The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (introduced in 2006) now affects workers in the music and entertainment industries.

This definition includes not only clubs, but also pubs (indeed, ANYWHERE that plays live- or recorded-music!).

However, clubs must assess the ‘noise-risk’, if the exposure is likely to reach eighty decibels.

If music is ‘live’ and amplified, the club may assume that it needs to take action – the requirement being to protect employees’ hearing, if exposure-levels are likely to reach or be above 85 decibels!

Venues can consult online advice and information on www.soundadvice.info

For, Hatherton-based Jo’s commitment to creating a truly ‘ONE-OFF’ cake-experience for her clients (utilising a delicious combination of design and exquisite, culinary skills) has paid handsome dividends, with her appositely-named business progressing in luscious fashion week-by-week, thanks to enthusiastic word-of-mouth recommendation!

Readers seeking something really UNIQUE for your ‘special day’ (be it a birthday, wedding, anniversary, Valentine’s or Mother’s Day [or any other occasion]) need only pick your ‘phone and contact her.

“People are so delighted with the cakes which I have created for them that they repeatedly come back to me, and this is so rewarding,” said a delighted Jo.

“The designs are genuinely unique to each, individual customer, and my celebration cakes’ themes feature everything from handbags and shoes to sportscars!”

Jo’s gorgeously-decorated cakes are delicious on the inside as well as the outside, and this is because she uses only the finest, FRESH ingedients, with the result that she receives fulsome ‘thank-you’ letters from some 80% of her customers.

“I don’t freeze my creations: the cakes are specially baked for each person,” she told Staffs. Gazette.

Such is Jo’s repute as a confectioner that she has created cakes for ‘high-profile’ events for Staffordshire-based business magnate, John Caudwell.

These have been really lovely occasions for me,” she commented, adding: “I created a very ‘girly’ and glitzy, three-tier cake for the 40th birthday of John’s partner, and, then, American diva, Diana Ross, sang over it!

“In addition, I made a confection for John Caudwell’s daughter’s 21st birthday, and this was ‘blessed’ by the singing of ‘X-Factor’ star, Leonie Lewis: as you can imagine, both of these occasions were absolutely brilliant.

“I also do a lot of work for top-rated, Staffordshire venue, The Manor at Hanchurch, Stoke-on-Trent, and always benefit from a fantastic feed-back.”

Prices for Jo’s celebration cakes range from £45 to £80, and, for those requiring absolute perfection for your wedding day,the rates commence at an eminently-reasonable £200.

Individuality is the key to Jo’s success, since she revels in working with the bride-to be and her groom to produce the ‘cake of their dreams’, helping them to translate their ideas into a delicious reality!

With a background in fashion-design, Jo has a whole range of innovative ideas in mind.

“I’m always looking to the future: I think that it would be lovely to personally deliver birthday cakes to people’s homes locally, after the sender had rung in their order to me, and, naturally, I shall be creating a brand-new, Cbristmas range for people to order,” she explained.

“Also, I’m going to set up my own website during the next, few months.”

Boasting an excellent location, The Abbotsford is an ideal location for readers’ family holidays, and is acclaimed as, possibly, one of the friendliest of all B&Bs and hotels in Britain’s premier seaside resort.

The glorious Promenade is only 50 metres away, and the hotel is sited midway between the Pleasure Beach and the world-famous Tower.

As a result, you can take a relaxing stroll along the water’s edge during the summer months and, during the Illuminations, be dazzled by the greatest, FREE show on earth!

“In addition to all the resort’s attractions, we are very near to a lot of social clubs, which are popular with people from North Staffordshire,” explained Christine.

“The hotel is to a high standard, and we try that little bit harder to ensure that guests’ stay with us is both relaxing and enjoyable.”

As a result, many of their guests return time and time again!

The hotel comprises 8 en-suite bedrooms (2 family, 5 double and 1 single), plus 2 single standard rooms, all of a good size, pleasantly decorated and cleaned to a very high standard (and, of course, are non-smoking).

The Abbotsford’s 5-course breakfast and 3-course evening meal are cooked to-order and served in its spacious dining-room.

Readers can enjoy a drink with your dinner in the hotel’s fully-licensed, cosy bar (where bar-snacks are served daily from 6 to 9pm), or, alternatively, relax at any time in the south-facing sun-lounge.

David and Christine welcome families with children of all ages (discounts for youngsters aged 12 and under are available), couples, senior citizens, small groups and conference delegates.

