Citylife in Rugeley and Cannock Chase March April 2021

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Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Rugeley & Cannock Chase, a
monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the area’s news,
events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Rugeley &
Cannock Chase is delivered to businesses and homes in
Rugeley, Cannock Chase, Heath Hayes, Ravenhill,
Etchinghill, Slitting Mill, Armitage, Handsacre, Colton,
Hamstall Ridware, completely free of charge; bringing
you the best that the area 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.
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!
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com
Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com
Inside...
12 A Window on the Past
The history of 1st Rugeley Boy Scouts
Troop
.............................
18 Kim Nash Interview
The local author talks about her latest novel
.............................
24 Mother's Day Gift Guide
Find the perfect present for Mum
.............................
30 Tastes of the Season
Cook for Mum with Simon Smith
Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Lorraine Hudson 078860 91933 lorrainecitylife@gmail.com
Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187
helencitylife@gmail.com
Citylife In Lichfield Ltd
PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS
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are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are
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Citylife In Lichfield
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Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation
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editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an
endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
Your Local Magazine

Cannock &
District Ladies
Probus
By Alison Cardy
........................
Lockdown
restrictions
cannot prevent love or
joy because a Valentine’s
theme was the order of the
day when the Cannock &
District Ladies Probus Club
met on Zoom.
After sharing news of the
Covid jabs, the mood was
lifted by Valentine’s poems.
Margaret Thompson
The members then discussed
the news headlines, before
they were entertained by Margaret Thompson, who
shared the romantic story of how her Mum and Dad met
and married.
This wartime love story began with her Dad George,
who had joined the army as a boy soldier at 15-year’s old,
and by the age of 17 was on ‘a slowboat to China.’
Meanwhile her Mum Edna, from West Bromwich, at 19
years old was very poorly in hospital. The lady in the next
bed was upset as she was unable to write to her son in
the army. So, Edna wrote on her behalf. Correspondence
was returned and soon Margaret’s Dad was writing
regularly, while the lads in his billet suggested he should
‘save on ink.’ Pretty soon the writing was on the wall for,
after exchanging photos in 1938, he asked his pen pal to
marry him. This made headline news on front page of
News of the World about ‘the engaged couple who had
never met.’ The Government in 1940 asked troops to
return to Europe and, despite his relative comfort in
China, George chose to return for these personal
reasons.
They finally met in Snowhill one Monday morning and
married within days, then he returned to his unit.
Obviously, there was a happy ending for they were
married for 53 years.
The Valentine’s theme continued as the Chairman
taught the members to create a red heart using origami,
this caused giggles as some were more successful than
others but it was fun creating them. A short quiz followed,
to complete a varied, fun-filled morning.
Should anyone wish to join to share friendship, or to
obtain further information, please contact Membership
Secretary Barbara on 01889 882 168.
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LOCAL NEWS
6
Staffordshire Firm’s
First Anniversary
Directors Adam and Sally
Outdoor building firm, Roundpeg Outdoor
Buildings, has not only survived to celebrate its
first-year anniversary, but has thrived enough to
expand its operations by tripling its workforce.
Just one year ago two friends took the brave
leap to launch their own business – creating
handmade bespoke outdoor buildings.
But Adam Timmis and Sally Ann Smith could
never have predicted the major obstacles that
lay ahead for their new venture.
While all new start-ups expect to face a few
challenges during their first year of trading, the
duo has not only had to navigate a global
pandemic but also worldwide timber supply
shortages.
Yet, despite all the odds, Roundpeg Outdoor
Buildings survived.
In another impressive highlight, in November it
was also shortlisted in the Staffordshire
Chamber of Commerce’s Business Awards in
the category of Most Promising Start-Up in the
county.
The pandemic has certainly seen Roundpeg
kept busy with a steady ongoing demand for
outdoor buildings for uses including home
offices, self-employed ventures like salons, gyms
and bars for customers across the West
Midlands.
Visit www.roundpegoutdoorbuildings.co.uk or
find it on Facebook and Instagram
@roundpegoutdoorbuildings.
...........................................
Footballers Back
#TalkSuicide Campaign
Stoke City players are throwing their weight
behind a new campaign to help reduce the
number of suicides in Staffordshire.
Sadly, 10 lives are lost to suicide each month
across the county, with men in their 40s and 50s
in the highest category.
Now, the club have partnered with local
councils and health partners to help raise
awareness of the issue and make it easier for
people to talk about it.
Players kicked off the campaign before Friday
night’s game against Watford which included
messages from first team players, Tyrese
Campbell and Sam Clucas.
A dedicated webpage on the Club’s website has
information and advice to help people spot the
signs and be comfortable to talk about it.
The #TalkSuicide campaign is calling on
individuals, communities, organisations and
businesses to show their support by signing up
to the campaign and taking action to help
prevent suicide.
People can find out more about the campaign
and sign up for more information on local
sources of support and training at
www.stokecityfc.com/community/campaigns/tal
k-suicide.
...........................................
Local Lollipop Lady
Retires after 35 Years
A Rugeley Lollipop Lady has retired after 35
years with the school crossing patrol. Marion is
pictured with a family of a mother and two
daughters, all three of which Marion has safely
and happily helped cross the roads during her
time in service.
...........................................
First Electric Taxi
in the District
Cannock Chase Council has licensed the first
electric taxi in Cannock Chase.
AJ’s Taxis in Rugeley is the first firm to license
an electric vehicle for use as a taxi in the
District.
In common with many other local authorities in
the country, the Council is examining how to
tackle the many current and future challenges in
respect of our Environment. A motion was
approved at Council in July 2019, which
declared a Climate Emergency and committed
the Council to a vision of Carbon Neutrality by
2030, encouraging the transition to net zero
carbon emissions in the decades to come. One
of the biggest sources of carbon emissions is
road traffic.
As there are no dirty emissions directly emitted
from exhaust pipes of electric vehicles and they
are responsible for less carbon emission overall,
they are seen as the successor to petrol and
diesel vehicles. The Council is exploring ways in
which this transition can happen quickly and
smoothly.
...........................................
Make Testing Part of
Your Routine
People who must leave their homes to make
essential visits during lockdown are being urged
to get tested in one of Staffordshire’s
Community Testing Centres.
The centres, one in each district and borough
are open seven days a week for people without
symptoms.
Being open over weekends will give people
having to make essential visits through the week
more options to get tested regularly.
1 in 3 people do not display any symptoms –
getting tested regularly provides peace of mind
that essential travellers are not unwittingly
spreading the virus to the vulnerable.
Getting a test is quick, simple, free and now
available seven days a week. Making it part of
your weekly routine may well protect the
people you interact with on a day-to-day basis
and the wider community at large.
Several lateral flow testing sites have been set
up in the area – these give results within 30
minutes.
These tests are only available for people who
do not have Covid symptoms. You can book a
test by visiting:
www.staffordshire.zipporah.co.uk/
trackandtrace.

