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16 July 2009
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Your comments on Staffordshire's Famous Folk

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Who are Staffordshire's greatest figures? Robbie, Anthea Turner, St Chad, Izaak Walton, Phil Taylor, Bartley ... RJ Mitchell ..Arthur Berry?
(PS If you can help us by emailing in extra explanatory facts about the historical people mentioned below, we'd be dead grateful)

See profiles on Staffordshire's Famous Folk pages

New messages appear at the top>>
R.J.Mitchell, locomotive works apprentice
In order to commemorate Mitchells time, working as an apprentice to a firm of railway locomotive engineers, a class 33 vintage mainline diesel electric locomotive, operated on the Spa Valley Railway between Royal Tonbridge Wells and Groombridge in Kent, was recently named R.J.Mitchell and fitted with a name plate to that effect.
The ceremony was conducted on a hot summers day last September, with various dignitories in attendance plus the news media, a brass band and best of all a multiple fly past by the Spitfire of the RAF BBMF. The railway is open to the public, and the locomotive may be seen and travelled behind on most days during the season. It may also be seen on their website
Mike Billington
Dartford

james brindley
Hi my name is Nicole Brindley. I also believe that i am a decendant of John Brindley. I was origionally told that James Brindley was my GGG Grandfather.
However he only had two daughters I have since found out that he had an illigitimate son John Bennett. Funnily enough when I logged on to this page there is an article about Arnold Bennett who I don't know if you are aware is a decendant of James Brindleys son John. Anyway If you want to e-mail me I would love to find out more. I have tried in the past to do a family tree but hit brick walls as I can't find out who John Bennetts mother was. There are other people on the internet trying to find out the same thing.
Nicole Brindley
Chorley Lancashire

Grandad Piggott's pavement removal
My favourite of all the stories I have heard Alan tell, is the one about when the council came round to repair the pavement. Pure magic and it is reminiscent of the days when Goms Mill was having road and pavement repairs. I can relate to how the workmen were in those days, always drinking tea and taking weeks to do a job. Alan is a wonderful story teller and evokes so many memories and his descriptive accounts make it so easy to visulaise what is going on.

Paul Barnett
Paul Barnett
Longton
Titanic
Iwas born in Tunstall now live in ALANTA Ga USA .They are doing a big story on the Titanic at the fish aquriem in Atlanta Ga and i looked it up where John Smith was born i am very proud being from Stoke On Trent when i saw the ship and the stories about him .I also recieve e.mails from BBC Staffordshire lov to all in Stoke on Trent

Alma Green Montgomery
Atlanta GA USA

Hugh Bourne
I think I might be related to Hugh Bourne. My maiden name is Bourne (Janet). My father was Leonard Andrew Bourne (deceased)
Janet Castle
Wallasey

Enoch Wood
I am delighted to read the history of Mr. Wood. When I was 18 years old I inherited a collection of 5 soup plates by E Wood & Sons, No. 106, Oberwesel on the Rhine.
This "collection" remained in a dark basement boxed and sealed for many years. Now, for the first time, after an interior re-design of my home, I brought them to light because of the unique color and scenic artistry!
Now, at 34 years old, I have discovered that they are rare gems! My curiosity lead me to research the marking on the back of the plates. Naive at 18, these plates were kept in the dark. Enlightened at 34, I revel a keen delight in their rare golden color and their history! Blue and White Staffordshire is ordinary in comparison! These unique transferware plates, in golden hues, grace my home.

Mike

R.J.Mitchell
I wonder if you have any information on where Reginald John Mitchell, the inventor of the Spitfire aircraft, is buried and how to get there?
I have found some information that he is buried at Stoneham Cemetry which is in Hampshire but I would be grateful if you could confirm this if possible.
Debbie Attridge

Bartley Gorman man of Honour
I would like to say that Bartley Gorman was a man of honour like most men of his geneneration who had respect for woman children and the elderley,and sadley men like these are a minority in the younger generation - but as long as there are men of honour there is hope,and men like Bartley shine that beacon of hope to these difficult times.
Greg
Wareham,Dorset
R.J. Mitchell memorial
It is hard to find a peer to R.J., maybe Kurt Tank would qualify with his "cavalry horse" the FW190 that out performed the current Spitfire in all but horizontal turns.
Sydney Camm maybe had the last word in piston engined fighters with the incomparable Tempest.
Whilst I enjoyed reading this piece some of it did convey slightly a spurious message. It reads like the Air Ministry had Hurricanes yet knew it to be inferior to the 109 and therefore ordered the Spitfire. Both were in fact built to the same spec for a high speed interceptor, the Spitfire was not ordered much later when the so called performance of the 109 was "known".
This is a mere technicality and does not take away from the feel of the piece, namely that R.J. was someone special.
Jeffery Wood
Fareham, Hants

Bartley Gorman - I was proud of him and i never even knew him !!
I would just like to say that having read the book i envy any person who has had the pleasure of meeting Bartley Gorman he truly seemed like a great man, and my sympathy goes out to all or any affected by his departure, it just seems to be that all the greats go early and the baddies live forever, its not right !! Rest in peace, you will always be the undisputed all time, KING OF THE GYPSIES
Andy Allan
Aberdeen

are you a irish traveler
hello im a irish american traveler liveing in texas im gorman on both sides and my great grand mother was bridget fury merried to john gorman who came over from england in the erly 1900's.
i was told we came from ireland houndreds of years ago. im a american irish traveler
all the gormans over here are relatded to the furys and there are lots of gormans in america. id love to talk to you more
bridget gorman
houston

Brindley's family
Hi there! My mother Pamela is a Brindley, James was her Great Great Grandfather. Passed down to her were his tobacco jar and grandfather clock. She should also have some deeds but another family member took them. We are both very interested in finding out more of our family tree, I hear there are lots of us! Lucy x
Lucy Francis
Manchester

Bartley Gorman. The best of the best!
Hi! Having read his book, it was truly a great book! He was the best bareknuckle fighter of is time, and perhaps of all time!
An interesting fight would of been between Bartley and Benny The Jet who fought 200 fights and have not lost a fight! One of the greatest fighter the world has ever seen! Bartley was the king of the gysies and one hell of a man! Rest in peace Bartrley! You will always be remembered in many people minds and certainly the gypsies travellers.
Dai Jones
Cardiff

