News Bulletin - June 2026
Hello Centre Members,
Well, we all enjoyed ourselves on the holiday – thank you to Phil for all the hard work in putting it all together for us – as one holiday maker said – I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and thought it was excellent value for money, and superbly organised. If there is another similar Coach Holiday next year, I would definitely plan to go.
It’s a shame that we were unable to see the Staffordshire Film Archive presentation in May, as the speaker was unavoidably detained. However, Ray Johnson has prepared a video of the film clips that would have been included, which you can see by going to our Talks page, and selecting the Watch the Video button on that talk. Also, many thanks to Keith Alldritt for stepping in at short notice, to fill the void on that occasion.
I look forward to seeing you all at our next talk – The History of Sweets on 9th June. Then, on 18th June, Nigel is leading the rescheduled Carsington Water & Hognaston walk.
Best wishes
Margaret Winfield
TALKS
Martin Peet is descended from generations of confectionery shopkeepers dating back to 1891. He is the lucky man who has realised every kid’s dream of owning his own sweet shop. Martin founded Mr Simms with a vision of celebrating the best of British sweet shops from times gone by.
The first Mr Simms Olde English Sweet Shoppe was born in 2004 with a unique combination of nostalgia, warmth and childlike wonder that was an instant hit. Whether it is due to nostalgia on the part of older customers or curiosity on the part of younger ones, retro sweet shops have enjoyed considerable success and may now be found in most towns.
It quickly became a franchise business and within 15 years, had grown to over 60 stores in the UK alone, plus a handful overseas and is a story that is still evolving. As part of his presentation, Martin will be bringing along samples of sweets to be given to those in the audience. He presently runs The Chocbox sweet shop in Eccleshall.
Other talk dates for your diary
Bravo November by Jess Boydon-Jukes, on Tuesday 14th July
The English & Gardening by Danny Wells, on Tuesday 11th August
Sleight Of Mind by Peter Turner on Tuesday 8th September
All talks start at 2:30 pm at Walton Village Hall.
WALKS
Note rescheduled date. This circular walk starts and finishes at the Red Lion in Hognaston, and includes a visit to Stones Island, plus a walk along the length of the dam, which was built in the 90s, to create Carsington Water. It took 10 years to build and when full, it holds around 7.8 billion gallons of water, making it the ninth-largest reservoir in England.
Those wanting a short walk, can park at Carsington Water, and visit Stones Island (Note: parking charges apply). Toilets and refreshments are also available at the Visitor Centre, and these areas are fully accessible. To see a map of the route click here
Start: Red Lion Inn Car Park, Hognaston at 09:45, ready for a 10:00 start (toilets will be available on arrival).
Terrain: If you intend to do the full walk, please wear boots or strong shoes, as some of the walk is across fields and uneven ground. There are also a small number stiles to negotiate (including a few Derbyshire ‘squeeze stiles’).
Sat Nav: DE6 1PR – allow at least one hour for the journey. Parking spaces are limited, so if you can car share (offer a lift or accept one), that would be helpful (please let us know, using the Contact Us form – link at the bottom of this page).
Lunch: The Red Lion Inn, at 13:00. Sample Menu (no need to pre-order).
Organiser: Nigel Holmes
This circular walk starts and finishes at the Fitzherbert Arms. The car park is at the rear, and there’s more parking outside the nearby village hall (Early Lane), if the pub car park is full.
The route consists of mainly off-road footpaths, with a few well-maintained stiles on the last section and one of the green footpaths is slightly overgrown, but passable with care (however, shorts are not recommended).
Meet: in the Fitzherbert Arms car park at 10:15, ready to depart by 10:30
Sat Nav: ST15 0RA – W3W: ///wings.trend.train
Terrain: Some uneven paths, so boots or strong shoes recommended.
Lunch: 13:00 (approx.) Please let Judith have your menu choices by Monday 29th June
Organiser: Judith Carder
Please remember that you join our walks at your own risk, and are responsible for your own safety. Leaders will indicate the difficulty of the walk so walkers can make an informed choice on whether or not to join in. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.
VISITS
Uttoxeter is an attractive market town that retains its medieval centre, built upon the success of its historic sheep and cattle market.
Its origins are Anglo-Saxon and following the Norman Conquest, the town passed from the Earls of Mercia via the Crown to Henry De Ferrers, Lord of Tutbury.
In 1251 it was granted a Market Charter which was held on Wednesdays. Today there is a monthly Makers Market.
The Market Place has several notable memorials, the War Memorial, the Millenium Monument and the Conduit (Dr Johnson Memorial) where, in 1780 Dr Samuel Johnson stood in the rain as a penance for not helping his father who had a bookstall at the market.
There are many examples of historical architecture from 16th century timber framed buildings to beautiful Georgian properties.
Our guide will take us on a walking tour around the buildings and alleyways, telling us more about them.
At the end of our tour we will retire to Redfern’s Cottage, the Museum of Uttoxeter Life ,for refreshments.
Meet: The Maltings Car Park, Silver Street, Uttoxeter (free parking after 6.00 pm
Sat Nav: ST14 7QD Start Time: 18.30
Price: £11.50 per person. Places are limited and booking is essential
Booking deadline: 4th July. Organiser: Ruth Williams
Note: All visits must be paid for in advance.