Funeral Celebrant Steve shares reasons why he so loves living and working in Stoke-On-Trent and surrounding areas. He works as a Celebrant in Stoke and has been serving bereaved families for over 22 years. His knowledge of the area is substantive.
Steve says, “It’s important to be involved in the local community, and to take a genuine interest in the lives of the people you’re serving. Stoke-on-Trent is such an underrated area, a grave injustice. There are so many interesting places to visit. So much to discover.”
We asked Steve to select his top 5 favourite places to visit in Stoke-on-Trent. “Selecting only five has been difficult,” he says, “because there are so many to choose from, but I suppose my very favourite top five are as follows…”
Mow Cop Castle
Mow Cop Castle which sits on a hilltop north of Hanley, offering panoramic views of Staffordshire. The remains of an 18th century folly are styled to look like a medieval castle.
“The views from Mow Cop are vast and far reaching. It kind of represents my work as a Funeral Celebrant in the area,” says Steve, “because it is a place which looks back and looks forward.”
The castle and surrounding areas were purchased in 1923 by Joe Lovatt to quarry the area. However, after a period of local dispute the site was gifted to the National Trust in 1937.
Location: 53A High St, Mow Cop, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3PA, UK
Biddulph Grange Garden
Biddulph Grange Garden is a stunning location which holds a diverse collection of gardens, including a Himalayan glen, a Chinese water, an Egyptian Court, and an Italian garden.
“Again, another beautiful location,” says Steve, “I never tire of visiting this masterpiece of Victorian design. It is one of my favourite places for reflection and respite.”
The Grange Garden was designed by James Bateman and Edward Cooke in 1840. In 1988 the National Trust took ownership of the property and its gardens.
Location: Grange Rd, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent ST8 7SD, UK
The World of Wedgewood
The World of Wedgwood celebrates local ceramic history. It is an award-winning interactive museum set in the picturesque village of Barlaston and is surrounded by the Hem Heath Woods and close to the lake and Barlaston Downs.
Steve says, “Wedgewood is within walking distance from where I live, as are the Downs, a place I regularly walk Bella my Rottie at weekends.”
After hours of admiring the pottery and shopping, you can indulge in afternoon tea at the Tea Conservatory. “This is one my local ‘go-to’ places for valuable down time after a demanding week,” says Steve.
Location: Wedgwood Dr, Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9ER, UK
Trentham Estate
The Trentham Estate is a popular and well-known landscape in Stoke-on-Trent. Steve comments, “the grounds are beautifully and tastefully manicured. I really enjoy a walk around the picturesque lake. And what is more, it is only a ten-minute drive away from where I live.”
It is also a popular place for a little retail therapy. The Trentham Shopping Village offers over seventy shops and cafes. “Sometimes, between services, I will escape to the Trentham Estate for a walk around the stunning woodland and for a spot of lunch,” says Steve.
Location: Stone Rd, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 8JG, UK
The Sugarmill
The Sugarmill is a nationally acclaimed live music venue, where you can really enjoy a night out on the town in Stoke. This popular alternative music venue is situated in the Cultural Quarter in Hanley and hosts regular live music performances by local bands.
“This is a great place to soak up a little of the local Potteries Music Culture,” says Steve, “and is often mentioned by families as being an immensely popular place for meeting new people and enjoying local music.”
Location: 36 Brunswick St, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1DR, UK
Celebrant Steve’s Passion for Stoke-on-trent
Stoke-On-Trent is the home of the pottery industry and is commonly known as The Potteries. Steve describes it as a fascinating area.
He has lived in nearby Stone, since 2005. He was born and married in Lichfield. Since moving to Stone, he says, “I have loved working with the people of Stoke-On-Trent. They are the salt of its rich cultural heritage, and this is expressed in so many ways when families share their stories with me. I’m enchanted by their warmth and with their grounded, no-nonsense approach to life. It is a privilege and an honour to journey alongside them in their time of need.”
Celebrant Steve serves the city and its six towns – Burslem, Tunstall, Fenton, Hanley, Longton and Stoke.
If you would like to speak to Steve about arranging a funeral or memorial service, contact him directly or via the contact form below.