7

LOCAL NEWS
Rugeley Student
Secures Oxford Place
The Hart School in Rugeley is celebrating its
first ever Sixth Form student securing a place to
study at Oxford University.
Budding criminal barrister, Anya Tregay of
Rugeley, is believed to be the first Rugeley high
school pupil to be accepted at the prestigious
university.
Subject to achieving her predicted A Level
grades, the teenager will study for a degree in
Law, with Spanish Law, at the university’s
Hertford College, whose alumni includes
authors Jonathan Swift and Evelyn Waugh.
Headteacher, Rachael Sandham, said: “Anya’s
impressive achievement is proof that anything is
possible with drive, hard work, determination
and the right support. But what is equally
important is that it shows that Rugeley students
are just as capable as the best and brightest at
other Staffordshire schools.”
The Sixth Form is in the top 5% of Sixth Forms
in the area for student progress and has a wide
range of BTECs and A-Levels to choose from, in
any combination. It is now accepting
applications for its 2021-2022 intake. For more
information visit www.hartschool.org.uk/sixthform,
email Mr Brennan on
ben.brennan@hartschool.org.uk, or call 01889
802440.
...........................................
Extra Support as 2021
Census Approaches
The next Census
takes place on
Sunday 21st March
and to ensure its
success in Cannock
Chase District, the
Office for National Statistics (ONS) has
appointed a Census Engagement Manager to
support residents in the area.
Kirat Raj Singh, the area’s Census Engagement
Manager, will help organisations, charities, faith
groups and community leaders within the
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Anya Tregay with her Oxford letter
District raise awareness of the census and the
value to residents in taking part.
The census is a once-in-a-decade survey that
provides a snapshot of households in England
and Wales, helping to plan and fund public
services.
For the first time, the census will be run
primarily online, making it easy for most people
to complete the questionnaire on any device –
whether that be a computer, a mobile phone or
a tablet. Local Census support centres will be
offering help, while paper questionnaires will be
available for those who need them.
For more information visit census.gov.uk. Kirat
Raj Singh, as the local Census Engagement
Manager, can be reached at
kiratraj.singh91@field.census.gov.uk.
...........................................
St Giles Celebrates
TreeCycle Success
Socially-distanced TreeCycle volunteers
St Giles Hospice is celebrating the success of
this year’s TreeCycle campaign after it collected
more trees and raised more funds than ever
before.
The environmentally-friendly recycling
collection picked up 4,428 Christmas trees
during the month of January in return for a
small donation to St Giles, raising more than
£65,000 for the hospice.
Last year’s collection picked up 3,430 trees,
raising £35,000. All funds raised by TreeCycle
help to ensure that St Giles Hospice can
continue to support people and their families
living with a terminal illness.
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and the
challenges raised by the new lockdown, St Giles
was able to run the popular annual fundraiser
for the sixth year running thanks to collection
teams who followed the latest Government
guidelines as they hit the streets.
Working in same-household bubbles, 76
volunteers took part in a socially-distanced
operation which covered 3,176 miles between
Wednesday 6th and Wednesday 13th January
(2021). They collected trees from Lichfield,
Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Burton, Rugeley,
Burntwood, Uttoxeter, Swadlincote, Stafford
and surrounding areas.
New Free School
for Rugeley
More than 1000 children in Rugeley will have a
brand new school after the Government
announced a major building programme
recently.
The new Rugeley John Taylor School will open
to nursery, reception, and Year 7 pupils in
September 2023. Conservative MP for Cannock
Chase, Amanda Milling, welcomed the “great
news” for the area and said the school would
ensure that future generations get the skills
they need.
The new school, the first all-through school to
be built in Staffordshire, will be built on the
power station site and will be operated by the
John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust (JTMAT).
The John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust already
runs a number of schools in Staffordshire and
South Derbyshire and were announced as the
school sponsored by the Department of
Education.
The school will focus on Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and will
help future generations leave school with the
skills they need to succeed.
The Free School programme has helped raise
educational standards across England, with
more than 80% of free schools rated good or
outstanding by Ofsted.
...........................................
Chimney Demolition
You may not have had
chance to watch the
recent demolition of the
Rugeley Power Station
chimney, with lockdown
restrictions in place.
However, you can watch
our video of this event if
you head to our
Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/citylifeinrugeley and click
on the ‘videos’ section.
Competition
Winner
Congratulations to Mr G
Painter of Rugeley who was
selected as the Just Granite
competition winner!
Well done!

9

Look after the
pennies… and the
pounds will come!
...............................
By Richard Winterton
As my Granny used to say: “Look after the pennies and the pounds will
look after themselves.” I might also add ‘look after the pennies and the
pounds will come’. Let me explain…
When I first go to a house, I say: “We are here to help you.”
If the property is full, we will check everything – the house of course
and the attic, the cellars if there are any, garages, the gardens, any sheds,
outbuildings, greenhouses, conservatories, orangeries… you name it!
To some, those jam-packed garages, overgrown gardens and crowded
sheds might seem daunting – at best the spectre of a dozen or more
journeys to the tip.
And that’s where we come in. We don’t cherry-pick, we carefully sift
through everything, identify potential lots for sale at auction (realistically
most things) and then safely dispose of anything which needs to be
scrapped, such as items which do not meet current fire or electrical
regulations.
People do get concerned about sheds, gardens and garages – don’t be.
Let us come to you and take away the stress along with the items in
question.
Over the years I have seen so many attics stacked floor-to-ceiling and
garages racked wall-to-wall and whether it’s a bulging basement or
unloved outbuilding, these places are so often chock-a-block with
opportunity.
Heaving sheds and garages are teeming with interesting finds, from
vintage tools and equipment to automobilia and random curios which
ended up there by default.
As I say, we don’t cherry-pick. We have a dedicated, very experienced
team and if there’s something there, we will find it!
Many times, the whole clearance costs can be covered from items
thought only good for the tip until unearthed in those places by our
eagle-eyed team.
As the saying goes ‘one person’s trash is another’s treasure’ – should
it perhaps also be ‘one person’s collection is another’s clutter’?
Whichever way, it’s never more true than in our specialised field.
There could be one tiny gem in an entire property; equally there could
be dozens! And they could be anything from anywhere in the world. The
possibilities really are exciting.
Once we’ve done that initial clearance and all the sifting, identifying and
cataloguing, we can then also dress a house for sale should the client
wish. And once the sale completes, we come back again to clear it and
leave the property completely clean for its new occupants.
The contents of house/shed/gardens etc are transported back to The
Lichfield Auction Centre to go through the auction process.
In this respect I liken us to a one-stop shop! We take care of the whole
process and, although we sell many things for thousands and thousands
of pounds, we treat items worth perhaps £5 to £10 with equal care. To
us, everything is important.
Whatever the situation, we never forget that this is someone else’s
home and belongings – possibly accumulated over an entire lifetime.
So, whether you are an executor clearing a deceased estate,
investigating downsizing options, administering probate, emigrating or
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just keen to clear clutter (or should I say collection?), give us a call.
We’re always happy to have a look with a free, no obligation home visit
and give you our honest opinion and free quotation upfront.
That same helping hand is available for all properties inside and out,
ranging from houses, bungalows and flats to schools, offices and factories
and I am so proud of our bespoke, sympathetic service.
When it comes to probate, we’re especially adept at handling the
entire estate – as the National Association of Jewellers’ newest approved
member for auction services, all members of our jewellery department
are certified gemmologists and diamond graders.
Whatever the items in question, we can handle probate valuations and
estate clearances in their entirety.
Just about anything you can think of can come through The Lichfield
Auction Centre, from watches, jewellery and furniture to specialist
militaria, coins, silver, stamps, ceramics, vintage toys, comics and Pokemon
cards – the ultimate modern-day collectable!
Everything from boxes of mixed lots to automobiles can – and does –
go under the hammer in our online-only auctions.
There’s now so much detail with extra photos for every lot in the
online catalogues to help people all across the world buy in confidence.
We’ve also had so many lovely comments from clients about our
packing service and all the measures we have implemented with regard
to coronavirus.
So, from the back of a Lichfield shed to the front of a Hong Kong
collector’s cabinet, perhaps… that’s how it’s done.
Look after the pennies and the pounds will come – and furthermore
we will look after you!
For a free home visit to discuss house clearances, downsizing, probate
assistance or large collections, contact The Lichfield Auction Centre on
01543 251081 or email richardwinterton@richardwinterton.co.uk.
Visit us online and browse our new website at
www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
Richard Winterton Auctioneers has a
dedicated and very experienced house
clearances team.
A recent house clearance at a
property overlooking Lichfield’s
Stowe Pool.
Richard was delighted to discover this vintage Triumph Stag in a barn
earlier this year.

