019: Good News for Stoke & Staffordshire
Labour Dominate Staffordshire, Celebrating Oatcakes, Children's Laureate at Biddulph Festival, Infrastructure Book and The Knot Pod Preview.
Good News 🎉
Labour Win General Election; 10 out of 12 Staffordshire Constituencies Elect Labour MP. Labour won the general election and dominated across Staffordshire. They have a majority of seats in parliament to form a government, their share of the vote in the UK was 34% and election turnout was 60% (the second lowest since 1885). There were some big changes in MPs across our region, with some very sorry and very happy faces. People are now asking for Labour to “take what they’ve got and run with it” and others were simply voting against the incumbent government.
Celebrating Oatcake Sellers of Staffordshire. Ever stopped to think how incredible it is that we have shops dedicated to preparing and selling our own regional delicacy? Probably not. Reflect for a moment and you realise how lucky we are that our local cuisine is so deliciously savoured. David Fletcher, originally from Stoke and now a documentary photographer in the New Forest has captured the Oatcake sellers of Staffordshire in a series of wonderful photos shared in The Guardian. We’ve reached out to David and will be sharing more of his work with you.
New Children’s Laureate at Book Festival in Biddulph. Writer Frank Cottrell Boyce has just been named the new Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate for 2024-2026, and will be making one of his first appearances in this role at The Festival of Brilliant in Biddulph on Saturday 13th July. Great timing for the festival in Biddulph Old Hall and a win for Staffordshire’s Literary scene.
The Broken Promise of Infrastructure. One for the regeneration aficionado’s and people interested in a closer look at why “nothing works” in Britain. If you are wondering why there are crumbling bridges, sewage-filled rivers, failing computer systems and cancelled rail projects? Dom Davies spells out his view. Alluding to how crumbling infrastructure erodes trust in government and breaks down our social contract, this is a fresh, sophisticated take on infrastructure and “levelling up”. If you’re more of a listener than a reader, you can get a flavour of his thinking on this podcast, Stoke get’s plenty of air time.
KNOT HAVING IT ❌
George Bettany founder of the popular MARA Run Clubs across Staffordshire (launching in Stoke soon) couldn’t think of a single good food recommendation in our entire county. People are KNOT HAVING IT. He definitely knows where his favourite place to get a coffee is though. Sneak preview at what to expect from The Knot Pod.
Editor’s Note
I’m delighted to feature contributions of people Made in Stoke this week. Dom Davies and David Fletcher might not live in this area any more, their recent work will have an impact though. The collective strength of individuals with ties to our region is a very strong pull and people who live elsewhere can still play a big part in the regeneration and transformation of Stoke and Staffordshire. Through work, writing, photography, business or art - people that are Made in Stoke, can really do a lot to help.
It is this level of commitment, dedication and care for the place by people who live inside and outside it’s walls that always leaves me feeling sure it will change for the better. When a place like ours harbours so much love, it’s resurgence or, as Dom calls it, cultural renaissance, is inevitable.
Cheers,
James
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