Noted Award-Winning Celebrant Steve Game-Blackmoor shares some of his favourite places in Burton-On-Trent, and why he loves working in the area.
Burton-Upon-Trent is known for its brewing industry particularly. In fact, the town developed around Burton Abbey, and is mentioned in the doomsday book. The Abbey was once claimed to have been the smallest and poorest Benedictine monastery in England.
Did you know that Burton Bridge was the site of two battles in 1322 when Edward II defeated the rebel Earl of Lancaster and then in 1643 during the First English Civil War?
Working In Burton-on-Trent
I was born and married in nearby Lichfield, and as a celebrant serve the Burton-on-Trent area, regularly officiating at funeral ceremonies at Bretby Crematorium, Stapenhill Cemetery and at the Lichfield and District Crematorium in Fradley.
The National Brewery Centre
Horninglow Street, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1NG. Tel: 01283 532880
Described as the world’s secret treasure trove for brewery heritage, the National Brewery Centre is a fascinating place to visit. It celebrates the social history of brewing with real life experiences and shared stories of the people who helped to build Burton’s proud brewing reputation.
The museum also has an array of traditional drays (carts) that were used to deliver beer in days gone by, it’s a fascinating venue. From horse-drawn drays through to more modern-day vehicles. I particularly like the Robey steam engine that was used to draw clean well water from the springs of St. Modwen to the brewery.
Brewhouse Art Galleries
The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 1AA. Tel: 01283 567720
The thing I most appreciate about the Brewhouse is their work with local community groups, from amateur dramatics, charities and education providers Providing a space where local people can showcase their work.
Whilst working in the area, I often pop into the Brewhouse Café Bar, which serves a wide range of speciality tea’s, fresh coffee, and delicious cakes. A place to wind down between services and visiting families.
Claymills Victorian Pumping Station
Meadow Lane, Stretton, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, DE13 0DA. Tel: 01283 509929
This is a fascinating visit, that has beam engines by Gimson of Leicester, five Boilers, a steam driven workshop, a forge and dynamo house with a Crompton dynamo driven by a Buxton and Thornley Steam engine.
There is also the “Metal from Stones” unit which is of geological interest.
Well worth a visit, and a place I go back to time and again. All the tours are guided, which just adds to the curiosity and significance of the site.
Why not take an online tour to whet your appetite for a visit here.
T.J. Parry Family Funeral Directors Ltd
Britannia House, Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1AX. Tel: 01283 205285
If you have recently lost a loved one, I recommend the award-winning Timothy Parry. A family run independent service that serves all of Burton on Trent and neighbouring areas. As a celebrant specialising in funeral care, I work alongside some of the top names across the county, and choose to work with Tim, because of his impeccable standards and attention to detail.
Tim has become a ‘go to’ name within the area and has been recognised independently as one of the most attentive and distinctive funeral services in Staffordshire, he provides the highest quality of care and an outstanding personal service to families at a very difficult time. It always an honour and a pleasure to work alongside him.
To read more about Tim and his service click here.
Finally, we give a big shout out to the Burton Operatic Society, which is a musical theatre company based in Burton and produces two shows every year. And the Burton School of Speech and Drama, Burton’s claim to fame being because this is where many professional and amateur actors have discovered and learned their craft.
The Consolidated Charity of Burton upon Trent is a local charity that aims to help the residents in the area, by providing alms-house accommodation and by making charitable grants to individuals in need and to organisations which serve the community.