Stoke Is Where The Heart Is

24/10/2026

Don’t forget , British Summer Time ends tomorrow at 2 am . Enjoy that extra hour in bed tonight ! 🕰️ 😴 🛌

23/10/2026

Corner of Normacot Road and Chelson Street , Longton, (fronting Enson Pottery Works).
Originally established as the American B**rhouse following the 1830 B**r Act to serve local housing and the surrounding pottery works .The pub stood empty and derelict for around 40 yrs before safety concerns prompted its removal.
Specialists took down the structure brick-by-brick, reusing much of the original material to reconstruct the exterior in its original form in 2013.
The rebuilt structure is now part of the CoRE (Centre of Refurbishment Excellence) site, functioning as a training and technology demonstration facility for apprentices and building restoration.

23/10/2026

❤️ DEAR EVAN HANSEN – I DON’T THINK I’VE EVER WANTED TO HUG AN ENTIRE CAST QUITE SO MUCH! ❤️

WOW. Just WOW.

I’ve been fortunate enough to watch some incredible theatre over the years, but every now and again, a production comes along that doesn’t just entertain you. It gets right under your skin, pulls at every emotion and leaves you sitting there trying to find the words to describe what you’ve just witnessed.

Last night, Newcastle Operatic Society did exactly that.

This was the first production I’ve had the pleasure of watching with Michael Dyer as Chairman of Newcastle Operatic Society, and what an absolutely incredible introduction to this chapter of the society’s history.

I went expecting a good evening at the theatre. I left emotionally exhausted, completely blown away and wanting to climb onto that stage and give every single person involved the biggest hug!

For anyone unfamiliar with Dear Evan Hansen, it’s a story about loneliness, anxiety, grief, family, friendship and that very human desire to feel like we belong somewhere. It’s not an easy story to tell, and it’s certainly not an easy one to perform. It requires vulnerability, sensitivity and an enormous amount of talent.

And my goodness, did this cast deliver.

Xavier Harrison as Evan Hansen was simply phenomenal. What an incredibly demanding role for any performer, yet he carried it with such honesty and emotion. His portrayal was believable, vulnerable and utterly captivating. You couldn’t help but become invested in his character and everything he was experiencing.

Sally Clarke as Zoe Murphy deserves a
huge mention too. Zoe is such an important part of this story, navigating grief, complicated family relationships and her own emotions. Jess brought a beautiful sensitivity to the character, and her scenes with Evan were particularly touching. Her vocals were gorgeous, and she brought a real warmth and sincerity to the stage.

And Rhys Gregory as Connor Murphy — what a performance! Connor is a complex character whose presence is felt throughout the entire story, and Rhys captured that brilliantly. There was something incredibly powerful about his portrayal, particularly in the way he balanced the darker elements of the character with those moments that brought humour and humanity to the production. A fantastic performance in a role that is far from straightforward.

And then there was Lucy Page as Heidi Hansen.

Lucy, I genuinely don’t know how you managed to get through So Big / So Small, because I certainly didn’t manage to get through watching it without crying!

That song absolutely broke me.

There was something so incredibly moving about watching a mother express her love, her fears and her determination to be enough for her child. The emotion in Lucy’s voice, the tenderness of the performance and the sheer honesty of that moment had tears rolling down my face.

It wasn’t just beautifully sung. It was beautifully felt.

And that’s the difference between somebody singing a song and somebody making an audience feel every single word.

The entire cast deserves enormous recognition. Every character, every harmony, every interaction and every emotional moment contributed to something truly special. Nobody was simply going through the motions. You could see the commitment, the passion and the hard work that had gone into bringing this story to life.

The staging, lighting, sound, musical direction and production were equally impressive. Everything worked together to create an atmosphere that drew you in from beginning to end.

And can we just talk about that ending?

A STANDING OVATION. AND SO VERY DESERVED!

I honestly wanted to get out of my seat, climb onto that stage and hug them all. Not because I knew them, but because I felt genuinely grateful for what they’d just given us.

That’s what exceptional theatre does. It makes you feel something long after the final curtain.

I also want to acknowledge Michael Dyer and the entire committee. Chairing a society with more than 60 years of history is no small responsibility, particularly at a time when local theatre faces so many challenges.

Having watched my first production under Michael’s chairmanship, I can only say that he, the committee and everyone involved should be bursting with pride.

And I loved seeing the society using this production to support YMCA North Staffordshire, an organisation helping young people who need connection, encouragement and a sense of belonging. What a meaningful partnership for a show with such an important message.

People sometimes hear the words amateur theatre and make assumptions about what they’re going to see.

Well, let me tell you something.

There was absolutely nothing amateur about the standard of what I witnessed.

The talent we have right here on our doorstep is extraordinary, and Newcastle Operatic Society deserves every bit of recognition it receives.

To the cast, the musicians, the creative team, the backstage crew, the volunteers, the committee and everyone who has poured their heart and soul into this production — THANK YOU.

You didn’t just put on a musical. You created an experience.

And to Michael, what a production to have your name attached to as Chairman. You should be incredibly proud of what your society has achieved.

If you’ve ever wondered whether local theatre can deliver the same emotion, quality and magic as a professional production, go and see this show.

Because I laughed, I cried, I applauded until my hands hurt, and I walked away feeling genuinely privileged to have been in that audience.

Newcastle Operatic Society, take a bow. Every single one of you.

You were absolutely sensational. ❤️

And perhaps the most beautiful thing about this entire production is the message it leaves behind.

No one deserves to be forgotten. No one deserves to fade away.

