Staffordshire's Towns & Villages...

Your feelings about the places we live in here in Staffordshire, or about the surveys of them you may have seen on the "Towns" pages.

Unfortunately this page has now closed to new messages. If you want to add your views, go to the Main Messageboard

See the Staffordshire Towns & Villages section

Or take a look at Staffordshire 'In Pictures'

Leek - ANZIO CAMP I am looking for details or photographs of the buildings that formed Anzio Camp before the redevelopment in the early 1980's What type of buildings formed the camp? What was the form of construction - timber - corrugated steel - asbestos? John Stewart Birmingham

Kinver Edge At Kinver Edge you could hire toboggans during the summer to sledge down the hill. Made the slope very slippery and difficult to walk on Paul Collis

Norton Green Village Community Website We are pleased to announce the launch of Norton Green Village Community Online (norton-green.com)It is a new site with access to all local information including Norton Greens Village History And Photo Gallery. Also with links to other community websites and useful local resources. B.Moore (wemaster) Norton Green, Stoke on Trent. Staffordshire

Penkhull History - New release View the latest local history documentary entitled 'The Last Penkhull Circular' by historian Richard Talbot. This is his third. Travel and explore the unique history in the comfort of an old 1937 PMT bus as it goes around the village. Listen to the memories of its residents on subjects like the Methodist Chapel, Penkhull Garden Village and for the first time ever a full account of The Grehound Inn is given from 1530. Beech Grove, the prish church and much more is talked about with many only photographs. It's 2 Hours long. Price £12.95 from the DIY or Newsagents in Newcastle Richard Talbot Stoke-on-Trent

stallington, near Blythe Bridge I would like to know what happened to the mental handicapped hospital in stallington, near Blythe Bridge. I worked there as a Nurse in the late 70s. The hospital was situated in a rural area, surrounded by farms.I used to take mu wife and small boys for long country walks.I am compiling a work history for my children to keep for future generation. Many thanks for your help Abdool Outim

lost friends of biddulph this is to anyone that can help me In 1964 I moved to biddulph with my parents to work in the mines. I made a lot of mates but I have not seen in 35 years so I dont no if anybody still lives there. I can remember some names( K. Twentyman who lived at springfield road G. Wilshaw who worked for the council John Brown, bill cotton .Iused to drink at the crown and cushion which I played darts forand sometimes I wish I had stayed there because it was a nice little village then and hope it has not changed. I enjoyed the walks around the countryside and the local people were very freindly to the geordiesso I hope there is somebody can help dennis morpeth northumberland

Stafford is Depressing Nothing at all to do in Stafford.. Very depressing... its a sad thing i have to be here for atleast another 3 years Jason Stafford

alton P Great site very informative and intresting. i am involed in familly history this is what brings me to you site could you please could you tell me if a covent still exist at alton Strafordshire as my familly history takes me there. James leyland&Anne

to Amanda Jones I personally think that Tunstall would be your best bet.I'ts central to all amenities, your children will love tunstall park,and kidsgrove is just ten mins away I was brought up in kidsgrove the schools are good and everyone is freindly,laydback just getting on with there lives.If you go to the tourist info in hanley when you come down to stoke, they will tell you were the best family outings are, good luck for future in stoke on trent, im sure you will have a great life in stoke. chell

film I live more or less exactly where the film of the trent valley was filmed,Stoke-on-trent. It was filmed at wolstanton; the old pit cricket pitch which used to show a panorama from 'Mow cop'near Kidsgrove to Fenton in the south of the city. Shelton bar would have been in direct view (east). A tree planting project in the seventies now obscures most of this view. Wayne Newcastle Under Lyme

Uttoxeter I am looking for old maps of Uttoxeter, and Photo's of Bradley Street, including the school. Anyone who has any I may borrow, or can point me in the right direction, I would be most grateful John Hudson Derby

bethesda chapel the chapel is a unique example of early architecture and can also be a significant part of the cultural quarter..i was baptised here in 1958..every effort must be made to save it before total decay... john robertson STOKE

Beacon Holme Dimble House, two doors up from Erasmus House in Lichfield, may have been Beacon Holme. Do you know the history of these two houses? Margaret Faithful Sutton Coldfield

trentham gardens I have fond memmories of trentham gardens.we would spend all summer there during school holidays i remember the cable car , the swimming pool and the train . I now live in the USA but everytime i come home i visit . I will never forget what wonderfull times we had there as children.I know when it reopens to the public it will be a big success. ex pat karen simpson Connecticut USA.

