Tasty Treats this Autumn! Our September edition will take you all the way through autumn across the lovely district of Lichfield and is packed with our usual mix of features, food reviews, recipes, articles, local news, history features, competitions and much, much more!
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Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine
bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.
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city has to offer.
Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich
history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the
latest in fashion and style.
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readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures
the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!
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kristencitylife@gmail.com
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Citylife In Lichfield Ltd
PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS
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Your Local Magazine
Inside...
6 Local News
What's happening in and around the area
.............................
13 A City of Flavours
Delicious dining in Lichfield
.............................
42 Anyone for Tennis?
Jono Oates explores Beacon Park's tennis
courts
.............................
46 Step by Step
Jo Howell on getting back to normality
following lockdown
From the Editor…
Hello and welcome to the September issue of Citylife in
Lichfield which, this month, celebrates the many fine restaurants
and eateries to present to you A City of Flavours!
It’s great to see that lockdown has eased a little and that people
are able to get out and about more. With the Government’s ‘Eat
Out to Help Out’ scheme running throughout August, we’ve
never seen the city so busy and bustling with life as people rally
to support their local eateries and help them get back on their
feet.
We’re very lucky to be spoilt for choice in Lichfield when it
comes to eating out, and we’ve taken part in a lot of delicious
dining experiences from some of the best in the area, putting
together a veritable feast of information about what, where and
when to enjoy a meal in and around the city.
As your local community lifestyle magazine we’re packed with
the same great news stories, history articles and fascinating
features to let you know what’s going on in and around the area
this month.
Enjoy and Cheers Everyone!
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LOCAL NEWS
Light It Red Campaign
Recently the UK live events industry came
together in solidarity to raise awareness of the
pandemic’s devastating impact on the arts
sector.
Hundreds of venues including The Hub at St
Mary’s and Lichfield Garrick Theatre were lit up
in red to symbolise the industry going into red
alert, and a final call to the Government to
support the arts in line with other industries.
A huge number of highly skilled people are
employed in event production, audio, lighting,
video, logistics, planning, transportation and
technology – more than 70% are freelancers.
Without these amazingly talented people there
will be no shows for artists to play.
.......................................................................................
Beacon Park Tennis
Courts Bounce Back!
For many years the tennis courts at Beacon
Park had been falling into disrepair and were on
the verge of being closed permanently, taking
away a facility used by more than 1,000 tennis
players, 200 netball players and the pupils at
Lichfield Cathedral School. In 2017 a group of
six friends, who met while playing tennis in
Beacon Park, came together to form a charity,
Beacon Park Tennis, with the stated ambition of
taking over the running of the courts and
redeveloping the site. Starting with zero funds
the group raised over £200,000 in just under
two years through local fundraising and support
from a number of partners: Lichfield District
Council; Lichfield Cathedral School; the Lawn
Tennis Association; Sport England and HS2. The
courts were completely refurbished to a very
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Image courtesy of Robert Yardley
high quality during the summer and the courts
had a socially distanced official opening on
Monday 10th August. For more information
about Beacon Park Tennis, including annual
passes and booking a court, visit the website
www.beaconparktennis.org.
Find out more about the tennis courts in our
history feature on page 32.
.......................................................................................
TV Appearance for
Mining Memorial
Andy de Comyn, Mike Mellor and
Len Price being interviewed
The National Miners’ Memorial project was the
subject of a piece on BBC Midlands Today
recently when members of Chase Arts for
Public Spaces (CHAPS) went along to the
National Memorial Arboretum to be
interviewed about the project and how they are
giving the fundraising a boost.
The memorial will have 22 bronze panels
depicting the history of coal mining. Artist Andy
de Comyn has given his permission for each
panel to be offered for sponsorship and each
sponsor will be recognised in a book to be
produced giving details of the memorial as well
as receiving a plaster cast of their panel.
The opportunity to be part of this long overdue
tribute to the work of all who laboured in the
industry, including those who fought in both
World Wars, is being offered at a cost of £2,500
per panel. Anyone interested or wanting more
details can telephone 07583 655199 or message
through the Facebook page
www.facebook.com/ChaseArtsForPublicSpaces,
where donations can also be given through
JustGiving.
.......................................................................................
Museum Project
Captures Lockdown
Memories
People are being invited to share their stories
and donate items to help create a lasting record
of the Covid-19 pandemic in a new project.
‘Lockdown Memories’ hopes to collect and
document materials to help retell the story of
Coronavirus and how it affected the lives of
people in the county.
Staffordshire Archives & Heritage Service is
particularly interested in letters, photographs,
drawings, paintings or objects relating to
people’s experiences. The materials will be used
in future publications, research projects,
exhibitions or websites.
People interested in the project are being asked
to complete a short survey at
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/lockdownmemories.
Cllr Victoria Wilson and Joanna Terry
from the County's archive services
.......................................................................................
Makeover for
Lichfield’s Outdoor
Gym
On a snowy January morning in 2011 local civic
dignitaries together with members of Lichfield
St Chad Rotary Club joined together to open
the newly installed Outdoor Gym donated to
the people of Lichfield.
During the intervening years the free gym
facilities have been widely used by the public
however when lockdown was introduced on
23rd March the gym was taken out of service
and fenced off. With restrictions now lifted, the
gym is once again open to the public.
On visiting the gym recently, a member of
Lichfield St Chad Rotary considered that the
equipment was looking tired and worn after
nine years of use. As a result, several members
of the Club, armed with cleaning materials,
spent time giving the gym equipment a
thorough clean-up and brought it back to its
original pristine condition.
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LOCAL NEWS
8
Dance of a Thousand
Lights
An orchestra popular
with people in
Lichfield is playing a
major part in a
national event
involving the police,
fire and ambulance
services.
Emergency services’
teams across the UK
will be flashing their blue lights in celebration of
the brave men and women who respond to our
999 calls and who have been injured in the line
of duty.
The spectacular Dance of a Thousand Lights
event is Sunday September 27th at 8pm.
Members of the public are invited to join the
emergency services in lighting up the skies by
going outside and shining their phones and
torches during the spectacular event.
And in support, the British Police Symphony
Orchestra has released a film of a ‘lockdown’
performance of Rick Wakeman’s Dance of a
Thousand Lights.
The occasion is in support of PC David
Rathband’s The Blue Lamp Foundation. The
orchestra, noted for appearances at Lichfield
Proms in Beacon Park, is joined in the film by
internationally acclaimed classical pianist
Benjamin Frith and massed choirs, providing the
perfect soundtrack to a visual spectacular.
The Foundation provides support for injured
fire, police and ambulance personnel. It was set
up by the late PC David Rathband, from
Stafford, after he was shot and injured on duty
with Northumbria Police in 2010.
The event will also commemorate National
Police Memorial Day. The BPSO film of Dance
of a Thousand Lights can be viewed at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfhjy_SuGXc.
.......................................................................................
Local
Schoogirl
Raises Money
for Hospice
A nine-year-old schoolgirl
who really made her
lockdown count by raising
£1,310 for St Giles Hospice
is calling on kids across the
region to take part in its
new Mini Miles 4 St Giles
challenge.
Determined Evie Deeley,
from Armitage, signed up
Richard Jenkinson
conducts the BPSO
Evie Deeley
celebrates the end
of her Miles 4 St
Giles challenge
for Miles 4 St Giles this spring and walked, ran,
skipped and did cartwheels over 64.8 miles in
one month to raise money for the hospice,
which cares for patients and their families living
with a terminal illness.
Now St Giles has launched a children’s summer
holiday version of the virtual event, offering kids
a challenge that will keep them active and give
them the chance to make a real difference to
local people by raising money for the hospice at
the same time.
Evie’s mum Liz Whalley said that when the
Croft Primary School pupil set her sights on the
Miles 4 St Giles 30-mile target in April she
quickly decided she wanted to double it – and
even refused to ride her bike as that would
make clocking up the miles too easy.
Evie’s great grandma, Margaret Whalley,
received respite care at St Giles 18 years ago
and her step-mum works at the hospice, so Evie
already knew of the good work done there and
jumped at the chance to take part.
For more information about Mini Miles 4 St
Giles, visit www.stgileshospice.com/minimiles.
.......................................................................................
A Quacking Shot!
Local resident
Owen Coupland
recently spotted
these geese
practising social
distancing at
Stowe Pool,
Lichfield, and just
had to take a
photograph!
Have you got a
picture that you
think sums up
Lichfield? Email it to: kristencitylife@gmail.com.
.......................................................................................
Get Creative with Your
Local Library
People of all ages
are invited to
take part in a
s u m m e r
programme of
c r e a t i v e
a c t i v i t i e s
organised by
Staffordshire’s
libraries service.
The resources are designed to get people
interested in the arts, help them learn new skills
and connect with others in library spaces,
online or at home.
There are two programmes, ‘Creative
Explorers’ for children and young people and
‘Createspace’ for adults.
‘Creative Explorers’ is led by professional
artists and will encourage children to
experiment with a range of creative arts. Each
session links in with a library theme which kicks
off with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge
‘Silly Squad’. Different activities are posted
every Monday morning on the Libraries
Facebook page with children invited to share
their creations in an online gallery.
‘Createspace’ is an online resource with
activities to help encourage adults to be
creative in their everyday life and to improve
mental wellbeing. New activities are posted
every Friday on
www.facebook.com/groups/StaffordshireCreate
Space and the group has over 80 members.
Find out more at
wwwstaffslibrariesculture.wordpress.com.
.......................................................................................
Local Athlete Cycles
from Land’s End to
John O’ Groats
Lichfield-based
elite athlete,
Sam Coxon,
undertook a
m a m m o t h
f i t n e s s
c h a l l e n g e
which saw him
cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats to
raise money for local charity The Stan Bowley
Trust.
Sam, a seasoned triathlete and ocean rowing
world record holder, has several successes
under his belt, including 10 half Ironmen, two
full Ironmen, four marathons and an Atlantic
Ocean 3,000 mile row. However, his latest feat
saw him and his dedicated team travelling
1,600km (994m) over six days and climbing
twice the height of Mount Everest!
Sam’s team of fellow athletes included Martin
Mallott, Tom Penzer Adams, Harry Yates, Tash
Saxton, Tom Sutton and Dale Taylor. He was also
accompanied by a support crew consisting of
David Whitehouse and James Cooper who run
the Wilderfit YouTube channel and posted social
media updates throughout the epic journey.
The event, which took place between 20th-26th
August, also has a documentary film being made
about it. Further updates are available at
www.facebook.com/wilderfit and donations can
be made at
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/landsend-2-
john-ogroats.
.......................................................................................
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9
LOCAL NEWS
Birmingham Road Site
Toilets Opened
The Chairman of Lichfield District Council,
Councillor Joe Powell (pictured centre), cut the
ribbon on two brand new toilets in Lichfield
city centre on 11th August.
