Our October edition magazine is all about the lovely season of Autumn - the falling leaves, the country walks followed by a pie and a pint at a local pub, warm, cosy evenings in front of the fire and the spooky trick-or-treat fun of Halloween - it's a fabulous month of the year! We have lots of ideas on where you can go out and about this October, as well as our usual mix of local news stories, competitions, reviews, history features, and a return for our very popular Month-in-Pictures feature! So cut yourself a slice of pumpkin pie, pour a warming glass of merlot and enjoy reading our October magazine this autumn!
3
Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine
bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.
Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to
businesses and homes in Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Fradley,
Alrewas, Hill Ridware, Whittington, Stonnall, Shenstone,
Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free
of charge; bringing you the best that the 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.
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 city? We want to hear from you!
Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com
Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com
Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Michele Phillips 07919 896575 michelecitylife@gmail.com
Production -
Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com
Citylife In Lichfield Ltd
PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS
CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley and
Cannock Chase magazines are not connected to any other
publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE
in Lichfield Ltd.
Citylife In Lichfield
@citylifelichfield
@lichfieldcity
www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation
appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement,
editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an
endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
Your Local Magazine
Inside...
14 PYO Pumpkins
Charlotte Benton tells us more about our
pumpkin passion!
.............................
20 The Lost Pubs
Jono Oates delves into Lichfield's publican past
.............................
25 A City of Flavours
Our guide to restaurants in the area
.............................
39 Autumn Interiors
Some inspiration for your home
.............................
50 The Month in Pictures
Events from September - can you spot
yourself?
.............................
From the Editor…
Welcome to the October issue of Citylife in Lichfield, and what a weird
and wonderful past month it’s been! Gloriously sunny days, interspersed
with heavy rain showers and strewn with chilling winds – as I write this,
I am wearing fingerless gloves as the sun is out but the air is very fresh!
It’s safe to say that autumn is well on its way, however I must confess it
is my absolute favourite season! I love this time of change; the falling
leaves, the wonderful, vibrant colours, and I am rather fond of the semisad
yet expectant feeling I get that the long, hot days are being replaced
with the darker, shorter ones! It’s a bizarre feeling, but I’m sure you
understand!
In this issue we’ve got the usual local news items to keep you up to date
with what’s happening in the area; we’ve got fabulous recipes from
Simon Smith and Ruth Redgate; a whole host of dining experiences you
must try in and around the city; plus, a firm favourite – our history
features written by none other than ‘Georgian’ Jono Oates!
Why not make a hot drink to stave off the chill, pop your feet up and
have a flick through the pages?
Krissy
5
LOCAL NEWS
6
Shenstone Tower
Event Held
Friends of Shenstone
Tower (FoST) hosted
a celebration event on
Saturday 21st August
to mark the start of
the long-awaited
renovation of
Shenstone’s old
Saxon/Norman tower.
Church bells
summoned everyone
to gather outside the
old Tower. FoST Chairman Jeremy Cotton
welcomed everyone and introduced the
committee and guests, Keith Billington, Hon.
Treasurer of the Staffordshire Archaeological &
Historical Society, and Christopher Pincher MP.
Jeremy outlined the journey so far and thanked
all the donors particularly Historic England,
HS2, Garfield Weston, Pilgrim’s Trust, Leche
Trust, Bells Whisky, and the community who
have given so generously to the appeal.
After speeches and a poem, written for the
occasion, a replacement yew tree was
ceremoniously planted in the churchyard and in
the nearby church, an exhibition of the history
of the tower including architects plans could be
viewed as refreshments were served. A grand
opening event is planned for the summer.
.......................................................................................
Lichfield Choir
Nominated for Award
Themba Mvula and Lichfield Gospel Choir have
been shortlisted for the Royal Philharmonic
Society’s Inspiration Award – the first ever
public-voted RPS Award which invites the public
to choose the winner of the award for the most
inspirational musical achievements by nonprofessional
ensembles across the UK.
Led by charismatic, inspirational musical
director Themba Mvula, Lichfield Gospel Choir
seemed completely unphased by the constant
setbacks and hurdles of lockdown. The choir
were straight out the gate in the very first days,
instigating online rehearsals that would
continue every week throughout the last year.
The winners of all thirteen categories will be
announced at the 2021 RPS Awards at Wigmore
Hall, London, on 1st November. The event will
be presented in a new and refreshed format
that will enable more music-lovers and musicmakers
to join in the festivities.
To find out more, visit
www.royalphilharmonicsociety.org.uk.
.......................................................................................
Corn Field of Dreams!
Local resident, Mr
Philip Green, planted
some corn on the cob
last year that he
purchased from a local
retailer, only to find
the sweetcorn seeds
have grown to become
more than 12 feet in
height!
Reminiscent of the
1980s film ‘Field of
Dreams’ starring Kevin Costner, Mr Green of
Boley Park is pictured with his gigantic corn
plants!
.......................................................................................
Garden Unveiled for
Burntwood Breast
Care
(l to r) Pauline Walker, Mags Davies, Michael
Fabricant, Marie Hiley, and Linda Griffith.
On Saturday 11th September Local MP, Michael
Fabricant, unveiled a commemorative bench
and sensory garden at Burntwood Memorial
Institute in memory those who have lost their
lives breast cancer.
The garden, which was created by Cherry
Orchard Garden Services (COGS), features a
bench and plaques honouring dedicated to local
victims of breast cancer.
Burntwood Breast Care was founded by Marie
Hiley and Pauline Walker in 2009 who met in
the chemotherapy department at Burton
Hospital whilst undergoing treatment for the
disease. Towards the end of their treatment
they decided to create a group so they could
meet other ladies and have a drink and a chat
and subsequently help support each other.
The group meets every third Wednesday of the
month at the Burntwood Memorial Institute on
in Rugeley Road.
.......................................................................................
Lichfield to Improve
Recycling Rates
Households across Lichfield District and
Tamworth Borough will be supported to help
improve recycling rates by changing how some
waste is sorted, after proposals to change the
way the councils collect recycling were
approved.
At meetings held in September, both Lichfield
District Council and Tamworth Borough
Council agreed to move from co-mingled to
dual-stream recycling from April 2022. This will
see glass, cans and plastics continue to be
collected in the current blue bins, and paper and
card collected in new blue bags.
The changes should see recycling rates improve
across both local authority areas, as separating
out paper and card will prevent it from being
contaminated, meaning more of it can be
recycled.
To read the full report, go to
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/septembercabinet.
.......................................................................................
Local Pet Shop
Supplies Charity
Greenark is an
e s t a b l i s h e d
family-run animal
feed business,
based in Rugeley,
and is proud to
s u p p o r t
Staffordshire Fire
and Rescue by
kindly donating
all the dog food
to feed all their
working dogs. Pictured is Red the dog collecting
his latest batch of feed from the shop!
You can find Greenark at Unit 16, Power Station
Road, Rugeley, or follow on Facebook and
@Instagram to see more of their good work.
Advertising Feature
Robin Place – Certified Financial Adviser
I’m a fifty three year old Financial Adviser from Burntwood working for Four Oaks Financial Services based in Shenstone. I have
many Clients in the Burntwood and Lichfield area and some of you reading this will know me from my membership of Lichfield
Rotary Club, Hammerwich Parish Council or Burntwood Town Council.
I’m often asked what Financial Advisers do, what services they provide and how they can benefit me.
The answer is that Financial Advisers have a range of specialities they deal with such as mortgages, investments, protection,
financial planning and pension consolidation. Not all have the same specialities or qualifications, and some prefer to focus in certain
areas rather than others.
Most of my advice is given around financial planning, investments, pensions and inheritance tax but I have colleagues at Four
Oaks Financial Services who work in other areas as well.
I am one of a Team of Financial
Advisers supported by in-house
research, client liaison and
administration teams based in our
offices on the Birmingham Road,
Shenstone. Should you wish to have a
consultation with me your first meeting
will be at my cost and there is no
obligation to proceed any further.
Financial Advisers are qualified
professionals and get paid in a variety of
ways, which I will explain to you when
we speak. If you do decide to be a client
then you will get a personalised service
that matches your needs, whatever they
may be, as we are all individuals.
I will carry out a full fact find of your
circumstances, look at your current
plans and policies and discuss with you
your priorities, where you want to be
financially in the future and how I may
be able to help you get there. I will
speak in clear terms and do my best to
try and help you achieve your goals.
As an experienced local Financial
Adviser I work with clients at all stages
of their life to help them achieve their
financial goals, whatever they be.
You can find me on the Independent
rating sites Unbiased and Vouchedfor,
via my website -
www.financialadviser.me.uk or the Four
Oaks website – www.fouroaksfs.com
It is often said that people deal with
people, particularly local people, so
please give me a call or drop me an
email so we can have a chat and can
take it from there.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Robin Place DipFA, CeLTCI, MLIBF
Financial Adviser
0121 323 2070, 07968 504805
robin@fouroaksfs.com
7
LOCAL NEWS
8
£1.13m to Improve
Planning Service
The service that deals
with local planning
applications is set to
receive a funding boost
over the next five years
to help it restructure and
improve services to
residents.
Lichfield District
Council’s Cabinet agreed
plans to restructure its
development management service at a meeting
in September.
The budget increase will see the planning
department receive an extra £1.13 million
between 2021 and 2026.
This will allow the service to be reorganised
and build extra capacity, including additional
training and creating new roles to meet a
significant increase in demand.
To see the full report go to
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/septembercabinet.
.......................................................................................
Dr Johnson’s Birthday
Celebrations
On Saturday 18th
September, the
Samuel Johnson
Birthplace Museum
and Lichfield City
Council marked the
312th Birthday of
the man of many
words with cake,
flowers, activities
and a ceremony.
The Mayor of
Lichfield, Councillor
Robert Yardley,
placed a laurel
chaplet on the
statue of Johnson
Cllr Angela Lax,
Development
Management
Robert Yardley (image
courtesy of Jono's Tourism)
on the Market Square during the traditional
civic ceremony while visitors, dignitaries and
members of the Johnson society looked on. The
St Michael’s Choir led by Musical Director
Dudley Ray provided hymns and Reverend
Canon Andrew Stead, Lichfield Cathedral,
performed a blessing. The festivities continued
at Johnson’s Birthplace with storytelling, poetry
readings from the Lichfield poets and family
craft activities. Celebrations concluded with the
Johnson Society’s afternoon tea party, which
took place on Saturday afternoon at The
Bishops Palace with their new President,
cartoonist Posy Simmonds.
For more information about upcoming events
at Samuel Johnson’s Birthplace, please visit the
Museum’s website at
www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk.
.......................................................................................
Al Fresco City Dining
Extended
The temporary arrangement that has seen bars,
cafes and restaurants extend onto Lichfield city
centre streets is rolling over for another year.
In July 2020 Lichfield District Council
suspended disabled parking bays to allow
visitors and shoppers more space on busy city
centre streets due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A number of the parking bays are now being
used by bars, cafes and restaurants who applied
for pavement licences to provide extra seating
outside for their customers, to allow them to
recover from numerous lockdowns.
After an extension of the Business and Planning
Act 2020, the council has approved plans to
extend these city centre arrangements until
30th September 2022.
This will mean the 21 disabled parking bays on
Market Street, Bore Street, Conduit Street and
Tamworth Street will remain suspended, and
the 18 hospitality businesses will be able to
keep their pavement licences for another year.
There are still 21 disabled bays available
throughout the city centre, and the
replacement parking spaces in Bird Street car
park and Lombard Street car park, which are
reserved for blue badge holders, will also
remain in place over the coming year.
.......................................................................................
Groups Benefit from
Local Fund
Nine groups across Lichfield District have
already benefited from small grants for a range
of projects thanks to a new funding scheme.
In the two months since the launch of the
Councillor Local Community Fund, district
councillors have agreed to more than £1,000 of
funding to be awarded to local community
groups in their areas.
Alrewas Arts Festival
The fund is part of Lichfield District Council’s
two-year pilot scheme that sees all 47 district
councillors receive £300 to distribute to
groups in their areas each year.
The grants have been spent on a variety of
projects, including planting spring flower bulbs
in Drayton Bassett, providing families in need
with white goods, and buying a fridge so groups
who meet at St John’s Community Church in
Burntwood can have refreshments.
Alrewas Arts Festival also applied to their local
ward councillor, Mike Wilcox, for £150 towards
organising Arts Fest on the Island, which took
place on 5th September. The event included
local musicians, a craft market, a children’s
nature trail, workshops and refreshments.
The application period for 2021 will close at
the end of November, so groups are being
reminded to apply for a small grant of between
£50 and £300 for projects and activities that
will have a positive impact on their local area.
Individuals can also apply for funding, provided
they can show the application is on behalf of a
local community project or activity.
Find out more and apply for funding at
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/councillorfund.
.......................................................................................
Drivers Warned in
Deer Mating Season
Drivers are being warned to take extra care to
avoid collisions with deer during the rutting
season in and around Cannock Chase.
