FROM BURSLEM TO BARCELONA

Castle Comfort ClarionIssue No.6 - 2006/07 (2nd Edition) Price: 0p (max) Circulation: One Quarter of a Million

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Castle Comfort Clarion

FROM BURSLEM TO BARCELONANorth Staffs Special Chairand Stairlift firm is justeverywhere!By Modesto Capricho-Rubio, Madrid Correspondent

Challenges facing the ancientEgyptians produced resultsworthy of the skills of engineersand scientists centuries far aheadof their time - building pyramidsfor example. Modern technologywill never enable a repeat orcopy some of their successes.Another unique talent from theirera was the use of MASSAGE,to help with aches pains, stress

and many chronic conditions.That particular achievementhowever, has been copied anddeveloped through the ages, withnew styles and methodsbecoming established andbeneficial. The high-tech 21stcentury now means suchtreatments can even exist in yourown home without the need tocall on an expensive professional…. or travelling to Egypt! Now,a well-known Staffordshire basedcompany, Castle Comfort Centreof Wolstanton, has just announcedthe exciting news that therenowned SPANISH THERAPYMASSAGE CHAIR range hasbeen added to their flagshipspecialist products. We’ll explainhow it came about ….The opening of CCC’s Madridoffice to handle overseas Stairliftenquires has seen anotherexciting product development.Within weeks of their permanentpresence in one of Europe’s main

WELCOME BACKto the sixth and best ever

Clarion – a little colourwas always inevitable!

Castle Comfort Centre askus to thank all ever-faithful

customers, suppliers andhealth professionals who

make it all possible –year after year

THE CASTLE COMFORT CENTRE STORY... BEGAN HERE IN 1998...

...AND NOW IN 2006... HOW THINGS HAVE GROWN!!! See 3

KEL(The Transport)

ANGIE(Product Test Pilot)

KEITH(The Pioneer)

DOREEN(The Inspiration1926-2005)

JEFF(The Restorer)

FOR SALE NAT WEST

(continued on page 2)

STRESS...ACHES &

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Without doubt a key factor in the growth ofWolstanton-based CCC has been that they areprobably the only homecare productsspecialist in the UK who have a doctor basedwith them.Clarion readers are familiar with Doctor NeilStirling, a former NHS GP and later in life inprivate practice who also spent many years asStaffordshire Police Surgeon. His formerwife Marguerite sadly passed away some fiveyears ago and the fact she was a motorneurone sufferer influenced CCC’s originalformation of their charity. Everyone whoknows Neil, with his amazing energy,enthusiasm and spirit will be delighted at thefantastic news that the beginning of 2006 saw

business capitals, an exclusive dealership wasset up with the Alicante-based leadingcontemporary developer of massage science,EUROKEYTON, to market their products inBritain. This wholly Spanish ownedcompany has for 20 years pioneered theworldwide development of chairs that includeadvanced and authentic massage systems.These days they now are sold on everycontinent and highly respected by medicalprofessions and institutions. This concept isfar from the run of the mill ‘vibrating noisycable system’ already known in the UK. In anutshell, the system consists of soft rubberrollers and scientifically developed angled‘arms’, which emulate the skill of an actualmasseur – in fact, computerised high-tech andsilent programmes can well surpass what thehuman touch is capable of.

There are many quality chairs in the range -created in leather and material, with differentlevels of massage system strengths – one ofthem even prints out a diagnostic analysis ofyour back condition before and after asession! The results and difference aftertreatment are indeed very impressive.All high prestige products are usually ownedby people of similar profile - and so far in theUK, as reported in the press – Cherie Blairone day went shopping for a unique presentfor her husband whose stress levels hadcaused him serious heart and stomachproblems. Apparently, Tony now relies on his‘Keyton’ daily; as Cherie has cancelled theregular visits to Downing Street of a blondemasseuse! (see Tony and Cherie on page 12)It is not just stress that can be helped with theCastle Comfort Spanish therapy chairs; on

BURSLEM TO BARCELONA (continued from page 1)

A DOCTOR PRESCRIBES HIS OWNHAPPINESS By Florence Westminster,

Health Correspondent

a new future … he and the new love of his lifeSusan Boore decided to marry!Susan formerly from Lytham St Annes, losther husband, a business executive, three yearsago and met Neil after moving to Cheshire.The marriage took place in church at Betley,Dr Stirling’s former village and the happycouple are to continue living at Nantwichhaving honeymooned on Lanzarote.All associated with Castle Comfort Centre areecstatic over the news and send their heartiestcongratulations. We are asked to reassureclients of CCC, all of whom receive atelephone call from ‘Dr S’ on their birthdays,that the helpful and vital services of this veryspecial doctor will continue.