The Healthmatic facilities offer two unisex
toilets, one of which has disabled access and a
baby changer. The toilets will be open every day
from 7am to 7pm.
The replacement toilets have been installed as
part of the council’s Birmingham Road site
improvement project, which has seen Lichfield’s
old police station and bus station buildings
demolished, the creation of extra coach parking,
as well as the bus station refreshed and
landscaped. It will also see a new long-stay car
park opening soon.
.......................................................................................
Council Protects Land
at Netherstowe
Following the recent unauthorised traveller
encampment on council-owned property at
Netherstowe, the City Council, in partnership
with Lichfield and Hatherton Canals
Restoration Trust (LHCRT) is utilising soil
excavated from the site of the former canal
along Tamworth Road to create an earth ‘bund’
or mound along a portion of the grassed area
adjacent to Handel Walk.
Approximately 150 tonnes of soil were
transported to the site in mid-August and it is
being moulded into the shape of the bund,
which will then be seeded with a wildflower
mix on the southside and cosmetically
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Image courtesy of Paul Marshall
landscaped with shrubs on the north side to
create an attractive gateway to the open space.
The council will also plant a feature Oak tree to
further enhance the site. The scheme was
designed by Landscape Architects from local
planning and environmental consultancy,
Pegasus Group.
A number of bollards are also due to be
installed, and together with the bund, it is hoped
that they will provide considerable protection
against any future unauthorised vehicular access
to the land.
.......................................................................................
LHCRT Addresses MPs
The director of
the Lichfield and
H a t h e r t o n
C a n a l s
R e s t o r a t i o n
Trust (LHCRT),
Peter Buck,
recently gave a
presentation to
a group of MPs
about the
benefits of canal
restoration as a
catalyst
for
Peter Buck of LHCRT
regeneration and
economic recovery from the effects of the
coronavirus lockdown.
The LHCRT engineering director told a video
meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group
for the Waterways about the Trust's aims and
achievements, including information about a
notable rise in visitor numbers during
lockdown, with up to 60 family groups per hour
over two sites at the peak.
Lockdown regulations had limited volunteer
action, but work parties had resumed in June
with appropriate Covid-19 precautions.
It was hoped that other groups – Queen's
Croft special school pupils, Scouts, Duke of
Edinburgh award students, construction and
bricklaying students from local colleges,
Waterway Recovery Group volunteers,
corporate volunteers – would resume their
activities over the coming months.
.......................................................................................
Stowe Fields Play
Area Unveiled
Lichfield District Council has launched its brand
new play area in Stowe Fields. Children are now
having fun playing on the equipment, including a
30m zip line, a basket swing, two slides, climbing
frames, wooden stilts, a spider’s net, a fireman’s
pole, a seesaw and more.
Now the play area has been installed, Stowe
Field’s old junior play equipment, next to the
outdoor gym, will be removed after the
summer and the area re-landscaped to enhance
the view from Stowe Pool towards Lichfield
Cathedral.
The council is planning to formally open Stowe
Fields play area later in the year.
Find out more about visiting Stowe Pool and
Fields at www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
Lichfield’s Visitor
Information Centre
Reopens
On Monday 17th August, Lichfield District
Council reopened its Visitor Information
Centre, which is based in Lichfield Library in St
Mary’s on the Market Square.
After closing when much of the country went
into lockdown due to the coronavirus
pandemic, the council is reopening its Visitor
Information Centre with a slightly reduced
service.
The team is on hand to help with visitor
enquiries, city maps and self-guided trails,
National Express tickets, coach parking tickets,
and tourism and events leaflets, which are
available on request as an extra precaution.
A number of measures have been put in place
to protect visitors and the team, including a
one-way route around the building, a
requirement to wear a face mask, social
distancing, hand sanitiser, protective screens,
and requesting that customers pay by card.
The Visitor Information Centre is open from
Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm.
For more visitor information and to download
maps of the city and district, go to
www.visitlichfield.co.uk.
July/August Winners
Well done to A Thomas of
Whittington who has been
chosen as the winner of a
granite chopping board from
Just Granite of Penkridge.
C Hale of Lichfield was the
winner of two pizza kits from
Cafe Cigno in Burntwood -
well done!
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Robert French
This bottle of The Macallan 25th anniversary
fetched £2,700 with Richard Winterton
Auctioneers last year.
Whisky Galore!
...............................
By Robert French, Richard Winterton Auctioneers
There’s nothing quite like a dram – and as this most surreal of
years draws towards autumn, whisky will once again affirm its
place as the ultimate winter warmer for grown-ups.
But what about that rarer tipple where one might wisely be advised to
look rather than taste?
If you believe some of the reports in the press, up to a quarter of us
are drinking more alcohol during lockdown, while alcohol sales in general
have risen by nearly a third.
Yet with the value of whisky increasing year-on-year – rare whisky
prices have risen by over 400 per cent in the last decade – should we be
drinking it or investing in it?
The answer is, of course, that it depends on the bottle in question. The
most expensive bottle ever sold was The Macallan 1926, a 60-year-old
cask 263 and one of only 40 bottles ever produced.
It sold at auction last year for £1.5m – meaning that one shot will cost
you the same as a 2020 Porsche!
Small wonder that wealth reports show whisky tops the Luxury
Investment Index.
So, could you have a whisky windfall hiding away unopened in the back
of the drinks cupboard?
Whisky to watch out for includes Scottish single malts such as The
Macallan, Clynelish, Ardbeg, Glenlugie, Brora, Bowmore and Ben Wyvis –
a bottle of The Macallan 25th anniversary fetched £2,700 with Richard
Winterton Auctioneers last year and we sold a bottle of Bowmore
Bicentenary 1779-1979 Islay single malt for £2,600 in our online-only
Fine Arts auction in April.
Also highly collectable is unusual whisky such as Loch Dhu aka ‘The
Black Whisky’. Very different to the golden tones classically associated
with Scotch, this very distinctive single malt gets its signature colour
from maturing in double-charred casks. It regularly sells at auction for
£200.
Other ones to collect include whisky from distilleries no longer
producing – so-called ‘silent’ or ‘lost’ distilleries such as Glen Mhor, St
12
A bottle of Bowmore Bicentenary single malt
sold for £2,600 in April.
Magdalene and Ladyburn.
Two such lost distilleries, Brora and Port Ellen, were due to reopen
this year; Port Ellen has already confirmed this has now been put back
to 2021.
Nevertheless, whenever they do come back, we expect demand for
their new products to be very high indeed.
We’ve found ourselves firmly footed north of the border today talking
Scottish whisky but there is of course a whole world of whiskey out
there, ranging from Irish to American bourbon, which is made from corn
mash whilst Scotch is made from malted barley.
Bourbon, incidentally, is booming – despite a 25 per cent tariff on
imports, it’s estimated that one in 12 bottles of whisky sold in the UK is
American whiskey with Jack Daniels still being number one. Other
popular brands include Stagg, Old Forester, Benheim and Woodford
Reserve.
I must also mention Japanese whisky, which has its own proud heritage
and traditions offering innovative and complex flavours garnering huge
respect and credibility in the whisky world from distilleries such as
Yamazaki, Hibiki and Nikka.
Of course, much of this article focusses on aged whisky but it’s worth
noting that whisky only matures in the cask – once it is bottled it will
taste exactly the same, provided it has been stored correctly, even after
many, many years.
This is a point highlighted by recent news that a bottle of Scotch
recovered from the wreck of the SS Politician – which sunk in 1941 and
inspired Compton Mackenzie’s novel Whisky Galore and subsequent
films – was set to fetch £15,000 at auction.
The cargo ship which ran aground off the coast of Eriskay was filled
with over 20,000 cases of whisky, much of which was ‘rescued’ by
islanders, who clearly felt more kinship with whisky than marine salvage
laws!
This bottle in question, however, is one of five legally recovered by
divers in 1987. Talk about wetting one’s whistle – oh to try a dram of
that!
Robert French offers free valuations of wine, whisky, port or other spirits –
email rob@richardwinterton with photos for a virtual estimate or call
01543 251081 to book a Covid-secure valuation appointment.
The Lichfield Auction Centre’s specialist sale on Monday, September 28
includes a Wine & Whisky section. For details, visit
www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
See our advert on the back page.
Loch Dhu gets its signature
colour from maturing in
double-charred casks.
A City of
Flavours
When it comes to dining out,
Lichfield really does have it all.
There’s a huge range of different
cuisines and cooking styles to choose from,
such as Thai, Mexican, Italian, Chinese,
Mediterranean, French, Asian, English… and
everything in between that you could
possibly want. There’s also a varied range of
restaurant vibes in the city, with chilled out
dining, quick and easy fast food, or something
more along the fine dining experience –
whichever you prefer, you’re still spoilt for
choice!
Flo-Rida Cocktail Courtesy of The Bureau
An assault on your senses, the flavours of passionfruit liqueur, Gin Ting, pineapple
juice, orange juice and lemonade,created by our very own Flo. Make your own
version by following the steps below.
Take...
37.5ml Gin Ting
12.5ml Passoa
25ml Orange Juice
75ml Pineapple Juice
Lemonade
Shake over ice then strain into a
coupe glass and top with a
strawberry.
We’ve featured just a handful of the many fine
eateries over the next few pages, and we’ve
enjoyed everything from burgers to
breakfasts, platters to prosecco, and soup to
sweets.
Feeling peckish?
Take a look at our dining reviews and whet
your appetite!
* Please note you must be 18 or
over to consume alcohol.
13
Waste Not, Want Not!
.............................................
Beginning life in April 2019 and operating
from a small cabin as a zero-waste
supplier of dried food and groceries,
home basics and body products, The Lichfield
Pantry, based at The Plant Plot Garden
Centre, has since gone from strength-tostrength.
Owner, Sam, wanted to address the issue of
plastic packaging and was concerned about the
amount of rubbish that the public throws away on
a daily basis. Her aim was simple – offer people a
plastic-free alternative to their favourite products,
with items being as locally sourced as possible and
keeping a low carbon footprint.
The business had a humble start, with a few
staple dried food items being available. However,
following the move to larger premises within the
same site, owner Sam incorporated freezers, many
more loose food products and bring-your-owncontainer
items too. But the story of success
doesn’t end there…
The opportunity arose to take over the
café/bistro on-site at the garden centre, and Sam
saw the potential to realise her dream and create
a Zero Waste Farm Shop, along with a Deli and
Café, for her business.
Now, housed within a large, open plan space,
The Lichfield Pantry consists of a Café serving
breakfasts, lunches and light bites, plus tea, coffee
and cake; a well-stocked Deli, which is due to
open soon, will feature fresh olives, hummus,
peppers, dips, homemade Scotch eggs, fresh meats
and pickles, plus homemade cakes and scones; and
the new and improved Zero Waste Shop.
