𧢠Centenary offers city the chance to look back - and look forward
Well into the 20th century, it was generally assumed that the presence of a cathedral was enough to elevate a town to city status when, in fact, it actually required a minimum population of 300,000; a "local metropolitan characterâ; and a good record of local government. Stokeâs application for city status in 1925 was refused by the Home Office because its population at the time fell short by just 6,000. But a direct approach to King George V from Stoke changed that and, on 5 June 1925, Stoke-on-Trent gained city status in recognition of its outstanding importance as the centre of the pottery industry. Stoke-on-Trent will celebrate that centenary next year - not simply by looking back with pride on its history and heritage, but also by raising a cup and saucer to a âHappy New Centenaryâ.
đ§˘Â This weekâs âTop Pickâ @WeightmanPR: Dorothy Clive Garden
Located in the âwoodland quarterâ of North Staffordshire, close to both the Shropshire and Cheshire borders, Dorothy Clive Garden was created by Colonel Harry Clive, who took the decision in 1940 to provide his ailing wife - Dorothy - with a âseries of interesting walksâ in and around a quarry as she battled with illness. These days, itâs a diverse 12-acre, hillside garden, with year-round interest - including during the autumn and winter months. Its highlights include a winter garden, a woodland quarry with waterfall, an alpine scree and pool and seasonal borders. The RHS partner garden is open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 November to 31 December. And its Halloween Trail on 26 October will feature âThe Revenge of the Fairiesâ.
đ§˘Â Derby Arboretum hits the headlines
A Sunday Timesâ round-up of âthe most glorious arboretums for autumnâ included Derby Arboretum, masterminded in 1840 by Victorian botanist John Claudius London, and the place credited as being Englandâs oldest park. London was also the man who coined the use of âarboretumâ from the Latin for a âplace of treesâ. Ten of the original trees remain in situ, alongside russet-toned red oaks and crimson red maples. Derby Arboretum was paired in the round-up with the Cow at Dalbury, as the âcosy place to stayâ.
đ§˘Â Robbie Williams: man of clay
Robbie Williams has partnered with hometown ceramics firm 1882 Ltd to create technicolour artworks of Jesus and The Pope, which went on show at Frieze in London earlier this month. He described creating the works with 1882 as a "blessing" and said it "feels good" to be creating art with a firm from Stoke-on-Trent. âWe are the Potteries,â he continued. âIt's what we are famous for. It is ingrained in me - we are of clay.â Emily Johnson, founder of 1882 Ltd, said it was âinspiringâ to see Williams exploring an artistic venture and supporting a local business. âAnd this is just the beginning,â she added.