The Storytellers Don't Think So! Programme | Christmas | Book There are many things we learned in school or from other sources which we believe to hold true and our history helps ground us; helping to understand our past can reconcile the present and plan for the future. Ian Barlow: Chef & Story Teller pictured with props from his Agincourt evening Even if we don't think too deeply about it, our history is important. In recent years, with the ability to communicate wi

St Giles Catholic Church in Cheadle (Pugin's Gem), celebrated the 180th anniversary in style with a flower festival. Organisers Liz and Janet, along with Father Eric and local historian John Smith, chatted with us during our splendid visit. The High Alter at St Giles Catholic Church Cheadle All the flowers in the festival were designed in white to complement the beauty of the church itself, which is drenched in color, texture, and pattern at every turn. It is incredibly beau

This year, as in previous years, thousands of people will flock to Alton Towers for Scarefest, where at least one ride and visitor experience—Hex—has its roots firmly planted in a local legend. While the concept of an experimenting Earl may be attributed to creative or commercial license, the legendary tree clad in chains still stands, acting as a beacon of curiosity and puzzlement for all who pass by under its shaded canopy. It is a tangible, living testament to a folk tale

We met with Nigel and John, directors from the Churnet Valley Railway, who were manning their stand at the Leek show with a rather intriguing selection of railway-related photos and a "volunteers wanted" pop-up. Nigel & John and the railway who's in the picture John told us that he is the Head of Signalling for the commercial side and a director of the charity too. The charity is called the North Staffordshire Railway Company, which was formed before the Churnet Valley Railwa

The Details: Dates: 19th 21st 26th 28th Oct 2026 6.15 & 8.00 pm Meet at Greyhound Walk Cheadle ( the paved area between Dougie Mac Home (High Street) and Wardles Travel (Tape Street Car Park) Car Parking is Free on Tape Street at these times. Easy Access Walk Adults £6.50 Children £5.00 Cheadle is a place steeped in history a market town and civil parish Dating back to Anglo-Saxon times, The talk and walk is based around the mysterious “happenings” reported along the roads,

We all use them, we all need them, but have you ever considered the variety, beauty, and history of our front doors? They welcome visitors, keep out the cold, and are a true symbol of all we hold dear. This month we take a look at local doors from times past. Cheadle is full of historic doors. We walk past them every day and take for granted the beauty, style, and craftsmanship of these unique pieces. So take a walk with us and take a fresh look at an old but important part o

JCB decided to keep things local when it came to replacing their hospitality tableware around the world, selecting Longton-based Duchess China with whom they have a 25-year relationship. The order with will see the unique design created in fine bone china used at JCB sites across the globe and available to buy for the first time as a collectors’ item for JCB memorabilia fans. The order for around 1,300 cups, saucers, plates, teapots, and coffee pots will be used at the comp

Staffordshire history centre is a cultural venue that brings together three historic collections through exhibitions, heritage rooms and a dedicated space for researchers. The collections cover family, local, national and international history. The centre is open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 – 16:00. It is free to visit. We are closed on Sunday and Monday including Bank Holidays. Staffordshire History Centre is located at Eastgate Street, Stafford ST16 2LZ. To visit the researc

Leek’s Nicholson Institute museum and library are set to reopen on Monday 21 September following work to modernise and enhance the spaces and bring the lower ground floor back into use. The new-look museum space The Nicholson Institute is a spectacular Grade II listed Victorian building on Stockwell Street that houses a public library, museum, and art gallery. It was built between 1882 and 1884, it was commissioned and presented to the town by local silk manufacturer Joshua N

This weekend (4th-6th September), St Giles Catholic Church, Cheadle (Pugin's Gem), will celebrate its 180th anniversary with a flower festival. We met up with Liz and Janet, who organise the flowers at the church, to find out more. The newly refurbished stained glass window All the flowers in the festival will be white to complement the beauty of the church itself, which is drenched in colour, texture, and pattern at every turn. It is incredibly beautiful, and keeping the col

Tean Road Arch Restored to Its Former Glory

On the 11th of August, people across the UK had a break from the sun by experiencing an almost total eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, briefly, for a few minutes, day turns to night as the Moon blocks out the Sun's light. Cheadle has a member of the Royal Astronomical Society, Jim Plant, who was not only able to share the experience with his guests but also to provide COGNEWS with photographs of this celestial phenomenon. To a

Last night, our editor Lori, went along to the Suffragettes Interactive Talk at Hales Hall, here's how it went. The Grand Powder Room at Hales Hall "I've been to Hales Hall quite a few times, but tonight's talk took place in an area I hadn't seen before - the Coach House. Situated tucked in to the left of the main hall, the Coach House is a sympathetically converted space. I ventured up the steep staircase towards the chatter and was delighted to see the narrow staircase open

A few years ago, the arch had to be removed from Tean Road Recreation Ground following a lorry driving through the gates, causing significant damage to the entrance. The gates have been back in place for some time, but this week we spotted the arch. On Wednesday, 15th July, blacksmith Lee Trumbull brought the arch back to the recreation ground to test the fit. We are pleased to report it fits perfectly. The arch is now going to be shot blasted and then painted black with red

Almost 800 years of market trading came to an end two years ago when SMDC purchased Cheadle Market. Today, they are opening the doors to everyone to see the market and have their say on the future of this important element of town life. Can it be completed before the likely dissolution of SMDC, which should be decided by October? Will SMDC manage to get their development plans approved now that they don't control the planning process? Might Cheadle Town Council aim to take th

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

This week, the Cheadle COG board and a couple of experts visited the Royal Oak on the High Street with selling agents Butters John Bee to consider future prospects for this iconic building. The Royal Oak has stood empty now for almost two decades. A group dedicated to saving this building has been in existence for a number of years. They are called the Friends of the Royal Oak, and they’ve done a considerable amount of work attempting to bring the building back into use. The

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

During the Spitfire Day on Cheadle High Street, we met with Julian Mitchell, great-nephew of Reginald Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire, who told COGNEWS about his connection to Cheadle and his work on Operation Spitfire. Julian Mitchell, the great-nephew of Reginal Mitchell pictured with the Spitfire on Cheadle Market Place Julian told our reporter that his mum and his uncle were born in Cheadle - on Cross Street and that he was invited to come up to the event but works wit