Cub Scouts At Trentham during World War II Peter Hayward asks about the Cubs started by the bankers during World War II at Trentham. How well I remember that. I was a member of the pack along with a bunch of Trentham boys and we had a great time. Even went to Kibblestone Camp one weekend. We usually met in the Gardens but also attended various functions, proudly marching back to Trentham after a special service at Shelton one Saturday. The bankers were from the Bank of England Clearing House. The bank was transferred to Trentham for safety's sake. But they never escaped the sirens warning of an attack. Thumbing their noses at the nazis they created Siren Theatre. The plays were staged in what was once called the Roman Room. The bankers and local workers employed by the bank cerated sets and managed the lights, and sold tickets. Some great shows. I specially recall "Gaslight." The transplanted Londoners contributed a lot to the local area and especially in creating Cub Scout Pack 1 in Trentham.! We learned knots, camping, cooking, hiking, and a whole lot of other things. Before the bank we had no pack. Later we had a Boy Scout Troop which I joined too. Some of the bankers were billeted locally and I remember "Bobbie" Brooks who stayed with us at 25 Stuart Avenue, Trentham. He served in Africa during the war, but visited us before going back to his hometown of London. Hope this helps a little? Ken Buckley Bangor, Maine. USA

Hanley Swifts/ Northwood Mission Hi Just seen a mention of the northwood swifts. I'm researching my family tree and my great grandfather Bertrand Clarke born 1887 was a trainer with the hanley swifts and northwood mission. If anyone has any info on this i would be grateful. Phil Clarke Endon For Family History Research queries, click here

Ball Green High School Hi Sandra, I went to Ball Green High School between 1972-76.I used to live in Whitfield Road, Norton. What a good school it was. Mrs Jeffries is now supposed to be retired from education but still does a lot of work for them. She was awarded a C.B.E. for all the good work she has done for education. Sid Bailey is still going strong I see him now and again and he has not changed at all. Annette Barnett (Holdcroft) Burslem

church history The Church in Edensor Road: do you mean the Chapel or the old C of E one which was demolishged some years ago? get back to me & I'll send you what info. I have. C. Shemilt Longton

goms mill/longton can anyone please help me, I am wondering when the church (now a business ) on Edensor Road was built and what it was called, and also the graveyard further down the road, towards Goms Mill, what church was it connected to and any other info you might have on these, thankyou Anne stoke on trent

videos. please tell me where I can get a video of Hanley/Stoke history Peter Hillman

church history Can anyone please tell me anything about the church, now a pottery buisness, on Edensor Road Longton/Goms Mill in Longton SoT. what it was called and when it was built? Anne stoke on trent

photos of america st tunstall just wondering if anyone has any history and photos of america st tunstall shaz tunstall

Pinnox Street Tunstall Does anyone have any pictures of Pinnox Street dating back . I have lived here for three years and would love to see it as it was at anytime. Lois Courtney Tunstall

Towns - old friends in biddulph I moved to biddulph In 1964-69 and made some good friends there but there was two was my mates .I have not spoke to them in years does anybody no them ( k. twentyman-graham wilshaw)both used to drink at the CROWN&CUSHION and we played darts for the pub.As I am a geordie Im sure somebody will know them I would be most grateful for your help. dennis morpeth northumberland

Towns Reply to Paul Derezyckyrj You asked whether anyone still in the land of the living went to Clough Hall Insane Asyulm in 1968. I too was born in 1954, and moved to Talke Pits aged two. My primaries were Hill Top (ick) and Springhead (fine), and I was sent to the loony bin in 66, so when you left for the Underworld I'd have been in 3J. Your name is unusual enough that one would remember it, so I doubt we ever knew one another. As it so happens, I'm writing a book on those years in Stoke (I left at 20), and also would be keen to contact former classmates or teachers. My memory needs reinforcement. Steve Elsewhere

Towns biddulph I lived in biddulph 1964-1969 and would haved stayed but had to move back to north east.It was a nice village then and hope it still is, had a good friend kenny twentyman and he is still there I believe, do you know him dennis v morpeth northumberland

BIDULPH lost friends looking for two old friends( k.twentyman& graham wilshaw) both are from BIDULPH KEN used to live at springfield roadcan anybody help dennis richardson morpeth

BUTCHERS ARMS CHESTERTON trying to find out when my home was built it was an old public house known as the butchers arms in chesterton on victoria street. any info or photo's would be very much appreciated Jason tipton

Trentham - Bobby and Ken To Bobby Stubbs's daughter: How nice to hear from you and to know that Bobby is well. Those days growing up in Trentham are unforgettable. I have returned several times to my old haunts and made contact with friends, who will remain friends for a lifetime. Please give Bobby my best wishes, as well as Mary - his sister. Stay in touch. On each trip I visit with Ken Faulkner and Peter Whitehurst, and we have a real nice time. Last time I met Mary Bratby, who used to live on Brook Road near your father. Hadn't seen her for years. However, it took only minutes to re-open the book of memories. No matter how much Trentham changes, nothing will ever erase the memories I have that wonderful village, and, of the great and grimy Potteries. Thanks to the BBC for this opportunity to converse with old friends. Ken Buckley Bangor, Maine

