We Will Remember Them in our November edition magazine, for Remembrance Sunday. We also have our usual mix of local news stories, competitions, history features, recipes, what's on events and our popular Month in Pictures compilation. The nights are drawing in, there's a touch of frost in the air, so why not enjoy reading our magazine this November over a large mug of hot chocolate and a slice of banoffee pie while sitting in front of the fire!
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...
8 Local News
The latest community news from the area
.............................
20 The Bates of Bore Street
Jono Oates looks back at a local business
.............................
25 A City of Flavours
Find our dining guide to Lichfield food
.............................
38 Christmas Gift Guide
Gifts galore for men, women and children!
.............................
52 What's On
Local events this festive season
.............................
In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
5
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...
Bollywood Night at the Bengal
restaurant, Bore Street
Staff from sponsors Four Oaks Financial
Services at the Lichfield Half Marathon
Allen Brown Jewellery 35th Birthday,
Heart of the Country Shopping Village
(photo by Allen Brown Jewellery)
James Bond premiere night at
Lichfield Garrick
Four Oaks Financial Services Manager
MD Martin Ward, Lichfield Half
Marathon sponsor
Artists at Black History Month
exhibition, Hub at St Mary's (photo Dan
Burns Photography)
Pennyroyal clog dancers at the Lichfield
Festival of Folk
Bakanalia Morris Dancers at the Lichfield
Festival of Folk
Ninja Mutant Ninja Turtles at the
Lichfield Half Marathon
6
Lichfield Monthly Producers Market,
Market Square
Georgian Jono leads history tour for
Richard Winterton Auctioneers prize
winners (photo Alex keller, Richard
Winterton Auctioneers)
Images by Jono Oates
www.jonotourism.co.uk
A-Plan Insurance Wears it Pink for
Breast Cancer Awareness Day
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
Co-op Supports
Garrick’s New Project
Lichfield Garrick Theatre has announced a new
partnership with Central England Co-
Operative, which is sponsoring its latest
Community Musical project.
The Co-op is providing vital support for the
Theatre’s flagship community project. In the
summer of 2022, the Lichfield Garrick will be
bringing its own community musical to the
stage – a production that has been devised,
written, composed, and developed by
participants from the community.
For the first time ever, the Garrick will be
composing and writing the musical itself.
Members of the community are invited to
kickstart the project to write and compose the
script and score at a later date. This is a project
unlike anything the Theatre has ever done
before and would not be possible without the
rallying support of community partners such as
the Co-op, which is pleased to be supporting in
a project that aligns with its community aims.
The project is already underway, with a
community creative team developing the show
ready for rehearsals to start next year.
Businesses are invited to support Lichfield
Garrick in all sorts of ways. Contact Matt Clay
on matthew.clay@lichfieldgarrick.com or call
01543 412123 for more details.
.......................................................................................
Changes to
Council’s Cabinet
Changes are being made to roles and
responsibilities within Lichfield District
Council’s Cabinet following the resignation of
Councillor Liz Little from her role as Cabinet
Member for Major Projects.
Council Leader Doug Pullen will take over in
the lead cabinet member role for the Lichfield
City Centre Masterplan assisted by Councillor
Andy Smith. Deputy Council Leader
Councillor Iain Eadie will take over as lead
cabinet member for the project to build a new
leisure centre in Lichfield.
.......................................................................................
8
Store's Fund
Boost for LHCRT
Store manager Sophy Troman presents a
cheque to LHCRT's Bob Williams
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust (LHCRT) has received a donation of £333
from Waitrose & Partners Lichfield's
Community Matters Fund.
LHCRT was nominated by the store's shoppers
to receive a third of the £1,000 allocated to
three local organisations.
The Lichfield Canal, gradually being brought
back to life from its closure 60 years ago,
provides a natural corridor for public
recreation and wildlife habitats.
The Fosseway Heath section off Falkland Road,
close to the Waitrose store, is open to the
public at all times to show what is being
achieved in transforming natural landscapes
while preserving the heritage of this local canal
in the national inland waterway system.
.......................................................................................
School Plants
Jubilee Tree
Tree planting ceremony at Charnwood
Primary School
Staffordshire’s Lord-Lieutenant joined pupils at
Charnwood Primary School in Lichfield to plant
a tree in celebration of Her Majesty the
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Lichfield became one of the latest cities in the
UK to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’ on Tuesday
12th October.
The Lord-Lieutenant Ian Dudson officially
planted the Acer Campestre tree in front of
pupils, teachers and dignitaries from across the
district and county.
Charnwood Primary School is one of the 69
schools from cities in the UK to be chosen to
plant a ‘school celebration tree’ donated by the
Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
This is the first part in a programme of
activities around tree planting to celebrate The
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next year.
To find out more about The Queen’s Green
Canopy go to www.queensgreencanopy.org.
.......................................................................................
Have Your Say on
Council Budget
Lichfield District Council has launched an
online survey for people to put forward their
views on its priorities and spending for the next
financial year on local services such as refuse
collection and recycling, street cleaning, antisocial
behaviour, the local economy,
homelessness, sports, leisure and events. The
council spends around £11 million each year on
local services. Around £7 million of this comes
from council tax with the rest from business
rates and other income.
The survey is open until 30th November at
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/prioritiesandbudget
alongside other opportunities for taking part in
the consultation including polls, an online ideas
board and the chance to post questions to the
council about its work. The council is also
looking to organise a series of question and
answer sessions with a variety of groups across
the district to discuss local priorities as part of
the consultation.
Feedback gathered through the priorities and
budget consultation will be used to inform
discussions on spending priorities over the
next year and beyond. The final budget decision
for the 2022 to 2023 financial year will be made
at a meeting of the full council in February.
City Jewellers Winner
.........................
Congratulations
to Emma
Bailey of
Lichfield who was the
winner of the City
Jewellers
competition, which
ran in our August
issue of the magazine.
Emma correctly
answered the
competition question
and was randomly
selected from
hundreds of entries
to receive a beautiful
pair of Carpe Diem
earrings from the Fei
Liu range, stocked at City Jewellers on Bore Street.
Delighted Emma said: “The earrings are absolutely
gorgeous - a huge thank you both to Citylife magazine and
City Jewellers!”
Well done Emma!
9
LOCAL NEWS
Local Dancer Chosen
for Professional
Development
Lichfield-born Natalie
Haslam has been
selected from
hundreds of hopefuls
for the famous
c h o r e o g r a p h e r
Matthew Bourne's
New Adventures
Overture Professional
D e v e l o p m e n t
programme.
The programme is for emerging dance teachers
and community dance practitioners from a
variety of genres who have been working in
community or education settings for less than
five years.
Over the course of the programme the
selected artists meet for residential weekends.
Each residential comprises of practical
workshops, class and skills-sharing as well as
inspirational guest teachers from a variety of
dance backgrounds sharing their practice.
With workshops in areas such as personal
development, advanced community dance skills,
business development and networking, we aim
to provide the cohort with a range of skills to
support them in reaching the next level of their
careers as community dance artists.
Natalie Haslam is a dance artist working with all
ages and abilities across theatre, education,
youth and community settings. In recent years,
Natalie has worked with many different
organisations and companies, and she is
currently involved in being a Support Worker
for DanceXchange’s Critical Mass 2022 (for the
Birmingham Commonwealth Games); a teacher
and social media creator for Ascendance
(Dance with Parkinson’s); teacher and founder
at Dance! With Natalie (Dance classes for
Adults); Workshop Facilitator for Cherwell
Theatre Company; Area Creative Coordinator
for People Dancing’s Live Well and Dance with
Parkinson’s; and Operations Manager at
Lichfield Festival.
.......................................................................................
COGS’ Carbon
Neutral Fundraiser
In today's climate, being carbon neutral is a best
way forward for a small firm to make the
biggest footprint. As part of its goals to move to
being carbon neutral, Cherry Orchard Garden
Services (COGS), based in Burntwood, is
crowdfunding for solar panels for its new
classroom. This, combined with the onsite
10
The new classroom
carbon savings that COGS currently partakes
in, will see the organisation closer to its goal of
becoming carbon neutral.
Because COGS works with learning-disabled
gardeners, it has found that teaching about
carbon neutrality is difficult, so showing how to
achieve this is a much more effective learning
tool.
The crowdfund page can be accessed by visiting
www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk and searching
for Cherry Orchard Garden Services or the
term Sustainable Solar.
.......................................................................................
Bypass Opening Boost
for LHCRT
A drone's-eye view by Colin Ablitt
The restoration of the Lichfield canal has taken
a huge step forward with the opening of the
city's Southern Bypass extension.
A section of the canal runs parallel to the
bypass alongside a housing development, and
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust is hoping for permission in the next few
weeks to begin work.
A great deal of preparation of the site has been
completed, courtesy of Persimmon Homes,
who are constructing St John's Grange housing
development, and Amey, who constructed the
bypass, including the installation of two bridges
over the line of the canal connecting the estate
with the bypass.
LHCRT volunteers will build a new Lock 22 and
restore a modified Lock 23 in this section,
which has been named St John's Reach.
The restoration of this section of the Lichfield
Canal will take it close to another major
obstacle, the Cross-City railway line, which the
canal has to go under, and an appeal to raise the
huge amount of money needed to build the
tunnel has been ongoing for several years.
More information can be found at
www.lhcrt.org.uk.
.......................................................................................
Community Lottery
Helps Litter Legends
A local good cause is putting the money raised
through Lichfield Community Lottery towards
its goal of a litter free Lichfield.
Lichfield Litter Legends, the group that carries
out regular litter-picking around Lichfield and
its outskirts, is one of Lichfield Community
Lottery’s most popular good causes.
This is the weekly lottery where 60p of every
£1 spent goes towards causes that benefit
Lichfield District. With a jackpot of £25,000 and
other cash prizes up for grabs, it is a fun way to
support the local community while being in
with a chance to win a prize.
Lichfield Litter Legends has been using the
money raised by their lottery supporters each
week for new equipment and promotional
material. The extra funds are also helping the
group of volunteers to take their message to
local schools, to raise awareness of the
problems associated with litter, including the
impact on society and local wildlife.
Find out more about Lichfield Community
Lottery at
www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
To Advertise call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Michele Phillips 07919 896575
michelecitylife@gmail.com
11
LOCAL NEWS
Hat Trick of Awards for
Local Company
In the late months of 2020 FootFox
Productions, a small local video production
company run by young co-directors Ben
Hatfield and Callum Thorpe, was notified that it
had been put forward for an award based on
the innovative corporate video production
services provided throughout the pandemic. In
June 2021, the duo attended Moor Hall Hotel &
Spa, Sutton Coldfield, where it was officially
announced that the firm secured two awards:
‘Best Corporate Video Production - Midlands
2020/21’, and ‘Innovation and Excellence 2021.’
After a small celebration of these awards the
team at FootFox jumped straight back into
providing video and animation services to
businesses within Lichfield and to others within
the Midlands area. In no time the pair found
themselves nominated for another award and in
October 2021 they were presented with
Corporate Vision’s Media Innovator Award
2021 for Most Innovative Video & Visual Media
Production Company West Midlands.’
.......................................................................................
12
Ben & Callum (photo courtesy of Lynsey Helen Brown)
Local Baker Crowned
‘Bread Hero’
Ruth Redgate of
Hunnypot Cottage
Bakery in Elford has
been crowned the West
Midlands’ Bread Hero
2021 by the Tiptree
World Bread Awards
with Brook Food.
Ruth converted an old rundown shed into her
own miniature bakery, Hunnypot Cottage
Bakery.
Ruth is very conscious of the environmental
impact of the bakery. In the conversion, she
used donated worktop and units, repurposed
shelves and wall and ceiling boards that would
have otherwise gone to landfill. In the day-today
running of the bakery, she uses
compostable packaging, forest-friendly
cardboard, and has swapped paper leaflets for
QR codes.
