The Roundhouse in the centre of the village is a well-known landmark but probably few of the thousands of visitors who pass it each year on their way to Alton Towers would know that it was built as the local prison in the early 1800s or that the village once had its own gallows. Perhaps it is as well that they remain in ignorance otherwise they may not want to return!

Those passing through our village during this Easter period will notice that the doors of this ‘mysterious curiosity’ are open wide – the village prison has been transformed into the Easter Tomb. But once Easter is over, visitors and villagers alike, will have to wait until December for the next ‘open prison’ and the nativity scene that sets the seal on our Christmas activities.

Recently, there has been a bit of a saga about work done in front of the Roundhouse. Nobody is quite clear why it was chosen for improvements in the form of  a cobble- stoned area  to make a separation between Dimble Lane and Knight Lane. However, it quickly became a parking area for some local residents, and to stop this, four hideous tubs were placed on the cobbles. These were quickly removed following an outcry from indignant villagers and eventually posts were put around the area – (who knows, at what expense??) – but before we knew it, the workmen were back digging them all up again to make the Staffordshire Knot on each post to face outwards. Needless to say, all these ‘goings on’ have produced a lot of chatter in the village and beyond and it has all been captured rather well by our village poet Stella Heritage

Yet Another Load of Cobblestones!!  

They're back in Alton, once again those yellow-coated men.
They've "targeted" the cobblestones and dug them up AGAIN !!  
After that fiasco with the "tyres", you'd think the message clear.
The men at Stafford should take heed, the posts aren't welcome here.
 
They may look smart, but dearie-me, the cost is quite obscene,  
And how they help the traffic flow, to the Towers - can't be seen!  
The High Street needs attention, the signs need flashing lights,
A zebra crossing for the mums, - all this is out of sight.
 
Too dear, too dear the Council says, no money for those tasks.
But money enough for fancy posts - what more could residents ask?  
It’s what we've ALWAYS wanted. I think you must agree  ;
Thousands spent so needlessly - and the cost - to you and me.  
 
So when a pothole bars your way, with the verges trodden down  
By lorries, coaches, heavy goods - don't dare to make a frown.  
They know what's best - those Stafford men, they know just what we need -
Cobbles, posts and smooth stone slabs, for crossings would impede.
 
The traffic then might have to STOP, to let us cross the road.
That wouldn't do, they MUST drive on -those tourists, load by load.  
And when they've gone, and all is done, how long till they return  
With yet another crazy scheme, to cause us more concern?
 
But wait - the saga trundles on - THEY'VE DUG THEM UP AGAIN!
The Stafford Knot was turned about - this circus is insane !!  
Does no-one tell them what to do ? Explain the job in hand?  
Say which way the Stafford Knots should ultimately stand?
 
The mind is boggled by the dearth of simple common sense,  
"Prolong the job - the weekend's nigh, lets make it last till then"
Oh spare us , PLEASE, the Stafford men, in yellow coats so gay,  
Leave us in peace, to lick our wounds, and fight another day.