Made in Staffordshire: The Inventions that Changed the World – A Local History Talk with The Red Haired Stokie The Copeland Room, Spode Museum Stoke, 10:30am 15th November
Art on Your Doorstep: National Gallery Masterpieces in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent To mark Stoke-on-Trent’s centenary as a city, the National Gallery has launched a brand-new outdoor exhibition, and Stoke is the first place in the UK to host it. ‘Art on Your Doorstep’ brings fifteen life-sized reproductions of some of the world’s most famous paintings to Bethesda Gardens, opposite
Middleport Pottery Canal Festival 2025 We are so lucky to have historic venues like Middleport Pottery right on our doorstep. These places are full of life, stories, and heritage, and it’s incredible to see them brought to life through events like this. The festival was completely free to attend, and it reminded us how
The People's Parade - Stoke-on-Trent This is my Stoke-on-Trent. Not the one the moaners on Facebook complain about. Not the one the local rag tries to convince us is broken, divided, or beyond saving. Yesterday's People’s Parade was everything that makes this city special. We’re not perfect, we’re not rich,
More Than Clay and Coal: Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary Looking back to move forward – our history, our voice, our momentum – and we’re just getting started.
From Potbanks to Protest – Meet the Women Who Changed Staffordshire Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History Talk
The Goods Yard Stoke-on-Trent: From Bonded Warehouse to Modern Urban Quarter Join me for a walk through the restored vaulted cellars beneath The Goods Yard in Stoke-on-Trent, where we explore the site’s transformation from a 19th-century bonded warehouse into a modern urban development by Capital & Centric. Once used to store goods between canal and rail, and later known as
Eagle House, Eccleshall – From Workhouse Origins to Award Winning B&B A Quiet Survivor of Eccleshall’s Past – The Many Lives of Eagle House
FREE History Talk: The Story of Reginald Mitchell with The Red Haired Stokie The Reginald Mitchell Wetherspoons, Hanley
Moorcroft Closes After Over a Century of Craftsmanship The fall of another historic Burslem pottery firm prompts questions about we protect the future of Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics industry
The Leopard, Burslem: A Building Worth Fighting For How a Local Community is Fighting to Restore a Unique Historic Landmark and Reclaim Its Heart
Trentham’s Italianate Tower – Hidden in Staffordshire’s Countryside A peaceful footpath leads to a surprising piece of history from one of Staffordshire’s great houses.
Well-Behaved Women Rarely Make History A Talk Celebrating the Lives of Remarkable Women from Staffordshire's Past with Jenna Goodwin – The Red Haired Stokie
Plans are in motion for the futire of The Leopard, Burslem – but what do you think it should be? One of Burslem’s most iconic buildings – and one of my personal favourites – is finally back in the spotlight, and this time you have the chance to help shape its future. Yes, The Leopard is stirring once more. Following the devastating fire in January 2022 that left the Grade II-listed
Longton Carnival Parade & Pig Walk 2025 Step into Stoke-on-Trent’s past with the Longton Pig Walk – a vibrant community event that brings a brilliant piece of local history back to life! This joyful tradition is inspired by John Aynsley (1823–1907), a celebrated pottery manufacturer and four-time Mayor of Longton, who helped create Queen’s Park,
The Hidden History of Alton Towers: From Iron Age Fort to World-Famous Theme Park 🎢 Tickets now on sale! 🎟️ Think you know Alton Towers? Think again... Join me, Jenna Goodwin – The Red Haired Stokie, for a thrilling deep dive into the real story behind one of Staffordshire’s most iconic landmarks. From an Iron Age fort to a world-famous theme park, the story of Alton
The Fenton Mace: A Symbol of Pride, Remembrance, and Rebirth After 115 years, Fenton finally has its own ceremonial mace – and it’s more than just a long-overdue symbol. The newly unveiled Fenton Mace, affectionately known as The Forget-Me-Not Mace, represents civic pride, artistic excellence, and a community’s powerful message: Fenton is not forgotten. I had the pleasure of
Did You Know the UK’s Ambulance Service Started in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent? Long before paramedics in green uniforms and flashing blue lights became part of everyday life, a man in Burslem quietly changed the course of emergency care forever. In 1874, Hiram Syson – a Crimean War veteran and town hall caretaker – became England’s very first ambulance man. Operating from Burslem Town
The Terrifying Tale of Thomas Meakin, Buried Alive in Staffordshire A chilling local legend in North Staffordshire tells of Thomas Meakin, a young man who was allegedly buried alive in 1781. The story spans the quiet village of Rushton Spencer and the bustling canal town of Stone, involving an apothecary’s household, a mysterious illness, and a faithful pony that
The Hidden WWII Pillbox Disguised as a Cottage at Rudyard Lake Ever noticed this little brick building on the road to Rudyard Lake? It might look like an old cottage or utility building – but this curious structure is actually a WWII pillbox, cleverly disguised with a pitched roof and gable ends to help it blend into the countryside. Today, the timber
Stoke Lantern Parade 2025 Stoke-upon-Trent was glowing last night for the annual Lantern Parade! The streets came alive as crowds gathered outside Stoke Library to take part in a magical evening of light, colour, and community. The parade made its way through town to Stoke Minster, led by the glowing Stoke Elk puppet – with
Why Bramshall Road Park in Uttoxeter is a Window into Staffordshire’s Past We were up bright and early this morning and took the dogs for a walk at Bramshall Road Park in Uttoxeter, a place I’d never explored. Imagine my surprise when I spotted some stunning ridge and furrow formations right in the middle of the park! What is Ridge and
