Whilst running* at Cannock Chase parkrun yesterday, my very good friend Kirsten challenged me to get back to writing – it’s been a while. I’ve been reading lots. I’ve been reflecting. I’ve been watching the world go by. But I’ve been quiet. That’s never good. You need to get back to writing, Kirsten encouraged. It’s your creative outlet.
So here we are. But what can I write about?
Did you know that Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating one hundred years since it was granted city status in 1925. There are events happening throughout the year, but June is when the celebrations reach their peak.
Thursday 5th June was designated “Stoke-on-Trent” day. A train was renamed. The minster bells rang out. Commemorative artworks and pottery mugs have been commissioned. Murals have been painted in shop windows – head down to Trentham Gardens to see ducks, bottle kilns, pottery, Staffordshire knots and more created by Katie O Art. There are flags and banners all around the Potters Way. You can get a commemorative tea towel – Mr T is happy – it’s got spitfires on!
On Saturday, the People’s Parade took to the streets and ended with a party in Hanley Park. The weather was awful – not for the first time, I sought shelter in the library (and borrowed a book whilst I was there). But it was a brilliant event to watch – so much time, creativity and enthusiasm from everyone involved. I’, really proud to know some of the people involved in making it happen.
But the best part of my afternoon…. bumping into some really lovely people I’ve not seen in absolutely ages and having a catch-up. Big smiles all round.
Even on on the way to the supermarket this morning, we could take a detour via Bethesda Gardens to explore a new exhibition – Art on Your Doorstep – paintings from the National Gallery displayed in actual size in outdoor settings. Stoke-on-Trent is home to the first installation – a centenary celebration “cultural coup“. Despite the gloomy weather, it was worth the detour. Some of the paintings and artists were more familiar than others – I was drawn to the “The Courtyard of a House in Delft” by Pieter de Hooch. It was almost hiding in the corner of the gardens – but it caught my attention. Something mysterious. It will be there for a few months – pop in and have a look.
I’m a northerner at heart. If you ask me where I’m from, I’ll describe a small town in Lancashire where I lived from the age of 0 to 18. I’ve lived in a lot of different places before I moved to Stoke-on-Trent and I’m definitely not done exploring the world.
But I’ve been fuelled by oatcakes. I’ve gone underground to learn about the city’s musical and industrial heritage. A view of the bottle kilns has become my happy place. I’ve spent more time than I can contemplate running along the canal towpaths. I’ve been to a lot of cricket grounds. I’m part of a team that makes sure Hanley parkrun happens every week.
Our Stoke-on-Trent Centenary celebrations are for everyone who calls Stoke-on-Trent home. Whether you’ve always lived here, were born here and moved away or recently made Stoke-on-Trent your home. You are a Stokie to us.
https://sot100.org.uk/
I’ve been a Stokie since 2009.
It’s great to be part of the centenary celebrations.
There’s more to come next week – join us for a centenary parkrun if you can. I’ll be at Hanley parkrun – where else?
* We were running. Most of the time. Just a couple of little walk breaks when we hit the ups. It’s a lovely parkrun. The volunteers were fantastic. The course was just the right amount of challenge. We celebrated a milestone – congratulations Anne on your 250th parkrun. We had coffee and a catch up afterwards. Everything you want from a parkrun morning.
27 Hours In Twizel 