We’ve published almost 1,000 articles in 2015, from sport and politics to business, events and more, all totally dedicated to Stone and surrounding villages.
There have been over half a million page views on our website in 2015 – 518,575 at time of typing, to be exact – with almost 30,000 regular, returning visitors across the 12 months.
Here are the 10 most-read articles on our site this year…
10. Cyclist trapped after collision with van
A cyclist was trapped under a van for almost an hour after a collision at the junction of Saxifrage Drive and Lichfield Road on 26th January. Staff from the nearby Fairway Service Station tried to free the trapped cyclist with their garage vehicle jacks before the fire service arrived on the scene.
9. Can Neil fix it? Yes he can!
We were invited along to the launch night at the Plume of Feathers in Barlaston following a big refurb by new owner Neil Morrissey. Our reporter Kris Grainger’s review and photos were the ninth most popular article on our site in 2015
8. Oatcakes and milkshakes cafe opening in Stone
News in August that the former Footsteps shop was to be transformed into an oatcakes and milkshakes cafe was welcome news indeed, and the cafe has proved hugely popular since opening in mid-December. The owners have even called their cheese and onion oatcake the Little Bit of Stone special, so huge thanks to them for that!
7. Stone’s 2015 Christmas lights switch-on
Details of this year’s Christmas lights event was really popular. Thousands of people packed the town centre to see the switch flicked – and the lights this year (especially the plane tree in Granville Square) have been magical. Click HERE to see photos and video from switch-on night
6. Witness appeal after girl asked to get into vehicle
Not a nice story at all, but thousands of people shared the appeal for information on our social media channels after a 10-year-old girl was asked by a stranger to get into his van in August
5. Viewpoint – time for action on Stone High Street
Granvilles owner Adam Jones’s personal piece for us on what needs to be done to boost Stone High Street hit a chord with you in May, prompting hundreds of comments and a lively debate here on our website and on our social media channels
4. Paul Gilmore launches new bar and restaurant in Stone
News of chef Paul Gilmore opening a restaurant at The Wheatsheaf in Oulton certainly went down well in March. And the restaurant certainly hasn’t disappointed, becoming a firm favourite in the town’s thriving culinary scene
3. Westbridge Park bonfire and fireworks 2015
Details of this year’s bonfire and fireworks at Westbridge Park caused quite a stir. The event was one of the best for years – see our photos and videos HERE
2. Flip Out trampoline arena set to open in Stone
At the end of August we reported that a planning application had been submitted to convert the empty City Link warehouse on Stone Business Park into a trampoline arena. Well, you went flippin’ crazy for it!
1. Flippin’ fantastic! Trampoline arena to open in December
And the interest bounced even higher in November when we reported that the Flip Out arena was set for a December opening. If you haven’t visited yet, have a read of our review, which has lots of photos and videos. We had a great time on launch day with our 50 competition winners!
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Have you tried our Stone 2015 Quiz yet? Have a go HERE and see how many of the 14 questions you can get right. Over 2,000 people have had a go – but only 10 have got top marks.
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Would you like to get involved with A Little Bit of Stone in 2016? We always love to hear from anyone who would like to write, photograph, design, or who has other skills they can offer. Get in touch by emailing getinvolved@alittlebitofstone.com
