This weeks local news
MUSICAL PREMISES: A number of businesses in the town are changing premises but in the main staying within the town centre.
The Eccleshall IT Centre is moving shortly from High Street to the home of the owner in Wootton, J F Design Studios currently in Stafford Street is moving into the larger premises in the High Street being vacated by Sassy. Jill Silvester is leaving the retail world after many years in the High Street shop.
This will leave Eccleshall with a double fronted store previously occupied by the Katharine House Hospice shop vacant - for the moment.
The Barber's Parlour officially opened its doors on Saturday January 28 at 9am.
pic the barber in action Steven
BUSINESS MEETING AGM: The Business Focus Group holds its annual general meeting in the newly refurbished upstairs meeting room at the Royal Oak on Monday February 6 starting at 6.30pm.
Apart from the usual agm agenda items the election of officers and committee for the new year there will be a guest speaker from its membership. Judith Richardson from Qube Solution services will be giving a presentation on landlord and tenant responsibilities with regard to asbestos.
If you are in business in Eccleshall you are invited to attend.
PLANT OPENING: The Saint Gobain bonded abrasives plant was opened on Wednesday January 25 at Raleigh hall Industrial Estate. The plant was officially opened by the mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Stan Highfield accompanied by County Councillor Henry Butter, and Ward Borough councillors Frank Chapman, Peter Jones and Jeremy Pert.
Amongst the guests were high level figures from the French company's management team across Europe and customers of the business including Rolls Royce.
pic: left to right Borough Councillor Peter Jones, Plant manager Dave Salter, County Councillor Henry Butter, Borough Councillors Jeremy Pert and Frank Chapman.
HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP: Amazingly £296.46 was raised for our local hospice, Katharine House, despite the fact that only 18 tickets had been sold when the dead line was reached for the caterer to cook the planned hot meat for baps. During the afternoon more tickets were sold and so some of the committee rolled up their sleeves and produced a variety of baps!
George Simpkin did his usual very good job of calling, folks had contributed to a bumper raffle, there was a great atmosphere and many thanks go to everyone who helped in any way.
The Committee are considering ways of overcoming the last minute panic over ticket sales and stress the importance of booking in advance.
The next events organised by the Group are -
Quiz & Ploughman's Supper - Wednesday 4th April with Quiz Master Peter Jones
Open Garden - 'Ashcroft' Stafford Road, Eccleshall, 2pm to 5pm Sunday 10th June
Bingo - Wednesday 20th June (Eccleshall Festival week)
Fashion Show - Wednesday 3rd October.
POPPY APPEAL RECORD: The result from the 2011 Popp Day Apeal in Eccleshall was £4137.86 which was over £1000 up on the 2010 collection. The Royal British legion organisers would like to thank those people who supported the annual appeal in such a magnificent way.
YOUNG FARMERS: Thinking about joining the Young Farmers club then visit the County Showground tonight Thursday February 2 at 8pm to find out more. You canj also visit the website at www.staffsyoungfarmers.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
ECCLIAN LUNCHEON CLUB: The next of the monthly luncheons arranged by the Ecclian Society will take place at the Swan at Forton at 12.30pm on Wednesday February 15. As usual those wishing to attend should confirm with David Pownall on 851018.
STORY TIME: Its story time at our local library on Fridays starting at 2pm with a story, songs, drink and a biscuit and a craft activity. No need to book just turn up and enjoy.
CONSERVATIVE AGM: The annual general meeting of the Eccleshall branch of the Stone Constituency Conservative Association takes place in the Kings Arms Hotel on Monday February 13 starting at 8pm.
Following the formal part of the meeting when officers and committee for the forthcoming year will be elected, the candidate for the County Council ward election in 2013 will be selected.
COUNTRY MUSIC: This Saturday February 4 the Country Music Club has its regular monthly event at the community centre with C K Young and Paul keys providing the musical entertainment. This year the group will be supporting the charity Help for heroes.
ROTARY CLUB: The club is planning a street collection in the town on Saturday February 25. On Monday January 30 Rotarian Hilary Ball gave the club a presentation on the Handi Camp in Norway and other Youth Exchange opportunities.
