Village Voice(Page 4)

Contents Page

Useful Facts And Numbers 2Cover Story 3Diary Dates 3Book Review 3Village & Local Organisations 3Village Voice 4Letters & Announcements 5St Lawrence Church News 6Places Of Welcome 6Christmas Tree Festival 6Faith Matters 7Gnosall & Newport Lions 7Gnosall Methodist Church 8Phoenix Club 9Gnosall Catholic News 9Gnosall Writers 10The Battle Of Waterloo 11Ask The Old Geek 12Gnosall Globetrotters 13WI Jambusters 14Gnosall Library 14M.O.B. Gardening Club 15Gnossword 16Quote Of The Month 16First Responders 17PSFA Gnosall St Lawrence 18Gnosall Towpath Restoration 19Gnosall & District Voluntary Car Scheme 19Royal British Legion 20Gnosall Parish Council 21Macmillan Cancer Support 21Project Gnosall 22Local Trade Directory 23/43Gnosall Photographers 44

USEFUL FACTS & NUMBERS

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POLICE(non emergency) 101

ROADS, PAVEMENTS AND STREETLIGHTING ISSUESreport online at: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/reportit

STREETSCENE(litter and dog mess) 01785 619401

GNOSALL SURGERY01785 822220

GNOSALL PHARMACY01785 822228

GROSVENOR CENTRE01785 822685

GNOSALL VILLAGE HALL01785 823303 (L Malone)

GNOSALL & DISTRICT VOLUNTARYCAR SCHEME

Co-ordinator: Jenny Hodkinson Contact 01785 823425 Mobile 07583 390363 only between 9am-5:00pm

VET - SHIRES VETERINARY PRACTICE01785 823713or emergency only Eccleshall 850218

PEST CONTROL - STAFFORDBOROUGH COUNCIL01785 619000

STAFFORD RECYCLING CENTRE

St Alban’s Road - Opening Times Every Day 9am to 5pm (Except over the Christmas Period)Close: Christmas Day, Boxing Day,New Years Day

EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Police:Telephone 999 in emergency where there is a danger to life or a crime is in progress.Telephone 101 for non - emergencies where police attendance is required, to report any other incidents. Calls to 101 have a fixed cost of 15p per call.

• Fire & Rescue Service: 0300 330 1000• Ambulance HQ: 01785 253521• Electricity: 0800 6783105 or 105• Water: 0800 7834444• Gas: 0800 111999

HOSPITALS

• County Hospital ( Stafford ): 01785 257731

• Cannock Chase: 01543 572757• St George’s: 01785 257888• University Hospital of North Staffordshire: 01785 715444

Battle Of Waterloo(Page 11)

First Responders(Page 17)

GTR(Page 19)

RBL(Page 20)

Contributions for the GPN must be received by the 15th of each month by 5pm for inclusion in thenext edition, please send details to the Editor.

Editor - Joyce Rowe Tel: 822579 email: newseditor@gnosallparishnews.com Design & Print Production - Keith Kinsella Tel: 0772 512 6333Subscriptions - Bob Colman Tel: 01785 823955 or email: subscriptions@gnosallparishnews.comDistribution - Bob Colman, Holly House, The Rank. Tel: 823955. email: distribution@gnosallparishnews.comAdvertisements - Olive Wakefield email: adseditor@gnosallparishnews.comWebsite - Bob Alker - www.gnosallparishnews.comTreasurer - Pat Tweed. Tel: 822523Chairman - Keith Abbott. email: chair@gnosallparishnews.com

Gnosall Parish News do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors to this publication and do not accept any responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matterof this publication. All advertisements are included in good faith and Gnosall Parish News cannottherefore accept any responsibility for services offered by advertisers.

• Gnosall Writers every first Thursday of the month, 7:00pm, at the Library.

• Gnosall Memorial Village Hall Committee Meeting - 3rd Tuesday of the month. Contact Mags Yeo on 01785 822862

• Newport Chess Club every Thursday at 7.30pm at the Royal British Legion Audley Road Newport, call Daniel on 01785 82332

• Gnosall Lions if anyone interested in joining us please Phone Pat on 01785 780032 for more details as the meeting arrangements have changed

• Gnosall Handbell Ringers Grosvenor Centre Tuesdays 8.00 - 10.00 p.m. Contact 822592

• Gnosall Bowling, Gnosall Village Hall Monday 2.00pm - 4.00pm, Thursday 2.00pm - 4.00pmPLease note there is no longer any evening session

• Bingo Friday 7.30pm at Village Hall• Bridge at the Grosvenor Wednesday 7.20pm contact Pat & John on 824203,

• Phoenix at Grosvenor Friday 10am -12noon• Gnosall Players, 7.45pm Tuesdays at the Youth Club Cabin, Grosvenor Centre.

• Healthy Walking Group Wednesday & Sunday 10.30am

• Military Whist, Grosvenor Centre 7.30pm Wednesday Starts at 7.45pm Contact Hilda 824984

• U3A Newport. Meetings, third Tuesday the Royal British Legion Club, Audley Road, Newport.

• Gnosall Painting Group Friday afternoons 1.30pm – 3.30pm at the Methodist Church. Contact Carol Perry tel.824917

• Gnosall Toddler group Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30 School Room in the Methodist Church Contact 07816 100 068

• Church Bell Ringers Practice Friday evenings 7.30-9pm at St. Lawrence & ring at 9.45am most Sundays. Contact Phil on 07913 757512

• Gnosall Jambusters WI 1st Wednesday GMVH 7.30pm

• Gnosall Grosvenor Youth Club – GG’s Youth Club Wednesday Evenings 6 -7.30pm for Children in School Years 4, 5 & 6 and 7.45 - 9.15pm for Children in School Years 7, 8 & 9. The Youth Club Building located behind the Grosvenor Centre, contact Jordan on 07715 392345.

• Royal British Legion Gnosall Memorial Village Hall 1st Tuesday in month

• Gnosall Art Class, Gnosall Grosvenor Centre, Thursday 7 pm – 9 pm

• Bradley Mixed Media Art Class, Bradley Village Hall, Mondays 10 am – 12 noon. Contact: Debbie Chatfield, 01785 781075 or 07727216523; debs@ debbiechatfield.co.uk

• Newport Photographic Club ,Tuesdays, 7.39pm.The Weston Building at Harper Adams University, Caynton Road, Edgmond.Information at www.newportphotoclub.com

• Friday night youth groups Gnosall Methodist Church. The junior club 6.15-7.45pm. The senior club is for young people in years 9, 10 and 11 and doors open 8-9.30pm

• Gnosall Community Library: Monday 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Tuesday 10:00 am - 12:30 pm, Wednesday 3:00 - 7:00 pm, Thursday 2 - 4pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 12:30 pm phone No. 01785 895750

• Gnosall Singers Wednesdays 10.30 to 12.30 Methodist Hall. Contact Anne Robotham, 01785 822423

• Gnosall Over 55s Friendship Group 2nd Wednesday 2.00 - 3.30pm Community Rooms Impstones.Tel: 0800 111 4554

• Gnosall Scouts : Beavers Thursdays 5.30-6.30; Cubs Thursdays 7.00-8.30; Scouts Tuesdays 7.30 – 9.00; Pegasus Explorers Fridays 7.30-9.00pm. Email:lesley_worsley@hotmail.com

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VILLAGE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

“Dashing through the snow

In a six-horse open sleigh,

O'er Doley Brook we go,

Laughing all the way.

Gnosall church bells ring,

Making spirits bright.

What fun it is to ride and sing

A sleighing song tonight, oh!”

