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Citylife in Lichfield December 2022 January 2023

Tis the Season To Be Jolly! Our December, and January 2023, issue is full of festive fun and cheer as we come to the end of one year and enter the next. We have, of course, all of our usual features including competitions, local news, What's On events and local history features. Discover the history of Lichfield Traditions from the past, how to make some Christmas Chelsea Buns and we let you know the best places to buy your loved ones the finest Christmas presents, and also where to Eat, Drink and Be Merry this Christmas and New Year! Enjoy reading our combined December and January magazine over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie - and have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of the team at Citylife in Lichfield magazine!

Tis the Season To Be Jolly! Our December, and January 2023, issue is full of festive fun and cheer as we come to the end of one year and enter the next. We have, of course, all of our usual features including competitions, local news, What's On events and local history features. Discover the history of Lichfield Traditions from the past, how to make some Christmas Chelsea Buns and we let you know the best places to buy your loved ones the finest Christmas presents, and also where to Eat, Drink and Be Merry this Christmas and New Year! Enjoy reading our combined December and January magazine over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie - and have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of the team at Citylife in Lichfield magazine!

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3


Welcome to<br />

CITYLIFE<br />

Welcome to CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, a monthly magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.<br />

Each month CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> is delivered to<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>esses and homes <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, K<strong>in</strong>gs Bromley, Fradley,<br />

Alrewas, Hill Ridware, Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton, Stonnall, Shenstone,<br />

Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free<br />

of charge; br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you the best that the city has to offer.<br />

Each issue features heritage stories explor<strong>in</strong>g the rich<br />

history of our area, plus competitions, <strong>in</strong>terviews and the<br />

latest <strong>in</strong> fashion and style.<br />

Got a story or charity event you want to share with our<br />

readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k you’ve snapped an image that captures<br />

the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!<br />

Our bus<strong>in</strong>ess is br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s city life.<br />

CITYLIFE Contacts<br />

Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com<br />

Advertis<strong>in</strong>g -<br />

Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Mike James 07900 982456 mikejamescitylife@gmail.com<br />

Design - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> In <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd<br />

PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS<br />

CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> and CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> Rugeley and Cannock Chase<br />

magaz<strong>in</strong>es are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and<br />

are wholly owned by CITYLIFE <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> In <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

@citylifelichfield<br />

@lichfieldcity<br />

www.citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd does not endorse any bus<strong>in</strong>ess or organisation<br />

appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> these pages, and the publication of any advertisement,<br />

editorial, event list<strong>in</strong>g or advertis<strong>in</strong>g editorial does not constitute an<br />

endorsement by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

Your Local<br />

Magaz<strong>in</strong>e<br />

Inside...<br />

6 Local News<br />

What’s been happen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

14 Christmas Messages<br />

City councillors’ messages of goodwill<br />

20 The City House<br />

Historian Jono Oates takes us <strong>in</strong>to the past!<br />

42 Susta<strong>in</strong>able Christmas<br />

Jess Davanzo shows us how to enjoy an eco-<br />

Christmas<br />

..................................<br />

..................................<br />

From the Editor…<br />

Tis the season of peace on earth and goodwill to all men…<br />

Whilst there is so much unrest and uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong> the<br />

world, take this festive season to be thankful for the little th<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

<strong>in</strong> life… your family, friends and loved ones. Spend time with<br />

them, enjoy their presence, and make memories that will last a<br />

lifetime.<br />

Here at <strong>Citylife</strong>, we’d like to thank all our loyal readers,<br />

contributors, and customers for their cont<strong>in</strong>ued support, and we<br />

wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and, hopefully, a<br />

prosperous New Year.<br />

Krissy<br />

November W<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

E Harriman w<strong>in</strong>s two weeks of yoga classes for two people at The<br />

Wellbe<strong>in</strong>g and Wellness Coach, Burntwood; E Leys w<strong>in</strong>s a granite<br />

chopp<strong>in</strong>g board courtesy of Just Granite, Penkridge; L Tipper receives<br />

Bubble Tea for Two at JSK <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>; M Wright is the lucky recipient of<br />

a bottle of Rhubl<strong>in</strong>g fizz from Burntwood-based Clive’s W<strong>in</strong>es! Well done<br />

to all who entered!


5


LOCAL NEWS<br />

6<br />

Camera Club<br />

Presentation Even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Douglas Armour & Ann Wright<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Camera Club welcomed Douglas<br />

Armour, the Gallery co-ord<strong>in</strong>ator at The Hub,<br />

to present the awards at its annual Presentation<br />

Even<strong>in</strong>g. A keen amateur photographer himself,<br />

Douglas gave members a short biography of his<br />

personal photographic journey which was<br />

followed by a slideshow of all the images of<br />

award w<strong>in</strong>ners.<br />

Sandra Morgan was particularly successful<br />

w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g both Colour and Mono Pr<strong>in</strong>t the<br />

Beg<strong>in</strong>ners/Intermediate section with Ivan shaw<br />

w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Project Digital image competition<br />

<strong>in</strong> this section. The Advanced colour Pr<strong>in</strong>t<br />

competition was won by Joe Anderson with Sue<br />

Freeman w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the Mono Pr<strong>in</strong>t competition<br />

and Darron Matthews the Projected Digital<br />

Image competition. The open Three of a K<strong>in</strong>d<br />

competition was won by Anne Anderson.<br />

Special Awards went to Ann Wright for be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the most improved photographer, and Graham<br />

Slight for the most creative image. The<br />

Chairman’s Award went to Sue Freeman for her<br />

service to the club as External Exhibitions<br />

Secretary.<br />

Visit www.lichfieldcameraclub.org for more<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Head Appo<strong>in</strong>ted for<br />

New School<br />

Tapp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

community to enhance<br />

opportunities for pupils is<br />

at the forefront of the<br />

th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of Anna Seward<br />

Primary School’s new head<br />

of school.<br />

Richard Storer (pictured) Richard Storer<br />

was officially unveiled as the<br />

new head at a recent open even<strong>in</strong>g for the free<br />

school, which opens <strong>in</strong> September <strong>2023</strong>, and is<br />

thrilled at the prospect of lead<strong>in</strong>g the school as<br />

it beg<strong>in</strong>s to establish relationships <strong>in</strong> the city.<br />

Mr Storer has a wealth of senior leadership<br />

experience hav<strong>in</strong>g spent a comb<strong>in</strong>ed seven<br />

years as assistant headteacher and deputy<br />

headteacher at Greysbrooke Primary School,<br />

also <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

As well as the school offer<strong>in</strong>g the very best<br />

opportunities for children to thrive <strong>in</strong> the<br />

classroom, Mr Storer believes the vibrant<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> community provides the ideal chance<br />

for the school to form partnerships which will<br />

enhance experiences and life skills for its pupils.<br />

Applications for places at Anna Seward have<br />

opened and more <strong>in</strong>formation can be found at<br />

https://annaseward.atlp.org.uk.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Century Celebrations<br />

for Care Resident<br />

Celebrations have been <strong>in</strong> full sw<strong>in</strong>g at the<br />

Spires Care Home, as one of its residents<br />

reaches her centenary <strong>in</strong> style.<br />

Helen Turner was jo<strong>in</strong>ed by staff, relatives,<br />

friends and other residents as she received a<br />

telegram from the K<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> recognition of her<br />

landmark birthday. A champagne reception was<br />

held with all of Helens family at the home and<br />

guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by<br />

the home’s chef Polly Holmes.<br />

Among those relatives attend<strong>in</strong>g was Helen’s<br />

sons Geoff, Keith and Peter who played hosts<br />

for the afternoon to lots of guests.<br />

The Spires care home is run by Barchester<br />

Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care<br />

providers, which is committed to deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />

personalised care across its care homes and<br />

hospitals. The Spires provides residential care<br />

and dementia care for 70 residents from respite<br />

care to long term stays.<br />

New Car Park<br />

Payment Mach<strong>in</strong>es<br />

New payment mach<strong>in</strong>es at The Friary Car Park<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> are be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>stalled to make park<strong>in</strong>g<br />

more convenient for customers.<br />

The facility on The Friary, which is currently pay<br />

and display, is be<strong>in</strong>g changed to a pay on exit<br />

system with the help of ANPR (Automatic<br />

Number Plate Recognition) technology.<br />

As customers drive <strong>in</strong>to the car park the ANPR<br />

camera will pick up the Vehicle Registration<br />

Number and beg<strong>in</strong> record<strong>in</strong>g the duration of<br />

the vehicle’s stay. When return<strong>in</strong>g to the car<br />

park to leave customers will simply enter their<br />

registration number <strong>in</strong> the payment mach<strong>in</strong>e<br />

which will charge them the correct tariff for the<br />

period they have been parked. Customers will<br />

be able to pay by cash, credit and debit card or<br />

use smart devices such as Apple Pay and Google<br />

Pay. Once payment has been received the<br />

barrier will rise as they drive up to exit.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Got a story or charity event you<br />

want to share with our<br />

readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k you’ve snapped<br />

an image that captures the spirit<br />

of the region? We want to hear<br />

from you!<br />

Contact <strong>Citylife</strong> at<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

To Advertise call:-<br />

Steve Brown 07740 166497<br />

stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144<br />

rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Mike James 07900 982456<br />

mikejamescitylife@gmail.com


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As an experienced local F<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

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I hope to hear from you soon.<br />

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F<strong>in</strong>ancial Adviser<br />

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rob<strong>in</strong>@fouroaksfs.com<br />

7


LOCAL NEWS<br />

8<br />

Local Artist’s<br />

Fundrais<strong>in</strong>g Draw<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Local <strong>Lichfield</strong> artist Jackie Roberts, Owner of<br />

Love2dream, drew a picture of Buck<strong>in</strong>gham<br />

Palace as her way of commemorat<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

pass<strong>in</strong>g of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The<br />

draw<strong>in</strong>g, featur<strong>in</strong>g a l<strong>in</strong>e draw<strong>in</strong>g of Buck<strong>in</strong>gham<br />

Palace, showed a ra<strong>in</strong>bow appear<strong>in</strong>g as it did on<br />

the day of The Queen’s death and a lone Corgi<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g back at the Palace. Initially drawn as a<br />

mark of respect at a sad time for the Nation,<br />

Jackie posted the draw<strong>in</strong>g on her social media<br />

and it was only when people started ask<strong>in</strong>g if<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>ts were available that Jackie decided to use<br />

her draw<strong>in</strong>g to raise money.<br />

The draw<strong>in</strong>g has already raised £500 for<br />

charities, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g St Giles Hospice <strong>in</strong><br />

Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton and Tamworth Wellbe<strong>in</strong>g & Cancer<br />

Support Centre.<br />

The draw<strong>in</strong>g is available to buy as a 10 x 8-<strong>in</strong>ch<br />

limited edition, signed pr<strong>in</strong>t for £12.50, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

postage, from www.love2dream.co.uk. At least<br />

£10 per pr<strong>in</strong>t will be split between the charities.<br />

A maximum of 200 will be pr<strong>in</strong>ted.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Design Agency’s<br />

Silver Success!<br />

A graphic design agency based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> has<br />

been rated <strong>in</strong> the top 100 of all creative<br />

agencies <strong>in</strong> the UK.<br />

PHd Design, located <strong>in</strong> Riley Hill, won the silver<br />

award for their recent rebrand of Titanic<br />

Brewery at the NY Product Design Awards. For<br />

its <strong>2022</strong> competitive year, the NY Product<br />

Design Awards took <strong>in</strong> over 800 entries from<br />

24 countries. Individuals and companies put<br />

their design prowess on full display as they<br />

sought to snag a victory <strong>in</strong> the competition,<br />

which <strong>in</strong> recent years had taken a name for<br />

itself as one of the lead<strong>in</strong>g design awards<br />

<strong>in</strong>ternationally.<br />

Visit www.phddesign.co.uk to f<strong>in</strong>d out more.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Celebration of<br />

Independent<br />

Bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />

Adam & Tracey Lumb with <strong>Lichfield</strong> dignitaries<br />

Specialists <strong>in</strong> footwear, Friary Shoes, hosted a<br />

special even<strong>in</strong>g recently to celebrate some of<br />

the fantastic <strong>in</strong>dependent high street bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />

that are based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s city centre.<br />

Friary Shoes, now situated on Baker’s Lane, is<br />

one of the longest established retailers <strong>in</strong> the<br />

city, hav<strong>in</strong>g opened its first <strong>Lichfield</strong> store <strong>in</strong><br />

1904 more than 118 years ago.<br />

The <strong>Lichfield</strong> bus<strong>in</strong>ess owners, Adam and Tracey<br />

Lumb, were jo<strong>in</strong>ed by members of the council<br />

and other local dignitaries, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

President of <strong>Lichfield</strong> Chamber of Trade and<br />

Commerce, the Mayor and the Sheriff of<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Local historian, Jonathan Oates, opened the<br />

even<strong>in</strong>g with a short talk celebrat<strong>in</strong>g those<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> <strong>in</strong>dependent retailers, like Friary Shoes,<br />

who have been trad<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the city for many<br />

years. Other <strong>in</strong>dependent bus<strong>in</strong>esses who<br />

jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> the celebration <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, The Kitchen Shop, and The Fabric<br />

Vault.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Gift Wrapp<strong>in</strong>g Galore!<br />

On Tuesday 15th November, local Burntwood<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess Cost Cutters UK wrapped 500<br />

selection boxes that it has purchased which<br />

were given away to children at the Burntwood<br />

Christmas Festival on Saturday 26th November<br />

at Sankey’s Corner.<br />

The entire team, along with visitors <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> Editor, Krissy; local Councillor, Darren<br />

Ennis; and <strong>Lichfield</strong>-based events and<br />

enterta<strong>in</strong>ment company, A Bag O Fun, all jo<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

<strong>in</strong> the festivities by dress<strong>in</strong>g up and help<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

wrap the gifts to give out.<br />

Cost Cutters UK is an onl<strong>in</strong>e furniture<br />

specialist and operates with<strong>in</strong> the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong>dustries: Education, Workplace and<br />

Hospitality. As a company, it prides itself on<br />

support<strong>in</strong>g fellow local bus<strong>in</strong>esses and has<br />

worked alongside charities and other<br />

community <strong>in</strong>itiatives <strong>in</strong> recent years.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Family<br />

Notices<br />

Readers are now able to place<br />

a notice <strong>in</strong> <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

magaz<strong>in</strong>e to let others know<br />

of an important event,<br />

occasion or celebration that is<br />

tak<strong>in</strong>g place. If you would like<br />

to place details of any births,<br />

deaths, marriages or other<br />

occasions, please contact<br />

Rebecca Hill at<br />

rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

or on telephone<br />

07970 513144.<br />

Notices will consist of a<br />

maximum 50 words, plus an<br />

image, at a cost of £24<br />

(<strong>in</strong>clusive of VAT).