Etruria streets, park and schools Growing up in Etruria in the'70's was amazing and i'd swap an arm and a leg to go back. We played tin-can- alley in josiah wedgewood street, trip up, the bumps on the witches hat and chinese swings, off ground tick on the monkey bars and run around on the tea pot lid in the park. Mario (the ice cream man gave us kids broken cones). Sliding down the embankment of the railway lines on mud guards from lorries under the bridge (we were made away and looked like orphans whem we had finished playing). The bon fires at the Rose & Crown pub were nxt to none. We would walk miles knocking on doors asking for pieces of wood to build the Bonfire. I remember asking 'penny for the guy' out side 'the drop in'(pub). Growing veg at belomont infant school and playing rounders at Etruria school where the food was delicious and it was like home from home. Betty's corner shop in Cavendish street and the 1977 jubilee in Sandon street where I was dressed as a clown and my sist! er was cat girl. I wish someone had some photos for me to copy; It would make my day! My sisters and I attended Etruria chapel(the vicar was mr Penny) on Sundays where we sang and took part in the Anniversaries, sponsored charities and the weekend club and discos at the chapel.(again we dont have any Photos). I remember we were a small community and very close and the people in the streets were all very friendly. I can recall knowing nearly every one in cavendish street, Josiah wedgewood street and sefton street and most people surrounding them. Mr Shaw had the shoe shop at the bottom of etruria vale road where he still lives ( all amazing fond memories for me which I treasure and share) gary watson Biddulph

Staffordshire's 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

Cheslyn Hay I am intending to visit Cheslyn Hay in July 2006 and wish to look up where my Grandfather was born. Ernest Edwards was recorded as living at 11 Little Wood Cheslyn Hay, in 1923. Is this property still in existance as I would be very excited to see it and take a photo home with me for the next generation of our family history. If you can supply me with any information I would be extremely greatful. Maureen Curtis (nee Edwards) New Zealand!

Trentham I have fond memories of Trentham Gardens as a child in the 1950s. Particularly memorable was the art deco swimming pool complex. I remember someone stopping us on the terrace there and asking if we would look after his pet (talking) Jackdaw while he had a swim! The narrow gauge trains were named after towns in Sutherland e.g. Golspie, Dunrobin. Malcolm Brownsword (formerly of Newcastle under Lyme) West Hagbourne, near Didcot, Oxon.

Memories of Moddershall Hi Tony I've just seen your message. I don't know when you posted it but if no one has responded to your request, I'd be happy to send you some photographs of the village. John Price Meir Heath

Stafford's Closed Down Factories 'The Ingo!' 'Promised a job for life at The Ingo.' That's what he said in broad Staffs lingo, Engine Shop Foreman he'd been by jingo, That red-eyed sweeper at Highfield's Bingo! The Lotus On Sandon Road Grounds of flowering cherry tree Replaced by over-garage three stor-ey Asset strippers of the fancy suit Do they ever give a hoot? To destroy a slice of history For rows of over-garage three stor-ey The Lotus maybe long gone But how the taste of betrayal lingers on. BRC In Silkmore Lane Without a shout A monument to industrial heritage Was sold on and sold out. BRC's gone heard them say Closed and shuttered many a day No protestors holding sway Just a longer dole queue anyway. Posh new houses now in place, Three bed semis with stiff white lace. Talking of brown field regeneration - What is heavy metal contamination? A social observer Stafford

Tamworth - Im starting to miss it! I used to live in Tamworth, What a great place! but my parents said it would be a great idea to move to Wales (bout 5 years ago!). Now im getting older, im starting to miss my home town Mark Tamworth

Suposed Mental Asylum in Blythe Bridge I have heard of this rumour - but i agree it in fact was not... However would anybody know where the location exactly is as i have arguments over this subject with my friend frequently... Thank you if anyone can help.. Simon Newcastle under Lyme

School Photos I am interested in obtaining copies of class photos of Milton school between 1951 and 1961. Marianne Brearey (nee Cheywin) Damascus, Maryland USA

penkridge Just a note to say that the name penkridge is not derived from the river penk but rather from the celtic Pen Crug(or possibly Grug) meaning head of the hill,ridge or barrow or possibly head of the heather Douglas Lloyd

Tean Village Tean village is the best thing that ever happened to me and my family. It has been a great success moving here. I have made so many friends and I now go to Painsley. We have lived here for almost three years, but already I know everyone around the village, and whenever I see someone I say hello and they always reply back giving me a welcoming feeling. As my mum says, everything happens for a reason, and she was right when she said it. There may be a lack of shops, but it suits me just right. I was born to have fun and I will not let shops get in the way of playing with all of my friends in the fields. Hayleigh Stoke-On-Trent

Tunstall Surname - Hampton I am a descendent of Wm. Hampton, descendent of Laurence De Hampton. It is said that Wm. and his wife Joan/Joanne lived at the Manor (sp?) of Tunstall near Hampton up until the 14th century. I have searched and I can not seem to find any information on such a place. Please contact me if you can help me in any way. Lynne Ausbon-Shupp USA

cannock chavs i think it is totally wrong for the people of cannock 2 mis judge us youngers being scared only when we am in gangs its best to hang round in groups bcus if u get started on u av got help near ya and u might wana hang round wid m8s its got nothing to do wid any1 else x x x dannii cannock

A Trentham Boy Reading Ken Buckley's description of his childhood in Trentham, I came across my father's name. He is the Bobby Stubbs mentioned and remembers Ken and the events described. I would be interested to hear from him and pass a message to my dad if he sees this. Jan Palmer Wokingham

Biddulph old Hall My Father told me years ago that there was an underground passage from Biddulph church to Biddulph old Hall,does anyone know if this could be correct...?TALKING ABOUT 70 YEARS AGO. William Edwards Campsie Sydney Australia.