CAPTAIN SMITH
CAPTAIN SMITH WAS AN EXPERIENCED LEADER BUT HIS FAILURE TO FILL ALL OF THE LIFEBOATS TO CAPACITY IS REGRETFUL. SAVING THE MOST LIVES POSSIBLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HIS GREATEST OBJECTIVE.
JOHN G. KINES, JR.
PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Bartley! The BEST of the BEST Bareknuckle Fighter!
Bartleys book is amazing, a fine man and a true warrior! He beat many fierce fighters and come out on top! I not sure who the king of the gypsies is now! but bartley will always be the King of Kings! his record speak for itself! I think there are bringing a film out on him! Sould be good! Bartley rest in peace, you will always be remembered! espcially in the gpysies community!
Dai Davies
Caerphilly

Bartley Gorman! The best of the best!
Hi! Havin read his book, I recommend it to anyone! A true warrior! Bartley will always be remembered of the KING OF THE GYPSIES! Im not sure who the current king of the gypsies is now!
Darren Wallis
cardiff

James Brindley!
Hi I lived in Cullman, Alabama for 4 years & on visiting the local musuem (2 rooms) I found a display of Leek, Staffs. It was donated by the Brindley family who lived there and were related to James Brindley. I was interested by it as I am from Derbyshire & immediately recognised the pictures (the curator told me Leek was in Germany!!!).
She told me the Brindley family still have reunions there.
Janet
Now residing back in Derbyshire!

Bartley Gorman
They nether fought,but both men met at Reg krays funeral,and Bartley and Roy shook hands as they where paying there respects to Reg.
Greg


R.J.Mitchell - A Great Man
The total dedication of R.J.Mitchell, working, with his grave illness, brings tears to my eyes. A man who deserved the highest of recognition, which he did not receive. We can be, so very proud, of this great man, persons as R.J.Mitchell, are sadley lacking in today's society, when knighthoods etc., are handed to some, "horrible" politicians etc.
R.Wilson
Crewe

Sir Robert Peel
I am a descendant of Sir Robert Peel, and i am looking for any information regarding his family and other descendants, incl also Lady Emma Peel? I would also like to know if he ever owned a property called the park?
Victoria Lennox-warburton
loughborough

R J Mitchell
On this appropriate day (March 5th, 2006, the 70th anniversary of the first flight of the Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire, K5054), let us remember the immortal contribution that 'R J' made to the (largely) democratic world that we live in.
The Channel 4 series two years ago, training a pilot to fly in Carolyn Grace's two-seat Spitfire, ML407, highlighted many facts, and the technical consultant for the series, Dr Stephen Bungay, had made more recent studies of the Battle of Britain, including time spent at Tubingen University in Germany. His findings generally support the established views that without the Spitfire, the outcome of the 'Battle' might have been very different; the performance of the Spitfire matched or even exceeded the principal German fighter, the Me109, and thus the fighter support could be tackled head-on by the Spitfire, whilst the slower Hurricane took on the bombers.

It is indeed tragic that 'R J', who died on 11th June 1937 from bowel cancer, a very unpleasant illness even today, has NEVER been properly honoured by his country, and it is poignant that Leo Blair, P M Tony's youngest son, was, like myself, born on the same day as 'R J', May 20th!
Dr Sidney Frank (of 'Grey Goose' vodka fame), set up a foundation a couple of years ago, to try and bring to attention the life of R J Mitchell; Dr Frank sadly died earlier this year, but even he, an American, had come to realise the great significance of R J's work, and I earnestly hope that the work of the foundation will continue.

I commend Dr Gordon Mitchell's book 'From Schooldays to Spitfire' to anyone who reads this; I reviewed the book on 'Amazon' some time ago under the nom-de-plume MikeMarkNine (appropriate?), and I was privileged to meet Dr Gordon at the unveiling of the 3/4 scale Spitfire at Eastleigh (Southampton) airport two years ago today.
Maybe before Tony resigns in favour of Gordon (Brown!), we should set up a petition to finally have this great man properly honoured!
Mike le Brocq
St Saviour, Jersey

captain edward john smith
My great grandmother(Sarah Harris ne. Smith) was cousin to him, bring his statue back to where it belongs, where he was born,his birth town, Hanley, where it belongs!
Norma williamson (ne' Harris)
Smallthorne

Mitchell's home in Southampton
Unlike the seaside cottage portrayed in the Leslie Howard/David Niven film 'The First of the Few' of 1942, the Mitchell family lived in a perectly normal detached house in Russell Place in Highfield, Southampton. It is just a few yards from Portswood High Street.
John Orchard
Southampton

Famous Potteries actors
I know there are a few actors from the potteries, but there was I seem to remember a comment about there being 3 famous actors no one ever realised came from Stoke, those being, Kevin Costna, Sean Conner he, does any one know who the third was?
Malc
Rotherham (ex Birches Head/Weston Coyney/enton)

Bartley Gorman!
There is another fighter that was out there, His name was Benny (The jet). 200 and more wins and no losses. Anyone reading this look it up on the web. The great Gene Lebell coach him as well! Bartley would have met his match because this guy was solid! He reign supreme in the world for years!
Tommy Humpreys
London

Bartley beat donnie the bull adams!
Donnie lost to Bartley, so he wasnt the king of the gypsies! Bartley was undoubtly the king!
David Jones!
Cardiff

Barley Gorman and Gene Lebell!
I got information regarding the great Gene Lebell. Would Barley Gorman Beat Gene Lebell?
I have known both men in my time. im 79 year old man, who have met many great fighters! Bartley was good, very good in fact, the best! but Gene in my opinion is awesome, very awesome.
He has fought all round the world in all kinds of fighting style to bare fists,judo, wrestling. Believe me this guy is the toughest man alive. He wouldnt need to throw a punch to knock you out. Work that one out!
But taking enoughing away from bartley, he was awesome as well, a loving family man, who stood up to he fought was right. He is the king after all! Who knows!
Bartley may beat Gene, but personally. My money on Gene. He was a world fighter in all fighting competition. He fought the best in the boxing ring, karate, judo all the world best fighters.