Deer are on the move in October and
November as it is their breeding season and
that means deer will be more prevalent,
particularly at dawn and dusk, coinciding with
when roads are at their busiest.
With a deer population of more than two
million in the UK, recent research shows
around 75,000 are involved in vehicle collisions
each year, with 10,000 killed. Deer collisions in
the Cannock Chase area range between 140
and 160 annually.
Temporary signs have been put up alerting
drivers of potential black spots for deer
collisions, but deer can jump out onto the road
at any time, so stay vigilant.
10th Anniversary of
COGS
................................
On Thursday 16th September, Citylife
attended the Strawberries & Creamthemed
anniversary celebrations of Cherry
Orchard Garden Services (COGS), which moved
to Burntwood Memorial Community Centre 10
years ago.
COGS is a Community Interest Company
which offers workplace opportunities for learning
disabled adults and has them train in horticultural
activities before they are confident enough to use
those skills to maintain the gardens of their local
vulnerable and frail elders. They also offer their
services to community spaces such as the local
graveyards, residential homes, and the old schoolhouse.
Michael Fabricant with councillors &
members of COGS
This event was funded from the Co-Operative Local Community Fund in 2020. COGS
received over £3,000 from the Co-Operative Local Community Fund donations towards
their Strawberries & Cream event which was used to purchase the wood and equipment
needed to build the benches, to purchase the equipment needed to grow the fruit and
make the jam, and to hire the local caterers. The benches at the event were hand built by
the learning-disabled beneficiaries who undertake woodwork and DIY activities where
they also build planters and wooden products which they also sell to their local
community.
Joined by local councillors, and MP Michael Fabricant, approximately 85 people
attended the event.
9
LOCAL NEWS
LHCRT Boosts
Fundraising with
Lottery
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust (LHCRT) was one of the first good causes
to sign up to be a part of Lichfield Community
Lottery, which was launched by Lichfield
District Council in April 2021 and sees 60p
from every £1 lottery ticket go to good causes
in Lichfield District.
Players simply go online to and choose which
local cause they want to support.
So far the Canals Trust has raised more than
£4,000 with Lichfield Community Lottery
thanks to its supporters. This money will be
spent on reinstating the historic Lichfield Canal
for the benefit of the community.
To buy your lottery tickets, or to sign up as a
Good Cause for the Lichfield Community
Lottery,
visit
www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
Local Crem
Remembers Lost
Babies
Cannock Chase Crematorium is to hold a
special service on Thursday 14th October to
commemorate the lives of babies lost in
pregnancy or soon after birth, in support of
Baby Loss Awareness Week.
Baby Loss Awareness Week (9th-15th
October), is a national campaign which aims to
give anyone touched by pregnancy and baby
loss a safe and supportive space to share their
10
experiences and feel that they are not alone.
The service, which will be led by experienced
celebrant Sue McFadden, will offer a safe
supportive space to bring together those
bereaved parents, families and friends affected
by losing a baby too soon.
It will take place on Thursday 14th October at
6pm, at Cannock Chase Crematorium, Norton
Road, Cannock, WS12 3HJ.
Cannock Chase Crematorium will also join the
global ‘Wave of Light’ at 7pm on Friday 15th
October, lighting the building in pink and blue, in
memory of all the babies.
If you would like to attend the service, please
let the crematorium know by emailing
info@cannockcrematorium.co.uk
telephoning 01543 212988.
.......................................................................................
Community Games
Success
Perry the Bull in the tug of war
The sun shone on both days of Lichfield
Community Games, which included the
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
roadshow and their colourful bull mascot, Perry.
Lichfield Community Games was held at
Beacon Park on 18th and 19th September. The
weekend event saw more than 1,500 people of
all ages come along and try a variety of sports
and activities.
From soft archery and badminton, to boxing
and squash, there were plenty of activities to
try.
Hundreds of medals were awarded for various
races, which culminated in a giant tug of war.
On top of the Commonwealth Games
roadshow, the event saw lots of organisations
and clubs showcase their activities, including
Active Lichfield, Freedom Leisure, Happy
Healthy Cycling, Moo Music, Tennis
MicroSports, Beggars Oak Clog Dancers, Rugby
Tots, Lichfield Swimming Club, Silhouette Dance
Academy, BFAB Dance, Urban Boxing, British
Canoeing, Staffordshire FA, Vision School of
Dance and Mini Athletics Lichfield.
Lichfield Community Games was organised by
Inspire Activity, in partnership with Lichfield
District Council and community partner,
Central England Co-operative.
or
In Memory of
Peter Barrett
It was as with great
sadness that members
of the Lichfield Twinning
Association learnt of
the death of their
Chairman Peter Barrett
on 11th September.
Peter had led the
Twinning Association
for over 11 years and
was always keenly involved in all links with the
twin towns of Ste. Foy lès Lyon and Limburg an
der Lahn, where he had many friends.
Both the French and German Twinning
Associations have sent sincere condolences,
saying how much he will be missed.
Peter was also involved in other Lichfield
groups – the Johnson Society, the Anglo
German Club, as well as belonging to the
Shrievalty Association. Peter also played a very
active role in city life, serving the City Council
between 1995 and 2003. He was the city’s
Sheriff in 1996 and its Mayor in 1998.
Condolences are sent to his wife and son – he
will be missed by so many.
.......................................................................................
Counsellor & Comic
Returns to City
Sheila McMahon on stage
Lichfield mental health comedienne and
counsellor, Sheila McMahon, is returning to the
Garrick to perform her first live theatre show
in the city in over two years.
Eagerly awaited, and expected to be the usual
sell-out, Sheila admitted she’s been writing the
show – which will take place a day before
World Mental Health Day on October 10th -
for the last 19 months and is excited to be
returning to performing live on stage.
You can book tickets to the show, priced £18,
which will include the usual mix of mental
health education, stand-up comedy and music,
during an exploration of the pandemic’s impact,
online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by
visiting the Box Office.
11
LOCAL NEWS
12
Local Business’s
Charity Donation
Knight & Doyle
Carpet &
U p h o l s t e r y
Cleaning is
proud to be
c o r p o r a t e
supporters of St
Giles Hospice.
This year the
company has Karen presents the
pledged to donate cheque to Zoe
a minimum of
£2,500 and has recently presented St Giles with
another cheque for £750.
The firm gives a donation for every carpet or
upholstery cleaning job it does, so donations
are all thanks to their clients in Lichfield and the
surrounding area.
The cheque was presented by Karen Nicholls,
Marketing Manager at Knight & Doyle, to Zoe
Wright, Events Manager at St Giles.
Knight & Doyle is an expert carpet and
upholstery cleaner. Technicians are fully trained
to identify and clean all kinds of carpets and
upholstery, including valuable antique rugs and
fine furnishings.
For more information on Knight & Doyle visit
www.kdclean.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
Local School Goes
Green-Fingered
Year 10 boys working on the allotment project
A Lichfield school’s community-backed
allotment project is reaping real results – and is
set to grow even more to become a weekly
activity for students.
The seeds of the ambitious project, at Nether
Stowe School in St Chad’s Road, were planted
in July, when a small group of Year 10 boys began
working on clearing old flower beds to create
an allotment area.
Now it is set to be rolled out to other year
groups and could even provide the produce for
a future enterprise project to raise money for
the school, which is part of the respected
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.
With the help of some local volunteers, ground
has now been measured and cleared ready to
expand the garden with three new raised beds,
which will be built using timber donated by
Tippers, whilst Tyres supplied by Central
Garage will be used as fencing and planters.
Parents and members of the community have
also supported the project, donating seeds,
pots, gardening gloves and even a lawn mower.
Nether Stowe students have also achieved
Level One of the Royal Horticultural Society's
School Gardening Awards and have submitted
evidence to apply for Level Two status.
.......................................................................................
Support for Back the
Track
The old South
S t a f f o r d s h i r e
railway line, which
used to run from
Lichfield to
Walsall ceased
p a s s e n g e r
operations in
1965. Since then,
Sustrans has
installed a
greenway cycle
path from Walsall to Pelsall, having purchased
the stretch from Walsall to Brownhills.
The track had become overgrown, with litter
strewn throughout, and largely impassable until
a group of volunteers set about clearing it,
removing six skips of rubbish and clearing the
brambles, bushes and diverting flood water.
Additional access steps have also opened up
many circular routes along towpaths, among
them Chasewater, and the track is becoming
more readily used by walkers, cyclists and
schools organising nature walks.
There are hopes that the track can be
continued to Lichfield however from Brownhills
the track is still owned by Network Rail and,
although talks are ongoing, progress is slow.
Back the Track is urging Lichfield locals to get
behind the campaign to full restore the length
of the track. To find out more, visit
www.backthetrack.org.uk and show your
support!
.......................................................................................
Men’s Shed Lichfield
Opens Doors
Men’s Shed Lichfield (MSL) opened its doors for
the first time on 9th September.
This newly formed group provides a hub where
members can work, share skills, chat and joke
together. Typical activities include making,
mending, joinery and similar craft-based
pursuits.
MSL is a registered charity with a formal
constitution; but don’t be put off by that
formality - the weekly shed sessions are very
informal. Other than looking out for the safety
of fellow ‘shedders’, members are free to do as
much or as little as they choose. Working
together and sharing skills and ideas is the way
MSL works.
MSL is supported by Curborough Community
Centre and has received grants from
Staffordshire County Council, local churches
and the National Lottery Local Connections
Fund.
Shed sessions take place every Thursday
morning in the newly constructed community
workshop at Curborough Community Centre.
For more information, telephone 07726
618151.
.......................................................................................
Vote Reminder
Eligible voters across Lichfield District are being
urged to take action if they receive an invitation
to register to vote, to make sure they don’t lose
their voice on decisions that affect them.
To find out more, go to
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/canvass and to register
to vote go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and
make sure you have your national insurance
number to hand.
.......................................................................................
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
Competition
Winners
Congratulations to E Bailey
who is the winner of a pair of
fantastic earrings from City
Jewellers; also congratulations
to L Mason who was selected
as the winner of a pair of
wedding bands from Allen
Brown Jewellery. Plus A Owen
receives two tickets to see a
show at Lichfield Garrick!
Well done everyone!
Your Garden in October
By Byron Lewis
October signals the start of another season of planting – from
ornamental trees and fruit bushes to shrubs, take advantage of damper
days and warm soil to get your new borders established and ready for
2022. As usual these days, Coronavirus is playing its part and there is
likely to be a shortage of many trees and shrubs. Our spring bulbs have
also been delayed due to earlier flooding in the Netherlands, and we are
still waiting for some to arrive.
The motto this year is: ‘If you see something you like, buy it!' Growing
plants isn’t like turning on a new production line, and it will take a season
or two to get back to normal!
Now is the time to look at replanting hanging baskets and containers
with plants that will look good through to next spring. Start by planting
a layer of spring flowering bulbs, then choose from pansies, violas, or
dwarf wallflowers for instant colour. Add some mini-shrubs – small pots
of heather, euonymus and dwarf conifers all add colour, and trailing
plants like ivy, thyme, ajuga and creeping Jenny (lysimachia) will cover the
sides of your pots. Don’t forget your pots will still need watering
occasionally, but other than that they provide a low maintenance splash
of colour.
As the nights draw in, enjoy your garden at night with battery powered
solar lights. Technology has come on in leaps and bounds over recent
years, and there is now a huge choice with many lights lasting up to 30
days on one set of batteries. Some are timed to come on at the same
time each day as well - these look great draped over your shrubs and
along fence panels. Lights don’t just have to be for Christmas!
Talking of Christmas, it’s not too far off now and our Christmas Shop
should be open as normal in November (Covid, Brexit, transport issues
and stock shortages permitting!) Keep an eye on our social media pages
for the latest updates.
Next month we'll take a look at fruit trees and hedging plants as these
will be ready for planting much sooner than you think!
Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre, at
Curborough Countryside Centre in Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 254306, visit the website at
www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find
on Facebook and Twitter.
13
Black History Month
........................
The Hub is celebrating Black History Month with events
throughout October, highlighting the accomplishments of
Black Britons throughout history.
Tuesday 5th – Saturday 30th October
‘Face’ is an exhibition in honour of Francis Barber by
the Kwanzaa Collective UK showcasing the art of Black
and Brown artists living and working in Staffordshire.
Wednesday 13th October 10am-12pm
‘Look this way: A story café’. Join poet Gabriella Gay for
this ekphrastic workshop that will encourage you to think
and write imaginatively about the artwork displayed in the
‘Face’ exhibition.
Wednesday 20th October 6-8pm
Film lovers assemble! One Lichfield will show Soul,
Pixar’s first film to feature an African American lead
character. All are welcome and Covid safety measures will
be in place. Booking is essential.
Thurs 21st October 7pm-9pm
Come Le’ We Talk Face to Face: A Poetry Party –
featuring some of Staffordshire’s finest poets. Headlined by
Maureen Roberts.