Alsager Mere Alsager Mere is a strange lake. You can learn about it and see 3D depth maps by visiting the RMCybernetics web site. (http://www.rmcybernetics.com) Richard Morrow Alsager

A Trentham boy Enjoy dropping in on this site. The ol' Potter's dialect brought back a lot of memories. Ken Faulkner of Haselton, formerly of Wolstanton, and I, used to have some great conversations, with dad helping us out. "They dustna no nowt." And, "Cos kick a ba agin a wa an yed it wi thee yed until it bosts?" Or, "Ast sin thaht picher?" Remembering too brings back memories of Stuart Avenue during the war (the Big One) and the kids I grew up with - Peter Whitehurst, Colin and Ivor Pemberton, the Lancelots, Bobby and Mary Stubbs, Margaret Jones, Mary Bratby, Cedric Smith, Eric Perrins and on and on. But how could I ever forget Trentham Parochial School. Used to be next to the old Tudor buildings on the Stone Road. Gone now. It was a little stone fortress where we sat behind tiny wooden desks with iron legs. There would be a big fire in the grate on cold days. We'd come in from the playgrounds, next to the Wenger estate, rubbing our hands, before Polly Blakemore warmed them with a long, thin cane. It all seems like yesterday, even though it was more than 60 years ago. Who can forget the policeman, rifle sloped across his shoulder, a helmet atop his head, marching like a Grenadier in front of Trentham Police Station when war broke out? The parish hall donated by a pottery manufacturer? Mr. Grimes, the local vicar, careening down the hill on his bicycle from the vicarage off the Longton Road? And Machin's, the newsagent by Stuart Avenue, where I used to pick up the morning and afternoon papers and deliver through Trentham? Sometimes through the Dairy Fields. Sometimes along the Barlaston Old Road, when carrier's failed to show. Trentham Park always had a couple of swans floating majestically around a small square pond near the hills where you could see the barrage balloons floating over Crewe. The deer were so tame, they'd lick your hands. My mum would walk me through that park and I remember standing there mesmerized as unfrightened deer walked up to us looking for a treat. Trentham had farms galore. At least, so it seemed. Fairbanks was just above New Inn Lane. When a Dutch barn caught fire through spontaneous combustion, all of the kids and neighbors spent days loading hay wagons and taking the blackened and smouldering hay into the fields to dry. Trentham Station was a picture book creation. We'd stand there taking train numbers as the trains either whistled past enroute to Manchester or London. We even took the train into Stoke from Trentham to the movies one afternoon with Mrs. Hanstock, Pam Hanstock's mum, who lived on Edward Avenue. Happy memories. A wonderful place to grow up and I miss those days very much. Ken Buckley Bangor, Maine, USA

TOWNS - BUCKNALL I grew up in Abbey Hulton and after a decade have returned to the area and work at my old school clinic. on fine days i dine alfresco by jammies pool. as a kid there were stories about it being a flooded mine, having treacherous currents, a horse and cart at the bottom and a monster pike? what is the truth? sid cawley

Loggerheads - Prices Tea Rooms (Bona Vista) Tower Road, Ashley Heath We are interested to know a little more about our house. Formerly called Bona Vista situated at the top of Ashley Heath near Loggerheads, Staffordshire. We understand that it was formerly a tea room run by the Price family and possibly offered bed and breakfast. Other features that may jog memories are that it had a tennis court and rose gardens. If anyone has any memories of our house then we would be most grateful to hear them, particularly if anyone has any old photographs. We have undertaken restoration that has given us clues to its past but need some help! Richard Turner Ashley Heath

biddulph - my hubby's birth place hi' anyone help me i am trying to trace a photograph of a house that once stood which was 28 station road biddulph as my husband had to move from there when he was 8 yrs of age because his mum unfortunatley died. the family name was cross consists of7 also the name luckett please can anyone help me he will be so overjoyed to trace some of his family background marilyn and brian south wales

Cross Family, Station Rod, Biddulph I remeber the Cross family in Station Road, there was an Yvonne, Christopher. They were related to Doreen Davies (as she was then) - her children were Patricia, Martin, Raymond, David & Lindsay and I think they moved to Nuneaton. I remeber Mrs Cross and I think I actually went into the house a couple of times as I was friends with Patricia Davies. Then they suddently moved away and I never heard anything else about them. I know Mrs Cross was welsh. macclesfield

