Here’s the latest instalment of Stone town mayor Jill Piggott’s blog for A Little Bit of Stone. And the run-up to Christmas was an extremely busy time!
Friday 15th November
We attended Lichfield Mayor and Sheriff’s charity dinner, held in the town hall. It was a lovely evening, a great menu followed a very entertaining band, all money raised goes to their charities.
Thursday 21st November
The Samaritans held their annual general meeting, this year they are celebrating 50 of listening; in the last year they have received 21,158 calls 963 emails 18 face to face calls, they have a total of 60 volunteers in Stafford and are looking for more. Throughout the year they have fundraised to keep the service going including street collections they held a summer supper, held a concert at the Gatehouse they thank everyone who has given donation and grants.
The Samaritans have been taking calls from children (Childline) from 1st January, all have gone through extensive training.
I wish them well for the next year, no-one knows when you may need to make a call, and have someone on the other end not to judge you just to listen.
Friday 22nd November
We attended Clive Barks & Friends concert which was held at St Michael & Wulfad’s Church, in aid of the Bells and Clock appeal. Churnet Valley Male voice choir also performed and they sounded wonderful. We were entertained with songs including Diamonds are Forever, Handbags and Gladrags, Music of the Night by singers Richard Wiseman, Mark Hewitt, Lidia Manley, Amanda Manley and Jayne Bond. It was a wonderful concert and very good value for money, a great night out.
Thursday 28th November
Newcastle Mayor Cllr Edward Bowden & Mayoress invited us to his charity evening which was held at Bradwell Working Men’s Club, we were entertained by The Rabble Rousers Band, dancing girls dancing the can can, country dancing. We had a meal of pie and peas followeed by a game of bingo and a raffle, all proceeds will go to the Mayor’s charities Peter Pan Nursery and North Staffs Special Adventure Playground. It was a great evening of entertainment.
Friday 29th November
Uttoxeter mayor Cllr Hugh Montague and Mayoress invited us to attend their Christmas lights switch-on, it was a great evening the children were treated to seeing Santa and Rudolph the reindeer. The next surprise was it started to snow, not real snow but it made the event magical. We then walked around all the different Christmas stalls, local people selling their wares.
Saturday 30th November
Cheadle Mayor Cllr Ian Plant & Mayoress Cath Plant invited us to attend their Christmas lights switch on, it started by us attended a lovely tea afternoon In the Tudor tea house a lovely little tea room a must if you visit Cheadle. We then proceeded through the town meeting local people, seeing everyone enjoying themselves.
The switch-on came at 5pm outside the Pugin Centre, Mayor Ian gave a speech wishing everyone a happy Christmas also gave out prizes for the best dressed etc, then the countdown began, the lights were switched on and very festive they look. Cheadle is a lovely little town, very similar to Stone, and well worth a visit.
Sunday 1st December
I was asked to unveil the first Advent Window at Costa, the window was designed by the Scouts. We sung the carol First Noel and the window was unveiled. The display looks wonderful and I couldn’t wait to see the rest.
Tuesday 3rd December
We were entertained by the Guides at their Christmas concert at Christ Church, the church was full and all the girls were excited to sing carols. A wonderful evening and well done to all that took part a great start to Christmas.
Thursday 5th December
Members of the Staffs Parish Council attended the Stone Council Chambers for their December meeting. Melissa Kurihara from Stafford Borough Council attended to give an overview of planning, Andrew McCrae gave an update of SPCA (Staffordshire Parish Council Association) and both very interesting. The meeting was chaired by chair Cllr Harry Brunt, thanks were given from the association to Stone Town Council for the use of the chambers and buffet.
Friday 6th December
Stafford Borough Council Mayor Cllr Angela Loughran and Consort held their Christmas ball which was in the theme of Tartan, it was a great evening, raffle and an auction was held; all money raised go to the Mayor’s charities.
Sunday 8th December
Walton Community Centre held their Christmas carol service, we were entertained by St Michael’s School choir and Holly Smith gave a solo performance – both excellent performances. It was a lovely afternoon, the singers really got Christmas going, I would like to thank Walton Community Centre for inviting us.
Monday 9th December
5th Stone Scouts held their Christmas carol concert at St Michael’s Church, it was a lovely concert. We sang lots of Christmas carols and had a festive time.
Tuesday 10th December
Aston & Little Stoke Scout group held their Christmas carol service at St Saviour’s Church at Aston, we were welcomed by Chris Barlow (group Scout leader). It was a another lovely service, readings were given by Scouts,Beavers,Cubs, parents and leaders.
After the service we attended at Aston village hall their awards evening, I was privileged to be asked to present the awards; well done to all but also well done to the scouts on their achievements throughout the year.
Thursday 12th December
Uttoxeter held Cracker night, its High Street came alive with charity stalls selling items to raise money for their charity, a Christmas train that took you on a tour of the streets, fairground rides and chestnuts roasting. My thanks go to Mayor Hugh Montegue and mayoress for their hospitality throughout the evening and Chairman of the Lions, we walked through the streets to judge the best dressed person (Christmas style) – the winner was a festive elf.
Friday 13th December
St Dominic’s School invited us to their Christmas candle service, the scene was set with lots of candles lit and carols were sung.
My thanks to St Dominic’s for inviting us.
Sunday 15th December
St Michael & Wulfad’s Church was filled with dignitaries, guests, children and members of the public for the Civic Carol service.
The children from St Michael’s School were amazing, bringing a tear to my eye. Trinty Skills did another amazing performance they sung in sign language to Walking in the Air, another tear in my eye, my thanks go to both for their performances not forgetting the church choir, Rev Ian Cardinal and all that were involved also everyone that attended this made it a special event one I will never forget.
Monday 16th December
We attended the gala performance at Stafford Gatehouse pantomime Sleeping Beauty, ‘oh yes we did’. What a wonderful pantomime all the actors were brilliant, and great entertainment.
Tuesday 17th December
A magical carol service was held at St Michaels & Wulford Church, it was performed by all at Trinity Skills.
The service captured what Christmas is all about, I would just like to say to all from Trinity Skills many thanks for inviting us and Happy Christmas.
Thursday 19th December
Stone Choral Society held their Christmas carol service, it was a wonderful evening conducted by Harriet Johnson, Lydia Kitchener was the society’s accompanist. Equali Brass Quintet performed it was wonderful to hear the brass instruments being played. We were also entertained by Hannah Condliffe who played the Oboe and Julian Pirch who played the Bassoon.
Stone Choral Society sang beautifully and my thanks go to Jim Davis for looking after us.
Friday 20th December
Stone Lions held their raffle at Morrisons, I was privileged to be asked to draw the lucky tickets. Well done to the winners they won some lovely prizes, and well done to all the Lions who sold tickets and raised funds also to everyone who brought a ticket.
Sunday 22nd December
Stafford Mayor Angela Loughran and her consort held the Stafford Borough Christmas carol service at St Mary’s church in Stafford, the church looked amazing with hundreds of lit candles, it was a lovely Christmas service.
Wednesday 25th December
Christmas morning we visited St Mary’s home in Stone, Cllr Mike Williamson, Cllr Margaret Goodall, Cllr Mike & Sue Shaw , Cliff and myself were welcomed to the home by Matron Anne Clarke. It was a lovely morning meeting and wishing all the residents a happy Christmas, the atmosphere was very festive lots of relatives visiting and Santa Claus even attended to give his presents to all the residents.
And then December came to an end! Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that 2014 has started well for you.
Thanks once again to Jill Piggott for writing her blog for A Little Bit of Stone