Iformation regarding Gene as follows. At the age of 20, Gene LeBell had 14 years of hardcore training from the best in the world, and he set his sights on the National Judo Championship in 1954 at the Kesar Pavilion in San Francisco. Gene tore through the ranks of competitors with everything he had. After the smoke cleared, Gene LeBell was the last man standing - he had won the National AAU Heavyweight Judo Championship and the USA Overall Judo Championship back to back.
Skeptics called it a fluke - they said that Gene had more luck than talent, and wrote him off. Gene has often said "the harder you work, the luckier you get." He came back and took the national championships again in 1955, this time at the Olympic Auditorium where he had trained during his youth. After taking two consecutive Judo Championships, Gene decided to try his hand at Pro Wrestling. "I had won over 200 trophies, and if I cashed them all in, they wouldn't make a single house payment."
The highlight of his professional wrestling career was in Amarillo Texas when he beat Pat O'Connor (from Australia) for the world's heavyweight wrestling championship. Then, while flaunting the championship belt, Gene accidentally hit the commissioner and split open his head. Even though it was an accident, Gene was disqualified, and his belt was taken away. "At least I was the champ for 12 seconds." Unbelievably, lawsuits were actually filed against Gene, and he decided to take a trip to Hawaii while the heat died down.
On Dec 2 1963, in Salt Lake City Utah, Kenpo master Ed Parker told Gene about a boxer named Jim Beck - a man who claimed that a professional boxer could easily best any martial artist. Gene agreed to step into the ring and prove Jim wrong, but upon arrival Gene realized that they had pulled a bait-and-switch; instead of Jim Beck stepping into the ring, Gene was facing off with Milo Savage - the no 5 ranked light heavywieght boxer in the world. Unfazed, Gene held true to his end of the bargain and took his place in the ring. Milo Savage was wearing brass knuckles - not only that, Milo was greased from head to toe, making it nearly impossible to keep a hold of him. After 4 hard fought rounds, Gene choked out Savage. He stayed out for 20 minutes
During Gene's more than 25 years of wrestling he did far more than wrestle. He was also doing stunt work for movies and television, and still is today. In his ongoing career to date, Gene has appeared in more than 1,000 movies and TV shows.
Gene is considered one of the greatest martial artists of all time, in addition to being a teacher of champions. He has taught grappling to such greats as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Benny "the Jet" Urquidez, Gokor Chivichyan, Bob Wall, Ed Parker Hayward Nishioka, and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace just to name a few. Gene says "It wasn't a one-way street. I learned a lot from each of these champions."
Some are suprised to discover that Gene got his pioneer spirit from his mother Aileen Eaton, former owner of the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles for 38 years. She was one of the only female boxing/wrestling promoter's in the history of those sports. Not only did Muhammad Ali fight for her, but so did legends such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, Archie Moore, Henry Armstrong, Hene Fullmer, Emile Griffith, Floyd Patterson, Lauro SAlas, Ike Williams, Mando Ramos, Danny Lopez, Carlos Palomino, Jummy Carter, Art Aragon, Sugar Ray Ramos, Carlos Ortiz, Willy Pep and so many more.
One can easily see why Gene LeBell would grow up to become the world class athlele, competitor and teacher he is. Gene LeBell has made a tremendous contribution to the martial arts community, and though he will stoutly deny it, he is admired and appreciated by nearly all of the greatest fighters alive today.
Micky Smith
Glasgow

Barley Vs Gene Lebell
I have work with Gene and I have known Bartley for many years. Both awesome fighters and the best at they game! But in my opinion Gene would of beaten Bartley, but not easy, because bartley was one tough nut to crack and have not lost a fight in his time!
Gene was 2 consecutive National Judo champion and Wresling heavyweight (grappling)champion of the world, which you could do anything to the opponent suck has heel hooks, arm bars etc. and beside that he could box, do karate, he trained the mighty Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris.
He fought all the world best in all kinds of fighting styles and beat the lot. This guy ruled the world hence the toughest man alive! he is admired by nearly all of the greatest fighters alive today!
Take nothing away from Bartley he was also a great fighter and beat almost everyone, his book is great and life as a gypsies was tough! You are the king after all! Rest in peace!
Randy Spears
London and New York

R.J.Mitchell and the Supermarine Spitfire
In the summer of 1992 I attended an engineering management course at what was the Cranfield College of Aeronautics,Bedford. Historians would do well to check if dining room is now as it was then and still decorated with the splendid murals which depicted so many Spitfires and portraits of R.J.Mitchell.
Considering the illustrious location of this collection of pictures they are probably, (if not painted over) one of the finest tributes to the man and his magnificent flying machines.
Geoff Royle
Stockport

Owd Grandad & Alan Povey
I remember being at school (Longton High) with Alan, and a teacher thowing him out of the English class with the words "You dirty little gutter snip, get out of my class, you'll never pass 'O' level English". Anyway, fishing came up as an essay topic that year. This was Alan's hobby and he was one of only three people from the class to pass that year - and he won the English prize into the bargain. I often wonder if "Gus" ever listened to Owd Grandad!
Chris Bloor
Langley Park

Owd Grandad Piggott cd's
Is there any chance of getting some Cds sent to across the pond? What would be the shipping ab nd handling
Colin Howell

Clearfield PA USA


Hallo Colin Thanks for your enquiry about Owd Grandad Piggott cd's, I'm assuming you've seen on our website that there are 3 cd's available.
We can send them to you but unfortunately we aren't able to accept card payments, the most successful method we use for overseas payments is that you get an International Draft in Sterling from your bank, if you let me know which cd's you would like then I'll work out a price including p&p and let you have the details
Sheila Sims Receptionist BBC Radio Stoke ST1 1JJ - 01782 208080


Bartley Gorman
The Furys brothers were good fighters, but wouldnt live with Bartley, and besides they have lost a fight. The man who would beat them also was STAN THE MAN from Mountain ash in his prime! They went to Caerphilly when the nightlife was good many years ago and they met they match by fighting a guy called Phil the Punch! Let say furys were good but not that good! Bartley was the best!
Joe Matthis
Aberdare

Captain Smith
Hi Ian joines! Captain Smith connection with the Titanic is a well documented fact in local history But, There are a few more notable people hailing from Stoke on Trent who met there fate aboard the "Titanic" Leonard Hodgkinson, was the fourth senior engineer on the Titanic, He was also a Stoke man, and born in the West End of Stoke, As a boy he received his education at St. Thomas's School, Trent Vale. He served an apprenticeship with Messrs.

