A Child Of Mine

09/05/2024

Unveiling the Secrets of Eccleshall Road Cemetery: From Tiny Tots to Town Mayors!

Eccleshall Road Cemetery isn't your average graveyard. It opened its gates in 1856 with a tiny tot named George Jennings as its first resident, but this cemetery has a story that unfolds over acres and through time.

Imagine mourners gathering at one of the two chapels – the grand Church of England one or the more general purpose chapel – seeking solace amidst their grief. Back then, a train line snaked past the cemetery, connecting Stafford to Uttoxeter (now a peaceful section of the Isobel Trail). Fast forward to 2018, and Eccleshall Road Cemetery proudly displays its "Green Flag," a national badge of honor for stunning parks and open spaces.

But what truly lies beneath the surface (or rather, headstones) are the fascinating lives of those buried here. Take John Mottram, for example. Born in 1841, John lost his father just after his first cry. Yet, he rose above his beginnings. By 1871, he was a pawnbroker on Martin Street. Fast forward a decade, and John was not only working but also living at 6 Greengate Street, a testament to his hard work.

John wasn't just about business; he was a pillar of the Baptist Church. In fact, his dedication led him to purchase land in 1887 for a brand-new Baptist Church building! John's journey continued – the 1891 census reveals him as a pawnbroker and outfitter in Rowley Park, and by 1901, he'd added jeweler to his impressive list of titles. He even partnered with another prominent Baptist, Josiah Lovatt.

But John's legacy goes beyond business ventures and church involvement. He served as the esteemed Mayor of Stafford from 1904 to 1905! Sadly, John passed away in 1914, leaving behind a story of resilience, faith, and leadership.

John Mottram is just one of the many fascinating individuals resting at Eccleshall Road Cemetery. So, the next time you're there, take a moment to wander the paths and ponder the lives that lie beneath. You never know what hidden stories you might discover!

18/06/2020

Thank you ThisIsFitness You guys are amazing and I am totally in awe of the support you have given us over the years. It totally means the world. thank you!!! This is such an important challenge for us and we really appreciate everyone's support xx

31/10/2018

We are very excited that we are now fully registered with South Staffordshire Community Lottery!! For every single ticket purchased 30% will go to us if ACOM is selected as your good cause to support. This is such a great opportunity to win prizes (up to £25,000 jackpot each week!) and support a local charity. We are all signed up and hope can get online and support us too :)

South Staffordshire Community Lottery - a fun and easy way to support good causes in South Staffordshire!

14/09/2018

This is such a beautiful medal and we are grateful to Virtual Runner Uk Ltd for supporting ACOM.

All you have to do is run/walk as many miles as you can in December to earn this beautiful medal.

Our challenge in December is in memory of someone you’ve lost 💔

Complete as many miles as you can for them and earn this medal 🏅 - all whilst supporting a great charity.

https://www.virtualrunneruk.com/product/race-with-angels/

05/09/2018

I love to see the back to school photos on my timeline. But it also breaks my heart. It is still the one day that always knocks me sideways. I loved this, and I just want to say that we are all thinking of every single one of you, who should be sending a little one to start school or sending them back for their next year. ❤️

On the eve of the first day of school, we're thinking of all of you who should be sending their child to kindergarten for their first day.

This touching letter is for all of you from An Unexpected Family Outing
Summer is winding down and I'm gearing up for a new school year. Yesterday, I sat down to finish my mailing for my new Kindergarten students. I worked my way through the list, personalizing each letter with my student's name (I feel like it adds a little extra love when you put pen to paper for someone.) and daydreaming about the year ahead.
Then, I thought of them; the children who should be coming to Kindergarten. I imagined the families who should be receiving letters from new teachers, but instead, they are receiving yet another dose of heartbreak at the milestone their child did not reach.
So, I have decided that, for this year, they can join my classroom. I will be their teacher.
Here is their welcome letter.
Dear ______________,

Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Whalen and I will be your teacher. I am looking forward to holding space for you in my classroom this year. Even though you can't physically attend, I will feel your presence in my classroom every day.

Kindergarten is an exciting place and how I wish you could experience it with me! I want to teach you all about letters, the sounds they make, and how to make words. I wish you could be next to me as we learn lots about numbers, plants, and animals. I'll be thinking of you when we learn about life cycles and watch as our classroom caterpillars become beautiful butterflies. I just know you would have so much fun studying the work of famous artists, making scientific discoveries, and learning so many other wonderful things.

I know how much your families wish you were here to share the joys of Kindergarten with them. They want to walk you to your new classroom, help you hang up your backpack, and hear all about your day. Please know that no matter how full our classroom is, you will always be missed.

So, on the first day of school, please make sure you send a little extra love to the ones who are missing you. They will be doing the same for you. I am so honored to have you as part of my classroom and to hold space for you in what should be your year in Kindergarten.

Love,
Mrs. Whalen
An Unexpected Family Outing / anunexpectedfamilyouting.wordpress.com
If you are missing your Kindergarten student this year, you can take part in the KinderCares program offered by Scared Sidless.
Find more information here: https://www.scaredsidless.com/initiatives

05/09/2018

I love to see all the back to school photos on my timeline, but it also breaks my heart. The one day that really knocks me down. Thinking of every single one of you who should be sending a little or a big one, back to school this week ❤️💙❤️

On the eve of the first day of school, we're thinking of all of you who should be sending their child to kindergarten for their first day.

This touching letter is for all of you from An Unexpected Family Outing
Summer is winding down and I'm gearing up for a new school year. Yesterday, I sat down to finish my mailing for my new Kindergarten students. I worked my way through the list, personalizing each letter with my student's name (I feel like it adds a little extra love when you put pen to paper for someone.) and daydreaming about the year ahead.
Then, I thought of them; the children who should be coming to Kindergarten. I imagined the families who should be receiving letters from new teachers, but instead, they are receiving yet another dose of heartbreak at the milestone their child did not reach.
So, I have decided that, for this year, they can join my classroom. I will be their teacher.
Here is their welcome letter.
Dear ______________,

Welcome to Kindergarten! My name is Mrs. Whalen and I will be your teacher. I am looking forward to holding space for you in my classroom this year. Even though you can't physically attend, I will feel your presence in my classroom every day.

Kindergarten is an exciting place and how I wish you could experience it with me! I want to teach you all about letters, the sounds they make, and how to make words. I wish you could be next to me as we learn lots about numbers, plants, and animals. I'll be thinking of you when we learn about life cycles and watch as our classroom caterpillars become beautiful butterflies. I just know you would have so much fun studying the work of famous artists, making scientific discoveries, and learning so many other wonderful things.

I know how much your families wish you were here to share the joys of Kindergarten with them. They want to walk you to your new classroom, help you hang up your backpack, and hear all about your day. Please know that no matter how full our classroom is, you will always be missed.

So, on the first day of school, please make sure you send a little extra love to the ones who are missing you. They will be doing the same for you. I am so honored to have you as part of my classroom and to hold space for you in what should be your year in Kindergarten.

Love,
Mrs. Whalen
An Unexpected Family Outing / anunexpectedfamilyouting.wordpress.com
If you are missing your Kindergarten student this year, you can take part in the KinderCares program offered by Scared Sidless.
Find more information here: https://www.scaredsidless.com/initiatives

02/08/2018

OK guys this is the last chance to help us to get funds for our new Miscarriage support group. Please just go onto the page and like it! :) thank you x