Dr Neil Stirling and Susan on their happy day!(Look forward to the next Clarion to learn things about Dr Stirling that few people know!)

‘‘ ‘‘Going up the Wembleysteps is fantastic – so is being

able to climb your stairs at home!

FREEPHONE0800 298 3040

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Terry ConroyStoke City & Eire Legend -Now patron at theCCC Doug BrownMotor Neuron Fund

A Stairlift fromCastle ComfortCentre willchange your life!

page four you’ll see a list of ailments thatthose ancient Egyptian literally got to gripswith.These truly amazing and innovative therapychairs can be seen and tried at CCC’sWolstanton head office but it’s a good idea tophone first to book your free session – as thedemand and interest is tremendous. And asusual, if you can’t get out – just mention it andyou’ll be collected from home and returned.A free trial and demonstration can also bearranged without obligation in your ownhome and trust-based interest free paymentschemes (without any extra chargewhatsoever) are available.

Call Castle Comfort today on Freephone08000 832797 – It’s the way forward. Please go to page 4.


VALE STRIKE TWICE!FIRST ROBBIE...THEN CCCNothing could excite a footballclub’s faithful following morethan a major cash injection froman internationally famous megastar. The involvement ofPotteries’ born ROBBIEWILLIAMS is seen as the bestthing that has happened to localsport in decades.

Within hours of theannouncement, Wolstanton basedhomecare products specialistCastle Comfort Centre snappedup the remaining shares with afive figure investment.

Ann Bruce, CCC Director toldthe Clarion “Simply, it’s a gestureof goodwill to our soccer madstaff and the local population whohave been the main reason for thegrowth of our business. “Many ofour clients are in their 80s or 90sand perhaps cannot now get togames due to ill health or a

shortage of money. “We’d like toknow of anyone like that so wecan help.”

“We have been considering thismove for some time, Annconcluded– “The Williams’ dealjust made our decision for us.”

Soccer legend Terry Conroy,CCC’s charity patron and product

Bill Bratt, Port Vale Chairmanpresents shares to CCC Directors

By Harry Burroughs, Clarion Sports Writer

Graham Scott – a lifetimededicated to Castle Comfort,Port Vale & everyone’s safety atroad crossings

model is still a full blooded‘Stokie’ but wasted no time insending best wishes via THECLARION to the Burslem clubnow entering a new era. He said“Bill Bratt has worked miracles atVale Park and deserves this –hopefully the Williams’involvement will stabilise thefuture there and attract otherinvestors – as in the case of CastleComfort.”


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THIS PALACE IS THE LARGESTWATER TANK IN THE WORLDAND IT’S DECORATED WITH SKILL FROM THE POTTERIES!By Clarion International Roaming Reporting SquadTravelling Staffordshire people always giveaway their origin when caught looking atthe underside of a cup or plate. This kindof pride was felt on a much greater scalewhen we stumbled on the most peculiar butmajestic building to be found in Argentina.The Buenos Aires authorities, to cope withEuropean immigration in the late 19thcentury set up a new water system withtanks totalling 72,000 tons of drinkingwater- that amount of water would engulfthe Britannia Stadium. To blend in with the

magnificent architectural city-style of the‘Paris of South America’ the site wascontained within a huge palace that tookseven years to construct.The original plan was to decorate theexterior using marble and granite depictingthe shields of the 14 different countryprovinces – but due to cost and otherdelays, another idea came about,undoubtedly due to influence from a host ofinvolved British engineers and architects.