You made sure that message was heard, felt and remembered.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable evening of theatre.

23/10/2026

I remember munching my way through loads of this lovely stuff in my younger days . Probably one of the reasons I lost my teeth ! 😋 😁 🥜

22/10/2026

Midwinter Pottery : founded as W. R. Midwinter by William Robinson Midwinter , Burslem, in 1910 .It became one of the largest potteries in the area by the late 1930s with more than 700 employees . There was a takeover by J. & G. Meakin in 1968, then in 1970 Meakin was bought out by Wedgwood. Production of Midwinter pottery ceased in 1987.

22/10/2026

Everyone is welcome 🙏♥️✨

22/10/2026

We’re happy to support Tami & Elisha from Nuffield Health in their fundraising campaign 👏👏

All shares appreciated and only takes a few clicks 🙏 if you’re able to donate then thank you ♥️

♥️

Race for Impact: support high-performing charities to improve lives

22/10/2026

Loved my donkey jacket , lasted for ages, still wear it down the allotment ! Off to work I’d go with my snappin’ in one pocket and baccy tin in the other ! ⚒️ 👷 🥾 🚧 🪚

21/10/2026

Focus on fitness (contact us to invite an admin to your establishment )

💪🩷 AMBITION PRIVATE FITNESS STUDIO – THE BAR HAS BEEN SET HIGH! 🚀

Over 35, menopausal, rebuilding myself and on a mission to find a gym that actually fits ME!

Now, anyone who knows me knows I like to give an honest review, and this one is a little more personal than most.

Let’s talk fitness!

For some people, walking into a gym is second nature. For me? It was enough to bring on a panic attack.

The thought of walking into a room full of people who seemingly knew exactly what they were doing, whilst I stood there wondering which machine did what, was terrifying!

What exercises should I do? What areas should I target? Am I doing it right? Is everyone watching me? And then there’s the cost of hiring a personal trainer on top of a gym membership!

No thank you! Anxiety through the roof before I’d even lifted a weight! 😂

But here’s the thing…

I’m rebuilding myself after a relationship breakdown. I’ve lost two stone, I’m navigating the wonderful world of menopause (oh, the joys! 🔥), and I’ve reached a point where I don’t just WANT to feel better. I NEED to.

Not just physically, but mentally too. ❤️

So, on my quest to find somewhere that could meet my needs, I came across Ambition Private Fitness Studio.

And I have to say… WOW!

This isn’t your typical gym where you’re handed a membership card and left to figure it all out.

Ambition Private Fitness Studio offers small-group personal training in a private, high-quality coaching environment. Everyone has their own programme, designed around their individual needs, abilities and goals.

So although you’re training alongside others, you’re not all doing the same generic workout. You’re getting personal coaching, but with the added bonus of having a little team around you.

And THAT is what caught my attention!

I literally hit it off with fellow users of the studio straight away. I had the pleasure of chatting with three people who gave me a real insight into what makes this place tick.

🌸 Liz Dicks, 58, from Eccleshall, who works in asset finance and joined in November 2025.(not pictured)

🌸 Suzy Heard, 38, from Stone, a Forest School Leader who will have been a member for four years in January 2027.(pictured)

💪 Trev Oliver, 33, from Weston Coyney, who has been part of Ambition Private Fitness Studio for seven years, including four years at its Whitebridge Estate location. Trev also owns and runs the studio. (Pictured)
Trev is so welcoming, he put me at ease straightaway. Gave me a tour and explained everything step by step with support throughout.

I looked around, different ages, different backgrounds, different lives, but one thing they all had in common?

They spoke so positively about the community, the friendliness and the support.

They came for a gym, but it’s the people and the atmosphere that have kept them coming back.

And for somebody like me, who has genuinely been frightened of stepping foot inside a gym, hearing that means more than they probably realise.

Because sometimes it’s not about lifting the heaviest weight, getting the perfect body or looking fabulous in gym leggings

Sometimes it’s about finding somewhere you feel comfortable enough to walk through the door.

Somewhere you won’t feel judged. Welcomed from your first step in the door.

Somewhere you can start again, at your own pace, with people who understand that everybody’s starting point is different.

My first impressions? Ambition Private Fitness Studio has absolutely nailed what I’ve been looking for so far. ❤️

Of course, I’m only at the beginning of my journey, and I’m not going to pretend one visit has transformed my life. But I can tell you that I’ve walked away feeling encouraged, reassured and, for once, genuinely excited about the prospect of going to a gym!

For me, that’s already a massive achievement.

So here’s to being over 35, menopausal, two stone lighter, a little bruised by life but absolutely NOT finished yet! 💪🔥

The bar has officially been set HIGH, Ambition Private Fitness Studio!

Now the question is…

Where do I go from here?

Well, hopefully through those gym doors, with a little less anxiety and a whole lot more ambition! 😉❤️

I’ll be visiting and reviewing local gyms honestly, looking at the positives each one could offer someone with needs like mine. If you’re also over 35, navigating menopause, rebuilding your confidence or simply feeling anxious about starting, I hope these posts empower you to find a gym that feels right for you.

If you’d like to see more honest reviews and follow my journey, please follow along. Hopefully, my experiences will help you feel confident enough to visit a gym I’ve had the opportunity to experience for yourself.

You can find Ambition Private Fitness Studio here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DkYDkGDfR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Contact them for membership info with no contract to be tied into.



Photo does not feature any admin.

21/10/2026

Anyone fancy a slice ? I’ll have Battenberg please 😋😋😋