In this podcast I take up an invitation to visit a small charity in Fegg Hayes, in North Staffordshire.

The Restoration Shack aims to be ‘a creative space where individuals can thrive and feel valued’.

It was set up by Linda Williams.

“It’s all about heart for me. The essence of it is this, everything we try to do is about quality. We will give of the very best. We use the very best products we can possibly afford. We’ve renovated this place to be the best it can possibly be. Because, when you offer something of quality to people, you respect them, it gives an element of value, they know they are valued enough to go the extra mile.” Linda Williams.

“It’s all about people. The vision is about changed lives,” said Linda.

Find out more about The Restoration Shack, including how you can get involved, by visiting the charity’s Facebook page:

Facebook: The Restoration Shack

The Restoration Shack, 115 Fegg Hayes Road, Fegg Hayes, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6QR.

Email: linda@restorationshack.co.uk

“I’ve learned how resilient you can be, and how simple life could be. Life is very complex, there’s lots of things you’ve got to do, and people worry about lots of different things. But, if you trim it down, it’s just a matter of getting on with people,” said Chris Parr.

Chris is Director of the Stoke 2000 project, “an art, culture, education and recycling project” in Stoke-on-Trent.

On the 29th March he set off on an epic 2,000 bike ride across Britain, fundraising for MIND, and “helping more people to get creative and make other products from recycled pallet wood. Most importantly, showing that activity and creativity can help with feelings of mental health, isolation and loneliness.”

Chris spoke to North Staffs News editor Jerome on day 28 of his 50 day challenge, a planned rest day in Whitley Bay.

He talks about the challenges he’s experienced so far, the people he’s met, and the places he’s visited.

Find out more about Chris’ Man in Notion challenge, and support him if you can!

Chris’ webpage about the challenge can be viewed here:

https://thestoke2000.co.uk/projects/britain-cycle-tour-recycling-pallets

His fundraising page for MIND Charity can be found here: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/man-in-notion

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WARNING: ADULT CONTENT. The interview contains swearing, and descriptions of abuse and violence.

Jerome chats with Stoke-on-Trent indie author Jo Haywood about KNAVE, her second book.

Jo tells Jerome about her long-standing passion for writing fiction, hints at her fascination with all things paranormal, and she plugs Stoke Indoor Market - where she used to be employed as manager.

Jo has a book signing event at the indoor market on Saturday 1st April, 10am to 12pm.

Find out more about Jo, and order books, on her website:

https://johaywoodauthor.co.uk/welcome

Read more on the North Staffs News website, here: https://northstaffs.news/podcast-knave-with-stoke-on-trent-indie-author-jo-haywood