Tuesday 26th October 6.30pm
The celebratory workshop sounds of RHYZIM, a
Lichfield-based community drumming group led by
Zimbabwean percussionist Bruce Ncube.
Information and tickets are available online at
www.thehubstmarys.co.uk or from The Hub on Market
Square.
Pumpkins on Our
Local Patch
By Charlotte Benton
............................
For many of us one of the first things that
springs to mind when we hear the word
Halloween is pumpkins! Lining the
supermarket aisles and lighting up our
doorsteps, pumpkins are part and parcel of
Halloween. So, as the spookiest season of all
creeps up on us there is one thing that we must
do - pick a pumpkin! Oh and enjoy some sweet
treats of course!
But where did this tradition of picking and carving
a pumpkin come from? To our surprise this terrifying
tradition began in the UK and not America, as
commonly thought. Hundreds of years ago, turnips
were a very important part of our ancestor’s winter
diet. They began carving spine-chilling faces into
turnips to mark Halloween. After placing lights in the
carved turnips, the glowing ghastly faces were
thought to be the spirit of the dead. It was in the
1800s when many UK citizens migrated to America
that they took this Halloween tradition overseas and began carving pumpkins instead of
turnips. Pumpkins are much softer and easier to carve as well as being available in abundance
during America’s autumn. Modern pumpkin carving that we take part in today is, therefore,
a reinvention of a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.
This autumn there are numerous ways to enjoy the shocks and surprises of Halloween
right on your doorstep! Here are just a few of the spooktacular places to pick your own
pumpkin and enjoy some local Halloween treats:
•Bradshaws Brothers Farm Shop in Burntwood is hosting its very own Halloween
Festival from the 25th to 31st October. This is a ticketed event featuring children’s
entertainment including spooky trailer rides, a creepy crawly corner and a chance to pick
your very own pumpkin from their patch, along with carving facilities on site. For more
information about times, prices and all the spooky activities taking place, visit
www.bradshawbros.co.uk/.../halloween-pumpkin.../.
•Essington Farm will also be offering a pumpkin picking experience for all the family to
enjoy. With a wide variety of pumpkins available, including even pink, grey and white
pumpkins (!), there is sure to be the perfect pumpkin for everyone. This event will run
throughout October between 9am and 4pm, however this event is also ticketed and will
require you to pre-book a time slot. For more information or to purchase your tickets, visit
https://essingtonfarm.merlintickets.co.uk.
•At Strawberry Field Farm and Coffee Shop on Coulter Lane, Halloween starts from the
1st October with copious spine-tingling Halloween activities, including pumpkin picking and
a scarecrow competition. Not to mention some great Halloween-themed additions to their
delicious menu - a white orange hot chocolate - I mean, say no more! Look out for more
information on their Facebook Page at StrawberryFields Farm & Coffee Shop.
•Not forgetting Manor Fruit Farms which is running its own pumpkin festival! Home to
an 8-acre pumpkin patch and mor than 60,000 pumpkins, squashes and gourds. Whether you
are looking for the biggest pumpkin to carve or a few petite pumpkins to decorate your
home, there is sure to be the perfect pumpkin for you. Along with the pumpkin patch, Manor
Fruit Farms have mini-mazes, straw pyramids and a lively bounce and climb play area for
children to enjoy. To book your tickets, visit https://manorfarmfruits.co.uk/pumpkin-fest/.
This year celebrate this spooky season in style with a locally grown pumpkin to decorate
your home. Carve a smile and light up the room!
14
15
A Warco milling machine, which
went under the hammer for £520.
These three vintage steel planes, including an 8''
dovetailed mitre plane with ebony wedge and a G
Tissington 7'' chariot plane, made £750 as part of the
auction of a specialist tool collection.
A Harrison industrial lathe used to manufacture
exquisite model trains and trucks by a local engineer in
his workshop sold for £2,700 at auction.
From the
makers of…
...............................
By Stuart Hay
ALL beautiful things are made with materials, imagination and tools.
Not just things of beauty but practical and necessary items as well.
Carpenters, engineers and lowly DIYers like you are me, need tools
to make life easier. From the humble hammer, a meagre screwdriver
or heavy-duty metal working lathes and milling machine are needed
to carry out the simplest of household jobs to repairing and
manufacturing your family car they are all needed, along with a little
skill.
Then there is the beauty of the tool itself. Over the years
carpenters and engineers, as part of their apprenticeships, made and
adapted hand tools to suit the jobs at hand. Richard Winterton
Auctioneers has sold some stunning tools and toolboxes over the
years, including one gentleman’s collection of axes, planes, saws and
chisels from the iron age to the 1950s collected over 40 years and
displayed in rooms in his house in Tamworth and Cornwall. This
collection from the sublime plough and moulding planes
manufactured by Gabriel and Aux Mines De Suede in France, to the
ridiculous six inch hand chisel more than two-and-a-half feet in length
along with shipwright and coopering planes, axes and hammers made
in jolly old England by makers such as Hield, Cox and Luckman,
Mathieson, all sold through The Lichfield Auction Centre and realised
in excess of £30,000.
On the other end of the scale we held an onsite sale, just a mile
from our Fradley saleroom, of a deceased engineer who
manufactured exquisite model trains and trucks in his converted
garage/workshop. The machinery included a computer controlled
Warco milling machine, full size and miniature Axminster lathes, pillar
drill, hand power tools, turning blanks and sheet metal, along with lots
and lots of accessories for the machinery. These, along with some his
amazing models, totalled £15,000 for his long-time partner.
Our House Clearance team came across an attic full of
watchmaking and repairing equipment in one of our ‘normal’
clearances. This included watchmakers’ lathes only a foot in length,
This Axminster model engineer’s microlathe sold for £500.
with mandrill, chucks, miniature drill bits and cutters, pin presses,
Rolex and Omega back removal tools along with spare parts, watch
glasses, pins, etcetera – another collection amounting to thousands of
pounds.
It isn’t just large and extension collections that are sold at our
salerooms. As you can imagine, every household contains tools of
various grades and expenditure. From the DIY enthusiast with a
couple of hammers, saws and a power drill to more elaborate and
skilled home workshops with wood or metalworking lathes and
welding plants of all styles and sizes, such as a Parweld TIG welding
plant in almost new condition with all the kit needed for its use. This
realised more than £700 for a Coalville lady who had recently lost her
husband. Another example is the elderly gent with failing eyesight
wanting someone to utilise his Clarke metalworking lathe now that
he couldn’t safely use it anymore – his cheque totalled £400 to help
fund his next holiday for him and his wife.
Our household sales will always contain hand and power tools from
different makers like Record, Rabone and Chesterman, DeWalt, Ryobi,
Bosch, Milwaukee and many more. We try to cater for all wants and
needs for purchaser or vendor where possible. Whether it is one item
that you want to consign to auction or a larger collection for our
team to collect, all it takes is a call or email to start the process –
telephone 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.
16
17
The Winds of
Change
...............................
By Jo Howell
And just like that, the summer has dipped over the horizon for another
year and a new season has snuck in - somewhat under the radar due
to (as I write) the still warm-ish weather. But there is no doubt that
change is in the air; the darker nights, the leaves on the ground and that
extra layer of clothing before the coats come out of the wardrobe.
“Do not fear the leaves changing, for it is leading to the best season of your life
yet.”
It’s a guarantee that change – whether it is simply the seasons or something a
little more nerve wracking – can bring a whole host of new feelings and emotions.
I’m not entirely sure I’m ready for autumn; I feel a little sad the long, summer days
have been and gone so quickly and as I think about the next few months ahead, it
doesn’t necessarily fill me with joy.
“In order to truly embrace change, one must leave his or her comfort zone”
I read a great quote just last week that said, ‘’Change is hard at first, messy in the
middle and gorgeous at the end’’ and I think it sums it up perfectly. Having gone
through an enforced job change recently, I couldn’t agree more with this. It really
was very hard being made redundant – both emotionally and mentally – and I had
many a sleepless night worrying about finding another job. But then, like the sun
poking through the cloud on a dull day, I did get offered a new role and here I am
in week three and very much enjoying the gorgeous feeling it brings.
“Sometimes change is good. Sometimes change is exactly what you need”
So, why can change be good for us? Here’s just a few reasons:
1. It’s a mood enhancer
2. It allows us to move forward in life and experience new (and exciting) things
3. It can improve our quality of life
4. Out with the old, in with the new
5. Accepting change make us stronger and more powerful emotionally
And of course, the change doesn’t have to be big; it can be as simple as clearing
out the wardrobe of those clothes you know you’re not going to wear again. But
imagine the feeling when not only do you have more space, probably donated to
the local charity shop, and can go and buy something new you will wear. Powerful,
renewed, motivated, accomplished and satisfied. Now, imagine what you feel like
when you make a bigger, positive change in your life…
Make a wish, take a chance, make a change.
So as the new season wraps its arms around us, and the leaves fall with a rich
array of colours around our feet, maybe we should welcome the change it brings
and embrace it. Change is good. Change is beautiful. Change is inevitable.
Read more of Jo’s work at www.justanaveragejo.blog.
18
Snaps of the City
............................
Some lovely photos of Lichfield sent in by our readers.
1. An Aerial view of Lichfield Cathedral by Simon Wilberforce
2. Beacon Park in full bloom by Simon Wilberforce
3. Lichfield Cathedral's spires against the sunset by Christopher Kay
1.
3.
2.
19
The Anglesey Curborough Road The Anchor at Streethay The Anchor Abnalls Lane
The Lost Pubs
of Lichfield
Anchor and Anglesey
By Jono Oates
............................
In the early 1800s, with a population of just 5,000 people, there
were nearly 90 public houses, or beer houses, in Lichfield city –
an average of one pub for very 55 people! Over the decades the
population has rapidly increased, to over 30,000 people today, but
the number of pubs has dramatically decreased. Some of the
former pubs have retained their original buildings and are easily
recognisable as to their former usage but others have either been
demolished or have been completely transformed.
The Anchor Inn at Streethay is one of the more recent pubs to be lost
from the Lichfield pub scene, it is now mainly housing. However, it is not
the only Lichfeldian pub with that name to have been demolished. The
original Anchor was on the Stafford Road, later Beacon Street, at the
junction of Abnalls Lane. This pub opened in the early 1830s and became
a private house in 1891, although by 1893 it was listed as a pub again, and
the landlord was Ernest Smith. In the September of that year Ernest was
taken to court for the offence of selling intoxicating liquor to Charles
Davies in breach of the Licensing Act. PC Hollings had seen Smith pass a
number of bottles of ale to Davies in mid-morning, outside of the
licensed hours, from the back garden of the pub, and Davies was then
selling the ale on to his friends. When approached by the policeman,
Smith and his wife attempted to bribe him with the offer of free drinks,
saying that ‘There’s only three of us here, and no-one else will know’. This
clumsy bribe failed though and Smith was charged with the offence at
court, the magistrates fining him £1 and 11 shillings and 6d.
The Streethay Anchor opened in the 1850s and has certainly seen
some tragedies take place over the years. In April 1863 pub landlord, and
wheelwright, John Chamberlain, committed suicide by hanging himself in
a barn at the back of the inn, having felt unwell and low-spirited for
several months. Just before Christmas, 1893, Arthur Griffiths, son of
Anchor landlord James Griffiths was in court, charged with affray at
another lost Lichfield pub, the Trent Valley Hotel. Arthur had been
ejected from the pub for being drunk and disorderly and PC Murphy was
called after he became violent and ‘riotous’. Arthur was fined 10s and
ordered to pay 18s in court costs. During World War Two, in November
1941, landlord Henry Francis Irwin, who had served with distinction in
the Great War, was returning home from a holiday on the South Coast
when he was found dead in a train carriage after it had pulled in to
Lichfield Trent Valley station, he was aged just 49, and his death was
declared as being from natural causes.
The Anglesey pub that most Lichfeldians remember was on the
Curborough Road but, as in the case of the Anchor, there had been
another pub with the same name located on St John Street at the
junction of the Birmingham Road. Originally called the Marquis of
Anglesey, it opened around 1817 and was named after Henry Paget, the
Earl of Uxbridge (later Marquis of Anglesey) who had served under the
Duke of Wellington at the battle of Waterloo where he had lost his leg
to a French cannon ball. It’s believed that the inn was built at the location
at which the city corporation and citizens of Lichfield gathered on his
return to Lichfield after the battle. A party of gentleman gathered at the
Anglesey in June 1836 to celebrate the house warming of the landlady,
Mrs Richardson, where they enjoyed a ‘sumptuous dinner’ provided by
the hostess and that several excellent songs were sung which ‘greatly
added to the hilarity of the evening’.
The pub continued until 1938 when it closed and its licensed name
was transferred across to the ‘new’ Anglesey Arms on the Curborough
Road in April of that year. The pub was built by well-known Lichfield
builder JR Deacon, the brewery was Ind Coope and Allsopp and the first
landlord was Horace Wilson, who went on to become the licensee of a
number of pubs in Lichfield.
