## Ourcity

City gears up to City gears up to celebrate   
Olympics celebrate   
Olympics Torch Relay route map and timings SEE PAGES
10 AND 11

## Changes To Top Council Team As Our City Carries On Going For Gold

By City Council Leader Councillor MOHAMMED PERVEZ

                       all the opportunity
to come together as a city to celebrate the
Games and its significance to our country
and our communities.
  The Olympic Flame comes to
Stoke-on-Trent at the end of the month
and I look forward to joining thousands of
people at an evening celebration to mark
its arrival...an opportunity for the eyes of
the world to be on our city.
  The Games have certainly captured the
        city's imagination.Young people
           have joined in making flags for

THE Olympic Games,which will see our
city's finest athletes and sportspeople
excelling at what they do and striving for
the performance of a lifetime,are a good
opportunity for us to reflect on the many
other things Stoke-on-Trent does best.
  This special Olympic issue of Our City
includes great news for the local economy
on how local companies have competed
for,and won,major contracts associated
with the Games.
  It also tells how our Mandate for Change
- which we launched last summer to "go
for gold"to attract investment and create
new jobs in our city - continues to bear
fruit.
  Together we can look forward to an
exciting year,with regeneration of the City
Centre gathering pace,more schools being
rebuilt under our Building Schools for the
Future initiative and the Prince of Wales
saying,through his 16 charities,that he will
work more closely with us to regenerate
the Mother Town of Burslem.
  This Olympic year offers us

## London Support For Ceramics Industry L

       City of
    London Lord
    Mayor David
 Wootton during his
visit to the Moorcroft
   Visitor Centre,
      Cobridge.

    ORD Mayor of the City of London
    David Wootton continued his drive
    to support Stoke-on-Trent's
ceramics industry with a high profile visit
to the city.
 He toured leading pottery factories before
addressing industry chiefs, council bosses and
senior politicians at a lunchtime discussion.
  Mr Wootton, whose father hails from
Stoke-on-Trent and who still has family in
the city, made it a priority of his year in
 office to raise the profile of Stoke-on-Trent
 and the pottery industry in particular.
  It is part of his effort to demonstrate how
 the City of London can support the needs
 of all UK businesses. During his day-long
 visit he spent time at the Moorcroft
 Heritage Visitor Centre, Middleport Pottery
 and Steelite International.
   As well as taking part in a round-table
 discussion with the city council and
 business leaders, he also met with
 representatives of The Prince's
 Regeneration Trust on securing jobs and
 growth in North Staffordshire.
   Mr Wootton said: "I am a champion for
 the whole spectrum of UK business,

Live webcast of full council meetings
                                                         Give us your feedback
                                                         on this issue of 
                                                         Our City by emailing
                                                         ourcity@stoke.gov.uk 
                                                         or write to: 
                                                         FREEPOST Our City.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To see and hear
the debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visit
stoke.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

Our City is printed on
recycled paper.When
you have finished with
this publication please
help the environment
by passing it on to a
friend or recycling it.

Community Safety, is pictured, inset.

a parade where schoolchildren will
represent 90 Olympic nations.
  Walkers are staging their own Olympic
relay across 50 guided walks in the
Potteries.And in children's centres,mini
games are being staged with sports like
"Roll the Daddy"and projects on Ancient
Greece to help give our youngest residents
the very best start in life.
  As Team GB fine tunes its competitors
through the last Olympic qualifiers,we are
also announcing some changes to the
team of councillors which decides on

policies and budgets and,ultimately,is
responsible for making decisions and
running the council.
  The city's Cabinet are skilled and
determined people,who will work hard to
meet the many challenges ahead.
  Supported by the Labour Group and
other members of the council,we have a
talented and united team of people who
care passionately about our city and will
continue to deliver the progress on
regeneration and job creation that we
have already started.

creating opportunities for investment, jobs and
growth. I know the importance of the UK
ceramics industry - not just for the people of
Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas,
but for the wider economy.
  "Manufacturing has a crucial role to play in
our economy - providing hundreds of
thousands of jobs, and making products
which are admired and respected the world
over. Our collaborative efforts are crucial to
building a strong economy, increasing export
and attracting international business to the
UK."
Working together

 Council Leader Councillor Mohammed
Pervez said: "We are grateful for the Lord
Mayor of London's support which helps us 
to raise the city's profile nationally and
internationally.
 "Parts of our ceramics industry are
growing, securing significant new business
and creating much-needed jobs, with the
council's backing through our Mandate for
Change. Discussions during his visit showed
our city's commitment to working together
with a wide range of partners to secure more
growth and prosperity."

## Teenage Rowers Are The Best Of British O

ARSOME is the only way to describe the unbeatable indoor rowers of St Peter's Academy in Penkhull who continue to add to their ever-growing list of titles and records.

The team of four Year Nine girls all aged
14 have racked up seven national titles and set 24 British records in the past three years. Now one of them has scooped individual gold at British and European level.

Holly Foster topped the podium at the British Indoor Rowing Championship and European Open in Nottingham. She rowed 1,069 metres in four minutes - the second best performance of all time.

## Crematorium Stages Remembrance Hour

RELATIVES and friends will have a
special opportunity to remember
loved ones during an hour of
thanksgiving and remembrance at
Carmountside Crematorium.
  The event, at 2pm on 17 June, will
offer a memory board, where
photographs can be displayed, and
the opportunity for names to be
read out as part of the service for a
small donation. Anyone who wants
their loved one's name to included
should call  01782 235020.

 Her achievement matched team mate
Lauren Ellis, who herself has already won
individual English and British titles at the
same discipline.
 Together with team mates Harriet
Lawton and Iman Jabbar they are an
immoveable force in indoor rowing at their
age group.They continually break their own
records as they take on all comers at
National Indoor Schools competitions and
row in a six-discipline league competition
against 220 other schools over nine months.
 Their coach Neil Gilson has run out of
superlatives for his girls. He said: "They
are quite simply phenomenal.They are
unbeaten since they came together
three years ago and repeatedly break
their own records.They're getting quite
blasé about it now.
 "They have a massive work ethic. It's
unbelievable to see the energy they
produce.They have broken 18 consecutive
British records and are nothing but
extraordinary."
 Academy Principal Joe Burns said: "I've
been very impressed by the dedication and
commitment of all four girls. In my 30 
years in teaching, I have never before come
across a group of four young people who
work so well together.
 "I'm delighted at their continued success
and I look forward to hearing of their
further achievements in this sport.
 "In this Olympic year, it's really fantastic
to see our young people performing so well
in such a competitive environment.Well
done girls."

## Gala To Celebrate £2M Restoration Of Burslem Park

A celebration gala is being staged at
Burslem Park to mark the completion
of its £2million restoration.
  The council has worked closely with
community organisation the Burslem
Park Partnership to transform the
green space with money from the
Heritage Lottery Fund and Big
Lottery Fund Parks for People
Programme.Work carried out over
the past year includes restoration of
the pavilion, the Victorian terrace
garden and two fountains, which had
not been in use since 1895.
  The fun-packed opening event on
23 June runs from 11am to 8pm and
features live music, fun fair
attractions and a BMX demonstration
on the skate ramp.
  Park users of all ages have
produced flags and banners for the
event after the Partnership was
awarded £9,860 by Arts Council
England to promote the park as an
inspiring and creative place.

## Start On The New Business District

        The
    phenomenal 
 St Peter's Academy
rowing team with some
of their medals, left to
right, Lauren Ellis, Iman
 Jabbar, Holly Foster
    and Harriet
      Lawton.

WORK on the first phase of the city's new
Central Business District (CBD) starts this
month as the former Andromeda
building,in Cannon Street,is removed to
make way for office development.The
news has been welcomed by the city
council which is working with developer
Genr8 to define requirements for the new
buildings.
  Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet
Member for Regeneration,Planning and
Transportation said:"The CBD is a key
project within the regeneration of the
City Centre and it is exciting to see work
starting on the site.We are continuing to
work with the developer to define the
project requirements and are pleased to
see the project progressing to the next
stages with enabling works."
  The Andromeda building was built in
the 1980s and houses the former Regimes
nightclub and Rileys snooker club.

## Songs Of Praise Comes To City

  STRIKING
 GOLD: Holly
Foster's British
and European
Championship
   medal.

THE popular BBC1 religious
programme Songs of Praise is coming
to the city.Two shows will be
recorded at Longton Methodist
Central Hall on 23 and 24 June.
  Anyone interested in taking part
as a member of the choir or
congregation is welcomed. Free
parking on these days will be
provided by Longton Tesco.
  To apply for a ticket send name,
address, telephone number and how
many tickets are being applied for to
email: songsofpraise@bbc.co.uk
(please include "Longton, Stoke-on-
Trent"in the Subject box); phone:
0161 335 8429 and leave a message
on the answer phone; or write to:
Songs of Praise Ticket Office,
(Longton, Stoke-on-Trent), 1st Floor,
Dock House, MediaCityUK, Salford,
M50 2LH.

## Sprinklers Boost Safety In Schools Council Meeting Webcasts Attract Hundreds Of Viewers L

IVE and archived webcasts of council meetings in Stoke-on-
Trent are already attracting hundreds of online viewers.

Just under 350 people generated
6,109 separate hits as they dipped into live streaming of a full council meeting in March. More than 300 people watched the archived footage all the way through.

Meetings attract an average of
30 people who sit in a council chamber public gallery which can seat up to 120.

Council Leader Mohammed Pervez said: "It's been an excellent start and is a clear sign of a modern council that wants to SAFETY is being enhanced for pupils with the installation of sprinkler systems in all the city's new schools.

They will be fitted as standard into 21st Century education facilities constructed under the £250 million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's decision to install the potentially life-saving systems has been praised by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Chris Enness said:"We have worked in partnership with the city council and are pleased that sprinklers are being fitted. A lot of schools across Staffordshire are still being built without them - despite Government guidance."
Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation said: "The city council is building 21st Century educational facilities and throughout every aspect of the design, safety has to be paramount."
engage with its communities while making open and transparent decisions which can be viewed by people wherever they happen to be."
Council and Cabinet meetings are broadcast via a state of the art system of microphones and cameras, tailored to suit the Grade II listed council chamber.