(Santa, socially distanced of course)

Cover Story - Santa Claus......DECEMBER DIARY DATES

1st WI Bhangra Blaze Bollywood dance3rd Phoenix Club Morning5th Walking for Health Derrington Village

Hall 10.307th RBL Branch meeting at the Navigation Inn

7.30pm10th Phoenix “The Work of the Samaritans”

Talk by Alan Alecock11th & 12th Christmas Tree Festival St Peter’s

Church Norbury 10am-4pm15th Walking for Health Wharf Rd Shops 10.3017th Phoenix Club Christmas Party with

Entertainment18th RBL Breakfast club at Greens T31st Phoenix Special Club Morning –

New Year’s Eve

Book ReviewSarah Raven’s Complete Christmas Food and FlowersPublisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2008

There’s something special about looking at cookery books and Christmas festiveideas in the run up to Christmas. Although many of us usually stick to thetrusted Christmas cake and mince pie recipes as we rush about the week beforeChristmas.

This book was published 2008 and so is one that sits on my bookshelf all year.However, as a change from the usual book reviews I thought I would share thisbook as a little escapism into the Christmas festivities.

Hopefully we can have a Christmas where families and friends can get togetheragain this year, this book offers ideas for big or small festive gatherings.

There are suggestions in the book for the build up to Christmas, edible presents,festive meals, party nibbles and ideas for how to use leftovers. There are ideasfor flower displays and decorations. There are drink recipes and delicious puddings. I particularly like the recipe foriced berries with hot white chocolate sauce! There are lots of food recipes

suitable for meat eaters and vegetarians alikethat can be used all year round. There are a selection of ideas for flower arrangements andwreaths.

What makes this book a delight for me is thelovely photographs by Jonathan Buckley, sometimes it is nice to just look at pictures!

If you do get chance to look at this book you cantake from it whatever you wish.

Do you have a favourite book you would like toshare? We would love to hear from you.

Alison Overton

Happy Christmas from the GPN

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The Countryside Code: Advice for countryside visitors

Recently updated on 01/04/2021, an unfortunate date toshare important information (you might think).

The Old Railway Line runs from Doxey in Stafford to Newport in Shropshire passing through our lovely village ofGnosall. There is a lot to see on the line from wildlife to floraand fauna.

As a frequent walker of the old railway line in Gnosall I havenoticed that an increasing amount of cyclists are using theline too.

However, I have also noticed that they are showing little respect for the walker as the expectation is that the walker

will stand to one side and let them pass. Again, this is fine but does the cyclist slow down. Not in my experience, of late.

I have recently read the updated version of the Country Side Code on line and it makes for interesting reading.

One section titled ‘Be nice, say hello, share the space’ made me chuckle. To quote, this section it reads

‘When you’re spending time outdoors you could come across other users and animals. Slow down orstop for horses, walkers and livestock when driving or cycling. Always give them plenty of room.

Cyclists must give way to walkers and horse riders on bridleways.

Cyclists and horse riders should respect walkers’ safety, but walkers should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.’

This path is used by a wide section of our community from dog walkers, young and not so young, deaf or hardof hearing, visually impaired, cyclists, horse riders and walkers of all ages.

Cyclists could have a bell (this is not a legal requirement) on their bicycles to warn of their approach, SLOWDOWN to give other users an opportunity to stand to the side and everyone be nice to each other as we allshare the same space and want to enjoy using it.

Courtesy and Consideration is a 2-way street or in this case a railway line.

Happy walking, running, cycling, horse riding on our railway line. Enjoy your visit, have fun and make a memory.

By Olive Wakefield

To GnosallFamily &

Friends

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Elizabeth Gledhill

Devoted wife and mother of five, Elizabeth died peacefully at home on November 2nd. Elizabeth, who lived inthe village for the past 50 years, was wellknown for her piano playing, which shethoroughly enjoyed.

Thanks to the GP surgery, the DN’s andthe Care team who supported the familywith Elizabeth during her final year. We are most grateful.

Thank you for all the cards and sympathymessages Geoff and the family have received.

Elizabeth will be sadly missed by all.

Guitar Concert

A big thank you to everyone who sup-ported the Guitar Recital in St LawrenceChurch on Saturday 23rd October. 80people turned up to enjoy William (Bill)Hudd’s exciting and inspirational performance, which took us on a journeythrough time featuring legendary composers and his own beautiful compositions. Nearly £700 was raised andthis has been divided between theChurch, Macmillan Cancer Support andKatharine House Hospice - with BarclaysBank kindly doubling the amount thatwas given to Katharine House. With somuch positive feedback on the night andafterwards, we hope to organise anotherconcert with Bill next year.Very Best Wishes,

Celia Payne and Bob Winfield

Best Kept Village

We were hoping to have planted a further 25 trees on the village green thisautumn. The trees have all been sponsored and sponsors are beginning toask when their trees are going to beplanted. Johnsons Nurseries, who sourceour trees, have told us that because ofthe very mild weather, trees have yet tobe dug from the ground. Apparentlysome cold and frosty days are needed before this can happen. A further problem is the demand for trees is veryhigh, resulting in a nationwide shortageof native species. We apologise to villagers who have sponsored trees andwe can assure them that we are ready toplant as soon as our trees arrive! Thesponsor plaques and posts have all beenmade.

Dave Clarke Gnosall BKV

Gnosall Parish News Subscriptions

This issue of the G.P.N. is the last on yourcurrent subscription. Distributors will becollecting your 2022 subscription, £6 forthe year, when they deliver the Januaryissue after Christmas. Please have themoney ready for them.If you are not already a subscriber andwish to have the magazine delivered (in Gnosall) every month, please contactus by email at subscriptions@gnosallparishnews.com or phone on 01785 823955.We aim to deliver the magazine by thestart of the month where possible;however the January issue will go to theprinters over the Christmas holiday periodand may be a little late.

GPN Team

Newport Inner Wheel 4C’S

(coffee, choc, cuppa, cake) Coffee Morning Friday 14th January at St. Peter’s& St Paul’s Catholic Church Newport TF107LB 10am - 12 noon Admission £5

Free parking and disabled access.

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Christmas services in church are always very special occasions. We welcome you to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ."Look, thevirgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means, God is with us."With our prayers and season’s greetings, Revd Alison Hudson and all at St Lawrence Church.

Services in December

Sunday 5th 7.45 am Holy Communion in Church 10.00 am Benefice Worship on Zoom 4.30 pm Advent Carols & Candles in Church

Sunday 12th 7.45 am Holy Communion in Church10.30 am Holy Communion in Church

Sunday 19th 7.45 am Holy Communion in Church 11.00 am Holy Communion for the Benefice at Moreton 6.30 pm Carol Service in Church

We hold services of Night Prayer on Monday – Friday evenings at 9.30 pm via zoom, and also Morning Prayer each Tuesday at 9.30 am.Everyone is welcome: please get in touch if would like to join us via your laptop, tablet, smartphone or even your landline.

Rector: Rev Alison Hudson - 01785 822820 rectorstaffsborder@gmail.com (Day off Thursday)

Associate Minister: Rev Cathy Dakin - 07971 101259 cathydakin@waitrose.com

For all enquiries, including those regarding funerals, weddings & baptisms, please contact the church officeusing the telephone number or email address below:

churchofficegnosall@gmail.comtel: 01785 822820

CHURCH WEBSITE www. gnosallparish.org.ukwww.facebook.com/GnosallParish

St. Lawrence Church Gnosall

Part of the Benefice of the Staffordshire Border Group of Churches.

Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Crib Service in the Churchyard11.15 pm Christmas Communion

Christmas Day 10.00 am Benefice Worship on Zoom11.00 am Holy Communion for the Benefice at Norbury

Sunday 26th 7.45 am Holy Communion in Church

St. Lawrence 100 Club winners for November are:

Robert Ellis, Stuart Richardson, Margaret Winfield and Avril Dale.

