EXPERIENCE UK

Field Trip to Leek

Saturday December 14^th 2013

Meeting point: Leek Road Security Lodge (09:30)

Overview

Leek is one of the oldest towns in Staffordshire, set in the scenic Staffordshire Peak District. During

the 18^th Century, while Stoke on Trent was establishing itself as the centre for the English Pottery

Industry, Leek was becoming equally famous for the design and manufacture of textiles. In fact many

textile factories have been preserved and are now used as large antique centres, attracting visitors

from Britain and overseas.

 

 

View of the Nicholson War Memorial

The town still plays an important role in the surrounding rural area. It has several thriving markets, both indoors and outdoors, dating back 800 years, still selling local produce.

The Cattle market is one of the few such remaining markets in the Midlands and attracts farmers

from all over Britain. On Saturday December 14th there will be a Sheep auction which will attract

numerous sheep farmers from the surrounding hill farms.

 

 

 

Sale of Dairy cows.

 

 

 

Itinerary

 

 

 

Stage One

 

Visit the Sheep Market to observe and record.

Interview a sheep farmer.

 

Stage Two

Visit the Butter Market

Interview a stall holder.

Sample the local food: Oatcakes

 

Stage Three

Visit St Edward’s Church (over 1000 years old).

See the mermaid in the churchyard dedicated to the French prisoners who helped kick start the

town’s textile industry between 1803 and 1812.

Interval (Coffee/tea break) to discuss and share ideas/opinions, ask questions.

 

Stage Four

Visit the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery followed by

Free time to shop and explore

 

Return to Stoke: 3pm

Task: Update the blog with your photos, videos and yes please…short articles. Share your ideas and comment on what the other team members write.