Longton I made a comment on the longton messageboard which i admit is very opinionated but i feel shows longton in its true light of the dump and embarassment that it is. i would like to know why this hasn't been posted yet. others which praise longton have these people obviously have no idea about the standard that should be expected from a council. I find longton intimidating and to be perfectly honest needs bulldozing and starting again Ben Longton

burslem burslem is a wonderful place to visit the main attraction is ceramica well its the best place i have lived, there is also i pub called lloyds tavern that place is really nice aswell but u ought to visit the red lion laura burslem

KIDSGROVE I have lived in Kidsgrove nearly all of my married life - almost 28 years at my current address. It is sad to hear about all the anti-social behaviour orders, is there nothing that can be done to keep the young people off the streets. I know there is a youth group at Birchenwood on Fridays, but are there no other activities to keep young people interested other than drinking too much and making people's lives a misery. pbooth Kidsgrove

BENTILEE I GREW UP IN BENTILEE DURING THE 70S. WHAT GREAT FUN WE HAD ROAMING THE ESTATE AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS. BY THE AGE OF TEN MOST KIDS COULD GIVE DIRECTIONS TO STREETS ON THE ESTATE. NOWADAYS, WHEN I'M OUT WALKING , MY OWN KIDS WILL SAY "ARE WE STILL ON BENTILEE?". I HAVE V CLEAR MEMORIES OF BEING CHASED FROM SHENTONS FARM BY THE FARMER. IT WAS A GAME WE LOVED TO PLAY MOST SUMMER EVENINGS.WE STILL DONT KNOW WHETHER FARMER SHENTON HAD A SHOT GUN OR NOT! WHEN I WAS A TODDLER, MY MUM AND AUNTY WOULD PACK ALL US KIDS OFF FOR A DAY AT BUCKNALL SANDS, WHICH WAS ACTUALLY THS SANDPIT ON THE GROUNDS OF HANLEY HIGH SCHOOL, NOW MITCHEL HIGH. PARK HALL HILLS WAS ANOTHER FAVOURITE PLAYGROUND. DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS THERE WOULD BE GANGS OF KIDS LETTING OFF STEAMAND NOT APARENT IN SIGHT! I CAN'T REMEMBSR ANY FIGHTS BETWEEN GANGS, IN FACT IT BECAME A MEETING PLACE. WE WOULD MEET OUR NEW FRIENDS FROM AREAS SUCH AS, LONGTON, MIER AND SANDFORDHILL. ALSO DURING SUMMER MONTHS, A GANG OF US WOULD WALK ACROSS BERRYHILL FIELDS, THROUGH FENTON PARK AND DOWN TO FENTON BATHS.THIS WAS ALWAYS MADE INTO AN ADVENTURE AS THE GRASS CAME TO THE TOPS OF OUR HEADS! I COULD GO ON FOR EVER BUT ITS VRY LATE, SO I GUESS I WILL JUST HAVE TO VISIT AGAIN BACK SOON!! JUNE bentilee

Your memories of Trentham Ken: I was delighted and moved by your memories of Trentham posted on the net. I'm sixty years young, living in Montreal but go back to Staffordshire every summer. I was a Longton High School from 1955 to 1962 and I'm stilll in touch with a few old schoolmates. Do you listen to Radio Stoke over the internet? Two weeks ago they did a terrific show on reminiscences of Trantham Gardens over the years. If you're ever in Montreal, just give me a call and we'll have you over for a nice cuppa! Roy Cartlidge Montreal

the village history hello chris,can you tell me where i can find any history and pictures of drayton bassett?Thankyou.Ihope you and yours are all well Andrew Tomlinson swadlincote

newchapel, in the borough of newcastle under lyme please can anyone inform me of the original name of Newchapel [I know the High Street used to be Clarke Street], plus how long has Newchapel been a settlement. Thank you so much Yvonne Sanderson Newchapel, Stoke on Trent

The Brampton The prettiest part of Newcastle under Lyme. It has a small park and tree lined walks. It has only recently been undergoing modernisation which is changing its residential character into commercial.The Lodge is still there I think. romi Newcastle

May Bank I was interested in the comments by Pia Corbishley, now resident in May Bank. I lived in Lunt Street (since renamed) from 1929 until 1948. My boyhood was largely spent playing on the Marsh. I now live in Somerset, but still rather pine for Staffordshire. Clarence Williams Wiveliscombe, Somerset.