Hartley and Arnoux, whose works were acquired by Messrs. Kerr, Stuart, and Co. Later he became a marine engineer, He joined the White Star Line Company where he served for several years...His Job and fate would lead him to the Maiden Voyage of the Titanic where along with his fellow engineers died at his post as they tried to keep the lights burning and power to the radio room running until the very last moment...all engineers perished. Mr Leonard Hodgkinson was 46 years of age.

Rightfully so, a monument to these brave men resides in Southampton to this day...The fate of the engineers is documented in the Cameron Movie. Leading Stoker Frederick Barrett who's famous words of "Shut all the dampers" (referring to the boiler doors) echo in eternity, is believed to have been born in Hanley but proof of this cannot been substantiated and still hangs in the balance to this day, His famous words were also heard just after the collision scene in the Cameron movie Titanic. He escaped in lifeboat 13 and became a worthy witness in the American and English investigations into the Titanic disaster hearings.

A surprising edition to Titanic’s connection with Stoke on Trent is...Father Thomas Byles! Father Thomas Byles was born Roussel Davids Byles in Shelton on the 26th of February 1870, His name was changed to Thomas when he entered the Catholic Church, At the time his "protestant" father, Reverend Alfred Holden Byles was the congressional Minister of the St Marks Church in Shelton which still stands proudly today Even though Father Byles was seen many times in the presence of Captain Smith there is no record to indicate that either men were aware that they originated from the same town. let alone walking distances from each other’s homes, The brave Father was last seen giving absolution to more than a hundred people who had knelt at his feet, He also perished in the disaster but This snapshot in time was recreated in the James Cameron Movie "Titanic" He was 32 years of age. I Hope this is of some help to the local "budding" Titanic Historians, Chris.

Chris Mooney
Stoke onTrent

Bartley Gorman! The best of the best!
Hi! Im replying to the guy who said a message on Gene Lebell! I konw this guy, and I have work on films! I telling you that he was solid! He have fought all over the world, places like china, USA and even beat top fighters here in Brtiain and he havnt lost a fight. Dont get me wrong, I have read Bartley Gorman book. He was the best for his time in Britain claiming the title Kings of the Gypsies!

So what would you call Gene Lebell who is Kings of the world! He fought men like Bruce Lee, he a stuntman in many films, who knows many top stars in Hoolywood, and he is renowed throughout the world! believe me! this dude is solid and bartley is awesone as well!

It would of been interesting if these met! Remember Gene fought throughout the world beating top men in China all over Europe, Asia, even Africa. If you ever see some of the films on him he could put you a slepp in 20 seconds without throwing a punch! He was AAU National Judo Champion and Heavywieght Champion in Wrestling. This gut could take anyone out without throwing a single punch. He knows all the tricks the SAS knows when in combat. Bartley is awesome and I have repect for him! his book was great, and his life was just simple tough, but stood by his loving family and fiends. You are a king afterall! you dont become a king for nothing! rest in peace!

Dave James
London

batley gorman
what a book touching stuff makes you wanna rap your nuckles and get out there r i p bartley
bryan merrett
birmingham

Bartley Gorman
I met Bartley several times when I lived in Tean, Staffs - he would come to stand on the bridge over the river Tean opposite our house to spend time thinking. We had many long and interesting conversations. I even recorded him singing some Irish songs.
He was a deep thinker and was always questioning things, asking what the meaning of life was.
I remember spending an afternoon at his place overlooking Uttoxeter racecourse and we conversed for hours about Man's spiritual side while viewing his various caravans and machines on the site. He was an interesting guy who lived a very full life and I am grateful for having met him.
Mike McLellan
London

William Palmer
Dear BBC I have just seen your website, through a google search.
I am almost certain that Dr. Palmer had 2 children by my Gt. Gt. grandmother Ann Palmer, nee Peck. I think she took the surname as I can trace no marriage details for her. She moved from March in Cambs. to North Street (now Basil Street), Kensington, a stone's throw from Tattersalls ring. I have seen old maps to prove that. The premises are described as forge, which may have dealt with Dr. P's racehorses.
With many veiled hints from my father years ago, and some old aunts having newspaper cuttings that they would never let anyone see, try as I might, I can find no trace of the William Palmer who is supposed to be my legitimate Gt. Gt. grandfather.
Their first son Charles Benjamin must have died very early on, as I didn't know about him until I saw the 1851 census return. In successive census returns Ann is back in the March/Turves area of Cambs. and described as widow. I can't find a death certificate anywhere for her 'husband' either. All of this plus other little things which I won't go into now lead me to believe that I may be right.
I have emailed some-one in Rugely, who has a website, but heard no more. I really would like to know, I would be rather pleased if it was true in a peculiar sort of way but I don't think that other than doing DNA tests on Dr. Palmer's family remains in Rugeley and checking that way, I can ever prove one way or another, however that is probably going a bit too far. If you have any ideas, I would be extremely grateful. Many thanks
Eileen Palmer (maiden name)

Vincent Riley
Vincent and his mate Simon used to drink metho and woe betide anyone who got in range of his stick
HARRISON Tony

owd Piggott "Piggin disaster"
The moment owd Piggott is in the butchers and is telling the butcher that he wants half a pigs head to match the other half by saying it needs to be pointing towards ''thowd hut'' to describe whch half he needs is one funny line!
John Smith
Newcastle staffs