Like many pubs the Anglesey had a Darts Team and in August 1960
their team won the Challenge Cup that year, presented by the President
of the Lichfield and District Darts League, Councillor Bernard Garman.
Licensee of the Anglesey, David Jones, was also thanked for his
presentation of a cup to the league for the winners of the doubles’
competition.
The Anglesey Arms on the Curborough Road closed in 2013 and is
now a Co-operative store. The original Marquis of Anglesey became the
Lichfield Labour Exchange during World War Two and was eventually
demolished to make way for the extension of the Birmingham Road/St
John Street junction.
The Anchor and Anglesey are just two of the many pubs that have
closed in and around the city, and I’ll be telling the story of more of
Lichfield’s Lost Pubs in future editions.
*Vintage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s Photographic Collection.
Sources: The British Newspaper Archives; The Old Pubs of Lichfield by John
Shaw; Lichfield Pubs by Neil Coley
20
21
Christmas
Countdown
By Lauren Hirst
................................
It’s that time of year again when Santa is making his list and checking it
twice to see who’s naughty or nice. If helping animal charities is on your
Christmas list here are some ideas for helping the 40 greyhounds in the
care of Greyhound Trust Hall Green looking for their forever homes.
• When shopping online for gifts for your love ones, why not sign us up
to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and nominate GTHG as your charity?
With hundreds of popular retailers participating it’s the easiest way to
help raise money for the Trust. Here’s how it works: instead of buying a
gift directly from Amazon for example, go to the Easy Fundraising website
and click through to your desired retailer and make the purchase from
there. The cost is the same to you but the retailer makes a donation to
us. It’s as simple as that!
• Sponsor a dog for the animal lover in your life. Sponsorship starts
from as little as £3 per month per hound or £6 per month to sponsor a
kennel. Our sponsor dogs all have some sort of additional needs. These
can be medical, behavioural, or both. Sponsorship enables these dogs to
live in loving homes while receiving the help that they need. Sponsorship
will also help other dogs in our care who need some extra help. Visit our
website to find out how and read about the sponsor dogs. You can
arrange to a visit to your sponsor dog for his or her sponsor.
• Buy a gift for our hounds. You can visit our Amazon Wish List to
purchase items and either have them delivered to yourself and drop the
Funding Community
Groups in the Trent
Valley
By Nicola Lynes
................................
The Transforming the Trent Valley
Landscape Partnership Scheme
has now been delivering projects
around the Trent Valley in
Staffordshire and South Derbyshire
for two years, and one of these
projects is a ‘Community Grants
Scheme’. Through our funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we
are able to distribute small grants to community groups in the
Transforming the Trent Valley area who have ideas for projects which
align with our aims and objectives of celebrating and enhancing our
natural, built and cultural heritage in the Trent Valley.
Since 2019, we have awarded 26 grants totalling £42,010.45 to a range
of community groups and organisations across the landscape. Successful
item(s) off at our kennels or you can have them delivered directly to one
of the kennels. Every little bit helps. Or you can visit our online shop and
buy Christmas cards and other gifts for you family and friends, and the
hounds at www.greyhoundtrusthallgreenonlineshop.com.
• Organise a shoe-box appeal with friends, family and work colleagues.
Fill boxes with treats and toys, wrap them up and drop them off. The dogs
love opening them on Christmas morning!
• Gift your time - we need you! Greyhound Trust Hall Green is run
entirely by volunteers. Without the commitment and enthusiasm of our
volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to find loving homes for the dogs in our
care. We are looking for volunteers who can make a regular commitment,
i.e. once or twice per month or more, depending on what role you
choose. There are hands on roles at the kennels and behind-the-scenes
tasks as well.
Together we can make a difference this Christmas and throughout the
year. To find out about the dogs looking for their forever homes visit our
website at www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk, follow us on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram. Or give us a call on 0121 426 4810. We’d love to
hear from you.
projects have included developing school garden and wildlife areas,
projects to develop volunteer skills and confidence, provision of
equipment to support sailing and outdoor activity, and tree planting and
habitat improvement.
One of our successful applicants was Manor Park Sailing Club, who
used our grant to provide extra buoyancy aids and equipment to expand
their sailing provision and training programme, and have reflected that
receiving the grant has “really
lifted club morale”. The
“WELLIES” project was another
recipient, and they have reflected
that “the volunteers have greater
knowledge of wildlife habitats;
respect for the weather
conditions and seeing how
dropped litter spoils the
countryside and presents a
threat to the wildlife.”
Our Community Grants are
still available to constituted
groups within the Transforming
the Trent Valley area, groups can
apply for up to £5000 and the
next deadline is 25th November
2021. Full details can be found
on our website
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk or
contact Nicola Lynes on
07837 127165.
22
Rail Enthusiast’s Lifetime
Collection Steams to
£100k
By Charles Hanson
............................
Ahuge model railway collection, the life’s work of an enthusiast
given his first train set at 18 months old, has smashed
expectations at auction.
The Nigel Thornley Collection went under the hammer at Hansons
Auctioneers’ Staffordshire saleroom on September 11. Experts
estimated it could achieve £70,000 but it steamed to £100,000.
Rail enthusiasts came out in force to bid on 350 lots in what Hansons
described as ‘a tribute’ to a man who did so much to preserve the
history of trains.
Mark Holder, Hansons’ railwayana expert, said: “Interest was strong
right from the start. Some models had been specially commissioned at
great cost. Individual locomotives were selling for £1,800 each.”
Top-selling items included lot 28, a gauge 1 ‘City of Manchester’ loco,
£1,700; lot 35, a scratch built LNWR 0-8-0 by Bill Davis, £1,250; lot 134,
a 0-4-0T Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (L&YR) Railmotor by Peter
Priestly, £1,200, and lot 146, a 7mm finescale L&YR Dreadnought loco,
£1,800.
“This collection was a joy to bring to market,” said Mark. “The
response from bidders was a tribute to Nigel’s rail knowledge and
expertise. Fellow enthusiasts recognised how exceptional his collection
Mark Holder, train and railwayana
expert at Hansons Auctioneers
Photo by Hansons
Lot 134 0-4-0T L&YR Railmotor built by
Peter Priestly sold for £1200
Photo by Hansons
was. And there’s more to come. The collection is so vast Hansons will be
selling more Nigel Thornley railwayana in its October 9th Toy Nostalgia
Auction.”
Nigel’s (1949-2021) passion for trains enriched his life for more than
70 years. His collection included an eclectic mix of models featuring
many Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway prototypes in 7mm scale, general
railwayana, train books and more. As well as collecting and building
models, he devoted countless hours to ensuring Britain’s railway heritage
was preserved.
Hansons is inviting entries for future Toy Nostalgia Auctions. Toy
specialist Mark Holder will be offering free valuations at Bishton Hall,
Wolseley Bridge, Staffs, on October 7th and November 4th, 10am-1pm.
To book an appointment, email: rhalliday@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or
call 07821 938392. Alternatively, email Mark Holder:
mholder@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
23
24
Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
Autumn Days!
............................
Autumn and the time of pumpkins,
walnuts, figs and fruits. I’m currently in
the Dordogne where there is an
abundance of all these foods on every
menu du jour. It’s also impossible to find
a menu without foie gras and truffles and
there are so many specialist shops for
both of these it’s hard to distinguish the
good from the not so good.
Every restaurant serves a wonderful
walnut tart for a pudding, as well as well
as a walnut salad as a garnish on pretty
much every starter - nothing like promoting the local ingredients!
Anyway, back to pumpkins! Apart from hollowing them out and testing
your carving skills they are a very versatile food and can be used both
as a sweet dish, especially for Thanksgiving, and also a great savoury
dish.
The apples and pears in the garden will now be ready to eat and falling
from the trees so we have a wealth of produce to work with. You can
preserve these by making a rich syrup and adding fresh bay leaf, vanilla,
lemon juice, and even peppercorns. Peel your fruits and put into the
syrup so they are covered. Top with some greaseproof paper and poach
until a little soft. Allow to cool and then put into storage jars.
The dish I have put together for this month is an idea I had walking
round the market and using the produce from here to reflect the
season.
Tales of a
Private Chef
By Simon Smith
............................
Iwas to work in Paris demonstrating for the Meat and Livestock
Commission at the Good Food Show, and I had been asked by the
Scotch Meat company to do a function in Milan for 200 people for
the day after the Paris show finished.
I did as much prep work as possible during the evenings of the Paris
show so it could be driven to Milan for the function. The rest of the food
was ordered by me in advance along with fridges, silver flats to serve on,
and kitchen space required was organised.
For the event, I flew to Milan on the first flight of the morning to get to
the exhibition centre in time for 9am in order to start the prep work. It
was basically only tastings of new products but a lot of work nonetheless
as it all had to be ready for 2pm.
When I got there I called my contact (who was still in bed!) to find out
Baked Pumpkin
‘Dordogne’
1 x small pumpkin
8oz chestnut mushrooms or wild
mushrooms (quartered)
4ozs shelled walnuts, chopped
1tsp truffle olive oil (optional)
8ozs grated Comte cheese
6ozs double cream
Method
Cut the pumpkin in half, remove
the seeds and brush the inside
with the truffle oil. Bake in a
preheated oven at 180 degrees
centigrade for 20 minutes or until soft depending on the thickness of
the flesh. Scoop the flesh out of one half of the pumpkin and chop. In a
bowl, mix the quartered mushrooms, chopped walnuts, the chopped
pumpkin flesh and half the grated cheese. Add the cream and season to
taste. Put this mixture in the half pumpkin, top with the grated cheese
and put back in the oven for a further 20 minutes to bake and glaze the
cheese. This dish could be made a couple of days before and kept in the
fridge.
If you wanted to make this dish more of a canivorous treat you can add
some cooked chicken to the mix or some confit duck leg for more of a
French feel.
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.
where the food was. She
told me it was in the
freezer on the Scotch
beef stand. Already a
problem as it would
never thaw in time. I
begged and borrowed
food from other stands
to replace it. The fridges
I had ordered were not
there, just a little under
counter fridge. I had to
bribe a lorry driver
outside with a
refrigerated truck to let
me use the back of his
truck, and when I came to collect it later he had driven off with all the
food.
The kitchen space I had ordered was a quarter of the size I needed
which makes life difficult but a space is charged by the square metre for an
exhibition so I appreciate they were trying to save money.
The silver flats were also missing so I had to do the best I could and
flatten cardboard boxes and wrap them in tin foil.
Fortunately, as always with this type of event, the number expected
never turned up and all was well!
A City of
Flavours
Little Italy!
Despite what the name suggests, Pizza by Goli serves
so much more than simply pizza.In fact,the menu is so
full of traditional and authentic Italian dishes, plus the
wines to complement them all, that you'll have trouble
choosing what to have!
Visit Pizza by Goli at 63 Tamworth Street, Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 250916.
See the menu at www.pizzabygolilichfield.co.uk.
Fresh, Local, Delicious!
By Kristen Lackajis
.........................
There’s nothing quite as British as a Sunday roast dinner and
whether you’re a staunch weekly roast-eater, or the
‘occasional’ roaster, you can’t deny that nothing quite hits the
spot like meat and veg with all the trimmings! Therefore, we were
delighted to be asked to sample one of the area’s best-known spots
to enjoy a bite to eat whilst surrounded by stunning countryside –
Bradshaw Brothers Farm & Café.
With its warm, inviting feeling, the café is situated adjacent to the
butchers and deli shop and features traditional farmhouse-style wooden
tables and chairs, with large windows letting in reams of sunlight – one of
which was ours – beautiful on a warm late-summer day!
Friendly staff are on hand to take your order, and also advise on the
food, and we eagerly took a look at the menu to see what was on offer
– we weren’t disappointed! As well as a selection of roasts, there were
several starters and, well, it would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?! Therefore,
we ordered Fresh King Prawn Cocktail, and Farmhouse Pate to get our
appetites going!
The king prawns, which came served with brown bread and butter,
were succulent and sweet, enveloped in a rich marie rose sauce, whilst
the farmhouse pate was smooth and creamy, delicious spread on melba
toast with butter and homemade chutney. Needless to say, we made light
work of these!
Next came the thing we’d been waiting for – our roast dinners! We’d
chosen beef and turkey, with one of our diners had gone a little ‘off-piste’
and ordering the hand battered fresh haddock with chips!
The roasts arrived with their trimmings - the beef accompanied with a
homemade Yorkshire pudding, and the turkey with pigs in blankets and
stuffing. Served with seasonal veg (in this case, carrots and green beans),
cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes, new potatoes and smothered in a rich
gravy! The turkey was melt-in-the-mouth, moist and plentiful, whilst the
beef was simply falling apart if was so tender! And as for the haddock?
Fresh, light and with the most gorgeously golden chips we’d ever seen!
Whilst everything was divine, the real winner is knowing that all of this
was fresh and local, something which really does stand out as you can
certainly taste the difference. Another incredible plus was the price – for
a fantastic, large portion of fresh and local produce, we found we were
paying far less than at a larger establishment, for something so much
better!