More than 70 microphones connected to hi-tech touch pads enable councillors to speak and cast their votes electronically. Three cameras automatically pan, tilt and zoom in to whoever is speaking while a fourth fixed camera gives a wide-shot of proceedings.

Users see moving images and have access to agendas so they can pinpoint which individual subject or councillor to watch. Safety features allow pauses and delay transmission for 20 seconds.

The trialled webcasting of some committee meetings is now being organised while ideas to cover annual operating costs include hiring out the facility to local companies and for weddings.

To watch live streaming or check out the archives go to www.stoke.public-i.tv/core/
the meetings.

## Mandate For Change

Council Leader Mohammed
Pervez and Councillor Ruth
Rosenau, Cabinet Member
for Regeneration, Planning
and Transportation join
Regeneration Manager
Julian Read outside the
Wedgwood Institute.

## Joy As Prince'S Charities Agree To Support The Mother Town P ""

The council has done
all it can to encourage
the Prince's charities
to become involved and we will continue to
work with them on regeneration projects.

When the Prince of Wales made a high-profile visit to Middleport Pottery last October to see the work of his charities, his cavalcade made a detour through Burslem town centre to view some of the historic buildings.

In the same month, council Chief Executive John van de Laarschot led a presentation on Burslem's potential to executives of the Prince's combined charities - after which they agreed to throw their resources behind the town's regeneration.

Regenerating communities The Prince's charities have a successful track record in regenerating communities and preserving heritage - most notably in Burnley where the Weaver's Triangle project will see derelict old mill buildings transformed into a university technical college and business community with extensive training opportunities and employment initiatives.

RINCE Charles has given his backing to the drive to regenerate Burslem - 
a move which could be the key to major investment and development.

The Prince of Wales' 16 charities have made a commitment to support business and community projects in the Mother Town over the next three years.

Senior directors of the charities have been working behind the scenes with city council officers and a delivery plan for the town has now been drawn up and was presented at a community workshop.

"The Prince's charities bring a huge amount of expertise to support projects on the ground in Burslem," said Regeneration Manager Julian Read.

The plans are already off to a good start as the Burslem Regeneration Team has successfully bid for a further £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund to refurbish and renovate some of Burslem's most attractive historic buildings.

It follows on from The Prince's Regeneration Trust's £7.5million investment to acquire and restore the Grade II*-listed Middleport Pottery - the home of Burgess, Dorling and Leigh - makers of the famous blue and white Burleigh ware.

Further restoration work and expansion of the pottery is expected to begin later this year paving the way for a visitor centre with the aim of attracting 30,000 visitors a year within five years - and the creation of 50 new jobs.

Going for gold
as our proud
city writes its
own 2012
Olympic story

By City Council
Chief Executive
John
van de
Laarschot

OLYMPIC hero Lord Coe, who spearheaded
the bid to bring this year's Games to
London and has led preparations for the
huge event, has sent a special message to
the people of Stoke-on-Trent to make sure
they are "part of this once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity"
           .
  Stories in this issue of Our City including
an eight page special supplement show
just how many opportunities there are to
write our own chapter in the 2012 Olympic
Story.
  There are inspirational tales about the
proud Potteries people who have gone for
gold in Games throughout history... and
aspirational news of current-day athletes
and sportspeople who will try to realise
their dreams in London this summer.
  But more importantly, there is
information on how thousands of citizens
of Stoke-on-Trent can enjoy their own
special Olympic moment by taking part in
one of the events the council has worked
so hard with its partners to organise.
  So whether you turn out to watch the
Olympic Flame make its way through our
city, or join us to celebrate the Games at our
spectacular event in Hanley Park, I hope as
many of you as possible will join in and
enjoy what the Olympics mean to
Stoke-on-Trent.
  Last summer we launched our own "gold
medal bid"when we set out our Mandate
for Change to make Stoke-on-Trent a great
working city, to attract inward investment
and help to create jobs.
  Our red carpet treatment for businesses
and "can do"approach are already paying
off, as is our pledge to engage with
different kinds of employers and work with
as many partners as possible to raise the
city's profile as a great place to do business.
  We are helping successful social
enterprises set up companies that not only
create jobs and contribute to the local
economy, but also meet community needs
like training or caring for people at home.
  But one of the most exciting initiatives
under the Mandate for Change banner is
news that Prince Charles, through his
network of charities, has pledged to
support the regeneration of Burslem.
  His support alone could lever in
investment and commitment from a huge
range of organisations, as well as the
private sector.
  A great deal of hard work has gone into
developing this partnership, and the Prince
has suggested that success in Burslem
could be rolled out to make a difference
across the whole city.
  Encouraging stories like these are great
news for our city, and we at the city council
are proud that, in an Olympic year, this city
is, in many ways, taking its place on the
winner's podium.

  In Burslem the Prince's charities'
delivery plan for the town has identified a
range of regeneration opportunities
including cultural and educational
initiatives and redevelopment schemes for
the Wedgwood Institute and the former
indoor market hall.
  Council Leader Mohammed Pervez said
the Prince's charities support for the
regeneration of Burslem was "extremely
significant" and was great news for the
future of the town.
  He said: "I am delighted with the
decision by the Prince's charities - their
involvement will almost certainly accelerate
the regeneration of the Mother Town. I
understand Prince Charles has asked for
regular updates on progress.
  "The council has done all it can to
encourage the Prince's charities to become
involved and we will continue to work with
them on regeneration projects - in keeping
with our Mandate for Change policies to
attract investment and jobs to the city."

## Bronze Warrior To Guard Hoard Treasures

Library Assistant Sara Pye with a selection of everyday items from past decades which will make up the Reminiscence Boxes.

## A Boxes Packed With Memories

will stand guard over a major new exhibition at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.

As *Our City* went to press, the imposing Mercian statue was due to be unveiled in the venue's lobby to help showcase the latest display featuring the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard.The £25,000 artwork, which was funded by the council and is called the Staffordshire Saxon, has been created by artist Andy Edwards with the help of welding apprentices from Aspire Housing's PM Training division.

It was originally moulded in clay and then modelled using hi-tech carbon fibre with a traditional bronze-looking finish. A selection of hoard-inspired items, including buckles and the pommel of a seax (a single-edged sword or knife), are worn or carried by the warrior.

The sculpture marks the start of a new 13-month exhibition of the 7th Century Dark Ages treasure - which is the biggest and most valuable hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found.

Many of the pieces have just returned to the UK after a successful and high profile exhibition at the National Geographic Museum in Washington DC.

Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "We have commissioned and built an impressive nine foot statue to show how items from the Hoard would EVER fancied going back in time to recapture youthful memories or find out about fashions and events from times long before you were born? 

Thousands of people in Stoke-on-Trent have already been given a fascinating taste of time travel thanks to Reminiscence Boxes put together by the city's Libraries and Archives Service.

For instance, dolly tubs and flat irons give an idea of household chores of yesteryear.Books, DVDs, picture packs, CDs and even a well-preserved tin of Crosse and Blackwell kidney soup have all helped to take people down memory lane or give younger generations an enjoyable insight into the way we were.

  The Reminiscence Boxes are
used by residential homes as
therapy for residents with
dementia, as well as children's
groups, community groups, and
schools.
  Some are themed packages
relating to a particular decade or
topics such as food, family life,
the war years and day trips.
  Now there is an appeal for
donations of fresh items to evoke
memories of royalty, hobbies and
transport as well as anything
suitable for separate decade
boxes to bring back the 1960's,
70's and 80's.
  To donate an item or reserve a
Reminiscence Box phone 01782
238407 or email
central.library@stoke.gov.uk

## Olympic Link To Lord Mayoralty

decathlon after seven events
and was eliminated from the
pentathlon after three events.
  After qualifying as a doctor,
he took up medical practice in
Stoke-on-Trent where he
became a councillor and an
Alderman - and served as the
city's Lord Mayor in 1949-50.

THE Lord Mayoralty in
Stoke-on-Trent has a
little-known connection with
British Olympic history –
thanks to Alderman Arthur
Percy Spark, pictured right.
  Born in Durris,
Aberdeenshire, in 1894, as a
young man he served with the
Royal Army Medical Corps in
World War I and later studied
medicine at Edinburgh
University.
  A talented athlete
specialising in the heavy
events of shot, discus and
hammer, he won medals in the
Scottish Championships and
was selected to represent
Britain at the 1924 Olympic
Games in Paris.
  Unfortunately there was to
be no Olympic glory for Arthur.
He withdrew from the

Jak Forester.

investment to help deliver the council's Mandate For Change agenda.

"By improving our city's tourism profile we will help to protect the 5,000 jobs in tourism and maybe even create new jobs through increased visitors."
Councillor Meredith added:
"More than 50,000 people visited the Staffordshire Hoard exhibition in three weeks when it opened, which is unprecedented.

"This statue is one component of a larger project to create a truly interactive and inspiring Potteries Museum exhibition."
Apprentice Jak Forester, of Northwood, who along with colleague Dan Cutter worked on the sculpture, said:
"It's been a once in a lifetime experience to work on.Working with Andy to create the framework for the statue has really inspired me and it's amazing to think I
have helped create something that will last forever."
The statue was unveiled earlier this month ahead of the Staffordshire Hoard:
Dark Age Discovery exhibition, which runs between 21 July 2012 and
1 September 2013.

Removing the and Jak.

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

## Councillor Gwen Hassall Labour Abbey Hulton And Townsend

Councillor
Matthew
Fry
aged 31:
Labour
Weston Coyney

Councillor
Bagh
Ali
aged 54:
Labour
Lightwood North
and Normacot

I'm not giving my age because age is irrelevant
- it's just a state of mind. I may be chronologically older than some of my colleagues but I'm new to the council, having been elected just under two years ago. I stood as a councillor because I wasn't happy with the politics of the BNP in the city and since then I've served on the Cabinet in different roles. My latest portfolio carries responsibility for Social Services.

That fits in with my background of working in housing for around 20 years, often with older people. I've worked in sheltered schemes and the social housing sector and that has given me an insight into what people's needs really are.

For me, being a councillor is about getting back to the community. I know that my Cabinet work can take time away from the ward but I'm determined to make sure I never lose that personal touch.

THE support of the local community convinced me to stand as a councillor in May 2011. My family and MP Rob Flello also supported me. I'd got to know him through my work as fundraiser for the Special Olympics team in North Staffordshire.