EAGLE ENTERTAINMENT: Jason Huxley provides the live entertainment at the Eagle Inn this Saturday February 4 and on Saturday Febrayry 11 Andy Hall will be in concert.
DOG FOULING: Most dog owners are considerate and take care of their animals 'little messages' but for those who don't they can be reported to the borough Council's contact centre at 619000 or emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: The reverend Stephen Cooke will provide the musical entertainment at this months Holy Trinity lunchtime concert being held in the parish room on Thursday February 9. The event starts with a simple lunch of soup and sandwiches followed by piano music provided by Stephen. Admission is £5 and you are most welcome to come along. It starts at 12.30pm and ends around 1.45pm.
OPEN MORNING: Bishop Lonsdale School has an early learning open morning on Monday February 6 between 10am and 12 noon. We are invited to see the wide range of play opportunities.
MOTHER'S UNION: The annual meeting of the Mother's Union takes place this evening Thursday February 2 at the parish room and will include report from the officers followed by an informal time with quiz and refrsehmnets.
MASQUERADE BALL: The Eccleshall Rugby Union Football Club is staging a ball at Baden Hall on Saturday March 3 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets are £35 each and can be obtained via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 07973 661967. The evening will include a drinks reception, meal and auction, a sumptuous hot buffet and disco, dancing until 1am, dress code black tie.
CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL: It is that time of year when parishioners are invited to be added to the Holy Trinity Church electoral roll. Forms for the addition or amendment of your details on the roll are available from the back of the church. Closing date for the return of forms is March 25.
SUGNALL FARMERS MARKET: This months farmers market at Sugnall takes place on Sunday February 11 from 10am to 2pm.
WOMEN'S INSTITUTE: The Eccleshall club will meet in the community centre on Thursday February 9 at 7.30pm with guest speaker Marian Baldwin on the subject of "Hats make the character".
HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Legendary showman Pat Collins in the subject of the meeting at the community centre on Wednesday February 8. Known as the 'King of Showmen' he travelled the land with fun fairs and his story will be told by Ned Williams. The evening starts at 7.30pm.
CHEBSEY QUIZ NIGHT: Tomorrow February 3 a quiz is being held in the village hall starting at 7.30pm for 8pm. Admission is £1 per person with teams of up to six. A licensed bar is available.
WEDDING COUPLES: On Saturday February 11 starting at 11am the wedding couples who will be getting married at the Holy Trinity Church this year will gather at the parish room for a presentation and lunch. It is held annually and gives couples to opportunity to find out about the ceremony and the facilities which the church can offer.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: No police officers were present at the recent meeting of the NHW held in the Royal Oak but the group were able to study statistics from October and November from the police website. At the time of the meeting the December figures were not available.
Ash Connor was present and able to supply certain information regarding December and January crime figures.
There has been a strong late night police presence in the town since the New Year break in spree which took place and the presence will continue.
The concern about waste metal collectors rumbles on with appeals for house owners to report sightings of the collectors acting suspiciously to the police on 101.
The anonymous service offered to residents by Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 was highlighted at the meeting.
The group were given a presentation by Sarah Byrne County Watchdog liaison Officer from Stafford.
METHODIST CHURCH: A 2012 Church Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday February 8 at 7.30 p.m.
They will review all of the ideas they have had so far, notice in the pews.
Everyone, the whole Church, is urged to come to this meeting
to hear what is being planned and to add their own thoughts to what is being discussed.
WELL DRESSING: A group in Croxton have applied to the Community Council for assistance with funding for a well dressing project in the village. The well dressing / restoration of Croxton wells / heritage trail project will go ahead with or without the funding and a date of July 7 has been set.
RONALD MACDONALD HOUSE: A big fundraising walk is being organised by Eccleshall folk to take place on March 17. It will take place crossing the counties of Shropshire and Staffordshire all proceeds will be donated to the Ronald MacDonald House in Birmingham located on the grounds of the Birmingham Children's Hospital. To find out more about the House visit www.rmhc.org.uk. and for the walk information contact Eleanor Miller on 020 8224 1144 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
TRADING STANDARDS: Officers from the Counties Trading Standards department will be on hand at the library on Thursday February 9 between 10am and 12 noon to answer your questions and give out information packs.