New Beginning for Forest
Hills Primary School
..............................................
After consulting with parents, staff, children and the local
community, the governing body at Western Springs Primary
School made the decision to change their school name.
The new name, Forest Hills Primary School was officially
launched on Monday 4th of January 2021 and marked a new
beginning for the school, who joined Perry Hall Multi-Academy
Trust on the 1st of November 2020. All who were consulted with
were in full support of a new school name which symbolises a
positive and exciting journey ahead for everyone in the school
community. Following consultation, children at the school were
fully involved in the re-naming process from the very beginning.
From deciding on the new name for the school to presenting and
discussing their logo design ideas to an external marketing
company commissioned by the school. The finished logo
beautifully incorporates the ideas of the children and represents
the surrounding natural beauty of Cannock Chase. The rebranding
process involved all children from across the school
engaging in lessons on the history of Western Springs Primary, the
surrounding area and interestingly, their connections to a school
across the globe in Western Springs, Illinois, USA. Children
produced a variety of suggestions for their new school name
which represented all they had learnt about their school. Forest
Hills Primary was by far the most popular with children and staff
alike. The school have purchased a new cardigan or jumper
displaying the new school logo for each child so they can wear
their new uniform with pride as soon as school opens again. Head
of School, Mrs Sarah Powell said, “As a school community, we
decided to rebrand our school to signify the fresh start that we
were embarking upon. We are excited to continue our journey as
Forest Hills Primary School and are very much looking forward to
our future successes”.
Executive Headteacher, Mr Darryl Asbury said, “The decision to
change our school name was made by the whole community. It
represents our joint commitment to the new future of our school.
PHMAT is proud and excited to play it’s part in supporting the
school community on a journey that will see our children
flourish”.
11

A Window on the Past
Boy Scouts
The early years of the 1st Rugeley Troop
One August evening in 1910 two Rugeley youths, Reginald
Robinson and Harold Hough, met two Scouts from
Stafford whilst walking in Green Lane. They decided that it
would be a good idea for Rugeley to have a Scout Troop
and the 1st Rugeley Troop of Boy Scouts was founded a
few days later. Their first public duty was guarding for
three days and nights the bonfire built on Etching Hill for
the Coronation of George V in 1911.
They originally met in Taylor's Lane, the first Scout Master
being Harry Kelly. They bought a wooden hall for their
headquarters which was enlarged and erected on land
rented from the Earl of Lichfield, who opened it in 1923 as
a Memorial Hall. In 1937 the land on which the hall was
built was sold and the Troop appealed for funds to
purchase a plot to move the hall to.
1. Poster for an early fund-raising event for the 1st
Rugeley Troop, who had been founded three months
earlier.
2. R.C.J. Robinson at the Scout camp in North Wales in
1911.
3. Reginald Robinson, a founder member of the 1st
Rugeley Scouts obtained his Scout Master's Warrant in
1912.
4. The Scouts played an important role in the First World
War.
5. The opening of the new Scout hut in 1964. Scout Master
R.J. Pearce is on the far right.
During the 1914-18 war Scouts were involved in many
activities including helping at Ravenhill Red Cross Military
Hospital. They also collected magazines for hospitals in
France, collected several tons of waste paper, guarded
railway bridges, and those with bikes acted as messenger
boys for the police.
1
2
3
The Landor (local history) Society is a
focus for those who wish to learn more
about the history of Rugeley and its
surrounding parishes. It was founded in
1953 and was named in honour of
Walter Noble Landor, local and county
historian, who became the Society’s
first President. More information is
available at www.landorlocalhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk
4
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5

******COVID UPDATE********
In these testing times we have doubled our efforts to make your life as easy as possible while adhering
to the various restrictions. We can offer a live virtual guided tour of our stock yard and swiftly send
samples directly to your door, subject to availability.
There really is no reason to go anywhere else!
Win a Granite Chopping Board
If you require our services please do not hesitate
to call us on 01785 711096 or email your quote
request to stef@justgranite.ltd.uk
With the largest variety of natural stones in the Midlands, the
solid slabs are kept on-site and are available for a virtual viewing
from 9am-5pm on Monday to Friday. Located at The Stone
Works, Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ.
We’ve got a bespoke Chopping Board (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:
Where does the supply
of granite come from?
a) Spain
b) Italy
c) Germany
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 23rd April 2021. 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 34.
13