I've raised about £25,000
so far to support 117 athletes and used to compete myself at county, regional and national level. I've got between 400 and 500 medals but had to stop competing when tests showed my IQ levels had gone from 75 to 125.

That was a big disappointment but I started fundraising instead and we get loads of support from across the city. It made me realise, as I worked in the community, what people need so that's why I became a councillor.

I love it. It's about being able to support people and recognise what they need. I'm always available over the phone or via email.

I've been a city councillor continuously since 1996 making me the longest serving. It's a real benchmark. If I didn't look after people they wouldn't vote me back.

My concern for people is what got me into politics in the first place. I'd been helping older and vulnerable people before then but thought I could help the older citizens of Stoke-on-Trent better by being politically affiliated. I'd been a member of the Labour Party for 30 years so I stood for election as it would put me in a better position to deliver.

Vulnerable people need more help so I'm available 24/7 and visit people in their houses virtually every day. It's about community for me and not just the Asian community, the whole community.

I'm a passionate Stokie and Stoke City supporter. I get satisfaction from delivering for people and if I didn't think I could deliver then I'd just call it a day.

Councillor
Randolph
Conteh
aged 53:
City Independents
Penkhull and Stoke

Councillor
Ann
James
aged 64:
City Independents
Great Chell and
Packmoor

I felt extremely proud of myself when I came back to live in Penkhull and was elected councillor for the area because I was brought up in children's homes here.

I've been the councillor continuously since 2002. It's my full time job.

After nearly 20 years working down the pits, following redundancy, I volunteered with a community group.We were struggling to get funding from the council, so I stood for election thinking if you can't beat em, join em!

I'm passionate about the community and love organising consultation events to get people's views.That with personal hard graft and drive has resulted in new play facilities in our two local parks which is fantastic for children.

A highlight for me was winning a national award.The Centre for Public Scrutiny honoured me with runner up in the non executive councillor category for my council and community work.

I first became a councillor in 1999. In
2010 when I lost my seat after serving for 11 years, this came as a welcome break. Balancing home life, ward work and being a councillor can bring its pressures.

But I continued to work in the community with residents' associations and the police on issues like antisocial behaviour and housing, and was persuaded to stand again in 2011 so I'm back as a much needed voice for the north of the city.

I believe the northern end of the city gets neglected. It's difficult to get services to come this far but it should be treated as an important gateway to the city. It took us ages to get something done with one derelict triangle of land.

Our residents' associations in the ward do amazing work and I couldn't do what I do if it wasn't for them. I think their work and commitment is more important than being a councillor.

     Catering
     Assistant
  Emma Searl, left
and Catering Project
Manager Jess Perkins
  in the kitchen at
   the Hollybush
      Centre.

## Enterprise Puts Jobs On Menu Mandate For Change T

HE appetite for healthy food served up by Bush Tucker Enterprises is so good that expansion is on the menu for the social enterprise catering business based at the Hollybush Centre in Blurton.

Their busy kitchen has been extended to twice its original size to meet increased demand for dishes that focus on freshly prepared food using fruit and vegetables together with other choices that provide the correct level of proteins and vitamins as well as low salt and fat content.

Since it started five years ago Bush Tucker Enterprises has provided training for scores of people who have gone on to careers or training in catering as well as raising awareness of the need to eat healthily by holding exhibitions and Cook and Eat sessions to promote the healthy living message.

The sustainable community enterprise now employs five people full-time to provide good quality, good value, healthy and nutritious food for all occasions - such as buffets for business meetings and other events, plus daily meals for four local children's nurseries.

Whenever possible the kitchen uses fresh food sourced from local providers.

Bush Tucker Enterprises was originally funded by the Big Lottery Fund and is supported by the council's social enterprise start up fund and the Jobcentre Plus Flexible Support Fund, which the council helps to administer.

However this Summer it will become a Community Interest Company as a go-it-alone venture with a sustainable level of income.

The team comprises Catering Manager Jessica Perkins (who started as a kitchen assistant and gained her catering qualifications through the Enterprise's training programme), Catering Assistants Lorraine Cooper, Christine Barnett and Emma Searl, and Driver Roy Stanner.

In addition to the permanent staff, the kitchen still offers training opportunities for people of all ages from the local

## Val Celebrates New Job Thanks To Jet Support Swimming Skills Boost Pupils' Health

A 55 year old woman celebrating
getting back into work has
praised the city's JET centres for
their support.
  Val, of Weston Coyney, had been
off work for some time with
health issues and thought her age
and lack of self-esteem would be
a turn-off for employers.
  An appointment with a
Personal JET Adviser and Mentor
helped her with benefits, created
a CV and built her confidence in
her own abilities.After a few
weeks and an interview she was
delighted to be offered a job by a
local DIY store.
  Val said:"My confidence has
grown and I have the type of 
job that I enjoy and that suits me.
If I hadn't contacted JET I think 
I would not have found work 
so quickly.
  "Not only am I working now,
but  I am also starting my training
in Customer Service Level 1 and I
might also be looking at doing an
NVQ or City & Guilds qualification
in customer service and retail.My
confidence is back where it used
to be, which is brilliant.I would tell
anyone who needed help to see
JET. The advisers are so easy to
talk to and they listened to me.In
many ways they made me answer
my own questions or find my own
ways to deal with it.
  "They were so positive and
helpful and really boosted my
confidence.They just made me
think about what I needed and
how I could reach my goals."
- For more information on 
how JET can help, please call
01782 231215.

HEADTEACHER Pauline Bloor is
passionate about the benefits of
swimming so she makes sure her
pupils are among the 6,000 a
week across Stoke-on-Trent using
the city council's School
Swimming Service.
 Around 50 children from 
St John's C of E Aided Primary
School in Trent Vale make the
weekly trip to the Fenton Manor
Sports Complex for safe and fun
pool sessions.
 Convinced about the health
benefits, the school knows
children are learning a valuable
life skill and enjoying an
experience outside of school that
they might not always get during
difficult economic times.
 Swimming is used to promote
the school to prospective parents

as every Year 2-6 pupil benefits
from pool time for at least a term.
  Pauline said:"There are some
other providers that may be very
cheap but head teachers need to
be absolutely sure of the quality
of teaching and the health and
safety implications.
  "The School Swimming Service
certainly provides value for
money and quality provision in
modern, fit for purpose, facilities."
  The service works in
partnership with schools
across the city to produce
bespoke programmes while
arranging transport, pool
time and fully qualified and
CRB checked teachers with
first aid, life-saving and child
protection certification.
  Schools benefit from

employment for the area.
  Liz Hunt, the Centre's Chief Executive,
said: "Bush Tucker Enterprises was
originally set up as response to the health,
training and employment needs of the city
and has been built up into a successful
community business by the sheer hard
work of the team."
●To find out more about Bush Tucker
Enterprises phone 01782 501919.

community who are looking for
employment in catering or simply wish to
find out how they and their families can eat
more healthily.
 The Hollybush Centre is a registered
charity set up in 1997 by Blurton residents
to provide locally based activities and
services and is the base for a number of
other community enterprises that have
created training opportunities and

All lessons benefit from an awards scheme, which comes complete with certificates.

      Additional
     information 
     is available at
     stoke.gov.uk/
   schoolswimming 
by calling 01782 236929
  or emailing school.
  swimming@stoke.
        gov.uk

## Olympic Special Inspirational People Line Up To Carrythe Flame T

WO Olympic Torchbearers from the same city school have overcome adversity to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay… and one has now gone that extra mile to make sure the other keeps her Torch as a souvenir of her big day.

Phil Greer, the 55-year-old Site Supervisor at St Peter's Academy suffered paralysis as a child and was told he would never walk again. But he proved the doctors wrong and has enjoyed a lifetime of top-class endurance running. He has completed 28 marathons and currently coaches at national level.

Pupil Zahraa Bangee, now 16, fought her way back from a devastating brain haemorrhage to take her place as a Flame bearer. Her mum Sherin's nomination read: "I, as her mother, am incredibly proud of what a truly inspirational young woman my daughter has become."
That strength of spirit impressed Phil who sprang into action and offered to help Zahraa's family as they looked at ways of raising funds to buy her Torch.

He takes up the story: "We'd both received emails saying we could buy our Torches. Zahraa mentioned her family were looking at fund-raising so I offered to help and ran the Lichfield Half Marathon to raise £255 for her Torch and stand.

Once in a lifetime Turn the page for maps of the route the Flame will take and details of our special evening celebration
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and I couldn't let her carry her Torch and then not keep it for the rest of her life.That would have been such a shame."
Sherin said: "We were really touched by Phil's offer and appreciated his efforts.We supported him by getting family and friends to sponsor him."
Phil and Zahraa are among several people chosen as Torchbearers. Others include Ainsley Cooper, former world professional squash champion Angela Smith, Andrew Wood, former Olympian Imran Sherwani, Daniel Tatton, Stephen Glover, Thomas Buckett and Colin Scattergood. Also taking part are Ross Clarke, Daniel Ward, Sarah Green, Emma Jackson, a current 800 metre Team GB runner, Rita Banks and Clare Simcock.

A golden
opportunity
to showcase
all our city is
achieving

By City Council
Leader Councillor
MOHAMMED
PERVEZ

I am sure all of us are looking
forward to the eyes of the world
being on our city when
Stoke-on-Trent celebrates hosting
the Olympic Torch Relay.
  Our city will swell with pride as
the symbolic Flame travels through
our historic streets... passing just a
few feet from the homes of novelist
Arnold Bennett and rock superstar
Robbie Williams.
  Our city has risen to the occasion,
bringing all sections of the
community together to celebrate
this amazing Olympic year.
  As well as the evening celebration
during the Flame's two day visit,
there will be a host of other events,
including a colourful parade by
hundreds of schoolchildren
representing the many nations
taking part in this summer's Games.
  I am delighted to see that local
businesses have been successful in
bringing trade associated with the
Games back to our city, boosting the
local economy and supporting
employment.
  This is a time to look back on
Stoke-on-Trent's historic Olympians,
who have flown the flag for the
Potteries, and to wish our current
sportspeople the best of luck as
they strive for glory.
  This summer offers a tremendous
opportunity for our city to promote
everything that is best about
Stoke-on-Trent and leave visitors
with a lasting impression of our
friendliness, culture and attractions.
  I am sure once they have sampled
our famous hospitality, the warmth
of our communities - and maybe
even our delicious oatcakes - they
will take the City of Stoke-on-Trent,
and its people, to their hearts.
  But more than anything else, the
Olympics give us all the chance to
come together, enjoy this huge
special occasion, celebrate our
unique and special communities and
be proud of all our city is achieving.

Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebration Route 30 May 2012

## Magic As The Torch Arrives In Our City

Not to scale
This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with permission
of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery
office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown
Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. 
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Licence Number: 100024286 2012

## Thousands Set To Join In The Big Olympic Party A

AT 6.34pm precisely on Wednesday 30 May the people of Stoke-on-Trent will become part of the London 2012 Olympic Games and claim an enduring place in Britain's sporting and cultural heritage.

That's the moment the Olympic Torch arrives in the city - one of 66 towns and cities hosting an evening celebration.

The Torch Relay will travel 8,000
miles and be carried by 8,000 Torchbearers before the Flame arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July to light the cauldron and signal the start of the 2012 Games.

Crowds are expected to line the streets as the Flame makes its way from Shelton to Hanley Park - the venue for a fun filled evening of celebrations.

Earlier that day a spectacular Community Parade, starting at 2pm, will make its way along College Road, Shelton to Hanley Park where it will be welcomed by a schools choir from the city's twin town of Erlangen.

The Parade will include 1,000
young people from over 90 schools in Stoke-on-Trent, each school representing one of the nations competing in the Games.

The city will bid a golden farewell to the Torch at 7am on 31 May when it will be re-lit during a ceremony at the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery where the Staffordshire Hoard and a 9-foot sculpture of an Anglo-Saxon warrior will be on show.

Council Leader Councillor Mohammed Pervez, said:"The city council has worked with communities, schools, businesses and many other groups in the city to ensure everyone will have the opportunity to join in this once in a lifetime celebration of the area's strong heritage."
N evening of celebration in Hanley Park will provide fun for people of all ages as the city welcomes the Torchbearers carrying the Olympic Flame on Wednesday 30 May.

Gates will open at 4pm for 12,000 free ticket holders for the once-in-alifetime event that will start at 5pm and last for almost three hours.

Big name Torch Relay partners Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung, in partnership with local organisations and the city council will stage a spectacular show to keep the crowds enthralled.

Top of the bill will be the Olympic Flame that will make a grand entrance to the venue where the last Torchbearer will light a symbolic Olympic Games cauldron on the main stage.

The packed evening celebration show includes live music by Kids in Glass Houses, acrobatic performance, a crowd interaction moment, dance by the Regent Theatre Creative Learning Department, a spectacular performance by the New Vic Torchbearers and Children's Promise families.

People without tickets can still enjoy other attractions in the park between 2pm and 4pm including a cookery demonstration and street sports held near to the bandstand area.

Olympic Torch Relay Morning Departure Route 31 May 2012
Not to scale This map is reproduced from the Ordnance Survey material with permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery office © Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Stoke-on-Trent City Council Licence Number: 100024286 2012

## Community Extravaganza

     Councillor
   Mark Meredith 
     with pupils
displaying giant flags
 which they will use 
   in the Olympic 
   Torch Parade.

## Colours Of The World Brighten N

and 90 giant flags representing the Olympic nations.

Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: "This is a once in a lifetime chance for our city's children and young people to become part of something that will live long in the memory."
B arts Artistic Director Susan Clarke said: "The city is bursting with creative potential and this is the sort of event we need to make the most of and tell everyone about.We hope it can become an annual event - a Stoke Day Parade - that celebrates the richness and energy of all our communities, which are such a great asset to us all."
EARLY a thousand Stoke-on-Trent school children are literally flying the flag for the city as well as the rest of the world during the Olympic community parade.

Joined by 200 dancers and musicians, young people from 90 schools and colleges are taking to the streets on 30 May for the parade from College Road to Hanley Park to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Flame.

Locally based arts organisation B arts was commissioned by the city council to help the children produce 200 carnival costumes

## World-Class Ceramic Ware Flies The Flag For Stoke-On-Trent At Summer Spectacular As Games Trade Boosts Employment Safety First For Torch Relay Evening

DETAILED plans are in place for the safety of thousands of people expected to watch the Olympic Flame make its way through Stoke-on-Trent and take centre stage at an evening celebration.

Civil contingency experts from the city council have worked with other council departments and the police as they cater for several thousand people on the streets of Shelton, Burslem, Cobridge and Middleport with a further 12,000 at the evening event in Hanley Park.

Around 30 stewards will be on duty for the Torch Relay on 30 and 31 May with another 30 security supervisors helping the crowd at the park celebration.Some roads will be temporarily closed.

Peter Burgess, the council's Strategic Manager for Health, Safety and Emergency Planning, said:"We have put up barriers where necessary but this is a fun, family event so we want to allow people to get as close to the action as possible."

## City Companies Win Oiympic Business Worth Millions Of Pounds Exciting Cycling Spectacle O Helping Local Businesses Win In 201 2

THE Grand Final of the 2012 Halfords Cycling Tour Series will be hosted in the city as part of a spectacular final day of racing.

The televised event will see Britain's 10 leading teams go head-to-head in an exciting team time trial event on Thursday 14 June - with many top cyclists using the race as part of their warm up for the Olympic Games.

In addition, the final of the Johnson Health Tech Grand Prix Series will take place and a special relay will be held for the first time ever on the final day, named in honour of one of Stoke-on-Trent's famous sons, cyclist Tommy Godwin Tommy, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent in 1912, still holds the world cycling records for miles covered in a year (75,065 miles / 120,805 kilometres) and the fastest completion of 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

In 1939, Godwin entered the Golden Book of Cycling as the greatest long-distance rider in the world. He rode 75,065 miles (120,805 km) in a year, averaging over 200 miles per day.

BUSINESS LOANS: Small business loans are now
available in Stoke-on-Trent through a partnership
involving the city council and the Black Country
Reinvestment Society.
A council investment of £100,000 in the Stoke-on-Trent
Loan Fund has been doubled by the society as it offers
loans to companies employing 50 people or less. For
more information, contact BCRS on 0845 313 8410.
BUSINESS HELPLINE: More than 300 callers have
already used a business helpline launched in February
to make it easier for entrepreneurs to invest and grow.
Backed by the city council, the Stoke-on-Trent and
Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership offers help on
everything from start-ups and international trade to

funding and investor development services. For advice,
call 0300 111 8002.
TRANSFORMING ENTERPRISE IN STOKE-ON- TRENT
(TEST): TEST is a city council funded programme
designed to help deliver the Mandate for Change. It
was launched by Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet
Member for Economic Development, on 27 February
and has two elements, assisting new business 
start-ups and helping existing businesses to grow 
and create jobs.
  TEST comprises business and enterprise coaching,
TEST-trading, mentoring, help with access to finance
and recruitment, understanding supply chains and
bespoke business intelligence.

     LYMPIC contracts
      worth millions of
     pounds have boosted
order books for businesses
across Stoke-on-Trent.
 City-based suppliers of
products and services successfully
bid for tenders through a variety
of routes including the
CompeteFor Business portal.
 Winners from the ceramics
industry included The Waterford,
Wedgwood and Royal Doulton
Group who were appointed to
produce London 2012
commemorative and souvenir
merchandise. Johnson Tiles won
contracts for several Olympic
projects including floor and wall
tiles for the athletes' village, the
hockey centre and a re-vamped
cycling centre.
 The firm also produced tiles
for the diving pool refurbishment
at the National Diving Centre in
Crystal Palace, which meant
cutting larger metric tiles with
water jets to produce smaller
imperial sized measurements.
 Designers at Dudson were
commissioned by Sodexo
Prestige to produce fine dining
tableware to be used at a number
of high profile events, including
VIP hospitality functions at the
Games. One of the signature
pieces being made in
Stoke-on-Trent is a plate
featuring a channel in the shape

## City Business Executives Welcome Olympics Opportunity "

Orr, left, and Design Director Danny

                                                                                                           As one of Stoke-on-Trent's
                                                                                                           biggest employers, Steelite
                                                                                                           International is certainly fired
                                                                                                           up about this Olympic year.
                                                                                                           "Now preparations to
                                                                                                           welcome the Olympic Torch
                                                                                                           Relay are gathering pace,
                                                                                                           there's a real
                                                                                                           sense of
                                                                                                           optimism,
                                                                                                           both among
                                                                                                           businesses
                                                                                                           and the
                                                                                                           public, as we
                                                                                                           get ready to
                                                                                                           show the
                                                                                                           nation what a
                                                                                                           fantastic and
                                                                                                           vibrant city this is.
                                                                                                           "This high profile event will
                                                                                                           shine the spotlight on Stoke-
                                                                                                           on-Trent, its industries and its
                                                                                                           people, and show just why
                                                                                                           we're all proud to be part 
                                                                                                           of the Potteries.
                                                                                                           Kevin Oakes, Chief Executive
                                                                                                           of Steelite International

                     "

## " "

                                                                                                                 Stoke-on-Trent is a truly
                                                                                                                 unique city full to the brim
                                                                                                                 with character.
                                                                                                                 "And much of
                                                                                                                 its inimitable
                                                                                                                 charm is down
                                                                                                                 to its people.
                                                                                                                 Creative and
                                                                                                                 imaginative,
                                                                                                                 the people of
                                                                                                                 Stoke-on-
                                                                                                                 Trent are
                                                                                                                 passionate,
                                                                                                                 loyal and
                                                                                                                 tenacious and have all the
                                                                                                                 necessary qualities to build
                                                                                                                 strong communities and grow
                                                                                                                 successful businesses.
                                                                                                                 "Once again Stoke-on-Trent is
                                                                                                                 a hub of activity and we're
                                                                                                                 leading it into a new era of
                                                                                                                 revival and vitality. Quite
                                                                                                                 simply there is no better 
                                                                                                                 place for our business.
                                                                                                                 Michael Haynes,
                                                                                                                 Managing Director of
                                                                                                                 Portmeirion Group

                                      The Sodexo brief gave
                                      us an opportunity to
                                      create innovative items
                                      which will now be 
                                      used to showcase
                                      British design and
                                      manufacturing
                                      excellence to visitors
                                      from all over the world.
                                      Danny Goodall
                                      DUDSONDESIGNDIRECTOR