DOULTON & CO. Sea shipments arrivedover a period of more than three years – andto this day these amazing examples of skilloriginating from the Potteries are still inperfect condition - and to be admiredexactly as originally positioned.To a Stokie, it was just like looking at theunderside of a plate really – or maybe atouch more emotional!Sadly, there is a but, the water company’smuseum gives many tributes to foreign

manufacturersof materialsused in theproject – andof course toRoyal Doulton& Co of…Stoke-on-Trent?No – London.What a pityour potteryindustry neverdid insist (asdo theSheffield steelproducers) onboasting about

the town – not just the country of origin. If‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ was on everypiece of crockery ever made and exportedworldwide perhaps the names Bennett,Mitchell, Matthews and Williams wouldn’tbe needed quite so often to claim fame.

170,000 terracotta and ceramic piecesalong with 130,000 enamelled bricks wereordered – and from where else… the UK.And who was to have the capability tocome up with the goods and to reproducethe Argentine shields? ….. ROYAL

Proof! Don’t we just love to show off.

Pictured: Head offices of Argentina’s WaterBoard in Buenos Aires –

NOT very easy to find

...But

ofis very easy to find

AND WHILST ON THE SUBJECT OF WATER...WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE A HOT BATH?

A CCC SpacesaverBathlift gets yousafely to the bottomof the bath –no electrics,no plumbing

Call CASTLE COMFORT CENTREtoday for a free brochure orhome demonstration

Tel 08000 832797

PostOffice

MedicalCentre

Porthill 0·5 miles Newcastle 1 mile

St. Margaret’sChurch

Wolstanton H igh Street

Nels

on

St.

CarPark

MethodistChurch

WE AREHERE

We are at Wolstanton Village:-1 mile from Newcastle Town Centre in

the direction of Burslem.

F R E E , E A S Y,RIGHT BY THEDOOR PARKING– but if you can’t getto us – we’ll collect

you! No obligation whatsoever. If youwish please bring a friend, relative,carer or neighbour.(Disabled access and use of CCCwheelchair)

If you don’t have transport

Call free 08000 832797and our courtesy vehicle will be on its way


Easy-open action


Absent FriendsBy Christina Roper, Clarion Reporter

To begin, MR JACK BLOOR, CCC’s mostsenior gentleman client would have been 99 thisyear – but he left us during the printing of thelast ever all black andwhite Clarion. Hisfamily howeverproudly gavepermission for us to goahead with his story.

Jack Bloor

NORMAN BREEZE, a truly remarkablecharacter aged 96 passed away leaving hisframed picture, provided by the staff of CCC,

hanging in the Marquisof Granby Pub atPenkhull where he hadbeen a stalwart regularfor over seventy years!

Cheers Norm!

The Wolstanton provider of comfort aids askedus to make a special mention on the departure oftheir oldest ever client – ANNIE MAYER ofBiddulph – who wasmarching on to reach aremarkable 104!!Cheerio Annie – andyou were right – younever were to need thatstairlift!!

Annie Mayer

The sun-blessed Canary Island of Lanzarote, asfeatured in our last publication – contained

numerous native localand ex-pat characters –but the suddendeparture of BritonDICK ELLIS shockedeveryone. He was 86.

Dick Ellis

Normandy veteran ERNEST FROST sadlypassed away too at the age of 86. The Clarion in2004 appealed for contact from his friends of

“Death is nothing at a l l ,I have only s l ipped awayinto the next room”Thanks to the Rev Cecil Mannof Newcastle

Quite a few of those featured in the last Clarion are unfortunately no longer with us.We mention them here – not to be sad – but to be proud that such lovely, graceful andkind characters have been, for so long, such important links to the life and times ofthose connected with the Clarion and the Castle Comfort Team.

bygone years which resulted in welcomereunions. He will certainly be missed at CCC’soffices in Wolstanton. Rarely a week went bywhen Ernie didn’t journey there for a chat and acoffee – all the way from his home in Bradwellon his Vaya Bientravel vehicle –showing off hismedals to all onroute!

Ernest Frostmarches on!

