If you're interested in experiencing a local traditional event, consider attending the Cheddleton Well Dressing Weekend on June 20th and 21st. Entry is free, and everyone is invited! You can find out the history of Well Dressing activities here: https://www.cheadlecog.com/post/the-wonder-of-well-dressings Cheddleton Well Dressing Announced - created 27th of May 2026

Well Dressings are artistic creations made by hand using natural materials like petals and seeds, crafted by dedicated volunteers. If you visit the Peak District and Derbyshire between May and September, you'll likely encounter one of the area's most distinctive local traditions. Details for the Cheddleton Well Dressing The origins of this ancient custom are shrouded in mystery—believed to have been introduced to the region by the Romans or Celts to express gratitude for the

Ken Riley of Rileys Watchmakers and Jewellers by the Market Cross on the High Street is retiring this month. We caught up with Ken just before he closed the doors permanently following 4 decades of serving the people of Cheadle. He's seen some changes over the years we chatted with him about few of his special memories. He describes how the first watchmakers’ shop in the town was run by a Mr. Birch, roughly where the Samaritans shop is today. Ken's first shop was behind the

A group of local Rock Choirs has raised a phenomenal £9,354 for Dougie Mac thanks to their engaging and energetic performances and the generous donations of the local community. Rock Choir leader, Beverley Mason, explained, “We have more than 360 members over six different local rock choirs. When we were considering a charity to support, we asked our members to put forward their suggestions and Dougie Mac was the overwhelming favourite. Many of our members have personal conne

"You've been Cogged!" is a peek into someone else's world, hearing their stories, appreciating the work they do and their life too. Last week, Alorah, our resident You've Been Cogged! writer, met with Roy Scott. Many of you will know Roy through his work with U3A. Here's how the conversation went. Describe yourself in three words: Musician - Writer - Artist Are you a member of any groups? I am chairperson of Cheadle U3A. I’m also a member of the Cheadle Arts Festival group an

May-June 2026 Outside are inviting Moorlands folk for a joyful series of weekly tap dance sessions led by experienced teacher Teresa Pattison, designed to be creative, social and full of fun. Open to complete beginners and improvers, these relaxed classes focus on rhythm, movement and wellbeing – no previous experience needed. You can dance standing or seated, and everyone is welcome. Sessions take place in an accessible, ground-floor space, with time to stay for refreshments

Pride in the Moorlands 2026 is to take place this year on the 26th –28th of June. A spectacular weekend is promised for this community-let LGBTQ+ celebration of life, creativity and joy across the Staffordshire Moorlands. You can - follow the Pride Torch Relay as it travels through Cheadle, Biddulph and Leek, symbolising unity, visibility and pride, before culminating in a full day of celebration in Leek on Sunday 28th June. Across the weekend, expect a brilliant programme o

Cheadle Flower Club welcomed members to their April meeting introducing David from Sunny House Farm Nursery in Tean, Ali from Checkley who is a cut flower grower and Elie an ecologist from Keele University. David started the meeting with a discussion on growing sweet peas, advising visitors to grow them in deep pots, sow the seeds in October prior to planting the following year, dig a deep trench if planting in the garden lined with superphosphate and fish, blood and bone fe

Staffordshire Day this year, Friday 1st of May, will see the launch of the Staffordshire Trail. Thirty unique giant sculptures created by local artists and inspired by local youngsters will connect Staffordshire spaces to our beloved breed of dog. This lovable character can be found along the trails detailed below. You can visit them all or just the ones that pique your interest, providing another great reason to visit places in our amazing county! You can also download an ap

Discover Events | About the Cheadle Spitfire During the Second World War, the people of Cheadle raised enough money to purchase a Spitfire aircraft. It was called the "Spirit of Hope," and with sufficient funds remaining, they purchased a speedboat too. It was a coming together of local folk giving something up to help a common purpose important to all. It's also a remarkable tale of how a small town achieved big - something Cheadle has been doing for many years and still i