## " "

                                                                                                            Stoke-on-Trent is Bronze,
                                                                                                            Silver and Gold
                                                                                                            when it comes
                                                                                                            to pottery,
                                                                                                            you can get
                                                                                                            anything made
                                                                                                            from a new hip
                                                                                                            joint to a
                                                                                                            gallon teapot.
                                                                                                            "Stoke-on-
                                                                                                            Trent is a key
                                                                                                            part of Britain's manufacturing
                                                                                                            base and through the plates
                                                                                                            on your table or the mug in
                                                                                                            your kitchen we all have 
                                                                                                            a stake in Stoke-on-Trent.
                                                                                                            Matthew Rice, Managing
                                                                                                            Director of Emma
                                                                                                            Bridgewater

                                                            European cities for inward
                                                            investment, economic growth and
                                                            business expansion by the
                                                            Financial Times, European Cities
                                                            of the Future Awards for Micro
                                                            Cities. Independent researchers
                                                            picked out the city for its strong
                                                            transport links and business
                                                            connections across Europe.
                                                              Councillor Mark Meredith,
                                                            Stoke-on-Trent City Council
                                                            Cabinet Member for Economic
                                                            Development said: "To be
                                                            receiving this award shows to
                                                            businesses and potential investors
                                                            that our city is very much open for
                                                            business and that our
                                                            infrastructure and location in
                                                            particular make it a prime location
                                                            to invest."

of the River
Thames. Dudson
Design Director
Danny Goodall said:
"The Sodexo brief gave us an
opportunity to create innovative
items which will now be used to
showcase British design and
manufacturing excellence to
visitors from all over the world."
  Praising the designs of UK
manufacturers, Dr. Laura Cohen,
Chief Executive of the British
Ceramic Confederation, said: "The
Olympics and the Jubilee will be
bringing in plenty of tourists who
want to buy a commemorative
mug or other ceramic product and
many manufacturers are finding
increased interest in their entire
ranges."

                            Executive of the North
                            Staffordshire Chamber of
                           Commerce, said: "It's
                         pleasing that several city
                      businesses have benefited from the
                      Olympics."
                        Olympic opportunities have
                      come as several city-council
                      backed initiatives, launched in
                      partnership with other agencies
                      and organisations under the
                      Mandate for Change programme,
                      have also started bearing fruit.
                        Latest figures collated for a
                      monthly council Business Bulletin
                      show a growing number of
                      inquiries to the council's Make it
                      Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
                      Inward Investment Service.
                        The city has also been
                      nominated as one of the top 10

             Engineering
    and site service contracts
went to a variety of firms including
Wardell Armstrong who carried
out survey work.T and C Site
Services Ltd, the UK's largest
independent earthmover tyre
specialist, provided tyre repair
services for the heavy plant and
equipment used across the
Olympic site.
 More than 40 First Bus staff
from the city have given up a week
of their holiday after volunteering
to operate FirstGroup shuttle and
park and ride bus services for
spectators.
 Sara Williams, the Chief

## Keen Walkers Stage Their Own Games Relay Across The Six Towns

STANDBY for the Olympics relay
event - in Stoke-on-Trent! 
  The 50 Closer to Home walking
groups organised by the city-based
national charity Federation of
Stadium Communities (FSC) will be
stepping out to mark the 2012
London Games with a special
outing.
  After each group completes its
walk, a baton will be handed to a
representative of the next group to
walk until the groups have covered
the whole city.
  The free-to-join walking network
covers every part of the city.
  More than 3,000 people of all
ages have already taken part in the

Norton, Berryhill and Bentilee.
  FSC Chief Executive Judy Crabb
said:"The walks are usually held in
parks and greenways in the city
and include historical areas, nature
and opportunities for photography
to provide interest for group
members.
  "The special walk with a baton is
not a race but a symbolic way of
joining up different communities in
the city just as the Olympic Games
unite nations through sport."
- To join a Closer to Home
walking group or for more
information about the Olympic
relay events phone 01782
831900.

walks designed to provide healthy
exercise and a chance to meet
people.
  The gentle outings usually last
for 45 minutes to an hour, although
others can be longer.
  Funded by the NHS and led by
volunteers, the walks are specially
recommended for people who lead
a sedentary lifestyle and those with
high blood or cholesterol levels and
weight problems.
  The special Olympic walks will be
held on five separate days to
symbolise the five rings of the
Olympic emblem.
  The circular walks will start and
finish at Trentham, Hanley,Tunstall,

## Men And Wom City With S

includes Sports and Leisure, said: "Given the successful legacy of many of the athletes and sporting stars from the city it would be fantastic if one of the latest sporting hopefuls added to this with success at the Olympics.

"We have a great pedigree for producing sporting stars and I am sure this will continue for many, many years to come."
Perhaps the most famous and certainly most successful local Olympian in living memory is Imran Sherwani.

The former police officer and newsagent was part of the gold medal winning Great Britain field hockey team in the 1988 Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. Imran became an overnight hero after scoring twice in the 3-1 victory over West Germany.

TOKE-on-Trent is blessed with Olympic talent past and present - and has plenty of budding stars lining up for future Games too.

From men's hockey Olympic champion Imran Sherwani and cycling legend Les West to London 2012 qualifiers, such as pole-vaulter Steven Lewis and runner Emma Jackson, the city can boast top athletes who have graced track, field and sporting events.

And there is plenty to look forward to beyond the summer Games, with promising home-grown talent setting their sights on Brazil 2016 and beyond.

Councillor Mark Meredith, whose cabinet portfolio

## En Fly The Flag For Olympic Pride

Earlier this year the 50-year-old sports teacher was inducted into the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame - joining footballers Sir Stanley Matthews and Gordon Banks and darts legend Phil Taylor.

Also joining Imran in the Hall of Fame was Les West - a national cycling champion.The Potteries ace who finished second in the world road race championship never achieved his grand ambition of an Olympic medal after being thwarted by a puncture at Mexico in 1968.

Steak and champagne However, he did go on to turn professional and won a series of national road race titles to add to his double triumph in the Tour of Britain Milk Race.

Earlier in the 20th century, swimmer Norman Wainwright and middle-distance runner Joe Deakin Also looking to aim high is sprint hurdler Nick Gayle.The 26-year-old Sneyd Green bornand-bred star is hoping to line up against the best in the world at London 2012 after constantly notching up impressive results at 110 metre hurdles.

Cycling team pursuit world champion Dani King, 21, who races for Stoke-on-Trent cycling team Matrix Fitness-Prendas, of Trentham Lakes, is a favourite for a gold.

And the future looks bright too. Stoke-on-Trent's Becky Martin, 15, narrowly missed out in the Olympic selection process for Women's Archery but was praised for her "amazing maturity" by Archery GB Performance Director Sara Symington, and is one to watch for upcoming tournaments.

And another potential star is Taekwondo competitor Amy Truesdale, who trains in Stoke-on-Trent.

The rising star won silver in the World Para Taekwondo Championships in 2009 but also features in able-bodied competitions.

Amy, who was born with the lower part of her left arm missing, is on course to represent Team GB in the 2016 Brazil Games - if the discipline is chosen as an Olympic event.

also did the Potteries proud. Freestyle and backstroke specialist Norman represented Great Britain in the 1932, 1936 and 1948 Summer Olympics.

He also won gold, silver and bronze medals in the 1934 and 1938 Empire Games (the forerunner to the Commonwealth Games) in both team and individual events.

Grocer's son Joe Deakin, who was born in Shelton, won gold in the three-mile team event at the 1908 London Olympics.The rifleman, who fought in the Boer War, reportedly finished 30 yards ahead of his nearest rival. However, he was unable to finish the later five-mile track race after being treated to a slap-up lunch of steak and champagne to mark the victory.

It is not a scenario that can be envisaged for today's Team GB Olympic hopefuls, who include runner Emma Jackson.

The 23-year-old, from Trentham, has represented her country in every age group at 800 metres, and finished fourth in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. In 2011, she further boosted her Olympic credentials by breaking the two-minute barrier for 800 metres for the first time and reached the semi-finals of her specialist event at the 2011 World Championships.

It should be a double honour for Emma, a former St. Joseph's College and Keele University student, this summer. Not only has she set her sights on competing in the Olympics but has been chosen as a Torchbearer when the Olympic Flame is carried through the city.

Steven Lewis is one of the city's top hopes for a medal in the pole vault event. He is the country's number one, has already scooped silver at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and finished fourth in the 2009 European Indoor Championships. The former Holden Lane High School pupil, now 25, has set an outdoor

## Gymnasts Warm Up On Our Manor

SOME of Britain's top
gymnasts will help to spread
the Olympic ideal in
Stoke-on-Trent with
performances at Fenton Manor
Sports Complex in the run-up
to the 2012 London Games.
   The sports men and women
 will be demonstrating their
  talents in a series of
   spectacular events
    organised by British
    Gymnastics, the UK's
   national governing body
  for gymnastics.
  First class facilities at Fenton
Manor Sports Complex include
superbly equipped sports
halls, Shapes Health and
Leisure Club and swimming
pools - one of them is the
largest in Staffordshire.
  Chris Austin, Events and
Commercial Manager for the
city council's Sport and Leisure
Services, said:"We hope the
appearance of the country's
leading gymnasts and the
Olympic branding at Fenton
Manor Sports Complex will get
more people interested in
taking part in the sports and
activities on offer."

badges they are working towards and an Olympic torch they made themselves.

## Packed Event Programme Organised For Summer 2012 Something For Everyone As Whole City Joins In T

LOTS of events are being planned for the next few months to help residents enjoy the Olympic year even more.They include:
May
16: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Greyhound Inn, 8pm.

19: North Staffordshire Special Olympics Athletics Championship, Northwood Stadium.

20: Hartshill and  Harpfields Community Games, Richmond Street Park, 2-4pm.Track and field sports organised in conjunction with 238 Hartshill Air Cadets. www.communitygames.org.uk
25: Hartshill and  Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Robin Hood, 8pm.

26: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games, Lodge Road Park, 1-3pm. Sports for everyone organised in conjunction with Sporting Ventures www.communitygames.org.uk
29: Hartshill and  Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Red Lion, 8pm.

