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Features archive: 2002
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2003
December
Life in Um Qasr Mac
McCoig a housing manager for Stafford Borough Council was called up by his Territorial
Army to serve in Iraq
Homelessness
in the Potteries Some of the homeless people tell their own stories...
The road to Rotorua Nic's
travelled from Auckland to Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty area. It's a region dominated
by volcanic activity and traditional Maori culture. Check out the second part
of Nic's tour diary with pictures...
Private
chapels in and around Staffordshire Pivate chapels were built to serve their
wealthy owners. We take a look at local ones...
Turkey
à la Stoke Check out our handy guide to cooking the perfect Christmas
Day meal...
Ceroc
Check out this new dance craze - a funky blend of salsa, jive and swing...
Development time for a busy
Stoke road The A500 project in Stoke-on-Trent will bring the city a much needed
economic boost...
Calendar
girls bare all for charity Cheshire women are appearing in a nude calendar
to raise money for charity and Congleton Rugby Club.
Living
in a winter wonderland Stoke-on-Trent's Mayor, Mike Wolfe, is urging all the
shoppers in Hanley to get their skates on - literally!
M6
Toll - congestion busting? BBC Transport Correspondent Peter Plisner asks
whether it'll solve problems it's been designed to tackle.
In-car
mobile phone laws explained We take a look at the law and provide some answers
to the questions drivers are asking...
November
The other side
of the world Nic Baddeley went on a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand. He
wrote a tour diary of the places he visited
Loads
of concert pictures! Sophie Ellis Bextor, Javine, the Fat Cats, Soul Survivor
and the Blazin' Squad at the Children in Need concert.
Aladdin
Find out about the highs and lows of this year's BBC Radio Stoke pantomime
Stoke-on-Trent
Youth Awards 2003 See who won prizes at the S-o-T Youth
awards 2003
David
Beardmore David is a rising young actor, who has to shake off the girls who
mistake him for David Beckham!
Children
In Need 2003 See what events took place for Children
in Need in Staffordshire
YOUR
Moorcroft vases When Moorcroft asked you to send in
your designs for vases - you sent some crackers! See the designs here..
Enthronement
The 98th Bishop of Lichfield the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill was installed in November.
BBC Local Radio was there
October
Looking
for local unsung hero of sport - you can nominate them for a top award...
Games
convention Ben Norley welcomes the Centralan Gaming Weekend coming to North
Staffordshire
Grissecon Storm Constantine's
weekend of celebrations of the popularity of fantasy writing
Katie
Weston's Thailand Diary Katie Weston is in Thailand - this is the first entry
in her diary from there
Stafford
Film Festival The town has a week of top art-house films and talks
Dave
Follows - a cartoonists' cartoonist The work of Stafford
cartoonist Dave Follows is remembered by his peers
Symphony
For The Disabled Disabled people are creating a piece of music in a series
of workshops in Tamworth
Burton
Fire! A new book on the history of Burton's Fire Service is published
Well
Dressings The strange half-pagan half-Christian celebrations practised on
the Staffordshire/Cheshire border
Devilish
Dos A new salon with a daring attitude towards hair opens in Stoke on Trent
Resurrection
The story of Dr Johnson and his Jamaican servant is the Garrick's play for Black
History month
Pots
in Need The local BBC joined up with Moorcroft Pottery to create a design
competition for Children In Need
Nearly
Miss England Kelly Thorpe from Stafford was in the running in the first internet
beauty contest
Nast & Gully
Two guys from the streets of Stoke on Trent write, record and distribute their
own rap CD
Exhibiting
Polish history and culture The Borderland Voices group teamed up with the
local Polish community to create an exhibition which offers an insight into Polish
culture and history.
Mop
Monsters A new book exposes the worst footballers' haircuts - including some
from Stoke City
September
Mark and Mandy land dream
job Mark Barnes and girlfriend Mandy Robinson work at a leading UK computer
game company in Stone.
Katie
goes to Thailand Katie Weston from Leek is off going to Phuket in Thailand
to help stop the abuse and maltreatment of Gibbons
Strange
things ahead The annual Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is a very strange affair
Full Fat Female Katrina Austin's website
celebrates the ladies who like themselves big
Owd
Grandad Piggott Alan Povey's fictional Potteries character is almost as large
as life!