If you’re familiar with Bradshaws, you’ll know what I mean… and if
you’re not? Well, what are you waiting for? This is one place that should
definitely be on your wish list!
Bradshaw’s Sunday Lunch Menu runs from 12pm-2.30pm each Sunday
and booking is advised as, trust us, it’s very popular! Find out more at
www.bradshawbros.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Cheese and
Onion Soda
Bread
By Ruth Redgate
.........................
After last month’s
lengthy recipe, we
switch to a quick and
easy soda bread that can be
ready to eat in just over an
hour, flavoured with cheese
and onion (can be made
vegan friendly).
Ingredients
400g plain flour (you can use
wholemeal or a combination
of the two) plus extra to dust
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or mustard powder
125g of onions (red, white or spring onions) chopped
125g cheese/vegan cheese (coarsely grated)
300ml buttermilk (if you cannot get buttermilk just add
1tbsp of lemon juice to milk or if making a vegan option use
soya milk - it curdles better)
1 tbsp milk/soya milk, to glaze
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas 6 and prepare
a baking tray with a light dusting of flour.
2. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and cayenne
pepper/mustard powder into a mixing bowl. Stir in most of
the onions and cheese, keeping a little back for the top of the
loaf. I like to keep back about 25g of each.
3. Add enough buttermilk to bring the dough together into a
clean ball. Add a little extra milk if needed, especially if you
have used wholemeal flour.
4. Shape into a round (approx 18cm) and place on the
prepared tray. Mark the loaf into quarters, cutting almost all
the way through the dough. Brush with a little milk, then
scatter the remaining onions and cheese on top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the loaf is crisp and sounds
hollow. Cool for at least 30 minutes on a wire rack before
eating.
Best eaten on the day of baking however leftovers can be
frozen or reheated the next day.
Ruth Redgate owns and operates Hunnypot Cottage Bakery.
To find out more, or to order freshly baked bread and other
products, visit the website at
www.hunnypotcottagebakery.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Review
To Dine For!
........................
If you’re looking for a dining experience with a difference,
Pom’s Kitchen & Deli on Bird Street is a must-visit.
Perfect for a spot of breakfast, brunch or a luncheon date,
Pom’s offers a range of classics ‘with a twist’ created using
only the freshest of local ingredients – and it really does hit
the spot! We went along to meet owner, James, and
experience first-hand what Pom’s is all about.
On entering Pom’s the first thing that you will notice is the
atmosphere, which carries a relaxed yet contemporary vibe –
think industrial chic, with the natural materials of wood, brick
and metal combining with the vibrancy of bright soft furnishings
and you’ve got it!
We were shown to our seats by smiling staff and, as we
perused the menu, we supped an Iced Salted Caramel Fudge
Latte (served in a tall glass with cream and actual caramel fudge
pieces I might add!) and a quirky Lemon and Lime Iced Tea, which
really got the tastebuds going!
The drinks menu consists of enough coffee concoction as to
make the modern-day barista jealous and, with the house coffee
blend being ‘tiki’, you can be sure of a medium roast featuring
sweet aromas followed by soft notes and a hint of fruit – a taste
sensation that is appreciated by most palates. If you’re after
something a little ‘harder’ to accompany your lunch or afternoon
meal, then Pom’s also offers a selection of cocktails, wines and
even a prosecco if you fancy a little sparkle!
Having adequately whet the whistle with our beverages, we
chose several lunchtime dishes to enjoy between us. We didn’t
have to wait long for our food to arrive and the first thing that
was apparent was the delectable aroma rising from the steaming
plates as they were placed in front of us.
The first dish was reminiscent
of a Greek island holiday! Fresh
salmon fillet came served with
roasted sweet potto wedges, a
Greek Salad and tzatziki on the
side. Not only was the salmon
light and flaky, bursting with
flavour, but it was moist too and
perfectly textured. The salad and
tzatziki were the ideal
accompaniment, and the wedges
were, quite simply, to die for!
Alongside this we opted for a
vegetarian dish of shakshuka
tomato and red pepper ragu
which was topped with poached eggs, feta, harissa, coriander and
served with a flat bread. Now it’s hard to get a perfectly poached
egg, so this really was a test, and Pom’s not only passed with flying
colours but they also delivered on taste too! This light and
refreshing plate of food was both tomatey, yet rich and creamy
as the egg and feta combined. Absolutely great for a non-meat
eater or if you want a lighter dish for lunch.
The final option for us was the more American offering of
Waffle Chicken! This unusual menu choice consisted of a freshly
made waffle, crispy chicken, streaky bacon, maple syrup, chilli jam,
spring onion and fresh chilli – and it may sound a bizarre
combination, but boy does it work together! The lightly textured
waffle was perfectly set off by the crunch of the crispy bacon, and
the mix of sweet, savoury and slightly hot flavours simply danced
on the tongue! It was nothing short of divine!
Needless to say, lunch was very well received and Pom’s
Kitchen & Deli gets full marks from Citylife for its menu, service
and relaxed ambience! It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a coffee and
catch-up with friends; grab a bite to eat whilst shopping; or even
to celebrate a special occasion and there is something for
everyone on the deliciously varied menu.
Visit Pom’s Kitchen & Deli on Bird Street,
Lichfield, or take a look online at
www.pomskitchen.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Welcome to
the Jungle!
.........................
We were delighted to attend the opening of
Lichfield’s latest addition, Jungle Street
Kitchen, on Tuesday 21st September!
Welcomed with open arms, we got to experience
some fantastic world street food, as well as the
famous bubble tea!
Find Jungle Street Kitchen at 43 Bore Street, or
online at www.junglestreetkitchen.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Mangia Mangia
Authentic Italian food made with love and pride - a
combination of recipes handed down, regional
dishes, meticulous passion for good food and
combined family efforts in the home kitchen. Local
delivery from a seasonal, online menu including
lasagna, tiramisù, focaccia and Italian salads.
Visit Mangia Mangia at www.mangiamangia.co.uk
or on Facebook and Instagram
@officialmangiamangia.
Win a Sunday Roast
Dinner for Two at
Bradshaw’s
............................
Email: info@mangia-mangia.co.uk
You may well have just read our review on the famous Bradshaw’s Sunday
Roast Dinners (page 26) – well here’s your chance to win a meal for two at
the beautiful countryside café!
Using fresh meat from the traditional on-site butcher, Bradshaw’s Sunday dinners are
somewhat of a legend in the Burntwood area, with people flocking to try the fresh, local
produce from many miles around.
Having experienced these meals for ourselves, we can highly recommend that
everyone visits… for the food, for the farm experience, and for the on-site deli and
shop too!
We’ve teamed up with Bradshaw’s to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a
Sunday Roast Dinner for Two. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning, is
correctly answer the question below and send it to us, along with your details, by the
closing date.
Traditionally, which day of the week is a Roast
Dinner served?
a) Tuesday
b) Sunday
c) Thursday
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Bradshaw’s
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 21st October
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 58.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
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
33
Advertising Feature
Country
.........................
Clothing for Ladies
Looking good
and feeling
great is every
discerning lady’s
goal. At Eton
Taylor, the aim is to
provide unique and
luxurious, yet
practical, clothing
which is inspired by the Great British Countryside.
Geared to changing the way that women view country
clothing, Eton Taylor offers an exclusive range of British
ladies’ fashion with a modern countryside flair, providing
timeless style whilst promoting sophistication and
individuality.
Based at The Deer Park, in the heart of the rolling hills
of Staffordshire, Eton Taylor’s elegant clothes and
accessories truly bridge the gap between style and
adventure.
With everything being handmade, the classic collection
boasts a selection of tweed jackets, cowhide and leather
bags, and sheepskin scarves, plus fur gilets, cashmere wraps
and alpaca knitted wear, to truly transform and enhance
your look.
There’s something to suit all occasions, be it spending
time out walking, a day at the races, or an evening dinner
party, Eton Taylor can offer the perfect look for you.
Find out more about Eton Taylor by visiting the website
at www.etontaylor.co.uk or pop along to The Deer Park,
Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, Burton on Trent.
Advertising Feature
.........................
Farm Festivities!
34
There’s so much going on at The Deer Park Farm as
we enter the autumn and festive seasons.
With Halloween nearly upon us, The Deer Park is hosting
a fantastic Trick or Treat Street event which will involve a
woodland walk and hot drinks on an autumnal evening.
A fashion show follows in November with in-house
clothing retailers, SOS Lingerie and Eton Taylor showcasing
their latest collection of luxury items.
And then there’s the Charity Christmas Market, featuring
more than 50 artisan stalls and local traders, refreshments,
plus the opportunity to visit Santa and have your photo
taken! All proceeds from the entrance fee go to charity
too!
There’s Supper clubs, Afternoon Teas in The Linhay, plus a
new seasonal menu to try as well, all available at The Deer
Park Farm, Maker Lane, Hoar Cross. Visit the website for
more information, or telephone 01283 384465 to book
any events.
35
FM Tayler & Son
A Local Family Business
By Jono Oates
............................
Over the last 150 years there have been many family businesses in
Lichfield, as in many towns and cities across the country, where a
traditional business has been passed down from father to son,
from son to granddaughter and from granddaughter to cousin. One of the
best-known Lichfield family businesses was the Tayler family who
provided a gentleman’s outfitters on Bore Street for over a hundred
years. The business was started by Frederick Monk Tayler at the end of
the 19th century, before it was handed down to his sons and even when
it was managed by non-family members, it was still known as ‘Tayler and
Son’.
Frederick was born in March 1873 to his parents William, who was a cooper
(barrel-maker), and Emma in Abingdon, Berkshire, one of five children. He left
school at 16 to work in the clothing trade at various towns in Lincolnshire and
then at Corsham in Wiltshire where he met his wife, Alice, and they married at
Portishead near Bristol in 1897. In the autumn of that year the family moved to
Lichfield and he started his own gents’ outfitters business at number 40 Bore
Street, part of the Five Gables, now Kerry Evans the butchers. In July 1898
William placed an advert in the Lichfield Mercury about his new business using
the limerick: ‘When wool was high, In days gone by, It cost you lots of clothing,
Now wool is lower, And at our store, Are clothes for next to nothing…’ –
catchy eh?!
By 1914 Frederick decided to expand his business after an opportunity arose
to move to a larger premises further along Bore Street, on the junction of Bore
Street and St John Street – but his new venture was to cause a lot of
controversy. The building he wanted to move in to had previously been the
Thomas Minors’ School, established in the 17th century by a Lichfield
benefactor. Thomas provided the funds to build, and maintain, a school for 30
poor young Lichfeldian boys, so that they could learn to read and write. The
school later closed and the building was radically changed. In early 1914
Frederick Tayler purchased the property to build a ‘modern’ gents’ outfitters,
replacing the one he had at number 40. However, there was much resistance to
this and, at a meeting of the City Council in May 1914, Councillor Joseph Raby
objected to the transformation of a historic Lichfield landmark to a modern
business premises, especially the removal of a fine Norman door, the original
entrance to the school. After a lengthy discussion the Council members agreed
that the decision on the planning change for the property be delayed, although
it was later approved and Frederick’s new shop opened later that year.
Two of his sons, John and Ben, also helped in the shop and Tayler and Son
quickly became a very well-known and respected business in Lichfield, in a very
popular location. Tayler’s were well-known for selling high quality suits, trousers,
sports jackets shirts, blazers, ties and accessories for both men and boys. In May
1938 you could buy a made-to-measure suit for 50 shillings (£2.50 in today’s
money), a sports jacket for 12 shillings and eleven old pence (£0.65p) and a pair
of flannel trousers for 10 shillings and six old pence (£0.53p).
Tayler, as a successful businessman, owned houses in and around Lichfield,
including several houses on Cherry Orchard, using number 11 as his own
residence. He and Alice had six children and, as well as the two brothers who
worked in the shop, their daughter, Mary, went on to marry Frank Halfpenny,
from another well-known Lichfield family.
Frederick became a councillor in 1920 and in 1937/38 he became Mayor of
Lichfield before becoming Alderman of Lichfield in 1943 and also served as
Sheriff in 1932. In 1955 he became a Freeman of the City, a very rare privilege,
although this was tempered by the death of his wife, Alice, in the same year.
In May 1961 Frederick resigned his position at Lichfield City Council having
been involved with the council for 40 years. Known as the ‘Father of the
Council’ Tayler claimed the proud record that he had retained his seat, without
any contest, for 23 years, believed to be the longest in the history of the City
Council.
In December of that year Frederick died, aged 88, at St Michael’s Hospital,
after falling out of his bed at his home in Cherry Orchard. The name Tayler and
Son continued however, first under his son’s guidance and later under the
management of Reg Simkins, then Michael Mullarkey and David Harries. The
shop continued until 2007 when it closed, and it is now the site of Jayman Estate
Agents.
The name Tayler and Son still resonates strongly in Lichfield however, and that
bears testament to the impact and influence that the Tayler name had on the
city of Lichfield for over 100 years.
