We caught up with Sarah from Uniting Staffordshire Against Hate (USAH), part of Citizens Advice — one of the services they offer, at this year's Pride in the Moorlands and discovered more about their work. USAH supports anyone who's been a victim of a hate crime or hate incident, including people who are targeted because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity. The services that they offer are information, advice, and guidance about ne

Equalbase Cheadle is a not-for-profit group, based on Leek Road, that helps people with additional needs achieve things that matter to them by providing day opportunities and additional support. It's a wonderful place, and in July the group opened their doors to their many friends and supporters to say thank you for the support they have received this past year. The Lively Open Day at Equalbase More than that, it was a day, one of many, where the group gives back to their loc

Saturday 22nd August 2026 10am – 4pm Cheadle Community Library 15a—17 High Street, Cheadle Free Event The Programme Join author and illustrator Matt Buckingham for a fun, creative character‑drawing activity. Matt will share how he develops his own characters and offer plenty of tips and tricks to help you design imaginative creations that might even spark story ideas of your own.” Multi-award winning Caricaturist Andy Gilbert has a wealth of experience in the Live On-The – Sp

Last month, Cheadle welcomed another lovely business to the town, this time a creative arts space on Cross Street called Studio 15. The Mayor and Mayoress popped in to see owner Kerry Broad to welcome her to the town, and COGNEWS went along too on the official opening day (20th June 2026). L-R: Cllr & Mayoress Zenobia Routledge, Store Owner Kerry Broad, Mayor Phil Routledge Kerry told us, "In 2017, I was where Holly's boutique was as Bless Your Arts Boutique, so this has been

This weekend (July 9th-12th), the Cheadle Carnival Committee hosted a fantastic event for the town. Previous Cheadle Carnivals have been a source of pride and admiration for recent generations, and this weekend's event was equally impressive. The festival kicked off with a Dancefest event on the evening of the 9th and a parade through the town at 12 noon on Saturday, leading to the opening of a wealth of attractions as the parade made its way to Tean Road Recreation Ground an

We recently met with Vicky at the Craft Community Hub on Chapel Street, Cheadle, to learn more about an inspiring butterfly project they have been working on. Vicky told our reporter that they had been working with Child of Mine, who support bereaved parents, siblings, and other family members. They support people from a miscarriage all the way up to 18 through whatever kind of trauma and loss a family can experience. They are organizing a memorial day in Stafford at St Mary'

Mum Where's The Changing Rooms? As the fiasco of the Churchill Road Recreation Ground development continues, our resident cartoonist asks one of the questions on residents' minds. It is our understanding that the two local councils involved in developing the space made the decision not to include changing facilities, even though they have been asked for at the ground. Cheadle Town Council, under the leadership of Cllr Paulette Upton, has recently developed the changing rooms

On Saturday, the 6th of June, local people and visitors came together on Cheadle High Street for an event to mark the anniversary of the Spitfire's maiden flight and the anniversary of D-Day. Julian Mitchell Great Nephew of Reginald Mitchell A main feature was the replica Spitfire sited on the Market Square. The Spitfire didn’t come alone but with many people dressed in the style of the era, stalls and activities, and micro-events in shops and other spaces. The Cheadle Discov

Creative Cheadle has created a panel that has been unveiled alongside 22 others from across the country at Peterborough Cathedral. Hundreds of people have knitted and crocheted 45,000 poppies onto cascades, which have been made into a curtain to remember the fallen in both wars. The exhibition is part of The Longest Yarn II: Britain at War, with all proceeds raised going towards the upkeep of the cathedral and selected armed forces charities. The journey began when one of the

This year Alton Castle celebrates its 30th anniversary as a residential retreat and to and to mark the occasion a huge lantern has been commissioned. Constructed by local blacksmith, Jim Plant of Cheadle, the lantern has been built in his workshop over a number of years. It's so large (about 8ft in diameter) that he could hardly move around his workshop during assembly! A local electrician wired the unit up to the British safety standard, and the unit now sits in an area wher

Pride in the Moorlands returns with full three day weekend programme of celebration, creativity and community to towns and villages across the district from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June 2026. The weekend celebration, promises to be an inclusive and joyful experience for people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. From a textile craft workshop in Cheadle to a roller disco in Biddulph, Pride oatcakes in Endon and a spectacular parade through Leek, this year's celebratio

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