It couldn’t be more simple to give zero waste
shopping a try. The shop is filled with an array of
loose pulses, pasta, rice, crisps, cereals and nuts,
and you simply take your own Tupperware
containers and fill them yourself! There are
several freezers packed with loose frozen items,
such as chips, vegetables, berries, pastries, pizza
dough and pasties – once again, you can take your
own containers and fill to your heart’s content!
Not only does this mean you are not sending yet
more harmful plastic packaging to landfill or to the
oceans, it also works out cheaper as packaging on
products is expensive and carries a mark-up on
top of the price of your item.
And it doesn’t just go for food either… at The
Lichfield Pantry you can take your own laundry
and beauty bottles and refill them with hand soap,
laundry detergent, fabric softener and washing up
liquid, or try one of the many handmade soap
tablets, shampoo bars or natural deodorants that
are available.
All home and cleaning products are fully-vegan,
animal cruelty-free, eco-friendly, contain no palm
oil and are as ethical as can be.
The Lichfield Pantry Zero Waste Farm Shop,
Café & Deli is open daily from 9am-5pm and can
be found at The Plant Plot Garden Centre,
Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JA. Alternatively
visit www.thelichfield pantry.co.uk
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Review
Breakfast Like a King
At The Lichfield Pantry
.............................................
Who doesn’t love a good old fashioned Everything is locally sourced and, in keeping with
Full English to start the day? Well we The Lichfield Pantry’s ethos, is as eco-friendly and
certainly do so we were delighted to ethically produced as can be. And it’s all right there
be invited along to The Lichfield Pantry at The in the taste… the meaty sausages were rich and full
Plant Plot Garden Centre to sample what was of flavour, the bacon thick and juicy, whilst the eggs
on offer.
were golden and creamy… the perfect indulgence
Occupying the space that was formerly The on a blustery morning.
Potting Shed Café, The Lichfield Pantry has been It took quite a while to battle through this feast fit
refurbished to include not only a café serving an for the likes of Royalty, but being the warriors that
array of hot drinks, cakes, breakfasts and lunches, we are, we bravely fought through it and, with bellies
but also a zero waste farm shop and a delicatessen. bursting, declared it one of the best brekkies we’ve
It was fantastic to see such a hive of activity and we had in a while!
settled down to take a look at the new and exciting There’s also a great selection of food for ‘those
menu.
that lunch’ including light bites as well as something
There’s everything there that you could possibly more substantial. We loved the sound of the
imaginee for breakfast; from bacon paninis, and buttermilk chicken served on a brioche bun with
muffins; to all-butter croissants, waffles and pastries homemade coleslaw and chips; and the onion bhaji
(different varieties that change weekly); to the on sour dough flatbread with a chutney mayonnaise.
slightly healthier options of porridge, granola and A lot of the items on the menu will also be
fruit with yoghurt. However, being hungry (and still purchasable in the deli as it stocks a wide variety of
very much in ‘eat-as-much-as-you-can-duringlockdown’
mode!) we plumped for two of the Full which are served with the lunchtime platters, so if
jams, chutneys and sauces, plus lots of cold meats
English breakfasts, and we were not disappointed in you’ve enjoyed what you ate, why not have a look
the least!
for it in the shop?
A large plate filled with all your breakfast There’s ample seating at The Lichfield Pantry
favourites arrived before us shortly after ordering. including spaces outside in the garden village to
Locally sourced sausages and bacon were enjoy your food and drink – perfect for when the
accompanied by free range fried eggs, and a hash sun is shining. Plus, Sam and the team are also
brown, before being lovingly adorned with offering a takeaway service so you can enjoy the
mushrooms and a pot of beans, which was delicious food served in the comfort of your own
extremely useful for keeping the food warm while home.
you devoured it! All this, plus a side of hot, buttery Visit The Lichfield Pantry at The Plant Plot Garden
toast, went down a treat with a pot of tea and a latte Centre, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JA.
coffee.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Review
Sparkling Italian Brunch
.............................................
We’ve eaten at Café Prego several times in recent months
and so know that their food and quality of service is first
class – so when we heard that they were hosting an
Italian Brunch on a Saturday early in August we couldn’t wait to
book a table, and we sent two willing and hungry participants to
indulge and enjoy! Jono Oates tells us more.
Café Prego is situated at the Creative Plants Garden Nursery at
Shenstone Woodend, a short drive from Shenstone village and roughly
half-way between Lichfield and Mere Green. The café has been open for
well over a year and after an enforced closure during lockdown is now
back fully open again, having introduced safe seating measures and having
all the Government approved guidelines in place.
The sun was definitely shining on this little slice of Italy as we arrived
on one of the hottest days of the summer accompanied by a cloudless
blue sky! The Café Prego team had planned for both outside and inside
seating so myself and my dining partner, Helen, were shown to our al
fresco table in the courtyard at the far side of the café, where we were
surrounded by green fields on one side and olive trees on the other –
very Mediterranean!
Within a few minutes a smiley waitress brought a loaded platter of
Italian delicacies to the table. It took quite a while to take it all in as the
platter board seemed to go on forever and was about the size of Lake
Garda! It was loaded with fine Italian cheeses, meats, olives, peppers,
breads, savoury biscuits, vegetables, salads, grapes, soups, dips and much
more! The only problem was – just where did we start?
We set to this task with Italian gusto but before we did our waitress
appeared with two super sparkly glasses of chilled Prosecco which, on a
hot day, was definitely just the ticket! Suitably refreshed we both eagerly
diced in to the platter and graciously agreed to start at either end and
work our way into the middle!
The minestrone soup was served in very cute little branded Café
Prego cups and was just the right amount to provide a taste of the pasta
and vegetable soup without being too filling, and it was perfect with a
slice of crusty ciabatta bread – and yes I did dunk my bread in!
The platter was a great way to experience lots of different dishes and
it was ideal finger food that could be picked up and nibbled on.
As we munched away in our pretty courtyard setting we could enjoy
the warm sunshine and the smell of the Italian trees and bushes that
surround the outside seating area and which the Garden Nursery
specialises in. Other than the contented murmurs of fellow diners it was
very quiet with just the noise of the birds in the trees and the flapping
of the canopies in the background – despite the fact that the Birmingham
Road is just a few metres away, the courtyard is securely sound-proofed
by the trees and you are not aware of the cars driving on the main road
– it is a very peaceful and relaxing place to enjoy your meal.
The platter was very filling and we were definitely satisfied, although
we could have added a tasty tiramisu to our brunch we decided to pass
and were very happy to receive a complimentary shot of chilled
limoncello instead, which refreshed the palate a treat!
As we happily meandered our way through the olive trees back to the
car park we met Café Prego owner Heather, who told us that most of
the food was imported directly from Italy, with the cheeses being
supplied by The Cheese Cavern in Lichfield – a lovely combination of
local and international cuisine.
Heather also told us that she is planning to put on more Italian Brunch
events and we highly recommend that you book in as soon as possible
due to its popularity.
‘Buon appetito!’
Café Prego is at Creative Plants Nursery on the Birmingham Road,
Shenstone Woodend, Nr Lichfield WS14 0LB, opening times vary,
telephone 01543 481640 for information or visit
www.creativeplants.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Review
Perfect for Little Piggies!
................................................
The Pig (formerly The Pig and Truffle) is a well-established public house situated in a beautiful
historical building which dominates the bottom end of Tamworth Street. Now under new
ownership, the business has seen a full refurbishment and been rebranded as simply The Pig,
meaning it was the perfect opportunity for Citylife’s Rebecca and her partner to pop in for a bite to
eat.
Seated in two comfy high backed arm chairs in the window, we looked out onto the bustling street (the
perfect place for a spot of people watching) and nibbled on some extra large pork scratchings with spiced
apple sauce as we perused the main menu and enjoyed a pint of real ale (from The Derby Brewing Company
– owners of The Pig) along with a pint of traditional-style cloudy cider.
To begin with we ordered a couple of items off the Beer Bites menu which, as the name suggests, features
tasty bite-sized morsels designed to whet the appetite and go down nicely with a pint of ale. We chose Mac
‘n’ Cheese Croquettes, which were quirky, tasty and came with a garlic mayonnaise to dip them into – I’d never
had macaroni cheese served like this and I have to say, it was a winner! We also sampled the Chicken and
Chorizo Bites with a smoky Bourbon chipotle glaze. This was very tasty, spicy and had a lovely flavour that is
ideal for whiskey lovers.
There’s a great range of burgers on The Pig’s menu, with both vegetarian and vegan options too. However
being a meat-eater I opted for ‘The Pig Smoke’ which consisted of a beef patty, smoked bacon, slow-cooked
pulled pork, cheese and a smoky bourbon and chipotle sauce. WOW! It was huge, it was juicy and it was
devilishly moreish!
My partner tried a dish called The Deep South from the Savoury Waffle menu - buttermilk fried chicken, pico
de galo, crispy onions and hot sauce piled onto homemade waffles! It was the perfect combination of sweet
and savoury, with a hot and spicy kick that was not too overpowering – definitely a dish that everyone should
try at least once!
Both having a sweet tooth, the desserts were just too tempting to resist and we opted to share a wafflebased
dish. The Biscoff Waffle with sea salt caramel, biscuit and vanilla ice cream was light but also had an
underlying richness from the caramel sauce which contrasted well with the crunchy biscuit topping and was
the perfect treat for sharers.
Whilst we were there we were invited to download the Derby Brewing Company mobile app which allows
diners to collect 10 loyalty points for every £1 spent, as well as receive tailored promotions based on your
interests, and unlock hidden rewards as you spend. You can also order and pay using the app too, which is great
if you’re not a fan of queuing at the bar! We found it easy to navigate and a huge time-saver as well.
Find out more about The Pig, and take a look at the menu for yourself, by visiting
www.thepiglichfield.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Tastes of the Season
Autumn Dishes
By Simon Smith
A lovely, hearty meal is called for as the nights
start drawing in. This dish is lovely served hot
but also makes a nice buffet centrepiece. You
can also mix some smoked bacon lardons in
for extra flavour.
Cabbage, Potato and Brie pie
1 x savoy cabbage
4ozs cooked Jersey Royal potatoes cut into
quarters
4ozs brie
1 x sheet puff pastry
1/2pt Béchamel sauce (or cheese sauce)
Nutmeg
Salt
Pepper
Egg wash
Method
Take the outer green leaves from the cabbage
and blanche in boiling water for 30 seconds,
drop into iced water to stop them cooking.
Finely slice the rest of the cabbage and repeat
the process.
Drain all the cabbage leaves so there is no
water left as this will make the pie soggy.