The Festival of Brilliant returns to Biddulph this summer and is going “all in” for the National Year of Reading. Announcing the first of its line-up of authors, illustrators, poets, and performers, the festival takes place at Biddulph Old Hall on 10th July for schools and community groups, and 11th July for families. A brilliant line-up of authors will bring stories to life across the festival weekend. Former Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho returns to the festival, invitin

Final preparations are underway for the annual Staffordshire Moorlands Walking Festival. Free guided walks and related events are taking place from 24 April to 4 May 2026. The 11-day celebration offers over 60 free and low-cost walks and activities across one of England's most scenic regions, including routes for all ages and abilities. New additions to this year's programme include a trail run around Tittesworth Reservoir, three half-marathon walks, and four evening talks co

Arts programme OUTSIDE has awarded 30 Creative Community Commissions to artists, community groups and organisations across the Staffordshire Moorlands. The successful funding applications, totalling over £24,000, were selected by OUTSIDE’s advisory group and youth advisory group made up of local residents, and will support a wide range of arts activity to take place over the next year in the district’s towns, villages and rural areas. Funded projects span all kinds of art for

Wishing you and yours a pawfect Easter! from the COGNEWS team. Thank you CC for creating this lovely spring image of NEWSHOUND all ready for his Easter celebrations! Easter Greetings! - Created 3rd April 2026

If you’re planning days out over the Easter holidays, there’s plenty happening right across the county. From theme parks to animal adventures and garden trails, here are some highlights to enjoy with the family. As seen in COGNEWS Monthly Alton Towers Resort Enjoy big rides like Oblivion and Wicker Man, revisit Nemesis: Reborn, or head to CBeebies Land, where the brand‑new Bluey ride 'Here Come the Grannies'! Opens from 28 March. Apedale Railway Hop on a steam train and take

Osprey Close, Leek, ST13 6DD 30th March 2026, 11am-4pm Free to attend, no booking required. Just drop in and stay as long as you wish. Come along and PLAY at Osprey Close in Leek! Who is it for? For all the family. All ages welcome. Children under 6 should be supervised, children under 13 should be accompanied. Right To Play by Pif-Paf is a collaborative self-built play world with den building, balance, swing and jump play and a “Long Table Mud Kitchen”. Families of all age

Phoenix Singers Leek, in conjunction with All Saints Church Leek, are performing The Creation by Joseph Haydn with The Phoenix Festival Orchestra and soloists from the RNCM in All Saints Church Leek, ST13 5PT. This will take place on Saturday, 30th May 2026, and tickets will be £20 (u18 Free) and is part of the Leek Arts Festival 2026 programme. Tickets are available online on the All Saints website and can also be purchased from Leek Post Office and Picture Book or from the

Cheadle Flower Club Chairman, Sheila Jones, welcomed members and friends to a ‘Spring Workshop’ for their February meeting. Sheila was also the host for the evening with a demonstration of creating a spring door wreath. Everyone was provided with a wicker woven wreath, together with a huge selection of silk flowers, spring bunnies, Easter eggs, butterflies, and ribbon for decorating their wreath. Sheila demonstrated how to wire and hold the flowers in place and also how to u

Community arts programme OUTSIDE is launching a new photography project with artist Ruby Nixon to celebrate women across the Staffordshire Moorlands, marking International Women’s Day in March 2026. The project is inviting nominations for women who make a difference in their communities – in big or small ways. This could be through their work, volunteering, creativity, leadership, advocacy, or everyday acts of care and support. OUTSIDE wants to recognise women whose contribut

Staffordshire’s new mascot, Staffy, is getting ready to hit the county in the upcoming Staffy Art Trail – and Staffs County Council want local people to help bring him to life. There is an opportunity to put your own spin on one of three designs that will appear on three of the ten 5ft statues in the countywide trail. You don’t need to be a professional artist – just a great idea and a love for Staffordshire. They are looking for designs that capture what Staffordshire mean