Many of you willhave noticed thatthis Clarion editionis somewhat later than usual – for variousreasons, but one in particular is that we wanted toawait and report on the outcome of the terriblefall that TERESA MARRON suffered beforeChristmas. Teresa of Madrid who has been theadopted ‘Spanish Granny’ to CCC chief Keithfor over 20 years (as well as inevitably becomingCCC’s first overseas client) fractured her hip.Even the renowned Spanish Princesa Hospitalpredicted that she would probably not survivecorrective treatment. But the health servicethere, whatever the odds, always attempts topreserve life (unlike in many other countries) andwent ahead with an operation that requiredgeneral anaesthetic. They perhaps hadn’tallowed for this remarkable lady’s physical andmental strength – with courage to go with it. Terihad survived 10 years being tortured and jailedby Franco’s men after the Civil War – for justbeing a nurse aiding the opposition. Such spiritand faith to overcome that experience surelyhelped her come through major surgery, and atthe age of 96! Miraculously, Teri woke thefollowing day, chatting and joking … whilsthaving breakfast! Tragically though, she neverleft the care of the hospital and, despite battling

away as ever,survival was to beuntil Februarywhen othercomplications set inand she sadlyslipped away.Adios, Teruka, hasido un placerconocerte.

The eventual departing of loved ones istragically inevitable – and undoubtedly muchmore upsetting when the loss is that of a child.RYAN KELSALL of Hanley was born with arare condition that gave him a life expectancy ofjust 14 years. Only weeks after Castle ComfortCentre provided him, without charge, with amuch-needed stairlift, Ryan died at the age ofjust 9. Sincere condolences and respects aresent to his distraught parents who have beendedicated to ensuring that Ryan’s short life was,despite the odds, as happy and comfortable aspossible.

Last but not least, as reported elsewhere inthis edition, the sad death at the age of 79 ofDOREEN after a long and cruel illness,leaves the Castle Comfort Centre group,especially son Keith (Wolstanton ManagingDirector) cherishing the memory of someonewho played a giant part in the inspiration forthe formation of the business. Doreen’s ownpersonal needs caused the beginning of thebirth of a little homecare products firm …that just went on … and on … and apart frombeing Company Secretary, Doreen’smodelling skills and product assessmentswere invaluable.

None of us have seen the last of Doreen. Shewill continue to grace many of thepromotional leaflets produced at CastleComfort Centre.

DOREEN 1926-2005(see ‘Charity begins at home’ p10)

Footnote – We apologise for not mentioning allCCC clients who have passed away recently.Please contact us for a special mention of afriend or relative that you have lost in the nextClarionTeresa Marron


Making smoking illegal in pubs, privateclubs and virtually all public places is themost talked about and fiery subject ofpresent times. Opinions on this issue usuallyclearly link to whether you are amongst thereducing number of addicts still lightingup… a reformed smoker, or someone whohas never been tempted.

Our politicians surprised us all with the voteto ban – but whether this was because of thestate of the health of the nation – or apending general election is debatable - assuch decisions are often made bycalculating the number of lost or won votes.

We will all soon get used to the idea but noteveryone is happy about it. Part prohibitionalways raises lots of questions. As in Eire,many pubs will lose business and it isclaimed that hundreds closed there since thesmoking ban two years ago. Or perhaps themany ‘beer at home’ drinkers currentlyavoiding the irritations of smoke will re-emerge and revitalise the pub industry?We’ll see.

Probably many places will not, when theban is in place, use their air conditioningand extraction systems to save power – thisin itself could cause an unhealthy ambiencein confined packed out spaces. The thoughtof a bird flu pandemic is frightening butalways a possibility and unventilated roomsare a prime place to share and spread colds,flu, etc. along with whatever other germsare around.

Lots of pub car parks will become‘smoking areas’ and drivers of vehiclescoming and going will have to use the kindof caution as if on a motorway servicestation, with children running around. Willash trays be provided outside buildings? Ifyou stub out your ciggi before walking back

PROHIBITING PUFFING ISCAUSING A LOT OF SMOKEBy Peter Sangarini, Clarion Health Correspondent

into the pub and then breath out the smokeinside, is a crime being committed? Willsmoke detectors be fitted in the toilets aswith aeroplanes? Apparently, the pub canerect a marquee and as it is outside will be a‘smoke if you want zone! – so expect soon,to see considerably more marquees in NorthStaffs than Thunderbird telephone masts!

Who will enforce the ban and hand outfines? The police might have extra dutiesespecially if someone invents a high-techfag sensor gadget that determines thepresence of smoke inside a building- theycould point it through the window from aconsiderable distance - rather like a speedtrap gun! Or maybe jobs will be createdwith hoards of ‘nicotine wardens’ on dutyaided by highly trained ‘ah-Condor!’ snifferdogs.