Mixed parties are accepted by advance registration only, and one-night stays are subject to availabilty.

Christine and David, who will celebrate their third anniversary as co-owners of The Abbotsford (their first venture within the hospitality business) in September, have seen the quality of their hotel and the service which they offer recognised by the venue’s ‘Three-Star’ accreditation-award.

On Thursday, August 13th, local darts ace, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, is appearing at the Chetwynd Street venue in a charitable fund-raising event for the Donna Louise Trust.

The entry-fee on the night is £1, and, if players want to compete against Phil, they pay £2.

“Their names are put into a hat, and if they are drawn out, they get to play him,” explained Concert Secretary, Terry Hopwood.

“Phil Taylor was scheduled to play in this event earlier in the year, but he had to pull out, owing to a back-injury.”

The action starts at 7pm, and the night will also involve other fund-raisers, such as raffles etc.

Prior to that (on Thursday, July 30th), Smallthorne Pioneer is hosting a major entertainment showcase, featuring five live acts: comedy duo, Seaside Rendezvous; NYC (a sensational, three-guy trio); Dio-La-Diva (a ‘classical all-ladies trio); excellent, two-guy duo, Second Journey; and Confuzion (a ‘high-energy’ girl-and-guy duo)!

There is no admission-charge for this showcase, which commences at 7.30pm.

Thanks to the crazy spending of Real Madrid, every club will be upping the asking-price for their stars, WRITES GEORGE ANDREWS.

The Spanish club has smashed the transfer-record twice during the last, two weeks, and looks to continue along that road.

That will have a ‘knock-on’ effect everywhere!

Clubs know that Manchester United is looking for a replacement for Ronaldo and will have to pay an inflated price, as will Manchester City, which is being ‘bank-rolled’ by the Arabs, has billions in the bank and is willing to ‘pay through the nose’ to get its targets.

The big question: is the pendulum swinging away from the Premier League and back to Europe, with top European players now moving to Spain to play La Liga (which is, in my opinion, a better place to improve your skills and technique and tactical knowledge)?

Kaka, Ribery and Billa all look set to be members of Real Madrid’s team next season, along with Ronaldo.

That will be a ‘body-blow’ for the Premier League.

The language-barrier will always be a problem (plus, of course, the weather!).

Several, other players, who are being chased by teams in Europe, are considering their future, because their families have failed to settle in this country; so, don’t be surprised if more of the top foreign stars in the Premier League follow Ronaldo into Europe!

Jenny is best-known for her role as barmaid, Violet Wilson, which she played in the Granada series from 2004 to 2008: her long-standing character was witness to many dramatic storylines, including tragically suffering from an ectopic pregnancy only weeks after finding out that her boyfriend, Jamie, had fallen in love with his step-mum!

Later, she became pregnant with her gay friend, Sean’s, baby, but her departure from the ‘soap’ in March, 2008, saw her running off with reconciled boyfriend, Jamie, and Sean’s baby, Dillon.

Jenny has joined the company as Viola in the hilarious comedy, which sees her character swept onto the shores of Illyria, following a shipwreck and becoming involved in a complex plot of desire and disguise.

She is joined by Eric, who is playing the rowdy and larger-than-life character, Sir Toby Belch.

Eric has led a diverse career, working in film, TV, theatre and radio: he has also starred in, written and directed pantomimes for the last fourteen years, including ‘Mother Goose’ at The Regent Theatre, Hanley, in 2005.

Of course, he is most famous for playing the baker, Diggory Compton, father of Molly, in ‘Coronation Street’, and has been a regular in the popular show since 2005.

Commented Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Artistic Programme Manager and Producer for the Stafford Shakespeare event, Derrick Gask: “We are delighted to have secured for both Jenny and Eric for our production of ‘Twelfth Night’.

“They are extremely talented and experienced actors, and I think that they are valuable additions to our company.

“Both actors have worked with our director, Peter Rowe, previously, with Jenny recently appearing in his production in his production at ‘Chimps’ at The New Wolsey Theatre, in Ipswich, where he is Artistic Director, and he is full of praise for both actors.”

Jenny is no stranger to Shakespeare, having appeared as Nerissa in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ to rave reviews last year.

Born in Ipswich, she trained at East 15 Acting School, and, since graduating, has appeared in many TV and theatre productions.

Eric graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1987, and has, since, made appearances in most of the country’s top repertory and touring theatres.

The beautiful surroundings of Stafford Castle makes the perfect back-drop to enjoy Shakespeare’s popular comedy of infatuation, deception and broken hearts.