She has also shown great innovation in the
business of the bakery. To introduce people to
new tastes, she began a monthly bread
subscription that provided a different country’s
bread with each delivery.
In addition to the bakery, Ruth runs a local food
hub which she created to bring local produce
to the community. She personally signs up the
producers, collects all the orders from them
each week and takes them to central collection
points, helping everyone have access to fresh
healthy food.
.......................................................................................
A Family Affair
The latest
addition to the
bustling city of
Lichfield is Avoir
Interiors which
opened its doors
on the busy
Market Square in
October.
This beautiful
home interior
and giftware
boutique offers
Nicola Taylor & Lesha
affordable luxury
Chaplin-Park (l-r) with
with a unique,
husbands (l-r) Anton
personal touch in
Taylor & Richard Chaplin
a friendly
e n v i r o n m e n t ,
which is the hallmark of the Avoir brand.
With an already successful store in Stafford,
founders and sisters, Nicola Taylor and Lesha
Chaplin-Park, are excited to bring to the people
of Lichfield a fabulous shopping experience for
their homes.
Visit the shop on Conduit Street or go online
at www.avoirinteriors.co.uk to find out more.
.......................................................................................
Don’t Be Lonely This
Christmas
Kendall and Wall
Charitable Trust
is a registered
charity run by a
group of trustees
including both
volunteers and
clients. The
object of the
charity is to ward
off loneliness and
help people to
meet new friends on days out in interesting
places.
The Trust understands how difficult it can be to
get out if someone suffers from mobility issues
and therefore has specially equipped buses with
lifts.
Outings are organised to appeal to a wide
range of interests and tastes. Most importantly,
the Trust will pick passengers up from home in
the morning and return them to their door at
the end of the outing. The Kendall & Wall team
of helpers are on hand on every trip to look
after passengers, help to push wheelchairs,
provide a steadying arm and even help at
mealtimes.
All outings are carefully planned to ensure that
the places visited are interesting, accessible and
not too far away, and that they have easy-access
toilets and somewhere to eat close by. From
horse racing to art galleries, concerts to garden
centres, the pantomime to stately homes, canal
and river trips to theatres and cinemas, all
tastes are catered for.
Find out more by visiting
www.kendallandwall.org.
.......................................................................................
The Hub Forms
Education Partnership
The Hub at St Mary's, a community arts venue,
has announced a new partnership with
Streethay Primary School.
The Hub needs to be relevant to everyone in
the community and sometimes that means, as
with this case for younger audiences, taking the
Hub to them. The pandemic has had a physical
and economic effect on schools being able to
offer creative and artistic experiences and that
is an area where local community venues can
step in to support. The Hub as a venue has so
many shared values with the school and we are
excited about what we can achieve together.
Sonia Sabri Dance Company performed at
Streethay School on Tuesday 5th of October.
'Same, same…but different' is a lively and fun
dance performance for young children rooted
in Indian Kathak dance, with the theme of
celebrating uniqueness and diversity.
The Hub now intends to develop the
partnership further by inviting the school to
visit future shows and exhibitions at The Hub.
Find out more at www.thehubstmarys.co.uk.
Competition Winners
Congratulations to the following winners:
S Moseley who is the winner of a Just
Granite chopping board; W Martin of
Burntwood who receives a Home
Cleaning Kit courtesy of Knight & Doyle;
and M Dales of Lichfield who gets to
enjoy a Sunday Roast Dinner for two at
Bradshaws Café and Farm Shop!
Well done!
G
w
re
a
o
fr
Your Garden in
November
By Byron Lewis
As we head towards the end of the year, it’s actually the start of the
season for planting roses and trees. They will benefit from still-warm soil
and the autumn rainfall which will help them become established more
quickly. You’ll find a great selection available at the garden centre – the
advice this year more than ever is to buy early. Many growers are seeing
exceptional demand – one of our tree suppliers has gone from a nursery
with over 200,000 trees to being nearly empty!
Fruit trees are also good for planting in November. This gives them the
whole of next season to get established, with some producing fruit in
the first year of being planted. Most fruit trees are suited to small
gardens but do check the ultimate heights, as this can vary. There are
even fruit trees you can grow in pots permanently – again fruit trees are
scarce, so buy while the range is good!
Later in the month, hedging plants will be available - if you need a living
screen for your garden, choose from hawthorn, blackthorn, privet, laurel
and others. All can be planted through the winter as long as the ground
is neither frozen or waterlogged - just add some fresh compost and
powdered fertiliser to the ground when you plant.
As we hit the end of the year, most people turn their attention to
Christmas. Next month, we’ll take a look at selecting the perfect REAL
Christmas tree and have plenty of tips to keep your tree looking good
into the New Year.
Talking of Christmas, our Christmas shop is due to open on 6th and 7th
of November. At the time of writing, we haven’t received our full range
(due to Covid/container Ships etc!) but it should all be in soon… fingers
crossed! We're also due to start taking bookings for our 2022 coach
trips which restart after nearly two years – see our website mid-
November for more details.
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
Allen Brown
Jewellery
35th Birthday Celebrations
............................
Afantastic time was had by all at the Allen Brown
Jewellery double celebration weekend. Not
only did the jeweller celebrate its 35th
birthday, but also 30 years at its home of Heart of the
Country Shopping Village. With personalised cupcakes
on offer and balloons to decorate the gallery, the firm
also gave out some special prizes to lucky customers.
Allen Brown enjoyed showcasing his special anniversary
piece, which consisted of an 18ct white gold kunzite and
diamond pendant.
The company wishes to thank all who visited who
helped to make the weekend extra special.
Allen Brown commented: “I’ve been very touched and
humbled by the response from past and present customers. 35
years is a long time but the success of the business is in largely
part due to the help and support of all my amazing Allen Brown
team. Heart of the Country has been a great location for my
business, a visionary concept of Lesley and Simon Stubbs.”
Local Star to
Perform at Xmas
Events
Classical pop and musical theatre
singer Jordan Adams will take to the
stage during November to perform
at the Lichfield Christmas Fayre and
Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch On
events.
A former grand finalist in the
national singing competition Open Mic UK, Jordan is best
known for playing the lead in several Lichfield Garrick
musical runs from The Sound of Music to The King and I,
as well as for his sold-out theatre concerts in the region.
Jordan will be performing at the Lichfield Guildhall on
Sunday 21st November as part of The Lichfield
Christmas Fayre. Taking place between 10am and 4pm
with Jordan performing from 12pm onwards, this year’s
fayre will be the biggest yet with a traditional Christmas
market, food and drink, and live entertainment. He’ll also
be adding a touch of West End musical magic to the
Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch-On which will be held
on Sunday 28th November singing songs from stage and
screen as well as traditional Christmas carols. On the
main stage between 2pm and 2.45pm Jordan’s
performance will be followed by the switch-on of the
City’s spectacular illuminations at 5pm and the arrival of
Santa.
14
15
Couple
Auctioned
Lifetime Ceramic
Collection for
Medical Costs
By Alex Keller
...............................
A couple who are both battling cancer put their treasured ceramics
collection up for auction in Lichfield to help cover the costs of private
medical care.
The pair, who are in their 70s and have asked not to be named,
started collecting 30 years ago and loved travelling around the country
hunting for rare pieces until illness changed everything – except their
devotion to each other.
The gentleman is fighting bowel cancer, which has spread to his lungs
and liver, and his wife has endured four major operations for mouth
cancer, one of which necessitated repurposing a bone from her leg.
Now the collection which gave them so much pleasure to
accumulate will help bring comfort to their dotage.
It went under the hammer in a special Single Owner Sale with
Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre,
Fradley Park, on Monday October 25th, realising a total of £30,000.
There are hundreds of hugely collectable pieces with many rarities
– the couple admit to losing track of the precise number some time
ago – and the collection is expected to fetch many thousands of
pounds.
“We’ve had a great deal of pleasure collecting and had pictured we
were going to sell them in our retirement,” they said.
“But you don’t know what the future holds and unfortunately
physical illness has stopped us, initially with the diagnosis of mouth
cancer 15 years ago.
“We had such plans for later in life and sometimes they don’t come
to fruition.
“Now we’re into our dotage and the proceeds will probably be used
to pay for private medical care.”
The collection included:
• Royal Doulton Bunnykins figurines and tableware designed by
Barbara Vernon
• Royal Doulton nursery ware designed by Savage Cooper and themed
by nursery rhymes
• Shelley tableware designed by Mable Lucie Attwell
• Beatrix Potter figurines by Beswick
• Wade figurines including iconic comic character Betty Boop
• Disney figurines from the Walt Disney Classics Collection, and
• Figurines and tableware by Royal Albert.
The anthropomorphic Bunnykins series featured figurines depicting
characters ranging from Sherlock Holmes and King Arthur to Henry
VIII and his six wives, from occupations and hobbies to sport and
travel including aeroplanes and cars to ships and even dodgems.
A rare Shelley prototype by Mable Lucie
Attwell made £240.
Rare pieces included a rabbit
clown and The Oompah Band in
green jackets.
The entire collection was
overwhelmingly evocative of a
childhood idyll, although the couple
from Sutton Coldfield ‘have never
been blessed’ with little ones of
their own.
It started with the Beswick
Beatrix Potter feline figurine of
Ginger, bought 30 years ago as the
couple at that time had a ginger cat
named Sandy.
“We were avid collectors, visiting
fairs at Newark, Trentham Gardens
and Exeter – we’ve been to
Glasgow and back in a day to
collect items we’d seen,” they
recalled.
“Over time you start to look for
specific items to make up a suite or
you go somewhere for something
specific and find something else
which interests you and that sends
you off on another tangent.
Rare rabbits: The Oompah Band in green
jackets sold for £800.
Just some of the collection of
Bunnykins figurines.
Beautifully illustrated Royal Doulton
nurseryware.
This Bunnykins plate can be filled
with warm water in order to keep the
child’s food at temperature.
“You just collect and collect. We’ve had a great deal of pleasure
collecting over the years and we’ve only ever bought what we’ve liked.
“We’ve seen the country and met lots of lovely people with an
interest in exquisite ceramics.
“It’s a passage of time we’ve thoroughly enjoyed – a wonderful
existence which has been cut short through illness.”
The nostalgic path chosen by the couple includes suites of
‘beautifully made’ nursery ware – a far cry from today’s utilitarian
approach.
“When you think of a toddler sitting there eating from these
beautifully illustrated pieces, it’s just absolutely incredible,” he said.
“You see kids today being fed with plastic beakers and things –
compare that to the sheer amount of design work and skill that went
into the nursery ware, decorated with pictures for the children to
look at while eating.
“We just fell in love with how beautiful it all was.
“Ginger was our first piece and it just grew from there.
“We had some wonderful times and absolutely loved all of it.”
For valuation appointments and for enquiries about house
clearances and downsizing solutions, telephone 01543 251081
or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk. Visit
www.richardwinterton.co.uk.
16
17
Darwin’s Garden
Declared
Outstanding!
Erasmus Darwin House is celebrating being
awarded ‘outstanding’ certification for its
gardens in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s
Your Neighbourhood’ event.
After Lichfield city decided not to take part in the
Britain in Bloom competition this year, the museum
decided to enter the event, which is described as a noncompetitive
scheme for community groups who want to
‘green up’ local areas and add some colour to the
community.
Visit Erasmus Darwin House on Beacon Street to find
out more.
Light Up a Life Christmas
Services Return
...............................
Lichfield and Cannock
people will be able to
come together once
more in November and
December to remember their
loved ones at St Giles
Hospice’s Light up a Life
services.