A group of Hanley entrepreneurs arealready pledging the services of a privatepub-to-pub car park double decker bus toprovide shelter at certain arrival times forsmokers - and one chap in Congleton hasalready bought a fire engine to be convertedto a mobile smoke room and will soon beplanning its route and timetable.

All a bit bizarre, but from a smoker’s pointof view the new legislation is undoubtedlyunfair. After all, tobacco is a legal productsold everywhere, just like, for example,chocolate. The Clarion believes that ifpoliticians had any real bottle then theywould properly justify their beliefs, go thewhole hog in totally banning and makingillegal the sale of a product that kills – notjust fudge the issue. They’d ban chocolate,or curry or even chewing gum if scientistsproved that it was the main cause ofcancer… but they won’t illegalise tobacco– no way! … and why not? … they needthe millions in revenue from it. Thispublic place restriction law willunderstandably annoy many who have theright to enjoy a legitimately availableproduct… but surely future historians, whenthe habit has gone for good, will find itrather odd that governments allowed thesale of a toxic poison, and even had theaudacity to raise taxes on it. And what wasthe tax used for? – to fund hospitals, well-stretched and bursting at the seams, tryingto cure many made ill…. through smoking!

It’s a strange world!

Health advice of yesteryear!

SITUATIONS VACANTContinuing expansion throughout2006/07 of a Homecare Productscompany will create the followingjob opportunities:

PART-TIME & FULL TIMEADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

INDOOR PROMOTIONALMARKET STALL STAFF

PROMOTIONAL STAFF TO ATTENDPERIODIC VENUES

Please write with CV to: The Personnel Director,THE STAFFSMATIC GROUP, 4 Nelson Street,Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 8BW

(NON-SMOKERS ONLY!)

THE BEGINNING OF THE END?1965 – Cigarette & tobacco banned from TV ads

1991 – Cigar ads banned

1999 – No more ads in shops or newsagents

2006 – Last tobacco sponsored World SnookerChampionships

2007 – Banned in the workplace AND the pub

The out and about Clarion reporting teamcame across various opinions...

Albert Bridgetts,Physiotherapist“It will cause havoc! –the best idea began thisyear in Spain .. barsdesignated ‘Smoking’or ‘No Smoking’ …the customer chooses,simple.”

Brian Bailes,Solicitor

“In general terms, Iagree with it!”

Brian Skelton,Secretary,WolstantonWorking Men’s Club“It’s common sense tohelp people not dosomething that’s badfor them. But toenforce it by law inplaces of leisure wherepeople choose to go(and pay for the privilege) is not really fair.”


JUDGE TELLS CROOK –‘ZIMMER FRAME? –NO ZENTANCE!’A Stoke-on-Trent man who is disabled,was let out of prison because the Britishprison service cannot cope with ‘hisneeds.’ He had been sentenced for threeyears for his part as a lookout whilst hisable-bodied mate burgled the homes ofStaffordshire pensioners – committing 77offences in all.

Birmingham prison reported that hisdisability was so severe that they couldnot guarantee his human rights so it nowlooks like his punishment will besuspended. He appears to have had a lotmore consideration than his victims. It’san odd world.

Friends and family sprung a surprise 90thbirthday celebration for former publandlord NORMAN BARROWDALE ofNewcastle. This distinguished client ofCastle Comfort was pretty impressedespecially with the arrival of the Mayor,and summed up the event with his stockphrase – “So nice!”

STORMIN’ NORMAN’SNINETY!

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RAISED HEAD POSITION HELPS• Asthma • Emphysema• Breathing problems• Hiatus hernia • Sinusitis• Upper & lower back problems

RAISED LEG POSITION HELPS• Poor circulation • Muscular problems• Easing rheumatic pain in hips, knees

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CONTOUR POSITION HELPS• Back problems • Shoulder tension• Muscle aches & pains in all parts of

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A special bed like this is the last place anyone would want to smoke...

A final commentfrom Dr Stirling of CCC

“Generally it is an excellent law andwill greatly reduce illness but I amof the opinion that there should besome freedom of choice for smokersin strictly controlled surroundings.”

