Forum

Re July 15th

Posted By: Robert F Eardley
Date: Wednesday, 12 April 2000, at 5:36 a.m.

I thought I would try out the new Message Board.I find it more user friendly.Any comments?As to news about the 'big day'--there are anumber of Steering Committee meetings planned over the next few weeks which will arrange the options open to us over that weekend.So far we have an opportunity to play golf onthe Friday---then attend the formal gathering at St.James Church at noon on Saturday 15th.Audley Cricket Club are then staging a 'top' fixture against rivals Leek at the nearby cricket field.We all are of course invited.My understanding is that a large marquee will be erected on the field and that we can have use of it for informal socialising.There may be a 'surprise' announcment regarding how we can spend the evening---but I am not at liberty to say anything yet.On the same day,just a short distance away we can visit the Wood Lane annual country fair.It will give visitors from abroad the opportunity to sample English country life.In nearby Stoke-on Trent we can visit the famous Pottery Factories and their attractive retail outlets.Spode,Wedgwood,Doulton,Moorcroft and Dudson are a few of the famous names we can sample.Just a few miles away is the country town of Leek.Many antique shops are situated there and it has an interesting 'olde worlde'atmosphere.It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie's Scottish army camped and occupied before embarking on its unsuccessful attempt to take the English throne in 1744-45.During the Napoleonic Wars French prisoners were sent here.Many liked it so much they stayed on and their descendants are there to this day.Half an hour to the South we could visit the attractive town of Stafford.Good for browsing and shopping.For those seeking excitement Alton Towers,England's No1 Theme Park is only a few miles away.If time allows and your family has an interest in sport,there is much to get your interest.Soccer,athletics,cricket,horseracing are just a few of the options open to us.Of course country pubs,serving inexpensive excellent food and 'good beer' --often in interesting buildings which can be hundreds of years old are everywhere!Before I get 'carried away' too much I'd better stop now.Best wishes to you all.See you in July!