St Chad
I note that you link to the information provided on our website about the life of St Chad, but could you possibly mention us as a University College dedicated to St Chad's legacy? Many thanks
Mark Wallace, Senior Man (Student President)
St Chad's College, Durham University

New ideas for Owd Piggott
Alan lets keep Owd Piggott going. Thowd hut wouldna bay th,same withyte him. Other things he could get up to... Decorating,dressing up for the theatre,taking grandson to Alton Towers,swimming baths,visiting the inlaws in a posh neighbourhood . Please dont let the old man fade away.
John Smith
originally Longton now Newcastle u lyme

Staffordshire's Most Famous
My name is Cal my mums dad was Reginald Mitchells relative and my mum has told me that family often say they looked identical, at the same time i recently found out through a presenter on bbc radio stoke who is related that also relative of mine was Josiah Wedgwood. So i would go for both.
Cal
Longton

Owd Grandad
I used to listen to AP do Grandad when I was a young girl in the 70's growing up in Northwood, have since moved to deepest Hertfordshire!!! cant beleive it is still going, I must order the CD, p.s. can you give me a definitive spelling of cos kick a bo' agin a wo' wiv'yer'ead till yer bost it??
Julia Ball
Stevenage

owd grandad Piggott
I get a warm feeling every time I listen to any of the owd grandad Piggott tapes. I can relate to the surroundings having lived in Longton during my early childhood
I think I have all the tapes available and always look out for any new ones Long live Alan Povey and owd Piggott
John Smith

John Baskeyfield
I have just visited Arnhem and Oosterbeek and saw a painting of John Baskeyfields heroic stand. How can you account for one man's bravery and total disregard for his own life.? Please move his memorial where it can shine as a tribute to the bravery of many such men and hopefully set an example to youngsters of today. regards
Ian Roberts

Owd Grandad Piggott
My sons could not get out of bed quick enough on the mornings that the tales of Grandad Piggott was on Radio Stoke. We have still got the 2 Lps that Alan Povey recorded. On the reverse side of the second record is a photo of Ralf Hammersley - my fathers cousin! I was unaware that the tales were still going.
When next in Stoke I will be calling in to buy the series! Keep them coming Alan!
Kay Hopley
Starcross, Exeter Devon.

j jervis
Hi, My ggg great grand father was John Swinfen, Member Parliament for Tamworth, who was the g. grand dad of J Swinfen, so we are cousins.
Current Earl St Vincent is living in Jersey, is 101 years old. I want to research the Jervis family tree further. Any links are welcome.
lee cant
london

hugh bourne
Hi _ iam researching the Bourne family on the Chweshire/Staffs area and as I understand it, Hugh never married but had a brother James. I am led to believe from my family that Hugh Bourne was somehow related to Thomas and Mary Bourne who maried at wybunbury in 1826 and had several children,on eof whom was a son james born in 1837 - one of my descendants.
However, I am trying to ascertain a link between Hugh Bouren and My James Bourne, born in 1837 and was wondering if you have any leads in this direction. Any help would be appreciated.
Caroline Wood
Leominster

John Baskeyfield
My father John E. Baskeyfield, deceased Mar 1999, and my grandfather John P. Baskeyfield ( the P. is from from my great/great grandparents having seen General Pershing in person) are descendents of the Baskeyfield's of England.
Some time ago, the Baskeyfield's made the trip across the Atlantic to establish the Baskeyfield branch in the United States. Edward Baskeyfield, my uncle has done extensive family tree searching, visited Baskeyfields in England , hosted Baskeyfields in his home. Thanks to the internet and google, what would have been forgotten past in two generations is now a click away. Cheers
John R. Baskeyfield
Pensacola, Florida USA

Bartley Gorman
Bartley Gorman was a very genuine and sincere man. I knew him in the late 90's before I moved to London and I had many long conversations with him about absalutely everything.He was always thinking about life and what it meant to be a human being, he was a natural philosopher. He was a lover of freedom and of free thinking and a wonderful person to spend time with. May his spirit be in peace.
Mike McLellan
London

Bartley Gorman
I had the honour of knowing Bartley and feel compeled to tell everybody what a caring,generous and sentimental man he was...we may have lost a good soul in Bartley's premiture death but i know he is watching and waiting to meet us all again some day...untill then so long my friend.
A friend
Longton

david parton
yes des is alive and well and still lives local

William Palmer
I have a book, "Stafford Gaol and its Associations" by W. Payne, printed and published by J.Hitchings of Hanley in 1887. ..
Chapter headings:- Crime & its treatment; Debtors' Prison; Record of County Crime; Palmer's crimes, trials, life in gaol & execution; the Pottery Riots; the County Industrial Schools; -- followed by 20 pages of ads. for local companies of the time!!! ... an interesting book ... a little dilapidated but intact and very readable.
I don't suppose this would add to the information you have, but thought you may be interested to know of its existence. It was sold by Vodrey booksellers of Tunstall.
Joan Welsh
Montreal

The first of the Few - - mitchell
The film was shown today! They don't make them like that nowadays though... They did not dwell on his illness. Simply that he died from overwork.
David Bettoney
Crediton

The first of the Few - - mitchell
I,ve just seen an old 1940s film about the designing of spitfire by Mitchell. It seems that he was instrumental in contributing very largely to a good outcome of the war.I was only a baby,but I think he deserves posthomus recognition.
Helen Holland
Bournemouth

owd grandad Piggott
I get a warm feeling every time I listen to any of the owd grandad Piggott tapes. I can relate to the surroundings having lived in Longton during my early childhood I think I have all the tapes available and always look out for any new ones. Long live Alan Povey and owd Piggott
John Smith

DAVID PARTON
I put his name into Google, as he did a brief guest spot at Dilhorne Rec Centre last night (12th November) and it brought up your question. That's all I can really tell you, but I suppose he must still be fairly local.
He did a rock and roll medley, and no mention of Isn't She Lovely. I might be able to find out a bit more if required!
Charlie Bassett
Dilhorne, Staffs