9


LOCAL NEWS<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ter Car Checks<br />

for £10<br />

Football Academy<br />

Announces Sponsor<br />

the tough target of be<strong>in</strong>g tra<strong>in</strong>ed and qualified<br />

with<strong>in</strong> two years and then own<strong>in</strong>g his own salon<br />

after a further two years, he has now realised<br />

his dream and become an award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g salon!<br />

Founded <strong>in</strong> 2017, the Salon Awards provide an<br />

impartial platform giv<strong>in</strong>g all types of salon<br />

hairdressers and barbers the opportunity to<br />

ga<strong>in</strong> recognition for their skills.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Fund<strong>in</strong>g for Canal<br />

Restoration<br />

T Turner Autos Ltd, a garage based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>,<br />

is offer<strong>in</strong>g W<strong>in</strong>ter Car Checks for just £10 with<br />

all money go<strong>in</strong>g to We Love <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

This <strong>in</strong>cludes check<strong>in</strong>g oil, antifreeze, fan belt<br />

tension, lights, brake fluid, battery and charg<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

tyres and pressure, brake roll<strong>in</strong>g road test,<br />

wipers and screen wash, and an emissions<br />

computer check – everyth<strong>in</strong>g you need to<br />

ensure your car is w<strong>in</strong>ter road worthy!<br />

Last year, the garage raised £530 for We Love<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>!<br />

To book <strong>in</strong> for your £10 W<strong>in</strong>ter Car Check,<br />

contact T Turner Autos on 01543 418896.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Arthur Price<br />

Anniversary W<strong>in</strong>ners<br />

W<strong>in</strong>ners of our October Arthur Price<br />

competition were presented with their prizes<br />

by Simon Price and <strong>Citylife</strong> Editor, Krissy<br />

Lackajis, <strong>in</strong> the Arthur Price Factory Shop.<br />

They received a Highgrove 42 piece set plus<br />

they were presented with a voucher for use <strong>in</strong><br />

the shop which, dur<strong>in</strong>g the year <strong>2022</strong>,<br />

celebrated 40 years <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>! It is the UK's<br />

largest cutlery shop, is open six days a week, but<br />

also sells gifts <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g crystal glassware and<br />

other tableware. It's special Christmas has<br />

already started with up to 70% off!<br />

Adam Rhodes & Imran Kalam of Rhodes Wealth<br />

Management with <strong>Lichfield</strong> City Football Academy.<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ancial Advisers, Rhodes Wealth Management<br />

have been unveiled as the <strong>Lichfield</strong> City Football<br />

Academy Sponsor for the <strong>in</strong>com<strong>in</strong>g season.<br />

The sponsorship agreement will <strong>in</strong>clude Rhodes<br />

Wealth Management as the ma<strong>in</strong> sponsor for 19<br />

matches this season, with their logo advertised<br />

on football shirts and banners, as well as across<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>’s social media platforms.<br />

Rhodes Wealth Management will also be given<br />

the opportunity to present to all players and<br />

parents about the importance of f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />

plann<strong>in</strong>g and management, a topic that is<br />

prevalent to young people.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> City Football Academy, who were the<br />

2019 and 2020 league champions and Midland<br />

cup w<strong>in</strong>ners, offer full time education to<br />

support talented football players aged 16-21<br />

years, offer<strong>in</strong>g outstand<strong>in</strong>g support, expertise<br />

and guidance.<br />

Rhodes Wealth Management is an Appo<strong>in</strong>ted<br />

Representative of St. James’ Place founded <strong>in</strong><br />

2007 by Adam Rhodes.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

Award for<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Salon<br />

Peter Buck & Carole Mills at Darnford Moors<br />

The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Canal will move a step closer to<br />

restoration, with fund<strong>in</strong>g of £116,200 secured<br />

for work at the Darnford Moors section of the<br />

canal.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> and Hatherton Canals Restoration<br />

Trust (LHCRT) has been awarded £116,200 to<br />

create an ecology park at Darnford Moors. The<br />

European Regional Development Fund [ERDF]<br />

is provid<strong>in</strong>g £41,200 of the grant, with match<br />

fund<strong>in</strong>g of £75,000 from HS2’s Community and<br />

Environment Fund [CEF].<br />

This will enable LHCRT to make habitat<br />

improvements to the Darnford Brook wetlands,<br />

exist<strong>in</strong>g woodland and hedgerows from<br />

Darnford Lane to past the lift bridge. It will also<br />

enable the Trust to put the canal channel <strong>in</strong>to<br />

water to the east of the liftbridge.<br />

LHCRT’s volunteers have been prepar<strong>in</strong>g the<br />

site and Bluetech Waterfront Solutions Ltd has<br />

been commissioned to engage specialist<br />

contractors to put the canal channel <strong>in</strong> water,<br />

and become an aquatic habitat, by February<br />

<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

This part of the <strong>Lichfield</strong> Canal is close to the<br />

new section be<strong>in</strong>g constructed as part of the<br />

HS2 Cappers Lane diversion. Applications are<br />

also underway for further fund<strong>in</strong>g to put the<br />

canal <strong>in</strong> water to Darnford Lane.<br />

To Advertise call:-<br />

Pictured left to right: Krissy Lackajis, Susan Cross, Claire<br />

Shelley & Simon Price.<br />

10<br />

The Style Hut, a salon based on Upper St John<br />

Street <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, is celebrat<strong>in</strong>g after be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

awarded the title of Best Salon <strong>in</strong> Staffordshire<br />

<strong>in</strong> the Hair <strong>2022</strong> Salon Awards.<br />

Owner, Craig Jo<strong>in</strong>er, has run the salon for eight<br />

years follow<strong>in</strong>g his tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g at Bad Apple Hair<br />

Salon <strong>in</strong> Sutton Coldfield. Initially sett<strong>in</strong>g himself<br />

Steve Brown 07740 166497<br />

stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144<br />

rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Mike James 07900 982456<br />

mikejamescitylife@gmail.com


11


LOCAL NEWS<br />

TV Chef Helps<br />

Students<br />

Local chef Liam Dillon has partnered with his<br />

old school to create a hospitality tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

programme for local sixth formers.<br />

Five chosen students from K<strong>in</strong>g Edward VI<br />

School <strong>Lichfield</strong> will spend a year at Liam’s<br />

restaurant, The Boat, across different<br />

departments and roles, graduat<strong>in</strong>g with a<br />

certificate of merit. The paid placement will help<br />

the students either ga<strong>in</strong> entry <strong>in</strong>to the<br />

hospitality <strong>in</strong>dustry or support them <strong>in</strong><br />

applications for jobs and higher education.<br />

This is the second <strong>in</strong>itiative Liam has created for<br />

his old school. Dur<strong>in</strong>g Covid Liam prepared<br />

Heat At Home meals for staff at K<strong>in</strong>g Edward VI.<br />

For three months dur<strong>in</strong>g lockdown Liam<br />

delivered meals every week to help keep staff<br />

motivated.<br />

......................................................................................<br />

Park All Day for £2<br />

Swim School<br />

Offers Support<br />

A swimm<strong>in</strong>g school <strong>in</strong><br />

its 40th year of<br />

operation is offer<strong>in</strong>g a<br />

free course of lessons<br />

to anyone that has lost<br />

money due to the<br />

closure of <strong>Lichfield</strong>based<br />

company, Swim<br />

House.<br />

Sue’s Swim School,<br />

which is <strong>in</strong> no way<br />

affiliated with Swim<br />

House, was started by Sue Gumbley <strong>in</strong> 1982<br />

and is now operated by sons Matt and Andy and<br />

supported with a team of more than 20<br />

<strong>in</strong>structors and assistants. Although there is<br />

very limited availability across Sue’s Swim<br />

School’s five pools, the family-run firm is keen<br />

to help where it can to support the local<br />

community.<br />

Matt and Andy are keen to po<strong>in</strong>t out that there<br />

absolutely no commitment, catch or<br />

expectation of future payment, they just want<br />

to support those who have been<br />

<strong>in</strong>convenienced.<br />

Swimmers can contact the team at<br />

newswimmer@suesswimschool.co.uk.<br />

.......................................................................................<br />

New Members Wanted<br />

Got a story or charity event you<br />

want to share with our<br />

readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k you’ve snapped<br />

an image that captures the spirit<br />

of the region? We want to hear<br />

from you!<br />

Contact <strong>Citylife</strong> at<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

A festive special offer is available to anyone who<br />

parks at The Friary Multi Storey Car Park <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> throughout <strong>December</strong>.<br />

Visitors to the facility on The Friary (WS13<br />

6QE) can park all day for £2 until Saturday 31st<br />

<strong>December</strong>.<br />

The Friary Car Park is among the largest <strong>in</strong> the<br />

city with 367 standard spaces, 21 spaces<br />

reserved for Blue Badge holders, eight spaces<br />

for motorbikes and ten for bicycles (on the<br />

lower ground level) and two electric charg<strong>in</strong>g<br />

po<strong>in</strong>ts.<br />

12<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Trefoil Guild celebrated its 50th<br />

birthday this year and, among other activities, it<br />

attended the Court of St. George at the<br />

Guildhall, visited a Trefoil Guild <strong>in</strong> Banbury, and<br />

learned about a development project <strong>in</strong> Ruanda.<br />

Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguid<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

adults, who meet socially and also support the<br />

work of Girlguid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the area. It is open to all,<br />

though members tend to have had a connection<br />

with Girlguid<strong>in</strong>g either as children or as adult<br />

leaders.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Trefoil meets at St. Chad's Church Hall,<br />

The Leasowe, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS13 7HD on the third<br />

Monday afternoon <strong>in</strong> the month. It is a very<br />

friendly welcom<strong>in</strong>g group and anyone<br />

<strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g can contact Guild<br />

Secretary Paul<strong>in</strong>e Cox on 01543 263973.<br />

Correction<br />

In our November issue, we <strong>in</strong>correctly<br />

attributed this image to Tuppenhurst Barn and<br />

B&B. This photograph was <strong>in</strong> fact taken from<br />

an afternoon tea at Pretty Pots Ceramics <strong>in</strong><br />

Milford, Stafford.


13


Christmas Messages<br />

“Merry Christmas to you all. It is truly a privilege for us<br />

to be Mayor and Sheriff of <strong>Lichfield</strong>. A city built on its<br />

traditions, such as the Greenhill Bower, the Dr Johnson’s<br />

Birthday celebrations, its rich history preserved through<br />

its listed build<strong>in</strong>gs, the Guildhall, Donegal House, Dr<br />

Johnson’s Birthplace, the Cathedral and many others.<br />

These provide the backdrop to our varied and vibrant<br />

City life.<br />

“A City of festivals, there is rarely a weekend goes by<br />

where you cannot f<strong>in</strong>d an event to attend, however<br />

diverse. These are organised by the multitude of<br />

wonderful organisations and they thrive here. If you have<br />

an <strong>in</strong>terest, then we urge you to f<strong>in</strong>d a group to share that<br />

pleasure. Liv<strong>in</strong>g here we fully understand why people<br />

travel <strong>in</strong> to jo<strong>in</strong> us and we thank you all for mak<strong>in</strong>g that<br />

the case.<br />

“Our eyes have been opened to just how many people<br />

are do<strong>in</strong>g their best to make better lives for others,<br />

selfless service with no thought for recognition. Thank<br />

you.<br />

“This year we are support<strong>in</strong>g The Sebbie Hall K<strong>in</strong>dness<br />

Foundation (enabl<strong>in</strong>g disabled young people to live) and<br />

The Pathway Project (support<strong>in</strong>g the victims of Domestic<br />

Violence), both excellent causes and we would like to<br />

thank everyone who organises or supports, not just our<br />

causes but the many charities that exist across our area.<br />

It is the volunteers who make <strong>Lichfield</strong> such a great place<br />

to live. If you can help, please do. If you need help, please<br />

ask. Whoever you are. We hope that whatever challenges<br />

you are fac<strong>in</strong>g you can have a Happy New Year and the<br />

fellowship of those around you.”<br />

Cllr Jamie Checkland, Mayor of <strong>Lichfield</strong> & Cllr<br />

Janice Greaves, Sheriff of <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

“Christmas can be a<br />

wonderful season for<br />

many of us across the<br />

District; a time for us to<br />

slow down, celebrate and<br />

spend quality time with<br />

our families and loved<br />

ones.<br />

“Most years, once the<br />

stresses of attempt<strong>in</strong>g to<br />

get a picture-perfect<br />

Christmas d<strong>in</strong>ner table ready, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g last m<strong>in</strong>ute presents,<br />

wrapp<strong>in</strong>g endless presents for children, cous<strong>in</strong>s, nieces<br />

and nephews and untangl<strong>in</strong>g the Christmas lights is all<br />

over, I tell myself that “next year” will be different – that<br />

we’ll focus on quality time with family, enjoy<strong>in</strong>g the simple<br />

pleasures of a warm home, serv<strong>in</strong>g others and enjoy<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the oasis of the Christmas break. Perhaps this year will<br />

f<strong>in</strong>ally be that year… although I suspect not!<br />

“For those of us with young (or young at heart!)<br />

families, the magic of Christmas is truly special – but I am<br />

sure that not everyone f<strong>in</strong>ds this time of year easy. I know<br />

that there will be many of you work<strong>in</strong>g this Christmas<br />

period to ensure no-one spends Christmas alone or<br />

hungry, while thousands more cont<strong>in</strong>ue to work over the<br />

holidays deliver<strong>in</strong>g essential services and support <strong>in</strong> our<br />

community. Thank you to all those who support others <strong>in</strong><br />

their community and seek out others who might not f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

this time of year easy.<br />

“For our Ukra<strong>in</strong>ian guests <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, this will be your<br />

first Christmas <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> District. I’m immensely proud<br />

that so many families across the District have opened up<br />

their homes to support those who have travelled<br />

hundreds of miles to f<strong>in</strong>d safety, warmth and new lives; I<br />

hope you enjoy the Christmas season - З прийдешніми<br />

святами!<br />

“One f<strong>in</strong>al plea from me, for those of you who still have<br />

presents to buy please consider buy<strong>in</strong>g some gifts locally<br />

from <strong>in</strong>dependent retailers – you’re much more likely to<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d a unique gift, and your money tends to stay local too!<br />