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Our grandson has recently been sitting his mock GCSEs. This entailed giving up his half term to serious revision. No football,no swimming, no cycling trips with his mates. His mum kept holdof his mobile phone during the day. Revision and preparation forwhat lay ahead was the order of the day. One of our granddaughters has A level mocks right now. Again, revision andpreparation have dominated her family life, with a sharp focus onthe importance of what is to come.

This is the season of Advent when Christian communities preparefor Christmas. Advent gives us four weeks of revision and preparation for what is to come; that sharp focus on the significance of the incarnation, of the birth of Jesus. As Christianswe wait in expectation for the great celebration. We know thatwaiting is part of life and that there is no life without it. All of uswaited to be born; for nine months, for our parents there was anexpectation of joy to come. We waited to be nourished, waited tobe loved, waited to achieve aims and ambitions.

We learned soon enough that the fullness of life is not available to us like instant coffee. There is always more to life andto people than we can ever manage to absorb at any one time. So, we have to wait; to wait to think and to learn fromthat experience. Like the Old Testament prophets, we wait in confidence, strengthened by the promise that God will come:that his promise would be kept however long it takes.

For Christians, Advent is the time when we are reminded that we have to wait for God. Our waiting for God is in itself aprayer. We cannot grasp God; we cannot see God; we can only wait for God to let himself be known. Our patience helpsus to recognise what we need to revise and improve in our own lives. Christians recognise God in the person of Jesus.Thus, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God has made himself known to us.

So, each year the advent, the coming of the Lord inspires us to revise our lives and focus on sharing God’s love for us withothers. In one of the Gospel readings during Advent the evangelist, Matthew describes John the Baptist proclaiming thismessage in the desert of Judea. ‘Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ Matthew tells his readers that thiswas the man spoken of by the prophet, Isaiah when he said: “A voice of one that cries in the desert, ‘Prepare a way forthe Lord, make his path straight.’” That call is addressed to us. We hear it especially during the time of Advent when, as acommunity, we are called to a change of heart. That challenge is addressed to each of us without exception.

As our grandchildren’s mock results will indicate there will be areas of their studies that need improvement, a sharperfocus. For all of us, we are probably aware of areas in our own lives that need to be changed and to be touched by thehealing power of forgiveness.So, the four weeks of Advent are our mock exams, helping us to focus on the importance of what is to come. Properlyprepared we can then truly enjoy Christmas in more ways than one.As the Aramaic of the scriptures says: “Maranatha.” “Come Lord.”

By Rupert Lister

Our grandson ..........

Gnosall & Newport Lions ....Why not start the New Year doingsomething to help others in the community?

We are a busy club and need lots more members to help us achieve new ideas andtry to raise money to help people in the community in many different ways. WithCovid we have been unable to organize events like we used to in the Gnosall andNewport area. Looking forward we hope to be back to normal as much as we canbe and start doing events again. We are a happy Club, and we have our monthly meetings (at the moment in The Bridge, Newport until we areable to go back to Gnosall fire Station for our meetings again.) We also try and meet up socially too but it is notcompulsory!! Look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Please give us a ring and we can give you more information about us. Pat on 01785 780032 or John on 01952 273019

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year

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Remembering Nicole TomkinsonAs a Chapel fellowship we are mourning the death of Nicole Tomkinson. Nicole has been an active and vibrant member until three

years ago when Michael was taken ill. Following his death and suffering bouts of illness herself, Nicole moved into retirementaccommodation in Stafford to be nearer her family. Nicole had left France as a young nurse and made her home in Staffordand later Gnosall. Many people will remember her as the owner/matron at Rowley House Nursing Home, where the care elderlypeople received was second to none.She was very proud of her French-and particularly Breton- heritage and her crepes at Chapel events were always a highlight.Nicole loved to sing and had been an enthusiastic member of Gnosall Singers and also of our occasional Chapel Choir. She regularly led spontaneous singing at our annual Chapel Christmas meal, which always followed with a short speech inFrench! Most of all we will miss Nicole’s caring and outgoing love for others, but we give thanks for having known her and thecontribution she made to Chapel life. We all send our love and prayers to Jaqui, Richard and all the family. Sally

Remembering Elizabeth GledhillIt is with great sadness that on the 2nd November we lost a great friend in Elizabeth Gledhill. She passed away very peacefullyat home after being lovingly cared for by her family. We had been friends for fifty years and have many memories of the thingswe have done together.We met at the Chapel which has been a great part of her life. She was a wonderful pianist and loved her music, playing forservices, concerts etc. and giving her time to help whenever she could. She played for Gnosall Singers and they have had greatdifficulty replacing her. She was very outgoing and would always welcome visitors to events and had a circle of friends shewould contact every day with news or just playing something on the piano, often a hymn tune. She had a very strong faith andis now at peace with her Lord.She had been married to Geoff for sixty-one years and our thoughts are with him now and their children Mary, Janet, Tim,Simon and Richard and their families. Joan

What will December Bring?One thing we can be sure of is the celebration of Christmas. For some Christmas is just gifts, parties food and drink. For othersit can be the loneliness of being on your own or even homelessness with nothing to celebrate. For Christians it is the celebration of Christ being born into our world 2,000 years ago. Immanuel ‘God with us’, bringing a message of Hope andLove for all who will accept God’s Gift. But it doesn’t stop there, it’s reaching out to others, showing God’s love to all thosearound us, family friends and even strangers. Just one small act of kindness can mean so much to someone and can show whatChristmas is really all about.

GnosallMethodist Church

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sunday 5th December 10.30am Ian Mason (2nd in Advent) Sunday 12th December 10.30am Circuit Zoom Live (3rd in Advent)Sunday 19th December 10.30am Jean Harrison (4th in Advent)Friday 24th December 9pm Rev. Jimi Kaci (Service with Holy Communion)Saturday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Day Service (Local Arrangement)

“Welcoming All To Grow in Christian Faith and Love”

When we return to normal the following will apply.Crèche facilities and Junior Class (4 years upwards) at morning service.

Bookings: Mrs Joan Jobling 01785 822592.Friday: 6.15 – 8pm Junior youth club

Contact for Minister through Circuit Office Tel. 01785 229973

A Christmas Poem (No Room)No room in the inn for the Saviour only a cattle shed.No comfy crib for the Christ Child, only hay to lay His head.

But loving parents surround Him , Wise men come from afar,Shepherds tending their precious flocks, all follow the guiding star.

How wonderfully important This Special Babe must be,That everyone should know Him, We all must come and see.

He came, to bring new life for all, who give their hearts toHim To guide us and to lead us, to set us free from sin.

So as we celebrate His Birth and all the church bells ring,May we share the Peace and Love of knowing Christ theKing.

A Prayer (from the Methodist Prayer Handbook2020/2021)Loving God, thank you that in your love, forgivenessand compassion you did not abandon all that youhave made but came amongst us in your Son, JesusChrist, to heal, guide and transform. May your life andlove truly inform and shape all our hearts and mindsfor the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.For those who struggle, may there be comfort and release; for those who would bring relief, may therebe wisdom and strength; and for those who lead andfor us all, may eyes and minds, hearts and hands beopen to see, love and respond, as You See, Love andRespond, for the sake and love of all. AmenJames Tebbutt, Cumbria District Chair

The Club meets on Fridaymornings in the GrosvenorCentre from 10 a.m. to 12

noon. We offer a wide rangeof activities, speakers, walks

and outings. Everyone over theage of 50 is eligible to join. So why not come along oneFriday when you will be

assured of a warm and friendlywelcome. Even if Friday

mornings are difficult, youcould still join the Club andtake part in some of the

activities.