Love Music Hate Racism
The Rock Against Racism big event of the year was in North Staffordshire
Northern
Soul BBC Radio Stoke launches a new programme devoted to Northern Soul music
Sri Lanka Football gift
Antony Munday and Tony Adams are making sure young South Asian footballers get
a chance
August
V2003
Staffordshire's biggest music festival of the year - with Red Hot Chili Peppers
and Coldplay - was a blast. With picture galleries.
Nail-biting
time Help for stressed students as they receive their exam results
Manchester
United are given a real shock as Stoke City beat them decisively. Re-live
the night with our Picture Gallery
Carnival
time Reggae and hip hop music was the theme for Stoke on Trent's multi-cultural
carnival. With Picture Gallery.
The GEM Gospel Awards
The annual awards for the best in gospel style are up again
Burton
tops! The firefighters from Burton's Green Watch are world champions
Strong
Man Richard Gosling from Cannock is crowned Britain's Strongest Man 2003.
Ballroom
blitz reunion The sound of swing rang out again as Trentham Gardens regulars
re-visited the venue one last time
Menuhin
violin in Staffordshire Yehudi Menuhin's violin has been snapped up by a local
collector
Stoke continental-style A
new marketing campaign sees Stoke on Trent selling itself as a Continental-style
attraction
Wongan
Hills VII In her latest article, Sarah talks about the importance of telecentres
to local community life in rural Australia.
July
Staffordshire
Snaps winner Find out who won the Staffordshire Snaps Summer 2003 competition.
Making the popstars of the
future A Staffordshire-based music project could hold the key to pop-star
success.
Vale
Park opens its doors Port Vale fans had the chance to look round the ground
in the close-season
Classic
cinema revisited One enthusiast is determined to bring classic movies back
to the cinema in Stoke-on-Trent
Restoring
the past Restoration is a TV series that highlights Britain's decaying heritage
- including the Bethesda Chapel in Hanley
Staffordshire
Photography People from across Staffordshire have sent their pictures of the
county in to us...
Wongan
Hills Part VI The continuing story of Michael and Chris Brennan’s farm by
Sarah Watts
DJ
Amber She has flaming red hair - and is North Staffs' top female dee-jay
Don't Knock My City
People in Stoke-on-Trent are all too willing to run it down, says Phil. With messageboard.
Staffordshire
Spiritual Places Staffordshire's favourite spiritual place is in the Moorlands...
with other nominations too
Pugin's
Gem We take a peek inside the beautifully ornate church of Saint Giles in
Cheadle with our 360 degree cameras
June
Biddulph
Grange The extraordinary gardens of Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire are a
wonder to behold.
World
championships The tenth anniversary of the Great World Toe-Wrestling Championships
takes place in Wetton in the Peak District. Check out the result
of the Championship too
Staffs
Uni Graduates look to the future Another crop of art and design graduates
have emerged from Staffordshire University.
Lichfield
Cathedral We got into medieval cathedral in Lichfield to take some exclusive
360 degree shots
Leek
Soup Primary school children and adults from Leek used food as a central theme
to create short pieces of very interesting writing...
Ring
Around Carers Ring Around Carers is a 'meeting place on the phone' for carers.
Queen's
Birthday honours In Staffordshire and Cheshire, eight people have been honoured.
to mark the occasion of the Queen's birthday.
Dario
reaches another milestone Crewe Alex manager Dario Gradi is celebrating his
20th year in charge. Check out PICTURE GALLERY
Obese
Britain Paula Radcliffe is part of a campaign which aims to highlight the
problems of obesity in today's children
Wedgwood
Job Losses The Eagle and Alexandra factories in Stoke on Trent are closing
with 1000 job losses. We have the local reaction
Wongan
Hills Part V Sarah Watts takes a look at the history of one Farming Family
in Wongan Hills
Hot
Run The Potteries Marathon 2003 turned out to be a very hot as well as exciting
affair
Chrysalis The group
of young Staffordshire students who intend to shale up the local arts and photography
world
Frank-ly
drugs A new website aims to talk about illegal drugs as much as possible:
with facts, and thought-provoking discussion
Port
Vale Season Review Our resident Vale fan looks back at a season that's proved
to be one of the most eventful in the club's history.
Choir
seeks to make it easy The Keele Bach Choir is trying to make it easier for
disabled music lovers to enjoy their concerts.