“I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season; stay<br />

safe and take care of each other.<br />

Doug Pullen, Leader of <strong>Lichfield</strong> District<br />

Council<br />

14


15


S<strong>in</strong>g Choirs of Angels<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral is putt<strong>in</strong>g on a light show with<br />

difference for Christmas <strong>2022</strong>. This year they have<br />

teamed up with acclaimed animation team, Illum<strong>in</strong>os, to<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g visitors a joyful experience to help soak up the festive<br />

atmosphere.<br />

‘S<strong>in</strong>g Choirs of Angels’ is the title of the light show, which will see<br />

a number of <strong>in</strong>stallations <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral grounds and <strong>in</strong>side<br />

the Cathedral itself. The show will take visitors through the joyful<br />

story of the Nativity and the popular carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’,<br />

explor<strong>in</strong>g the carol’s l<strong>in</strong>ks to <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

The even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cludes access to the Cathedral and Cathedral<br />

Close from a ticketed time for as long as visitors wish to stay.<br />

There are no times show<strong>in</strong>gs for the light shows this year so<br />

visitors can stay and view them as many times as they like, even<br />

circle back around and view them all aga<strong>in</strong>, if they wish.<br />

Alongside the light shows, visitors will be able to purchase<br />

refreshments and gifts, soak up the atmosphere <strong>in</strong>side the<br />

Cathedral, visit the famous Christmas Tree Festival, explore the<br />

story of the Nativity more closely, and take time to reflect, pray or<br />

light a candle.<br />

Tickets are available to purchase now from the Cathedral’s<br />

website: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/angels and are priced £10 for<br />

adults, £7.50 for children, £30 for a family (2 adults, 2 children),<br />

with under 3s free.<br />

This event is k<strong>in</strong>dly sponsored by Richard W<strong>in</strong>terton<br />

Auctioneers Ltd.<br />

Got a story or charity<br />

event you want to share<br />

with our readership? Th<strong>in</strong>k<br />

you’ve snapped an image<br />

that captures the spirit of<br />

the region? We want to<br />

hear from you!<br />

Contact <strong>Citylife</strong> at<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

16


17


Your Garden <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong><br />

By Byron Lewis<br />

We’re at the end of yet another year – I’m sure it’s go<strong>in</strong>g faster the<br />

older I get! Christmas is well and truly upon us and you may be<br />

look<strong>in</strong>g for a real Christmas Tree… every year between 6 and 8<br />

MILLION cut Christmas Trees are sold <strong>in</strong> the UK* and here <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> we sell around 500 of these here at the Garden Centre!<br />

For many, Christmas starts with putt<strong>in</strong>g up and decorat<strong>in</strong>g a tree –<br />

so how do you buy and how do you care for your tree? Firstly, buy<br />

early so you get the best selection – don’t be the person who’s left<br />

it until Christmas Eve or you might be out of luck! Even if you don’t<br />

put the tree up straight away, as long as it is kept outside <strong>in</strong> the cool<br />

and sat <strong>in</strong> some water it will be f<strong>in</strong>e until later <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong>.<br />

You’ll need a stand for your Christmas Tree – make sure it has a<br />

reservoir which will hold water. A medium sized tree can dr<strong>in</strong>k a<br />

couple of p<strong>in</strong>ts of water each day so make sure the stand is regularly<br />

topped up or the tree may start to droop. If you already have a stand,<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g it with you when pick<strong>in</strong>g your tree – you can then check that<br />

the trunk fits (otherwise be prepared to trim it to fit with a saw<br />

when you get it home)!<br />

Choose Nordman or Frazer Firs for the best needle retention –<br />

these are the most popular types available. Norway Spruce can be<br />

cheaper but are better <strong>in</strong> much colder positions like a porch or<br />

outside your front door – <strong>in</strong> heat, they can quickly lose many of their<br />

needles. Alternatively, pick a pot grown tree – with the right<br />

treatment these can last for many years, just be sure that you leave<br />

plenty of room for it to grow if you’re plant<strong>in</strong>g it <strong>in</strong> your garden after<br />

Christmas!<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ally, after Christmas when your tree is taken down, why not take<br />

part <strong>in</strong> the St Giles ‘Treecycle’ scheme, where <strong>in</strong> return for a<br />

donation to the Whitt<strong>in</strong>gton-based charity, your tree will be<br />

collected and shredded sav<strong>in</strong>g you time and effort too! Visit St Giles<br />

website for more details.<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Garden Centre's Christmas Shop is now open, with a huge<br />

range of new and unusual Christmas Decorations, lights and<br />

Christmas Gifts.<br />

Byron Lewis runs <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garden Centre at<br />

Curborough Countryside Centre,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>. Tel: 01543 254306. Visit<br />

www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or f<strong>in</strong>d the centre on<br />

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.<br />

18<br />

*Source: British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association


10% Off<br />

Made to<br />

Measure<br />

19


The City House<br />

of <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

By Jono Oates<br />

Numbers 2, 2a and 4 on <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s Dam Street, next to Lloyds Bank, is one of<br />

those classic build<strong>in</strong>gs that is best viewed from a distance. The best view<strong>in</strong>g<br />

spot is to stand <strong>in</strong> the Market Square, close to the statue of James Boswell,<br />

and just gaze at the scope and height of this wonderful build<strong>in</strong>g to truly appreciate it.<br />

A Grade II listed build<strong>in</strong>g, it was built around 1800 and has a typical Georgian build<strong>in</strong>g<br />

design, with alterations to the shop fronts made at the end of the 19th century.<br />

The build<strong>in</strong>g was known, for many decades, as City House, although that title is no longer<br />

used. There used to be a large sign, placed just above the second-floor w<strong>in</strong>dows at the front<br />

of the build<strong>in</strong>g, with the name City House on it. The sign can be seen on the v<strong>in</strong>tage advert<br />

for Francis Young Draper’s, taken <strong>in</strong> 1914.<br />

Over the years, the three properties compris<strong>in</strong>g City House have had a number of private<br />

owners and shop bus<strong>in</strong>esses, but one of the most popular trades, from the middle of the 19th<br />

century to the 1930s, was as a drapers. Mr J G peace ran a draper’s bus<strong>in</strong>ess from number 4<br />

City House <strong>in</strong> the 1860s, and <strong>in</strong> April 1964 he was look<strong>in</strong>g to recruit a draper’s assistant via<br />

the Staffordshire Advertiser newspaper, appeal<strong>in</strong>g to ‘Parents and Guardians and look<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

a strong, active youth, about 14 years of age, as an apprentice for the Drapery trade, for a<br />

term of four years. He will be treated <strong>in</strong> every respect as one of the family.’<br />

William Norman, orig<strong>in</strong>ally an upholsterer and cab<strong>in</strong>et maker from Leicester, took over at<br />

number 4 as a draper <strong>in</strong> the 1870s and <strong>in</strong> 1880 he held his Annual Sale of L<strong>in</strong>en and Drapery<br />

goods, with surplus stock from all departments offered at a ‘great reduction.’ Norman was<br />

succeeded by two drapers <strong>in</strong> the early 1880s as bus<strong>in</strong>ess partners, Messrs Alfred Smyrk and<br />

Alfred Bradbury who announced, <strong>in</strong> June 1883, that they had a large assortment of ‘the<br />

newest and most fashionable goods’. As well as drapery and household items they could also<br />

provide all furnish<strong>in</strong>gs for funerals, as well as be<strong>in</strong>g agents for sew<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es, with a 5%<br />

discount offered for cash sales. In 1891 Alfred Smryk, then aged 53, was liv<strong>in</strong>g, and work<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

at number 4 along with his wife, Elizabeth, their son, a draper’s assistant, a cashier, a cook, a<br />

housemaid and two draper’s apprentices, one of whom was 18-year-old Charles Hayes.<br />

By the end of the 19th century Smyrk and Bradbury became Bradbury and Hayes, with<br />

Bradbury now liv<strong>in</strong>g at number 4 and his younger partner, Charles Hayes, now a qualified<br />

draper, liv<strong>in</strong>g at number 2. In 1901, Hayes’ next-door-neighbour was a certa<strong>in</strong> William<br />

Wordsworth… however not the noted poet, but the Scottish bank manager at Lloyds Bank!<br />

Bradbury and Hayes proudly announced <strong>in</strong> May 1905 that they had secured the services of<br />

an expert cutter and fitter for their Ladies’ Tailor<strong>in</strong>g Section, that he had unique experience<br />

of London and Cont<strong>in</strong>ental tailor<strong>in</strong>g, and that he had come direct from the well-known firm<br />

of Debenham and Freebody, Wigmore Street, London. The store later became part of the<br />

Debenhams cha<strong>in</strong>. They also announced their ‘specialité’ for Summer 1905, the Soap-Shrunk<br />

Flannel Suit, tailor-built and fitted for just 50 shill<strong>in</strong>gs complete – just £2.50 <strong>in</strong> today’s money.<br />

Mr Francis Young, another draper, took over from Bradbury and Hayes <strong>in</strong> 1907 at numbers<br />

2 and 4 City House. As previous drapers had done, Francis Young sold sew<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es, as<br />

well as ladies’ fashions and <strong>in</strong> 1908 he could supply Frister and Rossmann’s ‘celebrated’<br />

sew<strong>in</strong>g mach<strong>in</strong>es, which claimed to be ‘the best value <strong>in</strong> the world at the lowest prices.’ In<br />

June 1913 W<strong>in</strong>terton and Son offered City House up for auction, describ<strong>in</strong>g it as a freehold<br />

property <strong>in</strong> a prom<strong>in</strong>ent position, and realis<strong>in</strong>g £130 per annum under lease. The auction<br />

commenced with a bid of £1,500 for the whole of the City House build<strong>in</strong>g, but it was later<br />

withdrawn, when it had reached £1,800.<br />

Wild<strong>in</strong>g and Co took over City House <strong>in</strong> the early 1920, sell<strong>in</strong>g a range of household and<br />

fashion items, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong> 1926 they were offer<strong>in</strong>g ‘choice and dist<strong>in</strong>ctive’ Christmas<br />

gifts, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g handkerchiefs, gloves, hosiery, ties, men’s half-hose, motor muffs, motor rugs<br />

and cushions etc.<br />

Today number 2,2a and 4 Dam Street is occupied by ABD Carpets, the Courtyard F<strong>in</strong>e Art<br />

Gallery and also by Fortescues ladies’ fashion shop, cont<strong>in</strong>u<strong>in</strong>g the long-stand<strong>in</strong>g tradition of<br />

ladies’ fashion, drapers and mill<strong>in</strong>ers at one of <strong>Lichfield</strong>’ grandest Georgian build<strong>in</strong>gs – City<br />

House.<br />

Workshop, Chamberl<strong>in</strong> and Hill, 1950s<br />

Tuke and Bell Workers, 1970<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Foundry, Sandford Street, 1967<br />

*V<strong>in</strong>tage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s<br />

Photographic Collection<br />

Sources: The British Newspaper Archive;<br />

Ancestry.co.uk; www.tukeandbell.co.uk.<br />

20


21


Christmas Traditions<br />

By Charlotte Benton<br />

As the countdown to Christmas beg<strong>in</strong>s and advent calendars<br />

are opened, the traditions of the festive period are well<br />

underway. From hang<strong>in</strong>g stock<strong>in</strong>gs, to kiss<strong>in</strong>g under the<br />

mistletoe, there are numerous annual traditions that we take part<br />

<strong>in</strong> at this time of year, but where do they orig<strong>in</strong>ate from?<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce us British are sticklers for tradition, it is time to add a little extra<br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g to your festivities this year and learn how we have come to<br />

celebrate the festive period as we do today. Of course, you’re bound to<br />

impress your family and friends with this <strong>in</strong>sight too!<br />

Christmas Trees<br />

The p<strong>in</strong>nacle of Christmas arriv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> households across not only the<br />

UK, but around the world, is marked by the decoration of an evergreen<br />

tree. This holiday tradition dates back to 16th century Germany, when<br />

devout Christians first brought decorated trees with lit candles <strong>in</strong>to their<br />

homes. This scene has s<strong>in</strong>ce been recaptured <strong>in</strong> families’ homes every<br />

year.<br />

Box<strong>in</strong>g Day<br />

One day that is particularly ambiguous is Box<strong>in</strong>g Day. Each year we<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ue to enjoy the festivities and celebrate this day, but have you ever<br />

wondered why? This is a British tradition that dates back to the 1800s,<br />

when the wealthiest of society received their Christmas gifts <strong>in</strong> a box.<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g day the box would be refilled with small gifts and given to<br />

their staff, the servants, who also got to enjoy the day off work.<br />

The Gift of Coal<br />

Now for a tradition that isn’t as excit<strong>in</strong>g as an extra day off work, or<br />

as aesthetically pleas<strong>in</strong>g as a gleam<strong>in</strong>g Christmas tree, nonetheless the<br />

giv<strong>in</strong>g of coal as a Christmas gift is a tradition that holds both positive<br />

and negative connotations. Today, the tradition of a child receiv<strong>in</strong>g coal <strong>in</strong><br />

their stock<strong>in</strong>g suggests that they are <strong>in</strong>deed on the naughty list! However,<br />

this centuries old tradition was once welcomed by children <strong>in</strong> the 1800s<br />

when burn<strong>in</strong>g coal was the only way to stay warm, thus a gift of coal was<br />

essentially, the gift of warmth!<br />

Wassail<strong>in</strong>g<br />

As one of the oldest festive traditions, the term wassail is derived from<br />

the Anglo-Saxon ‘waes hael’ mean<strong>in</strong>g good health. This ancient custom<br />

previously took place on New Year’s Eve dur<strong>in</strong>g which wassail, which was<br />

a mulled punch, was drunk from a wassail bowl whilst s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g. This<br />

tradition cont<strong>in</strong>ues today <strong>in</strong> southern England’s cider-produc<strong>in</strong>g regions,<br />

where s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>cantations take place to encourage a good harvest<br />

for the follow<strong>in</strong>g autumn.<br />

Christmas Jumpers<br />

Now for a more modern Christmas tradition. This recent addition to<br />

our festive calendars <strong>in</strong>volves an annual fundrais<strong>in</strong>g campaign <strong>in</strong> which<br />

people across the UK and Ireland wear their brightest and cheesiest<br />

festive jumpers to support and celebrate the charity, Save the Children.<br />

This year it is Thursday 8th <strong>December</strong> which has been set aside as the<br />

day to dig out your favourite Christmas attire and donate to this worthy<br />

cause.<br />

Food Glorious Food<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ally, and what some may consider the ma<strong>in</strong> event at Christmas,<br />

comes the food! So why is it that we enjoy turkey and m<strong>in</strong>ce pies at this<br />

time of year? Historically, pheasant, swan or goose were the typical<br />

choice of Christmas d<strong>in</strong>ner. It is only more recently that turkey has<br />

become the bird of choice as previously households simply did not have<br />

the money or space to refrigerate such a large bird. M<strong>in</strong>ce pies however<br />

were first enjoyed <strong>in</strong> the Middle Ages! Although today’s recipes share<br />

little resemblance to the sweet treat’s orig<strong>in</strong>al version which sought to<br />

preserve meat, m<strong>in</strong>ce pies cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be a festive favourite.<br />

