http://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/

The Staffordshire Signal, Stoke-on-Trent (2025)

12/10/2025

Hanley, the city centre of Stoke-on-Trent, has had more than its fair share of bad press. Online, it’s often painted as a ghost town, a place that’s had its day. But that isn’t the full story.

In this video, I take a walk through Hanley on a Saturday afternoon to show a different side – the one that doesn’t make headlines. Yes, there are empty shops and challenges, but there’s also life, creativity, and community quietly rebuilding from the ground up.

Independent businesses are returning. The Potteries Centre is working to bring in new local shops and make it safer and more welcoming, alongside the City Centre BID and many others. The market is still full of traders selling affordable, quality food and goods. And across Hanley, passionate people are proving that the city still has heart.

Hanley might not be what it once was, but maybe that’s not a bad thing. It’s becoming something new, shaped by local makers, small businesses, and people who care enough to make a difference.

This isn’t about ignoring the problems; it’s about seeing the potential. Hanley is changing, and it’s time we started celebrating that, not feeding the clickbait that profits from putting it down. Let’s start supporting the people who are actually making a difference.

Don't forget you can now pre-order my Stoke-on-Trent 2025 calendar - https://www.theredhairedstokie.com/products/2026-stoke-on-trent-calendar-pre-order

www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk
www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

12/10/2025

This morning, we woke to thick fog and couldn’t resist, cameras in hand, we jumped in the car and headed to Cannock Chase to photograph the deer.

We weren’t disappointed.

The mist hung heavy across the landscape, perfect for moving quietly through the heather and ferns, spotting deer on the hills, and trying (often unsuccessfully) to get ahead of them.

As the morning went on, it became trickier as walkers, dogs, cyclists, and horse riders all began their routines. Still, even with the growing bustle, we met so many cheerful faces. There’s something about an autumn morning wrapped in fog that just lifts your spirits.

Here's some photos taken by Nat

www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

09/10/2025

What a brilliant day at the Let’s Do Business Expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

I absolutely love attending events like this because it really showcases just how many incredible businesses, organisations, and charities we have right here in Staffordshire. The variety, creativity, and passion in the rooms today were truly amazing.

Huge thanks to the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for organising such a fantastic event. It was so well put together and full of energy, opportunity, and inspiration from start to finish.

I spoke to so many people that I’ve actually ended up with a sore throat!

It was lovely catching up with familiar faces and meeting so many new ones, too. But my favourite part of events like this is finally putting faces to names that I’ve only ever spoken to online, over the phone, or through email.

Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards; it’s about building genuine connections, finding out what’s happening locally, and discovering ways we can all support one another.

Events like this create opportunities not just for business growth, but also for collaboration, creativity, and community support, and that’s what makes Staffordshire such a special place to live and work.

The amount of support and excitement for The Staffordshire Signal CIC today honestly blew me away. I can’t quite believe how many people have already heard of it, and it’s not even out yet! 😂

If you’re interested in finding out more about The Staffordshire Signal, or if you’d like to advertise or send in content for the magazine, visit the website for more information: https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved.html

Let’s keep shining a light on Staffordshire together, our businesses, our stories, and our people deserve it.

09/10/2025

What a wonderful way to celebrate 2 cities reaching milestone anniversaries this year

07/10/2025

Is this really what we want from local media?

This AI video might be a bit of a joke, but the issue behind it is serious.
Across the UK, media companies, including some claiming to be “local”, are quietly replacing journalists with AI-generated stories. It’s faster, cheaper, and completely soulless.

When you take people out of journalism, you lose understanding, accountability, and authenticity.

Here’s what the research says:
• 80% of UK adults now say they trust their local news outlets, up from 73%.
Source: https://newsmediauk.org/blog/2025/08/26/trust-in-local-media-grows-as-new-online-hub-launches-to-champion-the-industry

• But only 37% say they trust the media overall.
Source: https://www.djsresearch.co.uk/MediaAdvertisingAndPRMarketResearchInsightsAndFindings/article/Trust-in-the-media-has-grown-in-the-UK-although-trust-levels-are-still-amongst-lowest-in-the-world-finds-survey-05336

• Ofcom found social media ranks lowest for accuracy, impartiality, and trustworthiness.
Source:https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/research-and-data/tv-radio-and-on-demand-research/tv-research/news/news-consumption-2024/news-consumption-in-the-uk-2024-report.pdf

• 63% of UK adults are uncomfortable with AI-generated news.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/global-audiences-suspicious-ai-powered-newsrooms-report-finds-2024-06-16

And why print still matters:
• Print ads achieve 78% recall - around 48 points higher than digital.
Source: https://newsworks.org.uk/research/rametrics/print-vs-digital-advertising

• 42% of Britons trust print ads, compared with just 18% for website ads and 10% for social media ads.
Source: https://yougov.co.uk/entertainment/articles/34047-trust-in-media-ads-global-poll

That’s why I created The Staffordshire Signal, a free lifestyle magazine, in print and digital, reaching around 40,000 readers each month. People who choose to support local, explore Staffordshire, and buy local products.

