The Township of Kidsgrove comprises Kidsgrove itself, a former coal and iron mining community dating back to the late 1700’s, the busy A34 and the smaller villages of Harriseahead, Newchapel and Mow Cop which have much in common with the Staffordshire Moorlands.

     Kidsgrove, with a population of 24,380, forms a natural centre for these smaller communities: here are Town Library, main Post Office, Station and Health Centre, though visitors should note that this is ¾ of a mile from the town centre. 

     The Tesco Supermarket in Liverpool Road offers 24 hour shopping and petrol and Market Street has a wide variety of smaller shops offering convenient shopping. There is an Indian and Chinese Restaurant and numerous take-away establishments.

     Many visitors arrive in the district by canal, the Macclesfield Canal particularly offers pleasant countryside, nearby Little Moreton Hall and the lure of a climb to Mow Cop Castle an 18th century folly, with fine views over Cheshire and Staffordshire. This village and those of Harriseahead and Newchapel, have strong Methodist connections; Newchapel houses the Natural Science Centre with planetarium and renewable energy displays and the nearby Church is where early Engineer, James Brindley is buried.

     The Trent and Mersey Canal where it passes through Kidsgrove is of great interest to the industrial historian, particularly the two Harecastle Tunnels, built in the 1770’s and 1820’s, the experience can be made even more pleasant by a visit to one of the traditional canal side pubs, such as the Red Bull, the Blue Bell or the Canal Tavern. A further walk along Boathorse Road reveals the open spaces of Bath Pool Park, a recreation area.

     Talke village centre, with Church, half-timbered farmhouse, market cross and historic inns is also worth a visit. Keen shoppers might enjoy the Freeport Shopping Mall at Talke Pits, while nature lovers may prefer nearby Parrots Drumble Nature Reserve, a secluded area of long-established woodlands.

     Kidsgrove is in the Borough of Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, near the border of Cheshire. From the 18th century it grew around coal mining although all mines have now closed. Clough Hall Mansion built by Thomas Telford during 1824 to 1827 is now demolished. Modern Kidsgrove is now very much a commuter town and more recently has been twinned with the French town; St Paul Du Bois.                           

   

An informal moment from this year's Presidential Handover held at Alsager Golf & Country Club on 30th June 2010. From left to right are:  incoming President Colin Brown and immediate Past-President Ralph Rhodes.

In the next 30 days..

31/07/2010  Kidsgrove Town Carnival.  
03/08/2010  03/08/2010 Kidsgrove Town Promotion Committee.  
04/08/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  Council Meeting.  
11/08/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  Business Meeting.  
13/08/2010  Kidsgrove Town Beer Festival.  
15/08/2010  Rotary Club Narrowboat Cruise.  
18/08/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  TBA.  
25/08/2010  Club Weekly Meeting -  TBA.  

Last Meeting

28/07/2010 Topic: Business Meeting