Christmas would not be the same without the traditions that<br />

we adhere to each year. After all, they are what create that<br />

magical festive spirit and,, of course there is noth<strong>in</strong>g better than<br />

an embarrass<strong>in</strong>g Christmas jumper and some leftover turkey!<br />

22


Based <strong>in</strong> the heart of <strong>Lichfield</strong> is an<br />

award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Corporate Wellbe<strong>in</strong>g<br />

service that works with some of the city’s<br />

biggest bus<strong>in</strong>esses and organisations.<br />

Here founder Sharon McCormick expla<strong>in</strong>s<br />

why <strong>Lichfield</strong> is the perfect base for The<br />

Listen<strong>in</strong>g Centre.<br />

The Listen<strong>in</strong>g Centre – our name says it all.<br />

We have spent the last 20 years work<strong>in</strong>g with bus<strong>in</strong>esses across the<br />

Midlands, listen<strong>in</strong>g to employees and help<strong>in</strong>g them improve their health<br />

and well-be<strong>in</strong>g. Based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, we are the Employee Assistance<br />

Programme (EAP) provider for some prom<strong>in</strong>ent local organisations<br />

and bus<strong>in</strong>esses – <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council, West Midlands Ambulance<br />

Service and <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre to name a few.<br />

Each company we work with has the same th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> common – they<br />

ensure that employees can access the best local support possible. The<br />

feedback we’ve had from these organisations over the last two decades<br />

has been excellent:<br />

“The Listen<strong>in</strong>g Centre is a valued part of our well-be<strong>in</strong>g provision. A<br />

reliable, flexible and proactive provider, always keen to work <strong>in</strong><br />

partnership and genu<strong>in</strong>ely <strong>in</strong>vested <strong>in</strong> the quality of care they deliver.”<br />

– Sarah Greswolde, mental well-be<strong>in</strong>g practitioner at West Midlands<br />

Ambulance Service.<br />

“<strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council are proud to collaborate with The Listen<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Centre, who have been provid<strong>in</strong>g first-class, seamless welfare support<br />

solutions to our workforce s<strong>in</strong>ce 2003.” – Mandy L<strong>in</strong>thwaite, HR<br />

Bus<strong>in</strong>ess Partner at <strong>Lichfield</strong> District Council.<br />

We were thrilled when, dur<strong>in</strong>g our 20th anniversary year, we were<br />

named <strong>Lichfield</strong> Small Bus<strong>in</strong>ess of the Year at the Sutton, <strong>Lichfield</strong> and<br />

Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards. We are proud to be<br />

based <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, and its excellent transport l<strong>in</strong>ks and road network<br />

mean we can easily reach out to our clients that are spread across the<br />

Midlands. Our team of practitioners provide a broad range of services<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g talk<strong>in</strong>g therapy, such as CBT and EMDR, and trauma support,<br />

which is vital if there has been a critical <strong>in</strong>cident at work. We also offer<br />

mediation to settle workplace disputes, well-be<strong>in</strong>g assessments and<br />

corporate tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g on a range of topics.<br />

Our figures speak for themselves - 98% of our clients are seen with<strong>in</strong><br />

five miles of their home or work location, while the average time to<br />

wait for a first appo<strong>in</strong>tment is just seven days. Our fees are fair and<br />

transparent and we’re proud of the good relationship we have with<br />

managers and directors. These are just some of the reasons why we<br />

are now firmly established as the region’s lead<strong>in</strong>g EAP provider.<br />

For more <strong>in</strong>formation visit our website<br />

thelisten<strong>in</strong>gcentre.co.uk. Get <strong>in</strong> touch by email<strong>in</strong>g<br />

enquiry@thelisten<strong>in</strong>gcentre.co.uk or call 01543 300068.<br />

23


Here at Just Granite Ltd, we pride ourselves on be<strong>in</strong>g the experts for any worktop needs you may have.<br />

Be it a beautiful bespoke and unique kitchen worktop, a bar, bathroom or even a barbecue area, we have<br />

an extensive <strong>in</strong>-house range ready to be chosen by you! We stock a varied range, <strong>in</strong> a variety of materials,<br />

such as our own competitively priced quartz, granite, marble and porcela<strong>in</strong>, as well as all the top brands<br />

from around the world.<br />

There really is no reason to go anywhere else!<br />

W<strong>in</strong> a Granite Chopp<strong>in</strong>g Board<br />

If you require our services please do not hesitate<br />

to call us on 01785 711096 or email your quote<br />

request to stef@justgranite.ltd.uk<br />

With the largest variety of natural stones <strong>in</strong> the Midlands, the<br />

solid slabs are kept on-site and are available for a virtual view<strong>in</strong>g<br />

from 9am-5pm on Monday to Friday. Located at The Stone<br />

Works, Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ.<br />

We’ve got a bespoke Chopp<strong>in</strong>g Board (<strong>in</strong> the<br />

colour of your choice) to give away! To be <strong>in</strong><br />

with a chance of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this magnificent prize,<br />

simply answer the follow<strong>in</strong>g question correctly:<br />

Where does the supply<br />

of granite come from?<br />

a) Spa<strong>in</strong><br />

b) Italy<br />

c) Germany<br />

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Just<br />

Granite Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your<br />

entry to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS14 4JS by<br />

the clos<strong>in</strong>g date of 25th <strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong> One entry per household.<br />

Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note<br />

you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ <strong>in</strong>formation is<br />

processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our<br />

Privacy Policy (available at citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk).<br />

Full t&cs on page 50.<br />

24


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you to our luxurious venue,<br />

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and the added benefit of b<strong>in</strong>go games. MERKUR Slots has<br />

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customer service to every visitor. New to slot gam<strong>in</strong>g?<br />

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of this everyone who plays <strong>in</strong> our venue is entitled to<br />

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Why not experience the<br />

magic of MERKUR Slots<br />

today?<br />

We’ve teamed up with<br />

MERKUR Slots to<br />

giveaway a fantastic<br />

Festive Hamper! To be<br />

<strong>in</strong> with a chance of<br />

w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this delicious prize, simply answer the<br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g question correctly and send your<br />

answer along with your details:<br />

Where is MERKUR Slots located?<br />

a) Market Street<br />

b) Bore Street<br />

c) Bird Street<br />

Must be over 18 to enter and available 15th Dec to collect<br />

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To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to MERKUR<br />

Slots Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry<br />

to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS14 4JS by the clos<strong>in</strong>g<br />

date of 13th <strong>December</strong> <strong>2022</strong>. One entry per household. Multiple entries<br />

will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or<br />

over to enter. All entrants’ <strong>in</strong>formation is processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with GDPR<br />

Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy (available at<br />

citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on page 42.<br />

25


To charities fight<strong>in</strong>g furniture poverty, please<br />

write us a ‘shopp<strong>in</strong>g list’<br />

By Richard W<strong>in</strong>terton, Richard W<strong>in</strong>terton Auctioneers<br />

An issue sadly faced by many throughout the year<br />

and magnified by Christmastime is that of furniture<br />

poverty.<br />

Reports show an <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g number of families are<br />

go<strong>in</strong>g without essential furniture or spirall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to debt<br />

by buy<strong>in</strong>g on credit – especially as the cost of<br />

purchas<strong>in</strong>g from new has risen by more than 30 per<br />

cent <strong>in</strong> the past decade.<br />

Yet The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Auction Centre could provide<br />

charities with items <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g three-piece suites,<br />

armchairs, recl<strong>in</strong>ers, tables and chairs, sideboards,<br />

bookcases, wall units, wardrobes and beds – all<br />

completely free of charge.<br />

We carry out a large number of house clearances<br />

every week and <strong>in</strong>evitably encounter much unwanted<br />

furniture and other practical household appliances.<br />

Not everyth<strong>in</strong>g will sell at auction but that doesn’t<br />

mean it’s useless. We can access plenty of good quality<br />

items which can help those who are desperately <strong>in</strong><br />

need.<br />

So if there are any charities, refuges or organisations<br />

out there who th<strong>in</strong>k we can help them with regards to<br />

unsold furniture, please do get <strong>in</strong> touch.<br />

From v<strong>in</strong>tage, retro and Victoriana to mid-20th<br />

century teak, we handle a huge amount of all different<br />

types of furniture and other household items such as<br />

pots and pans, knives and forks and even stairlifts.<br />

And if there are specific items which are regularly<br />

needed, we can store them and always have a conta<strong>in</strong>er<br />

of items ready.<br />

It’s that simple – just write us a shopp<strong>in</strong>g list.<br />

So many people are struggl<strong>in</strong>g, mak<strong>in</strong>g do or go<strong>in</strong>g<br />

without altogether and this doesn’t have to be the<br />

case.<br />

Plus, it’s not just about fight<strong>in</strong>g poverty – it also helps<br />

reuse the planet’s resources by recycl<strong>in</strong>g, upcycl<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

prevent<strong>in</strong>g waste.<br />

Charities and organisations requir<strong>in</strong>g furniture<br />

should email our furniture saleroom manager Scott<br />

Walker at scott@richardw<strong>in</strong>terton.co.uk.<br />

We close for Christmas at 5pm on Wednesday,<br />

<strong>December</strong> 21, reopen<strong>in</strong>g at 9am on Tuesday, <strong>January</strong> 3.<br />

Either side of then, free quotations for house<br />

clearances, probate services and <strong>in</strong>-person valuations<br />

of any item at The <strong>Lichfield</strong> Auction Centre, Wood End<br />

Lane, Fradley Park, can be booked on 01543 251081 or<br />

by email to office@richardw<strong>in</strong>terton.co.uk.<br />

Home visits for bulky items or large collections and<br />

appo<strong>in</strong>tments to view pre-sale are available to arrange<br />

too and onl<strong>in</strong>e catalogues for upcom<strong>in</strong>g sales can be<br />

Furniture saleroom manager Scott Walker at The<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Auction Centre, Fradley Park.<br />

Charities and organisations requir<strong>in</strong>g furniture should<br />

contact Scott Walker at Richard W<strong>in</strong>terton Auctioneers.<br />

browsed via www.richardw<strong>in</strong>terton.co.uk/<br />

auction-dates.<br />

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


There are a tremendous number of<br />

medieval traditions and superstitions<br />

relat<strong>in</strong>g to the Christmas period with<br />

one, more relevant than others to those liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>in</strong> Cathedral cities such as ours, and that is the<br />

tradition of the boy bishops.<br />

It sounds an unlikely title but absolutely true and<br />

can be found all over Europe <strong>in</strong> many societies.<br />

How it started, like many of these ideas, are lost <strong>in</strong><br />

the mists of time but are recorded as a very real<br />

part of Christmas <strong>in</strong> cathedrals prevail<strong>in</strong>g throughout the 13th and 14th<br />

centuries. If a chosen child died <strong>in</strong> office he received a full bishop’s funeral<br />

and was buried <strong>in</strong> his robes. Salisbury Cathedral has one such tomb of a<br />

youngster, with mitre, crozier and robes carved <strong>in</strong>to a stone top for the<br />

tomb. It’s a sad memorial of course, as it always is for a child, but also a<br />

rem<strong>in</strong>der of how terribly seriously the tradition was taken.<br />

The procedure was that each year the boy bishop was chosen from<br />

amongst the choristers of the cathedral, no doubt hav<strong>in</strong>g some qualities<br />

fit for the task, and there would be considerable family rivalry for this<br />

honour. He would be given full episcopal vestments made specially for<br />

him at considerable cost topped with a mitre and crozier, and his term of<br />

office would start on 6th <strong>December</strong>, which is the feast of St. Nicholas the<br />

patron sa<strong>in</strong>t of children (he is a busy sa<strong>in</strong>t, as amongst others, he is also<br />

patron sa<strong>in</strong>t of sailors, pawnbrokers and wolves!) runn<strong>in</strong>g until the end of<br />

his duration on 28th <strong>December</strong>, which is the feast of the Holy Innocents.<br />