The special services, which
traditionally take place across
the St Giles Hospice region each
year before Christmas, are
returning as normal for 2021 after they had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
Light up a Life offers families the opportunity to remember loved ones they have
lost and to celebrate their lives. The events will include outdoor services at St
Giles Hospice in Whittington at 6.30pm on Thursday 2nd December; Lichfield
Cathedral at 8pm on Sunday 5th December; and St Luke’s Church, Cannock at
6pm also on Sunday 5th December.
Everyone is welcome at the Light up a Life services, where the community and
those that have made a dedication for a loved one are invited to join in a moment
of reflection as our Christmas trees are illuminated and to view the messages in
the Book of Memories. Dedications can also be viewed online on the Light up a
Life virtual Christmas tree.
Dedications can be made online at www.stgileshospice.com/lightupalife and will
feature on the hospice’s virtual Light up a Life Christmas tree, which is filled with
shining stars and sparkling lights. Dedications made before Thursday 11th
November will also be included in the Book of Memories.
The Book of Memories will be available to view at all Light up a Life services
and on the hospice website from 1st December. It will also be available to view in
St Giles Hospice and some service locations throughout December.
Everyone who dedicates a light will receive a special Light up a Life keepsake
card to display at Christmas time featuring the name of their loved one, their
personal message and a bookmark along with a poignant poem of remembrance.
For more information about Light up a Life services or to make a dedication,
please visit www.stgileshospice.com/lightupalife
Light Up a Life Services 2021
Saturday 27th November, 4pm
Aldridge Methodist Church
Sunday 28th November, 6pm
St Modwen’s Church, Burton upon Trent
Sunday 28th November, 3pm
St Mary the Virgin Church, Uttoxeter
Sunday 28th November, 6.30pm
Four Oaks Methodist Church, Sutton Coldfield
Thursday 2nd December, 6.30pm
Outdoor service at St Giles Hospice, Whittington
Saturday 4th December, 6pm
St Editha’s Church, Tamworth
Sunday 5th December, 6pm
St Luke’s Church, Cannock
Sunday 5th December, 8pm
Lichfield Cathedral
18
19
James Bates and Son, confectioners and
photographers, 1912
Edgar Bates and Sid Bennett grocer,
1931
Bates, Elsdon greengrocer and
Co-operative Furniture, 1937
The Bates of
Bore Street
By Jono Oates
............................
Ihe name Bates has a long association with various shops in
Lichfield and many Lichfeldians will remember the
photography shop on Lower Bore Street, run by Edgar Bates,
although he wasn’t the only Bates to have been a photographer
at that location.
Edgar’s father was James who had been born in Stapenhill, near
Burton Upon Trent, in 1862 but by 1891 he was living at 41 Market
Street Lichfield with his wife Mary, daughter Florence and sons
Clement and 11-month-old William Edgar. James’ profession was listed
as a grocer’s manager. In 1901 James and family were living on Dam
Street and his profession was then listed as a photographer.
From the early 1900s the Bates family had moved to 45 Bore Street
where James combined photography with a sweet shop selling Fry’s
and Cadbury’s chocolates, sweets and ices, while his wife Mary ran a
draper’s shop at 45a next door. James died aged 43 in 1905, but the
shop retained the name of James Bates until Edgar joined the business,
then becoming James Bates and Son.
By 1918 Edgar had started to concentrate on the photography
business and the shop name changed to Edgar Bates. In 1926 the
Lichfield Mercury reported that he was delighted to announce that he
had installed a fully electric photographic studio, open from 9am to
7pm. Edgar was able to offer his customers an out-of-hours service in
1929 with an automatic machine placed on the wall outside his shop
that allowed customers to buy Kodak films for 1 shilling and 2d on
Sundays or at night. He upgraded his studio yet again in 1932, which
was much better and quicker than the previous set-up, and allowed
him to take, develop and print the photographs, all while the customer
waited in the shop. The studio was fitted with the ‘most up-to-date
lighting effects, using special high-powered electricity bulbs and a
screen which reflects the light evenly over the sitter. The studio is
tastefully arranged so that the background of the photo gives an
excellent contrast to the sitter.’ The Lichfield Mercury reporter hoped
that the townspeople of Lichfield would support Edgar’s enterprising
initiative – an initiative that would become common place in the years
to come.
His mother continued in her shop next door, selling hosiery and
women’s and children underwear. In 1921 she was selling the
ubiquitous Liberty Bodice, which was ‘delightfully soft and elastic’ and
suitable for both boys and girls, at 3 shillings and 6d for young girls, and
6 shillings and 11d for ladies.
For nearly 50 years Edgar provided photography services from his
electric studio on Bore Street and also took photographs of weddings
and social events across Lichfield District, many of which appeared in
the Lichfield Mercury and Staffordshire Advertiser.
Edgar’s son, Cyril, was also an expert photographer and helped his
father in the shop. Cyril joined the RAF in 1938, via the School of
Photography, and served in World War Two. Captured by the Japanese
in North Borneo, Cyril died in early 1945 during a 115-mile jungle
march. After the war Edgar refused to sell, repair or service any
camera made in Japan.
The two shops continued to sell a wide variety of items between
them and in October 1956 men could enjoy the taste sensation of
Ogden’s Cobnuts, sliced tobacco for pipes, with the logo: ‘It looks
good… it smells good… it tastes good… and it is good!’ Meanwhile
at the Hosiery House at 45a, ladies could ‘feel as free as a bird’ with
the Exquisite Action floating action bra, which was ‘blissfully different
in fit and feel’, the Style 372 in superfine poplin was available in three
cup sizes for 18 shillings while the luxury 376 in nylon was 22 shillings.
After nearly 70 years of living and working at number 45, Edgar
Bates closed the shop in 1973 and retired. He died in October 1973,
aged 88, but before he died the Lichfield Mercury published a series of
photographs from Edgar Bates’ large collection of iconic images from
Lichfield’s golden Victorian era.
Today numbers 45 and 45a Bore Street are Caffe Nero and A-Plan
Insurance, the buildings having been significantly altered since the days
of James and Edgar Bates. The legacy of the Bates photographic
dynasty lives on however, as many of the images James and Edgar took,
or collected, are today stored in the St Mary’s Photographic
Collection, including those used in this article. The Bates of Bore
Street not only provided an essential service but also captured the
history and heritage through the lenses of their cameras.
*Vintage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s Photographic Collection.
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Trades of a City by JP Gallagher,
www.ancestry.co.uk.
20
21
Lichfield
Christmas Fayre
WARNING: This event will fill you with vast amounts
...............................
of Christmas spirit!
Lichfield Christmas Fayre is back this year on Sunday 21st November
from 10am until 4pm. It’s located, as usual, on Market Square with a
lovely Christmas Market and this year the organiser has added a market
not only inside The Hub at St Mary’s Church, but also The Guildhall too!
It means, should it get a little cold, visitors can go inside for a warm
whilst admiring the inside of two absolutely stunning buildings that are
part of Lichfield’s great heritage.
Expect to find a large traditional Christmas market with beautiful
handmade gifts, tasty food, drinks and charitable stalls. The likes of
award-winning English Indian, Melbourne Coffee, Fifth Spire Gin,
Hunnypot Cottage Bakery, Pom’s Kitchen & Deli, and Brockleby’s Pies
are just a few of the food and drink offerings that can be found.
There will be lots of fantastic festive entertainment in the streets too
with such names as Lichfield Rock Choir, The Salvation Army Band,
Great Wyrley Community Band and, of course, we can’t have an event
in Lichfield without a Morris dancer or two!
The talented Jordan Adams will be performing inside The Guildhall
from 12 noon. Jordan is a familiar face in Lichfield having been featured
as the lead in four musical runs at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and with
four single releases, one which was chosen as an official song in aid of
NSPCC.
Lichfield's Big Red Bike will also be offering free short trips to
Lichfield Cathedral during the event. This is a volunteer run charitable
organisation which help adults with limited mobility get out and about,
so why not treat yourself to a trishaw ride experience?
For the kids, there’s going to be a small fair ride and bungees however
there are also two very naughty Christmas elves threatening to cause
chaos on the day, and the organisers are appealing for help from all the
local children to keep them under control! Please refrain from feeding
them sweets because… anything could happen!
Lizzy Braine, Event Organiser, says: “We are so excited that Lichfield
Christmas Fayre is back this year! Everyone needs a good, fun
Christmas after the last couple of years and so this year we are going
for it! There’s a little something for everyone and it’s just such a lovely
family event. It’s free to come so why not bring your friends and family
to kick off Lichfield's festive season?”
For up-to-date information on Lichfield Christmas Fayre follow on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/lichfieldchristmasfayre.
Lichfield Christmas Fayre has been lovingly organised for over 50 years by
Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce. The plan each year is to create
footfall in the city centre so the bars, restaurants as well as shops benefit.
Local businesses are encouraged to get involved. If you’d like more
information on Lichfield Chamber, please get in touch
www.lichfieldchamber.org.uk.
22
Harry Potter’s Harry
Potter Book Sells for
Thousands at Auction
............................
Arare copy of Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone –
owned by a man named Harry Potter - has sold for tens of
thousands of pounds at auction.
Harry Potter, 33, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, so named years
before Pottermania exploded in 1997, discovered he and sister Katie
Sign owned a Potter hardback first edition.
It was given to them by their late father, David James Potter, in
1997 because he was so amazed by the name coincidence. After
much deliberation, Harry and Katie decided to sell the book in a bid
to honour their dad. Despite being in poor condition, it sold to a
private UK buyer for a hammer price of £22,000 at Hansons
Auctioneers on October 14. With buyer’s premium the total paid
was £27,500.
Harry Potter, who attended the sale at Hansons’ headquarters at
Etwall, near Derby, said: “We plan to use the proceeds to take my
dad’s ashes to Kenya.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “We’re
delighted to deliver a happy ending in this new Potter story.
Considering its well-used condition, the book did extremely well. I’m
so pleased Harry and Katie can now use the proceeds to honour
their father.
Advertising Feature
Harry Potter book -
Image Hansons
Harry and sister Katie with
the family’s Potter books -
Image Hansons
Harry Potter with Charles
Hanson, owner of Hansons
Auctioneers, at the firm’s
Derbyshire HQ - Image
Hansons
“Hansons’ has sprinkled yet more Potter magic. It’s all down to the
hard work of our hugely respected books expert Jim Spencer. He’s
uncovered and sold several rare Potter books and gained a
worldwide reputation for his expertise.”
Harry, a 33-year-old national sales manager, was eight when the
first Potter book came out in 1997. Thanks to Pottermania, he’s
spent the last 25 years trying to convince people his name really is
Harry Potter.
“People just don’t believe me,” said Harry, a dad-of-three. “When I
was a young footballer, a referee threatened me with a red card for
saying my name was Harry Potter.”
To arrange a free valuation of books or antiques or a home visit,
email Carol Jones at cjones@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
23
Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
............................
Well, that came round quickly?! Here we are again thinking about
Christmas recipes and having heard people declaring there’s ‘only 200
shopping days until Christmas!’
The markets are turbulent at the moment with scares about
shortages of pigs in blanket, all forms of pork and even turkeys. Whilst
one supermarket I went in today is asking for turkey orders by 15th
December local butchers may stretch it a little longer but, personally, I
think the sooner the better as far as orders are concerned. I hear the
local turkey farms don’t envisage any problems so, as ever, not as bad
as the press makes out!
We are also in game season now which is not as badly affected by
price rises as beef and chicken as the majority of it is shot locally and
available from your local butcher. One of the butchers at Russell’s of
Shenstone goes stalking on a regular basis so they always have a
plentiful supply of superb venison cuts. The joy of game is that it’s very
healthy as it carries minimal fat because it’s forever foraging and not
standing still.