Doxey Marshes by Colin Hayes
Launch of Rivers
Scheme in Stafford
.......................
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is excited to announce the launch
of a £2.5 million scheme in Stafford that will alleviate flooding
around rivers in the area, as well as encourage a range of
wildlife such as otters and lapwing. Improving public connections
to nature is also a large part of the scheme by upgrading access
to sites and creating more green spaces for families to enjoy.
The scheme has been given a boost thanks to a £150,000 donation
from Highways England which will fund an environmental feasibility
study that is already under way to develop, plan and cost a five-year
Ragged Robin by Victoria Bunter
plan for the exciting Stafford Brooks Project.
In partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Highways England,
Stafford Borough Council and the Environment Agency the project will
make vast improvements to habitats surrounding the Sow and Penk
Rivers. 25 sites will be identified which can be improved for
biodiversity, flood mitigation and water quality. Action will then be
taken to help join up some sites so habitats are more resilient and
wildlife less isolated.
The scheme that will restore and create new habitats across sites
including Doxey Marshes, Kingsmead Marsh and Radford Meadows
supports the launch of the Trusts recent appeal, 30 by 30 which aims
to have 30% of the county put aside for nature’s recovery by 2030.
Restored sites could become home to a variety of wildlife including
otter, wading birds such as lapwing and snipe and a range of amphibians
as well as them acting as a key contributor in mitigating the effects of
flooding.
Soroptimist’s Collect
Devices for Children
........................
Cannock Soroptimists have been getting involved in
collecting and distributing laptops and tablets to schools to
ensure that all children have access to a digital device so
that they can take part in online lessons and complete pieces of
work for school whilst at home.
The Coronovirus pandemic has highlighted the fact that there is a
'digital divide' - some families have plenty of access to a device and the
internet, others have none and this can widen the gap in terms of
education and so much more. Some families are trying to share a
mobile phone, or one other type of device: this is obviously nowhere
near ideal.
Over the last few months, the club carried out research, being
especially mindful that devices must be cleared of all data before they
are delivered to a school. Members were informed of an approved
programme that wipes data from devices, making them ready to be
used.
The first devices were taken to Bridgtown School and have already
gone out to children on loan, enabling more children and families to
Soroptimist June Bould presents laptop to Loren
Baker at Bridgtown School
access their education.
Further details about Cannock Soroptimists are available on the
club’s website: www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district.
14

15

The Great Haywood
Motor Fatality of 1905
By Jono Oates
............................
Great Haywood is a peaceful and picturesque village set in
lovely Staffordshire countryside and close to the
Shugborough Estate. In 1905 the village was in shock after a
tragic motor accident which resulted in two deaths - and reports
that the ghost of one of the victims still wanders the streets around
the village today.
In the early 1900s motor cars were still relatively rare, with only
23,000 cars on the roads in 1904, and due to the low speeds, accidents
were rare. One tragic accident occurred in Great Haywood on 9th March
1905 when a car plunged into the mill pond by the River Trent, throwing
two of its passengers into the murky depths.
The driver of the vehicle was James Roper, a chauffeur, who was taking
his passengers, Mrs Challinor and her 20-year-old niece Dorothy Notely,
from their home at Little Ingestre to Great Haywood. The car, a Frenchbuilt
Gladiator, was new and was owned by Mrs Challinor’s husband who
was the Deputy Town Clerk of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
As Roper approached the bridge crossing the River Trent there was a
sharp bend, and he turned the steering wheel accordingly. He quickly
realised that the steering assembly had broken and, despite his best
efforts, the car turned towards the bridge wall which was low and poorly
constructed. As the vehicle was about to strike the bridge Roper leapt
out of the car, it went straight through the wall, somersaulted and fell into
the deep waters of the mill pond, with the passengers still trapped in the
back street of the car. Roper ran to the nearby mill house and raised the
alarm and, returning to the scene, he saw Mrs Challinor in the water and
he was able to help her out. There was, however, no sign of her niece. Mrs
Challinor explained that she had gone under the water twice and on the
second time she heard her niece cry out twice… but she could not see
her anywhere in the water. More rescuers arrived and they all searched
around the mill looking for Dorothy but to no avail. It soon became
apparent that she must have drowned in the mill and, after underwater
divers had failed to find her, the Police decided to completely drain the
mill pond. Five fire engines, and dozens of volunteers, helped to pump the
water out of the pond but all that could be seen in the bottom of the
pond basin was a handful of bricks from the bridge – but no body.
A large crowd had gathered to watch the spectacle from the banks of
the pond and, as the crowds looked on, another tragedy was to strike the
scene. Mrs Henry Payne, of the nearby Haywood Brewery, was watching
16
Dragging the Mill Pond*
Fire engine draining the pond*
the pumping taking place when a frightened horse, attached to a furniture
van, bolted and knocked her to the ground. The van ran her over and she
was kicked by the horse which killed her instantly.
Three weeks later a village grocer, Reginald Gibbs, was walking along
the banks of the Trent to fetch corn from the mill, when he spotted a
body in the river, caught in the roots of a tree. Fetching the village
policeman, they dragged the body from the river which was then
identified as that of Miss Notely.
At the inquest the coroner ruled that the driver, James Roper, has acted
as many people would in that circumstance and that by throwing himself
clear he had managed to raise the alarm and save the life of Mrs Challinor,
if not Miss Notely. The fault on the steering gear was found to have been
a broken bolt which was confirmed by a representative of the Gladiator
Motor Company, although there was no claim for compensation, the
coroner ruled death from accidental drowning. After the inquest the road
was straightened and the bridge over the River Trent was rebuilt. Later
the mill was demolished and the mill pool permanently drained.
That, however, is not the end of the story as several local people have
witnessed the ghostly figure of a young lady, dressed in Edwardian clothes
and carrying a posy of flowers, seen by the nearby Essex Bridge and along
the riverbanks. Is this the ghost of young Dorothy Notely still trying to
find her way out of her watery grave?
The Great Haywood Motor Fatality of 1905 is one of the most tragic
and shocking accidents in the early years of British motoring history and
one that is still remembered in the village more than one hundred years
later.
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Staffordshire Past Track website;
Liverpool John Moores University Research Online.
*Photographs courtesy of Staffordshire Past Track at the Staffordshire County
Museum

