Palestinian pianist returns for concert
A Palestinian pianist who has played around the world, thanks in part to fundraising by people from Staffordshire, is returning to perform.
JCB announces record profits
Midlands digger manufacturer’s earnings at £365m
Great-grandmother stops thief with her handbag
A have-ago-hero great-grandmother has earned herself the unofficial title of 'supergran' after she stopped a shoplifter with her handbag.
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Rollercoaster enthusiasts create computer simulation of Alton Towers' new ride
Rollercoaster enthusiasts have created a computer simulation of Alton Towers' new ride 'The Smiler', which is due to be in operation from next month..
The video above was posted on YouTube in February and was computer-modeled using plans of the real coaster.
It shows the view from the point of view of the rider. 'The Smiler' has cost £18 million to build.
Princess Royal visits boathouse for disabled sailors
A charity which allows children with disabilities to enjoy sailing is building a unique boathouse to help its members in and out of the water. The new £500,000 building will allow disabled sailors to launch their dinghies at the touch of a button.
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More allegations hit Stafford Hospital
There are fresh allegations of misconduct against the former Chief Executive and Chairwoman of the scandal-hit Stafford hospital. Hundreds of patients died needlessly on the wards because of appalling standards of care.
It is claimed the two knowingly gave false information about death rates to a Borough Council Committee. Watch Alison Mackenzie's report.
Staffordshire children to benefit from new facility
Stafford Council makes formal complaint to CPS regarding former Mid Staffs bosses
– Stafford Borough CouncilAt a meeting of the Full Council last night it was agreed to instruct the council’s Chief Executive to make formal complaint to the Crown Prosecution Service in that Martin Yeates – the former Chief Executive of the hospital Trust and Mrs Toni Brisby – former chair of the Trust - committed the offence of misconduct in public office by knowingly giving false and misleading evidence to the council’s statutory overview and scrutiny committee.
Princess Anne arrives in Staffordshire
The Princess Royal is in Staffordshire this morning to visit a sailing club for children with severe disabilities. HRH Princess Anne is opening a new £500,000 boathouse at Rudyard Sailability near Leek.
The state of the art facility, equipped with hoists to help club members get in and out of boats, will give children more independence.
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Former Mid Staffs bosses referred to CPS by council
Former bosses at Mid Staffordshire hospital have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service by Stafford Borough Council.
– Stafford Borough CouncilThis Council instructs the Chief Executive to make formal complaint to the Crown Prosecution Service in that Mr Martin Yeates and Mrs Toni Brisby committed the offence of Misconduct In Public Office by knowingly giving false and misleading evidence to the Council’s Statutory Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The Smiler: video footage of construction
The Smiler: ride stats
- The Smiler is twice the size of Nemesis
- Highest drop – 30m
- Maximum speed – approx 85km/hr
- Track length – 1,170m (3x the length of Oblivion)
- Ride time – 165 seconds (3x the ride time of Rita)
- Location – X Sector
- Investment for the Resort - £18m
- Opening date – May 2013
Alton Towers roller coaster workers pose for classic photo
Alton Towers Resort has today announced that construction has been completed on its new roller coaster, The Smiler.
To celebrate completion, 10 workers enjoyed their lunch on one of the ride’s highest points, taking inspiration from the iconic ‘New York Girder’ image.
To mark the completion of construction as the site manager, Mike Tubb, officially screwed the last bolt into the attraction.
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