John A PedderMBE, Teacher“Parliament has againopted to take on therole of the ‘NannyState’ It is simply acase of guarding thehealth of the nation,whilst still putting the

vast revenue paid by smokers into GordonBrown’s coffers with an apparently clearconscience. Or do I detect another agenda,namely more eroding of our civil rights?Smoking is still to be permitted by prisoners,who will have more freedom than the prisonstaff and, of course, in the bars ofWestminster as it is classed as a Palace. So itis either stand for Parliament in the nextelection or commit a heinous crime in thehope that I may just be sent down the line toserve at Her Majesty’s pleasure.”

John Salmon,Banker“I was surprised atthe vote, as thepresent system ofsmokers having theirown areas works wellin restaurants. But ifthe ban leads to ahealthier nation then it will be seen as asuccess.”

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THE BEST CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME…AND THE POORER THE HOME THE GREATER THE THANKSBy Ruben Avellanera, South American Correspondent

After the departure of loved ones – oftenthe most emotional feelings come well afterthe funeral…and a particular moment iswhen possessions of someone have to bedealt with – not necessararily worth muchin monetary terms, but far too new anduseful to be thrown away. Traditionally, wethink of charity shops – who of course do apretty good job- but may be fussy overwhat they need - and after paying for therunning of High Street premises, theamount left for the cause will be reduced.

Other needy institutions like the SalvationArmy exist, but wouldn’t it be ideal if thoseunwanted items were put to full use bypoverty-stricken end users who wouldnever otherwise own such things. Overseasaid schemes often make the cynics amongstus doubt if anything ever arrives there –with transport costs, salaried charityexecutives and administrators – and ofcourse foreign politicians and militaryzealots milking the gains for themselves.

However, the family of the late DoreenSimpson, mother of Castle ComfortCentre’s boss Keith – had other ideas aftertheir tragic loss last autumn. This lady, afounder CCC member, Company Secretary,and inspiration for the company’s birth,like most meticulous and proud folk of hergeneration, had a wardrobe and drawersfull of cared-for clothes, shoes, and othergoodies. Several full suitcases, cheekily

Pictured – Argentine gratitude!

FREEPHONE

0800 298 3040CCC – JUST AN EASIER LIFE

Consumer ServicesTrading Standards

CASTLE COMFORT STAIRLIFTS wishto point out that the excellent service andfree, impartial advice of this department isalways available to both the public andbusinesses in the event of any trading orconsumer problems.

Consumer Services, Trading Standards,Social Care & Health Directorate

14 Martin Street, Stafford ST16 2LGTel: 01785 277852 Fax: 01785 259760

Consumer Services

well exceeding plane and bus baggageallowances, were soon to be bound forSouth America. These ‘Doreen goodies’,from spectacles, teddy bears, clothes,cosmetics etc were personally taken byKeith and his travelling partner Liliana –herself Argentine born, to the far northernprovince of Jujuy near the Bolivian border– one of the poorest regions of LatinAmerica.

From the expressions on their faces and theobvious appreciation of the lucky recipients– it seems pretty clear where charity bestbegins… and ends – in the very hands ofthe needy…… and handed over personally.

Doreen… would have been delighted.


There are more octogenarians walkingaround in the 21st century than the totalamount of all those who lived duringprevious centuries! That official fact takessome sinking in - but yes, we are all livinglonger. But with old age comes inevitableproblems, the old joints and other bits wewere born with often don’t work as well –causing mobility problems.

When Wolstanton based Castle ComfortCentre was formed at the end of the lastcentury it wasn’t long before the companybegan to claim that they could “often domore for people than doctors can”.

Dr Neil Stirling of Castle Comfortexplained, “The medical profession’streatment is often based on science andadvances in these fields are undoubtedlyhelping us all to live longer. “But there arescores of chronic conditions that simplycannot be cured, arthritis, joint and backproblems etc – the list is very long. “Peoplecome into our showrooms often depressedthat they have been put on stronger painkillers, or simply told that they are ‘gettingon’. “CCC cannot cure these problems butthe availability of modern tangible and

OLD AGE? NOT AS MOBILE AS YOU’D LIKE?CCC ARE GOING TO MAKEYOU LAUGH ABOUT IT!! By Christina Roper, Clarion Reporter

attractive products means they can behelped from a comfort and mobility angle.“Despite it costing money – we can removedepression, usually make them laugh andensure that they go home feeling far betterthan if they had walked into the doctor’ssurgery. “We have changed the mentality ofpeople suffering with incurable problems.“Old age is to be looked forward to,enjoyed, and something to be grateful for –just leave it to us to help with the snags”. DrStirling concluded “There is no bettermoney spent than on a stairlift, riserrecliner chair, scooter or adjustable bed,and the thousands of our clients worldwidecontinually confirm to us, and tell theirfriends –‘CCC can make you happy,mobile, independent, comfortable….andeven laugh! Few pills do that!”

