Citylife in Lichfield December 2022 January 2023

3

Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine
bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.
Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to
businesses and homes in Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Fradley,
Alrewas, Hill Ridware, Whittington, Stonnall, Shenstone,
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of charge; bringing you the best that the city has to offer.
Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich
history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the
latest in fashion and style.
Got a story or charity event you want to share with our
readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures
the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!
Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com
Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com
Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456 mikejamescitylife@gmail.com
Design - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com
Citylife In Lichfield Ltd
PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS
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magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and
are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd.
Citylife In Lichfield
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Your Local
Magazine
Inside...
6 Local News
What’s been happening in Lichfield
14 Christmas Messages
City councillors’ messages of goodwill
20 The City House
Historian Jono Oates takes us into the past!
42 Sustainable Christmas
Jess Davanzo shows us how to enjoy an eco-
Christmas
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From the Editor…
Tis the season of peace on earth and goodwill to all men…
Whilst there is so much unrest and uncertainty going on in the
world, take this festive season to be thankful for the little things
in life… your family, friends and loved ones. Spend time with
them, enjoy their presence, and make memories that will last a
lifetime.
Here at Citylife, we’d like to thank all our loyal readers,
contributors, and customers for their continued support, and we
wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and, hopefully, a
prosperous New Year.
Krissy
November Winners
E Harriman wins two weeks of yoga classes for two people at The
Wellbeing and Wellness Coach, Burntwood; E Leys wins a granite
chopping board courtesy of Just Granite, Penkridge; L Tipper receives
Bubble Tea for Two at JSK in Lichfield; M Wright is the lucky recipient of
a bottle of Rhubling fizz from Burntwood-based Clive’s Wines! Well done
to all who entered!

5

LOCAL NEWS
6
Camera Club
Presentation Evening
Douglas Armour & Ann Wright
Lichfield Camera Club welcomed Douglas
Armour, the Gallery co-ordinator at The Hub,
to present the awards at its annual Presentation
Evening. A keen amateur photographer himself,
Douglas gave members a short biography of his
personal photographic journey which was
followed by a slideshow of all the images of
award winners.
Sandra Morgan was particularly successful
winning both Colour and Mono Print the
Beginners/Intermediate section with Ivan shaw
winning the Project Digital image competition
in this section. The Advanced colour Print
competition was won by Joe Anderson with Sue
Freeman winning the Mono Print competition
and Darron Matthews the Projected Digital
Image competition. The open Three of a Kind
competition was won by Anne Anderson.
Special Awards went to Ann Wright for being
the most improved photographer, and Graham
Slight for the most creative image. The
Chairman’s Award went to Sue Freeman for her
service to the club as External Exhibitions
Secretary.
Visit www.lichfieldcameraclub.org for more
information.
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Head Appointed for
New School
Tapping into the Lichfield
community to enhance
opportunities for pupils is
at the forefront of the
thinking of Anna Seward
Primary School’s new head
of school.
Richard Storer (pictured) Richard Storer
was officially unveiled as the
new head at a recent open evening for the free
school, which opens in September 2023, and is
thrilled at the prospect of leading the school as
it begins to establish relationships in the city.
Mr Storer has a wealth of senior leadership
experience having spent a combined seven
years as assistant headteacher and deputy
headteacher at Greysbrooke Primary School,
also in Lichfield.
As well as the school offering the very best
opportunities for children to thrive in the
classroom, Mr Storer believes the vibrant
Lichfield community provides the ideal chance
for the school to form partnerships which will
enhance experiences and life skills for its pupils.
Applications for places at Anna Seward have
opened and more information can be found at
https://annaseward.atlp.org.uk.
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Century Celebrations
for Care Resident
Celebrations have been in full swing at the
Spires Care Home, as one of its residents
reaches her centenary in style.
Helen Turner was joined by staff, relatives,
friends and other residents as she received a
telegram from the King in recognition of her
landmark birthday. A champagne reception was
held with all of Helens family at the home and
guests enjoyed a special birthday cake made by
the home’s chef Polly Holmes.
Among those relatives attending was Helen’s
sons Geoff, Keith and Peter who played hosts
for the afternoon to lots of guests.
The Spires care home is run by Barchester
Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care
providers, which is committed to delivering
personalised care across its care homes and
hospitals. The Spires provides residential care
and dementia care for 70 residents from respite
care to long term stays.
New Car Park
Payment Machines
New payment machines at The Friary Car Park
in Lichfield are being installed to make parking
more convenient for customers.
The facility on The Friary, which is currently pay
and display, is being changed to a pay on exit
system with the help of ANPR (Automatic
Number Plate Recognition) technology.
As customers drive into the car park the ANPR
camera will pick up the Vehicle Registration
Number and begin recording the duration of
the vehicle’s stay. When returning to the car
park to leave customers will simply enter their
registration number in the payment machine
which will charge them the correct tariff for the
period they have been parked. Customers will
be able to pay by cash, credit and debit card or
use smart devices such as Apple Pay and Google
Pay. Once payment has been received the
barrier will rise as they drive up to exit.
.......................................................................................
Got a story or charity event you
want to share with our
readership? Think you’ve snapped
an image that captures the spirit
of the region? We want to hear
from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
To Advertise call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456
mikejamescitylife@gmail.com

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7

LOCAL NEWS
8
Local Artist’s
Fundraising Drawing
Local Lichfield artist Jackie Roberts, Owner of
Love2dream, drew a picture of Buckingham
Palace as her way of commemorating the
passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The
drawing, featuring a line drawing of Buckingham
Palace, showed a rainbow appearing as it did on
the day of The Queen’s death and a lone Corgi
looking back at the Palace. Initially drawn as a
mark of respect at a sad time for the Nation,
Jackie posted the drawing on her social media
and it was only when people started asking if
prints were available that Jackie decided to use
her drawing to raise money.
The drawing has already raised £500 for
charities, including St Giles Hospice in
Whittington and Tamworth Wellbeing & Cancer
Support Centre.
The drawing is available to buy as a 10 x 8-inch
limited edition, signed print for £12.50, including
postage, from www.love2dream.co.uk. At least
£10 per print will be split between the charities.
A maximum of 200 will be printed.
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Design Agency’s
Silver Success!
A graphic design agency based in Lichfield has
been rated in the top 100 of all creative
agencies in the UK.
PHd Design, located in Riley Hill, won the silver
award for their recent rebrand of Titanic
Brewery at the NY Product Design Awards. For
its 2022 competitive year, the NY Product
Design Awards took in over 800 entries from
24 countries. Individuals and companies put
their design prowess on full display as they
sought to snag a victory in the competition,
which in recent years had taken a name for
itself as one of the leading design awards
internationally.
Visit www.phddesign.co.uk to find out more.
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Celebration of
Independent
Businesses
Adam & Tracey Lumb with Lichfield dignitaries
Specialists in footwear, Friary Shoes, hosted a
special evening recently to celebrate some of
the fantastic independent high street businesses
that are based in Lichfield’s city centre.
Friary Shoes, now situated on Baker’s Lane, is
one of the longest established retailers in the
city, having opened its first Lichfield store in
1904 more than 118 years ago.
The Lichfield business owners, Adam and Tracey
Lumb, were joined by members of the council
and other local dignitaries, including the
President of Lichfield Chamber of Trade and
Commerce, the Mayor and the Sheriff of
Lichfield.
Local historian, Jonathan Oates, opened the
evening with a short talk celebrating those
Lichfield independent retailers, like Friary Shoes,
who have been trading in the city for many
years. Other independent businesses who
joined in the celebration included Citylife in
Lichfield, The Kitchen Shop, and The Fabric
Vault.
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Gift Wrapping Galore!
On Tuesday 15th November, local Burntwood
business Cost Cutters UK wrapped 500
selection boxes that it has purchased which
were given away to children at the Burntwood
Christmas Festival on Saturday 26th November
at Sankey’s Corner.
The entire team, along with visitors including
Citylife Editor, Krissy; local Councillor, Darren
Ennis; and Lichfield-based events and
entertainment company, A Bag O Fun, all joined
in the festivities by dressing up and helping to
wrap the gifts to give out.
Cost Cutters UK is an online furniture
specialist and operates within the following
industries: Education, Workplace and
Hospitality. As a company, it prides itself on
supporting fellow local businesses and has
worked alongside charities and other
community initiatives in recent years.
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Family
Notices
Readers are now able to place
a notice in Citylife in Lichfield
magazine to let others know
of an important event,
occasion or celebration that is
taking place. If you would like
to place details of any births,
deaths, marriages or other
occasions, please contact
Rebecca Hill at
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
or on telephone
07970 513144.
Notices will consist of a
maximum 50 words, plus an
image, at a cost of £24
(inclusive of VAT).