He performed all the usual tasks of a Bishop except for Mass although I<br />

have not been able to ascerta<strong>in</strong> if <strong>in</strong>deed all the sacraments were<br />

excluded from his duties – it seems likely. The youngster was attended by<br />

The Boy Bishops<br />

By Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle<br />

a group of canons also taken from the choir and there was a great parade<br />

on All Innocents Eve to signal the end<strong>in</strong>g of his time. This procession<br />

wound around the streets surround<strong>in</strong>g the Cathedral and must have<br />

been quite a sight with candles and the choir s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g all dressed<br />

beautifully.<br />

Adults were <strong>in</strong>volved, no doubt as guidance, as by the early 13th<br />

century it is recorded that dignitaries from the cathedral assisted their<br />

young bishop with duties such as taper bearers but the resistance to this<br />

became strong and it banned from 1263 - one role reversal too far<br />

apparently. K<strong>in</strong>gs could get <strong>in</strong>volved and they did such as k<strong>in</strong>g Edward 1st<br />

who had a vespers sung to him by the boy bishop and his canons <strong>in</strong> 1299<br />

reward<strong>in</strong>g them with the vast amount of 40 shill<strong>in</strong>gs (that was a lot of<br />

money then). Over the years the role started to be subject to abuse as<br />

the boy bishop and his canons might tour the local houses demand<strong>in</strong>g<br />

money, not for alms which would be appropriate, but for their own use<br />

by right of their ranks. I wonder if the parents had anyth<strong>in</strong>g to do with<br />

these begg<strong>in</strong>g sessions?<br />

There is no doubt some of these youngsters became over egotistical<br />

with regard to their rank and formed what sounded remarkably like<br />

gangs caus<strong>in</strong>g disruption <strong>in</strong> services and, <strong>in</strong> time, the public turned the<br />

tables by <strong>in</strong>sult<strong>in</strong>g the youngsters and throw<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs at them,<br />

sometimes <strong>in</strong> services! This became so serious that a statute was passed<br />

that stated that anyone throw<strong>in</strong>g th<strong>in</strong>gs at, or caus<strong>in</strong>g disruption to, the<br />

boy bishop could be punished.<br />

It is hardly a surprise with this development to see that the tradition<br />

was start<strong>in</strong>g to descend <strong>in</strong>to a farce and therefore K<strong>in</strong>g Henry VIII banned<br />

the tradition, albeit not very successfully, whilst his daughter, Queen<br />

Elizabeth I, got a firm grip on it and it f<strong>in</strong>ally died out with<strong>in</strong> these isles.<br />

Spend W<strong>in</strong>ter <strong>in</strong> the Trent Valley<br />

By Louise Morris<br />

As part of the<br />

Transform<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the Trent Valley<br />

scheme there are a<br />

number of activities<br />

you can enjoy from the<br />

comfort of your own<br />

home or by ventur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

outdoors this w<strong>in</strong>ter.<br />

Perhaps you could take<br />

a tour of the Trent Valley<br />

Rob<strong>in</strong>_credit Brian Triptree<br />

from you armchair us<strong>in</strong>g<br />

the <strong>in</strong>teractive virtual<br />

tours and video walks on our website. Make a cup of tea, press play and<br />

discover the beauty of places like Tucklesholme and Fradley Junction. Set<br />

to relax<strong>in</strong>g music, you can explore the areas with added <strong>in</strong>formation and<br />

pictures, or watch a History Walk to learn about the heritage of Burton<br />

with Burton Conservation Volunteer Lawrence Oates.<br />

www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/take-part/virtual-tours<br />

We also have a number of w<strong>in</strong>ter workshops for all ages this<br />

<strong>December</strong>, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Wooden Re<strong>in</strong>deer and Christmas Wreath<br />

workshops. Us<strong>in</strong>g a range of tools we will put together a unique, wooden<br />

re<strong>in</strong>deer. Come along and learn how to make a beautiful, festive w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

wreath, with a seasonal hot dr<strong>in</strong>k and Christmas sweet treat <strong>in</strong>cluded. We<br />

28<br />

will assemble wreath r<strong>in</strong>gs and decorate us<strong>in</strong>g natural materials. These<br />

events are tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> different locations, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Burton library,<br />

Branston and S<strong>in</strong>ai Park House. Book your space us<strong>in</strong>g this l<strong>in</strong>k<br />

www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/take-part/events<br />

Take time to remember. We are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> your personal connection<br />

to the landscape, and you can contribute your stories of the Trent Valley<br />

through our Tales of the Riverbank page<br />

www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/projects/tales-from-the-river-bank This<br />

creative oral history project aims to reignite people’s enthusiasm for, and<br />

connection with rivers. We<br />

are gather<strong>in</strong>g people’s<br />

recollections and thoughts<br />

about the past, present and<br />

future of the Trent Valley.<br />

Wrap up warm and get<br />

out <strong>in</strong> the fresh air to<br />

discover our geocach<strong>in</strong>g<br />

sites <strong>in</strong> the Trent Valley<br />

(www.geocach<strong>in</strong>g.com) or<br />

do some wildlife spott<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

look for waders and w<strong>in</strong>ter<br />

migrants at Tucklesholme<br />

and Croxall Lakes.<br />

Trent Valley Way_credit David Cowper


29


Christmas<br />

Chelsea Buns<br />

By Ruth Redgate<br />

Well, you know we don’t do normal and like<br />

to mix th<strong>in</strong>gs up over at Hunnypot Cottage<br />

so here’s someth<strong>in</strong>g a little bit different for<br />

you this Christmas!<br />

Don’t dismiss the idea if you don’t like<br />

marzipan as this flexible recipe means you<br />

can leave that out. We have also given vegan<br />

options so there’s plenty of choice for<br />

everyone.<br />

As with most recipes you can switch around<br />

your fruit and nuts to suit your preferences<br />

and, of course, change or omit the alcohol as<br />

you see fit.<br />

Ingredients<br />

Juice ½ orange and the zest of a whole<br />

orange<br />

4 tbsp Co<strong>in</strong>treau<br />

85g dried cranberries<br />

85g mixed dried fruit<br />

550g strong white bread flour<br />

15g easy dried yeast or 30 g of fresh yeast<br />

85g caster sugar<br />

P<strong>in</strong>ch of nutmeg<br />

85g butter (dairy free spread or grated<br />

coconut oil)<br />

1 large egg or one flax egg (1tbsp ground<br />

flaxseed, 3 tbsp water – mix together at least<br />

5 m<strong>in</strong>s before us<strong>in</strong>g)<br />

250ml milk (dairy or plant)<br />

25g pistachios chopped<br />

300g marzipan<br />

To decorate<br />

Ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar or ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar mixed with a little<br />

water, plus some additional chopped<br />

pistachios.<br />

Method<br />

Stir together the juice, zest, Co<strong>in</strong>treau, and<br />

dried fruit <strong>in</strong> a bowl and leave to soak.<br />

Meanwhile, mix the flour, dried yeast, caster<br />

sugar and nutmeg <strong>in</strong> a bowl. Add ½ tsp salt<br />

and rub <strong>in</strong> the butter. Beat the egg with the<br />

milk, then pour onto the flour mix. Stir with<br />

a round-bladed knife, then use your hands to<br />

br<strong>in</strong>g the mixture together as a soft dough. If<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g fresh yeast dissolve this <strong>in</strong> the milk<br />

before add<strong>in</strong>g to the dry <strong>in</strong>gredients.<br />

Tip onto a work surface and knead for a<br />

couple of m<strong>in</strong>s, add<strong>in</strong>g a little flour only if you<br />

need to stop it stick<strong>in</strong>g. Return the dough to<br />

the bowl and cover with cl<strong>in</strong>g film. Leave to<br />

rise for 45 m<strong>in</strong>s - 1hr <strong>in</strong> a warm place until<br />

doubled <strong>in</strong> size.<br />

L<strong>in</strong>e a large t<strong>in</strong> approximately 36 x 26 cm (a<br />

large roast<strong>in</strong>g t<strong>in</strong> can be used or you can use<br />

2 smaller ones) with bak<strong>in</strong>g parchment. Roll<br />

the risen dough out firmly to a long strip<br />

about 70 x 18cm. Scatter the soaked fruit<br />

along the dough then spr<strong>in</strong>kle on the<br />

pistachios to the soaked fruit.<br />

Roll the marzipan <strong>in</strong>to a sausage the same<br />

length as the longest side of the dough (if<br />

you struggle to do this on one go don’t fret<br />

you can do it <strong>in</strong> smaller amounts), then place<br />

it down the centre of the dough and roll up<br />

together firmly, a bit like mak<strong>in</strong>g a sausage<br />

roll with the marzipan <strong>in</strong> place of the<br />

sausage. Trim the ends, then cut the rest <strong>in</strong>to<br />

12 even lengths and arrange, cut side up, <strong>in</strong><br />

the t<strong>in</strong>. Cover with cl<strong>in</strong>g film and leave to rise<br />

for 45 m<strong>in</strong>s – 1hr until really well risen.<br />

Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Bake for<br />

15-20 m<strong>in</strong>s until golden. Can be frozen for up<br />

to 6 weeks.<br />

When ready to eat, whether freshly baked or<br />

defrosted, brush with melted butter/coconut<br />

oil and dredge with ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar or mix a little<br />

water <strong>in</strong>to the ic<strong>in</strong>g sugar, drizzle over the<br />

buns and scatter over the nuts. Eat with<strong>in</strong> 2<br />

days.<br />

Check out our You Tube Channel to watch<br />

the video – just scan the QR code!<br />

Ruth Redgate is the owner and chief baker at<br />

Hunnypot Cottage Bakery. Contact her on<br />

loaf@hunnypotcottagebakery.co.uk.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


W<strong>in</strong> a ‘Date Night’<br />

Shar<strong>in</strong>g Box<br />

Experience the taste of Italy as Venice comes to Barton<br />

Mar<strong>in</strong>a! Step <strong>in</strong>side Indulgence, the Italian style coffee, w<strong>in</strong>e<br />

and cicchetti bar, where the vibrant atmosphere mimics<br />

that of Italian life and you’ll f<strong>in</strong>d authentic Italian produce,<br />

such as chocolates, cakes and gelato, along with all day light<br />

savoury bites, for you to enjoy on the water’s edge.<br />

We’ve teamed up with Indulgence to offer one lucky<br />

reader the chance to w<strong>in</strong> a 'Date Night' box to share with<br />

that special someone <strong>in</strong> their life! Compris<strong>in</strong>g of a bottle of<br />

Italian Prosecco or Rose V<strong>in</strong>o Spumante, along with a<br />

presentation box conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g 16 handmade luxury Italian<br />

chocolates, this is a treat not to be missed!<br />

To be <strong>in</strong> with your chance of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g this<br />

fantastic prize, simply answer the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

question correctly and send it along with your<br />

details to the email or postal address below.<br />

Where is Indulgence located?<br />

a) Curborough Countryside Centre<br />

b) Heart of the Country Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village<br />

c) Barton Mar<strong>in</strong>a<br />

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to<br />

Indulgence Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your<br />

entry to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box 7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong> WS14 4JS by the<br />

clos<strong>in</strong>g date of 17th <strong>December</strong> <strong>2022</strong>. One entry per household. Multiple<br />

entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18<br />

or over to enter. All entrants’ <strong>in</strong>formation is processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with GDPR<br />

Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy (available at<br />

citylife<strong>in</strong>lichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on page 42.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Supper Club at The Deer Park<br />

By Kristen Lackajis<br />

It was a celebration of local Staffordshire producer Pack<strong>in</strong>gton Free Range<br />

at November’s Supper Club - and boy what a celebration it was!<br />

Envisioned and then lov<strong>in</strong>gly created by talented Head Chef, Craig Malone,<br />

the three-course set menu boasted dishes designed to highlight all that<br />

Pack<strong>in</strong>gton Free Range, located at nearby Barton-Under-Needwood, had to<br />

offer.<br />

On arrival, we were greeted with a seasonal welcome dr<strong>in</strong>k of mulled<br />

spiced cider and shown to our seats <strong>in</strong> the beautifully styled L<strong>in</strong>hay<br />

Restaurant, which was all decked out for the Festive Season. A waitress<br />

brought round delicious nibbles of pork belly cubes and crispy chicken sk<strong>in</strong><br />

(quite literally, a melt <strong>in</strong> the mouth experience!) which was followed by a trio<br />

of m<strong>in</strong>i freshly baked bread loaves, dipp<strong>in</strong>g oils courtesy of Just Oils and an<br />

<strong>in</strong>credibly moreish smoked bacon butter. We tucked <strong>in</strong>, savour<strong>in</strong>g the different<br />

flavours and textures, whilst one of the owners of Pack<strong>in</strong>gton Free Range gave<br />

a brief address to tell us a little more about the farm and its produce.<br />

Next came the star of the show… the cockerel! A braised leg meat<br />

cannelloni and a roasted breast were accompanied by sauteed wild<br />

mushrooms, roast onion, bok choy, truffle juice and a roast carrot, with a<br />

velvety Yoxall cider cream sauce to pour over. Juicy, succulent and with a depth<br />

of flavour that I’ve never experienced before with chicken, this dish was, quite<br />

simply, exquisite! Comb<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g flavour with texture is a def<strong>in</strong>ite skill that Craig<br />

possesses and there was certa<strong>in</strong>ly no skimp<strong>in</strong>g on the big and bold flavours<br />

that adorned this plate of food!<br />

To f<strong>in</strong>ish what was already an <strong>in</strong>credible meal, the dessert was someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />

completely unique once aga<strong>in</strong> that really shows off Craig’s <strong>in</strong>dividuality and<br />

creativity as a chef. Served <strong>in</strong> a Pack<strong>in</strong>gton egg box, were three porcela<strong>in</strong> white<br />

egg shells that had been hollowed out and filled with smooth vanilla crème<br />

brulee with a glassy caramelised sugar top, Bluebells’ Cherry Cheesecake ice<br />

cream, and a chocolate popp<strong>in</strong>g candy and cherry pudd<strong>in</strong>g, accompanied by a<br />

shortbread biscuit and a cherry chocolate éclair for good measure!<br />

To say this was a feast fit for a K<strong>in</strong>g would be an understatement and, whilst<br />

the outstand<strong>in</strong>g food quite obviously draws d<strong>in</strong>ers time and aga<strong>in</strong> to The<br />

L<strong>in</strong>hay for its monthly Supper Club events, the venue also benefits from be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

able to provide a delightful, one-of-a-k<strong>in</strong>d experience. The <strong>in</strong>timate sett<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

with a limited number of places available and attentive staff, gives an exclusive<br />

feel to the whole even<strong>in</strong>g, which boasts the <strong>in</strong>formal atmosphere of a family<br />

and friends gather<strong>in</strong>g rather than the anonymity of a large, busy establishment.<br />

It is also a lovely touch to have the month’s ‘featured producer’ as a d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g<br />

guest, mak<strong>in</strong>g the Supper Club feel like a very special treat to attend!<br />

Each Supper Club features a different local producer each month. For<br />

<strong>in</strong>formation about future Supper Club events, visit www.deerpark.farm or<br />

follow it on Facebook.<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Make money by<br />

deliver<strong>in</strong>g magaz<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong><br />

your local area!<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> is look<strong>in</strong>g for<br />

distributors to deliver its<br />

high quality<br />

magaz<strong>in</strong>es <strong>in</strong> and around<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> and our sister<br />

publication <strong>in</strong> Rugeley &<br />

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be aged 16 or over.<br />

Book<strong>in</strong>gs be<strong>in</strong>g taken for Christmas and New Year’s Eve<br />