Mix the sliced cabbage and potatoes with just
enough béchamel to bind it, season with
nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Roll out the sheet of pastry and lay the largest
green cabbage leaves on it to protect the
pastry from going soggy. Put the sliced brie on
first and then place the rest of the cabbage
mix down the middle and roll together like a
beef wellington using the egg wash to stick the
overlap together.
Brush the top with egg wash for a nice shine.
Baked in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for
15 minutes.
Simon Smith runs a catering business from his
production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke
private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event
catering. Simon also undertakes cookery
demonstrations around the country and with local
businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers.
During the summer months Simon works for
private clients both on superyachts and in villas in
St Tropez and Europe. If you are looking for
catering or a day of cookery skills go to
www.simonsmith-chef.com
*Please take extra care when preparing and handling
hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Pom’s
Kitchen &
Deli
.......................
Established in 2015, Pom’s Kitchen is an
award-winning family business and is proud
to have already built a strong following of
loyal customers. Whether they are popping in
for breakfast, meeting friends for lunch, or just
visiting for coffee and cake, customers of Pom’s
can always be assured of great food, a friendly
atmosphere and top-quality service from James
and the team.
Fresh local produce is very important at Pom’s
Kitchen and the restaurant prides itself on serving
the very finest and freshest local ingredients
wherever possible.
This year has been a very different year for Pom’s
Kitchen, as it has for many restaurants. But since
making a comeback and re-opening in July, the
company has been able to diversify and open up a
deli shop to run alongside its restaurant. It also
offers an online deli too, which features a click and
collect service, as well as same day delivery*,
meaning you can enjoy the best local produce in the
comfort of your own home with just a few clicks of
a button.
The deli shop sells a range of local and awardwinning
produce, from fresh vegetables, meats, eggs,
jams, chutneys, beer and many gluten-free and vegan
products, from the vast selection that Staffordshire
has to offer.
The restaurant’s opening hours are Monday to
Sunday from 9am-4pm.
Full government guidelines are adhered to at all
times, including facemasks for staff and regular hand
sanitisation for the wellbeing and safety of all
customers and staff members.
Pop in and see the team at Pom's Kitchen & Deli
on Bird Street. Enjoy a coffee, a bite to eat, and
browse the deli products on offer. Alternatively,
take a look at the online deli shop at
www.pomskitchen.uk and enjoy a taste of Pom’s at
home.
*orders must be placed before midday to qualify
for same day delivery. They must meet a minimum
order cost of £10 and are subject to a £3 flat-rate
delivery fee. Orders over £40 are delivered free of
charge.
Suppliers to Pom’s Kitchen & Deli:
From Lichfield/ Staffordshire
Bore Street Bakery
Riley’s Fruit & Vegetables
Russell’s of Shenstone
Daltons Dairy
Hidden Street Food
Hearts Gin
Just Oils
Just Crisps
Perkins Wines & Spirits
Award-winning UK suppliers
Silver & Green
Mr Vikkis
Sauce Shop
Purity Brewing
Tony’s Fairtrade Chocolate
Scarlet Mustard
Hawkshead Relish
Little Pasta Organic
10% OFF THE ONLINE DELI SHOP
USE CITY10 CODE WHEN
ORDERING
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Review
Gallic Charm and
Cocktails
..................
The Bureau Bar & Brasserie on Market Street opened just
before the enforced lockdown but, since reopening its doors
a few weeks ago, has already proved to be very popular with
the diners of Lichfield. Jono Oates popped along to get a flavour for
the place.
Located next to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, The Bureau
gives a nod to Lichfield’s most famous son, and dictionary creator, with
the bar being named after a writing desk and with its feathered writing
quill logo.
Set over two floors The Bureau has lots of character and quirky
fixtures and fittings, with children’s retro games and toys attached to the
walls and ceilings! The lower floor is the main eating area and bar, with
socially distanced seating, while the upper floor has two function rooms
which can be hired for meetings and events.
I settled into my chair with a view out onto Market Street and perused
the compact, but interesting, menu. Bearing in mind it is a brasserie my
eye was immediately caught by the French onion soup on the starters
section, it is wonderfully Gallic and a firm favourite of mine so seemed
the obvious choice. For my main course I opted for a fillet steak with all
the trimmings, another of my favourites as, in my opinion, there is nothing
better than a well-cooked juicy steak.
While I was waiting, I was offered a drink and I decided to be decadent
and ordered a cocktail. The Bureau has a wide selection of the ‘usual
suspects’ but also a number that have been specially created by the bar
staff so I opted for a Flo-Rida, created by... well… Flo! It was a very
colourful concoction, beautifully presented in an ‘off-centre’ glass and
filled with Gin Ting fruit gin, orange, pineapple juice, passionfruit liqueur
and lemonade. The Flo-Rida had a deliciously sweet taste to it, combining
all the fruit-filled ingredients which created a sunshine breakfast-style
drink – but with the added punch of the gin and liqueur it definitely
transported you to the beaches of the French Caribbean!
By the time I had finished my lush cocktail, my soup had arrived at the
table. A lovely filled bowl, with the steam gently rising, and the cheese
gradually melting into the soup. The soup is made from beef stock,
caramelised onions, sugar, flour, olive oil and butter and Swiss gruyere
cheese layered across it, which melts under the heat. The soup was lovely
and strong and with the toast, cheese and onions, it makes for a very
warming, and comforting, dish. As the autumnal evenings start to draw in,
this is the perfect starter to warm the cockles of any heart!
My main course, the 8oz fillet steak, was perfectly cooked to my liking
(medium to well done) and came with onion rings, hand cut chips, peas,
tomatoes, mushrooms and a peppercorn sauce. The steak was well done
all the way down to the centre with a slight hint of pinky-red, was full of
flavour and a beautiful cut of meat. The onion rings were lightly battered
and crispy (not the greasy deep-fried kind) and the chips were chunky
and satisfyingly biteable. The vegetables were all fresh and the peppercorn
sauce provided a touch of heat and spice to complement the steak
perfectly. I also chose a glass of Merlot to accompany my meal which was
smooth, easy to drink and left a nice finish on the palate.
This was a deeply satisfying meal, the food was beautifully cooked and
presented, and all set in a friendly, funky location and atmosphere, but it’s
clear that the team also recognise the history, heritage and character of
this historic and charming building – something that is, of course, very
close to my heart too. For something a little bit different – in the
ambience, surroundings and with a great menu selection – I’d definitely
recommend that you book a table at The Bureau!
The Bureau Bar & Brasserie is at 34-36
Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH.
Open 9am-11pm daily.
Telephone 01543 258246 to book a table.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Prosecco Review
Getting the
Skinny!
..................
It’s the new Champagne – it’s sparkling, it’s refreshing and it’s
affordable! What’s more, I actually prefer the delicate flavour and
light fizz of Prosecco to the heavy, tight-bubbles of its French
counterpart. So when I was asked to partake in a review of local
company Simply Prosecco, I couldn’t possibly refuse!
There’s no denying it, Prosecco is everywhere right now. It’s very
trendy and it’s a popular choice of celebratory beverage for special
occasions… weddings, anniversaries, birthdays… in fact, anywhere that
requires a toast, you’ll find flutes filled with Prosecco bubbles.
Here’s the history bit… hailing from Italy, and dating back to the
sixteenth century, Prosecco is produced in a large area spanning nine
provinces and is named after a village called, you guessed it, Prosecco! The
Prosecco grape itself makes up 85% of the wine (the other 15% is
permitted to be comprised of different varieties), and it is always
sparkling or semi-sparkling. But why is it so popular all of a sudden? Well,
it is fermented in stainless steel tanks, making it more cost effective to
produce than Champagne and wine experts the world over have raved
about its improved flavour over the last decade.
This is where Simply Prosecco comes in. The Lichfield-based company,
run by Tracey and Joanne, boasts a mobile Prosecco bar (in the form of a
cute converted Piaggio van) which will attend your event and provide
your guests with Prosecco, beer and cocktails on tap! It’s a great way to
ensure an endless flow of the
good stuff, as well as creating
a talking point amongst your
guests.
The company also offers
hampers on its website,
dedicated to providing you
with that perfect night in,
and this is what I was going
to try: The Movie Night
Package, consisting of a
bottle of fizz, a box of fine
chocolates and gourmet
popcorn. What made it even
more interesting, however,
was that I was going to be
trying Skinny Prosecco – same great taste, same great
sparkle – but with less calories! As an avid dieter eager to
watch the pounds following lockdown, this was music to my
ears.
Made from 100% Glera grape and coming from the Veneto
region of Northern Italy, the bottle, which had been chilling
for at least eight hours, popped with gusto and I poured a
lively flute of fizz, examining it carefully for differences to my
usual brand. It looked the same; crystal clear, pale in colour
and with streams of tiny bubbles effervescing gently. It was
light on the tongue, with an initial burst of sweetness which
gave way to a drier finish on the palette. In short –
absolutely beautiful and the ideal drink on a lovely warm
evening as it was refreshing and very clean-tasting. The fact
it contains just 0.25g of sugar per 125ml, and only 68
calories, made this gluten-free, vegan beverage all the more
enticing!
As the sun went down, I poured myself another flute of
my new favourite tipple, nibbled on the delicious salted
caramel chocolates from Artisan du Chocolat of London,
and tucked into the salted caramel popcorn from Joe &
Seph’s (the hint of salt setting off the sweet tang of the
Prosecco perfectly). It’s the ideal way to end a hectic
weekend and Skinny Prosecco could seriously be a game
changer! Salute!
To find out more about Simply Prosecco,
visit www.simplyprosecco.co.uk or find
them on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/simplyprosecco.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Coffee Culture
Treat yourself to a new set of coffee accessories to
delight your guests. These designer coffee cups and mugs
will look fantastic being served up as part of an
afternoon tea or ladies coffee morning.
Set of four mugs - £30
Set of four Espresso cups - £25.50
Set of four coffee cups - £30
All available from Needwood Living,
136 Main Street, Alrewas
01283 711272
www.needwoodliving.co.uk
International Interiors with
a Local Village Vibe
......................................
Needwood Living is a hidden gem located in
Alrewas and specialising in bespoke interior
design and luxury homeware pieces.
Since launching the business back in 2009, Jo
Raybould has grown Needwood Living from
strength-to-strength. Interiors have always been a
passion of Jo’s and over the last 11 years she’s
brought her expertise to local clients and customers
in the picturesque village of Alrewas and surrounding
areas.
Needwood Living’s client base doesn’t stop there.
Jo’s extensive knowledge of interiors has scoped
across international countries such as Portugal,
Menorca, and the south of France, as well as beautiful
UK coastal locations such as Cornwall, Devon and
Wales.
