New history quiz set to challenge brains of young and old alike

By roger houldcroft roger.houldcroft@thepostandtimes.co.uk

HISTORY buffs will have the chance to test their brain matter on topics ranging from Uttoxeter's involvement in the English Civil War to director Shane Meadows's latest movie.

The Post & Times has teamed up with the newly-relaunched Redfern's Cottage: Museum of Uttoxeter Life to produce a weekly quiz.

Laura Wigg-Bailey, pictured below, curator of what was the Heritage Centre, in Carter Street, Uttoxeter, or local historian David Parkes will submit 10 questions to give readers the chance to find out just how much they know about the town.

It will be found on the final page of The Week, alongside the crossword.

Answers will be printed next to the brain teasers, apart from time to time when prizes will be offered to reward correct solutions.

This week's offering includes questions on a prune-eating world record holder, a toboggan-riding general and the number of different spellings of Uttoxeter.

Laura was delighted to be able to give old and young alike the opportunity to uncover some little known facts about the area they live in.

And she admitted she was looking forward to dedicating an hour each week to researching the material.

Laura, who lives on a farm in Hollington, said: "There is no better way to feel connected to a place than to learn about its history.

"We've come up with 10 questions to launch the quiz and I'm sure people will be surprised at what they learn about Uttoxeter."

Laura works for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, looking after two historic properties, Bramall Hall and Staircase House. She has given up working two days a week to spend time at Redfern's Cottage, which was unveiled last month.

David, a librarian, archivist and lecturer in IT futures at Staffordshire University, is delighted he would be able to share his knowledge of his home town with the wider public.

The father-of-two, of Cheadle Road, is the perfect quizmaster, having helped establish Uttoxeter Civic Society.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it. There is a wealth of history in the town which we should promote more."

David had been campaigning for years to stop Uttoxeter Town Council selling off Uttoxeter Heritage Centre to a plug a hole in the authority's finances.

He helped set up Uttoxeter Heritage Trust, a charity which has taken over the running of the timber-framed property.

He said: "I'm so happy we have finally achieved our goal of keeping the museum open for the people of the town and as an attraction for tourists to the area."

The museum is keeping up the momentum established by the success of its grand opening by running free craft workshops for children.

The drop-in sessions will take place every Thursday in August, from 10am to 12.30pm.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at Redfern's Cottage call 01889 567 176, or visit www.uttoxeterheritage.org

Try out the new quiz: Page 24