Notable People
Arthur Berry from Smallthorne
For those who know who Arthur Berry is and for some of those who don’t it is a well-known fact that he was born in, and spent the first part of his life in, Smallthorne. I am often asked more about this and have had several questions about where he actually lived.
A Tribute to Mr J. Morris – ‘Johnny Morris’
This weekend we received the news that one of Smallthorne’s greatest character’s or should I say Legend’s passed away. A simple tribute on the Smallthorne History and Memories Facebook page led to a flood of comments that I have captured at the end of the document. The words prove that he was a memorable, hard-working fella who is remembered by so many local people for all the right reasons. R.I.P Mr Morris, gone but never forgotten.
Alfred Josiah Edward “Alf” Wood
Alfred Josiah Edward “Alf” Wood (June 1876 – April 1919) was an English footballer (Born Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent) who played in the Football League for Aston Villa, Burslem Port Vale, Derby County and Stoke. He helped Villa to finish second in the First Division in 1902–03, and helped Stoke to reach the FA Cup semi-finals in 1899.
Albert Edward Davies
Albert Edward Davies (30 May 1900 – 19 January 1953) was a Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom.
Born 30 May 1900 in the Smallthorne area of Stoke-on-Trent and he started work aged 14 on the railway. He continued as a clerk at the railway until he was elected at the 1945 general election as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Burslem division of Stoke-on-Trent.
Arthur Berry – Photos
Arthur Berry, a well known artist lives in an old detatched property at 15,Woodlands Avenue.He was born in Smallthorne in 1925.He first started to paint at seven years of age.He wanted to start painting because he could do it better than anything else.He likes painting industrial scenes,and uses water colours.It takes him two days to finish a painting normally.He likes animals,as he has two dogs and a cat. His hobbies are watching boxing and writing plays for the Victoria Theatre. His favourite artist was Van Gough,but he would most like to have met Picasso. He has recently had a television programme made about him,he said,”I was glad when they had gone!”
Notable People – Anthony Forster
Widely acclaimed British watercolour artist Anthony Forster was born in 1941,
in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire, between the moorlands and the once smoke laden skies of the bustling six towns that form the Potteries.
In the 1950’s attending the Staffordshire Junior Art school “Portland House” and from there on to Burslem College of Art in Queen street, stomping ground of the other Smallthorne born artist Arthur Berry.
Notable People – Alan Martin
John Alan Martin (23 November 1923 – 2004) was an English footballer who played as a half-back and inside-forward. A pacey and intelligent player, he scored 94 goals in 292 league appearances in eleven years in the Football League.
Notable People – Albert Leake
Albert George Leake (17 April 1930 – 24 July 1999) was an English footballer who played as a half-back.
He spent the entire 1950s with Port Vale, as the club enjoyed an exciting period of their history. He helped the “Valiants” to the Third Division North title in 1953–54, and Fourth Division title in 1958–59. After a total of 43 goals in 293 league and cup games, he left the club in 1961 for non-league Macclesfield Town, a club he later managed.
Notable People – Mark Bright
Mark Abraham Bright (born 6 June 1962) is an English former footballer who is now a sports pundit on BBC and British Eurosport, as well as a coach at Crystal Palace.