R J Mitchell
I think it should be possible for the government to approach The Queen with a view to awarding him a baronetcy, which is presumably within her gift, even if it was awarded posthumously. In that event his son would inherit the baronetcy, which maybe he deserves in recognition of the effort he has put in to recognition of the inventor of the Spitfire.
Penelope Wade
Cheltenham

local heroes Susie Cooper
I am doing a pieces of uni work on ow art deco has affected the ceramic industry in stoke-on-trent, so thank you 4 summing up susie cooper so well it has given me lots of ideas.
anna frances cartlidge
stoke-on-trent

Staffordshires greats.
Well I think I'll go for Reginald Mitchell. Without the Spitfire, where would we be today.
Donna
Chell formally of Tunstall, N.Staffs

cpt smith of the titanic
my fathers name is also Edison John Smith, cpt Smiths great great grandson. cool aye?
Adam Smith
Auckland New Zealand

Sir Robert Peels "Peelers or Bobbies
Is it not so that Sir Robert organised his Peelers in Ireland many years earlier making them the Worlds first police force. This is reputed to have happened in 1813.
George P Kearns
Dublin, Republic of Ireland

R.J.Mitchell & Spitfire
There is a fantastic website about a campaign to raise awareness of RJ supported by Dr Gordon Mitchell, his son. Worth a visit: http://www.rjmitchell-spitfire.co.uk
PAR

Admiral John Jervis
I am interested in learning more of potential family ties. My name is Anthony Jervis Hodder. My grandmother was Eleanor Emily Jervis, her father was William Jervis, his father was Daniel Jervis, and his father was William Jervis of Ford Farm in Dunsford, Devon. The family have been farming in Devon and verbally understand from previous generations that there is a family connection. We are trying to establish what this might be. Any help appreciated.
Tony Hodder
Cheltenham

Brindley
My mother was Nora Brindley born in Boon Hill, Bignall End in 1917. She had older sisters, Jess and Janet and a brother William. My grandmother died of consumption when my mother was a baby. Does anyone know any history of that side of the family.
Sue Fallon
Farnborough

James brindley
hi we are related to Keith Brindley of North Road Macclesfield Derbyshire his fathers name was Herbert we would like to hear from anyone who has a family tree of James Brindley
Karon Brindley
Daventry

Jervis/Swynfen
We are descended from John Jervis and Mary Swynfen (Adm Jervis' grandfather) via Matthew Jervis of Trowbridge. My peripheral research gets a bit vague in the 18thC as the Jervises seemed to be travelling to and from India a lot.
Does anyone (more closely related) know why?
Chris Shaw
Uckfield

Please can you tell me if Phil Drabble is still alive?
I have always been a fan of his, such a remarkable man. A true countryman at heart. I live in Scotland and dont hear about him.
Diana Tipper
Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

Phil Taylor - the GOD of darts
I have watched Phil for over 10 years now and I still cannot see anyone that can get near to his skill even when he's on a bad day! Keep it going Phil the world of darts will miss you too much if you leave it! I bought my first set of your 26 gram darts yesterday and cant wait for them to arrive. I've been playing for over three years now and thought i'd better invest in a 'proper' set. Maybe see you in a competition somewhere! I'd even settle for a game at your local!No wager of course. Keep up the good work champ.
john stevens
shropshire

Owd Grandad Piggot
I remember this radio show from when I was a child - It contained all the local dialect you could ever want - how about playing some episodes of this series again. I'll say thee
Paul Ryder
Nottingham (SOT born and bred)

John Rudge
Johnny Rudge or "Rudgie" as we called him, flying down the wing for Joey's (St Joseph's RC School. Wolverhampton). During our school days of either kicking the ball around in the school yard or playing cricket up against the wall, Johnny was always held in high regard by his fellow students and the teaching staff. During our school days I played in goal and had first hand experience of his early days. Johnny was an alround athlete, we both were team mates in Cricket, and Basketball. I played some work league football but my real love was Basketball from which I went on to get my Endgland Cap. Johnny was also a good Basketball Player but he would probably not admit it. His size never hindered him at all, his attitude as with everything was get in there and do the best you can and make your mark on the game. Of course usually after you are out of school you loose contact. I have not met Johnny since 1960. I moved out of Wolverhampton to Wednesbury for a stint with the West Midlands Police Force and shortly afterwards emmigrated to Canada.
John (Butch) Burden
nee Wolverhampton/Wednesbury now Abbotsford. BC. Canada

Owd grandad Piggott
Owd Piggott is a timeless classic and has place in our local heritage. I grew up listening to Piggott stories at 'wom' in the 70's and i still enjoy his exploits as much now as I did then.
My kids, however, David 13 and Lucy 10 cannot understand the dialect used and I have to translate!! What is the world coming to?

I hope that Povey continues to spin us yarns of "th'owd mon" for years to come. (PS, Mr Povey, if you read this, please release your back catalogue on CD format they would sell "faster than potteries demolition workers strip lead from a roof on 'tarm n ayf'")
Graham Goodwin
Longton (neck end)

Carol Ann Duffy
I very much dislike everything about Duffy. I dislike it to the extent that I'd rather stick vinegar soaked pins in my eyes then read any more of her poetry.
Barus Unzu
Derby

Vincent Riley
Book is by F. Glen. Your local library should be able to help.
Paul
Hartshill

victoria cross winners/born or served /staffordshire
john harold rhodes vc born packmoore 3rd batt grendier guards 1914 1918,
thomas barratt vc 7th batt south staffs reg,
albert edward egerton vc 16th batt sherwood foresters,
william alfred savage able seaman royal navy 1939 1945,
w.h.coltman vc dcm&bar,mm&bar most decorated nco,north staffs reg 1914 1918,
samuel wassell vc 80th (south staffs reg )1879,
anthony clarke booth vc colour sergeant 80th reg of foot 1879,
john franks vallentin vc capt 1st bn south staffs reg 1914 1918,
a f g kilby capt 2nd bn south staffs reg 1914 1918 victoria cross,
john baskeyfield vc lance sergeant airborn 1939 1945,
john carmichael vc 9th s bn (pioneers)north staffs reg 1914 1918,
john thomas vc lance corporal 2/5th bn north staffs reg 1914 1918,
samuel parkes vc private 4th light dragoons 1857
thomas flinn vc age 15 years 3 months 64th regiment 1857 drummer, and a lot more
ian joines
stoke-on-trent,staffs

phil scott
there was a famous boxer of that name in the thirties known as fainting phill scott for obvious reasons, why have i written this sad isn't it
john bates
llandudno

berry ode
Homage to the Oatcake is featured on CD "Lullaby of Queen Street" obtainable from the desk at the old Price Kensington factory Middleport (until very recently used by Lorna Bailey, who has now moved her works up to Burslem). Email me if you want more information.
Mike Dawson
Stoke-on-Trent

