STAFFORD’S 1,100th birthday is almost here - and Staffordians can help inject some fun into the party celebrations.
An exciting 2012 put Stafford on the map as thousands flocked to watch the Olympic torch travel through the town and people rushed to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
And Stafford Borough Council bosses want to keep the party going in 2013 as the county town celebrates its milestone birthday and the Royal Family awaits the birth of an heir to the throne.
The anniversary marks 1,100 years since Aethelflaed the Lady of the Mercians, daughter of King Alfred the Great, fortified Stafford as a defended settlement.
Stone plinths, which will commemorate the memorable Queen’s visit in 2006 as well as the 1,100th anniversary, will be installed in Market Square.
But leaders also want townsfolk to get stuck in themselves and come up with 1,100 ideas for an 1,100 celebration for everybody to join.
Anyone who would like to put forward a suggestion can email editor@ staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk or send a letter to The Publishing Centre, Derby Street, Stafford.
Council leader Mike Heenan said: “We want people to let their imaginations run wild and have a bit of fun.
“It will be 100 years before the next celebration so let’s make this one count.” The Newsletter has already teamed up with the council and Alstom for youngsters to win their height in books.
The poetry competition with a twist will challenge wordy youngsters to write a poem about “What Stafford Means to Me” but the challenge is to write it in no more than 1,100 characters, which is less than 250 words.
Anyone under 16 can enter before the closing date on June 29.
All entries should either be emailed to editor@staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk or posted to the Newsletter at The Publishing Centre, Derby Street, Stafford, ST16 2DT.