This month, I have done a couple of different turkey recipes to the
normal Christmas tradition. The reason being that turkey is available
all year and an extremely healthy option, again because it has minimal
fat and is ideal for those watching their weight or food intake for
whatever reason. The turkey burger recipe can be done with any form
of mince as I always view mince as a vehicle for any number of
ingredients, and you can play about with recipes, adding any number of
spices and ingredients, replicating dishes from around the world.
Posh Turkey Burger
1 lb turkey mince
4 x rashers streaky bacon or back
if you prefer
4oz gorgonzola cheese
2 x tomatoes
1 x avocado
1 x little gem lettuce
1 x loaf mixed olive ciabbatta
1 x jar Stokes Bloody Mary
Ketchup
4 x spring onions
20 x cooked, vacuum packed
chestnuts
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Finely dice the spring onion and roughly chop the chestnuts. Mix the
turkey mince with the chopped ingredients, season with salt and
pepper and form into ‘patties’ or burger shapes and place onto a
baking dish. If you like them nice and even use a mould.
Slice the ciabbatta in half lengthways and put onto a baking sheet.
Finely slice the tomatoes into eight slices. Grate the gorgonzola. Grill
the bacon rashers.
Pre-heat the oven to 180°C and
put the burgers in to cook.
Depending on how thick you have
made them the cooking time will
vary but they should be nice and
firm to the touch. Cut into one
to make sure there is no sign of
pink. Put the ciabatta into the
oven for five minutes then take
out and cut into four equal
pieces. Build your burger using
the other ingredients and serve
with the ketchup on the side.
Breast of Pheasant with
Seasonal Rösti
4 x breasts pheasant
4 x baking potatoes
1 x packet cooked chestnuts
8 x rashers smoked bacon
2 x tbsp chopped parsley
1 x pkt blackberries or 1 jar
blackberry jam
2oz sugar
1 x bunch thyme
1 x red onion
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Par boil the jacket potatoes in
their skins the day before you
need them so they are half
cooked. Leave them to cool overnight.
Day two, remove the skin from the potatoes and grate into a bowl,
add the red onion finely diced along with half the chestnuts which
should be chopped, and the chopped parsley.
Grill the bacon rashers until crispy and then chop four of them and
add to the potato mix. Season the potato mix and stir altogether.
Form into small cake and place on an oiled baking tray.
To make a blackberry syrup either add the sugar to the packet of
blackberries with half a cup of water and simmer for 10 minutes, then
pass through a sieve or put the jar of jam in a small pan and add some
water, simmer and strain (the jam is the easier method).
Preheat the oven to 195°C and put the potato cakes in to start
cooking. After 10 minutes put the pheasant breast and cook for 10-15
minutes until firm. Serve on the potato cakes with the other four
rashers of bacon and drizzle with the blackberry syrup. Top with
watercress or alfalfa shoots and garnish with the rest of the chestnuts
and some fresh blackberries.
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.
24
A City of
Flavours
With one of the most eclectic mixtures of
restaurants and eateries in the area, Lichfield
never fails to amaze and delight diners with the
wares on offer.
There’s a huge range of different cuisines to choose from,
such as Thai, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, World Food,
Mediterranean, French, Asian, English… and everything in
between that you could possibly want.
There’s also a varied range of atmospheric vibes in the city,
ranging from chilled out and laid-back; to quirky and funfilled;
exotic; quick and easy fast food; and even fine dining
experiences – whichever you prefer, you’re still spoilt for
choice!
There have been several new additions to the local dining
scene recently meaning that now more than ever, Lichfield
really is A City of Flavours!
We’ve compiled a delicious selection of dining reviews from
just a few of our favourites over the next few pages to really
tantalise your tastebuds and whet your appetite!
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Mexican Bread Recipe
By Ruth Redgate
.........................
Time for something completely different
with a Mexican bread called Dia de los
Muertos or ‘Day of the Dead’. This
celebration, which honours the life of
deceased loved ones, starts on Halloween
however the bread is not baked until the
last day on 2nd November, and is just one
of the many offerings that either decorate the grave or are part
of an altar created at home.
It’s a really easily one too as you just chuck everything in a food
mixer and let the machine do the work!
Ingredients
• 500 g strong bread flour
• 20g fresh yeast
• 100g sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 160 g butter at room temperature (plus 30g to brush bread
after baking)
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• Orange zest from 2 oranges
• 60ml warm water (110 degrees)
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water or orange essence
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Sugar to decorate
Serving suggestion: Mexican hot chocolate or ‘champurrado.’
Method
• Place the eggs, half of the butter, salt and half of the sugar in
the mixer bowl. Using the hook attachment start working the
dough for about two minutes. Add the flour in small amounts
alternating with the water. Add the yeast and mix until well
combined.
• Continue by adding one at a time the butter, the orange zest,
the rest of the sugar and the orange blossom essence, mixing
well after each addition until soft dough forms.
• Knead until smooth (about five mins). Let stand in a warm
place until it doubles in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Transfer the dough from the bowl onto working surface,
separate 300g of the dough to form the decorative bones later
on. Cut the rest in two equal pieces if making two large breads.
Prepare two greased baking sheets, set aside.
Shaping the Bread
• Take one portion of the dough shape each piece into a tight
ball. Place on prepared baking sheets two inches apart.
• Now place the remaining 300g of dough onto the work
surface, dusting with flour if needed, and knead until the flour is
integrated perfectly (this is for the ‘bones’ to decorate).
• Take small portions of dough and roll into small logs. Once
your bones are already formed (two needed for each bread),
brush each bread forming a cross on top of each with a mix of
the remaining beaten egg with 1tbsp of water.
• Finally, with the leftover dough, form small balls, and egg glaze
the centre of the bread where the bones come together. Cover
baking sheets with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until
breads are touching and doubled in size (approx two hours).
• Preheat oven to 180°C degrees.
• Add a pinch of salt to egg mix and brush the breads before
placing in the oven. Bake until golden brown, about 25 mins.
• Once completely cooled, brush with the remaining butter and
dust with sugar.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Win Festive
Afternoon Tea for
Two
(excludes 19th and 24th December)
............................
The Bureau Lichfield is offering festive
afternoon teas this year! With a delicious
selection of festive themed finger
sandwiches and chef's choice of
savouries, fruity scones with clotted
cream, mince pies and lots of
Christmassy extras, you’re certain to be
in for a treat! Choose your favourite tea
and coffee to accompany and enjoy it all
in the elegant and delightfully quirky
Georgian surroundings of the venue’s
upstairs rooms (there’s even mulled
wine and hot gin toddies to keep you warm!)
Festive Afternoon Teas are available from 28th November to 23rd
December and are priced at £20pp for adults, and £10pp for children.
There might even be a special visit from Santa Claus himself, all the way
from the North Pole, with games and presents for good boys and girls!
We’ve teamed up with The Bureau to offer one lucky reader the chance
to win a Festive Afternoon Tea for Two. To be in with your chance of
wining this fantastic prize, simply correctly answer the following
question and send it along with your contact details.
Where does Santa Claus live?
a) The North Pole
b) The South Pole
c) Polesworth
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to The Bureau
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
Novemebr 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
Cooking and Food-Styling
Photography Course
.................................
Fancy something a bit different? Then read on! We sent our director, Helen, on a cooking and
photography course at Perrys’ Field to Fork - an Artisan Butchery and Cookery School that deliver
cookery courses, based in the historic market town of Eccleshall.
On arrival we were greeted by Debbie Hill who owns the cookery school, and the setting was a lovely a
purpose built Artisan Butchery & Cookery School, built in 2019 which is surrounded by beautiful gardens. We
were made to feel welcome straight away and, after a quick brew we all introduced ourselves.
Running the course was professional baker Steph Clubb and she guided each of us through her recipes. First
off, we prepped our dough for our iced buns and let it rest whilst we moved onto making lemon, coconut and
blueberry loaf cake.
Then back onto the dough to make our finger rolls. I quite enjoyed the kneading process – I found it got rid
of a lot of tension and was rather relaxing! They then went into the oven and the fun bit began - decorating the
cake with icing! I did manage to get some on the cake as well as all over the counter! My inner child came out
as I added pretty edible flowers, berries and mint from the garden, and I finished just in time to take my buns
out of the oven – I only managed to burn a couple of them too!
Steph had boxes and boxes of stuff to help us style our food for our photographs and she shared her tips and
tricks on how to get the perfect shot every time - you don’t even need a top-of-the-range camera, just your
smartphone!
We learned how to bring out the colour of food to create a beautiful and vibrant image, and discovered how
to use natural ambient lighting and props with hints of what was in the food to help enhance our dishes.
Everyone’s final images were absolutely fantastic. We all had a great day and learned so much - plus the cakes
tasted pretty good too! I made that many I brought them home and shared them with my family “who were
pretty stunned that I managed to bake anything at all, given my track record - they are all alive still by the way!”
Our lunch was also included in the price and consisted of Perrys’ own homemade items, all of which were
extremely tasty.
The courses are run over a full day, from 10am till 4pm. It was relaxed, fun and very informative and I will
definitely be booking another one soon!
As well as cake baking, Perrys’ run a variety of courses, bread making, Indian cooking, Italian cooking, butchery,
and pie-making etc, with new courses being added all the time. Keep a look out on the website at
www.perrysfieldtofork.co.uk.
It makes the perfect gift for a loved one, a corporate team-building event, special occasion or just to treat
yourself and learn some new skills! They also offer gift vouchers for all special occasions.
Perrys’ Field to Fork, The Old Cookery School, 23 Stafford Street, Eccleshall,
Stafford, ST21 6BL. Tel: 01785 851911. www.perrysfieldtofork.co.uk
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
A Taste of the Jungle
...........................................
If you fancy something a little bit special and totally different from the norm then Jungle Street
Kitchen is a must. As the latest new restaurant to grace the streets of Lichfield, we were invited
along to experience the beautifully vibrant, colourful and tasty food on offer.
With a wide variety of dishes for the whole family to enjoy, the World Street Food & Bubble Tea Bar
boasts a specially crafted menu and drinks which have been extremely well thought out to complement
each and every dish.
As you enter JSK (as it is affectionately known!) you are greeted with a warm welcome, just stop for
a little and take in the jungle surroundings as it really is a treat for the eyes!
Once seated, we thought we would try a ‘bubble tea’, which I had to admit I’d never heard of before. I
picked strawberry flavour which was rich and creamy and my partner had a mango and lychee which was
light, cool and refreshing. They were served with two types of jelly and tapioca pearls to give the ‘bubblelike’
texture. Produced from loose tea leaves and homemade syrups, even the jellies are made by JSK so
it’s all completely fresh and delicious, and, being served with an eco-friendly straw, means it’s delicious
AND good for the environment!
Onto our starters… we kicked off with Crazy Bombs and Risotto Rice Cake, both of which are
vegetarian dishes. I would have never of thought of combining these two dishes but wow, they
complimented each other perfectly! The crispy puffs were filled with fruits and sweetened yoghurt, plus
tangy spiced water, combined with the golden and crunchy risotto rice cake with a potato stuffing and a
hint of chilli was a total tastebud explosion! Plus, the presentation and the skill which goes into making
these dishes is, quite simply, mind blowing.
Onto our mains from the Jungle ‘Thrill’ section which consisted of a Brazilian Lamb Steak that cut like
butter, both of which were seasoned to perfection and presented beautifully with a mash with a hint of
lemon in it. This was accompanied by a rainbow salad which was fresh and alive with pickled cucumber,
hummus, pomegranate seeds and sesame in-house dressing which gave it a slight earthy undertone - how
can a humble salad taste so great? We also had Volcanic Butter Chicken (from the ‘House Kitchen’
section), which was flame-roasted and juicy simmering in aromatic butter sauce, served with jungle rice
– not just any rice! This rice is a vibrant shade of jungle green colour due to being cooked with steamed
spinach, dill, cilantro and parsley rice! Next on our culinary journey through the menu was a Dirty BAO
Burger from the ‘Safari Zone’ which was a Vietnamese steamed bun with lettuce, tomato, chilli mayo,
cheese onion, with lamb and veggie options available – they looked great, they tasted great!