29: Torch Relay, 6.34pm 30: Torch Relay Evening Celebration, Hanley Park, Stoke-on-Trent. www.stoke.gov.uk/olympics2012
31: Torch Relay morning depart City Centre, Cobridge, Burslem, Middleport - 7am. www.stoke.gov.uk/olympics2012
June
9: Discovering Places 2012 'Spot the Species'
walk, Hartshill Park, 10am-midday. Meet Lower Park 9.45am.

12: Hartshill and  Harpfields Community Games, Pub Sports Quiz,The Old House at Home, 8pm.

14: Dancing for the Games Ballroom & Sequence Dance, Kings Hall, 8-11.30pm.Tickets £4. Contact Vanessa Darlington 01782 236156.

14: Tour Series, City Centre, 2-9pm. 16: Hartshill and Harpfields Community Games Hartshill Cemetery Walk, 2-4pm led by local historian Reg Edwards.

21: Holden Lane High School and Cluster Primary Schools Torch Relay.

25-29: National School Sport Week. 25: London 2012 World Sport Day celebrations in the UK.

26-28: City Songbirds 2012 Concert Victoria Hall. 27: June - TOPP Link School Sport Festival Northwood Stadium.

July doing all sorts of activities and each badge is a segment so when they've got the four, it forms a circle.The girls are loving it."
One of the girls, Lori Jones-Pullin, aged nine, said: "It's been good fun learning about the Olympics.We've been doing some interesting activities and I'm really looking forward to seeing the Torch in Stoke."
Since the announcement was made that the Games were coming to London, Stoke-on- Trent has grapsed the unique opportunity to inspire and engage communities, as well as raise its profile both nationally and internationally as a centre of sporting and cultural excellence.

Godiva Awakes

1: Hartshill and  Harpfields Community Games
'Canine Capers'Hartshill Park, 2-4pm.
Community Games for dogs and their owners
organised in conjunction with 238 Hartshill Air
Cadets. www.communitygames.org.uk
2-7: Creative Minds Festival 2012, Regent
Theatre, www.atgtickets.com
3: Staffordshire School Games Festival, Keele
University.
7: Haywood Engineering College PTFA
Community Games, 11am-5pm.
www.communitygames.org.uk
27: Olympic Games Opening Ceremony London.
27: Toddle Waddle and
Children's Games,
Crescent Children's
Centre, Meir.
31: National Flags Activity,
Gladstone Pottery
Museum. 11am-3pm.
50p plus admission.

 As part of the London 2012
Cultural Olympiad 24 young
people from Stoke-on-Trent
have explored themes of
equality, fairness and social
justice in their community as
part of the regional Godiva
Awakes project.
 In July 2012, Godiva - the
legendary lady who rode
naked through the streets of
Coventry - will awake to a
spectacular performance
involving dancers, actors,
aerialists, musicians,
pyrotechnicians, carnivalists
and our young people.

    HOUSANDS of
    people in the
    Potteries have
taken part in Olympic
inspired events involving
London 2012 backed
initiatives, which are
based around Local
Leaders and Community
Games.
 The Hartshill and Harpfields
Residents' Association launched
a packed 14-week calendar of
events stretching through to
early July including sports days,
walks, pub quizzes and even
skipping and hula-hoop
competitions.
 Haywood Engineering
College in Burslem is staging a
Community Games Festival
on 7 July.
 A costume parade will be
followed by attractions in the
school grounds featuring a
mini sports activity village, a
climbing wall, fairground rides
and stalls.
 The girls of the 7th Hanley
Brownies and Guides are busy
learning about the Olympics
and its values as they work
towards getting special badges
on the subject. Forty girls,
aged between seven and 15,
meet once a week, to work
through badges called On Your
Marks,Values, Culture and
Sport.
 Karen Cooper, one of the
unit leaders, said: "We're

FLASHBACK...
to the start of an Olympics-linked initiative
in Stoke-on-Trent called World of Dance
which culminates on 14 June this year with
a Dancing for the Games ballroom and
sequence event in the King's Hall in Stoke.

## Fresh Ideas For Future Use Of Green Open Space T

eco-friendly source of fuel oil that could help make the city self sufficient in heating and lighting energy.

Other suggestions have centred on the health benefits of creating more outdoor gyms and improving Greenways to encourage walking, running and cycling.

Councillor Andy Platt, formerly Chairman of the task group and now Cabinet Member for Green Enterprises and City Services, said: "Feedback so far has been extremely positive and has produced some innovative ideas.These will help the task HE seeds are being sown to create Stoke-on-Trent's green and open spaces of the future. A task group of councillors is coming up with ideas for the future use of parks and green spaces which make up a third of the land within the city's boundaries.

Members of the group will help determine how these precious amenities can be best used in 20 years time.

Organisations and residents have been asked by the council for their ideas - and already there have been radical and exciting suggestions on how open spaces can be used for leisure and to improve the environment.

The group has recruited the Chief Executive of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust to assist them. Groups such as residents' associations, allotment groups and anglers have already provided positive feedback and have been given the opportunity to speak to the task group.

Wildlife habitats Interested agencies such as Staffordshire Police, Public Health, Groundwork and British Waterways as well as young people groups are also being consulted.

Ideas put forward so far include the development of more woodland to provide natural wildlife habitats and turning some of the city's open acres to sustainable crops such as sunflower seed as an 

## For Grass Roots Soccer £1M Boost Campaign Aim To Cut Grassfires

group to make recommendations to Cabinet to help in developing a green space strategy."
He added: "Maintaining all of the city's green and open spaces is very costly and we will be looking at ways of minimising future costs. However the review is not a cost cutting exercise but an opportunity to take a fresh look at what we really want from our open green spaces for the benefit of future generations."

A campaign has been rolled
out for its second year in light
of Stoke-on-Trent continuing
to be one of the worst hit areas
in Staffordshire for
deliberately-set grassfires.
  Firefighters have been called
out to tackle 35 outdoor blazes
in the city so far this year –
more than a third of the 93
attended in the county.
  Staffordshire Fire and
Rescue Service has re-launched
its Flames Aren't Games
campaign to target potential
fire starters - who tend to be
young teenage boys - and are
urging parents to play their
part.
  The Service's Head of Risk
Reduction Glynn Luznyj said:
"We tend to see a sharp
increase of deliberately started
grass fires during the school
holidays and Stoke-on-Trent is
always the highest hit area in
the whole of Staffordshire.
  "This year we are asking
parents to help us in educating
their children about the
dangers and consequences of
starting grass fires.Local
firefighters have also visited
schools in the area to talk to
the children about fire safety."
  Last year,almost one
quarter of the 1,191 grass 
fires in Staffordshire were in
Stoke-on-Trent.
  The campaign will run 
until October.

## Preserving The Mother Town'S Great Heritage

A historic pub and an Indian
takeaway are among the final
projects to benefit from the
current round of funding to
improve the great heritage
appeal of Burslem.
  In the past seven years the
Burslem Townscape Heritage
Initiative has supported the
renovation of more than 50
historic properties to preserve
the heritage appeal of the
Mother Town.
  The work,which has received
a total investment of £8million
from two rounds of Townscape
Heritage Initiative funding and
the private sector during the
period,has helped
to boost trade
with nearly 50
more businesses
open in the town
today compared
to 2006.
  The last phase
includes external
renovations to
properties in
Queen Street and
Market Place.

GRASS roots football across Stoke-on-Trent is
getting a £1million council boost with a 
four-phased programme of improvements to
facilities and pitches.
     All goalposts on municipal pitches are
    being replaced by next season.
     Eighty-four sets ranging from full sized to
      five-a-side are being installed over the
      next few months.
        The city council and The Football
      Foundation have jointly funded the
     project. A large portable building
    salvaged from the site of the new
   Discovery Academy has been craned into
 place at Trubshaw Cross to provide changing
facilities and toilets for Lads 'n' Dads and other
teams.This phase will be complete by next
season.
  The changing pavilion at Fenton Park is
being completely revamped and new drainage
installed to four pitches there in time for the
start of the 2013/14 season.
  Phase four involves upgrading existing
synthetic pitches at Dimensions Leisure Centre
with a third generation surface as well as
proposals for a similar pitch at Northwood
Stadium.This depends on further support from
The Football Foundation.
  Councillor Mark Meredith, whose cabinet
portfolio includes Sports and Leisure, said:
"This is a huge investment in improving the
quality of football facilities across the city. It's a
really exciting programme."

## Campaign Targets Illegal Driving Partnership Working Helps Drive Down Crime V

MOTORISTS in Stoke-on-Trent who use their hand-held mobiles while driving are being targeted during a summer-long road safety operation.

Jointly run by police and the Safer Roads Partnership, teams will be out in force in highly visible yellow vans filming people who flout the law. Those caught face £60 fines and will get three points on their licence.

Councillor Ruth Rosenau, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transportation, said:"Holding a mobile while driving is not only illegal but also puts the safety of other drivers and pedestrians across Stoke-on-Trent at risk."

## Warning Over Risks At Summer Parties

STAFFORDSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to think safety first as they gear up to celebrate a summer of royal events and sporting activities.

The London Olympics,The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Euro 2012 are all taking place, leading to an increase in outdoor socialising, including street parties and barbecues.

Head of Risk Reduction Glyn Luznyj said:"The summer will be an exciting times.We want people to have fun but we also want them to celebrate safely by planning ahead and taking simple precautions."
For a list of safety tips log onto www.staffordshire.gov.uk IOLENT crime leading to injury has fallen by almost 16 per cent across Stoke-on-Trent as police and partner agencies work together to make the city even safer.

In the last 12 months the recorded number of these types of crimes was 2,610.This represents a 15.8 per cent decrease when compared to 3,100 similar incidences in 2010/11.

Overall crime is also down for the same period - this time by seven per cent, from 23,822 incidents to 22,144.

The latest performance figures published by Staffordshire Police also reveal that serious acquisitive crime - which includes burglary, robbery and vehicle crime - has fallen by 3.6 per cent, the 10th consecutive year there has been a reduction.

Bernie O'Reilly, Staffordshire Police Chief Superintendent for North Staffordshire, said: "The figures are impressive and a great testament to my officers and our colleagues in other organisations including the council.

"Their professionalism, 24 hours a day,
365 days a year, in protecting the public of Stoke-on-Trent has been the overriding factor.

"Fewer victims of this type of crime every year for the last 10 years is absolutely brilliant - but now I want us to do even better and make it 11 years of crime reductions."
A quarter of violent crime injuries are caused by domestic violence.