If you want to tell people something real, about your business, your charity, or your community, this is where it will be read, remembered, and trusted.

Find out more or send your content: https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved.html

Email me: [email protected]

Because I’m not a corporation pretending to be local.
I live here. I care. And every penny goes straight back into Staffordshire communities.

07/10/2025

Full-sized sheep in a church? At All Saints’, Church Lawton, recent sightings suggest just that!

From 18th October, visitors can see a stunning, life-size knitted Nativity scene, lovingly created over nine months by the local community using thousands of 4-inch squares.

The display includes refreshments, crafts, a nativity jigsaw, and colouring mural for all ages, free entry and activities throughout the last two weeks of October.

All Saints’ church, Church Lane, Church Lawton, Church Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3DD
Free entry | Family friendly | Starts 18th October

Come and try the nativity jigsaw or share in colouring in a nativity mural and meet members of the local community who have participated in this extraordinary project.

06/10/2025

Castle Classics - Classic & Retro Vehicle Show

Petrol heads, start your engines!
Castle Classics is returning to Newcastle-Under-Lyme for the 3rd time!

This event is a celebration of the iconic design, roaring engines, and timeless elegance of vehicles of the past. Whether you’re a devoted vehicle enthusiast or just love a good trip down memory lane, we’ve got something for everyone.

Date: Saturday 25th October
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Ironmarket/High Street, Newcastle-Under-Lyme, ST5 1PE
Public Admission: FREE
Exhibitors: £4 (Must be pre booked)
Stalls: £20

The last show, in March this year, saw thousands of spectators fill the Ironmarket, visit local shops and take a trip down memory lane looking at all the classic & retro vehicles.

For all the information on this event, please click here:
https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/event/castle-classics--classic-retro-car-show.html

Don't forget, you can add your event to our website for FREE:
www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

06/10/2025

Earn £25 for every business you refer to The Staffordshire Signal

The Staffordshire Signal is a free, independent, non-profit monthly magazine that celebrates everything positive about our county. It is both printed and available online, reaching readers across Staffordshire with good news stories, local features, and events that showcase the people, places, and businesses that make our county such a special place to live, work, and visit.

As a non-profit publication, every advert and partnership helps us keep the magazine free to read and focused on supporting our community rather than chasing clicks or negativity.

If you know a local business that would benefit from advertising in The Staffordshire Signal, speak to them first and make sure they are happy for you to pass on their details. Then simply fill in our quick referral form at the link below.

When the business books a paid advert, you will receive £25 as a thank you for helping us grow and support Staffordshire’s local business community.

There is no limit to how many businesses you can refer, so the more you recommend, the more you can earn.

Find out more and submit your referral here:
https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/refer-a-business.html

Every referral helps us continue to celebrate Staffordshire’s stories, support local businesses, and keep positive, community-led media thriving in print and online.

06/10/2025

It’s Official – The Staffordshire Signal Magazine is here

The very first printed edition of The Staffordshire Signal will be available across Staffordshire from 17th October, free to pick up in supermarkets, libraries, and community venues.

A digital version will also launch the same day on our website as an easy-to-read PDF magazine.

You can sign up for the newsletter now at www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk so you don’t miss a single issue.

WHAT IS THE STAFFORDSHIRE SIGNAL?

It’s a fresh, community-first, non-profit, printed, monthly lifestyle magazine created to celebrate everything that makes Staffordshire special.

At a time when local newspapers are disappearing and social media is filled with negativity, we’re building something different, a trusted, independent, non-profit platform that puts people, positivity, and purpose back at the heart of local media.

We tell real stories, share good news, support small businesses, and give a voice to the community, from local history and heritage to creative talent, events, and everyday people making a difference.

WHY IT MATTERS

Local media belongs to all of us. When it’s lost, so are our stories.

The Staffordshire Signal is here to take back control of our local media, created by Staffordshire people, for Staffordshire people.

Every advert funds more free issues, supports local creatives, and keeps the platform accessible for everyone.

ADVERTISE WITH PURPOSE

Advertising in The Staffordshire Signal isn’t just about visibility, it’s about making a real difference.