9

LOCAL NEWS
Winter Car Checks
for £10
Football Academy
Announces Sponsor
the tough target of being trained and qualified
within two years and then owning his own salon
after a further two years, he has now realised
his dream and become an award-winning salon!
Founded in 2017, the Salon Awards provide an
impartial platform giving all types of salon
hairdressers and barbers the opportunity to
gain recognition for their skills.
.......................................................................................
Funding for Canal
Restoration
T Turner Autos Ltd, a garage based in Lichfield,
is offering Winter Car Checks for just £10 with
all money going to We Love Lichfield.
This includes checking oil, antifreeze, fan belt
tension, lights, brake fluid, battery and charging,
tyres and pressure, brake rolling road test,
wipers and screen wash, and an emissions
computer check – everything you need to
ensure your car is winter road worthy!
Last year, the garage raised £530 for We Love
Lichfield!
To book in for your £10 Winter Car Check,
contact T Turner Autos on 01543 418896.
......................................................................................
Arthur Price
Anniversary Winners
Winners of our October Arthur Price
competition were presented with their prizes
by Simon Price and Citylife Editor, Krissy
Lackajis, in the Arthur Price Factory Shop.
They received a Highgrove 42 piece set plus
they were presented with a voucher for use in
the shop which, during the year 2022,
celebrated 40 years in Lichfield! It is the UK's
largest cutlery shop, is open six days a week, but
also sells gifts including crystal glassware and
other tableware. It's special Christmas has
already started with up to 70% off!
Adam Rhodes & Imran Kalam of Rhodes Wealth
Management with Lichfield City Football Academy.
Financial Advisers, Rhodes Wealth Management
have been unveiled as the Lichfield City Football
Academy Sponsor for the incoming season.
The sponsorship agreement will include Rhodes
Wealth Management as the main sponsor for 19
matches this season, with their logo advertised
on football shirts and banners, as well as across
Lichfield’s social media platforms.
Rhodes Wealth Management will also be given
the opportunity to present to all players and
parents about the importance of financial
planning and management, a topic that is
prevalent to young people.
Lichfield City Football Academy, who were the
2019 and 2020 league champions and Midland
cup winners, offer full time education to
support talented football players aged 16-21
years, offering outstanding support, expertise
and guidance.
Rhodes Wealth Management is an Appointed
Representative of St. James’ Place founded in
2007 by Adam Rhodes.
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Award for
Lichfield Salon
Peter Buck & Carole Mills at Darnford Moors
The Lichfield Canal will move a step closer to
restoration, with funding of £116,200 secured
for work at the Darnford Moors section of the
canal.
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration
Trust (LHCRT) has been awarded £116,200 to
create an ecology park at Darnford Moors. The
European Regional Development Fund [ERDF]
is providing £41,200 of the grant, with match
funding of £75,000 from HS2’s Community and
Environment Fund [CEF].
This will enable LHCRT to make habitat
improvements to the Darnford Brook wetlands,
existing woodland and hedgerows from
Darnford Lane to past the lift bridge. It will also
enable the Trust to put the canal channel into
water to the east of the liftbridge.
LHCRT’s volunteers have been preparing the
site and Bluetech Waterfront Solutions Ltd has
been commissioned to engage specialist
contractors to put the canal channel in water,
and become an aquatic habitat, by February
2023.
This part of the Lichfield Canal is close to the
new section being constructed as part of the
HS2 Cappers Lane diversion. Applications are
also underway for further funding to put the
canal in water to Darnford Lane.
To Advertise call:-
Pictured left to right: Krissy Lackajis, Susan Cross, Claire
Shelley & Simon Price.
10
The Style Hut, a salon based on Upper St John
Street in Lichfield, is celebrating after being
awarded the title of Best Salon in Staffordshire
in the Hair 2022 Salon Awards.
Owner, Craig Joiner, has run the salon for eight
years following his training at Bad Apple Hair
Salon in Sutton Coldfield. Initially setting himself
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456
mikejamescitylife@gmail.com

11

LOCAL NEWS
TV Chef Helps
Students
Local chef Liam Dillon has partnered with his
old school to create a hospitality training
programme for local sixth formers.
Five chosen students from King Edward VI
School Lichfield will spend a year at Liam’s
restaurant, The Boat, across different
departments and roles, graduating with a
certificate of merit. The paid placement will help
the students either gain entry into the
hospitality industry or support them in
applications for jobs and higher education.
This is the second initiative Liam has created for
his old school. During Covid Liam prepared
Heat At Home meals for staff at King Edward VI.
For three months during lockdown Liam
delivered meals every week to help keep staff
motivated.
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Park All Day for £2
Swim School
Offers Support
A swimming school in
its 40th year of
operation is offering a
free course of lessons
to anyone that has lost
money due to the
closure of Lichfieldbased
company, Swim
House.
Sue’s Swim School,
which is in no way
affiliated with Swim
House, was started by Sue Gumbley in 1982
and is now operated by sons Matt and Andy and
supported with a team of more than 20
instructors and assistants. Although there is
very limited availability across Sue’s Swim
School’s five pools, the family-run firm is keen
to help where it can to support the local
community.
Matt and Andy are keen to point out that there
absolutely no commitment, catch or
expectation of future payment, they just want
to support those who have been
inconvenienced.
Swimmers can contact the team at
newswimmer@suesswimschool.co.uk.
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New Members Wanted
Got a story or charity event you
want to share with our
readership? Think you’ve snapped
an image that captures the spirit
of the region? We want to hear
from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
A festive special offer is available to anyone who
parks at The Friary Multi Storey Car Park in
Lichfield throughout December.
Visitors to the facility on The Friary (WS13
6QE) can park all day for £2 until Saturday 31st
December.
The Friary Car Park is among the largest in the
city with 367 standard spaces, 21 spaces
reserved for Blue Badge holders, eight spaces
for motorbikes and ten for bicycles (on the
lower ground level) and two electric charging
points.
12
Lichfield Trefoil Guild celebrated its 50th
birthday this year and, among other activities, it
attended the Court of St. George at the
Guildhall, visited a Trefoil Guild in Banbury, and
learned about a development project in Ruanda.
Trefoil Guild is a branch of Girlguiding for
adults, who meet socially and also support the
work of Girlguiding in the area. It is open to all,
though members tend to have had a connection
with Girlguiding either as children or as adult
leaders.
Lichfield Trefoil meets at St. Chad's Church Hall,
The Leasowe, Lichfield WS13 7HD on the third
Monday afternoon in the month. It is a very
friendly welcoming group and anyone
interested in joining can contact Guild
Secretary Pauline Cox on 01543 263973.
Correction
In our November issue, we incorrectly
attributed this image to Tuppenhurst Barn and
B&B. This photograph was in fact taken from
an afternoon tea at Pretty Pots Ceramics in
Milford, Stafford.

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Christmas Messages
“Merry Christmas to you all. It is truly a privilege for us
to be Mayor and Sheriff of Lichfield. A city built on its
traditions, such as the Greenhill Bower, the Dr Johnson’s
Birthday celebrations, its rich history preserved through
its listed buildings, the Guildhall, Donegal House, Dr
Johnson’s Birthplace, the Cathedral and many others.
These provide the backdrop to our varied and vibrant
City life.
“A City of festivals, there is rarely a weekend goes by
where you cannot find an event to attend, however
diverse. These are organised by the multitude of
wonderful organisations and they thrive here. If you have
an interest, then we urge you to find a group to share that
pleasure. Living here we fully understand why people
travel in to join us and we thank you all for making that
the case.
“Our eyes have been opened to just how many people
are doing their best to make better lives for others,
selfless service with no thought for recognition. Thank
you.
“This year we are supporting The Sebbie Hall Kindness
Foundation (enabling disabled young people to live) and
The Pathway Project (supporting the victims of Domestic
Violence), both excellent causes and we would like to
thank everyone who organises or supports, not just our
causes but the many charities that exist across our area.
It is the volunteers who make Lichfield such a great place
to live. If you can help, please do. If you need help, please
ask. Whoever you are. We hope that whatever challenges
you are facing you can have a Happy New Year and the
fellowship of those around you.”
Cllr Jamie Checkland, Mayor of Lichfield & Cllr
Janice Greaves, Sheriff of Lichfield.
“Christmas can be a
wonderful season for
many of us across the
District; a time for us to
slow down, celebrate and
spend quality time with
our families and loved
ones.
“Most years, once the
stresses of attempting to
get a picture-perfect
Christmas dinner table ready, finding last minute presents,
wrapping endless presents for children, cousins, nieces
and nephews and untangling the Christmas lights is all
over, I tell myself that “next year” will be different – that
we’ll focus on quality time with family, enjoying the simple
pleasures of a warm home, serving others and enjoying
the oasis of the Christmas break. Perhaps this year will
finally be that year… although I suspect not!
“For those of us with young (or young at heart!)
families, the magic of Christmas is truly special – but I am
sure that not everyone finds this time of year easy. I know
that there will be many of you working this Christmas
period to ensure no-one spends Christmas alone or
hungry, while thousands more continue to work over the
holidays delivering essential services and support in our
community. Thank you to all those who support others in
their community and seek out others who might not find
this time of year easy.
“For our Ukrainian guests in Lichfield, this will be your
first Christmas in Lichfield District. I’m immensely proud
that so many families across the District have opened up
their homes to support those who have travelled
hundreds of miles to find safety, warmth and new lives; I
hope you enjoy the Christmas season - З прийдешніми
святами!
“One final plea from me, for those of you who still have
presents to buy please consider buying some gifts locally
from independent retailers – you’re much more likely to
find a unique gift, and your money tends to stay local too!
“I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season; stay
safe and take care of each other.
Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District
Council
14