Greats - Shane Meadows
This is a breath-taking film. When I first was persuaded to go, it was described as a “British crime thriller” and my heart sank. But that is like describing Hamlet as a “tale of royal intrigue”. DMD is a world away from how one can describe it. To be pretentious (sorry folks), it works at a very mythic level as well as at an utterly real level. The figure of the returning brother, striding across the hills back to wreak revenge on the guilty, is just the start. The brother (Paddy Considine) is astonishing, because he does NOT over-act. He’s hypnotic on screen, because he is ineffable – he moves in one straight line, never swayed, never altered, slowly and powerfully through this performance. I’ve lived round here most of my life, and I never thought I’d ever see a film which felt like it was about people I knew in my streets in this small corner of the world. But the director (Shane Meadows) and the main actor - Paddy Considine of course, who also co-wrote the script – were brought up in Burton, and the film itself is set in the hills and housing-estates and pubs in the small, wasted towns of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border (a lot in Matlock actually)! My recognition-alert really started sounding with the almost frightening accuracy of one scene, where the brother is confronted by the main drug-dealer on a street corner of an estate. It had the reality-factor of a documentary – and all the more real, because they both behaved exactly like the silent, unswerving men born and raised on my little streets. But this is not just a gritty, provincial British film with the kitchen-sink bang in the middle. No, what lifts it even further is the mythic quality I talked about. The brother, whose brain is almost solid with the purpose of what he does, is also an Avenging Angel. Effortlessly, like the Passover angel, he brings death with his very presence; and questions of good and evil flare up briefly only to be replaced by just the awful justice of his works. (Told you I’d get pretentious!) I’m made breathless by this film. I could say so much more about it – and I’d love to hear other people’s views, but I’ll stop here. To think that such an under-stated but hugely moving movie could have been dreamed up, and even made on our own mean streets, makes me, well, proud.
mark righter
Life

St Bertram of Ilam (on the Staffs/Derbys border)
This man is a 7th century Hermit whose relics and cave can still be visited.
Its site is filled with Grace which, I believe, Orthodox Christians visit. Sure, famous people are fine, but are soon gone.
You have to respect a man who would leave all (and he was rich) to live in a wilderness. Of course, Sts. Chad and Cedd ought be equally in our memories
Simon Stone
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

mabel mercer
As it is Black History Month I thought that I would mention a forgotten but very interesting Staffordshire person.
Mabel Mercer born in 1900 in Burton of a white woman and a black American father. I think she died in 1984. A couple of years before she received a citation from President Reagen for services to American popular song.
She was a caberet singer who enjoyed the friendship of Josephine Baker when she lived in Paris in the 20s. She was a friend also of the Prince of Wales, Cole Porter, Hemingway, etc. She also had a profound influence on the singing style of Sinatra and Billie Holliday. The first time I came across her was in an obituary of Sinatra in 98 in the Independent when a staffordshire born women had an impact on how Sinatra approached a song was mentioned.
There is a New York based web site on her. I am not saying that she is the greatest Staffordshire person but certainly one of the more interesting and overlooked
bill
Leek

Lemmy's, White Line Fever.
This book is chuffin excellent. People seem to chuckle when they see you reading a book and ******* yourself laughing.
Simon (Dog).
HUDDERSFIELD

Staffordshire holders of the Victoria Cross
I have just read about "Staffordshire's only holder of the VC". My great uncle, a Staffordshire man born and bred, John Harold Rhodes, was awarded this medal (along with the DCM and bar) on the Somme in 1918. VC web site will confirm this.
Maggie Wood
Flitwick, Bedfordshire

Brindley
Helen: Tell your daughter to visit The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London, whilst she is visiting London. There she will be able to see a portrait of her famous ancestor James Brindley the canal engineer.
Sheila Clare
Bury St Edmunds

Mel Scholes
How sad to hear of his sudden death. He was a legendary figure, was kind to me even though, at the radio station I was a nobody, and had an amazing store of jokes which he could pull out of hat it seemed. His moustache was almost equally legendary!
End of an era for sure
Ian
ex-Pershall

berry ode
Owe rate Team?
A Google search for Arthur Berry brings me to BBC Staffordshire site, so I request your help.
Can you tell me where I can find a copy of Arthur Berry's poem 'Ode to the Oatcake'?
I've had an article of the same title on the wall of my classroom for many years which has always prompted much questioning from my SE London pupils who, of course, haven't the foggiest what a 'Tunstall Tortilla!' is !!!!
Any chance of some help with this?
Ta-ra owd,
Keith MacKenzie-Ingle

robbie
I have just read Hannah Tunnicliffe's "Give It Sum" feature on The Stoke & Staffordshire Robbie Williams Site. I know this is not directly related, but it was a somewhere to start and maybe you could answer my query.
I paid a visit to Stoke to visit Robbie's birthplace and to see the famous "Potteries" as well, and was surprised to see that there was no reference to your homegrown superstar at all, and reading how Robbie still is very proud of his Stoke and never fails to say so and actively does community projects, I wondered why he is forgotten on the Civic recognition front.
I know lesser stars have been supported and honoured in this way, so why not Stoke with Robbie?