If you’re <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong><br />

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D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


Buzzards Valley, Shirrall Drive, Tamworth, B78 3EQ<br />

Christmas<br />

Sunday<br />

Market<br />

11th Dec<br />

D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Out - A City of Flavours


35


36


Feet Glorious<br />

Feet!<br />

By Kristen Lackajis<br />

There is a<br />

certa<strong>in</strong> part of<br />

my body that I<br />

never allow anyone<br />

to see (let alone<br />

touch!) and that, is<br />

my feet!<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g an avid<br />

runner, and hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />

endured a few<br />

operations over the<br />

years, my feet are a<br />

little worse for wear, and that’s putt<strong>in</strong>g it politely!<br />

Whether it’s the calluses and hard sk<strong>in</strong> that adorn my<br />

heels and toes, or the patchwork of scars from<br />

procedures past that make me want to hide my<br />

trotters from the world, I can’t exactly say, but they’re<br />

certa<strong>in</strong>ly not a pretty sight. So, when I visited Alison<br />

Loverock at The Foot Retreat <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>, I was more<br />

than a little anxious about what to expect.<br />

As a fully qualified, registered and <strong>in</strong>sured foot health<br />

practitioner, Alison's work concentrates on ensur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that feet not only look good, but are healthy. She<br />

specialises <strong>in</strong> aesthetic foot treatments which <strong>in</strong>clude<br />

nail reconstruction, correct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>grown toenails,<br />

medical pedicures, remov<strong>in</strong>g corns and calluses,<br />

treat<strong>in</strong>g warts, verrucae and fungal nail <strong>in</strong>fections, as<br />

well as a whole host of other treatments.<br />

Situated <strong>in</strong> a beautiful home studio, The Foot Retreat<br />

is a light and airy space, with skylights above and with<br />

a roar<strong>in</strong>g fire <strong>in</strong> the stylish log burner, it created a very<br />

relax<strong>in</strong>g atmosphere. Alison put me completely at ease<br />

with her friendly, effervescent manner and suddenly the<br />

thought of gett<strong>in</strong>g my feet out <strong>in</strong> front of a total<br />

stranger didn’t seem quite as horrific anymore!<br />

After an <strong>in</strong>itial consultation, Alison got to work,<br />

lightly massag<strong>in</strong>g my feet with professional lotions,<br />

gently us<strong>in</strong>g a scalpel to deal with my hard sk<strong>in</strong>, and<br />

trimm<strong>in</strong>g back and fil<strong>in</strong>g my nails with fabulous high<br />

tech equipment made from ceramic material which is<br />

designed to be k<strong>in</strong>d to the sk<strong>in</strong>. The whole process<br />

took 45 m<strong>in</strong>utes and, I have to say, I rather enjoyed it!<br />

Not only that, but my feet felt soft, smooth and<br />

revitalised, and that’s after just one treatment!<br />

Alison also expla<strong>in</strong>ed the benefit of regular foot care<br />

and why it was so important, after all, we spend a<br />

majority of our time on our feet and a lifetime of<br />

squeez<strong>in</strong>g them <strong>in</strong> and out of restrictive footwear.<br />

Needless to say, I’m most def<strong>in</strong>itely converted and will<br />

def<strong>in</strong>itely be back to help keep my feet <strong>in</strong> tip-top<br />

condition!<br />

37


Christmas Gifts from<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>’s Past<br />

By Jono Oates<br />

Today many of the Christmas gifts we buy for our friends, work colleagues and<br />

family, tend to be high technology and at times highly expensive! But the gifts<br />

that Lichfeldians bought <strong>in</strong> the past tended to be simpler, cheaper and much<br />

more practical.<br />

In <strong>December</strong> 1889, shoppers could go to Egg<strong>in</strong>gton and Brown, the pr<strong>in</strong>ters and<br />

booksellers on Bird Street, and buy pipe racks, letter racks, purses, handbags and chatela<strong>in</strong>es<br />

(a belt hook worn at the waist, with cha<strong>in</strong>s on to which household items were attached) as<br />

well as Christmas and New Year’s Day greet<strong>in</strong>g cards. Messrs Phillips and Parkes, fishmongers<br />

and poulterers, also on Bird Street, were offer<strong>in</strong>g over 500 turkeys and geese for the<br />

Christmas d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g table, as well as fish of ‘every description’ and barrels of oysters. Another<br />

fishmonger and poulterer, Henry Welch Junior of Tamworth Street, was also sell<strong>in</strong>g oysters<br />

of the f<strong>in</strong>est American quality at 1 shill<strong>in</strong>g per score, and also pheasants, hares, venison,<br />

rabbits, pigeons and wild birds of every description. J Worth<strong>in</strong>gton, watchmaker and jeweller,<br />

on the junction of Bird Street and Market Street, could provide watches and jewellery to suit<br />

every budget and were also proud to announce that they were the sole agents for John<br />

Royle’s Self-Pour<strong>in</strong>g teapots. To wash down all of that f<strong>in</strong>e food, Henry Mounsdon, w<strong>in</strong>e<br />

merchants at 33 Market Street, was sell<strong>in</strong>g bottles of w<strong>in</strong>e at 1 shill<strong>in</strong>g and bottles of spirits<br />

for 1 shill<strong>in</strong>g and sixpence – about 8 pence <strong>in</strong> today’s money. For a more unusual gift,<br />

Lichfeldians could head to Frederick Harper, at the County Music Warehouse on Bore Street,<br />

and purchase the ‘new musical novelty’ the Bigotphone, which ‘no Christmas Party would be<br />

complete without’. The Bigotphone was the <strong>in</strong>vention of a Frenchman, Mr Bigot, and was a<br />

type of mirliton, or kazoo, which mimicked the sound of brass <strong>in</strong>struments and was very<br />

popular <strong>in</strong> the 1890s.<br />

By 1926 festive shoppers <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> could go to Averill’s Chemists on Conduit Street and<br />

buy bottles of perfumes for just one shill<strong>in</strong>g, hot-water bottles, safety razors and hairbrushes<br />

while they also had a beautiful range of British-made leather goods. Meanwhile, just around<br />

the corner at 37 Market Street, Frisby’s, part of the national cha<strong>in</strong> of shoe shops, declared<br />

that ‘Christmas was Slipper Time’ with the slogan ‘What More Welcome Gift than a Warm<br />

and Cosy Pair of Slippers.’<br />

The Radiospeed TV and radio shop at 21 Tamworth Street was offer<strong>in</strong>g a special Christmas<br />

allowance for customers’ old TVs <strong>in</strong> <strong>December</strong> 1955. The best 14 and 17-<strong>in</strong>ch screen models<br />

were all ready to accept the new TV channel, ITV, which was due to be launched the follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

spr<strong>in</strong>g. This <strong>in</strong>cluded the wonderful PYE VT4, which Radiospeed claimed was ‘undoubtedly the<br />

world’s most reliable television’ and was priced at 87 gu<strong>in</strong>eas – just over £91 today.<br />

Lucille, ladies’ hairdressers at 26 Bird Street, had a large selection of gifts from City, Revlon,<br />

Goya, Yardley and Norman Hartnell for Christmas <strong>in</strong> 1958, as well as delightful French<br />

perfumes by Lucien Lelong and was the only shop across the <strong>Lichfield</strong> district that supplied<br />

toiletries and perfumes by Worth. In the same year, Worsey’s newsagents at 11 Tamworth<br />

Street had lots of Christmas toys for sale <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cowboy and cowgirl outfits, bows and<br />

arrows, box<strong>in</strong>g gloves, Bagatelle, tra<strong>in</strong> sets and dolls’ houses.<br />

Toys for the children were also available at Lark<strong>in</strong>’s Model Shop at 9 St John Street <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>December</strong> 1968. Brands <strong>in</strong>cluded Meccano, Pelham Puppets, Spirograph, Scalextric, Subbuteo,<br />

Triang and Airfix.<br />

Another shop sell<strong>in</strong>g toys was the Toybox store at the Bakers Lane Prec<strong>in</strong>ct at Christmas<br />

1988. The store manager reported that the Ghostbuster range of toys was popular with the<br />

boys, while the Keypers animal toys from Tonka were prov<strong>in</strong>g a hit with the girls, especially<br />

the Pony. For the slightly older generation, Christophers, also <strong>in</strong> the Prec<strong>in</strong>ct, had the latest<br />

technology <strong>in</strong> stock, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g personal stereos, video camcorders, Casio keyboards and<br />

electronic chess games. If you preferred to rent, not buy, then the Multi Broadcast shop could<br />

offer the latest microwave for just £1.50 per week, and you could rent Sanyo audio hi-fi units<br />

from £19 a month.<br />

Today our Christmas shopp<strong>in</strong>g lists are very different to those from <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s past, but one<br />

th<strong>in</strong>g has rema<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>tact over the decades – the spirt of the festive season is still alive and<br />

well <strong>in</strong> the olde Citye of <strong>Lichfield</strong> – Merry Christmas One and All!<br />

Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Trades of a City by J.P. Gallagher.<br />

V<strong>in</strong>tage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s Photographic Collection<br />

38<br />

Arhur Worsey Newsagents, 11 Tamworth Street<br />

Lucille Hairdressers 26 Bird Street<br />

Lark<strong>in</strong>'s Model Shop, 9 St John Street<br />

Lark<strong>in</strong>'s Model Shop, 9 St JoBT Sadlers, Drapers,<br />

41-43 Market Street


39


Remembrance<br />

Events<br />

WThe annual Remembrance service was held<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral on Sunday 13th<br />

November. Follow<strong>in</strong>g the Cathedral service,<br />

Vice Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, James<br />

Leavesley DL accompanied by the Mayor, Councillor Jamie<br />

Checkland, led the civic party <strong>in</strong>to the Remembrance<br />

Gardens to observe the national two m<strong>in</strong>utes silence and<br />

then perform the wreath lay<strong>in</strong>g ceremony, after which the<br />

Dean of <strong>Lichfield</strong>, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber gave<br />

the bless<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

In Burntwood, wreaths were laid at a ceremony <strong>in</strong><br />

Chasetown at the war memorial, as well as a display of<br />

poppies <strong>in</strong> both red, and also purple (to remember the<br />

animals which lost their lives) at Pr<strong>in</strong>ce’s Park.<br />

The War Memorial <strong>in</strong> Chasetown<br />

The beautiful display at Pr<strong>in</strong>ce's Park, Burntwood,<br />

which pays homage to all those who lost their lives,<br />

animals <strong>in</strong>cluded.<br />

40<br />

The procession from the Cathedral (photo by Robert Yardley).<br />

Help a Dog this<br />

Christmas<br />

By Lauren Hirst<br />

This year has been a mixed year for everyone and <strong>2023</strong> is<br />

certa<strong>in</strong> to br<strong>in</strong>g some challenges. On a positive note, it was<br />

lovely to be able to get out and about aga<strong>in</strong> with our<br />

greyhounds to get them used to the big wide world outside of<br />

kennel life, and ready for their forever homes.<br />

We were, once aga<strong>in</strong>, able to go out on awareness roadshows and<br />

events to let people know what fantastic pets retired rac<strong>in</strong>g greyhounds<br />

make and bust a few myths like they need lots of exercise (they don’t -<br />

only two half hour walks a day <strong>in</strong> between snoozes). Like many other<br />

animal rehom<strong>in</strong>g centres, the number of dogs we’ve been able to f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

homes for <strong>in</strong> <strong>2022</strong> is waaaay down on previous years due to the<br />

economic climate and we’re not sure there will be any improvement <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Several of hounds have been wait<strong>in</strong>g months for someone to visit and<br />

take them home. Flash, Archie, Ricky and Tommy are just a few.<br />

However, if you aren’t able to adopt a dog there are several ways you<br />

can help the greyhounds <strong>in</strong> our care. Perhaps you could sponsor a dog<br />

or a kennel for £36 and £72 a year respectively. It’s the perfect gift for<br />

an animal lover <strong>in</strong> your life and you can arrange to visit our chosen<br />

hound(s).<br />

Many people will do their Christmas shopp<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e. If you jo<strong>in</strong><br />

The wreath lay<strong>in</strong>g ceremony <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>'s Remebrance Gardens<br />

(photo by Robert Yardley).<br />

Easyfundrais<strong>in</strong>g, each time you shop onl<strong>in</strong>e the vendor will give you a<br />

cash reward which you can donate to us. It’s simple and doesn’t cost you<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g but really helps us.<br />

Another way to help is by buy<strong>in</strong>g some supplies for our kennels (and<br />

if you buy onl<strong>in</strong>e through Easyfundrais<strong>in</strong>g, you help twice!) Have a look<br />

at our Amazon Wishlist on our website!<br />

Visit our website at www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk/ and click<br />

on the “support” tab for all the ways to help. But if you ARE th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g<br />

about adopt<strong>in</strong>g a dog <strong>in</strong> <strong>2023</strong>, please consider a greyhound… adopt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

one dog might not change the world, but the world will change for that<br />

one greyhound. They’ve given their all dur<strong>in</strong>g their rac<strong>in</strong>g careers, now<br />

it’s our time to given them our ‘all’ <strong>in</strong> return.