15

Sing Choirs of Angels
Lichfield Cathedral is putting on a light show with
difference for Christmas 2022. This year they have
teamed up with acclaimed animation team, Illuminos, to
bring visitors a joyful experience to help soak up the festive
atmosphere.
‘Sing Choirs of Angels’ is the title of the light show, which will see
a number of installations in Lichfield Cathedral grounds and inside
the Cathedral itself. The show will take visitors through the joyful
story of the Nativity and the popular carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’,
exploring the carol’s links to Lichfield.
The evening includes access to the Cathedral and Cathedral
Close from a ticketed time for as long as visitors wish to stay.
There are no times showings for the light shows this year so
visitors can stay and view them as many times as they like, even
circle back around and view them all again, if they wish.
Alongside the light shows, visitors will be able to purchase
refreshments and gifts, soak up the atmosphere inside the
Cathedral, visit the famous Christmas Tree Festival, explore the
story of the Nativity more closely, and take time to reflect, pray or
light a candle.
Tickets are available to purchase now from the Cathedral’s
website: www.lichfield-cathedral.org/angels and are priced £10 for
adults, £7.50 for children, £30 for a family (2 adults, 2 children),
with under 3s free.
This event is kindly sponsored by Richard Winterton
Auctioneers Ltd.
Got a story or charity
event you want to share
with our readership? Think
you’ve snapped an image
that captures the spirit of
the region? We want to
hear from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
16

17

Your Garden in December
By Byron Lewis
We’re at the end of yet another year – I’m sure it’s going faster the
older I get! Christmas is well and truly upon us and you may be
looking for a real Christmas Tree… every year between 6 and 8
MILLION cut Christmas Trees are sold in the UK* and here in
Lichfield we sell around 500 of these here at the Garden Centre!
For many, Christmas starts with putting up and decorating a tree –
so how do you buy and how do you care for your tree? Firstly, buy
early so you get the best selection – don’t be the person who’s left
it until Christmas Eve or you might be out of luck! Even if you don’t
put the tree up straight away, as long as it is kept outside in the cool
and sat in some water it will be fine until later in December.
You’ll need a stand for your Christmas Tree – make sure it has a
reservoir which will hold water. A medium sized tree can drink a
couple of pints of water each day so make sure the stand is regularly
topped up or the tree may start to droop. If you already have a stand,
bring it with you when picking your tree – you can then check that
the trunk fits (otherwise be prepared to trim it to fit with a saw
when you get it home)!
Choose Nordman or Frazer Firs for the best needle retention –
these are the most popular types available. Norway Spruce can be
cheaper but are better in much colder positions like a porch or
outside your front door – in heat, they can quickly lose many of their
needles. Alternatively, pick a pot grown tree – with the right
treatment these can last for many years, just be sure that you leave
plenty of room for it to grow if you’re planting it in your garden after
Christmas!
Finally, after Christmas when your tree is taken down, why not take
part in the St Giles ‘Treecycle’ scheme, where in return for a
donation to the Whittington-based charity, your tree will be
collected and shredded saving you time and effort too! Visit St Giles
website for more details.
Lichfield Garden Centre's Christmas Shop is now open, with a huge
range of new and unusual Christmas Decorations, lights and
Christmas Gifts.
Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at
Curborough Countryside Centre,
Lichfield. Tel: 01543 254306. Visit
www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find the centre on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
18
*Source: British Christmas Tree Growers’ Association

10% Off
Made to
Measure
19

The City House
of Lichfield
By Jono Oates
Numbers 2, 2a and 4 on Lichfield’s Dam Street, next to Lloyds Bank, is one of
those classic buildings that is best viewed from a distance. The best viewing
spot is to stand in the Market Square, close to the statue of James Boswell,
and just gaze at the scope and height of this wonderful building to truly appreciate it.
A Grade II listed building, it was built around 1800 and has a typical Georgian building
design, with alterations to the shop fronts made at the end of the 19th century.
The building was known, for many decades, as City House, although that title is no longer
used. There used to be a large sign, placed just above the second-floor windows at the front
of the building, with the name City House on it. The sign can be seen on the vintage advert
for Francis Young Draper’s, taken in 1914.
Over the years, the three properties comprising City House have had a number of private
owners and shop businesses, but one of the most popular trades, from the middle of the 19th
century to the 1930s, was as a drapers. Mr J G peace ran a draper’s business from number 4
City House in the 1860s, and in April 1964 he was looking to recruit a draper’s assistant via
the Staffordshire Advertiser newspaper, appealing to ‘Parents and Guardians and looking for
a strong, active youth, about 14 years of age, as an apprentice for the Drapery trade, for a
term of four years. He will be treated in every respect as one of the family.’
William Norman, originally an upholsterer and cabinet maker from Leicester, took over at
number 4 as a draper in the 1870s and in 1880 he held his Annual Sale of Linen and Drapery
goods, with surplus stock from all departments offered at a ‘great reduction.’ Norman was
succeeded by two drapers in the early 1880s as business partners, Messrs Alfred Smyrk and
Alfred Bradbury who announced, in June 1883, that they had a large assortment of ‘the
newest and most fashionable goods’. As well as drapery and household items they could also
provide all furnishings for funerals, as well as being agents for sewing machines, with a 5%
discount offered for cash sales. In 1891 Alfred Smryk, then aged 53, was living, and working,
at number 4 along with his wife, Elizabeth, their son, a draper’s assistant, a cashier, a cook, a
housemaid and two draper’s apprentices, one of whom was 18-year-old Charles Hayes.
By the end of the 19th century Smyrk and Bradbury became Bradbury and Hayes, with
Bradbury now living at number 4 and his younger partner, Charles Hayes, now a qualified
draper, living at number 2. In 1901, Hayes’ next-door-neighbour was a certain William
Wordsworth… however not the noted poet, but the Scottish bank manager at Lloyds Bank!
Bradbury and Hayes proudly announced in May 1905 that they had secured the services of
an expert cutter and fitter for their Ladies’ Tailoring Section, that he had unique experience
of London and Continental tailoring, and that he had come direct from the well-known firm
of Debenham and Freebody, Wigmore Street, London. The store later became part of the
Debenhams chain. They also announced their ‘specialité’ for Summer 1905, the Soap-Shrunk
Flannel Suit, tailor-built and fitted for just 50 shillings complete – just £2.50 in today’s money.
Mr Francis Young, another draper, took over from Bradbury and Hayes in 1907 at numbers
2 and 4 City House. As previous drapers had done, Francis Young sold sewing machines, as
well as ladies’ fashions and in 1908 he could supply Frister and Rossmann’s ‘celebrated’
sewing machines, which claimed to be ‘the best value in the world at the lowest prices.’ In
June 1913 Winterton and Son offered City House up for auction, describing it as a freehold
property in a prominent position, and realising £130 per annum under lease. The auction
commenced with a bid of £1,500 for the whole of the City House building, but it was later
withdrawn, when it had reached £1,800.
Wilding and Co took over City House in the early 1920, selling a range of household and
fashion items, and in December 1926 they were offering ‘choice and distinctive’ Christmas
gifts, including handkerchiefs, gloves, hosiery, ties, men’s half-hose, motor muffs, motor rugs
and cushions etc.
Today number 2,2a and 4 Dam Street is occupied by ABD Carpets, the Courtyard Fine Art
Gallery and also by Fortescues ladies’ fashion shop, continuing the long-standing tradition of
ladies’ fashion, drapers and milliners at one of Lichfield’ grandest Georgian buildings – City
House.
Workshop, Chamberlin and Hill, 1950s
Tuke and Bell Workers, 1970
Lichfield Foundry, Sandford Street, 1967
*Vintage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s
Photographic Collection
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive;
Ancestry.co.uk; www.tukeandbell.co.uk.
20

21

Christmas Traditions
By Charlotte Benton
As the countdown to Christmas begins and advent calendars
are opened, the traditions of the festive period are well
underway. From hanging stockings, to kissing under the
mistletoe, there are numerous annual traditions that we take part
in at this time of year, but where do they originate from?
Since us British are sticklers for tradition, it is time to add a little extra
meaning to your festivities this year and learn how we have come to
celebrate the festive period as we do today. Of course, you’re bound to
impress your family and friends with this insight too!
Christmas Trees
The pinnacle of Christmas arriving in households across not only the
UK, but around the world, is marked by the decoration of an evergreen
tree. This holiday tradition dates back to 16th century Germany, when
devout Christians first brought decorated trees with lit candles into their
homes. This scene has since been recaptured in families’ homes every
year.
Boxing Day
One day that is particularly ambiguous is Boxing Day. Each year we
continue to enjoy the festivities and celebrate this day, but have you ever
wondered why? This is a British tradition that dates back to the 1800s,
when the wealthiest of society received their Christmas gifts in a box.
The following day the box would be refilled with small gifts and given to
their staff, the servants, who also got to enjoy the day off work.
The Gift of Coal
Now for a tradition that isn’t as exciting as an extra day off work, or
as aesthetically pleasing as a gleaming Christmas tree, nonetheless the
giving of coal as a Christmas gift is a tradition that holds both positive
and negative connotations. Today, the tradition of a child receiving coal in
their stocking suggests that they are indeed on the naughty list! However,
this centuries old tradition was once welcomed by children in the 1800s
when burning coal was the only way to stay warm, thus a gift of coal was
essentially, the gift of warmth!
Wassailing
As one of the oldest festive traditions, the term wassail is derived from
the Anglo-Saxon ‘waes hael’ meaning good health. This ancient custom
previously took place on New Year’s Eve during which wassail, which was
a mulled punch, was drunk from a wassail bowl whilst singing. This
tradition continues today in southern England’s cider-producing regions,
where singing and incantations take place to encourage a good harvest
for the following autumn.
Christmas Jumpers
Now for a more modern Christmas tradition. This recent addition to
our festive calendars involves an annual fundraising campaign in which
people across the UK and Ireland wear their brightest and cheesiest
festive jumpers to support and celebrate the charity, Save the Children.
This year it is Thursday 8th December which has been set aside as the
day to dig out your favourite Christmas attire and donate to this worthy
cause.
Food Glorious Food
Finally, and what some may consider the main event at Christmas,
comes the food! So why is it that we enjoy turkey and mince pies at this
time of year? Historically, pheasant, swan or goose were the typical
choice of Christmas dinner. It is only more recently that turkey has
become the bird of choice as previously households simply did not have
the money or space to refrigerate such a large bird. Mince pies however
were first enjoyed in the Middle Ages! Although today’s recipes share
little resemblance to the sweet treat’s original version which sought to
preserve meat, mince pies continue to be a festive favourite.
Christmas would not be the same without the traditions that
we adhere to each year. After all, they are what create that
magical festive spirit and,, of course there is nothing better than
an embarrassing Christmas jumper and some leftover turkey!
22