*Vintage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s Photographic Collection
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Trades of a City by J.P. Gallagher
My thanks to Mr Michael Mullarkey for his assistance with this article.
FM Tayler's earlier shop on Bore Street
Thomas Minors School before
conversion to FM Tayler's
Tayler and Son advert as featured
in Lomax Red Book
36
Advertising Feature
Halloween at
the Farm!
............................
It’s fun and games down on the farm this October as Burntwood
Alpaca & Animal Experience presents its annual Pumpkin Festival!
Running from 25th October to 31st October, the farm will be
transformed into a spooky Halloween haven, with something for
everyone, no matter how big or small!
Children can enjoy a trailer ride around the farm, a scarecrow trail to
explore, plus they can pick their very own pumpkin from the ‘pumpkin
patch’ to carve and take home too!
There’s lots to do, including a park and jumping pillow for a bounce or
two, apple bobbing in the log cabin, creepy crawlies to look at and handle
(if you’re feeling brave enough!), and a fancy dress competition with a
prize for everyone who enters!
There are morning and afternoon sessions available every day and
booking is essential to ensure your place. Children’s ticket cost covers
entrance into the farm, a trailer ride and a pumpkin to take home, plus
all of the additional activities and entertainment too!
Times:
Morning session: 10am – 12.30pm
Afternoon session: 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Ticket Prices:
Child - £12.99
Includes entry, trailer ride and 1
pumpkin
Adult - £4.99
Includes entry, and trailer ride (no pumpkin)
Infants (under 1-year-old) – Free
(no pumpkin)
To book, visit www.bradshawbros.co.uk or pop along to the
farm at Bleak House Farm, Ironstone Road, Burntwood
WS7 1YL. Tel: 01543 279437.
37
Can You Escape?
By Kristen Lackajis
............................
Lichfield’s premiere Escape Room, based at Lichfield Garrick
Theatre, is a must for anyone aged 13 upwards who loves a
challenge! Offering a fully immersive experience, teams of 2-6
players must crack codes, solve puzzles and work together in
order to unlock the mystery and escape the room.
Lord Huxley has been kidnapped by mysterious forces whilst
investigating a secret ancient order! The Citylife team had just one hour
to find the ransom, save Lord Huxley, and escape his private museum.
However, it wasn’t as simple as we thought...
After being ushered into a darkened room, with the door firmly
closed and locked behind us, we waited with bated breath for our first
instruction. As our eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, we saw a desk with
various items, a bookcase in the corner and another locked door leading
to a second room. The setting was that of Lord Huxley’s office. Suddenly,
a monitor crackled into life with a patchy video from Lord Huxley
himself, begging us to find him before it was too late!
Armed with nothing more than a notepad and pen (plus a walkie
talkie to the outside world should we need it!) we set off rifling through
the artefacts laid out on the desk until we revealed what was to be our
first clue and began unravelling the mysteries that led to the infamous
kidnap.
Several clues later and we found ourselves in the adjacent room,
having successfully managed to gain possession of the key. This room
appeared to be a nautical museum, with models of navy ships and
portraits adorning the walls of the captains of vessels gone by.
60 frantic minutes later, during which time our four team members
had agreed, disagreed, debated heatedly, fallen out, and made up again
(escape rooms are intense!) we found the door unlocking and the game
declared at an end.
Did we succeed in finding Lord Huxley and escaping the room? Nope!
We didn’t! The challenge beat us and we failed pretty miserably –
however we were reassured by staff members that the challenge had
only seen a handful of teams completing it and escaping! Needless to say,
we will be returning!
Do you think you have what it takes to solve the mystery? If so, book
your place and take on the challenge at
www.lichfieldgarrick.com/escape-room.
Opening Times:
Friday: 1.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm.
Saturday: 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, 9pm.
Price: From £17.50per person. Booking is essential.
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
38
Autumn
Interiors
.....................
Now that autumn is here, and
with winter steadily on its way,
it’s time to get your home lovely
and cosy in time for the chilly weather.
We’ve got a few of our favourite local
interior retailers to ensure that your
house is warm and welcoming.
Apeer doors from The Window Centre start
from £1,499 and are triple-glazed, with an
energy efficiency rating of A. They come with a
10-year warranty, are made in the UK and can
be available on a 0% finance deal. Visit The
Window Centre at 60 Thornhill Road, Streetly,
Sutton Coldfield B74 3EN. Tel: 0121 411 9676.
www.windowcentre.co.uk
Four door linen press with painted finish.
An expert in made-to-measure furniture, Paul
Martyn has five showrooms located at Heart of the
Country. Specialising in oak and pine, it has an
extensive array of interior furniture and accessories
to enhance the home. Now open seven days a week.
Paul Martyn Furniture, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, WS14 4QR.
Tel: 01543 481592.
www.paulmartynfurniture.co.uk
Inside the Burntwood showroom are
beautiful displays of quartz kitchen worktops
and a fantastic range of quartz samples to
choose from. Visit UK Stoneworx, Unit 28a
Ring Road, Burntwood Business Park, WS7
3JG. Tel: 07552 090278. Facebook:
@UKStoneworx.
www.ukstoneworx.co.uk
Make a statement with grey SPC flooring. Priced
from £23.99 per sq/m and available from Devlin
Wholesale, Unit 13 Prospect Drive, Britannia
Enterprise Park, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 263486.
www.devlincarpets.com
Soft long wool fibres, with exceptional strength
and durability, provide a strong statement and a
luxuriously soft touch. With single sheepskins
starting at £59 each and larger sizes available
too. Available from Tatlow Carpets & Flooring,
Lichfield.Tel: 01543 264766.
www.tatlowcarpets.co.uk
Mall baby grand piano in a beautiful mahogany
cabinet, recently reconditioned and comes with
a three-year guarantee. Priced at £1,250 and
available from Lichfield Piano Centre,
Curborough Hall Farm, Watery Lane, Lichfield,
WS13 8ES.
Find an extensive range of decorative homeware
that marries function with design. All products are
ethically sourced and many of them are made from
recycled glass and aluminium. So, whether you’re
looking for a new lamp, tableware or something to
enhance your home, visit www.atthecedars.co.uk to
find something a little bit different.
At The Cedars, 48 Main Street, Barton-Under-
Needwood.
Style your home with individuality using
natural, sustainable, luxurious quality
handpicked pieces. Pure wool throws (from
£60), British sheepskins (from £70), and
footstools (£130). Available from Little Flock,
situated in the grounds of the Plant Plot
Garden Centre, Stafford Rd, Lichfield.
www.littleflock.co.uk
39
Just Panels & Bathrooms like to think that its
showroom can offer a bit of inspiration. After
all, everyone knows what a white bathroom
looks like, or a grey wall panel. So, at Just Panels
there’s plenty of interesting designs on display.
And it you prefer white and grey, they’ve got
that too!
Visit the showroom at Unit 16 Trent Valley
Trading Estate, Rugeley, WS15 2HQ.
www.justpanels.co.uk
Are you dreaming of a stunning bathroom like
this? It’s easier to achieve than you might think.
Waterproof panels are quick and easy to install,
and come in a huge range of colours and style
to suit every taste and budget. Just Panels &
Bathrooms can also supply the flooring, the
shower, and the sink! Pop into the showroom
and see the wide range on display at Unit 16
Trent Valley Trading Estate, Rugeley, WS15 2HQ.
www.justpanels.co.uk
Luminare has a superb selection of Tiffany lighting for
autumn and winter. With vast experience in all
aspects of lighting, being one of Lichfield’s longest
established shops, Luminare has a beautiful range on
display at the shop at 29 Tamworth Street, Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 418254.
40
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 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 16th December 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 58.
41
Visit the showroom to discover your dream
kitchen! Chase Bedrooms & Kitchens, Unit 1
Toll Point, Chase Road, Brownhills. WS8 6JT.
Tel: 01543 379666.
www.chasebedroomsandkitchens.co.uk
Beautiful and unique natural stone worktops
really add a little something extra to your
kitchen. Visit Just Granite at The Stone Works,
Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ
Tel: 01785 711096.
www.justgranite.ltd.uk
42
43
The M-Series basin and storage unit from
Deuco is the perfect addition to a modern
bathroom. Versatile storage solution suitable for
larger bathrooms. Available in 26 colour
options, customisable with your choice of
classic or premium handles to suit your new or
existing interior. Available from Tippers.
www.tippers.com
The Radford is an opulent double-ended rolltop
freestanding bath with elegant rim detailing,
offering classic symmetry. A true statement
piece. Available from Tippers.
www.tippers.com
Replace your existing
kitchen doors, worktops
and accessories to give your kitchen a completely new
look. Most of Kitchen Faces’ kitchen restoration projects
are completed in just one day, taking away all the stress
associated with a completely new kitchen transformation.
Extensive range of style and colour combinations available.
Contact Kitchen Faces on 0121 318 7979.
www.kitchenfaces.co.uk
44
45
Win a Home
Cleaning Kit
from
Knight & Doyle
............................
We’ve got one home cleaning kit to give away! To be in
with a chance of winning this prize, simply correctly answer
the following question, and send your contact details to us.
Which local charity does Knight & Doyle
regularly donate to?
a) Katherine House
b) St Giles
c) Oxfam
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to
Cleaning Kit 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 21st October 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 58.
Lichfield’s expert carpet and upholstery cleaners, Knight &
Doyle, have kindly supplied this bundle of their own brand
home cleaning products, worth more than £55, for one lucky
Citylife reader to win!
Knight & Doyle is also a corporate supporter of St Giles Hospice and
gives a donation to St Giles for every clean it undertakes. The firm uses
a wide range of cleaning methods which means it uses the right
processes to get the right results for clients, in fact “Right Processes,
Right Results” is the company strapline!
You can find out more about Knight & Doyle by visiting the website
at www.kdclean.co.uk and you can also buy these products from the
Knight & Doyle stand at the Lichfield Christmas Fayre on 21st
November.
46
Beautiful and unique natural stone worktops
really add a little something extra to your
kitchen. Visit Just Granite at The Stone Works,
Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ
Tel: 01785 711096.
www.justgranite.ltd.uk
There's a fantastic range of interior gifts and
accessories to be found upstairs at The Deer
Park, Hoar Cross. With cushions, throws,
furniture, pictures, candles and ornaments,
you're sure to find something to enhance your
home!
Visit The Deer Park at Maker Lane, Hoar Cross,
Burton on Trent. DE13 8QR.
www.deerpark.farm
Beautiful home accessories from natural
materials are perfect to keep you warm and
bring some style to your home. Pure Wool
Throws from £65, Rare Breed Sheepskins
from £75, and accessories from £10. Available
from Little Flock, The Plant Plot Garden
Centre, Stafford Road, Lichfield.
www.littleflock.co.uk
47
Autumn at Lichfield
Cathedral
By The Rt Reverend Jan McFarlane
.........................
It’s back - by popular demand! As the clocks go back and the nights draw in,
Lichfield Cathedral will shine out in the darkness with the return of the popular
and thought-provoking light and sound show, Poppy Fields.
Created by the award-winning team, Luxmuralis, the Cathedral will be filled with sound
and light as images of poppies cascade down the walls and across the floor and ceiling of
the stunning 900-year-old building, calling us to remember all those who have fought so
bravely for our freedom through two world wars, and in in countless conflicts since.
Specially composed music has been created for Poppy Fields by musician and composer,
David Harper, and hear too the voice of the Oscar winning actor, Eddie Redmayne who
recorded poetry for the show.
Poppy Fields was was originally created in 2016, and it was re-visited in 2018 to mark
the centenary of end of the First World War. The 2021 version of Poppy Fields also
features the main show from Luxmuralis’ much loved ‘Imagine Peace’. This stunningly
beautiful son et lumiere will bring the east end of the Cathedral to life with its poignant
message of hope for the future. Also, the first public showing of a work created in 2020,
to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale for International
Nurses Day, will be presented in this newly curated version of the event as a tribute to
the NHS.
Poppy Fields will allow visitors a much-needed opportunity to reflect not only on past
and present conflicts, but also the global pandemic which continues to affect us all, as we
begin to consider how we might live differently as a result of all that we have lived
through.
Tickets are sure to sell out quickly, so book now through the Lichfield Cathedral
website. Lichfield Cathedral has been awarded VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’
accreditation for following the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines. The Cathedral is
grateful to Friel Homes who have sponsored this event.
October turns our minds to Harvest and to those who ensure that we have food in
our shops and on our tables. Lichfield Cathedral’s Harvest Festival will take place on
Sunday 3rd October at 10.30 and will be attended by members of the local farming
community and Staffordshire National Farmers’ Union. Everyone is welcome to come
along to give thanks for the many good things we enjoy.
There is always something to see at Lichfield Cathedral. During October there are two
exhibitions to enjoy, free of charge. The Laboratory is a sound and light exhibition by
artist-in-residence Peter Walker and composer, David Harper. The exhibition takes its
inspiration from one of the greatest physicists of all-time, Albert Einstein, who wrote: “If
a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” The
exhibition encourages us to reflect on our world through the eyes of a scientist, and to
contemplate our place in the universe. The Laboratory runs until Monday 1st November.