Fri 3rd DecemberClub Morning

Mon 6th DecemberBoard Games in The Brearley

Room 2pm to 4pm

Wed 8th DecemberBook Reading Group in theBrearley Room 10:15am to

12:15 pm

Thurs 9th DecemberLocal Walk round Gnosall,

3.4 miles

Fri 10th December“The Work of the Samaritans”

Talk by Alan Alecock

Mon 13th DecemberTable Tennis in the Main Hall

2pm to 4pm

Tues 14th DecemberSkittles at the Royal Oak, 7pm

Fri 17th DecemberClub Christmas Party with

Entertainment

Fri 24th DecemberNO CLUB MORNING

Fri 31st DecemberSpecial Club Morning

New Year’s Eve

Parish Priest : Canon Michael Neylon St Austin’s, 82 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford ST17 4AW. Tel: 01785 223553 email: staustins_rc@btinternet.com Parish Website: www.saintaustins.org.uk

As we settle into our routine of meetings each Friday, we have enjoyed 3 talks recently, 2 from our ownclub members.

Bob Cumings has brought his specialist historical knowledge to us before, this time speaking to us on ‘TheStuart Legacy’. He traced the history of this Royal House from 1603 to 1745 reminding us of several significant Stuart influences through our history namely The King James Bible, Bonfire Night, the Civil Warand The Merry Monarch King Charles 2nd with apparently 11 illegitimate children. The suggestion wasmade that some of today’s landed aristocracy can trace descent from Charles 2nd! Protestant andCatholic challenges continued within this period and within this period William and Mary came to thethrone with Irish history including the battle of the Boyne. This still today links with Orange parades and divisive influences.

Bill Basford, our chairman presented a talk ‘Two Unknown grandfathers’- two ordinary men. He traced hisgrandfather’s time within WW1 from being a key munitions worker, St John’s Ambulance leader to his callup into the Royal Flying Corps. As an Air Mechanic based on the top of Dover Cliffs, life may have seemedsecure until he was killed when a trainee pilot landed on his tent. Influences on the family and placementof 2 out of 4 boys in the National Children’s Home were outlined.

Bill’s wife Bridget’s grandfather was working in insurance near Aachen in Germany and thus found himselfinterned in November 1914. He was sent to a hastily converted trotting racecourse near Berlin where 4000other British men were placed, some 200 to a hayloft. Gradually it was possible for the camp to encourageall forms of learning and hobbies, but a significant venture was the creation of gardens, these even becoming affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society with flowers and vegetables sent back to England forthe support of relatives, all while the Western Front was raging.

David Mills from the Walsall Leather Museum came on another Friday to speak to us. He described the initial development of the leather industry in Walsall from ironwork for horses’ tack to a large whole industry supplying leather products across the world. This was originally to supply many military uses,horses mainly being the motive power to the development of bags, cases and currently high end luxuryitems. He indicated that some goods were labelled Walsall, London, England! He outlined the many skillslinked to all forms of leather work and confirmed that several leather working outlets still are doing well inWalsall today.

It is hoped that Phoenix may organise a trip to the Leather Museum once again to follow the storythrough.

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Daily Masses at St Austin’s in Stafford are now open to the public. If you are attending daily Massesthere may not be a steward at the door, but please remember that Track and Trace is still needed, so pleasesign in using the NHS App or by writing your name and contact number on a piece of paper and placing itin the box. This new Mass schedule will be reviewed at the end of the month.

Live Stream Changes: Masses during the week will no longer be livestreamed unless they are a RequiemMass and the family have requested it. The 11.00am Sunday Mass will continue to be livestreamed, but thiswill not be uploaded and thus not available for later watching.

Blessing of Graves: As it has not been possible to gather for the Annual Blessing of Graves service on Remembrance Sunday since the pandemic started and because of uncertainty this year, it was decided tooffer something which other parishes have done. So, arrangements were made to bless holy water, candles, and a prayer card, which were made available in small packs for families to take home with the intention of using them to bless their loved ones grave themselves. It is hoped that next year it will be possible to return to the usual gathering at Stafford and Gnosall cemeteries which is a great witness to ourfaith and a comfort to our departed loved ones.

In the Advent season, the prophet Isaiah calls us to ‘prepare a way for the Lord,’ but with the busynessof our daily lives, this can often be difficult and before we know it, Advent has gone, and Christmas isupon us. This Advent parishioners are invited to be part of two events happening in our local parisheswhich will enable us all to make time and space in the season and truly prepare ourselves for Christmas.BELONG & BELIEVE is a CaFE Film Resource which looks at how our Celtic past and can help us today andprovides simple ways of refreshing communities and renewing our mission. The BELONG & BELIEVE willtake place on three consecutive Wednesday evenings at St Anne’s Parish Hall starting at 7.30pm onWednesday 1st December. Tea and coffee is available from 7.00pm.

Local Notices: Ecumenical Services: During Advent the Catholic Community of Gnosall is hosting anEvensong/Vespers Service to be held in St. Lawrence Church on Sunday Evening 12th December 2021, at6.30pm. Rupert Lister has kindly offered to prepare the service on our behalf, and he will be joined, asusual, by our own music group. It would be nice to see as many people as possible at this event which isalso a recognition of the close relationship we have with the local Christian Communities. All would bemost welcome to attend. We appreciate the kindness of Reverend Alison; the PCC and Church Wardensfor inviting us to share this service in St. Lawrence Church with members of the Anglican and MethodistCommunities.

Gnosall Phoenix Club Diary

By Lynda Ludgate and Bill Basford.

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FLASH FICTION: AmazingHis feet were still hurting. It had been a long time since he had walked so far. Five miles at a guess.He sat on the bench overlooking the river. Penniless, alone and feeling wretched, his girlfriend dumping him three daysbefore Christmas was the last straw and now his car, empty of fuel, lay six miles from his apartment. He looked at the riverwith dark intent.

“Hi mister do you want a ride?” said a far-off voice. His eyes focused on a van. The driver was waving him to get in.“You looked lost back there.” He had taken the offer of the last mile, grateful of a lift. “Long story.” He replied.“I’m Alan Cassuts, do you need a job? I only ask because you would have hailed a taxi if you had the money.”He looked at the man, not knowing whether to be insulted or grateful for this second offer. “Yeah, well I could do withone, I’m broke.”

“Thought so; listen you would be doing me a big favour by helping me out. I had this great idea of Christmas wrappingpurchases from an online store, but it has become more successful than I imagined. Now I’ve got too much work for me todo by myself, so I need someone to help”“Sure, I’ll help,” he said; it was a godsend for him.

When they got to the warehouse where the parcels were kept, he had second thoughts. The warehouse was filled withboxes of all shapes and sizes. “Wow, are you saying you need all these wrapped and delivered before Christmas?”“Yes… I know it looks like an impossible task for two people but I think it is doable, so things are looking up now I haveyou,” he said and smiled, “come on, it’s a challenge, but I think we can make it.” The next couple of days, he workedrelentlessly, twenty hours each day, while Alan came in and out taking the finished wrapped parcels to their destination.He never rested except to stop a few minutes for food and drink. When he did sleep, it was on a small bed in the tinyoffice within the building. His life beyond these walls was empty and he knew he only had these few days as a respitefrom it. On the last day he increased his output to such an extent he could see the mound of parcels visibly shrinking asthe day went on until around eleven o’clock on Christmas Eve, he wrapped the last one. He was so tired he got into hissmall bed and fell asleep. He awoke on Christmas morning, thinking that Alan would be around but instead he found anote alongside three wrapped parcels.

Sorry to leave you before you woke but my job is finished here. The parcels I left did not fit in the van so would youplease deliver them yourself. The address is within walking distance so I hope it is not too much trouble.Thanks for all you have done and Merry Christmas.

He looked at the parcels for a moment before realising, “He hasn’t paid me! He shouted, “I’ve done all this and I’m brokeon Christmas day!” His hands shook and a tear fell down his cheek.

Later, he washed his face, picked up the parcels and trudged to the address. “What will I do after delivering?” he askedhimself but had no clue. “I would go for a drink and drown my sorrows but I have no money so that is out of thequestion.”

