Blog Archives
Kidsgrove Defibrillators Campaign
The Kidsgrove Lads and Dads group have been raising money over the past 12 months to obtain better first aid equipment and a defibrillator to be present at all Sunday football sessions.
Mark Porter decided to fund raise for the Lads and Dads to have their own Defibrillator following on from the sad death of Liam Wood. Liam Wood collapsed on a pitch just after he had scored for AFC Saints on fields in Knutton, Staffordshire, in January 2012. Liam, who played football four times a week, had an extremely rare heart disorder. His arteries were connected to the same place in his heart, unlike most people’s whose arteries are connected to different parts of the heart. This condition is very hard to detect.
Mark said: “When I heard what had happened to Liam I just felt I had to do something. I did some research and decided to organise a fund-raiser with Roland Hulse from Kidsgrove Lads and Dads and other organisations. The Defibrillators can save lives and we now have a first aid team fully trained up to use the equipment. Lets just hope they never have to use them”.
The project had the backing of myself, Kidsgrove Town Council, MP Joan Walley, Co-op Pharmacy and other local businesses.
On Sunday 12th May, Liam Woods mum Julie Bostock and I were asked to open the new first aid tent and unveil the defibrillator for the first time. I told the crowd before we cut the ribbon that I was so touched by the amount of support this project had gained. The community had come together for a good cause and it just shows us what we can achieve in Kidsgrove. I will soon be announcing what the Town Council plan to do to further support this fantastic project.
For Kidsgrove Lads and Dads visit: http://www.kidsgroveladsandads.co.uk/index.html
Kidsgrove and Talke Library Events

Library events in Kidsgrove and Talke.
I thought it would help to let you know what’s happening in December at Kidsgrove and Talke libraries. There are some fantastic groups set up to serve the community so use these services to benefit you and the family. Most of what’s on offer is free apart from the specialist talks or the history class.
Kidsgrove Library 01782 782445:
Every Monday – 10am-12pm: Work Club – Free advice and support to help people looking for work (National Careers Service)
First Tuesday of the Month – 2pm-3pm: Reading Group (All ages welcome, Free)
First Tuesday of the Month – 7.15pm: Reading Group (All ages welcome, Free)
Every Tuesday – 1pm-2pm: Staffordshire Young People’s Service (Free)
Every Tuesday (Term Time Only) – 11.30am-1pm: Local History Class Charges may apply (please contact the library for further details)
Every Thursday 1pm-3pm: Changes Health and Wellbeing – Weekly mutual help group for adults in mental distress (Free)
Every Friday 9.45am – 10.15am and 10.30am – 11.00am: Baby Bounce and Rhyme (Free for parents and Babies)
Talke Library 01782 296840:
First Tuesday of the month – 2pm-3pm: Reading Group (Free)
Every Friday – 10am-12pm: Knit and natter (Free)
Every Monday – 2.30pm-3.30pm: Coffee Break (25p per cup)
Every Friday 10am-12pm and 2.30pm-3.30pm: Coffee Break (25p per cup)

Kyle Robinson supporting local libraries and encouraging young people to read.