Of course if he does not wish it, then of course that would explain it, like the article stated, he's very modest about it, and perhaps prefers to go quietly about it.
However, that taken into account, I think it would be a nice gesture for the Local Authority to show their pride in one of their own, who has become world famous and has done more to promote Stoke in a positive way than anyone I know.
I have actually written to the Stoke Council Civic Offices and Tourism section about this and not even had my email acknowledged, so little hope of an answer there. I hope maybe you can answer it?
If you can and Robbie has never been approached on receiving a Civic honour, then maybe its time he was, and a campaign to this aim would be the answer, I know it would be supported by a good many people not only in Stoke but around the world.
Jackie Sinden

Hinge & Bracket
Yes, Patrick Fyffe (who was from Stafford) of "Hinge & Bracket" was a true star. The Act was the most succesful, although under rated.
My tribute website approved by George Logan (DR Hinge) can be found by searching on Google.
Paul D
Didcot

Sir Robert Peel of Tamworth
My book on Peel and Drayton Manor is available from various shops, and from me - C. Smith, 10 Drayton Lane, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth, Stffs. B78 3TZ. Price £6.55p. inc. p & p.
Would be glad to show any person or party around our church where the Prime Minister is interred and most of his family.
Christine.

darwin
I am studying the poem by Erasmus Darwin 'Visit of Hope in Sydney Cove, near Botany Bay' and was wondering if you can confirm if Erasmus Darwin was actually on the voyage of Phillips or if it was from his friends Wedgewoods' descriptioin that the poem was written? Thanks for your help. Regards
Tricia

Wedgwood
Josiah Wedgwood is the best midlander! Look at all he did for Stoke. Buy some Wedgwood, and help the area's heritage last!
Nick
Newcastle

great staffordians
one of my nominees would be bill shakespear otherwise known as shaky.
he would travel by bus from stafford to brocton sunday lunch time with his brother and dog...vicar, play the banjo in the chet 'till closing time, 3pm i think, then resume at 6 until 10...then walk wearily over to the bus stop, hoping not to have missed the last bus.
great staffordian, great memories! i might add these trips were not always confined to a sunday, much to our pleasure and delight.
dereck
usa

sydney barnes
as a school kid and a little later i would catch the midland red bus in brocton, staffs. to go into stafford.
on many mornings mr. barnes would be on board, first, escorting his grandchildren to school, then onto work in stafford. he must have in his eighties. reserved but dignified.
dereck
usa

great great great granddaughter
Hello. My name is Liana. My father is John Brindley and we're decendents of the great canal pioneer James Brindley. My father was born in Buxton, Derbyshire. I would be most interested in meeting more of my relatives.
Liana Brindley
Lincoln

x
izaak
Hello I have been viewing your Izaak Walton web page. I know the "Izaak Walton Cottage" very well. I do not know where the thatched cottage in the picture that accompanies the text is, but it is definitely not "Izaak Walton Cottage" at Shallowford, Near Stafford. Regards
Bob Guiver
x

Oh! Can anyone identify the cottage on the Walton Pages?
izaak
WWW.troutflyfishing.net have just released their latest video/DVD called 'The Derbyshire Limestone Streams.

There is a section about Izaak Walton, including an interview with Tony Bridgett on the river Dove, Footage of the Museum at Shallowford, The bust in St Mary's Church in Stafford, Filming of a genuine 1st edition of the Compleat Angler printed in 1653 - the year, incidentally, that Oliver Cromwell dissolved parliament and proclaimed himself Ruler of England and of course the beautiful rivers he and Charles Cotton fished.
David Impey
x
susie cooper
I received a gift of a creamer and a sugar bowl (thought to be given in the 1950's)
It is: a faint pink on the outside, but white base scalloped edges with gold inside a painted flower (looks like a blossem of almond or a rose) and it is white inside..
We can't find a pattern of this on any web site that we have tried. Can you please help us to identify the lovely gift..?
Joyce Witt
Thomas Harrison - Newcastle's most radical son
Thomas Harrison was one of the most interesting and important characters of the mid 17th century - a period not short of remarkable people.
Born in a house in Newcastle where the HSBC bank now stands, he was a butcher's son who worked as a lawyer until the Civil Wars of the 1640s. Originally a Puritan, he rose through the ranks of the Partliamentary armies, and became an MP. He grew increasingly radical, supporting the Levellers and joining the extreme Fifth Monarchy religious sect.
He signed Charles I's death warrant, but became alienated from Cromwell because their beliefs differed. After the Restoration in 1660 he was sentenced to the hideous punishment of being hanged, drawn and quartered. He met his fate with such dignity and pride in his beliefs that even hostile spactators were moved.
Mark Leech
Newcastle-under-Lyme

Stan trivia?
Hello. Can you help with a xmas quiz question for charity that we are trying to find the answer to. The question is... who won an a FA cup winners medal and Lonsdale belt on the same day?
We are informed it was SIr Stanley Matthews, apparently after winning his cup medal he went to a charity event that evening and won a Lonsdale belt in a draw.
Can anybody confirm this? Would be very grateful for your comments.
Trevor Wiles

John Baskeyfield
I live in Southern Spain although my mother is from Staffordshire. Whilst browsing through the net for my mothers maiden name Baskeyfield I came across the article on John Baskeyfield.
My mother confirmed that my grandmother had told her that he was one of "ours" but my mother had never heard the full story. It really touched my heart strings to hear that I had such an honorable member of our family.
Thank you for making the effort to bring these matters to light, it can often make you look at your family and roots in a different light. Best regards Louise (Luisa)
Louise Waterson (Louise)
Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain

john rudge
i worked with John for 8or9 years. not many people know he used to be a street trader,in his early days, he uesd to give us a sample of his cry on the veg stand,when we was having a pre-match meal.
he used to have a saying about a nail and drawing pin,i seem to forgotten how that ended.
Stanley Nicholls
norton



See John Rudge Profile
A Staffordshire Great
Dr Johnson (1709- 1784) The greatest man of English letters of the eighteenth century. Part of the century is sometimes called 'The Age of Johnson'. This man was a dominant cultural figure, who set out for London with very little money and in the company of Davis Garrick (another 'Staffordshire Great') in 1737.
He spoke with a strong local accent which was often mocked by Garrick but his learning and opinions were respected throughout the nation. He inspired what is commonly regarded as the greatest literary biography ever written by James Boswell - often referred to as Boswell's Life of Johnson. For more information see www.lichfieldrambler.co.uk
John Dudley
Lichfield


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