Lichfield
declares itself open The Lichfield Arts Festival is likely to be the best
ever
Lichfield Garrick
is a wonder The first new purpose built theatre in the Midlands for ten years
open in July
Caudwell Ball The
big society ball of the year took place at millionaire John Caudwell's place.
See the report and pictures
Norm
plays up A local postman, Norman Fletcher, suddenly found himself in the UK
Darts Open finals....
...and
so does Phil Stoke-on-Trent's Phil "The Power" Taylor walked away
with the SkyBetUK Darts Open
Staffs
expert unsure The bid to bring the 2012 Olympics to London may not
be viable, says Dr Paul Downward of Staffordshire University.
May
The
Robin - Nestbuilding Ornithologist David Tideswell from Stramshall in East
Staffs tells us more of the 'secret life of the robin'.
The Robin - Mating Ornithologist David Tideswell from Stramshall in East Staffs
tells us more of the 'secret life of the robin'.
The Robin - Hatching the eggs Ornithologist David Tideswell from Stramshall
in East Staffs tells us of the 'secret life of the robin'.
The Robin - Flying the nest Ornithologist David Tideswell from Stramshall
in East Staffs tells us of the 'secret life of the robin'.
Ice-Trek
4 The fourth diary update from the Staffordshire students who are preparing
to cross the ice flows of Iceland - for charity.
Stoke
City Season Review We take a look back at an incredible rollercoaster ride
of a season for the Potters. With pictures!
Crewe
Alex Season Review Lifelong Alex fan Graham McGarry reviews the season that
concluded in promotion back to the first division
Wongan
Hills Part IV Kevin and Sarah Watts' latest update of their new life in Australia
Antiques
Roadshow Michael Aspel and the team come to Burton's Meadowside. Find out
some of the secrets.
Exam
Revision Tips ... but not what you expect! We have the Parents' Way, and the
Student's Way
Skatejam
The third STOKED skate jam - will it produce a skateboarding centre?
Norm
hits the target The unknown postman Norman Fletcher reaches the Darts Open
finals!
RAF Stafford returns
Airmen and women returned to Stafford after the war - with one pregnancy too!
Klingons
and Robin Hood will be present, in spirit at least, at the Staffordshire University
Graduate exhibition
Walk
For Life The annual local event to raise money for Breast Cancer research
will take place again as usual
World
On Your Street The Radio 3 global music promotion comes to North Staffordshire
Local Government Elections The
local elections across Staffordshire threw up some unexpected results
April
Ice-Trek
3 The third diary update from the Staffordshire students who are preparing
to cross the ice flows of Iceland - for charity.
Wongan
Hills Part III Kevin and Sarah Watts' update of their new life in Australia
Ginger McCain returns to triumph
The trainer of Red Rum returns to the Grand National and more success.
Lichfield
Comedy Club is moving to The Garrick; and having a festival to celebrate the
move
The
Polish Community Project BBC reporter Ros Chimes has researched Poles and
their lives in North Staffordshire
Marvellous
Marvin Hagler The boxing legend talks to us while visiting Staffordshire
Paula Radcliffe breaks world record
The running superstar (who's from mid-Cheshire) does it again!
Loneliness
of the 'fat lad' challenge. Mike 'Emil Zaotopek' Furnival spills the beans
on his non-record breaking London Marathon.
Feeding
The Birds Uttoxeter's own birdman David Tideswell gives some seasonal tips.
Staffordshire soldiers buried
The funerals have taken place of David Clarke and Stephen Allbutt, who died in
Iraq.
Wongan Hills
Part III Kevin and Sarah Watts moved to Australia. Now Sarah has sent us another
update about life in Wongan Hills...
The
Bethesda Chapel in Hanley is an impressive example of Methodist architecture...
but can it be saved?
Our
heritage on display at Ceramica A new showcase for the pottery industry in
Stoke-on-Trent has now opened in Burslem. It's hoped it'll help to promote the
Potteries rich heritage...
Staffordshire
To Disappear! No, not really, honest... it was our April Fool joke
Poetry
for the poetic weather forecaster Paul Damari has had a tribute to him - in
verse
Wongan Hills Part
II Kevin and Sarah Watts said goodbye to Staffordshire and moved to Australia
to start a new life down under. Now Sarah has sent us the latest about life in
the Australian town...