J HOWELL &<br />

DAUGHTERS<br />

FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD<br />

LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT,<br />

FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS.<br />

SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU<br />

AND YOUR FAMILY.<br />

24 hours a day<br />

We are proud to be <strong>Lichfield</strong>'s longest established family run funeral directors offer<strong>in</strong>g a wide range of<br />

choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and<br />

memorials are but a few of the services we offer.<br />

Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.<br />

For a truly personal service please call<br />

01543 255776<br />

Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, Staffs. WS13 6TS<br />

41


Have Yourself a<br />

Susta<strong>in</strong>able Christmas<br />

By Jess Davanzo<br />

‘Tis the season of giv<strong>in</strong>g, but sometimes our well-<strong>in</strong>tentioned<br />

generosity has the opposite effect on our resources. Unless you’re liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

under a rock, you have heard the buzz around need<strong>in</strong>g to live more<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>ably. It can feel overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g at times, but <strong>in</strong> truth there are a<br />

multitude of little th<strong>in</strong>gs we could all do that can collectively have a big<br />

impact! Particularly at a time known for excess, little tweaks can make<br />

huge difference.<br />

This isn’t to say you must go <strong>in</strong>to Gr<strong>in</strong>ch mode! On the contrary!<br />

Some of the best ways to be “greener” are more mean<strong>in</strong>gful practices<br />

that add to the holiday spirit, not detract from it!<br />

Here’s some quick susta<strong>in</strong>able holiday tips…<br />

Wrapp<strong>in</strong>g paper<br />

Is it necessary? It looks<br />

beautiful, but millions of rolls get<br />

thrown away every year and<br />

much of it is non-recyclable<br />

(especially sh<strong>in</strong>y/glittery k<strong>in</strong>ds!)<br />

For someth<strong>in</strong>g that is torn and<br />

discarded quickly there must be<br />

a better way - and there is! If<br />

wrapp<strong>in</strong>g presents the old<br />

fashioned way is important to<br />

you, why not use natural brown<br />

paper that is recyclable? Or even<br />

newspaper? This can look<br />

beautiful especially when tied<br />

with natural str<strong>in</strong>g or<br />

biodegradable ribbon. You could even use some of nature’s offer<strong>in</strong>gs like<br />

holly leaves to decorate the packages. Another alternative is old fabric or<br />

reusable bags. It might sound strange, but it can truly look lovely and<br />

make a big difference. Plus, it saves you money!<br />

Gifts<br />

Give gifts that support a susta<strong>in</strong>able lifestyle and you can encourage<br />

positive change whilst giv<strong>in</strong>g a wonderful present. Th<strong>in</strong>k reusable and<br />

purchase th<strong>in</strong>gs like lunch boxes, water bottles and bags that are made <strong>in</strong><br />

a conscious way and also promote a better way of liv<strong>in</strong>g. Lots of<br />

susta<strong>in</strong>able gift companies give back to earth friendly and ethical<br />

<strong>in</strong>itiatives, and I’m pleased to say that we carry lots of ethical, cruelty free<br />

and susta<strong>in</strong>able gifts at www.earthystuff.co.uk that are not only eco<br />

themselves, but a portion of the profit goes back <strong>in</strong>to <strong>in</strong>vest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to<br />

planet and people friendly projects. Also, trees are planted with every<br />

order! So, for guilt-free giv<strong>in</strong>g, look for local susta<strong>in</strong>able companies that<br />

truly care. Another idea is to make your own gifts or baked goods or<br />

better yet, give the gift or your time and plan a lovely day out <strong>in</strong> nature!<br />

Decorations<br />

These are an <strong>in</strong>tegral part of the festive season, but often made from<br />

harmful materials. A fun way to be more susta<strong>in</strong>able is to turn your<br />

decorat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to a forag<strong>in</strong>g<br />

exercise, get out <strong>in</strong> fresh air<br />

and collect some beautiful<br />

holly or p<strong>in</strong>econes and<br />

make some lovely features<br />

on the mantle or the table.<br />

Make your own ornaments,<br />

but remember to avoid<br />

glitter & t<strong>in</strong>sel! And if you<br />

already have a plastic tree,<br />

keep us<strong>in</strong>g it! It’s better to<br />

ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong> and keep us<strong>in</strong>g<br />

one you already have then<br />

to opt for a new one, even<br />

if the new one is more eco!<br />

You can also rent trees<br />

(seriously)!<br />

Jess Davanzo is the Founder of Earthy Stuff, an onl<strong>in</strong>e<br />

store sell<strong>in</strong>g a range of eco-friendly, susta<strong>in</strong>able gift and<br />

home items. Passionate about promot<strong>in</strong>g cruelty-free ad<br />

ethical lifestyle choices, Jess is on a mission to help make<br />

the world a greener and k<strong>in</strong>der place.<br />

www.earthystuff.co.uk<br />

Christmas D<strong>in</strong>ner<br />

This is often the p<strong>in</strong>nacle<br />

of the day and a simple<br />

th<strong>in</strong>g to do is to buy locally<br />

and seasonally. This not only<br />

supports the earth but<br />

helps your community and<br />

local bus<strong>in</strong>esses too. If you<br />

get your vegetables from a<br />

local farm shop or farmers<br />

market, not only are<br />

support<strong>in</strong>g your<br />

community and prevent<strong>in</strong>g<br />

unnecessary transport, but<br />

you are go<strong>in</strong>g to get a much tastier and more nutritious vegetables<br />

grown down the road than ones that have been flown from far away.<br />

You<br />

Sure, we want a more susta<strong>in</strong>able way of liv<strong>in</strong>g but that doesn’t just<br />

mean the planet, we must protect ourselves too! The recent rises <strong>in</strong> the<br />

cost of liv<strong>in</strong>g, coupled with the pressure to overspend and buy th<strong>in</strong>gs for<br />

the sake of it, doesn’t help with our personal susta<strong>in</strong>ability either. The<br />

season of giv<strong>in</strong>g often comes at a cost to our mental health and it<br />

shouldn’t! The most valuable th<strong>in</strong>g we have is our time, so why not let go<br />

of the pressures of buy<strong>in</strong>g presents and focus <strong>in</strong>stead on be<strong>in</strong>g present<br />

with the ones you love?<br />

42


Christmas Gifts<br />

Gifts<br />

Galore!<br />

Tis the season to be jolly and here at<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> we've put together a guide to<br />

highlight just a few of the fantastic<br />

local and <strong>in</strong>dependent companies <strong>in</strong><br />

the area and their products. This year,<br />

it's not about how much you spend,<br />

it's where you spend that's important...<br />

keep the community thriv<strong>in</strong>g and buy<br />

local wherever possible!<br />

Keeren's Kardz & Gifts<br />

from the Heart<br />

Keep your feet warm with Snoozies Men's and<br />

Ladies Slippers, <strong>in</strong> various styles and sizes. Priced at<br />

£11.99 each or £20 for two pairs! Available from<br />

Keeren's Kardz & Gifts from the Heart, Brewery<br />

Street Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centre, Rugeley. Search for<br />

Keeren's Kardz on Facebook.<br />

Needwood Liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The true scent of Christmas! St Eval Christmas<br />

Candles are available <strong>in</strong> Inspiritus, Orange &<br />

C<strong>in</strong>namon, W<strong>in</strong>ter Thyme. Priced at £13.45 and<br />

available from Needwood Liv<strong>in</strong>g, High Street,<br />

Tutbury, or Ma<strong>in</strong> Street, Alrewas.<br />

www.needwoodliv<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk<br />

Earthy Stuff<br />

Beautifully unique and susta<strong>in</strong>able, these elephant<br />

dung notebooks are the perfect quirky gift! They<br />

are Fair Trade and lovely for use as a journal or<br />

everyday notebook. The elephant dung covers are<br />

made from 25% recycled paper and 75% elephant<br />

dung – yes really! The ultimate <strong>in</strong> recycl<strong>in</strong>g! Priced<br />

at £11. Available onl<strong>in</strong>e at Earthystuff.co.uk or<br />

email: hello@earthystuff.co.uk.<br />

43


Christmas Gifts<br />

Jewellery With Life<br />

This Textured Star Pendant is the perfect gift for<br />

the super stars <strong>in</strong> your life. Made us<strong>in</strong>g recycled<br />

silver, it comes <strong>in</strong> your choice of textures, f<strong>in</strong>ish<br />

and length of silver cha<strong>in</strong>. Priced at £26. You can<br />

f<strong>in</strong>d more beautiful pieces made <strong>in</strong> Staffordshire by<br />

Emily at www.jewellerywithlife.co.uk.<br />

Eden Gallery<br />

Curious Collie framed limited edition by Nicky<br />

Litchfield. Framed size 46cm x 69cm. Price: £205 and<br />

available from Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre,<br />

Curborough Countryside Centre, WS13 8ES. Tel:<br />

01543 268393. Open<strong>in</strong>g hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm<br />

(Tues by appo<strong>in</strong>tment only).<br />

www.edenartandfram<strong>in</strong>g.co.uk<br />

Indulgence<br />

Italian Prosecco or Rose V<strong>in</strong>o Spumante <strong>in</strong> a<br />

presentation bag with a choice of 4, 8, 12 or 16<br />

chocolates. Prices for the chocolates start from<br />

£3.99. Other Italian w<strong>in</strong>e selections are available.<br />

Indulgence, Barton Mar<strong>in</strong>a, Barton-under-<br />

Needwood.<br />

Michael’s Menswear<br />

Com<strong>in</strong>g from a well known company <strong>in</strong> the trade<br />

Pr<strong>in</strong>gle socks offer great comfort with great style.<br />

Perfect for the Christmas season these cotton<br />

socks are a perfect gift this season com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

packs of 3 with a variety of pre picked patterns<br />

and colours for only £17.95. See our range <strong>in</strong><br />

store now. 01543 262264. Available from Michael’s<br />

Menswear, Market Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Artisan Upcyclers<br />

Artisan Upcyclers hosts a stunn<strong>in</strong>g array of<br />

handmade items from the creative talents of local<br />

and UK-based artists. Recycl<strong>in</strong>g, reclaim<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

upcycl<strong>in</strong>g the discarded <strong>in</strong>to the marvellous! These<br />

gorgeous lamps are priced at £45 each and<br />

available from Artisan Upcyclers,<br />

12 Tudor Row, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Earthy Stuff<br />

These coconut bowl sets are hand crafted from a<br />

real coconut and accompanied by a reclaimed<br />

wooden spoon. These beautiful bowls make a<br />

lovely gift and are organic, vegan and eco-friendly.<br />

Perfect for mak<strong>in</strong>g healthy acai bowls, delicious<br />

smoothie bowls and scrumptious ramen bowls!<br />

Priced at £10 and available onl<strong>in</strong>e at<br />

www.earthystuff.co.uk.<br />

44<br />

Paul Martyn<br />

Novelty draught excluders, <strong>in</strong> different styles,<br />

priced at £38 and available from Paul Martyn,<br />

Heart of the Country Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village, Sw<strong>in</strong>fen. Tel:<br />

01543 481592. www.paulmartynfurniture.co.uk<br />

Clive's W<strong>in</strong>es<br />

It wouldn't be Christmas without a spot of fizz!<br />

Why not try someth<strong>in</strong>g different this year, like this<br />

sparkl<strong>in</strong>g rhubarb w<strong>in</strong>e, or rhubl<strong>in</strong>g, as it's known?<br />

Made us<strong>in</strong>g the traditional method to create<br />

natural bubbles, rhubl<strong>in</strong>g is the perfect, light fizz to<br />

enjoy with a loved one. Available from Clive's<br />

W<strong>in</strong>es of Burntwood. Tel: 07972 269 620.<br />

www.clivesw<strong>in</strong>es.co.uk<br />

Use code CWCL10 to get 10%<br />

off at Clive's W<strong>in</strong>es!<br />

Allen Brown Jewellery<br />

Silver triple disc earr<strong>in</strong>gs with 18ct yellow and<br />

black rhodium detail. Priced at £176 and available<br />

from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country<br />

Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village, Sw<strong>in</strong>fen, <strong>Lichfield</strong>, WS14 9QR.<br />

Tel: 01543 481 948.<br />

www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk


Christmas Gifts<br />

Tippers<br />

The most popular of our charcoal grills, Kamado<br />

Joe’s Classic Joe II is perfect for cook<strong>in</strong>g all year<br />

round, you can even cook your Christmas d<strong>in</strong>ner<br />

with it! With a mould and water resistant control<br />

vent, why not start practis<strong>in</strong>g for those summer<br />

even<strong>in</strong>gs now? Priced at £1,999.<br />

www.tippers.com<br />

Victoria Lowe<br />

A brand new <strong>in</strong>teriors, lifestyle and gift shop <strong>in</strong> the<br />

centre of <strong>Lichfield</strong>. Victoria Lowe features an array<br />

of beautiful gift ideas, as well as home, cloth<strong>in</strong>g,<br />

accessories, light<strong>in</strong>g, clocks artwork and much,<br />

more. Victoria Lowe, 15 Dam Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Tel: 01543 262581.<br />

Instagram: @ victorialowe_lichfield<br />

The Deer Park<br />

Specialis<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> susta<strong>in</strong>ably-sourced tea grown <strong>in</strong> Sri<br />

Lanka, Doyen is a local company which aims to<br />

m<strong>in</strong>imise its carbon footpr<strong>in</strong>t throughout its<br />

production processes. This tea advent calendar<br />

features two teabags beh<strong>in</strong>d each door from the<br />

range, which <strong>in</strong>cludes green teas, herbal and<br />

fruit blends.<br />

Priced at £29.95 and available from The Deer Park,<br />

Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, DE13 8QR.<br />

City Jewellers<br />

Treat that special someone <strong>in</strong> your life to<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g a little more luxurious this Christmas,<br />

such as this stunn<strong>in</strong>g Hamilton PSR Watch,<br />

sta<strong>in</strong>less steel £675 and available from City<br />

Jewellers, Bore Street, <strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

S&P Watercolours<br />

Based on an orig<strong>in</strong>al watercolour pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g by S&P<br />

Watercolours, this Shugborough Hall 1,000-piece<br />

jigsaw puzzle features a central ‘boy and swan’<br />

founta<strong>in</strong> and clipped golden yews. A fabulous gift<br />

idea featur<strong>in</strong>g an iconic Staffordshire landmark.<br />

Priced at £18.99. Available from S&P Watercolours,<br />

The Courtyard, Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge,<br />

ST17 0XN. Email: spwatercolours@gmail.com.<br />

Arthur Price<br />

Make sure your Christmas table looks its best<br />

this year with the Sophie Conran Rivel<strong>in</strong> 52-<br />

piece cutlery set. Priced at £350 and available<br />

from Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 267324.<br />

The Christmas Barn<br />

The most beautiful large diamanté and bead<br />

encrusted baubles are a real statement piece to<br />

hang on your tree to impress this year, or even <strong>in</strong><br />

the w<strong>in</strong>dow for extra glamour! Measur<strong>in</strong>g<br />

approx. 12cm. Priced at £9 and available from<br />

The Christmas Barn, Heart of the Country<br />

Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Village, Sw<strong>in</strong>fen.<br />

Framework<br />

This spectacular, impos<strong>in</strong>g Highland Cow bust by<br />

Matt Buckley, from the EDGE contemporary<br />

sculpture collection, perfectly captures the noble<br />

character of the Highland Cow - a strik<strong>in</strong>g<br />

centrepiece for any room. Priced at £345 and<br />

available from Framework, Tamworth Street,<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong>.<br />