The Cathedral’s Artistic Director and Artist-in-Residence, Peter Walker, has for the
past five years, worked with the Cathedral to develop, and bring to Lichfield, a series of
exhibitions, sound-and-light shows, sculpture and fine art, including the magnificent
bronze statue of St Chad, Lichfield’s patron saint, which greets you as you come to the
Cathedral from Dam Street. (If you haven’t seen it yet, come and see!) Peter’s
Retrospective exhibition looks back over the past five years and runs until Monday 1st
November. To accompany the exhibition, the Cathedral is selling a limited-edition
brochure of just 500 copies, which showcases Peter’s work. At just £3 it would make a
beautiful Christmas present for someone who has enjoyed the exhibitions, or who is
interested in art.
As always, the doors of the Cathedral are open for you to come and visit or to sit
quietly, light candles and reflect. Do check the Cathedral website for the latest opening
hours.
You are always welcome at Lichfield Cathedral.
48
Statue of St Chad with the Dean of Lichfield &
Sculptor Peter Walker
The Laboratory exhibition
The Laboratory exhibition
49
The Month in
Pictures
We take a look at the events
and activities over the last
month, bringing you a roundup
of the city in pictures...
Sheriffs past and present at history of
the Sheriff's Ride talk at the
Hub St Marys
Sheriff's Ride at the Bishop's Palace,
Lichfield Cathedral
Unveiling of restored Monk's Walk Wall,
by The Friary
Sheriff Peter Hitchman, Lichfield
Guildhall
Samuel Johnson celebrations, Guildhall
Lichfield Rock Choir at the celebration
of Ken Knowles at Speakers' Corner
Samuel Johnson Birthday Procession on
Breadmarket Street
Perry the Bull mascot with Lichfield
Community Games Team (image
courtesy of LDC)
50
Celebration of the life of the late Ken
Knowles at Speakers' Corner
Cutting the Samuel Johnson birthday
cake at the Johnson Birthplace Museum
Images by Jono Oates
www.jonotourism.co.uk
Staffordshire County Show
Snapped a picture at a local
event that you'd like to see in
Month in Pics?
Send your photos to
jonocitylife@gmail.com
for consideration.
51
What’s On
October
35th Birthday Celebrations at Allen Brown
Join Allen Brown on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th
and Sunday 10th of October at the jewellery
gallery for the showcasing of a special
anniversary piece - a beautiful 18ct white gold
kunzite and diamond pendant.
Not only is Allen Brown Jewellery celebrating
its 35th birthday but also being at Heart of the
Country Shopping Village for 30 years!
All customers old and new are welcome to
celebrate with the gallery. No need to RSVP,
just visit us over the weekend between 10am
and 5pm to join in the celebrations with the
team.
The workshop will also be open too, so you
can also use the opportunity to see the
jewellery being made via the viewing gallery.
For more information follow the event page
on Facebook, get in touch using the details
below, or visit the social media pages.
Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, WS14 9QR.
Telephone: 01543 481 948. Email:
allen@allenbrownjewellery.co.uk.
Tuesday 19th October
Bollywood Night
Enjoy live music, and fantastic food at The
Bengal, Lichfield for Bollywood night. Set meals
are priced at: £39.95 (adult) and £29.95
(children). Limited space so booking is
essential.
Venue: The Bengal, 42 Bore Street, Lichfield.
52
Time: 6pm-9pm
Call to book: 01543 263772
Monday 25th October – Sunday 31st
October
Pumpkin Festival
Join in the fun this Halloween! With trailer
rides around the farm, a scarecrow trail, apple
bobbing, children’s games and entertainment,
plus a PYO pumpkin patch – there’s something
for everyone!
Venue: Burntwood Alpaca & Animal
Experience, Bradshaw Brothers, Bleak House
Farm, Burntwood, WS71YL.
Time: Morning & afternoon sessions available
Price: £12.99 (child), £4.99 (adult)
Booking essential. Visit
www.bradshawbros.co.uk to book.
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st October
Trick or Treat Street
Take a walk through the haunted woodland
and enjoy a selection of fiendishly good treats
in The Linhay restaurant.
Venue: The Deer Park, Maker Lane, Hoar
Cross
Time: 4.30pm-8pm
Price: £5 per ticket
Saturday 30th October
Spooky Banquet
A devilishly delicious three-course meal to
tickle the tastebuds!
Venue: The Bureau, Market Street, Lichfield
Price: £20pp (£10 child price)
Visit www.bureaulichfield.co.uk to book.
Sunday 31st October
Halloween Afternoon Tea Party
Enjoy an afternoon tea with a spooky twist!
Venue: The Bureau, Market Street, Lichfield
Price: £18pp (children £9)
Visit www.bureaulichfield.co.uk to book.
Saturday 20th November
Artisan & Food
Festival
Come and eat, drink
and enjoy! Featuring
people who are
passionate about
what they do,
specialists and
award-winners from
all over the country.
Venue: Himley Hall, Dudley, DY3 4DF
Time: 10am-4pm
Price: Adults £3. OAP/students £2. Under 16
free.
www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk
Every Wednesday
Art Classes Lichfield
New art club for children aged 5-11. Learn
new skills, meet new friends!
Venue: Boley Park Hall
Time: 4pm-5pm
Price: £6 per week.
Adult lessons, Paint & Prosecco (or gin) party
events, and birthday paint parties also available.
Contact 07989 857277 or
mariacredali@yahoo.co.uk.
Every Wednesday
Senior Wellbeing Group
Home Instead, in partnership with the Life
Church in Lichfield will be launching a new
Well-Being Group. A Well-Being group is a
fantastic way for you to get out of the house
and socialise with like-minded individuals. Make
new friends while keeping your Mind & Body
Active.
Venue: Life Church, Netherstowe, Lichfield,
WS13 6TS
Time: 10am-11.30am
Price: £3.50pp
For more information, contact 01543 625002
or karen.wilkinson@Tamworth.homeinstead.
co.uk.
Every Thursday
Men’s Shed Lichfield
This newly formed group provides a hub
where members can work, share skills, chat
and joke together. Typical activities include
making, mending, joinery and similar craftbased
pursuits.
Venue: Curborough Community Centre
For more information, contact 07726 618151.
Promote your event in our What’s On
guide and reach over 16,000 homes and
businesses for only £20 for businesses
and £10 for charities. Entries must be 50
words maximum. To book contact
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s
On Lichfield'.
City VIEW
The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - October 2021
Councillor Mark Warfield, Leader of the Council
Welcome to this issue of City View.
I hope you have had an enjoyable summer as we were all
finally permitted to get together again and enjoy precious
time with family and friends in a more relaxed way. We were
pleased to open both our Offices and the Samuel Johnson
Birthplace Museum to the public once again on 19 July.
After a break of almost two years, it is a pleasure to see the
return of some of the City’s historic Civic traditions. On the
11 September the Sheriff of Lichfield, Mr Peter Hitchman
upheld the custom of the Sheriff’s ride by inspecting the
boundary of the City, albeit it in a somewhat reduced format.
It was also good to be able to welcome visitors and guests on
the 18 September to celebrate the 312th Birthday of
Lichfield’s first son, Dr Samuel Johnson.
You may have seen that considerable work has been
undertaken on many of our Public Open spaces during the
summer. This work is continuing into the Autumn and we
have some exciting ideas in development for 2022. The City
Council’s annual grants scheme has reopened, with
applications being invited from now until the end of the year.
Details of how to apply can be found on these pages, and the
Council is particularly keen to receive applications from
organisations which have not previously applied.
As the days grow shorter our thoughts turn once again to the
countdown to the Christmas Lights Switch on event on
Sunday 28 November and I hope (restrictions permitting) that
you will join us for what has become an extremely popular
event for all the family. There will be a programme of
entertainment on the Market Square from around 2.00pm
until the switch on itself at 5pm. There will also be special
events at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum plus a
festive Market, and who knows, Father Christmas may even
pay us an early visit to check we have all been good!
As this is the final City View of 2021, I would like to take this
opportunity to briefly look back over the past 18 months or
so. The pandemic has led to great loss for many, and it
would seem that the ‘new normal’ is to live with COVID-19,
rather than to celebrate its eradication. We await
developments over the next few months with optimism but
balanced by a degree of apprehension as COVID cases
continue to rise. In the worst of times, we do however
discover the best in each other, and the way in which the
community came together during the pandemic to support
each other in a variety of ways is to be celebrated and
remembered.
May I wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a healthy and
prosperous 2022.
Grant Applications Now Due
Clubs, societies and voluntary groups in the City of Lichfield are invited to apply to the City Council for a grant from
the Council’s 2022/2023 budget. Grant forms are available by email at: administration@lichfield.gov.uk, from the City
Council Office, Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LU (telephone 01543 309858), and on the Council’s
website at www.lichfield.gov.uk. Completed forms must be returned by 4 January 2022.
To be eligible, organisations applying MUST operate for the benefit of people living within the boundary of the City of
Lichfield.
Organisations helped in the past have included youth groups, sports clubs, arts groups, charitable bodies, and various
other societies. Grants totalling over £26,000 were awarded in the current year. Grants ranged from £75 to £4,500,
with 26 different groups receiving funding.
The Council Leader, Cllr Mark Warfield recently said “We are very fortunate to have a wide range of local clubs and
societies in the City which support the needs and interests of our citizens. Grants provided by the Council can support
an organisation’s general funding or, in particular, provide help with some special project. We feel the City Council’s
grants are particularly important as the city begins its return to normality after the past 18 months or so, and we hope
that as many organisations as possible can be helped through this programme”
The Council is particularly keen to receive applications from organisations which have not previously applied.
For further details contact: Lichfield City Council (01543) 309858
Christmas Lights
The Festive Season gets under way in Lichfield on Sunday, 28 November.
There will be a special Christmas themed market from 10am around the
City centre selling food and gifts, events at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace
Museum, entertainment in the Three Spires Shopping precinct and
children’s rides. Once again there will be live music on the
Market Square from 2.00pm up to the big switch-on at 5pm.
During the afternoon from 2:00pm until 4.15pm the audience
will be entertained by performances from local groups ‘The Hustle’, ‘Britpop Reunion’ and Lichfield Rock
Choir who will be performing a mixture of popular covers and Christmas
Songs. The Christchurch School Choir will lead traditional Christmas
Carols from 4.20pm before the big countdown to the official switch-on at
5pm, and Santa might pay us a visit, too!
The Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Robert Yardley will join the other civic
guests and two local
children - the winners of the
City Council’s competition -
to help with the big switchon
at 5pm.
Please remember if you are attending this event that the roads
surrounding the Market Square will be subject to a road closure from
9am – 7.00pm
Please note: Events may be subject to change based on latest government
coronavirus restrictions.
Remembrance Sunday
On Sunday 14 November the Remembrance
service and wreath laying ceremony will once
again take place. The Civic party will process
from the Guildhall to the Cathedral for the
10.00am service, followed by the wreath
laying ceremony in the Gardens of
Remembrance at 11.00am and to observe the
National two minutes silence.
The City Council has commissioned a
commemorative booklet, written by local
historian Johnathan Oates, telling the story of
15 local men who gave their lives. Copies can
be purchased from Lichfield City Council
offices and all profits will go to the ‘There not
There’ charity.
If you would like to keep up to date with more of the City Council’s
activities, you can follow the City Council on Twitter @lichfield_cc.
53
L2F Studio & Art Exhibition
Saturday 23rd - Tuesday 26th October
10:30am – 4:30pm, Free
We’ll be showcasing entries from the L2F Art competition and also hosting L2F
studio performances on Saturday 23rd October.
Half Term Fun
Thursday 28th October
11.00am onwards, £3.50 per child
Hands-on arts and craft activities for the school holidays. Pre-bookable family
groups, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Christmas Light Night
Sunday 28th November
3.30pm – 6.00pm, Free
Warm up while visiting the Lichfield Christmas Light Switch On with hands-on
activities and festive refreshments including mulled wine.
54
City VIEW
Markets in Lichfield
The Lichfield Markets offer a wide selection of
goods and local produce from friendly,
established and reliable market traders.
As well as the weekly General Markets on
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a Producers
Market is held on the 1st Sunday of the month
(except January).
The Market Square is also available for hire on
a commercial or charitable basis on non-market
days.
For more details or for any information or
queries relating to Lichfield Markets please contact the City Council’s Markets Officers
01543 309853 or e-mail: markets@lichfield.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter @LichfieldMarket
Coming soon at
the Samuel
Johnson
Birthplace
Museum
The Johnson Family Christmas
Sunday 5th December
11.00am – 3.30pm, Free
Enjoy the historic house decorated for Christmas, with
activities for all including crafts, storytelling and the
chance to enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine!
1 March - 31 October 10.30am-4.30pm
1 November - 28 February 11.00am-3.30pm
Standard entry is Free of charge
Call 01543 264 972 or email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk for more information
or to book an event.
