SMDC told COGNEWS back in May that work on the new health and wellbeing centre in Brough Park, Leek was entering the final phase ahead of the summer re-opening. Last week we received news that the firm opening day was to be the 18th of August here is the latest update: The New Swimming Pool at MyActive Leek MyActive Leek – the Moorlands new state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre – will re-open on Tuesday 18 August following the major redevelopment to modernise and expan

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

Activities now online and more being added daily. Funded by Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams, the Space summer programme brings together public, voluntary and private sector organisations to provide enjoyable, positive activities for young people. These activities aim to increase their skills, improve their health and wellbeing and create opportunities, while also aiming to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour during the school summe

As the school holidays start, Staffordshire Moorlands Family Hub announces two family fun days at Cheadle Academy: 24th of July and 21st August. The 21st of August is open more widely to the public. Both are HAF friendly events. The Staffordshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) offers free holiday activities and healthy meals for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who receive benefit-related free school meals. Eligible families will have received a HAF code

On the 9th of July almost 320 runners braved one of the hottest nights of the year to complete JCB’s Lakeside 5 race and fun run. And they're off! More than 420 people had registered to join the event and while the 30° heat reduced the field on the night, it failed to lower the spirits of the runners or the crowds who turned up to support them. JCB employees joined a host of club runners to complete the gruelling five-mile course around JCB’s World HQ at Rocester, including t

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

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

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

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

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

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