As you walk into Needwood Living you’ll be
greeted with a warm welcome by Alex who, within
the last two years, has taken the reigns of the
beautiful homeware collection in the vibrant shop. It
is an absolute ‘go-to’ for furniture, rugs, lamps and
lighting, art, mirrors, home fragrance, cushions,
throws, ladies clothing, leather goods and jewellery.
Hidden at the back of the shop is where everything
comes to life with Jo’s Design Studio. Not only will
you be surrounded by the most beautiful samples of
fabrics, fixtures and fittings, but Jo will be on hand to
guide you every step of the way, recommending
brands from the likes of Zoffany, Sanderson, Morris,
Osborne & Little, Romo, Harlequin, Cole & Son, and
Mulberry Home. Her full interior design service
includes curtains, blinds, flooring, paint, wallpaper,
furniture and accessories.
Jo comment: “Both myself and Alex specialise in
sourcing individual items both for the shop and for
customers’ homes. Our bespoke approach means we
are able to give our clients exactly what they are
looking for. Whether that’s an entire living space redesign,
a particular curtain fabric, or simply a
gorgeous homeware product from the shop, we are
experts in recommending and designing schemes
sympathetically with their property, lifestyle and
budget.”
Needwood Living also holds various shopping
events throughout the year, with a complimentary
glass of prosecco or two of course! It’s a great
opportunity to visit the team and find out what’s
available or treat yourself and your home to
something new!
Located at 136 Main Street in Alrewas with free
parking outside, Needwood Living is open Tuesday to
Friday 9am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am – 4pm (Design
Studio closed on Saturdays). Home design visit
appointments are available, please call 01283 711 272
for further details of this service. Or visit Facebook,
Instagram or www.needwoodliving.co.uk for more
information.
26
Sell Your Home with Sellers
Rock Guidance
Founded in 2020, Sellers Rock Ltd is a consulting
agency that helps property sellers, such as yourself, to
maximise the value of your property.
As a result of witnessing many homeowners struggle to
get the best value for their property, Victoria Smith
decided to combine her passion for real estate with her
sales experience in the industry and create a truly
bespoke service tailored to support sellers.
The agency’s expert guidance will enable you to select
selling options with confidence, overcome potential
obstacles before they arise and increase the value of your
property.
Sellers Rock works by delivering a clear roadmap to
help you secure a buyer, whilst maximising your assets
and minimising impediments to ensure you achieve the
best price possible for your property, within your
individual constraints.
First of all, Sellers Rock will work with you to get the
highest possible valuation for your property from estate
agents. Including helping you maximise your home's
saleability potential by making minor changes so it appeals
to the widest possible audience. Secondly, help you decide
on the perfect selling method for you and your home, be
it online, local estate agent, or even going it alone and
selling privately. Finally, provide support throughout the
sales process.
Victoria and her team are dedicated to helping you sell
your home, for the best possible price, with the minimum
amount of fuss and disruption. Find out more at
www.sellersrock.co.uk or call Victoria on 01543 307806.
27
City of
Lichfield
Probus
Club
By Peter Hitchman
..................
We were looking forwad to reconvening
The City of
Lichfield Probus Club, Men’s
and Ladies, with an informal social get
together, but having visited Rob at the
Club it became clear that the
restrictions of being two metres apart
and socially distancing meant we would
not be able to socialise. We will look to
hopefully re-arrange this in the autumn.
In the meantime, take care and stay safe.
September Birthday greetings to:
Annette Phillips (3rd), John Thurston
(5th) , Anne Wainwright (17th), Brenda
Craddock (18th) and Rene Patterson
(25th).
Exercising ‘Oldies’
Raise £2,000 for
Charity
..................
When lockdown hit in March a group of over 60s, who
meet regularly in local community halls, set about
staying fit, despite the fact they were no longer able to
exercise together. Veteran fitness instructor, Mary Morris, decided
to set her members a fitness challenge. Every week they were
expected to walk in excess of 30 minutes on five days of the week
and then to take hold of their handweights and do a strength
programme 3-4 times a week. The strength session came to them
every week via a video lasting just 10 minutes. A total of 72
members took up the challenge and many of them exceeded it by
doing 'walking and workouts' every single day!
Mary says: “I work with the most vulnerable groups with regard to
Covid-19 as they are all over 60, with many of them in their 70s and even
80s. It was absolutely vital that they did not just become couch potatoes!
Setting the challenge gave them a real focus as they were expected to
report in either daily or weekly to say they had completed the task.”
Stars were awarded for every walk or workout and Mary kept a
28
Greyhound Trust Hall Green
By Lauren Hirst
.............................................
Covid-19 has made us all re-evaluate our lives in so many
ways. Nationally, dog homing charities have reported a
huge increase in enquiries to adopt dogs now that people
are at home more, not holidaying aboard, and going out for
walks. Greyhound Trust Hall Green is no exception. Fortunately,
people have realised that retired greyhounds make excellent
pets with their gentle ways and not needing as much exercise as
one would expect - two 30-minute walks a day will do, though
most will enjoy longer walks too - they are called 35-miles per
hour couch potatoes after all!
So far this year we have homed over 100 greyhounds and we're
only half way through! If you are interested in adopting a hound,
please give us a ring on 0121 426 4810 and we are happy to have a chat about whether it is actually
the right time to adopt or whether work commitments will change in future.
As people are starting to return to work adoption may not be possible however much they thought
it might be. Hall Green's sponsor scheme might just be the thing instead. We have five sponsor
hounds, all of whom have some sort of additional need and to help them find a forever home, the
Trust helps with cost of looking after the dog. Sponsoring also is a great gift (if you're thinking about
Christmas already) for an animal lover in your life. For just £3 per month you will receive a welcome
letter and pack, Christmas and Valentine's cards, and a summer update from your chosen hound.
Because all the dogs live locally you could even arrange to come and meet your hound and his/her
carer.
Frazer, pictured here, doing his best bumble bee impression, lives in Tamworth with a family with
three children. Frazer had a series of strokes and we almost lost him but with the love and care of
his foster carers he was nursed back to health. Of course, they couldn't part with him and have now
adopted him but the Trust meets any ongoing health needs with help from his sponsors. To meet all
our sponsor hounds, visit our website and download a form at
www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk/sponsor-a-greyhound.
running total to
increase their
motivation. Once the
stars started to add up
in great numbers Mary
thought there was an
opportunity here to
raise money for the
group's favourite
charity, St Giles. Every
star awarded earned
20p for the charity and
this had a positive
impact on the group's
motivation.
An amazing total of
£2000 was raised
demonstrating just how
much physical activity
was undertaken. It
equates to 10,000
walks and workouts!
Beth Richardson from St Giles with Jenny
Chesher, Lesley Cooke, Sally Dillon, Suzanne
Groom, Mary Morris and Jean Riggott.
“I am so proud of what my group has achieved,” enthuses Mary. “Not
only are they as fit, or maybe even fitter, than they were before lockdown
but it has kept us going as a group, helping our mental fitness as well.”
Small 'bubbles' of six people are now meeting to exercise twice a week
in Beacon Park as they try to return to a 'new normal' and as soon as
possible they will be back to their favourite sessions in the community
halls.
Here at Just Granite Ltd, we pride ourselves on being the experts for any worktop needs you may have.
Be it a beautiful bespoke and unique kitchen worktop, a bar, bathroom or even a barbecue area, we have
an extensive in-house range ready to be chosen by you! We stock a varied range, in a variety of materials,
such as our own competitively priced quartz, granite, marble and porcelain, as well as all the top brands
from around the world.
There really is no reason to go anywhere else!
Win a Stone Number for Your House
Just Granite takes great pride in offering its customers full
support, from the initial quotation right through to installation,
with all products being covered under a guarantee and offering
additional maintenance packages where suitable.
With the largest variety of natural stones in the Midlands, the
solid slabs are kept on-site and are available for viewing from
9am-5pm on Monday to Friday, and 9am-12.30pm on Saturday.
Located at The Stone Works, Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge,
ST19 5RZ.
We’ve got a bespoke Stone House Number (in
the colour of your choice) to give away! To be
in with a chance of winning this magnificent
prize, simply answer the following question
correctly:
What material does Just
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a) Stone
b) Wood
c) Metal
To enter, just send your name, contact
details and answer to Just Granite
Competition at
competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post
your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO
Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the closing date of 20th September 2020.
One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash
equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’
information is processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and
our Privacy Policy (available at citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on page 50.
29
High Sheriff
Cycles for Charity
.........................
In the first week of August Charlie Bagot
Jewitt, the High Sheriff of Staffordshire,
and a ‘posse’ of five other cyclists,
embarked on a 300-mile cycle ride around
his ‘bailiwick’ (the county of Staffordshire)
in aid of the Community Foundation for
Staffordshire, seeking to raise funds and
support the Foundation in their mission to
strengthen communities across the county.
The trip also helped highlight the wonders
of Staffordshire as a staycation destination and,
as part of his ride, the High Sheriff stopped off at several well-known
jewels in the county’s crown, including Lichfield Cathedral, where he was
met by the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev’d Adrian Dorber and the
Mayor of Lichfield, Cllr Deborah Baker. The cycle tour also passed
through Chillington, Kinver Edge, Mucklestone, Basford Hall, Hartington
and Uttoxeter, before the finish-line at Blithfield Hall.
National Memorial Arboretum at
Alrewas and most recently Area Officer
for youth charity the Marine Society
and Sea Cadets.
The High Sheriff is the Queen's
representative in the County for all
matters relating to the Judiciary and the
maintenance of law and order. Much of
the High Sheriff's year is therefore spent
supporting and encouraging the
voluntary and statutory organisations
who work in this area plus the Crown
and Magistrates' Courts, the Police, Prison and Probation Services.
The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest continuous secular office under
the Crown and can be traced back more than 1,000 years to the reign of
the Saxon King 'Ethelred the Unready' (978-1016). High Sheriffs were
originally appointed to act as the sovereign's representative in their
county and they wielded great power sitting in judgement at trials and
were responsible for general law and order. They could raise the 'hue and
cry' in pursuit of criminals and keep the King's Peace by mobilising the
'posse', the full military might of the county.
Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlesbagot-jewitt1.
Throughout the route Charlie has publicised 30 ‘Enjoy Staffordshire’
attractions (www.enjoystaffordshire.com) on social media. He has also
raised more than £3000 for the Staffordshire Community Foundation
which has helped a huge number of local organisations throughout the
Covid-19 Crisis.
Charlie, of Blithfield, near Rugeley, (54) enjoyed a 22-year career in the
Royal Navy before appointments including Chief Executive of the
Council
Encourages
Residents to
Recycle Right
........................
Through its shared waste service with Tamworth Borough
Council, Lichfield District Council is once again urging its
residents to ‘recycle right’ and waste less.
