Memory Lane
1
Why was a lane between Sutherland Road and Commerce Street, in Longton, known as Handcuff Alley?
2
Nearly 40 players turned out during a benefit match at Vale Park in 1964 for two Port Vale stalwarts, one of whom was Roy Sproson. Who was the other?
3
Why did a visit by Gustav Hamel in 1913 attract huge crowds at Longton and Stone?
4
In which manor house in South Cheshire is there claimed to be a ghost known as the Grey Lady?
5
Why did the death of King George V in January, 1936 avert a potential catastrophe at a Burslem cinema?
6
Which former North Staffordshire politician acquired the nickname Hammer of the Left?
7
Which Staffordshire hamlet was the birthplace of an Archbishop of Canterbury?
8
A miner from Silverdale became Australia’s Prime Minister. What was his name?
9
Who were Stoke City’s opponents in 1955 when it took five matches to decide a cup-tie?
10
Which celebrated American author visited the Nicholson Institute at Leek in 1899?
ANSWERS
1
Handcuff Alley in Longton was so called because it led from the police station to the courthouse.
2
A benefit match was staged at Vale Park in 1964 for longserving Port Vale players Roy Sproson and Selwyn Whalley.
3
Gustav Hamel attracted huge crowds at Stone and Longton in 1913 as an early aviator flying a 50hp Bleriot monoplane.
4
A ghost known as the Grey Lady is claimed to haunt Little Moreton Hall, near Congleton.
5
In January, 1936 heavy snow caused a roof collapse at the old Palace Cinema, Burslem, which fortunately was closed following the death of King George V.
6
The former North Staffordshire politician known as Hammer of the Left was the Newcastle MP John Golding.
7
The Staffordshire hamlet of Stanton, near Alton, was the birthplace of Gilbert Sheldon, who became Archbishop of Canterbury.
8
The ex-silverdale miner who became Prime Minister of Australia was Sir Joseph Cook.
9
Stoke City’s opponents in an FA cup-tie in 1955 that ran to five matches were Bury.
1
0 The American author was Mark Twain.