Editor’s note- Doctor Stirling isundoubtedly the best person around tomake these comments. His familybecame clients of CCC several years agoand despite very nearly reachingoctogenarian status himself,involvement at Wolstanton means hisknowledge of the benefits of availableproducts is vast.

CCC’S COURTESY CALLStaff at Castle Comfort Stairlifts weredelighted to receive a surprise visit from thefounder of the renowned CAMPAIGNFOR COURTESY. The Reverend IanGregory needs little introduction to manyClarion readers as this most highlyrespected member of the clergy hasappeared countless times on television andin the press. Almost two decades have beendedicated to single-handedly pioneering theway to ensuring that good manners andpoliteness do not disappear totally from oursociety.

Ian, of course, is far too young, fit andhealthy to require any of Castle Comfort’sproducts or services…. yet couldn’t resist aride on a stairlift, after all – who knowswhat may be needed after the next twodecades!

Pictured, as courteous as ever -The Reverend Ian Gregory. (Thank you)

NOW VISIT US ON

www.stairliftcartoons.comand when you have stopped laughing …

go to www.castlecomfortcentre.com to link to:• CCC STAIRLIFTS • PENSIONERS CLUB

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so I got you this massage chair fromthe Harrods of the Midlands -

Castle Comfort!

THE CCC STORYAn old bank building was restored in the late nineties toquickly become the home of one of the UK’s leading homecareproduct specialists... and all involved were delighted to give upone Sunday to be together. WHY?...

... the Company had pledged ten pounds to their charity fundfor every staff member and business contact that turned upfor this giant photo shoot. The £500 raised meant a target wasreached to buy much needed blood pressure monitoringequipment for Ward 24 (Neurology) at the UniversityHospital.

Terry Conroy Stoke City and Eire legend, now patron of CastleComfort Group Charity Funds presents the cheque to Staff NurseScott Dobing of Ward 24. Scott is the son of another formerPotters star, Peter Dobing, who played a key part, as of course didTerry, in the 1972 League Cup victory.

Telephone FREE on08000 832797

21st CenturyComfort

in hide leather or awide choice of fabrics

Static, Recline orRise & Recline

Bank House • High StreetWolstanton (opposite new Somerfield)

Newcastle-under-Lyme • ST5 0HE

FREE easy parking • Open 6 days

Telephone FREE on08000 832797


BECKY’S FIRSTPAY DAYBy Ludavic Smythe – Clarion Business Reporter

Getting your first salary slip is always amoment to remember – not least in the caseof Becky Shipley, a founder Castle Comfortteam member. This young lady was aroundhelping out when the company was formedeight years ago and now at just 16 is seenhere receiving her first wages having goneon the company payroll. Keith Simpson,CCC Managing Director told the Clarion“Becky’s photo has always appeared in theClarion, on the team members page withthe comment ‘potential unlimited’ – there isno doubt about that. She is an absolute stardealing with customers and her computerknowledge knocks spots off us older ones!”Keith added “Her people skills, enthusiasmand common sense at such a young ageconvince all of us that whatever lies in thefuture for Beck – she’ll go far”

Becky who helps out at the Wolstanton headoffice when schools studies and homeworkpermit, is seen here clearly delighted toreceive her first ever pay cheque!


Dear CCC

I write to thank you sincerely for returningthe deposit paid on the stairlift my brotherand I ordered.I was not expecting this as you had madeall the arrangements to get the job donequickly so my mother could come out ofhospital. She was looking forward tohaving the lift but sadly as you know wasnever to come home. I shall recommendyou to all and never forget you.