Cannock chase I live 1/2 a mile from "the Chase", as its commonly known, and it is the most fantastic area of natural beauty for miles around. You can go any time of the day or nite and see deer, foxes, rabbits and squirrels runnign around. It is even said to have it own big cat lurking around, with evidence of claw marks and carcuses up trees! I would recommend a visit, take a picnic and send the day there you will really enjoy it!!! Chase lover cannock

rudyard lake nice place in winter-very quiet and peaceful. Only problems are that gate seems to be locked nowadays-never saw anyone about all day. Nice place to walk dog though, just a shame no wardens or staff about Hugh Pugh leek

A Trentham boy Enjoy dropping in on this site. The ol' Potter's dialect brought back a lot of memories. Ken Faulkner of Haselton, formerly of Wolstanton, and I, used to have some great conversations, with dad helping us out. "They dustna no nowt." And, "Cos kick a ba agin a wa an yed it wi thee yed until it bosts?" Or, "Ast sin thaht picher?" Remembering too beings back memories of Stuart Avenue during the war (the Big One) and the kids I grew up with - Peter Whitehurst, Colin and Ivor Pemberton, the Lancelots, Bobby and Mary Stubbs, Margaret Jones, Mary Bratby, Cedric Smith, Eric Perrins and on and on. But how could I ever forget Trentham Parochial School. Used to be next to the old Tudor buildings on the Stone Road. Gone now. It was a little stone fortress where we sat behind tiny wooden desks with iron legs. There would be a big fire in the grate on cold days. We'd come in from the playgrounds, next to the Wenger estate, rubbing our hands, before Polly Blakemore warmed them with a long, thin cane. It all seems like yesterday, even though it was more than 60 years ago. Who can forget the policeman, rifle sloped across his shoulder, a helmet atop his head, marching like a Grenadier in front of Trentham Police Station when war broke out? The parish hall donated by a pottery manufacturer? Mr. Grimes, the local vicar, careening down the hill on his bicycle from the vicarage off the Longton Road? And Machin's, the newsagent by Stuart Avenue, where I used to pick up the morning and afternoon papers and deliver through Trentham? Sometimes through the Dairy Fields. Sometimes along the Barlaston Old Road, when carrier's failed to show. Trentham Park always had a couple of swans floating majestically around a small square pond near the hills where you could see the barrage balloons floating over Crewe. The deer were so tame, they'd lick your hands. My mum would walk me through that park and I remember standing there mesmerized as unfrightened deer walked up to us looking for a treat. Trentham had farms galore. At least, so it seemed. Fairbanks was just above New Inn Lane. When a Dutch barn caught fire through spontaneous combustion, all of the kids and neighbors spent days loading hay wagons and taking the blackened and smouldering hay into the fields to dry. Trentham Station was a picture book creation. We'd stand there taking train numbers as the trains either whistled past enroute to Manchester or London. We even took the train into Stoke from Trentham to the movies one afternoon with Mrs. Hanstock, Pam Hanstock's mum, who lived on Edward Avenue. Happy memories. A wonderful place to grow up and I miss those days very much. Ken Buckley Bangor, Maine, USA

Stafford Please can you help me with the question of why was there a wall built around stafford town?

Hello, Amington, Tamworth, Staff's. The last visit to my home village of Amington,was houses cramed together, streets jamed with traffic,litter all around, very little room for children to play,vandalisam on the increase,having said that,I still miss the beautiful country side,the history,it's traditions,my friends.Hope to see you all this Spring.Brian Hull, Ontario, Canada. Brian Hull Grand Valley

Thank you to Tutbury hello, i'm a franch teenager from limoges in the central part of France. I went to tutburry last summer, it's a very beautiful city with a very nice achitecture. The inhabitants were very kind pleasant with me. I'll never forget this town. quentin limoges (France)

Memories of Tunstall It's a strange feeling seeing the name Tunstall in print after all these years! I was born in Tunstall in 1943 and still have plenty of memories. We lived in Little Chell Lane and I went to the nearby catholic school. I can clearly recall going to the big, dark Catholic Church, probably in Stoke. I also remember going to the tripe shop with my mother and ( of all things) getting my hair cut at Frank Butlers shop! He had lots of children - still have fond recollections of his daughter Anne, who moved to London and became a school teacher I think. I remember one of my friends was a Nigel Machin (wonder where he is now?. I have lived in Sydney since 1974 but now thanks to the internet I can get regular news, especially about the Potters and the Valiants. When I have time its great to hear the local news on radio Stoke through the internet. Best wishes to all you potters. Will think of you especially on Christmas day - 26-30 degrees C is our forecast. Anthony (Tony) Cain Sydney (Australia)

abbots bromley horndance i think the horndance is great!! well i would - i am the person who plays the triangle!! it is great fun and it is brilliant seeing all of the family again. it is such a big deal for the family to do the horndance, and i dont think we will ever cancel it again! Michelle Fowell Swadlincote