For dessert we enjoyed a Mango Cheesecake, complete with chocolate jungle leaf, and a Chai Crème
Brulee - I love a crème brulee and the twist of adding Chai only made this tasty dessert better!
Easily one of the best meals I have tasted and, if I’m honest, I’m blown away by the attention to detail
that goes into creating each and every one of these unique dishes. Top marks from Citylife!
Did you know Jungle Street Kitchen is dog friendly? You can even take your own wine (no corkage fee)
to accompany your evening meal, plus there’s a large function room upstairs that can be sectioned off
for meetings, weddings,
parties or group bookings. This
is a family friendly
establishment with a child’s
menu too. No booking
required but recommended for
an evening sitting.
43 Bore Street, Lichfield.
Call: 01543 411133
www.junglestreet
kitchen.co.uk
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
The Inkwell
at Lichfield
.........................
..................
The Inkwell at Lichfield opens its doors this
November just in time for the festive season.
Formerly known as The Saxon Penny, the local
country pub will be completely transformed with a
six-figure investment, promising guests an authentic
pub experience and creating 20 new jobs.
To celebrate the opening, a series of soft launch offers
will also be available ahead of the grand opening on the
26th November. On the evening before the official launch,
a party will be held on 25th November in celebration.
Nestled on Stonneyland Drive, The Inkwell at Lichfield
will focus on providing quality food and drink, as well as a
home from home pub atmosphere. Alongside a complete
overhaul of the food and drink menus, a major
refurbishment of The Inkwell at Lichfield will bring all the
features of a traditional country pub, refreshed with
Farrow & Ball colours, a log burning stove, hand-crafted
wall panelling and sumptuous soft furnishings. Guests also
have the option to dine al fresco, and while away the
afternoon on the terrace, with food, drinks and friends.
The reimagined food and drink menu will feature a
seasonal selection of dishes, including classic pub
favourites guaranteed to impress and cater to any
occasion. Specials for the season include a homemade
lamb kebab, severed on garlic flatbreads, with a fresh feta
and pomegranate salad. Or, the signature Glazed Pulled
Beef Burger, prime Aberdeen Angus burger topped with
BBQ glazed pulled British beef, streaky bacon and melting
cheese.
To complete the dining experience, guests can also
select from a range of decadent desserts including a
Pudding Tasting Board – which can be personalised by
guests, who can select their bespoke choices from a
selection of the top desserts. As Christmas fast
approaches, the menu will also feature a classically festive
Turkey dinner complete with a sweet and fruity
Christmas pudding. Bookings for Christmas Day are now
being taken, with an indulgent three-course set menu at
the heart of the day’s celebration.
The drinks menu features a choice of signature
cocktails refreshed for the autumn months and locally
sourced cask ales, ideal to accompany any dish perfectly.
For more information and to book a table, head to
www.inkwelllichfield.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
The Italian Job!
.................................
Located on Tamworth Street nestles one of Lichfield’s most established and well-loved eateries,
having been in situ since 1987. Serving authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant still delights locals
and those further afield, with its vast array of mouth-watering dishes. Helen Smith went along to
experience a deliciously authentic Italian treat!
After a warm and friendly greeting, we were guided to our seats - this is a cosy, relaxed restaurant, with
friendly staff and we felt very welcome indeed.
After ordering drinks and having a look over the extensive menu, I chose Gamberoni Salvatore as my starter.
The delicious, plump tiger prawns are infused with chilli, garlic, tomato and white wine, and it was easily one of
the tastiest meals I’ve ever eaten. With intenjse flavours of garlic and chili adorning the juicy prawns, I was in
Heaven!
My partner opted for the Beef Carpaccio – exceptionally thin slices of raw beef accompanied with rocket, an
Italian marinade and shavings of salty parmesan. Not only did this look vibrant, but it tasted fresh and peppery
thanks to the rocket, with a tang of salt to set off the beef perfectly.
With starters finished, and not a crumb left over, we were already excited about our main courses and waited
with anticipation and
mouths watering!
My Crema di
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Salmone
Conigliato
was a beautifully
cooked fillet of salmon
in a butter, garlic,
tomato and cream
sauce. This was a fresh
fish dish and it tasted absolutely divine, with the flaky flesh
of the fish simply melting in the mouth with every bite.
Accompanied with roasted vegetables and a side order of
salad, this went down extremely well!
My partner went for Agnello Burro e Rosmarino - lamb
cutlets cooked in butter, garlic and rosemary. He received
four good-sized cutlets cooked to perfection in a delicious
sauce. They were bone licking good!
We were feeling pretty full by now, however it would have
been rude not to try the speciality dessert – a traditional
Italian Tiramisu. This homemade classic dish was the ideal
sweet treat to finish off what was an exceptionally tasty
meal, and all washed down with an expresso - Bellissimo!
If you’re looking for food for a special occasion, something
romantic, or just a night out with a difference, we highly
recommend Pizza by Goli. Find out more by visiting
www.pizzabygolilichfield.co.uk
or telephone
T: 01543 250916
to make a booking.
Autumn Days at The Linhay
By Kristen Lackajis
...........................................
It was a fine autumn day (sunny, yet chilly), when we visited The Deer Park in Hoar Cross to
try the brand-new menu at The Linhay restaurant.
With a delightful country feel, thanks to the warm, inviting interior and gorgeous woodland-style tree
trunk tables, the expansive glass doors which line one side of the restaurant provide a stunning vista
over the rolling Staffordshire hills and forest, providing the opportunity for diners to enjoy the beauty
of the area without being out in the nippy autumn air!
For a lunchtime, the restaurant was bustling and the friendly waiting staff showed us to our seats and
presented us with a menu filled with deliciously warming offerings, such as Open Roast Packington Pork
Sandwich and Maple Glazed Bacon Loin. Needless to say we took some time deciding on our choices,
however we enjoyed a glass (or two!) of sparkling English wine while we deliberated.
I’m a big fish lover so I was delighted to find Aromatic Fish Soup on the menu. It sounded divine and
consisted of poached salmon, cod, mussels and prawns in an aromatic fish soup, parmesan puff pastry,
lobster butter and stout and cheddar sourdough. Not only was this dish hearty and warming (perfect
for a cold day) but I was incredibly impressed with the amount of fish I received, plus the size of the prawns! It was juicy, succulent, creamy and
incredibly indulgent, plus the melt-in-the-mouth lobster butter was a stroke of genius! Sheer bliss!
My friend, who is vegetarian, was spoiled for choice as there were several veggie options, all of which sounded wonderful. She finally opted for a
Roast Parsnip Tart Tatin, topped with Dovedale blue cheese, champ mash potato, parsnip crisps, parsnip and sherry vinegar puree and a port syrup.
She was certainly not disappointed! The sweet parsnip was perfectly set off by the tangy cheese flavour and she declared the entire meal ‘incredible’!
Not only was the food tasty and filling, but the presentation is something to be admired as well. It is clear that at The Linhay, a lot of love and
thought have gone into each and every dish to create not only something to tantalise the tastebuds, but also a work of art on your plate!
All ingredients are fresh and local, with lots of the meat and accompaniments being sold in the adjoining farm shop meaning you can take a little
taste of heaven home with you!
Visit The Deer Park at Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, Burton on Trent, DE13 8QR, or online at www.deerpark.farm to find out more.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Steeped in Tradition
...........................................
By Kristen Lackajis
Being the longest-established Indian restaurant in Lichfield is quite some claim to fame, so
we went along to discover more about The Bengal which first opened its doors in 1968.
The Bengal, situated under the gabled archways of Bore Street, is easy to overlook. Its exterior is
modest and, being somewhat hidden under the tudor building atop of it, it’s easy to miss the restaurant’s
signage… but don’t be fooled. This is a small restaurant with a big offering!
Go up a flight of stairs and you enter what I think of as a more traditional Indian restaurant. It’s cosy
and welcoming, with ambient coloured lighting along one wall, a beautiful fish tank separating the waiting
area from the main dining area, and a well-stocked bar area too. After being greeted warmly we were
shown to our table and left to peruse the extensive menu, which features so much choice that we took
quite some time deliberating… whilst enjoying a drink and the classic poppadoms with accompaniments.
Having been around for the last 50-odd years, you would have thought that The Bengal had seen a
myriad of owners come and go over the time. However, we learned that the original owner only retired
two years ago, and it was taken over by a friend of his who is still very much in contact with him today.
They kept the original name of the restaurant too, to honour its history and reputation for excellence.
For our starters, I chose something a little big different. As a fish lover, I usually opt for a prawn puree
and, whilst this was on the menu, I decided to ‘live a little’ and try something I’d not had before. My
choice was King Prawn Asanok – a delicately spiced dish consisting of succulent and juicy king prawns
smothered in onions, peppers, tomatoes and herbs. It was absolutely delicious – not too spicy, but
certainly had a little heat to it.
My partner chose a Mixed Tikka Kebab, with lamb, chicken and sheikh meat, and was highly impressed
with the amount he received. With our first courses well and truly devoured, we moved on to the star
of the show.
I love my Indian food lightly spiced – I don’t mind heat, but I find anything too spicy and I simply can’t taste the flavours. So, I tend to always opt for
a mild to medium dish. The one which really caught my eye in this instance was the Badami – cooked with almonds in a mild sauce with fresh cream,
it sounded delicious and I went for the King Prawn option – naturally! It was perfect! Soft, slightly sweet and with a real depth of flavour.
My partner, on the other hand, likes things pretty hot, more along the Madras scale. His favourite is a Chicken Jalfrezi however, on recommendation
of the waiter, he also thought he’d branch out and tickle his tastebuds with something a bit different. He had a Chicken Kala Mirch which is cooked
extensively with hot chilli paste, fresh spinach and herbs and spices. He was not disappointed! It had the heat he craved, but was also juicy and aromatic.
We teamed our mains with a mushroom pilau rice, a beautifully fluffy cheese and garlic nan bread, and a favourite of ours – Mattar Paneer – Indian
cheese and peas cooked in mild spices.
Everything was absolutely divine and, if you’ve never been, this hidden gem is most definitely worth a visit. If you’re after great food, cooked to
traditional recipes, in an intimate setting, then The Bengal really is one not to miss!
Find out more, or look at the menu, at www.thebengallichfield.com.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Award-winning Local Cider Company
“Every apple tree is precious and every apple has a tale to tell…”
............................................................
That’s the mantra which
James Williams,
founder of Yoxall Cider
Company, has been living by
for the last three years since
opening his own business
and taking his passion for
cider one step further.
James had been making cider
for 10 years prior to starting
James and James of Yoxall Cider
up on his own, initially
beginning as a keen amateur. His goal with Yoxall Cider was to
create a smooth, rich, truly apple tasting, handmade, artisan cider
using local apples, honouring the tried and tested traditional
techniques, but using modern methodology and equipment to
produce an exceptional product.
“Cider making is a mixture of arboriculture, creativity, hard
work, patience, and a huge dose of fun,” James laughs. “You can’t
make great cider without having fun and being constantly in awe
of the magic and science involved in the process.”
James’ philosophy is simple – he believes that every apple tree
Advertising Feature
is special and has a story behind it. With so many beautiful, healthy
and delicious local apples going to waste, the team behind Yoxall
Cider have made it their mission to collect and use as many of
them as possible.
