St John the Evangelist Church, Trent Vale

 St John the Evangelist Church, Trent Vale

City of Stoke-on-Trent Centenary 5th June 1925

June/July 2025

An important milestone in the history of our city is the City of Stoke-on-Trent Centenary Celebration.

On the 5th June 1925 King George V granted the unified borough city status in recognition of the area’s contribution to the pottery industry.

Many events are being held in the city to mark this occasion and at St John’s we never miss an excuse to party! On Sunday 18th May after the morning service, we were delighted to welcome Prof Ray Johnson MBE who is well known for his work in preserving the film heritage of our city. He was accompanied by his wife, Virginia. Ray presented two films of local interest, especially scenes showing the A34 being laid with cobbles.

We are a busy church and during Monday morning’s ‘Places of Welcome’ it was decided to have a Vintage Tea Party with an hilarious discussion about Sunday Teas. While some had salmon sandwiches others laughed saying ‘we could only afford salmon paste in our house’. People finally decided what to bring.
We declined Dripping on Toast and Rabbit Pie but did decide on Lobby, not usual Tea Party fare, which turned out to be very popular. And so, on Mon 2nd June, John and Richard and the Turpin family arrived early to hang bunting.

I brought fourteen vintage table clothes, a slow-cooker of Lobby and a charity shop find of old Potteries books. Others were bringing sandwiches, jelly and tins of fruit and evaporated milk. Soon, with soft music playing and food with vintage crockery, the room was looking very pretty.
Lesley was dressed as a flapper and Kim, Margaret and Christina dressed as colourful uniformed waitresses arrived with lovely cakes.

Fifty people arrived to enjoy the nostalgic morning; Ray and Carrie Tizley won the beautiful knitted doll made by Marj Stacey, Steve held a quiz and we all agreed it had been a lovely morning.

Before the next big Centenary Party, it was Pentecost, the Church’s birthday when the Holy Spirit had come to the believers, descending on them with tongues of fire and the sound of rushing wind. As the disciples left to preach the Good News, everyone heard them in their own language.

In this service the readings were read out in different languages; Rena in Bulgarian, Charles in German, Sam in English and Liz in French.

When the reading of the tongues of fire came, we held gold paper flames on our heads and the rushing wind called for us to blow our blowers and wave long coloured streamers.

Of course, no birthday is complete without a cake and Revd Liz carried one forward, placed it on the altar and lit the candle. We all sang “Happy Birthday dear Church” and the children rushed back to blow out the candle. Revd Liz had put on one that relit and the children rushed back to blow it out again; this was repeated five times causing a great deal of laughter.

Calm was restored for the taking of Communion, the service ending with “Build your Kingdom here”. We then made our way to enjoy the refreshments including Joan’s (famous) tea bread.

We all said “it had been a wonderful service”.

Lots of planning had gone in to the main Centenary Party to be held on Sunday 22nd June. The day before on a sweltering Sat afternoon, people were working hard setting three long tables to seat more than ninety people with a large circular one for visiting dignitaries.

So much thought had gone in to the table decoration, with displays of bottle kilns sprouting greenery instead of smoke to show they were out of use; tall signs depicted the names of various manufacturers and around each base were displays of the same ware such as Doulton, Emma Bridgewater, Moorcroft etc.

Each place setting had red napkin wrapped cutlery, a wooden keyring with a bottle kiln design produced by Revd Mike Bridgewater, bingo tickets and along the table small games such as finger puppets, cup and ball and spinning tops and old city picture books. Centenary posters and the City’s coat-of-arms with old newspaper articles adorned the walls.

The next morning people arrived and were amazed at the lavishly presented room. With chairs facing the altar Revd Liz led this unique service with special mention in the prayers for our city and the pottery theme of her talk; in the bible believers are referred to as clay pots. She held her broken Emma Bridgewater mug with her name on it. She said it had had a collision with the floor and had glued it together and put in a candle. The light shone through the cracks rather like us as we too may be damaged but God can repair us and we too can shine as a light in dark places.          

Communion followed and after the service chairs were turned back to the tables.

Penkhull Village Brass began to arrive, members in fancy dress with some in Sgt Pepper uniform. Church Warden Sam from the percussion section was in a mini-skirt and high white patent boots.

We were delighted to be joined by the Lord Mayor Cllr Steve Watkin accompanied by his wife Lady Mayoress Lynn Watkin. Also attending was former Lord Mayor Cllr Lyn Sharpe.

A member of our congregation, former Lord Mayor Jackie Barnes had organised the film show and was involved with planning this event along with other members of the church.

Revd Liz was now dressed as a blue teapot, the band played as more guests arrived and then it was time to queue up for the huge banquet. Everyone was served a plate of turkey and ham and then we chose from a wide variety of foods including Indian delicacies. There was lots of cake and we later enjoyed Steve’s hilarious game and quiz.  

People enjoyed admiring the ware on the tables and in the display cabinet. More cakes were offered; the band played a wonderful selection of joyful music and Kevin the Kiln arrived, a wonderful photo opportunity as he posed for photos and danced with Lyn Sharpe.

We were so grateful to all who had worked so hard with a special mention to Annie who had worked so hard in the kitchen

This was a free event for the community funded by our councillor Waseem Akbar’s Ward Budget. There was an opportunity too to donate to the Church’s Fire Fund which raised £344.

Many photos of these events are on display in St John’s Centre. The following morning a lady said “it had been beyond wonderful”.

Rather like a chilly breeze on a summer’s day we did find ourselves thinking of those unable to join us.

Among those in hospital was Revd Fran. A statement had been read out in all three churches saying that there would be changes to services with more being lay led for a few months and we were asked to understand. We continue to hold Revd Fran and husband Revd Mike in our prayers.

We are grateful to Revd Liz and Readers Alan and Mike and all who are leading our worship.

On Sunday 25th May a Benefice Service was held at Hartshill Church for Revd Mike’s last service before joining St Mark’s, Shelton. Revd Adrian of Trentham Church opened the service with a tribute to Revd Mike and his hopes for his success at St Mark’s and his work in Hanley Team Ministry. Later refreshments were taken in the Minton Centre where the Holy Trinity ‘ensemble’ entertained us with light music.

Sunday 7th June saw our Treasurer Nick take part in a 5 km Mud Run at Markeaton Park in Derby. In aid of Cancer Research, Nick raised over £500. Well done Nick!!

One of Marj Stacey’s Easter Bunnies, Dunrobin (Robi) went on a walk along the West Highland Way (97 miles) with a group of people from Bethel Church, Dresden which raised £600 for charity.

Nello has returned from his missionary work in Bath and Bristol. He announced donations to the Lord Mayor’s Fund and Penkhull Village Brass who have installed a handsome wooden plaque at their new Band Headquarters, recognising the location as the former Trent Vale Bowling Club, Est 1985.

This has been a memorable month where hard work has given so much pleasure.

We are continuing to hold many in our prayers that may also soon be able to enjoy the summer days ahead and send these prayers to all who read our letter.

Bobbie and all your friends at St John’s Trent Vale.