- Reach thousands of readers every month in print and online.
- Align your brand with a respected, community-driven publication.
- Support the return of trusted, independent local journalism.

Request the advertising pack, send your content, pet photos, letters to the editor, or get involved here: https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved.html

Together, we’re creating something Staffordshire can be proud of.
Be part of it.

www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

05/10/2025

This morning we visited Queen's Park, Longton and popped into the Aynsley Tearoom.

It's getting very autumnal now, so it was a lovely opportunity to get some snaps of this beautiful park.

The prices are very affordable, there's free parking, the park is wheelchair accessible, as is the tearoom, with sports facilities on site and a large playground for the kids, this is a great way to spend a few hours in our local area.

The tearoom was set up by Queen's Park Partnership and Strathmore Specialist College. Providing high quality refreshments while aiding young adults with learning difficulties gain skills to obtain employment. It's also dog friendly, so now there really is no excuse not to visit.

Why not pop down, support a local business and enjoy our local area.

www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

30/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who took part in this week’s prize draw.

The winner is Rebecca Wells (ticket number 1), who has won the Ducky Gaming Keyboard. Congratulations, Rebecca, and thank you again to everyone who entered.

Upcoming Prize Draws

Monday 13 October 2025
Win a Stoke-on-Trent 2026 Calendar
Celebrate the city’s heritage and character with The Red Haired Stokie’s exclusive 2026 calendar, featuring a series of photographs of iconic local landmarks.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-a-stoke-on-trent-2025-calendar

Monday 20 October 2025
Win 5 × 1.25kg Jars of Walker’s Nonsuch Toffees
A classic selection including English Creamy Toffees, Chocolate Toffees, Milk and Dark Chocolate Covered Toffees, Banana Split and Milk Chocolate Éclairs.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-5-1

Monday 27 October 2025
Win a Best of British Beer Advent Calendar 2025
A collection of 24 beers from across the UK, including limited editions and exclusive collaborations.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/win-a-best-of-british-beer-advent-calendar-2025

Monday 3 November 2025
Win an Exclusive Lemmy Forever Statue worth £295
Created by Andrew Edwards Limited and available exclusively through Barewall Art Gallery. Each statue is hand finished and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/exclusive-lemmy-forever-statue

Each entry costs just £1, with all proceeds supporting The Staffordshire Signal CIC Magazine. This new, non-profit magazine launches in October and will be delivered free across Staffordshire, alongside our website and app.

We invite you to get involved:

Submit local news, features, or announcements
Advertise your business to thousands of readers
Enter our monthly photography competition
Take part in the Staffordshire Pet Spotlight
Share your views in our Letters to the Editor

Find out more here: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved.html

You can also support the magazine by donating prizes, advertising, or entering the draws. Every bit of support helps us celebrate Staffordshire’s people, heritage, businesses and culture.

29/09/2025

It feels surreal to already be putting together the second edition of The Staffordshire Signal CIC Signal when the very first issue hasn’t even gone to print yet.

The aim has always been simple: to make this magazine bigger, better, and more ambitious with every edition. I want it to inform, dig deeper, ask the right questions, and most importantly, make people proud of where they live.

A few key updates:

• Keyboard Prize Draw – closes tonight at 6pm
Your chance to win a Ducky One X Wireless Gaming Keyboard worth £178.99, with every £1 ticket helping support The Staffordshire Signal.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-the-signal-win-a-ducky-gaming-keyboard

• Lemmy Forever Statue Prize Draw – now open
An exclusive Lemmy Forever statue by Andy Edwards (worth £295) is up for grabs, with tickets just £1.
Enter here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/exclusive-lemmy-forever-statue?fbclid=IwT01FWANHZfRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHpv95M8jOvGvUABnw272fkJBTElifurT67Bi4-lwGKtBz9QBluW5-K_Nd3x1_aem_Oha0TM8TyXZn8B-kZNtTWQ

• November Edition – call for content and advertisers

I’m now pulling the November issue together and need:
– Articles, stories, and local features
– Advertising from Staffordshire businesses
– Letters to the editor
– Pet Spotlight submissions
– Entries for the monthly photo competition (winner receives a £25 Hanley voucher and the front cover feature)

Content: [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]

Or get involved here: https://thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/get-involved.html

And make sure that your organisation and all of your events are listed on the website, it is free! - www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk

The Staffordshire Signal is about building something independent, positive, and rooted in our county.

Together, we can create a magazine Staffordshire can truly be proud of.

The Staffordshire Signal

12/10/2025

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