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COGNEWS
Connecting Staffordshire Moorlands
Over 1000 Ad-Free Articles Across 50 Searchable Topics


Cheadle Carnival - A Shining Example of Community Success
This weekend (August 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
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1 day ago8 min read


Mum Where's The Changing Rooms?
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
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Jul 81 min read


Citizens Advice: A Vital Service for Hate Crime Victims
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
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Jul 82 min read


Cheadle Turns Out for Spitfire Triumph
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
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Jun 186 min read


Creative Cheadle at Peterborough Cathedral
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
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Jun 151 min read


A Crowning Glory for Alton Castle
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
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Jun 121 min read


Pride in the Moorlands Program Unveiled
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
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Jun 83 min read


Cheddleton Well Dressing Announced
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
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May 271 min read


The Wonder of Well Dressings
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
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May 274 min read


Cheadle Watchmaker Retires After Decades of Craftsmanship
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
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May 272 min read


Local Rock Choirs raise more than £9,000 for Dougie Mac
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
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May 192 min read


Roy Scott - You've Been COGGED!
"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
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May 153 min read


Tap Classes - Open to Everyone!
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
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May 111 min read


Pride in the Moorlands Weekend Announced
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
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May 112 min read


Cheadle Flower Club Blooms Towards Summer
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
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May 62 min read


Unveiling the Staffy Trails
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
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May 28 min read


A Spirit of Hope Returns to Cheadle
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
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Apr 303 min read


Exciting Line-Up Revealed for Festival of Brilliant 2026
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
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Apr 292 min read


Staffordshire Walking Festival Kicks Off This Week
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
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Apr 201 min read


OUTSIDE Arts Grants £24,000 to Support Moorlands Artists
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
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Apr 153 min read

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