Based in the heart of Lichfield is an
award-winning Corporate Wellbeing
service that works with some of the city’s
biggest businesses and organisations.
Here founder Sharon McCormick explains
why Lichfield is the perfect base for The
Listening Centre.
The Listening Centre – our name says it all.
We have spent the last 20 years working with businesses across the
Midlands, listening to employees and helping them improve their health
and well-being. Based in Lichfield, we are the Employee Assistance
Programme (EAP) provider for some prominent local organisations
and businesses – Lichfield District Council, West Midlands Ambulance
Service and Lichfield Garrick Theatre to name a few.
Each company we work with has the same thing in common – they
ensure that employees can access the best local support possible. The
feedback we’ve had from these organisations over the last two decades
has been excellent:
“The Listening Centre is a valued part of our well-being provision. A
reliable, flexible and proactive provider, always keen to work in
partnership and genuinely invested in the quality of care they deliver.”
– Sarah Greswolde, mental well-being practitioner at West Midlands
Ambulance Service.
“Lichfield District Council are proud to collaborate with The Listening
Centre, who have been providing first-class, seamless welfare support
solutions to our workforce since 2003.” – Mandy Linthwaite, HR
Business Partner at Lichfield District Council.
We were thrilled when, during our 20th anniversary year, we were
named Lichfield Small Business of the Year at the Sutton, Lichfield and
Tamworth Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards. We are proud to be
based in Lichfield, and its excellent transport links and road network
mean we can easily reach out to our clients that are spread across the
Midlands. Our team of practitioners provide a broad range of services
including talking therapy, such as CBT and EMDR, and trauma support,
which is vital if there has been a critical incident at work. We also offer
mediation to settle workplace disputes, well-being assessments and
corporate training on a range of topics.
Our figures speak for themselves - 98% of our clients are seen within
five miles of their home or work location, while the average time to
wait for a first appointment is just seven days. Our fees are fair and
transparent and we’re proud of the good relationship we have with
managers and directors. These are just some of the reasons why we
are now firmly established as the region’s leading EAP provider.
For more information visit our website
thelisteningcentre.co.uk. Get in touch by emailing
enquiry@thelisteningcentre.co.uk or call 01543 300068.
23

Here at Just Granite Ltd, we pride ourselves on being the experts for any worktop needs you may have.
Be it a beautiful bespoke and unique kitchen worktop, a bar, bathroom or even a barbecue area, we have
an extensive in-house range ready to be chosen by you! We stock a varied range, in a variety of materials,
such as our own competitively priced quartz, granite, marble and porcelain, as well as all the top brands
from around the world.
There really is no reason to go anywhere else!
Win a Granite Chopping Board
If you require our services please do not hesitate
to call us on 01785 711096 or email your quote
request to stef@justgranite.ltd.uk
With the largest variety of natural stones in the Midlands, the
solid slabs are kept on-site and are available for a virtual viewing
from 9am-5pm on Monday to Friday. Located at The Stone
Works, Pillaton Hall Farm, Penkridge, ST19 5RZ.
We’ve got a bespoke Chopping Board (in the
colour of your choice) to give away! To be in
with a chance of winning this magnificent prize,
simply answer the following question correctly:
Where does the supply
of granite come from?
a) Spain
b) Italy
c) Germany
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Just
Granite Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your
entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by
the closing date of 25th January 2023 One entry per household.
Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note
you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is
processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our
Privacy Policy (available at citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk).
Full t&cs on page 50.
24

Win a Festive
Hamper from
MERKUR Slots
Visit MERKUR Slots and
warm up with a fluffy
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Why not experience the
magic of MERKUR Slots
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We’ve teamed up with
MERKUR Slots to
giveaway a fantastic
Festive Hamper! To be
in with a chance of
winning this delicious prize, simply answer the
following question correctly and send your
answer along with your details:
Where is MERKUR Slots located?
a) Market Street
b) Bore Street
c) Bird Street
Must be over 18 to enter and available 15th Dec to collect
instore.
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to MERKUR
Slots Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry
to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the closing
date of 13th December 2022. One entry per household. Multiple entries
will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or
over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR
Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy (available at
citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on page 42.
25

To charities fighting furniture poverty, please
write us a ‘shopping list’
By Richard Winterton, Richard Winterton Auctioneers
An issue sadly faced by many throughout the year
and magnified by Christmastime is that of furniture
poverty.
Reports show an increasing number of families are
going without essential furniture or spiralling into debt
by buying on credit – especially as the cost of
purchasing from new has risen by more than 30 per
cent in the past decade.
Yet The Lichfield Auction Centre could provide
charities with items including three-piece suites,
armchairs, recliners, tables and chairs, sideboards,
bookcases, wall units, wardrobes and beds – all
completely free of charge.
We carry out a large number of house clearances
every week and inevitably encounter much unwanted
furniture and other practical household appliances.
Not everything will sell at auction but that doesn’t
mean it’s useless. We can access plenty of good quality
items which can help those who are desperately in
need.
So if there are any charities, refuges or organisations
out there who think we can help them with regards to
unsold furniture, please do get in touch.
From vintage, retro and Victoriana to mid-20th
century teak, we handle a huge amount of all different
types of furniture and other household items such as
pots and pans, knives and forks and even stairlifts.
And if there are specific items which are regularly
needed, we can store them and always have a container
of items ready.
It’s that simple – just write us a shopping list.
So many people are struggling, making do or going
without altogether and this doesn’t have to be the
case.
Plus, it’s not just about fighting poverty – it also helps
reuse the planet’s resources by recycling, upcycling and
preventing waste.
Charities and organisations requiring furniture
should email our furniture saleroom manager Scott
Walker at scott@richardwinterton.co.uk.
We close for Christmas at 5pm on Wednesday,
December 21, reopening at 9am on Tuesday, January 3.
Either side of then, free quotations for house
clearances, probate services and in-person valuations
of any item at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End
Lane, Fradley Park, can be booked on 01543 251081 or
by email to office@richardwinterton.co.uk.
Home visits for bulky items or large collections and
appointments to view pre-sale are available to arrange
too and online catalogues for upcoming sales can be
Furniture saleroom manager Scott Walker at The
Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park.
Charities and organisations requiring furniture should
contact Scott Walker at Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
browsed via www.richardwinterton.co.uk/
auction-dates.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