Shipwrecked and fearing her twin brother, Sebastian, Viola is deposited on the shores of Illyria.

Disguising herself as a boy (and naming herself Cesario), she takes a post in Duke Orsino’s court and, on his behalf, attempts to woo his loved one, the Lady Olivia.

Olivia is, however, mourning the death of her brother and is, sadly, too busy even to read Orsino’s letters.

A series of complications arise, with Olivia beginning to fall in love with the disguised Cesario and Olivia’s brother, Sebastian, arriving on the scene.

In this world of aristocratic confusion, where the twins cannot be told apart and their very being provokes infatuation wherever they turn follows a comic masterpiece of desire and disguise.

‘Twelfth Night’ is the 19th production to be staged as part of the annual Stafford Festival Shakespeare at Stafford Castle, produced by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, in conjunction with Stafford Borough Council Leisure Services.

The first, in 1991, starred Robert Hardy as Chorus in ‘Henry V’, and last year’s offering was ‘Hamlet’, with Louise Jameson as Gertrude, Joseph Milson as the eponymous Prince of Denmark and Kellie Shirley (Ophelia).

Readers can enjoy a picnic or a delicious, three-course dinner, catered by the Lewis Partnership, before settling back in the covered grandstand for Shakespeare under the stars.

‘Twelfth Night’ runs until Saturday, July 11th, at 8pm, with a 2pm performance on Saturday, July 4th.

To purchase tickets for the production and see Jenny and Eric in action, telephone Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Box Office on (01785) 254653 or book online at www.staffordsfestivalshakespeare.co.uk

The man in question is Snake Davies: phenomenally-talented saxophonist, flautist and composer, who is in concert at Newcastle’s New Vic Theatre on Wednesday, July 8th.

Readers will recognise his soulful, searing sound from recordings by Ray Charles, Tom Jones, George Michael, Tina Turner, Take That, Cher, Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer, Motorhead, Eurythmics and The Spice Girls – to name just a few!

He’s on the road with his own band’s wonderful mix of soul, world funk and jazz with his uplifting raw-power style!

There’s something for everybody young, old or in between!

Tickets for the concert (which starts at 7.30pm) are priced at £12.50 and £14 (with concessions available and under-16s go free), and can be booked by booked by telephoning the Box Office on (01782) 717962 or online: www.newvictheatre.org.uk

For the past decade, the Hanley theatre has brought the biggest and the best shows from around the world to Stoke-on-Trent.

The theatre was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen on October 28th, 1999.

Since then, the venue has welcomed ‘Cats’, ‘Evita’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Calendar Girls’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, Matthew Bourne’s ‘Swan Lake’, ‘Grease’, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Techicolour Dreamcoat’, ‘Starlight Express’, the 50th anniversary production of ‘West Side Story’ and many, more great shows.

Since Melinda Messenger, Cannon and Ball, Britt Ekland and Postman Pat starred in the first one in 1999, The Regent’s spectacular pantomimes have gone from strength to strength and have become a ‘must-see’ Christmas tradition.

Jonathan Wilkes became the region’s favourite panto star when he appeared in ‘Mother Goose’ with Kym Marsh (of ‘Coronation Street’) in 2005.

He has now starred in an astonishing run of four, record-breaking pantomimes, and will return in this year’s unmissable show, ‘Dick Whittington’!

The ’10th Birthday Season’ is looking as strong as ever, with the Disney musical, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and ‘Stepping Out’ by Richard Harris (starring Jessie Wallace, of ‘Eastenders’, and Brian Capron, from ‘Coronation Street’) in September.

‘Dancing in the Streets’ features the best in Motown in October, and is followed by the West End smash-hit musical, ‘Dreamboat and Petticoats’, which will transport you to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll.

Also, you won’t want to miss ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, when it flies into the Piccadilly theatre in November!

Well, the answer is a TV deal with Spanish station, Mediapro worth £132 million; Adidas paying £81 million for the rights to make its famous, white kit; and the online  betting firm, BWIN, forking out £18 million to be Real Madrid’s shirt-sponsor!

Add to that the club’s corporate partners, Coca-Cola and Audi, and the Spanish side is ‘making a mint’.

On top of that, it rakes in thousands on match-days, with 80,000 fans regularly watching games at the Bernabeu.

And the coffers will continue to swell with money from the sale of top players, including Dutch stars, Arjen Roben, Wesley Sneijder, Rudud van Nistelrooy and Rafael van der Vaart, for over £100 million.

