023: Good News for Stoke & Staffordshire

Aug 12, 2024

Humorous Observations on Stoke. Comedian Mark Steel praised the “genuinely friendly” people of the Potteries, our world-famous pots and “beautiful” bottle kilns after visiting the city to record the latest episode of his BBC Radio 4 series, ‘In Town’, a bespoke evening of comedy that celebrates the quirks of small-town life. He also lightheartedly joked that Stoke “must be the only place in Britain where a vase costs more than a house” and received resounding boos from the audience when he mentioned oatcakes could be topped with sweet fillings such as golden syrup, jam or banana. Quite right too!

Stoke-on-Trent comedian Adam Flood, whose routine ‘Clayhead’ was nominated for Most Outstanding Show in the Amused Moose Comedy Awards in 2022, is currently doing his second stint at the Edinburgh Fringe. Flood is performing his ‘Back of the Spoon’ set at the Tron until 25 August and hopes to give people “a little taste of Staffordshire” with his performances – check out his skit on boring housemates for a taster of the funny man who grew up in Newcastle.

Staffs Countryside Venues Poised for Expansion. Trentham Gardens, Longton Park, Rudyard Lake, the Shugborough Estate… Staffordshire is brimming with gorgeous countryside and parks. The good news is that two of our favourite venues in the region’s natural beauty spots are expanding, including Burton-on-Trent’s Hoar Cross Hall, which recently debuted a £3 million Spa Terrace featuring a three-pool deck, sauna and relaxation room plus a lounge with bar, cabanas and firepits.
Photo credit: Hoar Cross Hall
Over at Canalside Farm in Great Haywood near Stafford, which features a popular cafe and farm shop, there are plans to add a production kitchen to the back of the shop and an adjoining central building between the Farm Shop & Cafe. On their Instagram page, they say, “We hope this joining building will be a real hub of street food dining and seasonal events.”
Staffs Olympians Triumph at Paris 2024. Local athletes have been doing us proud. Lichfield’s Sophie Capewell took gold at the Women’s Track Team Cycling Sprint, beating New Zealand in a thrilling final, and Dan Bigham won silver as part of the men’s Track Cycling Team Pursuit. Stone’s Joe Clarke is ‘buzzing’ after he scooped a silver in the men’s kayak cross event. Trentham-based Adam Burgess got a silver medal in the men’s slalom event and Uttoxeter’s Adam Peaty scooped silver in the 100m breasttroke despite feeling under the weather from a recent bout of covid.
Photo credit: Team GB

Boothen Quarter Opens at Bet365 Stadium. Ready for the next season of the championship? Stoke City FC the new fan zone at the bet365 Stadium last Saturday, the Boothen Quarter, for their game against Coventry City. Situated adjacent to the North Car Park at the Boothen End, it can host up 1,500 people and features a 41.5 sqm LED screen, a stage, plus food vendors, bars and covered areas where supporters can congregate
Photo credit: SCFC

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