biddulph As a former resident of Biddulph, I would not claim it to be perfect, but still regard it as home and very much underestimated as a place to live. The City of Stoke has character and has some very friendly helpful people who are genuinely friendly. Down here in London if you spoke to a stranger and said:"Good morning" or "It's a nice day" they would look at you as if you are mad. Hanley is great and I would always reccomend to a visitor to call into the market in the basement of the Potteries centre where you can meet some really friendly stall holders. If you are a lover of pies and other savioury items that are not got the weight watchers seal of approval it is paradise! It's much better than the usual sterile shops on offer above in the main centre and has a wide variety of stalls on offer. Nothing like the markets of Stoke on Trent on offer here in London. The parks always had a character of their own, and I can always remember Hanley park being the showcase of the city and the gardeners took great pride in looking after it. Mind you this was in the 60s and 70s when the City council obviously employed more people to look after the parks. The rot set in when Maggie Thatcher stated that there was no such thing as society and everything was costed down to the last nut and bolt under the tendering system imposed on local council's. There are still some beautiful walks and scenery in and around Biddulph with the attractive National Trust Garden at Biddulph grange and the adjacent Country park as well as Greenway Bank country park and Knypersley pool which has been a favourite spot for generations of Potteries folk. There are some lovely walks up to Biddulph Moor with quaint lanes such as Over the Hill and Under the Hill. If you can manage either of those in a walk you are definitely not over the hill! Call in to the Talbot pub in Grange road and sit outside and admire the country views to the Moor. Then have a nice long gentle walk along Overton road towards Congleton and take in the fantastic views across the Cheshire plain taking in Jodrel Bank telescope and the Welsh Mountains and Shropshire Hills. Make the most of what beauty is on your doorstep, get out of the car, let your legs do some walking. Stoke on Trent a dump? Give it me any day in comparison with the traffic choked and fume laden Old Kent road!! Biddulph forever! Carl Kisicki Lewisham,London

Stone I think it might be worth pointing out to the Stone 'young-uns' the link with the famous physicist -- James Prescott Joule --- after all the Joule is the international energy unit and the symbol for it ---'J' appears on most food packaging -- along with the old fashioned calorie. J.P.J found the relationship between them -- viz. 1 Calorie is about 4.2J When I was a Stone 'young-un' the brewery name was pronounced 'jowls' (as in a bowl of flowers) , but the energy unit is pronounced 'Jool' ( as in a diamond jewel). All the best Tony Moulson

Kidsgrove Kidsgrove is probably one of the nicest places in britain. sometimes the younger communitey could help the older communitey. living in Kidsgrove nearly all my life it has been a ploeasure. Most people have never heard of Kidsgrove, but Kidsgrove is more famous than people can imagion. come and visit one time you don't no you might end up living here. Ashley JL Anthony Kidsgrove

Meaning of the name Thursfield / Newchapel in North Staffs In the Domesday Book there is mention of Turvoldesfeld later called Thursfield now called Newchapel. Does the original name Turvoldesfeld mean anything & what was it's origins? Pat Burton on Trent Neck end (Longton) Longton is known as the "neck end" because of its geological position in the city. In the late 1700/early 1800's the towns of Stoke were Bursley (now Burslem), Hanbridge (Hanley), Turnstile (Tunstall), Stoke (still Stoke) and Lane End (now Longton). If you took a geological map of the area, and joined up each of the towns to the next, the drawing resembled a bottle. Lane End sat in the neck of the bottle - hence "neck end". Roy

Memores of Moddershall Hi my name is Tony Hurford. I Lived in Moddershall as a young boy,my family and I lived at Rose Cottage Moddershall my Mum Died there when I was six years old, I am now doing genealogy, is there a kind person in Stone or Moddershall who would maybe take a photo of (Rose Cottage) three cottages, that,s if they are still there,and maybe the church in Moddershall as that is were my Mum rests. thank you for your time. (this would meen a lot to me). Anthony Matthew Hurford Tauranga .New Zealand

Stafford Hi Ann Do you know of any students that do or have done any paintings of Stafford town and places of interest? Old Photographs of Stafford and Stoke are sought too. We are a local card company looking to raise some money for Katherine House Hospice. We are hoping to use some paintings to feature on greetings cards which will provide our local artists with some free advertising. (each used will have a statement of recognition on reverse) Our cards are currently sold at Asda Stores. I am also looking for views of Stoke and surrounding areas,(to raise money for the Donna Louise Trust) can you help? Marie Hillman Stafford

Me and a friend went to tamworth purely cause i know someone from there. i had never been before but i would deffinatly go again. The night life was brilliant and there's loads to do. Tamworth is really chilled,cheap and chearfull. i loved it. Louise Draper long eaton, nottingham

Cheddleton I just thought I would like to say that St. Edwards Hospital was not an asylum for the mentally insane and I think its out of order for you to say so. And it also says that Cheddleton is a town when its a village Cheddleton Village, near Leek

Basford I lived in the cottage on the top of Basford bank right by the Queens Hotel, until 1967 and came to Canada. I miss the village and the stores, guess you dont know what you had and how lucky you are until time goes by. I came from Basford, went to Etruria J school, then Harpfields SM. I worked as a hairdresser in Talk Pitts, Knutton, and Basford. My hushband Eric Holford lived in Talk Pitts and worked at Potteries VH heating company in Milton. Came to Canada in 1967, now as I am older I really miss Basford and the Potteries. I am now 58 years old and going back for a vacation, I am looking forward to walking around Basford. christine Poole Holford Ontario Canada

amington, Ilived at monks way, in the 1950s; left in 57 to emigrate to Canada,have been back in 1992, i could not believe how all the fields and open space has been built on with houses,along with traffic jams. there's trash on the streets,it seems things are going downhill. I read the Tamworth Herald, its full of reports on crime, vandalisam, street fights, I remember roaming the Hilly fields.Hopwas woods,walks along the canal,over the Amington water lags. That seems to be a thing of the past. Brian Hull Grand Valley