There are a tremendous number of
medieval traditions and superstitions
relating to the Christmas period with
one, more relevant than others to those living
in Cathedral cities such as ours, and that is the
tradition of the boy bishops.
It sounds an unlikely title but absolutely true and
can be found all over Europe in many societies.
How it started, like many of these ideas, are lost in
the mists of time but are recorded as a very real
part of Christmas in cathedrals prevailing throughout the 13th and 14th
centuries. If a chosen child died in office he received a full bishop’s funeral
and was buried in his robes. Salisbury Cathedral has one such tomb of a
youngster, with mitre, crozier and robes carved into a stone top for the
tomb. It’s a sad memorial of course, as it always is for a child, but also a
reminder of how terribly seriously the tradition was taken.
The procedure was that each year the boy bishop was chosen from
amongst the choristers of the cathedral, no doubt having some qualities
fit for the task, and there would be considerable family rivalry for this
honour. He would be given full episcopal vestments made specially for
him at considerable cost topped with a mitre and crozier, and his term of
office would start on 6th December, which is the feast of St. Nicholas the
patron saint of children (he is a busy saint, as amongst others, he is also
patron saint of sailors, pawnbrokers and wolves!) running until the end of
his duration on 28th December, which is the feast of the Holy Innocents.
He performed all the usual tasks of a Bishop except for Mass although I
have not been able to ascertain if indeed all the sacraments were
excluded from his duties – it seems likely. The youngster was attended by
The Boy Bishops
By Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle
a group of canons also taken from the choir and there was a great parade
on All Innocents Eve to signal the ending of his time. This procession
wound around the streets surrounding the Cathedral and must have
been quite a sight with candles and the choir singing all dressed
beautifully.
Adults were involved, no doubt as guidance, as by the early 13th
century it is recorded that dignitaries from the cathedral assisted their
young bishop with duties such as taper bearers but the resistance to this
became strong and it banned from 1263 - one role reversal too far
apparently. Kings could get involved and they did such as king Edward 1st
who had a vespers sung to him by the boy bishop and his canons in 1299
rewarding them with the vast amount of 40 shillings (that was a lot of
money then). Over the years the role started to be subject to abuse as
the boy bishop and his canons might tour the local houses demanding
money, not for alms which would be appropriate, but for their own use
by right of their ranks. I wonder if the parents had anything to do with
these begging sessions?
There is no doubt some of these youngsters became over egotistical
with regard to their rank and formed what sounded remarkably like
gangs causing disruption in services and, in time, the public turned the
tables by insulting the youngsters and throwing things at them,
sometimes in services! This became so serious that a statute was passed
that stated that anyone throwing things at, or causing disruption to, the
boy bishop could be punished.
It is hardly a surprise with this development to see that the tradition
was starting to descend into a farce and therefore King Henry VIII banned
the tradition, albeit not very successfully, whilst his daughter, Queen
Elizabeth I, got a firm grip on it and it finally died out within these isles.
Spend Winter in the Trent Valley
By Louise Morris
As part of the
Transforming
the Trent Valley
scheme there are a
number of activities
you can enjoy from the
comfort of your own
home or by venturing
outdoors this winter.
Perhaps you could take
a tour of the Trent Valley
Robin_credit Brian Triptree
from you armchair using
the interactive virtual
tours and video walks on our website. Make a cup of tea, press play and
discover the beauty of places like Tucklesholme and Fradley Junction. Set
to relaxing music, you can explore the areas with added information and
pictures, or watch a History Walk to learn about the heritage of Burton
with Burton Conservation Volunteer Lawrence Oates.
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/take-part/virtual-tours
We also have a number of winter workshops for all ages this
December, including Wooden Reindeer and Christmas Wreath
workshops. Using a range of tools we will put together a unique, wooden
reindeer. Come along and learn how to make a beautiful, festive winter
wreath, with a seasonal hot drink and Christmas sweet treat included. We
28
will assemble wreath rings and decorate using natural materials. These
events are taking place in different locations, including Burton library,
Branston and Sinai Park House. Book your space using this link
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/take-part/events
Take time to remember. We are interested in your personal connection
to the landscape, and you can contribute your stories of the Trent Valley
through our Tales of the Riverbank page
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/projects/tales-from-the-river-bank This
creative oral history project aims to reignite people’s enthusiasm for, and
connection with rivers. We
are gathering people’s
recollections and thoughts
about the past, present and
future of the Trent Valley.
Wrap up warm and get
out in the fresh air to
discover our geocaching
sites in the Trent Valley
(www.geocaching.com) or
do some wildlife spotting,
look for waders and winter
migrants at Tucklesholme
and Croxall Lakes.
Trent Valley Way_credit David Cowper

29

Christmas
Chelsea Buns
By Ruth Redgate
Well, you know we don’t do normal and like
to mix things up over at Hunnypot Cottage
so here’s something a little bit different for
you this Christmas!
Don’t dismiss the idea if you don’t like
marzipan as this flexible recipe means you
can leave that out. We have also given vegan
options so there’s plenty of choice for
everyone.
As with most recipes you can switch around
your fruit and nuts to suit your preferences
and, of course, change or omit the alcohol as
you see fit.
Ingredients
Juice ½ orange and the zest of a whole
orange
4 tbsp Cointreau
85g dried cranberries
85g mixed dried fruit
550g strong white bread flour
15g easy dried yeast or 30 g of fresh yeast
85g caster sugar
Pinch of nutmeg
85g butter (dairy free spread or grated
coconut oil)
1 large egg or one flax egg (1tbsp ground
flaxseed, 3 tbsp water – mix together at least
5 mins before using)
250ml milk (dairy or plant)
25g pistachios chopped
300g marzipan
To decorate
Icing sugar or icing sugar mixed with a little
water, plus some additional chopped
pistachios.
Method
Stir together the juice, zest, Cointreau, and
dried fruit in a bowl and leave to soak.
Meanwhile, mix the flour, dried yeast, caster
sugar and nutmeg in a bowl. Add ½ tsp salt
and rub in the butter. Beat the egg with the
milk, then pour onto the flour mix. Stir with
a round-bladed knife, then use your hands to
bring the mixture together as a soft dough. If
using fresh yeast dissolve this in the milk
before adding to the dry ingredients.
Tip onto a work surface and knead for a
couple of mins, adding a little flour only if you
need to stop it sticking. Return the dough to
the bowl and cover with cling film. Leave to
rise for 45 mins - 1hr in a warm place until
doubled in size.
Line a large tin approximately 36 x 26 cm (a
large roasting tin can be used or you can use
2 smaller ones) with baking parchment. Roll
the risen dough out firmly to a long strip
about 70 x 18cm. Scatter the soaked fruit
along the dough then sprinkle on the
pistachios to the soaked fruit.
Roll the marzipan into a sausage the same
length as the longest side of the dough (if
you struggle to do this on one go don’t fret
you can do it in smaller amounts), then place
it down the centre of the dough and roll up
together firmly, a bit like making a sausage
roll with the marzipan in place of the
sausage. Trim the ends, then cut the rest into
12 even lengths and arrange, cut side up, in
the tin. Cover with cling film and leave to rise
for 45 mins – 1hr until really well risen.
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Bake for
15-20 mins until golden. Can be frozen for up
to 6 weeks.
When ready to eat, whether freshly baked or
defrosted, brush with melted butter/coconut
oil and dredge with icing sugar or mix a little
water into the icing sugar, drizzle over the
buns and scatter over the nuts. Eat within 2
days.
Check out our You Tube Channel to watch
the video – just scan the QR code!
Ruth Redgate is the owner and chief baker at
Hunnypot Cottage Bakery. Contact her on
loaf@hunnypotcottagebakery.co.uk.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours

Win a ‘Date Night’
Sharing Box
Experience the taste of Italy as Venice comes to Barton
Marina! Step inside Indulgence, the Italian style coffee, wine
and cicchetti bar, where the vibrant atmosphere mimics
that of Italian life and you’ll find authentic Italian produce,
such as chocolates, cakes and gelato, along with all day light
savoury bites, for you to enjoy on the water’s edge.
We’ve teamed up with Indulgence to offer one lucky
reader the chance to win a 'Date Night' box to share with
that special someone in their life! Comprising of a bottle of
Italian Prosecco or Rose Vino Spumante, along with a
presentation box containing 16 handmade luxury Italian
chocolates, this is a treat not to be missed!
To be in with your chance of winning this
fantastic prize, simply answer the following
question correctly and send it along with your
details to the email or postal address below.
Where is Indulgence located?
a) Curborough Countryside Centre
b) Heart of the Country Shopping Village
c) Barton Marina
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to
Indulgence Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your
entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the
closing date of 17th December 2022. One entry per household. Multiple
entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18
or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR
Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy (available at
citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on page 42.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours

Supper Club at The Deer Park
By Kristen Lackajis
It was a celebration of local Staffordshire producer Packington Free Range
at November’s Supper Club - and boy what a celebration it was!
Envisioned and then lovingly created by talented Head Chef, Craig Malone,
the three-course set menu boasted dishes designed to highlight all that
Packington Free Range, located at nearby Barton-Under-Needwood, had to
offer.
On arrival, we were greeted with a seasonal welcome drink of mulled
spiced cider and shown to our seats in the beautifully styled Linhay
Restaurant, which was all decked out for the Festive Season. A waitress
brought round delicious nibbles of pork belly cubes and crispy chicken skin
(quite literally, a melt in the mouth experience!) which was followed by a trio
of mini freshly baked bread loaves, dipping oils courtesy of Just Oils and an
incredibly moreish smoked bacon butter. We tucked in, savouring the different
flavours and textures, whilst one of the owners of Packington Free Range gave
a brief address to tell us a little more about the farm and its produce.
Next came the star of the show… the cockerel! A braised leg meat
cannelloni and a roasted breast were accompanied by sauteed wild
mushrooms, roast onion, bok choy, truffle juice and a roast carrot, with a
velvety Yoxall cider cream sauce to pour over. Juicy, succulent and with a depth
of flavour that I’ve never experienced before with chicken, this dish was, quite
simply, exquisite! Combining flavour with texture is a definite skill that Craig
possesses and there was certainly no skimping on the big and bold flavours
that adorned this plate of food!
To finish what was already an incredible meal, the dessert was something
completely unique once again that really shows off Craig’s individuality and
creativity as a chef. Served in a Packington egg box, were three porcelain white
egg shells that had been hollowed out and filled with smooth vanilla crème
brulee with a glassy caramelised sugar top, Bluebells’ Cherry Cheesecake ice
cream, and a chocolate popping candy and cherry pudding, accompanied by a
shortbread biscuit and a cherry chocolate éclair for good measure!
To say this was a feast fit for a King would be an understatement and, whilst
the outstanding food quite obviously draws diners time and again to The
Linhay for its monthly Supper Club events, the venue also benefits from being
able to provide a delightful, one-of-a-kind experience. The intimate setting,
with a limited number of places available and attentive staff, gives an exclusive
feel to the whole evening, which boasts the informal atmosphere of a family
and friends gathering rather than the anonymity of a large, busy establishment.
It is also a lovely touch to have the month’s ‘featured producer’ as a dining
guest, making the Supper Club feel like a very special treat to attend!
Each Supper Club features a different local producer each month. For
information about future Supper Club events, visit www.deerpark.farm or
follow it on Facebook.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours

Make money by
delivering magazines in
your local area!
Citylife is looking for
distributors to deliver its
high quality
magazines in and around
Lichfield and our sister
publication in Rugeley &
Cannock. Applicants must
be aged 16 or over.
Bookings being taken for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
If you’re interested in
finding out more, please call
Rebecca on
07970 513144.
Dining Out - A City of Flavours

Buzzards Valley, Shirrall Drive, Tamworth, B78 3EQ
Christmas
Sunday
Market
11th Dec
Dining Out - A City of Flavours

35

36

Feet Glorious
Feet!
By Kristen Lackajis
There is a
certain part of
my body that I
never allow anyone
to see (let alone
touch!) and that, is
my feet!
Being an avid
runner, and having
endured a few
operations over the
years, my feet are a
little worse for wear, and that’s putting it politely!
Whether it’s the calluses and hard skin that adorn my
heels and toes, or the patchwork of scars from
procedures past that make me want to hide my
trotters from the world, I can’t exactly say, but they’re
certainly not a pretty sight. So, when I visited Alison
Loverock at The Foot Retreat in Lichfield, I was more
than a little anxious about what to expect.
As a fully qualified, registered and insured foot health
practitioner, Alison's work concentrates on ensuring
that feet not only look good, but are healthy. She
specialises in aesthetic foot treatments which include
nail reconstruction, correcting ingrown toenails,
medical pedicures, removing corns and calluses,
treating warts, verrucae and fungal nail infections, as
well as a whole host of other treatments.
Situated in a beautiful home studio, The Foot Retreat
is a light and airy space, with skylights above and with
a roaring fire in the stylish log burner, it created a very
relaxing atmosphere. Alison put me completely at ease
with her friendly, effervescent manner and suddenly the
thought of getting my feet out in front of a total
stranger didn’t seem quite as horrific anymore!
After an initial consultation, Alison got to work,
lightly massaging my feet with professional lotions,
gently using a scalpel to deal with my hard skin, and
trimming back and filing my nails with fabulous high
tech equipment made from ceramic material which is
designed to be kind to the skin. The whole process
took 45 minutes and, I have to say, I rather enjoyed it!
Not only that, but my feet felt soft, smooth and
revitalised, and that’s after just one treatment!
Alison also explained the benefit of regular foot care
and why it was so important, after all, we spend a
majority of our time on our feet and a lifetime of
squeezing them in and out of restrictive footwear.
Needless to say, I’m most definitely converted and will
definitely be back to help keep my feet in tip-top
condition!
37

Christmas Gifts from
Lichfield’s Past
By Jono Oates
Today many of the Christmas gifts we buy for our friends, work colleagues and
family, tend to be high technology and at times highly expensive! But the gifts
that Lichfeldians bought in the past tended to be simpler, cheaper and much
more practical.
In December 1889, shoppers could go to Eggington and Brown, the printers and
booksellers on Bird Street, and buy pipe racks, letter racks, purses, handbags and chatelaines
(a belt hook worn at the waist, with chains on to which household items were attached) as
well as Christmas and New Year’s Day greeting cards. Messrs Phillips and Parkes, fishmongers
and poulterers, also on Bird Street, were offering over 500 turkeys and geese for the
Christmas dining table, as well as fish of ‘every description’ and barrels of oysters. Another
fishmonger and poulterer, Henry Welch Junior of Tamworth Street, was also selling oysters
of the finest American quality at 1 shilling per score, and also pheasants, hares, venison,
rabbits, pigeons and wild birds of every description. J Worthington, watchmaker and jeweller,
on the junction of Bird Street and Market Street, could provide watches and jewellery to suit
every budget and were also proud to announce that they were the sole agents for John
Royle’s Self-Pouring teapots. To wash down all of that fine food, Henry Mounsdon, wine
merchants at 33 Market Street, was selling bottles of wine at 1 shilling and bottles of spirits
for 1 shilling and sixpence – about 8 pence in today’s money. For a more unusual gift,
Lichfeldians could head to Frederick Harper, at the County Music Warehouse on Bore Street,
and purchase the ‘new musical novelty’ the Bigotphone, which ‘no Christmas Party would be
complete without’. The Bigotphone was the invention of a Frenchman, Mr Bigot, and was a
type of mirliton, or kazoo, which mimicked the sound of brass instruments and was very
popular in the 1890s.
By 1926 festive shoppers in Lichfield could go to Averill’s Chemists on Conduit Street and
buy bottles of perfumes for just one shilling, hot-water bottles, safety razors and hairbrushes
while they also had a beautiful range of British-made leather goods. Meanwhile, just around
the corner at 37 Market Street, Frisby’s, part of the national chain of shoe shops, declared
that ‘Christmas was Slipper Time’ with the slogan ‘What More Welcome Gift than a Warm
and Cosy Pair of Slippers.’
The Radiospeed TV and radio shop at 21 Tamworth Street was offering a special Christmas
allowance for customers’ old TVs in December 1955. The best 14 and 17-inch screen models
were all ready to accept the new TV channel, ITV, which was due to be launched the following
spring. This included the wonderful PYE VT4, which Radiospeed claimed was ‘undoubtedly the
world’s most reliable television’ and was priced at 87 guineas – just over £91 today.
Lucille, ladies’ hairdressers at 26 Bird Street, had a large selection of gifts from City, Revlon,
Goya, Yardley and Norman Hartnell for Christmas in 1958, as well as delightful French
perfumes by Lucien Lelong and was the only shop across the Lichfield district that supplied
toiletries and perfumes by Worth. In the same year, Worsey’s newsagents at 11 Tamworth
Street had lots of Christmas toys for sale including cowboy and cowgirl outfits, bows and
arrows, boxing gloves, Bagatelle, train sets and dolls’ houses.
Toys for the children were also available at Larkin’s Model Shop at 9 St John Street in
December 1968. Brands included Meccano, Pelham Puppets, Spirograph, Scalextric, Subbuteo,
Triang and Airfix.
Another shop selling toys was the Toybox store at the Bakers Lane Precinct at Christmas
1988. The store manager reported that the Ghostbuster range of toys was popular with the
boys, while the Keypers animal toys from Tonka were proving a hit with the girls, especially
the Pony. For the slightly older generation, Christophers, also in the Precinct, had the latest
technology in stock, including personal stereos, video camcorders, Casio keyboards and
electronic chess games. If you preferred to rent, not buy, then the Multi Broadcast shop could
offer the latest microwave for just £1.50 per week, and you could rent Sanyo audio hi-fi units
from £19 a month.
Today our Christmas shopping lists are very different to those from Lichfield’s past, but one
thing has remained intact over the decades – the spirt of the festive season is still alive and
well in the olde Citye of Lichfield – Merry Christmas One and All!
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Trades of a City by J.P. Gallagher.
Vintage photographs courtesy of the St Mary’s Photographic Collection
38
Arhur Worsey Newsagents, 11 Tamworth Street
Lucille Hairdressers 26 Bird Street
Larkin's Model Shop, 9 St John Street
Larkin's Model Shop, 9 St JoBT Sadlers, Drapers,
41-43 Market Street

39

Remembrance
Events
WThe annual Remembrance service was held
in Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday 13th
November. Following the Cathedral service,
Vice Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, James
Leavesley DL accompanied by the Mayor, Councillor Jamie
Checkland, led the civic party into the Remembrance
Gardens to observe the national two minutes silence and
then perform the wreath laying ceremony, after which the
Dean of Lichfield, the Very Reverend Adrian Dorber gave
the blessing.
In Burntwood, wreaths were laid at a ceremony in
Chasetown at the war memorial, as well as a display of
poppies in both red, and also purple (to remember the
animals which lost their lives) at Prince’s Park.
The War Memorial in Chasetown
The beautiful display at Prince's Park, Burntwood,
which pays homage to all those who lost their lives,
animals included.
40
The procession from the Cathedral (photo by Robert Yardley).
Help a Dog this
Christmas
By Lauren Hirst
This year has been a mixed year for everyone and 2023 is
certain to bring some challenges. On a positive note, it was
lovely to be able to get out and about again with our
greyhounds to get them used to the big wide world outside of
kennel life, and ready for their forever homes.
We were, once again, able to go out on awareness roadshows and
events to let people know what fantastic pets retired racing greyhounds
make and bust a few myths like they need lots of exercise (they don’t -
only two half hour walks a day in between snoozes). Like many other
animal rehoming centres, the number of dogs we’ve been able to find
homes for in 2022 is waaaay down on previous years due to the
economic climate and we’re not sure there will be any improvement in
2023.
Several of hounds have been waiting months for someone to visit and
take them home. Flash, Archie, Ricky and Tommy are just a few.
However, if you aren’t able to adopt a dog there are several ways you
can help the greyhounds in our care. Perhaps you could sponsor a dog
or a kennel for £36 and £72 a year respectively. It’s the perfect gift for
an animal lover in your life and you can arrange to visit our chosen
hound(s).
Many people will do their Christmas shopping online. If you join
The wreath laying ceremony in Lichfield's Remebrance Gardens
(photo by Robert Yardley).
Easyfundraising, each time you shop online the vendor will give you a
cash reward which you can donate to us. It’s simple and doesn’t cost you
anything but really helps us.
Another way to help is by buying some supplies for our kennels (and
if you buy online through Easyfundraising, you help twice!) Have a look
at our Amazon Wishlist on our website!
Visit our website at www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk/ and click
on the “support” tab for all the ways to help. But if you ARE thinking
about adopting a dog in 2023, please consider a greyhound… adopting
one dog might not change the world, but the world will change for that
one greyhound. They’ve given their all during their racing careers, now
it’s our time to given them our ‘all’ in return.

