The Burslem Port Trust – the voluntary group planning to restore and reopen the old Burslem Branch Canal in Middleport is running a special community event, ‘Burslem Connects’ on Wednesday, March 23, from 10am to 3pm.
Join the Trust and a wide range of other community groups and organisations to meet, discuss, share and learn what the future holds for Burslem and Middleport’s arts, heritage, community buildings and projects.
Local residents are being invited to drop in to Tommy Cheadle’s (Vale Social) at the Port Vale Foundation, Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, ST6 1AW – located on car park C.
The event is a chance to meet representatives from Burslem Port Trust, Burslem Neighbourhood Forum, Middleport Matters, Our Burslem, Barewall Gallery, the Port Vale Foundation and Re-Form Heritage – the charity that regenerated and manages Middleport Pottery and will soon be opening Harper Street Victorian terrace.
Project Manager for Burslem Port Trust, Laura Wigg-Bailey, said: “The event is aimed at sharing what each group has to say about their individual projects and hear what the people affected think about the proposed ideas. Burslem Port Trust is blessed with two Patrons – one of whom is Ian Dudson – Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire. Ian will be attending the event at 12pm and so, as the Queen’s representative, we are thrilled to have him with us to share his thoughts.”
The Trust hopes to increase awareness of the Burslem Branch Canal, with the eventual aim of restoration and new waterside facilities to deliver sustainable leisure, tourism and a boost to the local economy.
Port Vale FC is kindly sponsoring the occasion by providing the venue and a shirt signed by the First Team which will be given to one lucky person who attends the event. All those who take part in the Burslem Port Trust consultation will also receive an exclusive, hand-printed tote bag with artwork by acclaimed local artists ‘We are Culla’.
Port Vale FC’s Director of Commercial and Communications, Martin Tideswell, said: “We recognize there is a need in the town to share our thoughts, hopes, fears and ideas after the recent tragic loss of the historic Leopard Inn. This event will give people the chance to make their voices heard and is also an opportunity for those local leaders who are presenting their projects to keep people abreast of how they’re trying to make a difference in our communities.”
Burslem Port Trust Patron and Chair of the Burslem Regeneration Trust, Joan Walley, said: “I urge anyone who cares about the heritage and community of Burslem to attend this event and make themselves heard. It isn’t just a desk-based exercise, people will be on hand to talk to you and hear your views, so take this opportunity to shape Burslem and Middleport for the better.”
For those who can’t attend the event in person, organisers the Burslem Port Trust, will be putting as much as possible online via their social media pages so you can still make your views known.
The plans for the Burslem Port Wharf Warehouse project will also be on display at the Middleport Matters offices at 177-179 Newcastle Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3QJ until March 28.
Who: Burslem Port Trust
When: Wednesday 23rd March, 10:00 – 15:00
Where: Port Vale Football Club – Tommy Cheadle’s Room, visitors should go to Carpark C.
What: A symposium on Burslem/Middleport arts, community and heritage
Why: To bring together the community groups working to make Burslem and Middleport the best they can be for future generations and connect them up with the people living in these communities. To promote an exchange of ideas and information on the current state of affairs and discuss ways to move projects closer to fruition.
