saxon warrior statuewhich has been erected in the receptionto “stand guard” over the Hoard.

CentralForest Park’sskateboard

plaza.

Biggest everHoard show hasunseentreasures

A pectoral cross with cabochon garnet.

Above, thenine-foot-tall

warrior statue.Left, an eye-shaped

gold and garnetplaque.

A gold and garnetmount, part of a“mystery object”also including agold cylinder and a glass stud.

Boost forResearchEXPERTS are beginning aresearch project to unlockthe secrets of theStaffordshire Hoard afterbeing awarded a £276,000grant by English Heritage.

A small project team,based at the PotteriesMuseum & Art Gallery, hasstarted an 18-monthprogramme to cataloguethe seventh centurytreasure.

Splashing way to raise cash for hospital

Our City p24 19/7/12 16:46 Page 1

Documents

Our City Issue 28