Upper Tean This is a gorgeous village, with glorious surrounding countryside, and very friendly and welcoming residents. It's within easy reach Cheadle, of the A50 and so all the major motorways and access to all the city centres. It even has 5 pubs of it's own; which is a pretty inpressive pub crawl, all without leaving the village! We even have our own website (www.teanvillage.co.uk). We have two great schools in the village itself. Please come see our village, one visit and you'll want to live here too! I love Upper Tean and would hate to live anywhere else. Tracy Holland Upper Tean

tamworth i live 2miles away from tamworth and i lived here 4 29yrs its a lovley place to cum 2 in the summer with all the castle grounds r beuiful & the rivers and swans. theres so much there i wouldnt change it 4 the world donna tamworth

Church Eaton I speak on behalf of all the teenagers in Church Eaton when i say this. You see all over the websites what a great place it is, we have the smallest theatre, but it normally helps if it was open once in a while, ive lived here nearly three years and ive not yet known it to be open. Theres nothing for us teenagers to do, when we do go out you only get the old biddies complaining, but if there were stuff for us to do we wouldn't "cause trouble" as every one says. Instead of only thinking about the flower festival and things like that, why don't you take in to consideration the younger generation. Chloe Church Eaton

rugeley hI MY NAME IS CHRISTINE MASTERS i LIVE IN PANAMA CITY FLORIDA, AND I WAS BORN IN RUGELEY, STAFFORDSHIRE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW ABOUT THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE TO MY HOME TOWN, I HAVE NOT BEEN HOME FOR 13 YEARS IS THERE ANY PICHURES THAT YOU CAN SEND ME OR ANYTHING ON MY HOME TOWN? I WOULD APPRECIATE WHAT YOU COULD DO THANKYOU christine florida

Burslem Myself and my family used to live in Burslem in late 1970's. My father was an Under-Manager at "THE BULL" coal mine. I can remember little bits about it and they are good memories,loved the place.We used to live in the house at the top of Hamil road,just up from the Football ground of Port Vale. The little piece you have at the Burslem homepage about "Molly-Lee" is amazing because i can recall a Halloween night when we went down to the church where her grave is and having to run around her grave three times and the church also. It is one of the many things that has stuck with me all this time and also the lake freezing over in the winter (i remember one day a person skating on the ice and falling through,luckily getting out ok).I also used to work at the markets down at the Football grounds. Is there still a huge grassed area behind the football club?Well it has been about 25 years since i have seen the place because we moved to Australia and have not had the! chance to come back yet Andrew Wharrier Burslem (Ipswich,Australia)

Hi Hello Sandra i lived in Smallthorne moved to Malaysia, about 14 years ago. went back to SoT for short holiday how it as changed. Burslem like Ghost town (still Love the Place though) Any way my mum was name rachel, dad Big Jim. noe us ????? Raymond Mountford S.O.T

YAM YAMS NOT IN CANNOCK !!!. THE PEOPLE OF BIRMINGHAM CALL THE FOLKS OF DUDLEY AND WOLVERHAMPTON YAM YAMS. NOT HAS YOUR LETTER INFERS, THE PEOPLE OF CANNOCK. ALAN BILLINGTON CANNOCK

packmoor what really is the worst thing in packmoor ? im moving there in january 04 and read your piece on packmoor and well to say it looks depressing ! is it really that bad ? i hope not are there any local football teams for children aged 7yrs ?? and what other things are there for children to do in the area? many thanks john

kidsgrove i was born in kidsgroveand i am proud of it , i went to australia for 23 years and loved it , my 2 sons were born there. im back in sandbach now but i will always call kidsgrove homewhat really is the worst thing in packmoor ? im moving there in january 04 and read your piece on packmoor and well to say it looks depressing ! is it really that bad ? i hope not are there any local football teams for children aged 7yrs ?? and what other things are there for children to do in the area? many thanks john . keith jones sandbach

Blythe Bridge I go to the high school in blythe and its a safe place to hang around after school because even though there are a lot of roads, there is a great community and they all watch out for each another. In summer the village is fantastic because around the area there are loads of events and things to do. Becki longton

Thoughts on the Blythe Bridge page Jas is obviously not a rambler. The walking around the south of BB towards Draycott is wonderful for a residential city area brian BB (of course)

Burlsm - try living here first. I love it. I love Burslem, Stoke-On-Trent and Staffordshire. I love the people, the pubs, the lot. Try living here for 22 years then see what you think. Neil Burslem