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
Cost £5 per person Friday 30 January, 10.30am Staffordshire History Centre, Eastgate Street, Stafford Step back in time! Wander the streets of Stafford and discover the grim, grisly and grand events which make up its past. One hour, around one mile of walking. Booking required either via their website or at the History Centre. Stafford Walking Tour - created 13th January 2026
2025 has been tough for breeding barn owls in Staffordshire, with very few chicks recorded in comparison to previous years. This mirrors a national trend which is possibly linked to the long, dry summer reducing vole numbers which are the owls’ main food source. Barn owl by Jon Hawkins Despite this, Staffordshire Wildlife reports that their nature reserves remain vital refuges for birds of prey. Here’s how they are helping: Nest boxes installed with guidance from the Barn O
During a recent visit to Cecilly Brook Nature Reserve in Cheadle, South Moorlands, unlike my many previous visits where I looked for water voles, bats, and moths or enjoyed a lovely walk through nature, this time I did something different. I took a look at a very special game they have there, called the Predator Prey Racing Labyrinth. It's an area of natural descent, but has been set up in a certain order so that people (mostly children) can race against each other. It's a ra