17

10 Minutes With…
Kim Nash
..........................
Local author of heart-warming
fiction novels, Head of Publicity
for Bookouture and book blogger,
Kim Nash, caught up with Charlotte
Benton ahead of the publication of her
fourth novel, Moonlight Over
Muddleford Cove.
Hello Kim, firstly may I thank you for
taking the time to speak to me today, I
know you are very busy.
Not at all, it’s my pleasure.
With the upcoming publication of your fourth novel, did you always
know that you wanted to be a writer?
Yes I did, ever since I was a little girl, however I thought to be a writer
you had to live by the sea and have a small desk by the window
overlooking the waves! An idyllic scene, but I know now that is not the
case.
I presume you have been writing during lockdown, how has this
experience differed from your normal writing schedule/experience?
I am lucky, lockdown has not had a great impact on my writing. A zap in
creativity perhaps, but aside from that I am used to writing as when I can
fit it in, I don't have a set routine. You can't wait for inspiration, you just
have to get on with it!
What inspired you to write this book?
Muddleford is a fictional place but it is inspired by my happy childhood
memories. I spent many summers in Mudeford in Dorset, travelling down
with my Nan to visit my Aunt. I haven't visited in five years now, but it is
a lovely place that I adore.
If you could meet any other author who would it be and why?
I have been inspired by so many great authors of women’s fiction, but if
I had to choose one I would say Milly Johnson. She is best-selling author
of romantic fiction, with 18 best-selling novels to date. It was Milly who
inspired me to start blogging about books, she definitely inspired me and
gave me confidence.
What book is on your bedside table at the moment?
It is actually a book written by my friend Nicola May, I just started
reading it today, it is called Welcome to Ferry Lane Market. Nicola is one
of the many authors who was involved in the
Chase BookFest at the Museum of Cannock Chase in September 2019.
I helped to organise the event along with the ladies who work at the
museum, as avid readers themselves and with my connection to many
authors, it was a great opportunity for local readers to connect with local
authors. I am keen to run this event again once things are back to normal.
What do you like to do in your spare time to unwind?
I enjoy taking my dog Roni for a walk over Cannock Chase and spend
many hours watching my son play football for Hednesford Town under
13s. We also like to go and support the club’s first team along with my
son’s teammates and my friends, the other football mums.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I am fortunate that I don't really experience writer’s block. I try to
always maintain a positive attitude towards writing, often reminding myself
that you ‘can’t edit a blank page’. I think sometimes we can convince
ourselves that we cannot do something, when in fact we can, it’s just a
case of sitting down at the desk and giving it a go.
What is the most surprising thing you have discovered whilst writing
your books?
I have been amazed by how much my books have helped people
through lockdown. I have had numerous letters and messages sent to me
from strangers praising the power of my work during this unusual time.
One lady wrote how she had purchased my books for her Mum who had
sadly lost her friend to the virus, she spoke of how my books had helped
her Mum through the grieving process, enabling her to escape to another
world. My third novel is set in Portugal and at a time when we are unable
to travel, it has been lovely to hear how my books have been enjoyed by
many, leading them to feel as though they too have been on holiday,
offering an escape from reality.
What advice would you give to budding writers?
First of all, you have to make the time to do what you want to. If it
means sacrificing an hour in front of the television in the evening then that
is what we have to do. I always used to say, ‘I’d love to write a book if I
had the time’. If you really want to do it, don’t delay it.
Finally, what do you hope readers take away from this book?
I hope this book offers escapism to my readers, transporting them to
Muddleford with Nellie and Jack away from the current troubles of
everyday life.
Kim's books are all available to buy on www.amazon.co.uk (her latest novel
is available to pre-order) and you can find out more about Kim at her website:
www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.
Win a Copy!
We’ve got two copies of Kim Nash’s
latest novel, Moonlight Over
Muddleford Cove, to give away to two
lucky readers!* Correctly answer the
question below and send your details
for your chance to win:
Which county inspired Kim's
latest book?
a) Dorset
b) Durham
c) Derbyshire
*One hard copy and one e-book. Please specify when entering
which version you would prefer.
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to
Book 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 23rd March 2021. 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 34.
18

My Month in
Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
........................
The battle against
Covid-19 has
continued into the new
year, with the start of
2021 feeling much like an
extension of 2020.
While there are some
aspects of 2020 that we
would rather leave behind, the community spirit that
came alive in 2020 is still with us. As always, our
community continues to pull out all the stops to help
those in need and you don’t need to look far to see the
best of Cannock Chase, be it neighbours helping
neighbours, voluntary groups supporting those in need
or people volunteering at vaccination sites. As a
community we have so much to be proud about.
Over the past couple of months, I have regularly met
with officers from the local NHS Clinical
Commissioning Group, who are leading the Covid-19
vaccination programme. I know they have a clear and
well-resourced plan to deliver the vaccine to residents
across Cannock Chase so as many people in the
constituency as possible have received their first jab. I
have also volunteered at the Roman Way vaccination
site where it was truly fantastic to see so many people
receiving their first injection. I would like to thank
everyone involved in this huge national effort. There is
light at the end of the tunnel, but in the meantime let’s
all work together to keep each other safe.
I have also tried to continue to do as many of the
normal things I would do as your MP, such as holding
surgeries and running events. Whilst everything these
days is virtual, it’s been great to see so many of you on
screen. Recently, I held an event for local charities to
find out how they can access funding as well as an
event with local businesses about the Kickstart
scheme, which will help young people with getting jobs
in the area. A year ago I would not have expected to
have been holding these events from my kitchen, rather
than out and about in the constituency.
As always, if you have any issues you need my help
with, please email me on
amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk, call 01543 877142
or visit www.amandamilling.com/contact.
19

Mountain of
Support for Charity
..........................
For many, coping with and recovering
from domestic abuse could be likened to
climbing a mountain.
How fitting, then, that one local man decided to
do just that!
Paul Wright scaled Mount Snowdon to not only
raise awareness about domestic abuse but also to
raise funds for New Era, the domestic abuse
service for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent that
helped a close friend turn her life around.
As well as challenging weather conditions, Paul
had to overcome his fear of heights when he
tackled the 3,560-feet peak.
Paul, aged 39, who is Lichfield born and bred, is
chairman of Lichfield Social Community Football
Club and was joined by 17 friends, all of whom
had to conform to the social distancing measures
that were in place at that time.
Thanks to the generosity of friends, family and local businesses, the group has already
raised £3,000 - more than doubling Paul’s original fundraising target. To donate, visit
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paul-wright-760.
New Era’s confidential helpline for victims of domestic abuse is available 24-hours on
0300 303 3778. Alternatively, a live webchat operates round-the-clock via www.newera.uk.
One Foot
Forward
Walking for Wellbeing
By Louise Morris
..........................
Due to the restrictions placed on our everyday
lives caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we
are all experiencing increased levels of stress
and anxiety. During the spring and summer months
there are greater opportunities to spend time
outdoors, but during the autumn and winter, when
the days are short, our time spent outdoors is much
reduced, increasing our chances of suffering from
anxiety and stress.
No matter what time of year, spending time surrounded
by nature and being mindful of the natural world around
us can make you feel calmer and more relaxed. Taking a
walk in your local park, along a quiet country lane,
immersing yourself in nature at a nature reserve or in an
ancient woodland provides us with an opportunity to
relax and breath. Using our senses to touch, smell, see and
hear nature is extremely beneficial to our mental
wellbeing.
Transforming the Trent Valley is launching its Connecting
with Nature project in 2021, offering people the
opportunity to connect with nature to improve their
mental wellbeing. Participants will begin to understand the
river, wetlands and heritage of the Trent Valley through a
programme using ‘forest school’ type methods, including
community gardening, guided walks and bushcraft
activities.
For ideas on how to make your daily walk more mindful,
see our One Foot Forward page:
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/walk_well.php.
If you are interested in finding out more about how
Connecting with Nature could help you, email us at
TTTV@staffs-wildlife.org.uk or visit
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/cca.php?project=PrNature for
some interesting and useful videos on mindfulness.
20