Mercia Spirits Lab<br />

Treat your loved one to the perfect G&T this<br />

Christmas! Gift hamper <strong>in</strong>cludes Mercia's<br />

Signature G<strong>in</strong>, a g<strong>in</strong> glass, and a choice of mixers!<br />

Priced at £59 and available from Mercia Spirits<br />

Lab, Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Rugeley.<br />

Tel: 01889 529291. www.merciawhisky.co<br />

45


The Month <strong>in</strong><br />

Pictures<br />

We take a look at the events and<br />

activities over the last month, br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />

you a round-up of the city <strong>in</strong><br />

pictures...<br />

Jeremy Sassoon Ray Charles tribute, Hub at<br />

St Mary's<br />

Erasmus Darw<strong>in</strong> House Jigsaw Sale<br />

Food is handed out at the Tippers Christmas BBQ event<br />

The Witches of Tudor Row Shops at<br />

Halloween!<br />

Santa prepares to give out gifts donated by<br />

Cost Cutters UK at Burntwood Christmas<br />

Fair & Market<br />

Camels, bear<strong>in</strong>g wise people, parade through Chasetown, Burntwood<br />

Official open<strong>in</strong>g of the Boat House,<br />

Barton Mar<strong>in</strong>a<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Screendance Festival, Hub at St<br />

Mary's<br />

46<br />

Christmas Lighs Switch On, Market Square<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Chamber of Trade and Commerce<br />

Christmas Fayre<br />

Christmas Tree Festival, <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral


Free Festive<br />

Smartphone<br />

Storytrail<br />

Anew augmented reality storytrail, which is<br />

accessed via a smartphone, sees players<br />

guided by a group of superheroes as they<br />

progress their search for miss<strong>in</strong>g Christmas presents<br />

and release cheeky Christmas imps that burst <strong>in</strong>to<br />

life on the screen <strong>in</strong> AR.<br />

Hunt For The Lost Toys, which runs until the New<br />

Year, is located at 10 stops around the city centre with<br />

players choos<strong>in</strong>g what happens <strong>in</strong> their story<br />

experience and has been produced by Visit <strong>Lichfield</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

collaboration with High Street Safari.<br />

The trail works on any smart device without the<br />

need for download. Visit https://highstreetsafari.com for<br />

more.<br />

47


What’s On<br />

Promote your event <strong>in</strong> our What’s On guide and reach over<br />

16,000 homes and bus<strong>in</strong>esses for only £20 for bus<strong>in</strong>esses and £10<br />

for charities. Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact<br />

Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com<br />

Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On <strong>Lichfield</strong>'.<br />

Sunday 4th <strong>December</strong><br />

A Johnson Family Christmas<br />

Come and enjoy the Birthplace Museum<br />

decorated <strong>in</strong> its f<strong>in</strong>ery for Christmas, with free<br />

performances and events throughout the day,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Lichfield</strong> S<strong>in</strong>gers at 11am, Traditional<br />

Storytell<strong>in</strong>g with Christ<strong>in</strong>e Genders from<br />

12pm-2pm, and read<strong>in</strong>gs from the <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Poets at 2pm. Hands-on free family activities all<br />

day, plus mulled w<strong>in</strong>e and refreshments along<br />

with m<strong>in</strong>ce pies available.<br />

Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum,<br />

Market Square<br />

Time: 1.30pm-3.30pm<br />

Price: Free<br />

Tuesday 6th <strong>December</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Ladies’ & Men’s Probus<br />

‘S<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g for Joy’ from Sharon Burns. New<br />

members always made welcome. Members of<br />

the Club meet on the first Tuesday of the<br />

month for an optional buffet lunch followed by<br />

a talk.<br />

Venue: St Matthew’s Social Club, Burntwood,<br />

WS7 9EP.<br />

Time: 12.30pm<br />

Contact: peter.hitchman44@gmail.com, tel:<br />

07971 113505/jenny_hodgk<strong>in</strong>s@yahoo.co.uk,<br />

tel: 01543 305522.<br />

Wednesday 7th <strong>December</strong><br />

Seniors’ Festive Lunch<br />

Enjoy a festive three-course lunch with live<br />

enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, with a glass of sherry on arrival<br />

plus crackers and novelties to add to the party<br />

atmosphere <strong>in</strong> the stunn<strong>in</strong>g Garrick suite.<br />

Venue: The George Hotel, <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Time:12.15pm<br />

Price: £27 per person<br />

Please call 01543 414822 or email<br />

events@thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book.<br />

48<br />

Thursday 8th <strong>December</strong><br />

Late Night Shopp<strong>in</strong>g & Steak Night<br />

Enjoy a late night shopp<strong>in</strong>g experience, with<br />

20% off when you spend £70 or more. Plus a<br />

delicious sirlo<strong>in</strong> steak meal for two people!<br />

Venue: Bradshaws Farm Shop, Burntwood, WS7<br />

1YL.<br />

Time: Until 9pm<br />

Price: £28 for two (deposit required).<br />

Call 01543 279437. Advanced book<strong>in</strong>g<br />

required.<br />

Thursday 8th <strong>December</strong><br />

Christmas Secrets & Scandal<br />

Enjoy a walk, talk and afternoon tea at The<br />

Barn with Local <strong>Lichfield</strong> historian, Jono Oates.<br />

Venue: The Barn at Sw<strong>in</strong>fen, Heart of the<br />

Country Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Centre, WS14 9QR<br />

Time: 3pm<br />

Price: £30 per person<br />

Visit www.jonotourism.co.uk to book.<br />

Saturday 10th <strong>December</strong><br />

Shenstone Village Christmas Fayre<br />

The popular Shenstone Christmas Fayre is<br />

back this year.! Includes stalls, kiddies rides,<br />

xmas light<strong>in</strong>g, music, mulled w<strong>in</strong>e, ale, g<strong>in</strong>, fresh<br />

crepes and more! (Ma<strong>in</strong> Street is closed to<br />

traffic).<br />

Venue: Ma<strong>in</strong> Street, Shenstone<br />

Time: 3pm-7pm<br />

Saturday 10th <strong>December</strong><br />

Makers Christmas Market<br />

Local crafters and makers with a great<br />

selection of items, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g draw<strong>in</strong>gs, pr<strong>in</strong>ts<br />

and photographs of local landmarks, ceramics,<br />

jewellery, Christmas decorations and cards,<br />

plus much more!<br />

Venue: The Hub at St Marys, Market Square<br />

Time: 10am-3pm<br />

Free entry.<br />

Thurs 15th & Thurs 22nd <strong>December</strong><br />

Late Night Christmas Shopp<strong>in</strong>g<br />

The fully licensed Café-Bar will be tempt<strong>in</strong>g<br />

you with festive goodies such as mulled w<strong>in</strong>e,<br />

m<strong>in</strong>ce pies and hot chocolate and there’s some<br />

great Christmassy live-music l<strong>in</strong>ed up too. The<br />

Hub Little Shop will be open and you’ll be able<br />

to meet local makers and artists whose work<br />

is on sale.<br />

Venue: The Hub at St Marys, Market Square<br />

Time: 5pm-8.30pm<br />

Free entry.<br />

Wednesday 21st <strong>December</strong><br />

Christmas By Candlelight<br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral Choir presents an even<strong>in</strong>g<br />

of Christmas music with this classic carol<br />

concert – music and read<strong>in</strong>gs old and new to<br />

reflect on the mean<strong>in</strong>g of Christmas and fill<br />

you with festive cheer!<br />

Venue: <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral<br />

Time: 7.30pm<br />

Price: £15<br />

Book onl<strong>in</strong>e at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.<br />

Throughout <strong>December</strong><br />

A Georgian Christmas<br />

Discover the traditions that Samuel Johnson<br />

would have known <strong>in</strong> a display about the<br />

history of the 18th century festive season,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a free family ‘Christmas Treasure Trail’<br />

activity for families, plus visit the historic book<br />

and gift shop.<br />

Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum,<br />

Market Square.<br />

Time: 11.30am-3pm.<br />

Price: Free<br />

Until 2nd <strong>January</strong><br />

The Christmas Tree Festival<br />

Come and see a wonderful festive array of real<br />

Christmas trees decorated by local bus<strong>in</strong>esses,<br />

schools and charities.<br />

Venue: <strong>Lichfield</strong> Cathedral<br />

Time: Dur<strong>in</strong>g visit<strong>in</strong>g hours<br />

Price: Free<br />

Until 8th <strong>January</strong><br />

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs<br />

Sam Rabone is back <strong>in</strong> this year's hilarious funfilled,<br />

brand new, family Panto Snow White and<br />

the Seven Dwarfs! Once aga<strong>in</strong>, this fabulous<br />

production will be written by Paul Hendy and<br />

co-produced by the award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Evolution<br />

Productions.<br />

Venue: <strong>Lichfield</strong> Garrick Theatre<br />

Time: Afternoon and even<strong>in</strong>g performances<br />

Price: From £15


Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Feature<br />

Best Ever Christmas<br />

Sale Celebrates<br />

40 Years!<br />

This <strong>December</strong>, the<br />

Arthur Price Factory<br />

Shop has some of its<br />

best ever offers as it<br />

celebrates 40 years of its<br />

now famous Christmas Sale.<br />

Start<strong>in</strong>g Saturday 3rd<br />

<strong>December</strong> and runn<strong>in</strong>g until the 17th, there will be<br />

offers across all cutlery and homewares of up to 70%<br />

off.<br />

There are offers to suit all budgets and stock<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />

<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the Sahara 32-piece box set down from £199 to<br />

£59. The large 76-piece 8 person Willow box set was £430,<br />

now £129. Perfect as a kitchen gift, the marble six-piece<br />

knife block is now only £39, normally £159. There’s also<br />

cutlery sets for children priced at only £6.75.<br />

Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price, said: “We all know the<br />

cost-of-liv<strong>in</strong>g crisis is go<strong>in</strong>g to make Christmas difficult this<br />

year for many. It’s that one time of the year when we don’t<br />

want to worry about th<strong>in</strong>gs. Hopefully, our sale this year<br />

offers someth<strong>in</strong>g for everyone, and we can still eat, dr<strong>in</strong>k<br />

and be merry this Christmas!”<br />

For more <strong>in</strong>formation call the Factory Shop on 01543<br />

267324, email factory.shop@arthurprice.com or drop <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the shop on Britannia Way.<br />

49


CLASSIFIED<br />

Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions<br />

1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed <strong>in</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e with <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which <strong>in</strong> turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection<br />

legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email<br />

kristencitylife@gmail.com<br />

2.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and<br />

conditions stated.<br />

3.The clos<strong>in</strong>g date is stated on each <strong>in</strong>dividual prize draw or competition.<br />

4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd <strong>in</strong><br />

accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the clos<strong>in</strong>g<br />

date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely<br />

destroyed/deleted. W<strong>in</strong>ners’ contact details will be securely stored only until<br />

the w<strong>in</strong>ner has been <strong>in</strong>formed of their w<strong>in</strong>/prize. After this details will be<br />

securely deleted/destroyed.<br />

5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception<br />

to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of<br />

Competition/Prize Draw w<strong>in</strong>ners that will be communicated to the competition<br />

partner to allow w<strong>in</strong>ners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will<br />

be securely destroyed. The <strong>in</strong>itial and surname of w<strong>in</strong>ners will be pr<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong><br />

our magaz<strong>in</strong>es – no other details will be published.<br />

6.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

Ltd us<strong>in</strong>g or publish<strong>in</strong>g materials provided by the entrants (but not address or<br />

contact details apart from <strong>in</strong>itial and surname) <strong>in</strong> any of their publications and<br />

onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

50<br />

MAGAZINE<br />

DISTRIBUTORS<br />

WANTED<br />

Earn extra money deliver<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> magaz<strong>in</strong>es. Must be over<br />

16 and reliable,<br />

call Rebecca<br />

07970 513144<br />

7.<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright<br />

or breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants <strong>in</strong> their creation or<br />

submission of materials.<br />

8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader.<br />

9.Except <strong>in</strong> the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the<br />

prize is non-transferable.<br />

10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and<br />

conditions.<br />

11.No purchase necessary.<br />

12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years<br />

or over (unless otherwise stated).<br />

13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual associated with any employee, agent or third party of <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd.<br />

14.W<strong>in</strong>ners will be selected at random <strong>in</strong> the case of applicable prize draws<br />

and competitions, or by an <strong>in</strong>dependent judge <strong>in</strong> the case of photographic/art<br />

competitions from all entries received.<br />

15.W<strong>in</strong>ners will be notified by <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> up to 28 days after the<br />

clos<strong>in</strong>g date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by<br />

the entrant. W<strong>in</strong>ners have 28 days to respond if contact cannot be made<br />

<strong>in</strong>itially. If no response is forthcom<strong>in</strong>g after 28 days, <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong><br />

reserves the right to redraw the competition and select a new w<strong>in</strong>ner.<br />

16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the w<strong>in</strong>ners will be<br />

available by writ<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd no earlier than six weeks after<br />

the competition clos<strong>in</strong>g date.<br />

17.When the prize draw/competition w<strong>in</strong>ner has been selected, this decision is<br />

f<strong>in</strong>al and no correspondence will be entered <strong>in</strong>to.<br />

18.<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize be<strong>in</strong>g lost,<br />

damaged or delayed <strong>in</strong> transit. When the prize is provided by a third party,<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or<br />

for the quality of the prize provided.<br />

19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time.<br />

20.By enter<strong>in</strong>g the competition or prize draw, you agree to hav<strong>in</strong>g your name,<br />

(photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published <strong>in</strong> any of<br />

<strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong>’s publications and onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />

21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd, PO Box<br />

7126, <strong>Lichfield</strong>, WS14 4JS.<br />

22. <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any<br />

competition prize, <strong>in</strong>formation, service or product provided <strong>in</strong> connection with<br />

a competition by pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g or otherwise publicis<strong>in</strong>g any competition.<br />

23.To the full extent of the law, <strong>Citylife</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Lichfield</strong> Ltd shall not be liable for<br />

any loss, claim, punitive, <strong>in</strong>direct, <strong>in</strong>cidental or consequential damages of any<br />

k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong>curred as a result of enter<strong>in</strong>g this prize draw or competition.<br />

24.By submitt<strong>in</strong>g photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw<br />

entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your<br />

orig<strong>in</strong>al work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is<br />

accurate, moral and legal.


51

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