Just as we were arriving at The Dominoes Football Stadium at Yarnfield for the official opening ceremony yesterday, I received an urgent phone call from our Town Mayor Cllr. Mark Green who was already on site, informing me that the Town Council’s Star tent was badly ripped and in danger of blowing away in the very high winds! And sure enough, as we looked over the hedges, we could see loose fluttering canvas about to take off!

The danger in this situation is that the tent is anchored by metre long steel pegs into the pitch. Under tension and blown by a gale, these pins could easily become dislodged and , like a catapult, be thrown for yards. So we had to organise a speedy evacuation of the drinks and nibbles for which the tent had been the intended cover - and then swiftly lower the tent to the ground.

All of which was a bit of a distraction from the main event - the official opening of this tremendous footballing facility. Many people will not even know of its existence hidden behind tall hedges on the approach to the village of Yarfield. But once through the gate the most amazing facility becomes apparent. And most of the credit must go to Bob Bowers who, for over twenty years, has invested most of his spare time and effort and a lot of his money into creating a footballing centre of excellence.

Club rooms, changing rooms, bars, practice pitches and the new stadium - what an achievement! Funded by numerous grants and organised by a group of dedicated volunteers, this facility will inevitably play a major part in producing the football talent of the future in North Staffordshire but more importantly, proivide a place for the youngsters of the area to have fun in playing the game they love.

Well done everyone up at Yarnfield!

I’ve attended many funerals at Stafford Crematorium and, like most people, have often wondered what exactly happens ‘behind the curtain’. Well, today I was able to find out. Borough councillors were given the opportunity of a guided tour and very interesting it was, too.

The ‘crem’ is about to undergo a major refurbishment to lift it out of its 1960’s decor and to improve the facilities for the bereaved. The work is to be carried out over the next few months in a phased timing designed to ensure no disruption to services.

The ‘working parts’ were extremely interesting and surprisingly clinical and clean. I’m not sure what I was expecting but I came away very impressed with the procedures. Open Days are held each year so if any member of the public wishes to ‘do the tour’, look out for the advertisement.

I’ve just received an email from the Borough Council reporting on the progress of the introduction of the new blue bins. Yesterday the scheme had been in operation for nine days and already there has been an increase of 105% in dry recyclables in the blue bins and a 60% increase in the collection of garden waste. Quite impressive!

And they also point out that until Biffa take delivery of their new fleet of vehicles, paper and recyclables are being collected together. However they are separated at the depot.

Whilst this is positive news, I am receiving comments that suggest that there are many people who still are not too happy with the change. A lot of people seem to object to rinsing out tins, bottles, jars and plastic containers. I really don’t understand this. We’ve always done it - it is so easy and prevents any possible danger of smells. As far as I’m concerned, the new scheme is a great success. If you don’t agree, get in touch and let me have your comments.