21

The Tradition of
Mothering Sunday
Cakes of Wonderland
By Charlotte Benton
Mother’s Day
Afternoon Teas available please see
Facebook/Instagram for details - Limited
Availability.
Whilst we dearly cherish them all year round, Mother’s Day
is often regarded as the one day of the year in which
matriarchal roles are reversed - where Mum’s are served
breakfast in bed and are treated to a day off from their usual
motherhood duties.
This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday 14th March. The
significance of Mother’s Day serves as a special day to honour mothers
and motherhood, acknowledging their hard work that encompasses every
day of the year.
I bet you are wondering where this celebration originated from?
Celebrations of motherhood can be traced all the way back to the
Ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honour of the mother
goddesses, Rhea and Cybele.
However, the early Christian festival, known as Mothering Sunday, is the
clearest modern precedent of what we celebrate today as Mother’s Day
and can be traced back to the 17th century. The celebration of Mothering
Sunday traditionally fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally
seen as a time when the faithful would visit their ‘mother church’, this
being the main church in their local area, for a special service.
Gradually the tradition of Mothering Sunday has shifted towards a
more secular holiday in which children present their parent with gifts that
illustrate a token of their appreciation, such as chocolates and flowers.
Families also often celebrate by giving mothers a day off from the
everyday activities that the traditional notion of motherhood entails!
Versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, with traditions
varying between countries.
In Thailand, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday
of the country’s current queen, Sirikit; in Ethiopia, Mother’s Day traditions
involve families gathering together in autumn to sing songs and eat a large
feast as part of a multi-day celebration; whilst in the United States
homage is paid to mothers in May.
Remember to treat your Mum this Mother’s Day to a gift that will be
sure to make her smile! Take a look at our gift guide on page 24 for great
present ideas.
22
Mother’s Day Cupcake Flower Bouquet - Can be tailored to
any colours you choose - Flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate and
Lemon. £15.00
Box of 6 Mother’s Day cupcakes - £10 available in Nude and
Blush designs. Flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate and Lemon.
Booking is essential. Full payment required at time of enquiry.
Collection on 13th March, 1-3pm
Contact: 07516497165 or
hello@cakesofwonderlandlichfield.co.uk
Also message us on Facebook
@cakesofwonderlandlichfield
Make Mum
a Cocktail
Fruity and invigorating, Clive’s Wines can be drunk on their own
or mixed to make some truly unique creations.
Elderflower & Rhubarb
Spritzer
Light and refreshing, this is the
perfect pre-dinner tipple!
100ml Elderflower Wine from
Clive’s Wines
50ml Rhubarb Tonic
100ml Lemonade
25ml Dry Gin (optional)
Ice to serve
Visit www.cliveswines.co.uk for more inspiration and
to see the full range of drinks available.

Rugeley Power
Station
.........................
As many of you may recall, the Rugeley Power
Station chimney was razed to the ground on
Sunday 24th January this year. There are
further plans to demolish the remaining cooling
towers later on in 2021.
Local Brereton resident, Simon Wilberforce, sent in
these fantastic photos of the power station in all its glory!
End of the Road - By Simon
Wilberforce)
Before... By Simon
Wilberforce
After... By Simon
Wilberforce
23

Mother’s Day
Gift Guide
.................................
Alockdown Mother's Day doesn't have to mean you can't spoil
your Mum - if anything, in fact, she should be made to feel even
more special! Take a look at our gift guide, packed with beautiful
items from local retailers, to delight and inspire you in time for
Mothering Sunday on 14th March.
Local author, Kim Nash, has her range of novels
available on www.amazon.co.uk.
A beautiful Cupcake Bouquet consisting of
seven individually decorated cupcakes finished
in a bouquet style.
Can be vanilla, lemon or chocolate.
Order through Facebook/Instagram
@CakesofWonderland or call 07516497165.
Beautiful matching Earrings, in Polished Sterling
Silver with Rose Gold Infinity & Heart detail
with Cubic Zirconia, priced at £118. Available
from Chatwin Jewellers Cannock, Cannock
Shopping Centre. Based in Cannock for nearly
30 years Chatwin Jewellers can now be visited
online at www.dentjewellers.co.uk where we
offer a wide range of beautiful jewellery, and
repair services with a personal touch.
Polished Sterling Silver Pendant with Rose Gold
Infinity & Heart detail with Cubic Zirconia,
priced at £88. Available from Chatwin Jewellers
Cannock, Cannock Shopping Centre. Based in
Cannock for nearly 30 years Chatwin Jewellers
can now be visited online at
www.dentjewellers.co.uk where we offer a
wide range of beautiful jewellery, and repair
services with a personal touch.
Remind Mum that you love her every time she
has a cuppa with this gorgeous printed mug
from Toni Belle Gifts. They’re microwave and
dishwasher safe so Mum can enjoy it for years
to come!
Find more gift items on Facebook
@ToniBelleGifts, or order at
www.tonibelle.com.
Find something unique for Mum this year, such
as these vintage bottle vases. Not only do they
look great, but they’re something no-one else
will have! Priced at £8 and available from The
Quirky Emporium, Overdale Farm, Colwich,
ST17 0XQ. Tel: 07773 783336. Find them on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Treat your Mum this Mother’s Day with a
luxury scented candle from Haywood Candles.
With only the finest selection of fragrances,
these soy wax candles have delicious aromas
and long burning times. All Haywood candles
are handmade at home and sent gift wrapped
ready for a special treat.
You can order online at
www.haywoodcandles.com and follow us on
Facebook for the latest updates.
24

“Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes
with a Mother” (Unknown)
Just one of our beautiful gifts for that special
person. Visit our shop at
www.atthecedars.co.uk and go to our
Mother’s Day Gifts’ section where you can
see more of our collection.
Handcrafted affordable jewellery made in a home
workshop by Staffordshire artist, Julie, who’s
inspiration comes from her love of jewellery. Each
piece is individually made, making each item
unique to the person wearing it. This is local
craftsmanship at its very best.
Visit www.etsy.com/shop/JulesUKByJulie or find
Jules UK By Julie on Instagram.
Based in Great Haywood, Claire at Myrtle Fox &
Maude has a passion for harnessing the natural
beauty and wildness of flowers, inspired by the
changing seasons and the landscape of Staffordshire.
Visit the website at www.myrtlefoxandmaude.com to
see more of Claire’s stunning creations and to order.
Based in Penkridge, Lizzie Busy's Emporium
specialises in a range of bespoke gifts for your
loved ones, such as unique candles and wax
melts. They're all eco-friendly and vegan, plus
available for postage anywhere in the UK.
Visit
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LizzieBusysEmporium
Handmade, vegan and high-quality wax melts.
Made locally in Staffordshire, Heathwax offers a
variety of shaped candles & wax melts at an affordable
price. With over 70 fragrances available,
there’s something for everyone!
Pictured: 100g XL snap bars, £4.49.
Facebook: Heathwax
Instagram: @Heathwax
READER OFFER: 10% off orders over £10 with
code CITYWAXMELT (excludes delivery)
Give the gift of music this Mother’s Day with a
piano from the superb range of upright and baby
grand pianos available at Lichfield Piano Centre,
Curborough Hall Farm, Watery Lane.
www.lichfieldpianocentre.co.uk
Polished and matt pendant set with square
amethyst. Priced at £138 and available online
from Allen Brown Jewellery at
www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk or telephone
01543 481948.
Silver and 18ct gold 0.05ct diamond set
earrings. Priced at £285 and available online
from Allen Brown Jewellery at
www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk or telephone
01543 481948.
These gorgeous mugs are created by local artist
Mandy Billington. This hand-drawn cow mug is
available in blue, pink and yellow and priced at £12.
Available from MB Designs at
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MBDesignsEngland.
Tel: 07841 108207, or
email: m.b.designs@hotmail.com.
25

Bert Bostock
Another Old Contemptible!
By Cyril Cooper of Landor (local history) Society
..................................
Bert, or to give him full names, Herbert Thomas Scott Bostock, was born
in Millington Street, Rugeley on 1st June 1896 to Thomas and Beatrice
May nee Scott. The Bostocks were painters, decorators and plumbers
but Bert did not follow the family trade and became an office boy at Brereton
Colliery.
Beatrice May, Bert’s mother, died in 1909 and Thomas, Bert’s father, married Sarah
Ann Wright in 1911. Sarah Ann had a reputation within the family of being a very
good cook. She had worked in this capacity in the households of Fredrick Bonney
in Colton and the Scott family in Manchester. Mr Scott was the Editor of the
Manchester Guardian and the Scotts were well known in Manchester society.
By 1914, the family were living in Brereton Road from where Bert enlisted in the
army. On 30th December 1914 he became 61533 Sapper H T S Bostock in the
Royal Engineers. He was accompanied by a letter written by William Foggo, Colliery
Manager, on headed paper from the Earl of Shrewsbury the colliery owner; this
attested to Bert’s good character and progress as an office boy and later moulder.
We are unaware of all the details of Bert’s service career but know he was rated
as a skilled tradesman who served in France and was awarded the three campaign
medals which showed he was there in 1915. At some stage he learned to drive and
was discharged on 28th January 1919 having signed to say his service had left him
with no disabilities.
Bert married Elsie Violet Sutton, the girl next door as their addresses were 73
and 75 Brereton Road. They had no children and Violet passed away in 1959.
The family believed that he had been trained as a chauffeur at Rolls Royce and in
later life he was the driver for Mr Staley the Colliery Manager.
Bert had an outgoing personality and was a long-term member of the Royal
Antediluvians Order of Buffalo (The Buffs).
In later life he lived in the Samson Alms Houses in Brereton and died 1st January
1983 and was buried in Brereton.
Zero Carbon Rugeley
Have Your Say
........................
Zero Carbon Rugeley is a £3 million Innovate UK
project that puts the Rugeley community at the
forefront of the UK’s green energy transition,
championing innovative solutions towards a sustainable
future for all. This will be achieved by designing lowcarbon
solutions for Rugeley and the surrounding area,
including the former coal-fired Rugeley Power Station
site.
At the heart of Zero Carbon Rugeley is the coproduction
of a Smart Local Energy System (SLES) to deliver
clean, affordable energy to the Rugeley community. It could
include AI-controlled, low-carbon energy generation, lowcarbon
transport and deep fabric retrofit of existing
buildings, as well as use of novel energy optimisation tools.
Recently launched ‘Engage Zero Carbon Rugeley’
comprises of a series of online workshops, as well as
opportunities for people to express their views via social
media. You can find Engage Zero Carbon Rugeley on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked In, or email them at
engagezcr@keele.ac.uk.
Zero Carbon Rugeley is looking to recruit community
ambassadors for this project. These will be local volunteers
that want to help with engagement and inclusion in the work
and whom might have an underlying passion for
sustainability. The role is flexible, requires no formal training
except a desire to make a local difference!
Upcoming Workshops
All workshops will be on Facebook - search Engage Zero
Carbon Rugeley/@ZCR
8th March
Trent Talk with Zero Carbon Rugeley
Introducing the project, what it’s trying to achieve and how
people can get involved further!
Mr Staley's motor at Brereton Hall (c1950)
10th March
Who is Rugeley?
This workshop will ask participants to explore the local
heritage of Rugeley and its population, as well as how they
can come together to create a low carbon future for the
community.
13th March
Transport - The First and Last Mile
A chance to hear the community's perspective on local
transport in Rugeley, what the current key problems are and
to consider how they can be addressed with low carbon
solutions.
25th March
Sustainable Buildings in Rugeley: Myths and Realities
Focussing on 'retrofit' and how buildings can be made more
sustainable in Rugeley.
26
Newly refurbished Samson Cottages at Brereton

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
27

Formidable duo,
P a u l i n e
Roberts and
Ruth Dewis, have
been running
Rugeley Dogs
Welfare for 14
years and rehomed
hundreds of dogs.
It all began when
the ladies, who met
at work, discovered
their shared passion
for dogs. Together,
they began donating
to, and fundraising
for, local dog welfare
Rugeley Welfare for Dogs
..............................
Before Christmas Ruth and Pauline raised
£353 to help with vet bills
charities in the area, and when a co-worker asked the pair to help them find a new home
for her dog, Ruth and Pauline knew exactly what to do and Rugeley Welfare for Dogs was
born!
The service that the ladies offer involves a ‘dog matching’ technique to ensure that
owners and dogs are perfectly matched to each other. Once a dog has been rehomed, Ruth
and Pauline will keep in touch with the new owners as much as possible to ensure that the
dog is thriving in its new home.
If you want to help Rugeley Welfare for Dogs by donating items to sell on, or simply giving
a small donation, please find out more from the website at
www.rugeleywelfarefordogs.co.uk or contact Ruth on 07900 090993.
Tales of a Private Chef
By Simon Smith
.......................
In the days when
we were allowed
to travel and I
worked in St Tropez
I used to meet up
with another private
chef for a drink
every so often.
These jobs tend to
be for a two-week
spell when people
hire villas, the work varies a lot.
On this occasion he arrived at the villa and saw the
clients in the drive with a taxi and suitcases. “Ah we’ve all
arrived together,” he said. “No,” replied the client, “we
are just leaving.”
“Have I got the wrong date?” asked the chef.
“No, not at all,” came the reply. “We are going away on
a yacht for a couple of weeks, you are here to cook for
the dog. You will find the menu on the back of the fridge
door. Any problems ask the butler.”
There are many ways the uber-rich like to spend their
money and that is just one example.
28