He knocked on the door at the address given. He noticed the owner had the same type and colour of car as his and therewas a pang of remorse that his car was still so far away. When the door opened, to his surprise, he was staring at hismother! “What are you doing here? Have you moved without telling me!” She ushered him into the hallway and warmth.“What are you talking about dear, this is your house.”“My house?”“Yes, isn’t it? A man came to our house, left the keysand a plane ticket, and said it was from you. He said it was our Christmas present from you.” “I didn’t send it… who wasit?” “He said his name was Alan something…Strange name… Alan Cassuts.” “He said you had inherited the house fromyour uncle, my brother. I knew he always liked you, remember him, he died last month?” “Yes, yes, but he gave it to me?”“Surely you must know otherwise who would have told that man… and you are here?” “I had no idea!” They walked tothe living room to be met by his father and... his ex-girlfriend. “Hi sorry I don’t know what came over me. I do still loveyou but you are so annoying when you are down.” She said, coming to him and giving him a kiss. “How did you gethere... I’m glad you did?” “Funny, that Alan also called on me and gave me this.” She handed me my lost wallet. “He saidhe found it on the path outside my house.” “When I looked inside, I knew it was yours but the address on a card gave methis address, so I hoped I would find you here but instead, met your parents.” He was overwhelmed by all of it. “Oh, Ifound your car, soi I put some petrol in and brought it here.” “it’s my car in the drive!” “Strangely, this Alan Cussats… I’vebeen working for him these last couple of days…“Just a minute!” his girlfriend interrupted. “You do realise that his nameis an anagram of Santa Claus!” They all fell silent, until his mother broke it with an announcement that Christmas dinnerwas about to be served. All chuckled as they went into the dining room.

Robert G. Alker

Gnosall Writers are always looking for would-be creative writers. We meet 1st Thursday of every month, 7:00pm(our next meeting will be 2nd December at Gnosall Library). Email: gnosall.writer@gleanhub.org for more informationMeanwhile, here is a Christmassy story for you.

11

William GriffithsWilliam was born in Newport in 1791 and lived in Outwoods for much of his life.

He could not read or write and at the age of 13 joined the Coldstream Regiment of Foot Guards (1804) signing the form with an “x”. He later fought in the Battle of Waterloo as a foot soldier in 1815 survivingthe battle and returning home. He was discharged from the Guards 3 years later having served 15 years 111days and he returned to the area working as a farm labourer and living in Outwoods. In his later years hemoved to Islington Cottages, Forton where he died at the age of 76 in the year 1867.

His married daughter, Jane Elizabeth Forrester, was present at his death and arranged for him to be buried atSt. Mary’s Church, Moreton. His details are confirmed in St Mary’s Church Moreton burial book but no headstone can be found.

On Saturday 16th October we welcomed the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Tony Morris-Eyton to St Mary’Church Moreton. A short service was held, led by our Rector Rev Alison Hudson.

Shropshire War Memorial Association alerted us to the fact that William is buried in our graveyard. As thereis no headstone the Association wanted to recognise his contribution to his country by providing a memorialstone in his honour. Two local forces members joined the event namely Sergeant Abigail Grundy RAF and Sub Lieutenant NickLane Royal Navy. Also, two of William’s family descendants from Gnosall and Stafford were present, whowere extremely proud of their ancestor’s exploits. The Last Post was played by Lance Corporal Alec Brownfrom Adams Grammar School Cadet Force. It was a dignified celebration for a local unsung hero.

Malcolm Price

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This time I am not going to talk about how to manage, protect, or anything else todo with your actual computer. I am going to talk about how you can use yourcomputer.

Most people own, buy or bother to look at a computer for one thing only. Youmight subsequently use it for other things. e.g., this last couple of years who hasnot used or tried to use Zoom?

Some use it only for sending and receiving emails for either work, for a group or similar, but it is a sheer waste of allthat power on your desktop, laptop or tablet just to use it for one thing. Ok, perhaps you also use it for the internetto order food, book a restaurant or buying something from Amazon, eBay etc but the power of your computer is far(1,000,000x) more than the computer that took humans to the Moon, so why don’t you use it for more?

Over the next couple of issues of ‘Ask the Old Geek’, I will attempt to list the types of use you can put yourcomputer to and what software you can use starting with the following: -

Photography:

Whether you want to be the next David Bailey(who?) or not, it’s one of the biggest use of computers. This may bejust to store photos instead of a family album (backup!) or you may want to edit them, fix the bits you missed whenyou took them. If you want to spend lots of money as you do this all the time, you could invest in AdobePhotoshop, but it would set you back over £120 p.a. for just the app or the full-blown thing with lightroom etc is aneyewatering £600 p.a. (yes, Per Annum!). However, there is a much cheaper option in Adobe Photoshop Elementsfor a one-off £100, and it’s just as good for most people. There are other software options such as Coral PaintshopPro (£70) which is as equally good as the latter. However, if you merely want to crop or adjust the colour, myfavourite is from Office 2007, no longer in the suite but you can download Picture Manager for free athttps://microsoft-office-picture-manager.apponic.com/ There are many other online editors but usually full of adsunless you buy a licence (usually a p.a. licence again).

Music:

If you are creating music perhaps you are better off if you have a Mac as it has a brilliant music app that most popgroups use to record and edit their tracks. Windows users, however, can download NCH Wavepad software thatdoes a decent job.

If you just want to listen to your music or want to store all your CDs (assuming you have not sold out and gone tostreaming music… why pay a monthly charge for music you’ve already got but hey ho… progress). The Latter NCHsuite has a ripper but your old (but not so friendly these days) iTunes does the job ok as well. Then you can have allyour Music in one place and protect those CDs from the inevitable scratches!.... why is it that however careful youare with your CDs (and same goes for DVDs) they end up with marks and scratches or is it just me!

Art:

If you like drawing, you don’t need to download any software as Windows Paint does as good a job as any. Youmay want to buy a drawing pad rather than using a mouse. There are plenty of USB drawing pads below £100 or ifyou already have a tablet or touchscreen then just buy a stylus instead of using those thick fingers.

Hint:

Ok that’s enough for now but I’ll finish as normal with a hint about Windows apps. Just one. Did you know that youcan record anything that appears on your computer screen? (Assuming a reasonably new computer/laptop), bypressing the Windows Key and ‘g’ key you will bring up the Xbox games screen recorder, and with it you can recordnot just games but things such as training videos or even yourself if you have a webcam. Become a YouTube star ifyou want!

Bye for now.

Ask The Old Geekwww.gnosallparishnews.com/geek

Tristan’s Story:

My running story was very stop start until 2019 when I decided to enter the Gnosall 10kevent.

I’d gotten pretty fit over the previous few years and wanted to do something about it. I felt that if I entered anevent of some sort, I’d have to put in the training which would naturally improve my fitness.

I’ve got to be honest and say that it wasn’t easy for me. I’m not a natural runner and I’m pretty flat footed sowhen I first started every step was a challenge.

I was struggling to run a mile and some days I’d set out it do 5k and abandon along the way. Eventuallythough, with a bit of perseverance I got to the point where I could run 5k.

Then I could run 5k and feel comfortable while doing it which was a major turning point for me where runningbecame something I enjoyed and actually looked forward to.

I eventually progressed to being able to run 10k and completed my goal of running the Gnosall 10k in 2019.

The route is a really good off road one taking in the great local scenery we have around the village. In 2019the event took place in torrential conditions which actually ended up making it really memorable and fun.

After this I realised there was quite a large and friendly running community in the village so I continued runningin various events and with various people including Bob’s bootcamp early on a Saturday morning and eventuallyjoined Gnosall Globetrotters.

I’ve now progressed in distance to being able to run a half marathon and beyond reasonably comfortably andwas entered into this year’s London marathon but unfortunately had to defer my entry to 2022 due to injury.