Kind regardsMr AJ Silverdale

Dear Ann

Thank you for all the help and advice givenwhen I chose to have a new bed and stairliftfrom you.I was most impressed with the speedy andkind personal service from you and all thestaff.My daughter and I were particularlyimpressed by your joiner Jeff who was atour house the day after we placed the orderto fit the necessary grab rail. Apparentlyyou had told him we wanted the lift quicklyso he gave up his Sunday morning’s fishingto come – and we were delighted to meet aman who could use a dustpan and brush!I can’t recommend your company enoughfor both the products and the great peopleyou have working with you.Thank you again and I wish you everysuccess in the future.

Janet Oldfieldof Stafford (formerly of Basford)

We love to hear what you have to say...

Readers Star Letters

RELATE 1100Caller Display Telephone

Only this model will doCASH WAITING

Telephone 612771

WANTED

Castle Comfort’s Wolstanton Showroomhas on display scores of letters from clientsand organisations who have gone to thetrouble of expressing their gratitude forservice and dealings during the past year.We’d love to have space to publish them all– but instead have selected just a couplethat touched the hearts of the staff at TheClarion and CCC.

Trouble getting about?

TELEPHONE FREE ON 08000 832797

Order from Wolstanton or Hanley, Longtonor Tunstall markets – free delivery

Get a CCCSupa-Lite Transit Chair

and you’ll be this happy!

Only 11kginc. footrests

Vale fansvery united! (Recognise them?)


The past year has again seen a Staffordshirecompany hitting the headlines time andtime again. Castle Comfort Centre, who ranthe anti Thunderbirds phone mast campaigneven caused the BBC TV to turn up whenMD Keith Simpson planted a CCC electricbed over the newly dug hole, got into thebed, and stopped the job! The villagebobbies issued a friendly ‘Move on Sir’notice, but then kindly turned a blind eyefor several hours. We point out that a manarrested and charged on that day was in noway connected with CCC or their protest.

Keith, always willing to help out someonein a mess, then ‘adopted’ Spanish lorrydriver Jose Perez who caused M6 chaoswhen he crashed his lorry. Jose, notknowing a word of English, was the mostgrateful person on the planet to findsomeone who did all the translating for himin hospital, looked after his visiting friendsfrom Spain and finally got him back home.He sent messages of thanks to all involvedvia Keith including the police who didn’tcharge him.

CCC also arranged a bedside visit byLongton firemen who cut him out of thelorry. Jose wanted to present them all witha bottle of wine!

Thumbs up from Jose, with Longton fire-fighters Craig Brereton, Pete Jones,Dean Simms, Mick HenneySteve Beasley & Graham Watt.

CCC Always in the News...

The stairlift provided without charge by theWolstanton company for 9 year old RyanKelsall of Hanley was tragically only to beused for a few weeks. - see ‘AbsentFriends’ on page 7

Finally, CCC have asked us to draw a closeto the phone mast saga and the cartoonsums it all up. Keith Simpson told theClarion ‘We did our best, but sadly despitehealth risks and unpopularity of theseeyesores, the powers that be actuallyWANT these masts… why?… becausephones don’t talk – money does.”


AnnDirector & Non-Stop Dynamo

BeckyPotential Unlimited

HilaryIT Wizard &

Secretarial Support Star

JohnThe Cardboard

GrahamPR Ambassador

RichardThe Crazy Cartoonist

Dr. StirlingA Medical Legend

Doreen 1926-2005Forever on Duty

JohnTechnical Tweaker &

Clarion Distribution Chief

KeithCCC Founder, MD &Junior Stairlift Model

JohnAbsolutely Accountable

JeffMaintenance Magician

PatEssential Market Support

AngieProduct Test Pilot

DorothyDedicated & Dependable

PhilMarketing Marvel

KelKey for deliveries& a Coke addict

MikeMarket Promotions

Professional

Terry ConroyModel & Charity Patron

LilianaLatin American Link

SueThe Spotless

LisaAn eye for Design

KathyAce Administrator

EddieStairlift Supremo

Introducing the ever-expanding...

Castle Comfort TeamVisit us at Wolstanton, Hanley, Longton, Tunstall,

or at – www.castlecomfortcentre.com

We hope that you have enjoyed this Clarionedition. Why not pass it on? Especially to

someone you think may be interested in CastleComfort’s services – See you next time!

FROM BURSLEM TO BARCELONA

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