Cllr Derek Capey

Sharon Menghini has been appointed as the new Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Sharon was appointed after a meeting of the city council’s Human Resources Committee on Thursday 18 February. She will join the city council from her current role as Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Herefordshire County Council. Sharon has worked as Director of Children’s Services at Herefordshire Council since April 2007.

Children from across Stoke-on-Trent will have the chance to take part in two Multi Sport Camps over the half term holiday next week.   The camps, taking place at Trentham High School and Sandon High School, are designed for children of all abilities, and take place at both sites between 10am and 3pm throughout the week.   Sports on offer include:

The Junior British Table Tennis League returns to Fenton Manor Sport Complex on 13-14 February – with a Stoke-on-Trent based player leading the chase for the championship.   James Ward is from Burton-on-Trent, but plays at Penkhull Table Tennis Club in the Potteries Table Tennis League.

Residents can make a bird or bat box for their garden this weekend at Burslem Park.   Visitors to the park can build a box with the help of local expert Dave Butler who will be available to give tips and advice on the animals.

Staffordshire University students and staff will be able to pick up new skills and increase their cycling confidence as part of a CycleStoke initiative.   The ‘bike to basics’ programme commences at Staffordshire University next Monday (February 15) and forms part of a six week long schedule of free activities.

Share that loving feeling this Valentines Day with a free cycle ride around Westport Lake.   The ride will allow couples and singles to enjoy a romantic journey around the lake. A number of tandems will be available upon request.

The 2010k, a 10k race through the City of Stoke-on-Trent, will be officially launched next week (Monday). A major event in the city’s Festival of Sport, the 2010k is one of several mass participation events to celebrate the centenary of the city’s federation status.