Looking forward to next year I’ve got Stafford Half in the diary along with London again so fingers crossed, I’llget through all of them this time and my running journey will continue.

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This will be our last Newsletter of the year, what a year it’s been We really do not know where tostart. One thing is for sure the WI has tried to keep everyone active, I hope you all agree we havehad a very interesting array of speakers and activities to suit most of our members. Equally 2022 islooking good with a full calendar, but still spaces left for anyone with suggestions. Just let us know,an events program will be published as soon as we can.

By the time you read this the new Coop with be open in the village along with the petrol stationwhich has been missed by all, the times I have nearly run out of fuel!!! it will a great relief to knowit’s in operation.

On to our very interesting speaker for November. Lola Lamour Her Life As A Maid For Patrick Lichfield , working there for 14 years she met lots of rich and famous people who attended themany shooting and hunting parties regularly held there, King of Greece, Princess Anne, Brit Eklandto name a few. Her favourite guests were Jackie Stewart and Nigel Havers the two men formed avery close connection with Lola's car a very old Ford Anglia they took great interest in the old vehicle. Patrick Lichfield was a very gentle and quiet man who took an interest in his staff and cared

about their happiness and welfare. Everyone was presented with a personal gift at Christmas, he welcomed everyone into his family. We have all watched Downton Abbey it was the same experience. The kitchen being the hub of running a country house Betty theCook produced fabulous meals and buffets throughout the day and picnics for the shooting parties. Lola had many duties includingserving meals, running upstairs to attend to the quests bedrooms all this done between each course of the meal, she enjoyed helpingBetty in the kitchen preparing veg and singing together, one of the best times of her life.

It all changed on the very sad loss of Lord Lichfield who suddenly passed away abroad, it could never remain the same. Lola decided topursue her singing career and left.

December 1st meeting is something very different Bhangra Blaze Bollywood dance, get your wiggle on and strut your stuff think I willleave that one there it will be a surprise.

A massive thank you to Phyllis Walton for your help in making and assembling the poppies for the Remembrance Day Display we havebeen overwhelmed by the response received from villagers and WI members, it is our way for paying respects to the men and womenof our Armed Forces who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts around the world. RIP.

Gnosall Jambusters WI Committee would like to send you greeting for Christmas and New year and welcome you all back in 2022WISHING YOU ALL A EVERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR . STAY SAFE BE HAPPY.

From Gnosall Jambusters Committee

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(Remembrance Day Display)

15

“Love And War”- How We Created Garden Birds

Our speaker this meeting was Kevin Reynolds who had come to talk to usabout garden birds. He has researched how the birds which naturally live onthe edge of woodlands have come into our gardens and our relationship with them.

Birds have lived alongside us from the time when we started planting seeds and growing crops. Sparrows fed on the seeds and lived in the thatched roofs of the houses. Their numbers grew andeventually they became seen as pests. To protect harvests, Queen Elizabeth 1 made it compulsory forpeople to kill creatures on the “vermin” list and this list included sparrows. Money was offered as areward. People caught sparrows by their thousands and cut off their heads. They took their heads intochurches and there received a penny per head.

In 19th century people moved from the countryside into towns and cities taking animals such ashorses with them. Sparrows and other birds followed on living on spilled grain and insects found inanimal dung. People living in towns and nostalgic for the countryside, caught birds, particularly songbirds such as goldfinches and kept them in cages.

There was a high level of animal cruelty at this time. Animals and birds were seen as lesser creaturesto humans and so practices such as bear baiting or badger baiting and even the beating of animalswas seen as acceptable. In 1822 Richard Martin, an Irish politician managed to get a new act throughparliament called the “Ill Treatment of Cattle Bill”. It was the first animal welfare act. A lot of peoplethought this was ridiculous and he was lampooned in the press. Despite this, the act made it possiblefor other animal welfare acts to be passed and slowly attitudes began to change. Two years later theRSPCA was formed.

In late Victorian times two groups came about to change children's attitude to the cruel treatment ofanimals. One was called the “Band of Mercy” where thousands of children pledged to be kind to animals and birds. The other was a newspaper column called the “Dickey Bird Society” where members pledged to provide food for birds in winter and discourage cruelty. This brought about a significant cultural change as thousands of children joined these groups and made the pledges.

The RSPB came about through two groups of women. One was the “Plumage League” and the otherwas the “Fun, Fur and Feather Folk”. Both these groups campaigned against women wearing exoticbird feathers in their hats. This fashion led to the destruction of thousands of ornamental plumagedbirds from countries such as India and Brazil. The groups amalgamated in 1891 to form the Society forthe Protection of Birds in London and it received its Royal Charter in 1904.

Attitudes to birds changed once again during the wars. Birds became the enemy once more as foodbecame short and they ate the produce grown for people. But after the Second World War there wasanother change as gardening for pleasure came about. Houses were built with gardens, front andback and for the first time gardens were seen as places where birds could be seen and protected.

Today our gardens can be places where wildlife and birds in particular are encouraged. We can feedand protect birds and enjoy watching them. We can all become conservationists.

Mary Cowell (Gardening Club Secretary)

November Gnossword Answers

GNOSSWORDAnsw

ers in next month’s publication

ACROSS

DOWN

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1. Free enterprising7. Sodium8. Ages11. Peacefulness13. Captivate14. Protection Agency15. Greek Island16. Not working?19. Samarium20. Sugar plant21. Calcium22. Expert24. Neon25. Packs27. Machine gun28. Thanks again29. Emotional Goth30. Be or not be?31. Ruler33. Road35. Missives37. From Thailand38. Thieve39. Metabolic equivalents40. Samplers42. Deployments43. Lithium45. Not a Westerly

1. Rosy ___?2. Pools3. Thanks?4. Anger5. Checking body6. Married Spaniard?9. Sound Word?10. Nazi Police11. Eastern12. Marine snake16. Of French?17. Old ships?18. Hells Angel20. Curves23. AD?26. I am

27. Amaze32. Be 3rd person?34. Disrespected36. Bowel problem37. Italian Texts?39. 12th Greek Letter41. Day before44. Go past

QUOTEOF THE MONTH

“By the time a man realisesthat maybe his father wasright, he usually has a sonwho thinks he is wrong.”

Charles WadsworthAuthor

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We were very pleased for the support given to our Basic Life Support awareness sessions in October – with thanks to Daveat The Bell for hosting these. CPR and AED sessions were well received.

Note: we will holding a further session in Derrington Village Hall on 9th January 2022

RE-START A HEART DAY

A full day of CPR sessions were held at St. Lawrence School in Gnosall and all the children/staff were shown how to perform CPR. Thanks to Jon, Craig, Ann, Marie and Jan for helping make these two sessions work!

AT THIS TIME OF YEAR – THE NIGHTS ARE DARKER MUCH EARLIER AND IT IS MORE DIFFICULT FOR US TO FINDYOU IF YOU HAVE DIALLED 999 FOR AN AMBULANCE:

Please leave a light on outside If safe to do so, please have someone outside to show us the way It helps if your home has a visible number or name

WE WILL GET TO YOU AS SOON AS WE CAN

SANTA IS COMING TO THE MEMORIAL VILLAGE HALL ON THE WEEKEND OF 4TH AND 5TH DECEMBER

You may have seen Santa’s Grotto advertised on Facebook but do book a time slot on the Facebook page and come alongand see him ‘in person’

All funds raised by Santa and his team of Elves will go directly to two charities that are at the heart of our village community – Gnosall First Responders and Gnosall Memorial Village Hall.

FINALLY – WE ARE VERY LUCKY TO LIVE AND WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY...