What’s On
March/April
.......................
John Louis Petit Lectures
There are two
u p c o m i n g
lectures about JL
Petit, in which
Philip Modiano,
author of Petit’s
Tours of Old
Staffordshire, will
discuss his most
recent research
about this
talented Lichfeldian. On March 17th for the Johnson Society
AGM the lecture will focus on Petit’s more unusual artistic
achievements as a unique pre-impressionist in mid 19th
century Britain; while on April 9th for the Staffordshire
Archaeological and Historical Society Petit’s opposition to
Gothic and advocacy of what would later become
progressive-traditionalism will be the focus. Both lectures
will be on Zoom.
Contact the Societies for further details.
29

Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
Cooking for Mum!
Time to spoil the Mothers again and show
how much you love them after all the hard
work they put in raising a family. But this time
it’s different.
You may have to cook a meal and deliver to
them so they can reheat it but it will still show
how much you care. If you don’t feel like doing
that yourself there are lots of companies that
will be delivering this year and you can find a
list in this magazine on page XX. Many catering
companies have diversified to survive and it’s
good to support them so that when things get
back to normal they are still there to go and
visit.
Mother’s Day was always a quick seller in the
catering trade with many options for dining
but the most popular being the roast as it
always falls on a Sunday. Normally restaurants
take two or three sittings and you can feel a
bit rushed but this year it’s time for a change.
If you are delivering at meal you have prepared
to reheat it will probably be in a foil container
with is quite hard to make attractive but a few
fresh flowers will lift the dish no end, or a
bunch of flowers on the tray.
For the first recipe I’m going to do a really
easy one so the youngsters can prepare it for
the Mum’s or Grandparents, under the
watchful eye of an adult however.
Again, recipes are for two this month because
of lockdown restrictions.
Baked Chicken Breast Italian Style
2 x chicken breasts
1 x mozzarella ball
8 x cherry tomatoes
1 x bunch fresh basil
¼pt tomato juice
3tbsp double cream
Salt and pepper
Method
Lay the chicken breast in a tin foil baking tray
big enough to keep them side by side and not
too huge. Mix the double cream and tomato
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juice and pour over the chicken. Tear the
mozzarella into strips and place on the chicken
breasts. Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and
place on the top. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes or
until the chicken breasts are firm and cooked
through. Sprinkle with chopped basil.
Chicken One-Pot Roast
½ chicken (or whole if you have a big
appetite). You can also use chicken portions
without skin if you prefer.
2 x carrots
½ celeriac
1 x parsnip
2 x white potatoes
2 x rashers smoked streaky bacon (or any
bacon you prefer)
2 x sage leaves
2 x bay leaves
1 x sprig rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Peel the carrots, celeriac, potatoes and
parsnips and cut into one-inch chunks. Prepare
the chicken into joints of about two inches
(see photo). Mix the chicken and vegetables in
a bowl with the sage, rosemary and bay leaves,
and toss together. Put in a roasting dish and
season with salt and pepper. Cook in a
preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius for 35
minutes (turn everything after 15 minutes so it
cooks evenly).
This is another ideal dish for children to do
for their mother’s with dad supervising,
obviously!
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.

31

Spring Interiors
.............................................
There may still be a chill in the air, however with Spring officially beginning on 20th March
now is the perfect time to get the duster out, open the windows wide, and give your
house some much needed TLC! Our interior guide is filled with some of our favourite
local retailers and stylists, to bring you some fabulous inspiration for your home.
These stunning accent chairs are perfect to
bring a splash of colour to the bedroom. The
Turin Chairs, shown here in Malbec Red, are
available in six colours. Priced at £95, from
Peppermill Interiors, Burntwood.
www.peppermillinteriors.com.
The fantastic new showroom is now open
by appointment only. Please call 01889
576669 to check availability and to book.
Just Bathrooms & Panels, Unit 16 Trent
Valley Trading Estate, Rugeley, WS15 2HQ.
www.justpanels.co.uk
The fantastic new showroom is now open
by appointment only. Please call 01889
576669 to check availability and to book.
Just Bathrooms & Panels, Unit 16 Trent
Valley Trading Estate, Rugeley, WS15 2HQ.
www.justpanels.co.uk
Luxury velvet is the order of the day with a set
of two Velvet Phoenix Chairs in Blush Pink.
Available in seven colours. Priced at £120 for a
pair, from Peppermill Interiors, Burntwood.
www.peppermillinteriors.com.
Residence Collection with flush finish
outside and decorative square finish inside.
Available from Leamore Windows. Tel: 01922
473737. www.leamorewindows.com
Transform your kitchen with a new worktop
from Penridge-based Just Granite - authorised
fabricators of both Caesarstone, Silestone
Quartz and also Corian solid surface, benefiting
from the full backup and support of the after
sales team.
www.justgranite.ltd.uk
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From the contemporary Solidor range
featuring a stainless steel pull bar. Available from
Leamore Windows. Tel: 01922 473737.
www.leamorewindows.com
With a high gloss finish, the light colour of these
Pamesa Reval 60x30 ceramic tiles in Perla bring
the natural look into your home.
Priced at £30 per metre inc vat. Available from
Tippers Rugeley.
www.tippers.com
Providing a neutral yet warm base for
any room is the Karndean Palio Core Montieri
flooring, with intricate knot and grain details.
Priced at £77.72 per
box including VAT. Box quantity is 2.184m2.
Available from Tippers Rugeley.
www.tippers.com
Root Hall Table. Priced at £399. Online service
available. Click & Collect available. Orders being
taken. Tel: 01543 481592. Available from Paul Martyn
Furniture, Heart of the Country Shopping Village.
www.paulmartynfurniture.co.uk
In a variety of different designs and materials,
the Kirk chair is the perfect fireside companion.
Priced at £699. Online service and Click &
Collect available. Orders being taken at Paul
Martyn Furniture, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen. Tel: 01543 481592.
www.paulmartynfurniture.co.uk
Blue Velvet Cushion. Priced at £65
and available from Needwood Living,
136 Main St, Alrewas.
www.needwoodliving.co.uk
Metallic Brushed Lamp.
Priced at £165 and available
from Needwood Living, 136
Main St, Alrewas.
www.needwoodliving.co.uk
Esse 100 Vista Multifuel Stove priced at
£1149. Available from Rugeley Fireplaces,
Forge Road, Rugeley.
www.RugeleyFireplaces.com
Individually designed pure woollen throws,
blankets, and accessories. Cushion (£30), throws
(£35), Britich sheepskins (Various prices). Available
from Little Flock, The Plant Plot Garden Centre,
Stafford Road, Lichfield. www.littleflock.co.uk
33

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