“Our orchard is everyone else’s back garden,” he continues.
“We also source the best traditional Dabinett cider apples from a
specialist grower in Herefordshire to ensure the perfect balance
is achieved.”
It takes almost 12 months to produce Yoxall Cider’s delicious
batches, meaning that there’s an awful lot of hard work and
dedication that goes into each and every bottle. This hard work
has certainly paid off, however, as Yoxall Cider company has
recently gained a Great Taste Award for its innovative Iced
Dessert Perry Cider.
There’s a whole range of products to cover a wide variety of
tastes, including coeliac and vegan-friendly versions too. So why
not take a look online and find the perfect refreshing and tangy
tipple for you, or taste the delicious award-winning Iced Dessert
Perry Cider this holiday season?
Visit www.yoxallcider.co.uk for more information and to order
online.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours
Dedication of National
Miners’ Memorial
............................
Walker, members of the band and choir, those who had donated
plaques or their services as well as members of the public present on
the day.
Progress of the project can be followed on the group’s Facebook
page: www.facebook.com/ChaseArtsForPublicSpaces, or on twitter
@miners_memorial.
Chase Arts for Public Spaces (CHAPS) and all connected
with the National Miners’ Memorial were honoured to be
joined at the service of dedication by Their Royal
Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester on Friday 3rd
September.
Before unveiling the stone plaque, His Royal Highness the Duke of
Gloucester spoke from the heart about the work done by all men,
women and children who worked in this country’s coal industry over
hundreds of years and the part they all played in keeping other
industries operating.
Following the unveiling of the plaque the memorial itself was unveiled
by four former miners, together with the artist and the stonemason.
His Royal Highness read a passage from the Book of Revelation and
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant read a very moving poem written
originally by Julie Shires which accurately portrays all aspects of the life
of a miner. Lea Hall Brass Band and choristers from Wolverhampton
and Walsall Orpheus Male Voice Choirs added greatly to the occasion.
At the end of the service Mike Mellor, President of CHAPS spoke,
thanking everyone for not only being there on that day but also for
giving such wonderful support over the four years taken to reach this
point.
Following the service, Their Royal Highnesses took time to speak
with as many as possible: artist Andy DeComyn, Stonemason Mark
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, with
Andy DeComyn
The NMM is unveiled
HRH The Duke of Gloucester with
Mike mellor, President CHAPS and
Mark walker, stonemason
HRH The Duke of Gloucester,
dedication of NMM (1)
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
37
Festive Gift
Guide
.....................
Great ideas for pressies this year
from local retailers, artists and
craftspeople.
The Salon Lichfield
The Ideal gift for a loved one. Book in with
Jemma and get 10% off plus a FREE Wellaplex
treatment (Save £20). Jemma has been
hairdressing for 20 years and in that time has
gained a wealth of experience in all aspects of
hairdressing. Book in now for a free
consultation. Hair by Jemma at The Salon
Lichfield. Tel: 07583 559128.
Handmade at Hilltop
Homemade gonks with weighted bottoms, made
to order starting at £4. For all your sewing needs.
Blinds, curtains, alterations and repairs.
Please contact handmadeathilltop@gmail.com
or call Sue 07429 071156.
City Jewellers
Longines Hydroconquest watch with
41mm green dial, ceramic bezel and men's
rubber strap. Priced at £1,300 and available
from City Jewellers, Bore Street, Lichfield.
www.cityjewellers.co.uk
Needwood Living
Drink your champagne in style this Christmas with
our glitzy glassware. Set of four Gold Diamante
Champagne Flutes, priced at £42 and available
from Needwood Living, 136 Main Street, Alrewas,
DE13 7ED. Tel: 01283 711272.
www.needwoodliving.co.uk
Jewellery with Life
Emily Jane is passionate about creating her
pieces as much by hand as possible; making
each piece truly unique, just like you! This
stunning silver crescent moon is the perfect gift
to give your loved one this Christmas.
Priced at £23.
Visit www.jewellerywithlife.co.uk or join the
Instagram community at @emilyjanedesigner
38
Ryman’s Christmas Trees
A selection of Christmas accessories and
stunning Christmas trees. The Christmas shop
offers a range of gifts, accessories and
decorations, stocking some truly fantastic
products in a small, well-loved shop, including
handmade wreaths. Visit Manor Farm, Wall, WS14
0AH. Tel: 07788 883512, or email
sales@rymanschristmas.co.uk
Simply Prosecco
Find the perfect Christmas gift for your employees
or individual gifts for family and friends. Bottles of
standard, skinny and rosé skinny Prosecco available
for individual or multiple order, or a bottle of your
choice with two fizz flutes presented in a gorgeous
gift box. Order via the website at
www.simplyprosecco.co.uk or contact via email at
admin@simplyprosecco.co.uk for corporate and
multiple orders. Gift boxes can be posted
nationwide.
The Callingwood
Candle Company
The Signature candle gives up to 40 hours of
fragrance and the diffuser up to 12 weeks.
None of these gift sets are complete without a
glass bottle of black tipped matches and all
come beautifully presented in a luxury kraft
magnetic gift box.
Signature Hand Poured Candle & 100ml Flower
Reed diffuser gift set - £35
www.callingwoodcandles.co.uk
Luxellen Candles
Luxellen
The Quirky
Emporium
Visit The Quirky
Emporium at
Bishton Hall for all
your unique and
quirky gifts this
Christmas.
Repurposed and
restored furniture,
gifts and outdoor
items as well as
Automobilia,
Militaria, F1
Memorabilia and
Railwayania. Open
daily.
The Quirky Emporium, The Old Stables, Bishton
Hall, Bellamore Lane, Wolseley Bridge, Nr Rugeley,
ST170XN.
Michael’s Menswear
Everyone loves the feel a luxury material
against their skin and these Viyella Cashmere
Blend Long-Sleeved Shirts are no exception!
Priced at £79.95 and available from
Michael’s Menswear, Market Street, Lichfield.
Cheese Cavern
Treat your loved one this Christmas to a cheese
hamper from The Cheese Cavern - a family run
artisan cheese mongers set under the arches in
Lichfield. Choice of cheeses and flavoured biscuits
presented in a festive hamper.
Available to order from November 25th
www.thecheesecavern.co.uk.
Greenark Animal Feeds
Established family business with treat boxes that
are full of delicious natural treats, including long
lasting deworming easy digestible tasty chews. Visit
Greenark at 16 Riverside, Power Station Road,
Rugeley WS15 2YR
(100 yards from Tesco Rugeley).
Tel: 01889 580080.
Allen Brown Jewellery
Silver 18ct gold and black rhodium,
diamond set stud earrings priced at £275.
Can be purchased in the gallery or on the
online shop. Click and collect service available
or items can be posted. Available from Allen
Brown Jewellery, located at Heart of the
Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield,
WS14 9QR. Tel: 01543 481 948.
www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk
MB Designs
Lichfield fine bone china bauble by artist Mandy
Billington incorporates the beautiful buildings of the
city, including the Lichfield Cathedral, Dr Johnson's
Birthplace and the old clock. Priced at £10.50 each
and available from MB Designs at
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MBDesignsEngland.
Tel: 07841 108207. Email:
m.b.designs@hotmail.com.
Body Beautiful
Treat your loved ones to a pamper at this luxury
beauty retreat in the heart of Lichfield, overlooking
Minster pool. This beautiful three-storey listed building
boasts both history and a stylish decor. Providing a
comfortable, professional atmosphere and using the
highest quality products including Elemis and Thalgo,
treatments are delivered by qualified and experienced
therapists. Gift vouchers available. Tel: 01543 897600.
www.bodybeautifuldayspa.co.uk
Little Flock
Natural, sustainable, luxurious quality
handpicked pieces make the perfect gifts this
Christmas. Rare breed sheepskins from £65,
pure wool blankets and throws from £50, and
'Ewemoo' footstool £130. Available from
Little Flock (in the grounds of the Plant Plot
Garden Centre, Stafford Rd, Lichfield).
www.Littleflock.co.uk
39
Lichfield Piano
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.
Eden Gallery
‘The Salon’ framed limited edition by Dotty Earl
(framed size 49cm x 48cm). Priced at £195 and
available from Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre,
Curborough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane,
Lichfield, WS13 8ES. Tel: 01543 268393.
www.edenartandframing.co.uk
Luminare
For an Ideal Gift, Luminare has a superb
selection of crystal and glass lamps and fittings.
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 showroom at 29 Tamworth Street,
Lichfield. Tel: 01543 418254.
Tippers
Explore your culinary imagination by enjoying
authentic wood fired pizzas with the No.16 Pizza
Oven from Char Outdoors. Priced at £395.00
and available from www.pavingplace.co.uk.
Erase UK
Buy someone the
perfect gift with a
Radio Frequency Skin
Rejuvenation treatment.
This lovely, relaxing
facial is designed to
stimulate the collagen
production for a more
toned and contoured
appearance. Buy gift vouchers now for that
someone special at £39 per facial or buy a
course of three for £99. To purchase, visit Erase
UK, 1 Tudor Row, Wade Street, Lichfield, WS13
6HH. Tel: 01543 419516.
Vouchers can be posted.
Paul Martyn
Nobile fused glass cat, in red, priced at
£27.99. Football Pass metal figurine, priced at
£10.99. Both available from Paul Martyn,
Heart of the Country Shopping Village,
Swinfen.
www.paulmartyn.co.uk
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
40
41
Dogs & Fireworks
Hints & Tips by Lauren Hirst
............................
It’s that time of year again when fireworks go off not only on Bonfire
Night but during other celebrations such as Diwali, New Year’s Eve,
and also at random times too, like weddings and parties. They often
come with no warning. They are loud, bright, erratic and leave a
burning smell in the air which dogs find distressing. However, you can
help your pets by planning ahead to make them feel calm, safe, and
secure.
Avoid letting your dog outside at a time where fireworks are likely to go
off, though it’s much harder to plan around random, backyard fireworks.
Research when the organised displays are in your area.
Walk earlier in the day in the daylight and keep dogs on a lead even if they
are normally off lead – fireworks can go off at any time of day and cause a
dog to bolt. Let the dog toilet in the garden before it gets dark.
Try to stay home with your dog. Remain calm yourself. Some people are
afraid that giving attention will somehow reinforce the fear, but dogs don’t
want to feel afraid so it’s OK to be a comforting, calming presence with
gentle reassurance. Try and be as normal as possible.
Draw the curtains to minimise the flashes. Feed early and a big meal if
they’ll eat it – just like humans, dogs get sleepy on a full stomach. Panting
can make them extra thirsty so make sure the water bowl is topped up.
Create a cosy and quiet place like a crate covered by a blanket, if they’re
used to one, or make a little den but don’t lock them in the crate as this
can cause injury if they try to escape. Give them options on where to go
and hide. Placing some of your clothes from your laundry basket with your
scent on, might help. One of mine hides in a crate, another prefers a corner
in our bedroom pressing himself against the bed.
With one of my dogs the ‘flight’ response to stress kicks in and he tries
to escape, even trying to get through a small window once, so keep all
windows shut. Make sure everyone in the family goes in and out as quickly
as they can and that the dog is not behind them.
Good Neighbour Scheme
Gets Queen’s Award
By Terry Tricker
............................
Whittington Village Hall was filled to capacity with volunteers,
clients and special guests attending the presentation of the
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Whittington &
Fisherwick Good Neighbour Scheme. The event was filled with pride,
excitement and emotion with a tear appearing in most eyes during
parts of the presentation.
The Lord Lieutenant, Mr Ian Dudson CBE,KStJ was greeted by the
Chairman and passed through a welcoming flag escort from the Ist
Whittington Scouts. Proceedings were started with a presentation on the
history of the scheme and how from small beginnings it has become a key
and much valued part of the community.