We would like to thank a parishioner who has recently made an extremely generous private donation to First Responders.Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic. We have, as agroup, managed to provide our service to the community throughout the whole of this period. We are also so grateful toyou all for keeping us operational, as you have done for the past 15+ years – thank you!For more information, call Ann on 07973 354099

FROM EVERYONE IN FIRST RESPONDERS, WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY ANDPROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

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PSFA Gnosall St Lawrence

What do they do I hear you ask?

Well, the PSFA (parents, staff, and friends association) are all about fundraising and A LOT of it. The PSFA strive to raisemoney to contribute towards enhancing the school life of the children who attend Gnosall St Lawrence Primary Academy.Every penny that the PSFA make at events goes towards equipment, support for events and activities for the children toenrich their time there now and in years to come.

At the end of the last academic year, we ended on a high with our summer spectacular raffle with amazing prizes, including many donated by wonderful local businesses based in and around Gnosall. It was lovely to be able to showcasethese small businesses and the PSFA are very grateful for the prizes they provided.

With the lifting of restrictions this year, the children can have their class assemblies and no class assembly is complete without an after school PSFA bake sale. Boxes and tubs of cakes and biscuits, of all colours and flavours are provided bythe class that performed their assembly. We have had some great bakes brought in, and the chocolate chip cookies thatwere brought in for the Y3/4 bake sale were delicious!

The children have also loved showing us who they were during our ‘This is Me’ mufti day. It was a great opportunity foreveryone to get to know each other a bit more whilst raising funds for the school.

Our PSFA cupboard is brimming full of preloved uniform, and we had a successful preloved uniform sale at the end of lastterm, with plenty still left over if anyone is ever in need.

But we don’t stop there, we plan seasonal fundraisers formajor events on the calendar such as Easter and Christmas.One of those being our annual Christmas fayre. Lots ofmeticulous planning goes into the many stalls that wehost, and we even get the teachers and students involvedin the festive fundraising to raise as much money as possible so that we can treat the children to an earlyChristmas present delivered by Santa himself.

Did you know that you can help raise funds for the schoolfrom the comfort of your own home? If you sign up to ourAmazon smile account you can raise money whilst tickingthings off your Christmas shopping list, buying birthdaypresents or even just treating yourself. We are also members of the South Staffs Community Lottery with tickets costing £1 a week and a chance of winning£25,000! If you need to pop out for some milk or a loaf of bread,then head to the Gnosall co-op and support us as part ofthe local community fund.

If your child/ren attend the school and you feel that youwould like to make a difference, then we would love tohear from you! We love to showcase local businesses, so ifyou own a business and would like to be involved infundraising with the PSFA then please get in touch with us.

Follow us on Facebook:- Gnosall St Lawrence PSFAEmail:- PSFA@st-lawrence.staffs.sch.uk

Gemma Buckless and Louise Giles(Chair and Deputy Chair/Secretary)

There is a little-known group of extraordinary parents known only as the PSFA who busy themselves voluntarily behind the scenes at Gnosall St Lawrence Primary Academy.

Amazon Smile:https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1007927-0 then search for: Gnosall St Lawrence C Of E (C) Primary School Parent TeacherAssociationSouth Staffs Community Lottery:http://www.southstaffslottery.co.uk/support/gnosall-stlawrence-primary-academy-psfa

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The autumn has seen us raking up many leaves! As fast as we rake them up, more fall…

Why do we bother passers by ask? Well just leaving them on the towpath means they eventually build up into a layer of‘mud’. So for the central part of the towpath between the tunnel and the old railway bridge we’re making some attemptto reduce the leaf load.

Planting of daffodils has continued though I believe it’s getting a bit late now - according to one amongst us who knowsthese things. We hope the result will become apparent in the spring.

We leave you with some festive pictures of the canal in winter.

Wishing all canal users a happy Christmas. And we hope for abetter new year.

Date for your diary: Gnosall C-Fest 2022 16-18 July

Hugh Flanagan

Gnosall & District Voluntary Car SchemeRegistered Charity 1068767

Public Meeting 19th January 2022at 2pm in The Brearley Room, The Grosvenor Centre, Gnosall

Come and meet the team

The Gnosall & District Voluntary Car Scheme has been in operation for 28 years and now needs New Volunteer Drivers.

The scheme provides a Community Transport Service to residents of Gnosall and its surrounding area for appointments to Doctors Surgeries, Hospitals and other essential journeys for those who do not have accessto transport or when public transport is not available. We have been very busy during the Covid pandemictaking residents to vaccination and medical appointments but with fewer drivers, due to retirement, we havestruggled to meet demand.

Volunteer Driver's fuel costs are covered with the passenger paying a nominal mileage fee for the door todoor mileage and any drivers ‘light’ miles are paid by the scheme. Public Liability Insurance is provided fordrivers by the scheme. Journeys are organised by our Co-ordinator Jenny HodkinsonWe are funded by local donations and supported by The Support Staffordshire organisation and StaffordshireCC Volunteer Drivers do not have to make a regular commitment, if you are interested about joining us orwould like further information please come to the meeting or contact Tony Innamorati 01952 691222

Chairman. Tony Innamorati Co-ordinator Jenny Hodkinson Treasurer Brian Perkins

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The Royal British Legion provides financial, social, and emotional support to members and veterans of theBritish Armed Forces, their families, and dependants.

Recruitment DriveAs part of an initiative to recruit new members, a flyer was delivered to homes throughout the area, followed, on 7th September, by a ‘Meet & Greet’ at the Memorial Hall, with refreshments provided by Rachel Hankey of Green’s T. The meeting was well attended and resulted in the recruitment of seven new members.

Branch Annual General Meeting 2021At the Gnosall & District Branch AGM on 2nd November 2021, Branch Officers were elected and appointed as follows:

Chairman: Leon Potts. Treasurer: Alan Lewis. Secretary: Andy Jones.

Committee Members: Neil Bartlett [Branch Community Support]. Robert Faranden, Rachel Hankey, Diane Clarke. Matt Hickman.

Public Relations: Alan Cristall. Standard Bearer: Anne Thomson. Deputy Standard Bearer: Alan Lewis. 2nd Deputy Standard Bearer: Rachel Hankey.

Breakfast ClubThe Branch held its first Breakfast Club meeting at Greens T in the High Street, on Saturday 16th October where BranchMember, Rachel Hankey, provided a splendid breakfast for ten members and their guests at a very reasonable price. Further breakfasts have been planned, the next being on 20th November. Branch Members, guests and supporters will bemost welcome.

From here on the club will meet on the third Saturday of each month, the next being on 18th December. It would be appreciated if persons wishing to attend would ring Rachel on 07960847828 to give her an idea of the number to becatered for.

Remembrance SundayIn accordance with the Legion’s National Policythere was no parade through the streets thisyear. Members of the Branch mustered at theMemorial Hall to observe the time honouredtwo minutes silence and lay a wreath at theGnosall & District Roll of Honour. The members then walked to the church,where the standards of the Legion, Scouts,Cub Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Beavers,together with members of Gnosall Fire Service, assembled at the Church gate beforeentering the church for the traditional Serviceof Remembrance and wreath laying ceremony,conducted by the Rev Alison Hudson.

Branch Standard BearerCongratulations to the Gnosall & District Branch Standard Bearer, Anne Thomson, who, on 26th September, at theStaffordshire County Standard Bearer Competition retained the title of the Royal British Legion County Standard Bearerwhich meant that, on 13th November, she represented Staffordshire at the Royal Albert Hall Festival of Remembrance. Her duties in the village on Remembrance Sunday were very capably undertaken by our Second Deputy Standard Bearer,Rachel Hankey.

Forthcoming Meetings & EventsThe next Branch Meeting will be on Tuesday 7th December at 7.30 pm at the Navigation Inn, New members, ex-serviceand supporters will be welcome.