Also, the new president of the club, Florentino Perez, is, of course, worth a cool £1.1 billion: that’s what makes Real Madrid the most famous club in the world!  

It is Perez’s second spell at the club, and the fans will remember that that he sanctioned the signings of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Brazilian World Cup striker, Ronaldo, and David Beckham to make it the most exciting team in the world.

Perez is keen to bring that excitement and entertainment back for the fans at the Bernabeu.

‘TRADITIONAL’ is the key-word for Steph and Andy, who became ‘mine hosts’ of this 400-years-old Staffordshire village hostelry in December, 2008!

Readers visiting The Draycott Arms will discover NO television, NO Juke-box and NO gaming-machines, but you will enjoy GOOD food, GOOD drinks and GOOD company here!

“Andy and I often have a laugh about this, but it’s clearly what a lot of people want, since, having taken on a pub that had been run down for four, long years, business is building up very nicely, and we are welcoming back old customers, as well as attracting new ones,” Steph told us.

Yes, everything is traditional at the Cheadle Road inn, including its ‘Olde English’ culinary fare, cask-conditioned beers and, above all, its ultra-relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Nothing beats the taste of genuine home-cooking (whether it’s an old favourite or one of the more modern dishes), and at The Draycott Arms, you will find not only its excellent-quality 2 Mains for £6 menu, but also find a ‘specials board’ with additional choices (all priced individually).

The menu’s selection of starters includes perennial favourites like delicious Breaded Mushrooms (Plain or Garlic), served with a barbecue- or mayonnaise-dip, and Prawn Cocktail (on a bed of mixed salad, covered in Marie Rose sauce & served with bread-&-butter).

Alternatively, why not plump for the ‘Combo Platter’ (for one or two people and featuring crispy, coated chicken, onion-rings, potato-wedges, mushrooms, scampi & garlic-bread), served with a side-salad and a barbecue-dip?!

For £6, you can tuck into two main-courses (choose from Battercrisp Cod, Chicken Tikka Masala, Lasagne, Cottage Pie, 100% Angus Beefburger, Chilli con Carne, Sausage & Egg and Ham & Egg), all served with chunky chips, spicy wedges, jacket potato or rice, accompanied by a salad-garnish or garden peas.

All these can be followed by a choice of fabulous desserts!

Health-conscious diners have the option of jacket potatoes with a choice of tasty, nourishing fillings (cheese, baked beans, cheesy baked beans, tuna crush and prawns with Rose Marie sauce), all served with a salad garnish, with prices ranging from £2.95 to £3.75.

“We’re friendly and accommodating; essentially, when we’re open, customers can order food,” said Steph, adding: “Foodwise, if I’ve got it, you can have it!”  

All children’s meals are priced at just £1.95.

Needless to say, readers can enjoy a traditional ‘roast’ luncheon, with a main course meal (served with ‘all the trimmings’) costing a mere £4.95.

“Everything is home-cooked, and we use no frozen vegetables or other produce,” explained Steph.

Food is served from 6pm to 9pm (Monday-Thursday) and all day (from 12 noon onwards), Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Naturally, a good selection of wines is always available to complement the excellence of the food on offer.

Located in the village of Draycott-in-the-Moors (between Newcastle-under-Lyme and Uttoxeter, near the River Blythe, and 2.5 miles from Cheadle), The Draycott Arms caters for a wide range of private functions (starting from £4.95 per head for buffets and £9.99 for a three-course ‘sit-down’ meal) for those with any special occasions coming up, and no charge is made for the room; in addition, any special needs or requirements can be met by contacting a member of staff.

There’s a full range of ‘keg’ drinks on offer, and ‘real ale’ aficionados can quaff pints of the pub’s brace of beautifully-kept ‘regulars’: Marston’s Pedigree (ABV 4.5%, an exceptional premium ale, crafted from the finest, natural ingredients & famously smooth & rounded) and Charles Wells Bombardier Premium Bitter (ABV 4.3%, lauded by Roger Protz, editor of CAMRA’s ‘Good Beer Guide’, as “a burnished copper colour, with a rich, tempting aroma of peppery hops & raisins, while the palate is dominated by more dark fruit, juicy malt & tangy hops”!).

Punch Taverns tenants, Steph and Andy stress: “This is a new venture for us, and we’re not looking to modernise this pub in any way: we want to keep it totally traditional, so we’re looking for darts and dominoes players to join our crib teams as representatives of The Draycott Arms.”