After a recent increase in loads being rejected by the recycling centre,
the council is reminding householders across the district to follow its
advice about what can and can’t go in blue bins.
To support this, the council will be putting stickers on blue bins to
outline the materials that can be recycled and to ask residents not to bag
up recycling.
In the past the council has accepted recycling in clear bags, but from
now on the council will not collect any bagged up waste in blue bins. This
30
is because it has
been finding too
much contaminated
waste in bags once
opened.
The stickers also
remind households
that only the
following items can
go in blue bins:
• Paper, including
newspaper, writing
paper, envelopes
and magazines
• Cardboard
• Plastic bottles,
tubs and trays
• Glass jars and
bottles
• Cans and tins
• Aerosols
They also remind
residents that
recycling crews will continue to check blue bins, and cannot empty them
if they contain materials that cannot be recycled or any bagged waste.
To check what can and can’t go in your blue bin, go to
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/bluebins.
J HOWELL &
DAUGHTERS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD
LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT,
FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS.
SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY.
24 hours a day
We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of
choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and
memorials are but a few of the services we offer.
Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call
01543 255776
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe,
Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
31
Cannock Chase’s Deer
Safety Initiative Begins
......................................
We all know and love it as a local Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, however there is a lot more that goes on behind the
scenes to ensure that the wildlife of Cannock Chase remains
protected.
The Cannock Chase Deer Safety Project has been set up by
Staffordshire County Council Ranger Service and is run by Project
Leader, Rob Taylor, along with a group of passionate volunteers interested
in helping, protecting and conserving the deer of Cannock Chase.
The campaign’s aims and objectives are five-fold and include: helping to
reduce the number of deer/vehicle collisions at various black spots;
educating road users of the risks; easing pressure on the emergency
services who attend deer-related incidents; monitoring which deterrent
works best; and finally, helping to protect the fallow deer population.
The campaign kicks off in September, ready for the upcoming deer rut.
As the mornings and evenings become darker, this corresponds with the
rush hour traffic and deer/vehicle collisions are usually seen to increase
by 50% during this time, culminating in approximately 150 incidents in the
area each and every year.
With support and funding from local businesses and groups (including
Staffordshire Commissioner/People Power Fund; Hanson’s Aggregates of
Pottal Pool; and The Friends of Cannock Chase) a number of high and
low tech deer deterrents have been sourced from Europe. The safety
project will be trailing three new types of deterrent as well as running
the virtual road fence along the A513 and sections of Penkridge Bank
Road, with a small stretch of red reflectors also being installed.
Volunteers from the project will be monitoring the various initiatives
to see how the deer react to the individual deterrents, and find out which
one is working most effectively.
Image showing how one of the reflectors works
The group will also be installing new safety signage and banners
warning road users of the higher risks of deer collisions in the autumn
and winter periods. Signage will also be installed highlighting the accident
black spots that involve deer, although any part of the road can be
affected.
Drivers are being asked to respect the advisory speed limit of 40mph
whilst travelling across Cannock Chase.
Nathan, Alastair, Zoe & Emily installing one of the new
generation deer reflectors.
Got a story or
charity event you
want to share with
our readership? Think
you’ve snapped an
image that captures
the spirit of the
region? We want to
hear from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
32
33
A Bathroom Dream Come True!
...........................................................
Just Bathrooms & Panels in Rugeley has
moved to a new showroom, upgrading
from a small space to a large 3,500
square foot unit on the popular Trent
Valley Trading Estate.
With more than 15 years’ worth of
experience in the industry under his belt,
founder Tony and the dedicated team have
taken their business one step further –
from supplying trade-only to opening to the
public, and are able to help and advise on a
wide range of custom-made supplies to
ensure that your bathroom stands out from
the crowd!
The firm’s primary product is the supply
of bathroom panels, which have gained
widespread popularity and become a
growing trend over the last few years.
Rather than having tiled bathroom walls, the
specially designed purpose-built acrylic
panels are not only low maintenance and
easy to keep clean, but they come in such a
varied array of colours, patterns and styles,
that your bathroom is sure to become a
talking point!
Unique, colourful and quirky, the panels
feature designs such as palm tree fronds,
flamingos, or even a serene beach scene so
you can lie in a hot bath whilst gazing at the
ocean!
But that’s not all that Just Bathrooms &
Panels provides. Tony and the team can offer
a full bathroom renovation package,
including flooring, ceiling and wall coverings,
shower and wet room enclosures, and even
the bathroom suite itself. Plus, working with
a range of local fitters, Just Bathrooms &
Panels can recommend the best tradesmen
in the area to help create your dream
bathroom. With top-quality brand names
within the industry, such as Tavistock, K Vit
Bathroom Products, Lakes Showers,
MultiPanel, Showerwall, Nuance Bushboard
Panels and Worktops and Wetwall Panels.
There also a range of waterproof Flooring
including Malmo, Krono and Faus, and SPC
Flooring, so you are bound to find exactly
what you’re looking for to add a little
colour and individuality to your interior.
Plus, the acrylic panels also make great
splashbacks for kitchen sinks, so you can
add some colour and contrast throughout
your entire home!
Visit Tony and the team at Just
Bathrooms & Panels, Unit 16 Trent
Valley Trading Estate, Rugeley, WS15
2HQ or visit www.justpanels.co.uk.
34
35
Your Garden in
September
By Byron Lewis
We're at the start of a new
gardening season already - can
you believe it?! It's been a great
summer weather-wise, and many
summer bedding plants are
already starting to look a little
jaded. You can trim some back to
encourage fresh growth and
hopefully some late flowers, as
well as keeping up with the feed
- this should give them an extra
few weeks’ life, but if they have seen better days you can always
replace them with autumn flowering options instead.
Autumn/Winter pansy & viola are the obvious choice - long
flowering in an array of colours, these have been the backbone of
late season displays for years. Also consider Wallflowers - 'Sugar
Rush' is a dwarf variety grown in packs as opposed to the
traditional bare-root wallflowers and will flower in the autumn
and the spring.
Other options are cyclamen, chrysanthemum, ivy, heuchera and
dwarf grasses. All give warm autumn colour and most of these
will survive more than one year - plant them out in your borders
once they have served their time in your planters and baskets.
Many later cottage garden plants are just coming into their own.
Try michelmas daisies (aster varieties) for a large show of daisylike
flowers from whites to pinks and blues. Japanese anemones
also have good autumn blooms, while rudbeckia and crocosmia
will continue the show through to October.
Spring flowering bulbs are now available - it's vital to plant them
in the next month or so to give the best show next year. If your
summer plants are still looking great, why not plant your bulbs in
some spare flower pots, then when you are ready to change the
display it can be done instantly! Try dwarf daffodil 'tete-a-tete'
and crocus for pots - these have shorter stems and won't be
damaged by any wind.
When buying bulbs, always go for the biggest - bigger bulbs mean
bigger blooms! To keep them flowering well, always use some
bonemeal when you plant bulbs - and feed them again after
flowering (a small handful each time is enough). Bonemeal is
essentially a root feed, and as bulbs are in effect a swollen root,
this is the ideal source of nutrients.
Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at Curborough
Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield. Tel 01543
254306 or visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk.
36
37
The Garrick
Theatre
............................
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many businesses and
organisations throughout Lichfield. The Garrick Theatre has
issued the following statement:
Lichfield Garrick has worked hard to bring world class theatre to the
city, giving audiences from Lichfield and surrounds the very best
entertainment right on their doorstep. However, the reality we currently
face is that the risk for large touring companies such as The Mousetrap, is
too great during this period. The producers of these large shows have
made the decision to postpone their tours. Therefore it is with a heavy
heart that Lichfield Garrick is postponing its autumn season shows in
September and October.
The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for the theatre and live
entertainment industry, especially for charitable organisations like
Lichfield Garrick.
Following popular demand in the city and district, the Lichfield Garrick
opened for block buster cinema just before lock down struck. It is now
working on its autumn season so that it can continue to bring the best
new films, live event screenings and a huge variety of entertainment to
our city.
Lichfield Garrick generates 89% of its income from ticket sales, and the
ongoing loss of earned income is unsustainable. Since 16 March 2020,
Lichfield Garrick has been unable to operate. Whilst we welcome the
recently announced government support for the arts, and continued
support from our partners, it will not fully support the expected costs of
the theatre whilst the pandemic continues.
It is with great sadness that, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic, Lichfield Garrick theatre has been forced to make cost savings,
including redundancy and short time working which impact 46% of
permanent roles.
Chief Executive Karen Foster commented:
“I am incredibly proud of our team of dedicated, committed, talented
individuals, and so it is with immense sadness that, in order to safeguard
the future of the theatre, I have no alternative but to make very difficult
and painful decisions regarding their future. With the loss of two more
months of shows, and the prospect of a still uncertain future beyond this,
I hope that reducing the team at this point will enable us to persevere
through this terrible period and emerge with a skilled workforce ready to
expand back to pre-covid activities.
“As a small, independent charity, the Lichfield Garrick needs the
support of its communities more than ever before to help us through this
period of enforced hibernation and to help retain the skilled and
experienced staff for the good of all our local audiences.
“To all of our much-missed patrons, please stay safe and help to
prevent the spread of coronavirus, so that we can meet again in your
local theatre, where I can assure you, we will be following the guidance
offered by Public Health England to keep our staff and public as safe as
possible.
“To my wonderful team, thank you for being so kind and supportive in
the face of the cuts which are sweeping through our industry nationally
and which have now impacted our lives locally.”
Enormous challenges remain as we face an extended closure period for
our main house auditorium. We would like to thank our audiences who
have been so supportive and to remind everyone that the best way to
support our theatre right now is to purchase tickets for future
performances, join as a Friend or donate to Lichfield Garrick arts charity
via our website, so we can continue to make a difference to our audiences
and the many participants of our education and outreach programmes.
For affected shows, the box office team will be in touch to see if you
would like to move your ticket to the new dates, donate your ticket to
Lichfield Garrick arts charity or request a full refund.
We appreciate your support during this time.
We will meet again.
38
39
There’s Hope for
2020 at Lichfield
Cathedral
................................
In recent years Lichfield Cathedral has
provided people from across the
region, the UK and overseas with an
exciting and creative programme of
events, art installations and interactive
exhibitions. In recognition, the
Museums & Heritage Awards have
shortlisted Lichfield Cathedral for the
Partnership of the Year Award,
acknowledging the unique partnership
with Artist in Residence, Peter Walker
including work by artistic collaboration
Luxmuralis for ‘Journeys Through
Space, Light & Time’ in 2019.
Throughout 2020 the Cathedral and
Artist in Residence have been creating
inspirational works to bring a message of
hope and making plans for the rest of 2020
and into 2021. The programme for 2020
has been designed to enable everyone to
enjoy safely their experience at Lichfield
Cathedral.