Alan Cristall

2121

As various national and local restrictions start to ease, we are working towards a target return date for volunteering services directly delivered by Macmillan.We're also using this window as an opportunity to implement the lessons learned through both the successful delivery of face-to-faceservices pre-Covid and the delivery of Telephone Buddies during the pandemic. We are excited to announce that, by the end of this year,we will be offering support via:Community Buddies – Providing face-to-face support on a range of activities categorised as:

• In-Home – e.g. light cleaning, making tea, changing bedding, tidying etc• Around Home – gardening, shop and drop, clothes/goods disposal etc• In the Community – accompanying a person with cancer to a self-help support group event, meeting them in an outdoor place etc

Telephone Buddies – Continuing to deliver the service that was successfully launched and delivered through the Covid-19 pandemic.Digital Buddies – Video-based support service that combines elements of both the face-to-face and telephone-based support models.This has already been piloted as a part of the Telephone Buddies service.To help get ready for the return to face-to-face support, we are currently creating refresher training for all services volunteers, to becompleted before they return to face-to-face support. Macmillan will therefore be able to take new referrals for face-to-face supportfrom the end of this year. Further information can be obtained online at Macmillan.org.uk

MONTHLY DRAW: The Prize Winners for the OCTOBER 2021 Monthly Draw which took place at the Bank Top Garage, are as follows:1st No.117 J. Ward £34 - 2nd No.86 E. Dale £20 - 3rd No.19 C.P. Jobling £13

New participants are still welcome to join so please contact Gill on 01785 308674 (Mob, 07949750032) or any member of the GnosallMacmillan Fundraising Group for an application form. The Annual Renewal date is 1st November, but it is not too late if you wish to joinas new members only pay the first contribution on a pro-rata basis. The annual cost is £12 per annum, payable annually. If you wish topay by standing order Banking details are Gnosall Macmillan Cancer Support at Lloyds Bank PLC, Market Square, Stafford; Accountnumber 01349385; Branch Sort Code: 30-98-00. Please use your surname as Reference.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

Christmas 2021: By the time you are reading this, the village Christmas lights event will have taken place. Thank you to all who helpedwith this event and also to John and Sarah Hall from JWH Ground Maintenance who help, voluntarily, with positioning all Christmastrees in our parish. A final thank you to Norbury Park Estate for the donation of a large tree which was positioned in Knightley.

The Parish Office will close for the Christmas period on 17th December and will reopen on January 4th 2022. Councillors and staffwish everyone a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Best Kept Village Celebrations: Gnosall’s Best Kept Village team will very soon be planning next year’s projects and hopefully thecompetition will return!

If you would like to join the very dedicated BKV team, please get in touch, more volunteers are always welcome and the more volunteers we have the better our village will look!

The 2022 Village Calendar is now on sale at various locations in the village for only £5. All proceeds go towards BKV projects.

Christmas Meals: Last year’s free Christmas meal delivery service was a huge success thanks to the efforts of Rachel from Greens café,her team of volunteers and all those who donated food and gifts or made a financial contribution. This year Rachel has not only offeredto cook and arrange delivery of meals on Christmas morning but is also offering a sit down meal in the Grosvenor Centre for those people who would like some company or just fancy a change. This offer is open to anyone. The meal will include a turkey or salmondinner with all the trimmings, cheese & biscuits, sherry trifle, a mince pie and a gift. There is no charge although donations are gratefully accepted.

If you do not want a meal but wish to support this community event with a donation either food, a gift or a financial contribution thenplease contact the parish office. A community raffle will also be taking place in December to raise money for this activity.

Brookhouse Road Park: At the time of writing Brookhouse Road play area is undergoing a revamp with new swings, a new seesaw,new toddler equipment and new surfacing. This project was put on hold during the pandemic and has been a long time coming. The modernised play area will offer our younger generation a wonderful new play area to enjoy. The project has been funded fromS106 funds retained by the Borough Council following the development of houses in our village during the last few years.

Dates for your diary • The next Council meeting will be held on Monday 13th December at 7.30pm. All parishioners are welcome toattend Council meetings and can raise any matters during the public open forum • Over 84’s Christmas Tea, Saturday 11th December

Gnosall Parish Council (Including the Wards of Moreton and Knightley)

Jayne Cooper Clerk, Gnosall Parish Council, The Grosvenor Centre, High Street, Gnosall, Stafford ST20 0EX Office Opening Times Monday - CLOSED. Tuesday - 10.00am – 2.00pm. Wednesday – 9.30am-12.30pm.

Thursday - by appointment only. email: clerk@gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk www.gnosallparishcouncil.org.uk

Returning To Face-To-Face Service Volunteering

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After being inspired by many older residents quite some time ago in Gnosall I have now decided to plan to record (eithersound and or video) any Gnosallites (primarily born in or originally from Gnosall) their memories on certain areas of theparish and surrounding areas. Many residents have already told me what a good idea it is recording old factual memoriesof Gnosall.

This is clearly a progressive project (people now have memories and then get older) and also this is a personal way ofunderstanding more of the history of where I (we) live from the people who have lived it.

Surprisingly to many I am a human and environmental geographer (I have a brain ha ha) so this also falls in to a socialanthropological study of the characters and history of Gnosall and surrounding areas. Hopefully a person or organisationwill be interested in the research I aim to gain and archive the information for the future generations. Clearly this smallproject may help those researching their own family history in the future.

Particularly of interest at the moment are the memories of:-

The downed Lancaster bomber near Ranton. Old Army camp on the Aqualate Estate. The old RAF Seighford.

The Queen of the Netherlands (Queen Wilhelmina) bodyguard during the Second World War at Ranton.

Cottages near Park Farm by Outwoods and the old railway.

Any information about the rebuilding of the A518 bridge over the old railway on the way to Newport near Coton.

The Old Gnosall railway station. Polish, Italian and other nationalities held prisoner of war in Gnosall.

Information about the Second World War history including evacuees, prisoner of war, home guard, women's land armyand timber corps, Royal Observer Corps, etc and plane crashes including any information about the below crashes-

Dated - 28th August 1941 - Master I N7935 of 5 Flying Training School, Tern Hill flew into the ground near Gnosall(exact location unsure possibly Beffcote). LAC P H A Pickering was killed.

Dated - 22nd October 1941 - Master N7485 of 5 Flying Training School, Tern Hill, dived into the ground at Gnosall(field next to Broadhill). The pilot, Sgt Maurice Délécray (French name - Armand Paul Bayard) the Free French Airforce andwas killed when the plane crashed.

Dated - 13th January 1942 - Master T8610 of 5 Flying Training School at Tern Hill, crashed while making a forced landingnear Gnosall. No details about the crew or exact location.

Dated - 11th March 1943 - Wellington III BJ835 of 27 Operational Training Unit Crashed in a forced landing at Gnosall(Moat Farm). The crew were unhurt and visited Bowell's shop in the High Street (currently the Coop), but sadly all killedlater in a bomber raid over Germany.

General history of Gnosall which people lived through is interesting. This will form a factual history base for familyresearch, historians, geographers, other social scientists and heritage groups amongst many other uses.

In a structured way interviewees will be asked in a series of interviews to split their historical knowledge in to sections.These cross sections can be used in many ways and as an example to cross reference information from differentrespondents or sources. Photos/ documents could be useful to back up facts subject to permission. There may also be aseries of questionnaires.

I would like to start with interviewing Gnosallites possibly early next year when I hope to have constructed the researchmethodology. Clearly some Gnosallites don't live here anymore so video conferencing and emailing may be required.

Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing technology and supporting members of the interviewees family mayform part of the research. There is already a list of people who wish to be interviewed.

If you know of a person or persons who wish to be part of this important and exciting logging of Gnosall history throughthis social anthropological study please let me know.

"Omnium Rerum Principia Parva Sunt" – "The beginnings of all things are small".

Paul Boston. email: projectgnosall@gmail.com

"Project Gnosall" Capturing the living history of Gnosall before its lost forever