March
Alton
Towers A Staffordshire lecturer, who is piecing together the history of Alton
Towers, is urging people to contact him.
Spring
in the park On the last day of peace, students sought the sun in Hanley park.
See the pictures
Aromatherapy
It would seem that everything is coming up roses for an enterprising woman from
South Cheshire
Ceramica
A big new pottery attraction is opening in Stoke on Trent in April
Crufts
specials The big dog show of the year attracted Staffordshire entries too
- including a pair of Portuguese Water Dogs
Chance
for historic chapel The Bethesda Chapel in Stoke on Trent is to be featured
on a major TV programme
Give
It Sum Robbie Williams wants to give his money away - to deserving charities
The Bethesda Chapel
in Hanley is to be a featured building in a new BBC History programme, Restoration
Forest accessible
to wheelchair users The National Forest covers three counties, but is it open
to the disabled?
Kevin
seeks vouchers A Radio Stoke presenter wants your Tesco computer vouchers
for the Coppice Special School in Newcastle
Adam
Faith dies While on tour in North Staffs, the actor and singer suffers a heart
attack. Hear his last interview.
New Vic faces the "pressure"
North Staffs own community theatre explores teenagers' feelings
Life down under in the Wongan Hills The Watts recently left Staffordshire
and moved to Australia. See the pictures...
Red
Nose Day Efforts to raise money for Comic Relief 2003 were definitely fun!
Staffs
schools show improvement The 2002 league tables for secondary and primary
schools in the county
Hitting
Home in Staffordshire Hitting Home is a BBC campaign which explores
domestic violence.
February
Ice-Trek
Staffordshire students Hugh Deeming, Jonathan Carrick and Matt Roberts, are crossing
the ice flows of Iceland - for charity.
Line
Dancing Champion Stoke's Jenny Stephenson has been named the best female line
dancer in the world.
Big
Cat Watch! Near Tamworth, people are convinced a panther is roaming wild around
their homes.
Give
Munchies the Blues Leek-based firm Cottage Delight have developed the UK's
first blue potato crisp.
Camp America
Sarah shares her experience of being a summer camp counsellor in America
Cut
The Fat.. out Action Line, based at BBC Radio Stoke, highlighted a healthy
eating campaign by the British Heart Foundation
Pottery
fit for a Queen A specially-designed dessert service, produced by the British
Ceramic industry, commemorates the Golden Jubilee
Midnight
Moonwalk Nurses from Stafford will walk through London, at night, wearing
sparkly bras! - for breast cancer research.
Panto
winners Muriel Allerton and Iris Howell from Blythe Bridge won first prize
in the BBC Radio Stoke pantomime competition
Wear
it For Sir Stan Day The Stanley Matthews Foundation and the Caudwell Charitable
Trust promote a fun dress-down day
Wear
It With Pride Day BBC Radio Stoke's breakfast presenter Tim Wedgwood got shirt
sponsors to pay up for charity
Swynnerton
Millennium Book Elsie Blackburn thought that the lovely flora and fauna of
the Swynnerton area should be recorded
Valentines
Special The Rules of Dating, E-kisses for All!, Valentine Traditions, The
Most Romantic Movies, Txting for St Val
January
Animal
Lifeline Calendar Dogs belonging to staff at Newcastle under Lyme college
are raising money for this Staffordshire animal charity
Staffordshire
Big Garden Bird Watch organised by the RSPB. See list of Staffordshire's top
garden birds
Panto boy
Jamie Endean, from Eccleshall, is spending FIVE WEEKS plastered in rouge and lipstick
It was forty years ago today that
the Beatles came to Staffordshire - and fans are remembering.
The
Electronic Image is a project for showing short films, and animations. Staffordshire
creatives welcome!
Wayne
Lovatt from Stoke-on-Trent, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for charity - see his
diary and his pictures
Same-Sex
Kiss Marmite featured the first such kiss in their latest TV advert. It was
quite controversial!
Tornadoes in Cheshire?
You thought tornadoes were an exotic phenomenon. Our weather expert says no.
Human Rights Class A new evening class at Stoke College will look at the issue
JRR Tolkien in Staffordshire
How the author of The Lord Of The Rings got his inspiration from a Staffordshire
house
See Middle Earth
on the canals Canal-boats by the name of Gandalf and Bilbo are going down
well in Staffordshire
For 2004 stories - click
here
For 2002 stories - click
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