Hello, and welcome to the inaugural instalment of Rockett’s Local Roundup collection.
In this ongoing series, we're going to give you a monthly rundown of the best stories from the Potteries area, not only to help you stay you informed but to keep you entertained too.
We're incredibly passionate about the Potteries - and we know you are as well - so without further ado, here is our first ever Rockett Roundup.
Couple on how £1 house in Stoke-on-Trent changed their lives, BBCNews (@BBCNews on Twitter)
Do you remember the £1 housing initiative of 2013, where local residents could purchase a house in the Cobridge area for 100 English pennies?
Well, as part of the scheme to revamp rundown and fundamentally derelict houses in Stoke-on-Trent, applicants were able to lay down their pound and receive a £30,000 grant to renovate their new home.
This heartwarming story highlights the positive impact the scheme has had. Focusing on Carol and Tommy McMillan, the article shows just how much the initiative has enhanced the couple's life, and it's a clear sign of the Potteries' forward-thinking mentality.
Read the full article here.
Could a flying defibrillator soon be saving lives in Staffordshire? The Sentinel (@SentinelStaffs on Twitter)
Covered by The Sentinel, this riveting read is about a development in which a drone fitted with a defibrillator could be soaring through rural parts of North Staffordshire to help save lives.
This incredible piece of drone technology is being assisted by innovations from Swedish academics who are currently staging test flights, using GPS coordinates to drop off defibrillators at a host of local locations. Not only is this a fresh and exciting use of emerging technology, but it could also serve to boost the survival rate in Staffordshire significantly.
Read the full article here.
Research in Malaysia: My Experience Part II Keele University Blog, Medium (@KeeleUniversity on Twitter)
Written by talented Keele University student, R. A. Stanyard, this blog piece offers a brilliant insight into Malaysia, its local culture and what it's like to work in a scientific laboratory in lands afar.
Superbly entertaining, interesting and immersive, this wonderfully written personal essay is a must-read - and it just goes to show how much talent Keele University nurtures on its leafy Staffordshire campus.
Even if you haven't read part one (which you can check out on the official blog), this still makes one essential read.
Read the full article here.
Meat cleaver returns home to Longton Market – after being discovered 3,000 miles away, City of Stoke-on-Trent Official News (@SoTCityCouncil on Twitter)
Written by Stoke-on-Trent's official city council, this compact, concise and thoroughly amusing article will make an interesting story to tell down the pub, or at your next social engagement.
The story is based on a meat cleaver from Longton that travelled a whopping 3,000 miles and basically boomeranged its way back to town after many years.
We won't spoil the rest. Read the full article here.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our first ever local roundup - keep your eye peeled for next month’s instalment.
In the meantime, if you’d like to get out there and experience the local area for less, grab yourself one of our amazing Rockett Recommends cards.