Over the August bank holiday weekend,
Lichfield Cathedral will have special
extended opening hours on Saturday 29th
and Monday 31st August. There will be
space to soak up the atmosphere in the
Cathedral and around the Close – there
are some lovely picnic spots if the weather
is good. On the evening of Saturday 29th
August, the Cathedral will be hosting a
‘Cathedrals at Night’ until 10.00pm – a
dedicated evening for reflection, prayer,
looking at the beauty of the building and
listening to ambient music.
Also, during August work will begin on
the clay model of what will become a 3m
bronze statue of St Chad by Peter Walker,
Sculptor. The statue is due to be installed in
March 2021 on the South East side of the
Close. Visitors will be able to see the artist
working on the statue in his studio on
selected days in September.
40
At the same time a living artwork will be
created around the statue called ‘The Hope
Garden’. This will comprise 50,000 spring
flowers, which will be planted as a gift of
remembrance and hope to the city. The
flowers will bloom every year around St
Chad’s Day, March 2nd, and in readiness for
Easter. This date also marks the anniversary
of the lockdown at the start of the
pandemic.
To coincide with All Saints and All Souls
Days (1st & 2nd November), beams of light
will be cast into the night sky in an
installation called ‘Light of Hope’. The
beams will offer a symbol of hope shining
high into the sky, for all around to see.
All Saints Day, November 1st, celebrates
all the saints of God who have been
beacons of Christ’s light through the ages -
people who have warmed and lit the world
with their faith and love. All Souls’ Day,
November 2nd, is an occasion to
remember and give thanks for departed
friends and relatives - our love is a bridge
between life and death.
A new touring artwork by Peter Walker,
Sculptor, entitled ‘The Leaves of the Trees’
will be installed in early November at
Lichfield Cathedral. Designed as a reflective
memorial to the pandemic, the installation
will give people an opportunity to reflect
on their own experiences during lockdown
and express their thoughts.
Lichfield Cathedral is also putting plans
in place to bring back two of the
Cathedral’s most popular events: ‘Poppy
Fields’ and ‘Imagine Peace’. The team at
Luxmuralis will combine the two shows
into one immersive experience at the
beginning of November. These plans will be
dependent on the government guidelines
leading up the event, as will the Cathedral’s
plans to host the award-winning Cathedral
Illuminated before Christmas.
Luxmuralis by Peter Walker
41
Postcard image courtesy of Kate Gomez
Anyone for
Tennis?
By Jono Oates
............................
On August 16th 2020 the four tennis courts at Beacon
Park were officially opened, following a complete
refurbishment, after a fund of £200,000 was raised to
bring them up to a high-quality standard. The work was carried
out by a charitable group, Beacon Park Tennis, who had raised
the necessary funds to make the transformation of the courts
complete. The hard tennis courts were first played on in 1934
but the records, and a vintage postcard, show that lawn tennis
was being played in the grounds of Beacon Park as far back as
1905.
It was in June 1905 that a meeting of Lichfield City Council was
held at the Guildhall. One of the items on the agenda was a proposal
from the Lichfield Tradesmen’s Association that public lawn tennis
courts be placed somewhere in the recreation grounds at Beacon
Park for use by ‘citizens and visitors alike.’ The Tradesmen’s
Association said that the curator of the library and museum (now the
Registry Office for Staffordshire County Council) should: mow the
grass; mark out the courts; put up the nets and take charge of
racquets, balls and nets. Also, an hourly fee would be charged for the
participating tennis players from which the museum curator would
take 25% of the takings. Some councillors were unhappy that the
curator should take on the responsibility for the courts as well as the
museum. They were worried that if he was out collecting up tennis
racquets someone could nip into the museum and steal some of
Lichfield’s most treasured items! The issue was resolved however and
later in the year the grass tennis courts were put up at the far side
of the museum gardens by the edge of the recreation grounds.
By 1911 Lichfield City Council were keen to encourage local
people to play both crown green bowling and lawn tennis in Beacon
Park, however there had been a considerable problem with both
playing areas as the land was sinking at quite an alarming rate, thus
causing slightly uneven playing surfaces! The grounds of the museum
gardens had been built on the site of a former pool, an extension of
Minster Pool, and had been reclaimed in the 1850s to build the
gardens, so it was prone to subsidence!
When the statue of Captain Edward Smith of the RMS Titanic was
unveiled in July 1914 the tennis courts were in the way so they
relocated to behind the statue in the recreation grounds. Fencing was
erected around the tennis courts in July 1923, the council paying local
ironmonger Mr HL Johnson £34 5s for the fixtures and fitting. The
grass courts were replaced by hard courts in May 1934 when players
were charged 1 shilling (25p now) for an hour’s tennis for two or four
players.
Tennis tournaments were a regular annual feature and in June 1955
a large crowd gathered to watch the finals take place under a blazing
sun. There was an upset in the Ladies Final as the favourite, Mrs J
Brown (nee Baines) of Lichfield was beaten by Mrs M Stokes (Walsall)
2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a ‘stern three-setter’ lasting an hour and a half.
Meanwhile the Men’s Singles was taken by 19-year-old Brian Storr
from Tamworth, who was serving in the North Staffordshire
Regiment at Whittington Barracks, defeating J Yardley in a
comfortable two-setter. No tennis would have taken place in
December 1960 however as severe thunder and rainstorms left the
courts under four foot of water, flooding both them and the feet of
Captain Smith a few metres away!
The tennis courts at Beacon Park, which started as two simple
grass courts in 1905, have now been brought up to the standards of
the 21st century and the new investment has ensured that the courts
will be enjoyed by Lichfeldians for many more years to come – new
balls please!
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; the Lichfield Discovered
Facebook page.
42
Something Old,
Something New
By Allen Brown
........................
An ever popular service we offer here at Allen Brown Jewellery is our remodelling
service, where we can transform your older pieces of jewellery into something you
can wear and enjoy, remodelled to a new design to suit your taste.
Over the last few years this has been a growing part of our business, helping people
carry forward all the sentiment of inherited jewellery into new stylish pieces that can be
worn, but knowing it is made from old jewellery that was much loved.
We are helping many customers take existing family heirloom pieces and aid in carrying
the sentiment forward to the next generation. By carefully separating existing pieces, we
transform their metals and stones into new individually designed pieces. It is a good way
of recycling material and reusing whilst keeping all the sentiment of the old pieces.
Often it’s hard to visualise what we can do with old
pieces of jewellery. We have lots of before and after
examples to show what we are able to do and we will
guide you along the process whilst showing you what is
possible. In addition, our upstairs viewing gallery, also gives
our customers the chance to view first hand, pieces of
jewellery being created in our onsite workshop by our
talented team.
We are always happy to advise people who bring in their
jewellery and we can help to explore the possibilities of
what can be created.
A customer will visit our jewellery gallery with inherited
jewellery and we can discuss with them the possibilities
and the type of jewellery they would like from the
remodelling process.
For the entire process, from the customer walking in the
door of our jewellery gallery to collection of final item, it
typically takes between 6-8 weeks, 2/3 for the drawing
creation and around 6 for the making depending on the
work involved in the remodelling process.
You can rely on our talented jewellery designers to
create unusual and unique jewellery items to your
requirements with attention to detail and high quality
individualised and a truly personal service.
If you have some jewellery that you would like
remodelling please feel free to visit our jewellery gallery
located at Heart of the Country, Swinfen, Lichfield, WS14
9QR.
We are open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm.
Alternatively please call us to discuss further on 01543 481
948 or visit www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk/remodelling
where you can find a video which shows Allen explaining
the whole process of our remodelling service.
43
Sheriff William Arthur Wood Beating the Bounds at Lea Grange in 1908
By Foot, Horse,
Carriage & Car
...........................
On Saturday 5th September 2020 a large group of horse
riders would have set off from the Lichfield Guildhall to
embark on one of Lichfield’s most historic, and
respected, traditional customs, the Sheriff’s Ride. However, the
Covid-19 pandemic has meant that this tradition, like many
others in 2020, will not take place as planned. Instead of a horse
the sheriff will travel round the 20-mile circuit in a car, with only
a driver and passenger, there will be no accompanying horses
and riders, and there will be no crowd of onlookers to welcome
the sheriff, and his entourage, back to Lichfield as they complete
the ‘beating of the bounds.’ Jono Oates takes a look at the
history of this iconic local event.
Lichfield is well known for its ancient customs and traditions with
the Sheriff’s Ride being one of the most colourful and impressive, as
well as one that has been taking place since the middle of the 16th
century. In 1553, when King Edward VI was succeeded by Queen
Mary I, Lichfield was separated from Staffordshire and granted its
own status as a county, meaning that it was then able to appoint its
own sheriff. Queen Mary’s Charter stipulated that the sheriff should
‘perambulate the new County and City annually on the Nativity of
the Blessed Virgin Mary.’ The sheriff would visit all of the boundary
markers of Lichfield to ensure that they were all well maintained and
this became the annual ‘beating of the bounds.’ Originally the sheriff
undertook the duty on foot but this took so long to complete that
eventually horses were employed so that it could be completed
within a single day. The original date for the ride was always fixed as
September 8th but, again, over the years this rule has been relaxed
and it now takes place on the Saturday nearest to, or after, the 8th of
September.
The first Sheriff of Lichfield to undertake this honour in 1553 was
Gregorie Stonynge, who owned the remains of the Franciscan Friary
building, later to become the Girls High School in the late 1920s and
home to Lichfield Library until 2018. In 1877 the sheriff was Thomas
Hull Hunt and the editor of the Staffordshire Advertiser described
the horses as being a mixture of ‘weedy mounts’ and ‘fiery chargers’,
and that some horses were so steady that they would not shy even
if they were met by ‘a
waggon-load of monkeys
with their tails burnt off.’
With similarities to the
current year, in September
1914 Thomas Baxter was
the sheriff for the first ride
since the First World War
had commenced and,
although the ceremony
went ahead as usual, only
the sheriff and Under-sheriff
undertook the ride as there
was a severe shortage of
horses with so many of
them being used for military
purposes.
By the time of the Second
World War in September
1939, Councillor Frank
Halfpenny made history by
becoming the first sheriff to
undertake the ride carrying
a gas mask with him on his
horse. All the usual
Sheriff Michael Mullarkey in 2018
Frank Halfpenny.
(photo courtesy of Robert
Yardley).
festivities surrounding the ride, including the reception and
refreshments, were abandoned and the sheriff set off with only one
other rider, Mr Sam Ashley, rather than the customary 40 to 50.
Not every sheriff chooses to ride a horse and in 2018 Michael
Mullarkey, of Michael’s Menswear on Market Street, completed the
course in a magnificent horse and carriage, evoking memories of
Lichfield’s 18th century coaching past.