The significant impact of the scheme on the community and vulnerable,
lonely individuals was praised by Dr Emma Hodges, CEO of St Giles
Hospice, who had nominated the scheme for the award. She spoke of the
known improvements to mental and physical health within communities
where there was a supportive compassionate environment. Garry Hyde,
The sudden bangs can be masked by turning the radio and TV up. YouTube
is a great place to find music to help calm your dog. Music that is louder and
with irregular beats that blends in can make fireworks less intrusive. In our
house we find that reggae works well - good thing we like Bob Marley!
Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date if the worst
happens. Make sure they are wearing their ID tag even if they don’t normally
wear one in the house. Familiarise yourself with who to contact to report
a missing dog.
Long-lasting chews, a stuffed Kong or licki-mat may help to distract them
and keep them occupied, though some dogs will be too stressed to take
treats.
Look into calming aids. Thunder jackets are a stretchy shirt for dogs that
acts like swaddling to make them feel secure. This works well with one of
my dogs. An alternative is a small T-shirt, wrapped snugly and tied around
your dog’s middle.
There are various supplements and herbal remedies that may take the
edge off the stress (these are not drugs but natural remedies). They don’t
all work on all dogs so it may be a bit of trial and error to see which works
for your dog. Some dogs are so stressed, however, that a vet may decide to
prescribe something stronger.
Lastly some of our greyhound owners report that putting a snood or
scarf around their dogs’ ears has helped- it’s worth a try!
Good luck, and hopefully these hints and tips will make the forthcoming
months bearable for our sound-sensitive furry friends.
Lauren Hirst is Vice Chair of Greyhound Trust Hall Green. Visit
www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk for more information.
Chairman of the Parish Council, spoke of their financial and moral support
for the scheme from the beginning knowing the benefits it could bring to
the Community. This was demonstrated during Covid when the scheme
with its established infrastructure and volunteer network, played a key role
in supporting those most vulnerable throughout lockdown. However, the
most powerful and emotive moments came from an audio/visual piece
showing some of the highs and lows over the past 6 years and featuring four
clients who shared the impact of the scheme on them.
The Lord Lieutenant explored the reasons why the scheme had been
chosen for this prestigious award – the highest honour that could be
achieved by a voluntary group. He said that he had never come across an
organisation consisting totally of volunteers who served and supported
their community in such a professional manner. He presented the Crystal
Award to Lynne Salter who was chosen to collect it on behalf of the group
for her outstanding contribution to the scheme from the beginning.
Similarly Frank Knighton collected the accompanying certificate which had
been signed by Her Majesty the Queen. Image courtesy of Robert Yardley
42
43
Virtual Tours of the
Trent Valley
By Louise Morris
............................
Over the last couple of years, the country has seen various
stages of lockdowns and public health advice leaving many
people rightly worried about their safety. With concerns
about pre-existing health conditions, or reduced access to public
transport, may people have faced isolation and poor access to
nature.
In response to this, Transforming the Trent Valley has been working
with a group of skilled volunteers to capture stunning images of the
Trent Valley and bring nature to people at home.
Our Virtual Tours volunteer, Paul Morris, has created two interactive
tours that allow you to explore some of the beauty spots of this river
valley. The first is around the lakes of Tucklesholme Nature Reserve
near Walton-on-Trent. Panoramic views allow you to look around as
you move from point to point on the circular walk and hotspots along
the way take you to picture galleries, interactive features and further
information.
A second tour takes you around a circular walk in Branston Leas near
Burton, where you can enjoy some of the stunning wildlife as you take
a virtual stroll. More virtual tours are in the planning and can be found
on our website www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/trent_walks.php.
We have also created video walks of different sites along the river
where you can sit back and be taken on a short tour whilst enjoying
relaxing music. These can all be found on our YouTube channel by
searching for ‘Transforming the Trent Valley YouTube’.
Some stunning images of the Trent Valley have been captured showing
the wildlife, heritage and scenery. These can be viewed in a photo
gallery on our website www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/gallery.php. We would
like to thank all our photography volunteers for helping us to capture
these inspiring images.
So, as the evenings draw in and the weather becomes chilly, why not
grab a warm drink and spend an evening exploring the Trent Valley from
the comfort of your armchair.
Goldfinch © Brian Triptree
Armitage © Jane Rowbottom
Coot © Martin Robinson
Doveridge © Julie Clarke
Kingfisher © Clive Ward
Pillbox © David Cowper
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45
The Lost Pubs of Lichfield
The Constitution Inn
& The Carpenter’s Arms
By Jono Oates
.................................................
The lost pubs of Lichfield series continues with a former pub flattened to make way for
a road extension and a community pub demolished to become housing.
The Constitution Inn was situated on the Stafford Road at the junction of what is now the A51
bypass to Rugeley and Featherbed Lane, the road to Kings Bromley and Ashbourne. The first listed
licensee of the inn was John Rushton in 1868, followed by John Clay in 1880.
In August 1909 two men from Newcastle-Under-Lyme were travelling to an agricultural show at
Tamworth with a waggon load of goods and stopped at the Constitution Inn where they stole two
brooms from the waggon and sold them to Emma Barlow, wife of the landlord Hebert Barlow, for
six pence. The men were later arrested and were fined £1 10s and 6d for their clumsy crime.
The winter of 1947 was one of one of the coldest winters in history when snow lay on the
ground for nearly three months. Two Lichfield men, who had been delivering food parcels across
Lichfield all day, decided that they wanted a stiff drink after all of their labours. They stopped at the
Constitution but, when they arrived, they discovered that the front door was completely
submerged by a snowdrift! Undaunted, and clearly desperate for a thirst-quenching pint, they
grabbed a couple of shovels and dug their way to the door where landlady Gertrude Wood opened
up and allowed them their well-earned drinks!
In early 1956 the area around the inn was designated for re-development due to the construction
of the A51 bypass and associated roundabout. As the Constitution was in the direct ‘flight-path’ it
was scheduled for demolition. Gertrude Wood died in March 1956, just a few months before her
beloved pub was due to be knocked to the ground, and the license temporarily passed to one of
her daughters, Marjorie Gertrude Wood. Marjorie held a farewell party in June 1956 for all the pub’s
regulars, including Frank Horton, who lived next door to the Constitution and had been a regular
there for 75 years. He said that when he was three-years-old he had sat on the steps of the inn and
had been given a pint of beer to drink by Mrs Clay, wife of landlord John Clay! The pub shut its
doors for the last time that night and the license was then transferred to the then ‘new’ Windmill
pub on Grange Lane.
The Carpenter’s Arms started life originally in 1848 as a private house on Christchurch Lane,
Leomansley, run by Martha Page, described in the 1851 census as a beer house keeper and her
husband, James, a carpenter. By 1880 it was recorded as the Carpenter’s Arms, using the profession
of the former landlord as its name. The new landlord was Thomas Wright who, in June 1880, was
also selling a few thousand broccoli and large quantity of Dutch Savoy plants from the Carpenter’s
– clearly a case of Victorian diversification!
From the late 1920s to the early 1950s the landlord was Frank Bucknall and in October 1947
the Lichfield Mercury reported he had been the landlord at the Carpenter’s for 17 years – only to
issue an apology the following week, explaining that it was actually 22 years, using the title ‘How
Time Flies…’
Frank’s son, Wilfred, served in WWII and just before Christmas 1945 was still stationed at
Rangoon, Burma, when he wrote a letter home to his wife at the Carpenter’s telling her how
surprised he’d been to open the Southeast Area Command newsletter to find a photograph of
Lichfield Cathedral on the back cover with the word ‘Home!’ on it. A few months later Wilf, along
with thousands of others, finally returned home.
The Revd G Mayhew, vicar of Christ Church, provided a Harvest Festival sermon from the inside
of the Carpenter’s in October 1948, saying ‘if we could get into our churches some of the kindly
feeling which exists among some of the customers of the local inns, it might be good for the church’
and that a public house was not just a place where men came to ‘booze and argue.’
Despite being a very popular community pub the Carpenter’s Arms was closed in 2002 and,
following demolition, became apartments.
Carpenters Arms, lanldord Frank
Bucknall, circa 1930
Carpenters Arms after closure in 2002
Constitution Inn just before closure, 1955
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive’; Lichfield Pubs by Neil Coley, The Old Pubs of
Lichfield by John Shaw.
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47
Win Tickets to the
NEC Festive Gift Fair
The festive gift fair is back on
Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st
November at the NEC.
............................
Celebrating its 25th live event in 2021, the fabulous Festive
Gift Fair has been the number one event for Christmas
shopping in the heart of England for over two decades.
Missed by thousands last year, this ever popular four-day event is back
again in November and looking forward to re-uniting 300 stallholders
with thousands of high-spirited shoppers. Once again offering a fabulous
choice of gifts, decorations, food and drink in a jolly atmosphere with
live music and festive entertainers.
Dedicated to Christmas shopping and catering for all your needs over
the seasonal period, the busiest and most established Fair in the
Midlands has lots to offer in 2021.
Fabulous Foodie Section
Companies New to the fab foodie section this year are Whistler’s
Storm – the newest alcoholic tea brand to hit the market. Campbell’s
Chutneys – handmade mustards, marmalades, pickles and preserves.
Limpopo Biltong – The snack The Lions could not handle! Schokolat
Scotland – unique chocolate gifts made to look like teapots, tools and
so much more!
Back by demand are favourites including Ace Tea London, The Tipsy
Tart, Popcorn Kitchen, Cheshire Cheese, Condessa Welsh Liqueurs and
Georgie Porgies Puddings.
Gifts in General
So many wonderful new companies this year it’s been difficult to
select just a few!
New in 2021 include Rebel Records and Toys – music vinyls, cds and
music memorabilia.
Big Chief Studios - licensed character collectables Star Wars, Doctor
Who, Only Fools and Horses, Dad’s Army, James Bond, Mr Bean etc.
Wish Upon Threads - Embroidered apparel inspired by characters from
hobbies and films.
Popular favourites returning include Football Stadium Photography,
Kensington Collection, MacDonald China and The Perfume Shop.
Décor for the festive season and beyond!
Always popular, joining us again are favourites including Delightful
Decorations, 1 Stop Christmas Shop and The Rugshack.
New include At Home for Christmas – Christmas wreaths. Finishing
Touches – Christmas rugs and cushions. Step Into Christmas –
everything LED from Lanterns to fairy dolls! Foy & Co Interiors – luxury
cushions and throws.
For The Kids (Young & Old!)
More companies than ever before… seems like the kids are going to
get spoiled this year!
New include Maria Valentina Baby – trendy clothes and shoes for baby
and children.
Christmas Board Games – Christmas Eve The Race To Help Santa!
Grace’s Book Adventures – kid’s books and colouring activity sets.
If you’re looking for Fair Trade wooden toys then Lanka Kade will be
back alongside Splat Planet selling colour-in t-shirts, Iconic Kidswear
with their 0- 8yrs clothing range. Funblox, Magic Pens and so much
more!
Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start at the
Festive Gift Fair. With ticket prices so affordable bring friends and family
with you for a fun-filled day Christmas Shopping.
Tickets available on-line from just £6 per adult (plus fulfilment fee).
Open daily 9.30am-5pm on Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st November
at the NEC, Birmingham.
For much more information, including videos, show highlights,
exhibitor list, show offers and all the Live Performers, visit
www.festivegiftfair.co.uk.
We’ve got 10 pairs of tickets to give to this fantastic event.
To be in with the chance of getting your hands on a pair,
simply correctly answer the following question and send
your details to us.
What anniversary is the Gift Fair celebrating this year?
a) 10 years
b) 15 years
c) 25 years
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Gift
FairCompetition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the closing date of
25th November 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.
