We’re in the middle of Love Stoke-on-Trent Fortnight (#LoveSOT). Here at Unitas we’re delighted to be joining our colleagues at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, along with key local businesses including Port Vale FC and The Sentinel in Taking the Pledge.
Our pledge is to do as much as we can to support the City Council’s efforts in cleaning up the city. We’re proud to live and work here, proud to employ over 450 people and proud to do our bit to improve life for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.
We’ll be sharing more on what we’re getting up to for Love SOT Fortnight on our social media channels later this week, but for now we thought we’d look at what makes Stoke-on-Trent so special:
We’re Polycentric
Our city’s format of the six towns, being Longton, Fenton, Stoke, Hanley, Burslem and Tunstall, are so rare that when the City Federation took place in 1910, it was the first of its’ kind and wasn’t repeated until the 1960’s. Each of our towns is unique with its’ own style and individuality and we’re extremely passionate about them.
The Potteries
From classic names such as Royal Doulton and Wedgwood, enduring brands like Portmeirion and modern classics such as Anita Harris and Emma Bridgwater, Stoke-on-Trent is the undisputed capital of Pottery and ceramics. They don’t call us The Potteries for nothing!
Architecture
With hosts of Grade I, II and II* listed buildings spread throughout the City, taking in a variety of styles, including Victorian, Romanesque, Gothic, Edwardian, Art Deco and Italianate, we’re hard-pushed to find a favourite Stoke-building. We would however say that Stoke Minster, Ford Green Hall, Chatterley Whitfield, the Burslem School of Art, the Wedgwood Institute, Longton Library, the Kings Hall and the Bethesda Church are some of our finest examples.
Sport
There really is something for everyone here. We’ve got professional football, Stoke City and Port Vale, as well as local amateur clubs, Hanley Town FC and Eastwood Hanley, admired golf, rugby, athletics, skiing and cricket facilities. There’s lots to join in with, with climbing, cycling, swimming, and much more available on your doorstep. Don’t forget all that we’ve given the world of sport too: Phil “The Power” Taylor, Eddie Hall, Angela Smith, Aaron Ramsdale, Jazmin Sawyers and a certain Sir Stanley Matthews…
Famous People
We’ve given the world some VERY talented people covering a wide spectrum of arts, music and business, including (but certainly not limited to) Rachel Shenton, Slash, Robbie Williams, Arnold Machin, Neil Morrissey, Hugh Dancy, Lemmy, John Caudwell, Anthea Turner and Neil “Nello” Baldwin.
Parks and Greens
Our award-winning parks include Longton, Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley and Hanley Forest Parks, all of which have rich and unique heritages and attractions. In addition, there are also green spaces including Park Hall Country Park, Whitfield Valley Nature Reserve, Cocknage Woods, Trentham Gardens (technically in Staffordshire, but we’ve claimed it) and Berry Hill Fields – again, among others. There are few cities with this much green space and we’re so lucky to have them!
Potteries Folk
There’s no doubt about it: Potteries people are the friendliest around. In 2020, we were voted the UK’s kindest city and we have to say we agree. From our humour to our spirit, to our friendly nature, there’s a warm welcome everywhere.
The people of Stoke are what makes it truly unique and special, and it’s our honour to do everything we can to make the city the best it can be.