As a result Staffordshire Police has a well-established policy of taking positive action and works closely with the city council and partner agencies such as

## Council Scoops A Safety Accolade £12M School Will Give Best Start

THE council's approach to the
prevention of accidents and ill health
was recognised in the RoSPA
Occupational Health and Safety
Awards 2012.
  A Gold Award was presented to the
council at a ceremony at the Hilton
Birmingham Metropole Hotel earlier
this month. It is the second year the
city council has achieved gold status
in this category.The RoSPA
Occupational Health and Safety
Awards scheme, dates back to 1956
and is the largest and longest-running
programme of its kind in the UK.

## Hi-Tech Security Firm Creates Jobs

MORE than 30 jobs will be created in the city over the next three years as a high security surveillance industry locates to Stoke-on-Trent.

Observation 247, which was originally founded by three brothers and a friend all from the military, provides professional 24 hour surveillance for the hospitality industry along with specialist covert surveillance services.

The company opened its new headquarters in Longton following support from the Make It Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Inward Investment Service.

BUILDING work is underway on
the new Kemball Special School as
the £250 million Building Schools
for the Future (BSF) programme
gathers pace.
 Pupils aged three to 19 who
have complex needs and profound
learning difficulties are moving
from their current site in Fenton to
a state of the art £12 million
building on the site of the
Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews
Academy at Blurton.
 Due to open in September 2013,
the new school will provide space
for up to 140 pupils and includes a
hydrotherapy pool, classrooms
with en-suite facilities, covered
outdoor teaching spaces and two
pods housing parents and
interview rooms as well as soft
play and sensory rooms.
 A courtyard will provide
outdoor dining and socialising
space while a dedicated training
flat has been designed to help
older students develop their
independent living skills. Pupils
will also use Ormiston facilities to
broaden their opportunities.
 Councillor Ruth Rosenau is the
Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Planning and

Transportation with responsibility
for the BSF programme. Her sister
Erica is a former Kemball pupil so
Ruth has a personal interest in
special needs education.
  She said:"Kemball was fantastic
for Erica and the new school will
be even better with modern,
inspirational facilities which
reflect the amazing skills of the
teachers.The new schools we're
building across Stoke-on-Trent
will all provide the best start we
can for future generations."
  Kemball is one of 16 secondary
and special schools where a
re-vamp or complete re-build is
now underway as part of the BSF
programme. Construction work on
the remaining two schools, Holden
Lane and Abbey Hill, is expected
to start later this year.
●Pictured right, Council Leader
Mohammed Pervez cuts the first
turf at the new Kemball Special
School helped by pupils Cameron
Kay and Alethea Littlejohn,
watched by Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Planning and
Transportation Councillor Ruth
Rosenau, Construction
Management Trainee Will
Chambers and pupil Jacob Smith.

Women's Aid and Arch to tackle underlying causes.

Operation Safer Nights was launched to tackle violent crime, much of which is fuelled by alcohol, and has since seen the development of initiatives aimed at reducing violent incidents in the city and town centres. Meanwhile, figures show that in a city with 106,000 households and a population of 240,000 people, less than three homes are broken into a day, less than eight cars are stolen a week, there are less than six violent crimes a week and less than 18 robberies take place a month.

Children's Centre
     UPDATE
     UPDATE
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News and information from Stoke-on-Trent's Children's Centres             May 2012

   Two-year-old
   Kyle Barlow
 demonstrates the
sport of 'dad rolling'
with his father Chris
at Hope Children's
     Centre.

## Toddlers In Training To Become Wacky Olympic Champions I

F the Olympics featured a Roll Your Daddy Race then little Kyle Barlow, as our picture shows, would already be the champion.

The tot who is three in July is already in training to top the podium in just such a race when the Hope Children's Centre stages its very own mini Games in honour of London 2012.

Kyle is shoving his basketballplaying dad Chris, aged 20, around the house as he builds up his muscles for the Stay and Play

## Toddle Waddle Baby Race

BABIES even get to take part in a mini Olympics being staged at
The Crescent Children's Centre in Meir this summer.
  A toddle waddle has been organised for the nought to one year
olds as part of two-hours of fun organised by the centre in
partnership with the Pre School Nursery based there.
  Families are being invited along on 27 July between 10am and
12 noon as children aged up to eight take part in egg and spoon,
sack, bean bag and sprint races. Older children will also get to
dribble balls around a coned course.
  Vicki McDonnell, a Senior Childcare Practitioner based in the
pre-school nursery, said:"The Crescent mini Olympics will enhance
the opportunities already offered not only to children who attend
the nursery but those who attend the centre as they all learn and
experience new activities together."
  Community Development Officer Caz Gotham said:"It's a great
opportunity for our local children to be part of the Olympics."

Going for Gold event in Central
Forest Park on 6 August.
  Mum Michelle Condliffe, who
is 22 and expecting the couple's
second baby in August, said: "Kyle
loves playing ball games with his
dad, basketball and football, so
he's quite sporting."
  The two-hour festival of family
fun features several events
including Roll Your Daddy, an
obstacle course and a torch relay
with hand-made Olympic torches.
  There are also parachute games
and the shoe race in which
children and children's centre staff
mix their footwear in a big pile
before putting them on again and
making a dash for the finish line.
  Families will wear red, white
and blue on the day as they stage
a parade of nations with
homemade flags and there will be
a closing ceremony.
  The park is also hosting a fun
fair at the time.
  The event comes hot on the
heels of a similar children's centre
Easter event in the park, which was
hugely successful. Mum Alex
Gimbert said of that event: "Lovely

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

morning, can we do this again in the Summer. Really enjoyed rounders and parachutes."
Other parents praised the outdoor games idea too so centre staff and parents put their heads together before coming up with the Olympic-themed event.

Jaime Wainwright-Jones, the city council Central Locality Co-ordinator responsible for four children's centres, said: "We organised the event after listening to the parents' feedback and what better way to encourage families to get more physical than taking some of our activities into the great outdoors and linking it with the Olympic Games, which is celebrated worldwide.

"We hope the event will also encourage dads to join in and judging by the list of activities, we are expecting the Roll Your Daddy Race to be very popular.

"We are really excited to be hosting the 'Games' and looking forward to awarding our Gold Certificates to all children taking part. Don't forget to bring a healthy picnic box."

## Comprehensive Guide To Child Children'S Centres In The North Of The City

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

MONDAY
Maths Course and Crèche
(Ask at reception)
          9:30-11:30am

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

Stay and Play Drop-In
                          1-2:30pm

Gardening Group (0-5yrs) 1:30-3pm

TUESDAY
English Course and Crèche
(Ask at reception)
            9:30-11:30am
Growing Together
              1-2:30pm

(Referral only)

OTHER SERVICES
Toy Library
Volunteering Programme
Jumping Beans
Tiny Talkers

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

Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am

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

Health Visitor Drop-In
                         9:30-12pm
Adult Learning and Crèche
(Ask at reception)
                      12:45-2:45pm

English Course and Crèche
(Ask at reception)

TUESDAY
Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am
(0-18mths)
Adult Learning and Crèche
                1-3pm

(Ask at reception)
Drop-In Jumping Beans
1:30-2:30pm
(18mths plus,booking required)

WEDNESDAY
Adult Learning and Crèche
(Ask at reception)
           9:30-11:30am
Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding Café
Drop-In
           9:30-11:30am

OTHER SERVICES
Toy Library
Volunteering Programme
Tiny Talkers
Teenage Parents Group
(Coming soon)

Families welcome to
take part in packed
activity programme 

- family support
- specialist support for children
with additional needs
- outreach workers
- information for
parents
- activities to
help parents and carers
get back to work.
 Each children's centre also
delivers additional services
tailored to meet local needs.
 There are even opportunities
to volunteer and learn new skills
that could lead to qualifications, a
job or career change.
 Contact details are included
with each centre's calendar.

EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent
can make the most of a great
range of services and facilities at
the city's children's centres.
  The teams reach out into their
local communities to support
families and give children the very
best start in life.
  But anyone is welcome to pop
into their local centre and take
part in one of the dozens of
activities featured on this pull out
and keep special feature.
  Children's centres provide a
range of services including:
- childcare and children's learning
and development
- health services

## Children'S Centres In The Centre

Stay and Play 

(PICL,2-5yrs)
Growing Together 1:15-2:45pm
(Baby Stay and Play for 0-12mths)
Midwife Clinic (Booking)
                            All Day

TUESDAY
Triple P  
9:30-11:30am

(Appointment only)
Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm
Stay & Play 
                    1:15-2:45pm

OTHER SERVICES
Toy Library (By request)
Sensory Room (Booking only)
Speech and Language Support*
Play and Learning in the Home*
Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)
Volunteering Programme

(PICL,1-2yrs)
Midwife Clinic (Booking)
                            All Day

WEDNESDAY
Parent Forum 
9:30-11:30am
(23 May,30 May)
Chill and Chat 
9:30-11:30am

(13 June,20 June)
Cook and Eat*
                      9:30-11:30am
New Birth Registration Drop-In 
(30 May,27 June,Trent Vale Health
Centre)
                           10-11am

Transition Group*
1-3pm College Road,Shelton, TUESDAY
Baby Stay and Play 1:15-2:45pm
(PICL,0-2yrs)
(First Friday of the month,all welcome)
Connect Business Silk Painting (Starts 12 June)
TBC
(Third Friday of the month)
WEDNESDAY
Little Stars* 
9:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAY
Baby Stay and Play - Growing
Together (0-18 mths)
            10:30-12pm

Mandarin Group
                     12:30-2pm

(Additional Needs Group)
Stay and Play (PICL) 1:15-2:45pm
(2-5yrs,held at The Shelton Centre)
Parent Time 
                    9:30-11:30am

(23 May,20 June)

OTHER SERVICES
Speech and Language Support*
Play and Learning in the Home*
Family Support in the Home*
Family Walking Group
Volunteering Programme

Babble and Speak*
                     1:30-2:30pm
ZUMBA at the PARC (Portland Street,
Hanley,£3.00 per session)
                            7pm
Jabadao Taster Session 10-11:45am
(16 May,Booking only)

* Referral Only.
                   PICL - Parents Involved in Children's Learning.