48
49
Major Grant Helps
Ensure Cathedral’s
Future
.........................
Lichfield Cathedral is to receive a grant of £264,404 from the
Government’s Culture Recovery Fund to help secure the
future of the 900-year-old building for future generations.
The Cathedral is one of 142 historic sites across England to receive a
grant which will see £35 million given through the government’s Culture
Recovery Fund, to keep our heritage alive by paying for vital repairs and
major building programmes.
The grant will help to address urgent masonry repair to the flying
buttresses on the south side of Lichfield Cathedral. One flying buttress
has turned significantly on its axis and the other five are deteriorating,
putting the south side of the Cathedral building at risk of collapse. The
repairs are essential to ensure the safety of the building and its
continued ability to open for worshippers, visitors and the local
community in the future.
The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, said: “Lichfield
Cathedral is extremely grateful to the Culture Recovery Fund for a
Photograph courtesy of Lichfield Cathedral
grant to enable the repair of the south nave buttresses. Without this
unprecedented investment, the Cathedral’s future was at risk. This grant
will ensure that vital repairs can be made, that the Cathedral continues
to be Here for Culture, and here for the 100,000 visitors who visit each
year from around the world, continuing the 1,350-year tradition of
pilgrimage to this sacred space. We are also very grateful to The
Dulverton Trust which has awarded £50,000 towards the buttress
repairs.”
50
Advertising Feature
Talented Family
Businessman
.........................
Rich Doyle has stepped up into the role of owner of the
family business Knight & Doyle Carpet & Upholstery
Cleaning. But there is so much more to this talented young
businessman. His mum taught him to cook, and he’s pretty good.
So good that he and his mum appeared on Ready Steady Cook
earlier this year. People always ask if they got to keep the aprons.
Yes, they did! Rich is also the bass player in a covers band called
The Arc in his spare time. They have played at The Feathers in
Lichfield and many other local venues.
The family business has been providing professional carpet and
upholstery cleaning for homeowners and businesses for over 20 years
and despite the pandemic continues to grow. Recently employing
another two local people. One in their workshop and an additional
trainee carpet and upholstery cleaning technician, who will undergo
rigorous training to become fully qualified. However, the training never
really stops. Although he’s highly qualified, Rich has this year passed his
cleaning fine furnishings course and late last year completed training on
infection control. So, a multi-talented young man indeed!
Rich Doyle & Mum
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52
What’s On
November/
December
Sat 6th, Sun 7th, Mon 8th November
Lichfield’s Largest Jigsaw Sale
More than 600 preloved jigsaws for sale.
Venue: Erasmus Darwin House
Time: 10am-4pm (10am-2pm Sunday)
Thursday 11th & 18th November
Thursday 9th December
Steak Night with Late Night Shopping
Dine in at the Café for a steak night meal for
two, including a bottle of wine! Plus late night
shopping experience with a fantastic selection
of meats, cheeses, gifts, alcohol and much
more!
Venue: Bradshaws Farm Shop & Café,
Ironstone Road, Burntwood
Time: Until 9pm
Price: £25 for two people (includes bottle of
wine)
Booking is essential. Call 01543 279437
(requires £5 deposit).
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
Sunday 21st November
Lichfield Chamber Christmas Fayre
The annual Christmas market is a bustling
event with lots of food, drink and fun for all
the family!
Venue: Market Square, The Hub, The Guildhall
Time: 10am-4pm
Tues 23rd, Weds 24th & Thurs 25th
November
Christmas Flower Arranging
Demonstrations
Be inspired with some stunning ideas for
decorating your home this Christmas. The
event includes a delicious three course festive
carvery lunch.
Venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield
Time: 10am to 3pm
Price: £28 per person, includes coffee on
arrival and a three-course carvery lunch.
Book online at
www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk/christmas/
Sunday 28th November
Christmas Light Night
Warm up while visiting the Lichfield Christmas
Light Switch On with hands-on activities and
festive refreshments including mulled wine and
mince pies.
Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Time: 3.30pm-6pm
Price: Free
Mon 29th & Tues 30th November
Christmas Wreath Making Workshops
Enjoy a two-hour Christmas Wreath Making
workshop this November.
Venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield
Time: 7pm
Price: £40 per person. Includes mulled wine,
refreshments and nibbles and all equipment to
make your wreath to take home.
Book online at
www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk/christmas/
Monday-Friday in November
Festive Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savoury treats,
scones and mini desserts. Special dietary
requirements catered for.
Venue: Bradshaws Farm Shop & Café,
Ironstone Road, Burntwood
Time: Various
Price: £14.95
Booking is essential. Call 01543 279437.
Sunday 5th December
The Johnson Family Christmas
Enjoy the historic house decorated for
Christmas, with activities for all including
poetry, storytelling, and the chance to enjoy a
warm glass of mulled wine.
Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Time: 11am-3.30pm
Price: Free
Weds 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd December
Late Night Shopping Event
Find a whole host of local producers and
craftspeople and enjoy finding bespoke gifts for
your loved ones!
Venue: The Deer Park, Maker Lane, Hoar
Cross, DE13 8QR.
Saturday 11th December
A-Plan Christmas Fayre
Craft fair featuring local retailers and artisans,
with professional singer and DJ.
Venue: A-Plan Insurance, Bore Street
Time: 10am-4pm
Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th December
Festive Afternoon Tea
Santa and special guest, The Grinch, will be
hosting Afternoon Tea, with a gift for every
child!
Venue: Bradshaws Farm Shop & Café,
Ironstone Road, Burntwood
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm (check days for times)
Price: £11.99pp
Advanced booking essential. Call 01543
279437 (option 2).
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'.
53
Lichfield
Camera Club
............................
Having resumed normal face-to-face meetings last month,
Lichfield Camera Club was able to stage its first print
competition for two years. During lockdown, competition
entries had been confined to projected digital images, however
members agreed it was good to once again take on the additional
challenge that printing images involves. Each member was able to
enter two colour prints and two in monochrome.
Leading images in the beginners/intermediate colour competition
were all wildlife shots.
1. Excellent detail in ‘Bee Nectaring on Lavender’ won first place for
Ivan Shaw.
2. ‘The Mating Game’ superbly captured by Ann Wright took second
place.
3. The delightful image of a Long Tailed Tit: ‘I See You!’ by Liz Thomas
took third place.
4. In the monochrome competition, Ann Wright came first with
‘Monkey Business x 3.’
5. Second place went to Sandra Morgan with the still life: ‘Rose with
Texture.’
6. Third place went to Liz Thomas with ‘Trentham Garden Fairy.’
7. The Advanced Colour Competition, was won by Anne Anderson
with ‘Skeleton Leaves.’
8. Joe Anderson was second with ‘Mill at Borrowdale.’
9. A very colourful ‘Pheasant’ by Sue Freeman took third place.
10. In the Advanced monochrome competition, Sue Freeman also took
first place with ‘Zebra.’
11. Second place went to Richard Moore with ‘A Tranquil Moment.’
12. ‘Ghost of Westminster’ by Dean Borgazzi took third place.
13. Two other images worthy of mention were ‘Moonrise’ by Graham
Slight.
14. And this great example of both technical skill and creativity - ‘Black,
One Sugar’ by Joe Anderson.
4
6 7
8 9
5
10
11
1 2
13
54
3
12
14
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.
55
Award for Erasmus
Darwin House
............................
Erasmus Darwin House was once the home of Erasmus
Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin and a respected
resident of Lichfield for more than 20 years. Erasmus
established and ran a successful medical practice in Lichfield, but in
his spare time his interests were many and varied. He was
considered the foremost poet of his day, and was an inventor,
botanist, philosopher, and a founder member of the Lunar Society,
the midlands group which had such an important influence on the
development of science and industry in the late 18th century.
Restored and opened to the public as a museum and education centre
in 1999, the house is run by the Erasmus Darwin Foundation, an
independent Charitable Trust with the aim of promoting international
awareness of the life and achievements of Erasmus Darwin and the way
in which they relate to today’s world, in a manner that is enjoyable and
easily understood by all. The museum is reliant almost completely upon
its own earned income and the help of a team of committed volunteers,
without whom the foundation would be unable to function.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise
outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local
South Staffordshire Cruse
Bereavement Care
............................
South Staffordshire Cruse
is a local branch of Cruse
Bereavement Care
which is the leading national
charity for bereaved people.
Cruse offers support, advice
and information to children,
young people and adults
when someone dies, and
work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.
Bereavement affects everyone and can have a devastating effect on
emotional, physical and mental health. Cruse support helps people
understand their feelings, develop coping strategies, and return to everyday
life, while remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have
died.
Cruse offers face-to-face, group, telephone, email and website
support. It has a Freephone National Helpline (0808 808 1677) and local
services throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland it
has a sister organisation, Cruse Scotland. Many of the local branches
provide children’s services, and part of the website, Hope Again,
provides support for young people. All services are provided by trained
volunteers and are confidential and free. At present South Staffordshire
Cruse are able to offer telephone support throughout our area and will
be able to offer face-to-face sessions in the coming weeks in some areas.
Anyone who wishes to access support can contact Cruse local Helpline
01543 433479.
Cruse also provides training and consultancy for external
organisations and for those who may encounter bereaved people in the
communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden
Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary
of the Queen’s Coronation.
The Foundation was one of 230 charities, social enterprises and
voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award 2020. However, due
to the coronavirus pandemic, it was necessary to delay the presentation
of the award.
Representatives of Erasmus Darwin Foundation were delighted to
receive the award from Ian Dudson CBE, Knight of the Order of St John,
Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire on 20th October 2021.
course of their work. Nationally Cruse has played a vital role in
responding to disasters and terrorist incidents, most recently providing
specialist services after the Manchester Arena Bombing, Borough
Market Attacks and Grenfell Tower Fire. Cruse campaigns on behalf of
bereaved people, speaking out on issues that impact them financially,
practically or emotionally.
South Staffordshire Cruse is also involved with St Giles Hospice in the
provision of local Bereavement Help Points which offer informal
support for anyone who has been touched by grief, past or present,
directly or indirectly, who can drop into the sessions without an
appointment and see how Cruse can help.
At Bereavement Help Points Cruse offers a supportive environment
to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced a bereavement,
irrespective of the nature of the bereavement or when the person died.
You can drop in for a short time or stay for the whole session. You can
meet other people who have experienced a loss and there are trained
bereavement support volunteers from Cruse Bereavement Care or St
Giles Hospice on hand to listen and offer advice and information on
emotional, practical and social aspects of bereavement.
During the pandemic these had to be closed but Cruse continued to
offer some of these sessions by Zoom so was able to continue to
support individuals in the community who have been struggling with
aspects of their bereavement. In recent weeks, a number of the
Bereavement Help Points have reopened at:
• Tamworth, Sacred heart Church Community Room, Silverlink
Road, Tamworth, B77 2EA.
Friday 10am – 12pm
• Burntwood, St Johns Community Church, High Street,
Chasetown, WS7 1LR.
Mondays 2:30pm – 4:30 pm
• Rugeley, Rugeley Community Centre, Burnthill Lane, Rugeley,
WS15 2HX.
Thursday 10:30am – 12:30 pm
Anyone wanting more details of the sessions can contact Cruse local
Helpline 01543 433479 or St Giles 01543 434536.
56
57
To Advertise call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Michele Phillips 07919 896575
michelecitylife@gmail.com
CLASSIFIED
To Advertise please
contact our classified
team on
07970 513144
This ad...
£40 plus VAT
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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,
agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
58
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. Winners have 28 days to respond if contact cannot be made initially. If no
response is forthcoming after 28 days, Citylife in Lichfield reserves the right to redraw the competition and select a new
winner.
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.
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