by Staffordshire Library Service At Staffordshire Libraries our books come in all shapes and sizes. We know that not everybody can read standard print, so we try to make it easy for everyone to access books through eBooks and eAudio. All you need is a Library Card and PIN and then you can choose from hundreds of eAudio titles from our providers Borrowbox, just go to the App or our e-library where you’ll find lots of help. Borrowbox also provide our eBook service where we have

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

Taking a stroll along Cecilly Brook during May or June will reveal a wealth of wildlife. We caught up with Mark Preece, Senior Reserves Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT), who manages the area, to find out more. The reserve forms a green corridor through Cheadle, with the brook snaking a natural winding course. Incredibly, we still have a small population of water voles living here. They are the UK’s fastest declining mammal. This is due to habitat loss but also pr

Last month's annual Duck Race, organised by Cheadle and District Lions at the Jubilee Park, Upper Tean, raised a whopping £1900, which the Lions use to support worthy causes in the area. Well done, Lions! Cheadle Lions' Duck Race Success - created 28th May 2026

Last month we shared the story of how former Town Councillor Paul Keeling was successful in his first half marathon. Here Paul shares in his own words how running has changed his life for the better. Runners, including Paul gather with excitement at the starting line of a marathon in London, under clear skies and lush trees. A year ago, I could only run a couple of miles around Cheadle before I had to stop and rest. Even short runs felt tough, and I never imagined I’d end up

Town historian Mike Plant recently shared a comprehensive history of Cheadle town and how the market developed. A market has been held in Cheadle since the Lord of the Manor, Ralph Basset, was granted a charter for a market and fair during the reign of Henry III in 1250.* The granting of the charter meant that Cheadle was forever a town, rather than a village,* but what of recent history? COGNEWS shares the story so far. Cheadle Indoor Market showcases intricate red ironwork

Tean Road Recreation Ground is to receive an update of the Toddler Play Space. Town Cllr Paulette Upton, the project lead, told COGNEWS what's happening. In eight weeks' time, the toddler area will feature a carousel with a bucket seat and net swings for toddlers—both of which are inclusive for those with reduced mobility—and a sensory board. Also new to the park will be trail apparatus consisting of a balance bar, wave stepper, and sway alley for balance practice, important

COGNEWS has been informed that work on the new health and wellbeing centre in Brough Park, Leek is now entering the final phase ahead of the summer re-opening. Cllrs. Gledhill & M. Swindlehurst outside the new leisure centre in Leek. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is leading the project to expand and modernise the centre and develop the external area to encourage people to be active in a less formal setting. Much of the interior work is now complete, and the upgr

Staffordshire Police are to hold a special day to give anyone who would like to attend a behind the scenes glimpse of the work they do every day to keep communities across Staffordshire safe. The open day will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 13 June at Staffordshire County Showground on Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BD. Entry and onsite parking are free, and they promise something for everyone, whether you’re looking for free activities for the kids, or if you have

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

Making the Most of our Changing Environment

Located about 30 minutes from Cheadle, Hartington Village - just over the border in Derbyshire - is well worth a trip out. Our editor, Lori, visited on a sunny spring afternoon; here's how she got on. The Picturesque Duck Pond The drive from Cheadle through Ipstones, Onecote, and Warslow, passing through the Peak Park, is breathtaking, particularly on a sunny day. The round trip takes about an hour, and with free parking available in the village of Hartington, it offers a ve

Events and Activities | Visits and Partnerships | Encouraging Young Visitors | How the Space is Used | Our Incredible Volunteers | How the Library Came to Be | What Next? Events and Activities The library is always trying to provide innovative events and activities that attract a wide range of community members to use the library. Some are more traditional events, such as Baby Bounce and Rhyme, and Jigsaw loans, but also a more varied range of initiatives, suc

Cheadle Pensioners Group is to host its first meeting of the year, which will also be their AGM. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st, at 7:00 PM. It will be held at the Cheadle Cricket Club on Tean Road. A Fish and Chip supper will follow, marking the beginning of another busy calendar of activities for the group. Cheadle Pensioners to Host 1st Meeting of 2026 - created 25th March 2026

Which can still be organised in time and don't have to be expensive. Take a Walk Taking a walk gives you time together where all modern distractions vanish. You can take your fur babies and your human ones. You can have a plan or just amble along. You can take drinks and snacks or even a picnic. You could consider making a special family walking tour . Take Her for a Drive If you drive and have a car, consider taking your mum out. You could act as her chauffeur, opening the d

For years, local residents have expressed concerns that the pool at South Moorlands Leisure Centre has been too cold for a comfortable swim. As there is no local alternative, when several residents informed us about improvements in the temperature, we decided to investigate. Steve, the leisure centre manager, told COGNEWS that the swimming pool is being kept at 27–28°C, with the temperature moving a little higher when catering for their disabled visitors at the weekend. Steve

For Youngsters | Walking Tours | Spotlight Talks Staffordshire, especially the South Moorlands area, is rich in history. Here's what residents and visitors can look forward to. For Youngsters Toy Time Travellers Travel back in time through play, get hands on with historical objects and help fix a toy emergency! Sensory hands on story time for ages 1-6. All children must be accompanied by an adult. When: Friday 13 March, 10.30am - 11.30am Location: Staffordshire Histo

A full‑sized JCB digger dressed up like a collector’s scale model stole a few hearts on Valentine’s Day – and stopped Londoners in their tracks outside an iconic railway station. The ‘JCB Backhoe in a Box’ drew huge crowds when it was first unveiled at the digger maker’s World HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire. Now the capital is digging the love for this innovative display as it arrives in London - proving romance really does come in all shapes and sizes, even giant, beautifully

Friends of Cecilly Brook and Hales Hall Pool Looking after and improving a local nature reserve or LNR takes time, patience, and dedication. Cecilly Brook Nature Reserve and Hales Hall Pool are two local beauty spots that are free for everyone to enjoy at any time. You'll find peace, beauty, and nature all around, and if you'd like to do a little more than enjoy the spaces, there is a wealth of opportunities for you to support the important work of upkeep. This is also a grea