Please note: Events may be subject to change based on latest government
coronavirus restrictions.
The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council
Dates for your
diary…
Tuesday 19 October Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Quiz Night
7.00pm Guildhall. Tickets £15 p/p
Sunday 14 November Remembrance Sunday.
Cathedral Service 10.00am; Wreath laying Ceremony 11.00am Gardens of
Remembrance
Saturday 20 November Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Dinner Dance.
7.00pm Guildhall. Tickets £40 p/p
Tuesday 7 December Mayor’s Carols for Christmas
7.00pm Guildhall.
Sunday 23 January 2022 Mayor & Sheriff’s Church Service &
Traditional Charity Sunday Lunch.
Church Service 11.00am Wade Street Church
Lunch 1.00pm Guildhall. Tickets £25.p/p
Friday 11 February 2022 Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Race Night
7.00pm. Guildhall. Tickets £15 p/p
Saturday 12 March 2022. Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Vintage Musical
Evening & Auction
7.00pm. Guildhall. £30p/p
Tuesday 1 March 2022 Pancake Races & Shrovetide Fair
12 Noon Guildhall
Please note: Events may be subject to change based on latest
government coronavirus restrictions.
For more information, please contact Lucy Clarke on 01543 309852, or
email lucy.clarke@lichfield.gov.uk
Sheriff’s Ride
On Saturday 11 September the Sheriff of
Lichfield, Mr Peter Hitchman took part in
the annual tradition that is the Sheriff’s
Ride. This year’s ride saw a much-reduced
format with no other horses taking part.
The Sheriff, accompanied by the Sheriff’s
Lady, Mrs Pat Peters, were applauded as
they left the Guildhall at 12 Noon in a
spectacular horse drawn carriage. The
Clerk of the Course, Nick Sedgwick led the
Sheriff out of the city in a vehicle ahead of
the carriage.
After alighting from the carriage at the
Pinfold, the Sheriff and Sheriff’s Lady
continued their journey with the Clerk of the
The Sheriff of Lichfield, Mr Peter Hitchman and
Sheriff’s Lady Mrs Pat Peters depart from the
Guildhall (Photograph: Clive Read)
Course visiting many landowners throughout the afternoon before returning to their carriage
at Maple Hayes.
The Sheriff and Sheriff’s Lady were escorted back into the city at 6.00pm by the Sword and
Mace Bearers, via the Cathedral Close, where they were welcomed by Canon Andrew Stead
of the Chapter at Lichfield Cathedral. The ride then continued via Dam Street and Market
Street to the Guildhall, arriving on time to receive guests for the first ever Sheriff’s Banquet
to be held at the Guildhall with over 80 guests attending.
The Sheriff’s Ride is a tradition which started in 1553 when Queen Mary’s Charter separated
Lichfield from Staffordshire, making Lichfield ‘a City and a County’ with the right to appoint
its own Sheriff. The Charter commanded the Sheriff to make a complete perambulation to
inspect and enforce the city boundary each year. This year marks the 488th Sheriff’s Ride.
The Sheriff said ‘I am honoured to take part in this historic tradition; it was a thoroughly
enjoyable day that I will never forget. I would like to thank the Clerk of the Course, Nick
Sedgwick, and all the landowners who made the day very special, the Sheriff’s Ride is one
of the most traditional and historic events in Lichfield’s history and long may it continue!
For more information regarding the Sheriff’s Ride please visit the Lichfield City Council
website www.lichfield.gov.uk
City VIEW
The Newsletter of
Lichfield City Council
Weddings at the
Guildhall
Located in Bore Street in
the heart of the city, the
Guildhall is a beautiful
historic Grade II Listed
Building, and is a
magnificent setting for civil
ceremonies, receptions
and other celebrations.
The main hall has oak panelling and a beamed roof giving
a fine mediaeval appearance and can accommodate up to
130 guests. The Guildroom, on the Ground floor, has
paneled walls and timber ceiling and can seat up to 70
guests.
A number of smaller rooms are also available to hire, and
are ideal for conferences, seminars or small meetings.
For more information or to enquire over availability please
contact Helen Winter at Lichfield City Council.
Tel: 01543 309850 or e-mail: helen.winter@lichfield.gov.uk
A wedding brochure is also available either from the City
Council offices at Donegal House or by downloading from
our website www.lichfield.gov.uk
OUR WEBSITE:
www.lichfield.gov.uk
Have you visited the City
Council’s website? It
offers a wealth of
information about the
work of the City Council,
including details of all
Council meetings and
associated documents.
In addition, it contains useful information about the
City, its history, festivals and major events, and its
many unique customs and traditions.
The right Council…
Lichfield City Council is the ‘parish’
authority for the City and is the smallest
of the three councils serving the City area.
Within the City we deal with local matters
such as the markets, maintenance of open
spaces and churchyards, civic and
mayoral events, the Samuel Johnson
Birthplace Museum and public lettings of
the Guildhall.
Lichfield District Council (Tel: 01543
308000) is the larger local authority
dealing with such matters as planning,
environmental health, refuse collection,
housing, car parking, arts and tourism,
and leisure services.
Staffordshire County Council (Tel: 0300
111 8000) is the responsible authority for
wider services such as Education, Social
Services and Highways.
Public
Participation
City Council meetings are held in the Guildhall, Bore Street. Dates and times of meetings can be found on the
noticeboard outside the Guildhall, and on the City Council's website at www.lichfield.gov.uk
Meetings are open to the public, with public participation sessions held at full Council. Advance notice needs to
be given to the Council of the subject matter of each question, and
any person wishing to speak must contact the Council Offices at
Donegal House, Bore Street (next to the Guildhall) before NOON on
the day of the meeting.
Monday 6 December 2021 6.30pm COUNCIL
Monday 24 January 2022 6.30pm COUNCIL
Monday 14 March 2022 6.30pm COUNCIL
Wednesday 20 April 2022 6.30pm COUNCIL
Monday 16 May 2022 6.30pm ANNUAL COUNCIL
Wednesday 25 May 2022 7.30pm ANNUAL TOWN
MEETING
55
Win Tickets to
Your Wedding Live
............................
Citylife in Lichfield has teamed up with Your Wedding Live to
offer 10 lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to
the UK’s hottest new premium wedding show. Taking place
from 23rd-24th October 2021 at Coventry Building Society Arena,
Your Wedding Live is set to be the ultimate destination for
wedding planning.
For more information about Your Wedding Live visit:
www.yourweddinglive.co.uk
To be in with a chance of winning, simply send your answer to the
question below with your details.
Where is Your Wedding Live being held this year?
a) NEC
b) Coventry Building Society Arena
c) Staffordshire County Showground
(Covid-19 Disclaimer: Your Wedding Live and Coventry Building
Society Arena are actively monitoring the evolving situation regarding
the outbreak of Covid-19 and will ensure that we adhere to guidelines
and take necessary measures to protect our exhibitors, staff and
visitors).
T&Cs
The 10 winners of the competition are entitled to a complimentary pair of
56
A Swashbuckling
Panto!
............................
Don’t miss the All New Adventures of Peter Pan as it flies
into the Lichfield Garrick for the 2021 festive season!
The theatre has once again joined forces with Paul Hendy and
Evolution Productions to bring audiences a real festive treat with this
year’s full-scale pantomime.
Lichfield legend, Sam Rabone, is back in a frock for his sixth year at the
Garrick as he stars as Mrs Smee, as well as once again steering the ship
as the show’s director.
David McKechnie and Marcus Billany will play Captain Hook and
Peter Pan respectively. David loves pantomime season and is honoured
to be invited to Lichfield for this year’s production. He’s taken part in
shows all across the country, including Fleshcreep (The Cleverest Little
Goblin in all of Fairyland) in Jack & the Beanstalk (Beck Theatre, Hayes),
The Emperor in Aladdin (Wyvern Theatre, Swindon), Carabosse in
Sleeping Beauty (White Rock Theatre, Hastings), Captain Hook in Peter
Pan (Civic Theatre, Chelmsford), and one of the Wicked Stepsisters in
Cinderella (North Wales Theatre, Llandudno).
The role of Peter Pan is one that Marcus knows well, having previously
played him in Dunstable’s 2019 rendition of the pantomime as Strictly’s
AJ Pritchard’s understudy and stand-in as he took part in the reality
show. He graduated from Laine Theatre Arts after appearing as a young
performer in West End productions such as Matilda: The Musical, Les
tickets to Your Wedding Live, on the 23rd
or 24th October 2021.
The prize does not include travel to or
from the event. The prize does not
include a goody bag.
All entrants must have a valid email
address as tickets will be supplied as
etickets. It is the entrant’s sole
responsibility to ensure that their contact
details are up to date. Tickets are nontransferrable.
The ticket code will expire at midnight on Friday 22nd October
2021.
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Wedding Live
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 21st
October 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 58.
By Pamela Raith Photography
Miserables, Children Of Eden and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He most
recently appeared as 'Young Paul' in Breaking the Band for ITV.
The theatre is thrilled to also be welcoming back Joanne Heywood,
who will be jumping into the role of the grown-up Wendy Darling. The
eagle-eyed panto fans among you will recognise Joanne, who played
Queen Rat in the Garrick’s 2018 pantomime, Dick Whittington. She’s
delighted to have been invited back to play a goodie this time!
Further cast announcements will be coming soon.
All New Adventures of Peter Pan promises to be a dazzling show with
a brilliant cast, larger-than-life costumes, and more laughs than you can
shake your hook at!
The show opens on Thursday 25th November and runs until
Sunday 2nd January 2022. Tickets are available now – you can hook
yours via the Lichfield Garrick website (www.lichfieldgarrick.com)
or from the Box Office on 01543 412121.
Lichfield
Camera Club
............................
Lichfield Camera Club’s first competition of the new season
proved to be a real challenge for judge John Haines. The
exceptionally high standard of entries meant that deciding
which entries merited an award proved to be very difficult.
As John explained: “Any number of entries could have qualified for an
award, in the end it comes down to personal preference and one has to
accept that some excellent images miss out.”
In the Beginners/ Intermediate section, Kevin Terry took the top two
awards. His wonderfully atmospheric, beautifully captured image 1
“Lovers on Wilderness Beach” took first place. Kevin also displayed great
technical skill in capturing 2 “Gannet” in flight.
Sandra Morgan’s lovely still life study 3 “Peony” in monochrome took
third place.
Annette Keatley captured some wonderful textures and dramatic sky
with 4 “The Train Yard.”
Lily Pavey shot a superbly detailed wildlife image, 5 “Orange Beak”,
with a lovely defocused background.
The weathervane beautifully silhouetted against the early morning sky
in 6 “At the Break of Dawn” was Ivan Shaw’s entry.
In the Advanced section, the honours were taken by Chairman, Darron
Matthews, his amazingly detailed macro shots earning well deserved
praise from the judge. His 7 “Shield Bugs Paired on Corncockle” took
first place and Darron also took third place with 8 “Male Blue Tailed
Damselfly on Poppy Seed Head.”
Second place went to Joe Anderson who displayed great technical skill
in his image 9 “F15 Eagle over the Welsh hills,” capturing the aircraft and
its crew in impressive detail.
The topical issue of receding glaciers was the subject of Ed Simpson’s
landscape 10 “Fox Glacier and Moraine.”
A very different urban landscape was captured by Dean Borgazzi in his
atmospheric 11 “Fog over Westminster Bridge.”
Finally, Rob Ings displayed great compositional skill with his highly
effective image of a dandelion head and seeds, with 12 “Parachutes.”
Lichfield Camera Club is a friendly club that welcomes photographers
of all abilities. For more information on the club’s activities visit
www.lichfieldcameraclub.org.
4
6 7
8
10
9
5
11
1
2
3
12
57
MAGAZINE
DISTRIBUTORS
WANTED
Earn extra money delivering
magazines in Lichfield. Must be
over 16 and reliable, call Marie
07548 682576
Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to
GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email kristencitylife@gmail.com
2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and conditions stated.
3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition.
4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be
held only until the closing date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely destroyed/deleted.
Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details
will be securely deleted/destroyed.
5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception to this is the name (and if the prize is to
be posted) address of Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition partner to allow
winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners
will be printed in our magazines – no other details will be published.
6.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided
by the entrants (but not address or contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and online.
7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or breach of any other legislation entailed
by entrants in their creation or submission of materials.
8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader.
9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable.
10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions.
11.No purchase necessary.
12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated).
13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of individual associated with any employee,
58
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agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
14.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an independent
judge in the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received.
15.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield up to 28 days after the closing date of the competition/prize draw by the
contact details provided by the entrant.
16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no
earlier than six weeks after the competition closing date.
17.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is final and no correspondence will be
entered into.
18.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize
is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality
of the prize provided.
19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
20.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or
county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online.
21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS.
22. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, information, service or
product provided in connection with a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition.
23.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or
consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition.
24.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos
text or artworks, that it is your original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral
and legal.
59
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