J HOWELL &
DAUGHTERS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD
LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT,
FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS.
SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY.
24 hours a day
We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of
choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and
memorials are but a few of the services we offer.
Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call
01543 255776
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe,
Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
41

Have Yourself a
Sustainable Christmas
By Jess Davanzo
‘Tis the season of giving, but sometimes our well-intentioned
generosity has the opposite effect on our resources. Unless you’re living
under a rock, you have heard the buzz around needing to live more
sustainably. It can feel overwhelming at times, but in truth there are a
multitude of little things we could all do that can collectively have a big
impact! Particularly at a time known for excess, little tweaks can make
huge difference.
This isn’t to say you must go into Grinch mode! On the contrary!
Some of the best ways to be “greener” are more meaningful practices
that add to the holiday spirit, not detract from it!
Here’s some quick sustainable holiday tips…
Wrapping paper
Is it necessary? It looks
beautiful, but millions of rolls get
thrown away every year and
much of it is non-recyclable
(especially shiny/glittery kinds!)
For something that is torn and
discarded quickly there must be
a better way - and there is! If
wrapping presents the old
fashioned way is important to
you, why not use natural brown
paper that is recyclable? Or even
newspaper? This can look
beautiful especially when tied
with natural string or
biodegradable ribbon. You could even use some of nature’s offerings like
holly leaves to decorate the packages. Another alternative is old fabric or
reusable bags. It might sound strange, but it can truly look lovely and
make a big difference. Plus, it saves you money!
Gifts
Give gifts that support a sustainable lifestyle and you can encourage
positive change whilst giving a wonderful present. Think reusable and
purchase things like lunch boxes, water bottles and bags that are made in
a conscious way and also promote a better way of living. Lots of
sustainable gift companies give back to earth friendly and ethical
initiatives, and I’m pleased to say that we carry lots of ethical, cruelty free
and sustainable gifts at www.earthystuff.co.uk that are not only eco
themselves, but a portion of the profit goes back into investing into
planet and people friendly projects. Also, trees are planted with every
order! So, for guilt-free giving, look for local sustainable companies that
truly care. Another idea is to make your own gifts or baked goods or
better yet, give the gift or your time and plan a lovely day out in nature!
Decorations
These are an integral part of the festive season, but often made from
harmful materials. A fun way to be more sustainable is to turn your
decorating into a foraging
exercise, get out in fresh air
and collect some beautiful
holly or pinecones and
make some lovely features
on the mantle or the table.
Make your own ornaments,
but remember to avoid
glitter & tinsel! And if you
already have a plastic tree,
keep using it! It’s better to
maintain and keep using
one you already have then
to opt for a new one, even
if the new one is more eco!
You can also rent trees
(seriously)!
Jess Davanzo is the Founder of Earthy Stuff, an online
store selling a range of eco-friendly, sustainable gift and
home items. Passionate about promoting cruelty-free ad
ethical lifestyle choices, Jess is on a mission to help make
the world a greener and kinder place.
www.earthystuff.co.uk
Christmas Dinner
This is often the pinnacle
of the day and a simple
thing to do is to buy locally
and seasonally. This not only
supports the earth but
helps your community and
local businesses too. If you
get your vegetables from a
local farm shop or farmers
market, not only are
supporting your
community and preventing
unnecessary transport, but
you are going to get a much tastier and more nutritious vegetables
grown down the road than ones that have been flown from far away.
You
Sure, we want a more sustainable way of living but that doesn’t just
mean the planet, we must protect ourselves too! The recent rises in the
cost of living, coupled with the pressure to overspend and buy things for
the sake of it, doesn’t help with our personal sustainability either. The
season of giving often comes at a cost to our mental health and it
shouldn’t! The most valuable thing we have is our time, so why not let go
of the pressures of buying presents and focus instead on being present
with the ones you love?
42

Christmas Gifts
Gifts
Galore!
Tis the season to be jolly and here at
Citylife we've put together a guide to
highlight just a few of the fantastic
local and independent companies in
the area and their products. This year,
it's not about how much you spend,
it's where you spend that's important...
keep the community thriving and buy
local wherever possible!
Keeren's Kardz & Gifts
from the Heart
Keep your feet warm with Snoozies Men's and
Ladies Slippers, in various styles and sizes. Priced at
£11.99 each or £20 for two pairs! Available from
Keeren's Kardz & Gifts from the Heart, Brewery
Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley. Search for
Keeren's Kardz on Facebook.
Needwood Living
The true scent of Christmas! St Eval Christmas
Candles are available in Inspiritus, Orange &
Cinnamon, Winter Thyme. Priced at £13.45 and
available from Needwood Living, High Street,
Tutbury, or Main Street, Alrewas.
www.needwoodliving.co.uk
Earthy Stuff
Beautifully unique and sustainable, these elephant
dung notebooks are the perfect quirky gift! They
are Fair Trade and lovely for use as a journal or
everyday notebook. The elephant dung covers are
made from 25% recycled paper and 75% elephant
dung – yes really! The ultimate in recycling! Priced
at £11. Available online at Earthystuff.co.uk or
email: hello@earthystuff.co.uk.
43

Christmas Gifts
Jewellery With Life
This Textured Star Pendant is the perfect gift for
the super stars in your life. Made using recycled
silver, it comes in your choice of textures, finish
and length of silver chain. Priced at £26. You can
find more beautiful pieces made in Staffordshire by
Emily at www.jewellerywithlife.co.uk.
Eden Gallery
Curious Collie framed limited edition by Nicky
Litchfield. Framed size 46cm x 69cm. Price: £205 and
available from Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre,
Curborough Countryside Centre, WS13 8ES. Tel:
01543 268393. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10am-4pm
(Tues by appointment only).
www.edenartandframing.co.uk
Indulgence
Italian Prosecco or Rose Vino Spumante in a
presentation bag with a choice of 4, 8, 12 or 16
chocolates. Prices for the chocolates start from
£3.99. Other Italian wine selections are available.
Indulgence, Barton Marina, Barton-under-
Needwood.
Michael’s Menswear
Coming from a well known company in the trade
Pringle socks offer great comfort with great style.
Perfect for the Christmas season these cotton
socks are a perfect gift this season coming in
packs of 3 with a variety of pre picked patterns
and colours for only £17.95. See our range in
store now. 01543 262264. Available from Michael’s
Menswear, Market Street, Lichfield.
Artisan Upcyclers
Artisan Upcyclers hosts a stunning array of
handmade items from the creative talents of local
and UK-based artists. Recycling, reclaiming and
upcycling the discarded into the marvellous! These
gorgeous lamps are priced at £45 each and
available from Artisan Upcyclers,
12 Tudor Row, Lichfield.
Earthy Stuff
These coconut bowl sets are hand crafted from a
real coconut and accompanied by a reclaimed
wooden spoon. These beautiful bowls make a
lovely gift and are organic, vegan and eco-friendly.
Perfect for making healthy acai bowls, delicious
smoothie bowls and scrumptious ramen bowls!
Priced at £10 and available online at
www.earthystuff.co.uk.
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Paul Martyn
Novelty draught excluders, in different styles,
priced at £38 and available from Paul Martyn,
Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen. Tel:
01543 481592. www.paulmartynfurniture.co.uk
Clive's Wines
It wouldn't be Christmas without a spot of fizz!
Why not try something different this year, like this
sparkling rhubarb wine, or rhubling, as it's known?
Made using the traditional method to create
natural bubbles, rhubling is the perfect, light fizz to
enjoy with a loved one. Available from Clive's
Wines of Burntwood. Tel: 07972 269 620.
www.cliveswines.co.uk
Use code CWCL10 to get 10%
off at Clive's Wines!
Allen Brown Jewellery
Silver triple disc earrings with 18ct yellow and
black rhodium detail. Priced at £176 and available
from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, WS14 9QR.
Tel: 01543 481 948.
www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk

Christmas Gifts
Tippers
The most popular of our charcoal grills, Kamado
Joe’s Classic Joe II is perfect for cooking all year
round, you can even cook your Christmas dinner
with it! With a mould and water resistant control
vent, why not start practising for those summer
evenings now? Priced at £1,999.
www.tippers.com
Victoria Lowe
A brand new interiors, lifestyle and gift shop in the
centre of Lichfield. Victoria Lowe features an array
of beautiful gift ideas, as well as home, clothing,
accessories, lighting, clocks artwork and much,
more. Victoria Lowe, 15 Dam Street, Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 262581.
Instagram: @ victorialowe_lichfield
The Deer Park
Specialising in sustainably-sourced tea grown in Sri
Lanka, Doyen is a local company which aims to
minimise its carbon footprint throughout its
production processes. This tea advent calendar
features two teabags behind each door from the
range, which includes green teas, herbal and
fruit blends.
Priced at £29.95 and available from The Deer Park,
Maker Lane, Hoar Cross, DE13 8QR.
City Jewellers
Treat that special someone in your life to
something a little more luxurious this Christmas,
such as this stunning Hamilton PSR Watch,
stainless steel £675 and available from City
Jewellers, Bore Street, Lichfield.
S&P Watercolours
Based on an original watercolour painting by S&P
Watercolours, this Shugborough Hall 1,000-piece
jigsaw puzzle features a central ‘boy and swan’
fountain and clipped golden yews. A fabulous gift
idea featuring an iconic Staffordshire landmark.
Priced at £18.99. Available from S&P Watercolours,
The Courtyard, Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge,
ST17 0XN. Email: spwatercolours@gmail.com.
Arthur Price
Make sure your Christmas table looks its best
this year with the Sophie Conran Rivelin 52-
piece cutlery set. Priced at £350 and available
from Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way,
Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 267324.
The Christmas Barn
The most beautiful large diamanté and bead
encrusted baubles are a real statement piece to
hang on your tree to impress this year, or even in
the window for extra glamour! Measuring
approx. 12cm. Priced at £9 and available from
The Christmas Barn, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen.
Framework
This spectacular, imposing Highland Cow bust by
Matt Buckley, from the EDGE contemporary
sculpture collection, perfectly captures the noble
character of the Highland Cow - a striking
centrepiece for any room. Priced at £345 and
available from Framework, Tamworth Street,
Lichfield.
Mercia Spirits Lab
Treat your loved one to the perfect G&T this
Christmas! Gift hamper includes Mercia's
Signature Gin, a gin glass, and a choice of mixers!
Priced at £59 and available from Mercia Spirits
Lab, Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Rugeley.
Tel: 01889 529291. www.merciawhisky.co
45

The Month in
Pictures
We take a look at the events and
activities over the last month, bringing
you a round-up of the city in
pictures...
Jeremy Sassoon Ray Charles tribute, Hub at
St Mary's
Erasmus Darwin House Jigsaw Sale
Food is handed out at the Tippers Christmas BBQ event
The Witches of Tudor Row Shops at
Halloween!
Santa prepares to give out gifts donated by
Cost Cutters UK at Burntwood Christmas
Fair & Market
Camels, bearing wise people, parade through Chasetown, Burntwood
Official opening of the Boat House,
Barton Marina
Lichfield Screendance Festival, Hub at St
Mary's
46
Christmas Lighs Switch On, Market Square
Lichfield Chamber of Trade and Commerce
Christmas Fayre
Christmas Tree Festival, Lichfield Cathedral

Free Festive
Smartphone
Storytrail
Anew augmented reality storytrail, which is
accessed via a smartphone, sees players
guided by a group of superheroes as they
progress their search for missing Christmas presents
and release cheeky Christmas imps that burst into
life on the screen in AR.
Hunt For The Lost Toys, which runs until the New
Year, is located at 10 stops around the city centre with
players choosing what happens in their story
experience and has been produced by Visit Lichfield in
collaboration with High Street Safari.
The trail works on any smart device without the
need for download. Visit https://highstreetsafari.com for
more.
47

What’s On
Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over
16,000 homes and businesses for only £20 for businesses and £10
for charities. Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On Lichfield'.
Sunday 4th December
A Johnson Family Christmas
Come and enjoy the Birthplace Museum
decorated in its finery for Christmas, with free
performances and events throughout the day,
including Lichfield Singers at 11am, Traditional
Storytelling with Christine Genders from
12pm-2pm, and readings from the Lichfield
Poets at 2pm. Hands-on free family activities all
day, plus mulled wine and refreshments along
with mince pies available.
Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum,
Market Square
Time: 1.30pm-3.30pm
Price: Free
Tuesday 6th December
Lichfield Ladies’ & Men’s Probus
‘Singing for Joy’ from Sharon Burns. New
members always made welcome. Members of
the Club meet on the first Tuesday of the
month for an optional buffet lunch followed by
a talk.
Venue: St Matthew’s Social Club, Burntwood,
WS7 9EP.
Time: 12.30pm
Contact: peter.hitchman44@gmail.com, tel:
07971 113505/jenny_hodgkins@yahoo.co.uk,
tel: 01543 305522.
Wednesday 7th December
Seniors’ Festive Lunch
Enjoy a festive three-course lunch with live
entertainment, with a glass of sherry on arrival
plus crackers and novelties to add to the party
atmosphere in the stunning Garrick suite.
Venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield
Time:12.15pm
Price: £27 per person
Please call 01543 414822 or email
events@thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book.
48
Thursday 8th December
Late Night Shopping & Steak Night
Enjoy a late night shopping experience, with
20% off when you spend £70 or more. Plus a
delicious sirloin steak meal for two people!
Venue: Bradshaws Farm Shop, Burntwood, WS7
1YL.
Time: Until 9pm
Price: £28 for two (deposit required).
Call 01543 279437. Advanced booking
required.
Thursday 8th December
Christmas Secrets & Scandal
Enjoy a walk, talk and afternoon tea at The
Barn with Local Lichfield historian, Jono Oates.
Venue: The Barn at Swinfen, Heart of the
Country Shopping Centre, WS14 9QR
Time: 3pm
Price: £30 per person
Visit www.jonotourism.co.uk to book.
Saturday 10th December
Shenstone Village Christmas Fayre
The popular Shenstone Christmas Fayre is
back this year.! Includes stalls, kiddies rides,
xmas lighting, music, mulled wine, ale, gin, fresh
crepes and more! (Main Street is closed to
traffic).
Venue: Main Street, Shenstone
Time: 3pm-7pm
Saturday 10th December
Makers Christmas Market
Local crafters and makers with a great
selection of items, including drawings, prints
and photographs of local landmarks, ceramics,
jewellery, Christmas decorations and cards,
plus much more!
Venue: The Hub at St Marys, Market Square
Time: 10am-3pm
Free entry.
Thurs 15th & Thurs 22nd December
Late Night Christmas Shopping
The fully licensed Café-Bar will be tempting
you with festive goodies such as mulled wine,
mince pies and hot chocolate and there’s some
great Christmassy live-music lined up too. The
Hub Little Shop will be open and you’ll be able
to meet local makers and artists whose work
is on sale.
Venue: The Hub at St Marys, Market Square
Time: 5pm-8.30pm
Free entry.
Wednesday 21st December
Christmas By Candlelight
Lichfield Cathedral Choir presents an evening
of Christmas music with this classic carol
concert – music and readings old and new to
reflect on the meaning of Christmas and fill
you with festive cheer!
Venue: Lichfield Cathedral
Time: 7.30pm
Price: £15
Book online at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.
Throughout December
A Georgian Christmas
Discover the traditions that Samuel Johnson
would have known in a display about the
history of the 18th century festive season,
including a free family ‘Christmas Treasure Trail’
activity for families, plus visit the historic book
and gift shop.
Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum,
Market Square.
Time: 11.30am-3pm.
Price: Free
Until 2nd January
The Christmas Tree Festival
Come and see a wonderful festive array of real
Christmas trees decorated by local businesses,
schools and charities.
Venue: Lichfield Cathedral
Time: During visiting hours
Price: Free
Until 8th January
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
Sam Rabone is back in this year's hilarious funfilled,
brand new, family Panto Snow White and
the Seven Dwarfs! Once again, this fabulous
production will be written by Paul Hendy and
co-produced by the award-winning Evolution
Productions.
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Time: Afternoon and evening performances
Price: From £15

Advertising Feature
Best Ever Christmas
Sale Celebrates
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This December, the
Arthur Price Factory
Shop has some of its
best ever offers as it
celebrates 40 years of its
now famous Christmas Sale.
Starting Saturday 3rd
December and running until the 17th, there will be
offers across all cutlery and homewares of up to 70%
off.
There are offers to suit all budgets and stockings,
including the Sahara 32-piece box set down from £199 to
£59. The large 76-piece 8 person Willow box set was £430,
now £129. Perfect as a kitchen gift, the marble six-piece
knife block is now only £39, normally £159. There’s also
cutlery sets for children priced at only £6.75.
Simon Price, CEO of Arthur Price, said: “We all know the
cost-of-living crisis is going to make Christmas difficult this
year for many. It’s that one time of the year when we don’t
want to worry about things. Hopefully, our sale this year
offers something for everyone, and we can still eat, drink
and be merry this Christmas!”
For more information call the Factory Shop on 01543
267324, email factory.shop@arthurprice.com or drop into
the shop on Britannia Way.
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Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield
Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection
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2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and
conditions stated.
3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition.
4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in
accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the closing
date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely
destroyed/deleted. Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until
the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details will be
securely deleted/destroyed.
5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception
to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of
Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition
partner to allow winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will
be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in
our magazines – no other details will be published.
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Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants (but not address or
contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and
online.
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prize is non-transferable.
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conditions.
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available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after
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final and no correspondence will be entered into.
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damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party,
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or
for the quality of the prize provided.
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7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS.
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accurate, moral and legal.

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