## Dren'S Centres Activities Children'S Centres In The South Of The City Of The City Monday

(31 May,28 June,Penkhull CC)
Stay & Play 
                           10-11:30am
(St John's Centre,Trent Vale,0-5yrs,
term time only)
Midwife Clinic (Booking)
                                 All Day

OTHER SERVICES
Toy and Book Library
Community Garden
Play and Learning Home Visits
Sensory Room (book at reception)
Volunteering Programme

WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
Singing Sunflowers 9:30-10am & (0-5yrs,Stoke Library)10:15-10:45am OTHER SERVICES

THURSDAY
Dove Service*
             9-11am
Health Visitor and Baby Weighing
Group Drop-In
           1:30-2:45pm
Chill and Chat Drop-In 
(Limited Crèche places,must be
booked)
          9:30-11:30am

FRIDAY
Cook and Eat/Crèche
(May only)
           9:30-11:30am
Freedom Project Crèche

(SMILE training & employment Drop-In) 
9:30-11:30am Fun to Talk - Speech and Language (2yrs plus) 1:15-2:45pm THURSDAY
Playspace and Café
9:30-4pm Midwife Clinic ▲
9-3:30pm Fitness Group ▲
10-11am Growing Together
1-2:30pm

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

Play and Sing Together
1-2:30pm

Midwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲
Crèche Training,Volunteering 
and respite (Mon-Fri)
Asian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In
(17,22,31 May)
                        11:30-1:30pm
Play and Learning Home Visits
(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)
Lets Get Started
                        9:30-11:30pm
(Coming soon on Wednesdays,places are
limited,ask for more information)
PACT Drop-In Session
24 May
                               1-2pm
12 June
                             11-12pm

THURSDAY
ESOL
            9:30-11:30am

21 June
                             2-3pm

Breastfeeding Cafe
                       10:30-12pm

Volunteering Programme
Early Intervention Team
Training and Employment Support

Baby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm
Baby Clinic
                           1-3pm

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.

## Children'S Centre Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Midwife Service Boosts Community Health M Patriotic Theme For Summer

Thomas Boughey Children's Centre is staging a red,white and blue-themed summer to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

Flags and bunting will adorn the centre in Shelton,and visiting children will be asked to paint pictures based on the patriotic colourful scheme.

In addition,fancy dress days will be held giving the youngsters the chance to dress up as Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family.Meanwhile, royal-themed cooking sessions are planned.

On an Olympic note, the children are busy designing torches that will be displayed in the centre's windows in time for the official Olympic Torch Relay at the end of May.

And mini-Olympicstyle events are set to be staged during Stay and Play sessions with competitors receiving their very own medals for taking part.

attend the sessions, which are held on a weekly basis.

"This is an exciting partnership which brings together the expertise of the community midwife service with the specialist support offered by the children's centre."
IDWIVES and Stoke North Locality Children Centre have teamed up to offer young parents a raft of health and welfare advice at weekly sessions.

Parents under the age of 20
years will be able to access midwifery services at Tunstall Children's Centre alongside comprehensive children's centre support.

The specialist help will include antenatal care for expectant mums and visitors will be able to access a new tailored support programme called Young Parents-to-Be.

The programme aims to offer young parents new skills in a friendly supportive environment, which will include information on staying healthy during pregnancy and parenting advice.

There are fun activities for parents and their babies including bump art, baby massage and ways to promote a child's holistic development. Parents-to-be will also have the opportunity to meet young couples with children and share their experiences.

Community Midwife Andrea Hoy and Maternity Support Worker Tracy Byatt are also on hand every week to answer questions, provide antenatal care and to help and support young parents through to the birth of their babies.

Antenatal examinations, blood tests and Chlamydia screening are also carried out.

Lynette Womsley, who co-ordinates the sessions, said: "All young parents are offered the opportunity to

Max Clark,
aged three,
dressed up for
Olympic fun.

## Toddlers Tog Up In Togas For Events

     Emma
    Clews, 20,
 Fraser Hough, 19
and their 24 day old
baby Blossom Hough.
 Emma and Fraser
previously took advice
 from the antenatal
   care group.

SPORTS MAD Max Clark is only three but he
is already entering into the spirit of the
Olympics as staff and parents plan
Games-themed events at children's centres
in the south of the city.
 Dressed in his little Greek-style toga, Max
is pictured looking forward to taking part in
a variety of fun activities over the summer.
 One-off sports days are being organised
as well as themed days based around
dressing up and healthy eating. Cultural
awareness will also feature as the children
taking part study each country competing at
London 2012.
  Max's mum Kelly, 31, is already looking
 forward to helping plan events at
 Treehouse, where she volunteers on
 reception and contributes through the
 Parent Forum. She also serves on the wider
 Parent Partnership Board.
  She said:"Max is only three so he's not
really that aware of the Olympics yet but I
think it's a great idea and we'll definitely be
taking part. He loves running around and
getting fresh air. His favourite sport is
football and he's a real outdoor kid so he'll
love the sports days."
 Jacqui Higginson from the centre said:
"The Olympics has caught everyone's
imagination so it'll be fun as we and our
parents come up with ideas together for our
themed days and events."

## Day Of Fun Staged In Burslem Park

FAMILIES are being invited to join children's
centre staff for an Olympic-inspired day of
local and international sport, arts and food.
  The Family Games and World Picnic Event
will take place in Burslem Park this summer
and taking its lead from the 2012 Games, it
will feature a packed programme of family
fun and challenges. Burslem Park Rangers
will encourage residents to discover the
historic venue's collection of plants from
around the world. And the whole family can
get involved with StreetGames and the
Ministry4Sport who will be running
workshops.
  Stoke North Locality Play and Learning
teams will be putting babies and toddlers
through their paces. For more details about
the event, which runs from 11am to 2pm on
8 August, call 01782 238989.

 The Young Parents-to-be
group is held weekly on
Thursdays between 10am and
12pm at Tunstall Children's
Centre.
 Anyone requiring further
information can contact
Lynette at Tunstall Children's
Centre on 01782 236655.

## Your Councillors Baddeley,Milton And Norton

ANDREW LILLEY
(Labour)
07717 714010
andy.lilley@
stoke.gov.uk

JACK BRERETON
(Conservative)
07855 916134
jack.brereton@
stoke.gov.uk

DUNCAN WALKER
(Labour)
(01782) 912422
07748 504149
duncan.walker@
stoke.gov.uk

## Birches Head And Central Forest Park Blurton East

PAUL BREEZE
(Unaffiliated)
(01782) 279684
paul.breeze@
stoke.gov.uk

MARK MEREDITH
(Labour)
07717 714020
mark.meredith@
stoke.gov.uk

GLENYS WARD
(City Independents) 
(01782) 312670
07922 909545
glenys.ward@
stoke.gov.uk

## Bradeley And Chell Heath Broadway And Longton East Burslem Central

TOM REYNOLDS
(Labour)
07850 828717
tom.reynolds@
stoke.gov.uk

GURMEET SINGH
KALLAR
(Labour)
07900 604232
gurmeetsingh.kallar@
stoke.gov.uk

ALAN DUTTON
(Labour)
(01782) 824051
07982 231567
alan.dutton@
stoke.gov.uk

## Eaton Park Etruria And Hanley Fenton East

MAJID KHAN
(Labour)
07989 441707
majid.khan@
stoke.gov.uk

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

TERRY CROWE
(Labour)
(01782) 269422
07818 044755
terry.crowe@
stoke.gov.uk

## Goldenhill And Sandyford Great Chell And Packmoor

ANN JAMES
(City Independents) 
(01782) 836766
ann.james@
stoke.gov.uk

MARTIN GARNER
(Labour)
(01782) 768846
martin.garner@
stoke.gov.uk

JANINE BRIDGES
(Labour)
(01782) 851842
07989 385631/
07717 714205
janine.bridges@
stoke.gov.uk

## Hanley Park And Shelton Hartshill And Basford Hollybush And Longton West

ruth.rosenau@
randolph.conteh@

## Forthcoming Public Meetings At The Civic Centre, Stoke:

Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm: 31 May 2012, 28 June 2012 and 26 July 2012, 30 August 2012 and 27 September 2012.

lee.wanger@ stoke.gov.uk

MATTHEW FRY
(Labour)
07826 891801
matthew.fry@
stoke.gov.uk

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

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

## Abbey Hulton And Townsend

ADRIAN KNAPPER
(Labour) 
07714 334453
adrian.knapper@
stoke.gov.uk

GWEN HASSALL
(Labour)
(01782) 263166
07557 848765
gwen.hassall@
stoke.gov.uk

## Bentilee And Ubberley

SHEILA PITT
(Labour)
07957 948896
sheila.pitt@
stoke.gov.uk

ALISON WEDGWOOD
(Labour)
07968 477901
alison.wedgwood@
stoke.gov.uk

## Blurton West And Newstead Boothen And Oakhill

(01782) 598844 07796 040002

ANDY PLATT
(Labour)
07919 660221
andy.platt@
stoke.gov.uk

## Burslem Park Dresden And Florence

JOY GARNER 
(Labour)
(01782) 768846 
07986 442770
joy.garner@stoke.gov.uk

SHAZAD HUSSAIN
(Labour)
07899 771815
shazad.hussain@
stoke.gov.uk

## Fenton West And Mount Pleasant Ford Green And Smallthorne

KAREN CLARKE
(Labour)
07917 270594
karen.clarke@
stoke.gov.uk

MATT WILCOX
(Labour)
07810 825600
matt.wilcox@
stoke.gov.uk

## Hanford And Trentham

TERENCE FOLLOWS
(City Independents) 
(01782) 318127
07944 055379
terence.follows@
stoke.gov.uk

PETER HAYWARD
(City Independents) 
(01782) 644052
07920 835839
peter.hayward@
stoke.gov.uk

## Joiner'S Square Lightwood North And Normacot

BAGH ALI
(Labour)
(01782) 343246
07973 848428
bagh.ali@stoke.gov.uk

DEBBIE WHEELDON
(Labour)
(01782) 595043
07870 777807
debbie.wheeldon@
stoke.gov.uk

Springfields and Trent Vale VACANCY

ANY WARD QUERIES
Please telephone:
(01782) 231923/
231924

The Annual Council meeting is at 11.00am on 24 May 2012. Full City Council meetings are at 5.30pm: 5 July 2012 and 6 September 2012.