Due to Covid-19 Lichfield City Council chose not to elect a new
sheriff, or Mayor, for 2020 so the sheriff will again be Dr Daryl Brown
of Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, who, unlike last years, will ‘beat the
bounds’ in a car rather than sat on a horse. However, regardless of
the mode of transport – by foot, horse, carriage or car – the most
important thing is that this most historic Lichfield tradition is carried
out and that the Sheriff’s Ride will set off on Saturday 5th September
for the 467th time in its history.
*Please note that this year’s Sheriff’s Ride is not a public event.
Sources: British Newspaper Archive; Lichfield City Council website
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Helping you gain skills and
experience for your ideal career
Juniper Training is an Ofsted registered GOOD Independent Training Provider which offers free
courses, both in centre and online, focused on supporting students/apprentices to achieve the
skills, qualifications, knowledge and experience they need to progress in their chosen career.
A spokesman said: “Supporting over 2,000 students per year, we’re confident we can help you
too. Offering a suitable pathway for all, one of which is to embark on taking up one of our amazing
apprenticeship opportunities. We are privileged to work alongside leading employers such as Local
Council Authorities, Accord Housing, Assa Abbloy, Greenhous, Marley and Swish Building Products;
and are also extremely proud to report that we have a 100 per cent pass rate across all of our
Apprenticeship provision. This reflects the high quality training you will receive.
“Our apprentices have the opportunity to learn new skills at the same time as earning a
competitive salary, in an environment they feel safe and comfortable within.”
Apprentice, Ebony, stated: “I was nervous and excited for a new opportunity. I had never done
an apprenticeship before, but I would recommend it to others.
“I’m gaining valuable experience whilst in employment. I have been here for less than a year,
and already had the opportunity to progress in the Resourcing team.”
Juniper Training also offers pre-apprenticeship pathways such as - 16-18 Vocational Pathway,
Study Programme or 16-24 Traineeships. All enable students to have access to a real life, quality
work experience placement working with a real employer; at the same time as accessing tutor-led
provisions in one of the modern training centres.
Due to current COVID-19 measures, our students have be able to access some of their learning
online, facilitated by their tutors, as we are now deliver remote learning to abide by government
rules and ensure that the safety of our students come first while learning with us.
The aim is for students to develop the required skillset, achieve relevant qualifications (including
English and Maths GCSE re-sits where necessary) and importantly the experience employers are
looking for in their workforce. These pathways support students to progress onto an apprenticeship,
into employment or further education.
Juniper is a credible alternative to going to college to sixth form. Visit the website
www.junipertraining.co.uk to enroll or to find out more information.
Step by Step
By Jo Howell
.......................
In the wonderful musical Barnum,
there is a very rousing song called
‘One Brick at a Time’ which has the
following lines:
The brawn, the brain, the courage and
the heart,
The strength to bend the strongest
bar,
The will to reach the farthest star,
It's just a case of learning how to
start.
And as the song progresses, you
start tapping your foot to the very addictive beat and realise
that the key message in the song is about just getting started.
It’s about taking that first important step and, in this case,
watching something grow. But for me, you can adapt the same
principal to our current après lockdown situation.
As each week passes and more of the life we once
recognised starts to return, I have started challenging myself to
add a ‘new normal’ to try and get back to well, normal. Last
month I wrote about F.O.G.O (fear of going out) but now, just
four weeks later, I am less fearful of going out and more
fascinated to test the water.
Shopping
Last weekend I ventured to Stafford with the intention of
heading to the one shop I needed to exchange something in.
And then I was coming straight home. But the sun was shining,
I wasn’t in a rush and on impulse I decided to have a meander
and a mooch in M&S, Waterstones and Boots. Mask on, credit
card itching in my purse and a sudden sense of freedom, I was
off and doing a pretty normal Saturday afternoon activity.
Eating Out
And just a few days later, I met with a colleague (so nice to
see them in person and not on the screen!) for a socially
distanced curry. Oh boy, it was totally worth the five month
wait! I sanitised my hands on the way in, followed the waiter to
the table from a safe distance and thoroughly enjoyed a meal
cooked by someone else. Restaurants have got it all very well
organised, they want our business and I am certainly happy to
give it them.
The Gym
Whist I have enjoyed participating in many different activities
at home, I am also keen to get back to my favourite class at the
local gym. Well, I say keen – it’s more of a ‘must do’ rather than
a ‘want to’. But from what I’ve read, like restaurants, it seems
organised, clean and ready for us to realise that all those
biscuits at the start of lockdown really weren’t the best idea
after all. So, this week’s ‘normal’ challenge is a morning spinning
class and a swimming lane booked for one evening.
And if you’re thinking about stepping back to your old
routine, just take it one day at a time. Ease yourself back into
your favourite activities, try something old/new this week and
before you know it, lockdown will just be something written
about in history books. All you need to do is take a brick and
place it on the ground…
Read more of Jo Howell’s work on her blog
www.justanaveragejo.blog.
Metal Box set to be
Scrapped is Antique
Treasure worth Thousands!
By Charles Hanson, Director of Hansons
Auctioneers
.........................
Ametal box set aside for scrap could fetch thousands of pounds at auction
after being spotted by an antiques expert.
Adrian Rathbone, associate director of Hansons Auctioneers, came across
the object during a routine home visit in Lichfield, Staffs, to value items
uncovered in lockdown – and immediately knew it could be highly valuable.
He said: “A client had requested a home visit for some general advice on
items they were clearing out after a good sort out during lockdown. Laid out
on the dining room were numerous tea sets and general china and glass.
Unfortunately, the tea wares and other items did not carry any notable value
but when the client pointed out a metal box described as scrap and destined
for the tip I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Among the old candlesticks and pewter wares was a small steel casket with
gold decoration. I knew immediately it could be something special, so took
it away to carry out research. The 15cm wide casket with hinged lid and
intricate gold surface decoration turned out to originate from North India and
dates from the 1850s. It is a type of ware known as Sialkhot Koftgari. As it has
a lock it’s likely someone of great stature used it to hold their precious
jewellery.”
The Indian casket has been valued at £2,000-£3,000 and will go under the
hammer in Hansons’ October 8th
Country House Fine and
Decorative Arts Auction at Bishton
Hall, Staffordshire.
Adrian said: “Home visits like this
provide a safe, friendly and
informative service for clients. We
are all curious by nature to know
what items are, their history and
what they may be worth.
“Whether you are downsizing,
seeking advice on items you can no
longer accommodate or have
inherited or in the difficult position
of having to clear a property, I am
happy to help. Sometimes it is the items
we overlook that are worth the most.”
Find out if you are sitting on a
fortune. Free home visits with a
specialist valuer to assess antiques,
books, art, silver, jewellery and more
can be made upon request.
Alternatively, free valuation days are
held at Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane,
Wolseley Bridge, ST17 OXN, every
Monday, 10am-4pm, for books, maps
and prints and every Thursday, 10am-
4pm, for general antiques, silver,
watches, pictures and collectables.
Entries are invited for all Hansons’
future auctions including their October
The Indian casket has been valued
at £2,000-£3,000.
Adrian Rathbone, Hansons’
associate director, spotted the item.
8th Country House Fine and Decorative Arts Auction. For further information
please phone 01889 882397 or email enquiries@hansonsbishton.co.uk.
47
Burntwood Town
Council News
............................
VJ Day
Members of Burntwood Town Council and members of the public
commemorated the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day on 15th August outside
the Library at Sankey’s Corner by raising the flag in recognition of all
those brave people who fought for freedom.
Seeking Community Representatives
A key aim of a Better Burntwood is the provision of increased
opportunities for the community to have a direct input into decisions that
affect the town. Planning and wider environmental issues are both matters
that can impact on the community and often generate a great deal of
comment.
Although Burntwood Town Council is not the local planning authority
it does have the statutory right to be consulted on planning applications
and the Neighbourhood Plan must be considered in any planning
decisions. It is also important that the Town Council can also offer a
Burntwood perspective in district and county wide strategic policies and
reviews.
To better inform its decision making the Town Council has set up a
Planning and Advisory Group. The purpose of the Group is to provide a
forum for the ‘analysis and discussion’ of planning issues. It is tasked with
gathering information and opinion on key matters such as the Local Plan
Review, the Community Infrastructure Levy and any emerging
infrastructure projects.
48
A Review of
Plastic-Free July
.........................
By Nicola Lynes
Idecided to take part in Plastic-
Free July on behalf of
Transforming the Trent Valley
Landscape Partnership Scheme (we
are funded by the National Lottery
Heritage Fund). I made daily posts
on the TTTV social media pages with tips to reduce plastic living; talking
about food, toilet rolls, toothbrushes, coffee, refill stores, growing food
and much more (you can find them all on the TTTV pages).
So now that July is over, what did I learn from 31 days of plastic-free living?
Firstly, it is impossible to go completely ‘plastic-free’. Plastic has
changed the world and is embedded into everything – the laptop I’m
typing on, the frame of the office chair I’m sitting on, the pen I use to
name a few things. However, the focus of Plastic-Free July was to
specifically highlight “single use” plastics, and how they can be avoided.
The membership of the Group consists of six councillors and five
community representatives. These representatives must be nominated
from formally constituted groups to help ensure community
accountability. There will be one representative for each of the following
interests within the community: business, environment, community, older
people and younger people.
Invitations are now invited for these positions on the Planning Advisory
Group. Applicants will need to secure the nomination of their
organisation. Applications must be submitted by 30th September. See
website for an application form: www.burntwood-tc.gov.uk.
Better Burntwood Fund
The Town Council has launched this year’s community grants scheme.
Re-named the Better Burntwood Fund the scheme is focused on helping
local groups respond to problems in the community caused by the
pandemic. Applications must be submitted by 30th September.
Information about the Better Burntwood Fund can be found on the Town
Council website at www.burntwood-tc.gov.uk.
After completing a plastic audit for
one week, I noticed that my main
offenders were food packaging – meat
trays, cheese wrappers, fruit and
vegetables. I think some of this is due to
the response to COVID-19, I noticed
less loose fruit and vegetables in the
supermarket while we all got used to a
‘new normal’. Part of our household
waste is also down to maintaining a
harmonious relationship with my
partner, I have imposed some plasticfree
swaps upon him but life is all about
compromise and he does not want to
give up bacon!
I was encouraged with how much
people engaged with the daily posts,
there is a huge enthusiasm among
residents in the Trent Valley to reduce
their plastic use and to support each other to do so. TTTV will be
continuing to tackle single use plastic in the landscape, through litter
picks and campaigns with local community groups. We hope to see you
there!
Find out more about TTTV and Nicola’s work at
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk.
49
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