Citylife in Lichfield February 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,
Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free
of charge; bringing you the best that the city has to offer.
Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich
history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the
latest in fashion and style.
Got a story or charity event you want to share with our
readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures
the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!
Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com
Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com
Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
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
CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley and Cannock Chase
magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and
are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd.
Citylife In Lichfield
@citylifelichfield
@lichfieldcity
www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation
appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement,
editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an
endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
Your Local
Magazine
Inside...
14 Five Minutes With...
We catch up with local singer, Rosie Tee
20 Lost Pubs of Lichfield
Jono Oates explores the past of another longgone
public house
28 From Lupercalia to Valentine's
Lesley Smith looks at the history of Valentine's
Day
44 Valentine's Gift Guide
Treat your loved one to something special!
..................................
Competition Winners!
Congratulations to C Smith who won a Festive Hamper from Merkur
Slots, and C Deakin who received a Date Night Sharing Box from
Indulgence at Barton Marina! Well done!
..................................
Valentine
By Carol Ann Duffy
Not a red rose or a satin heart.
I give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in brown paper.
It promises light like the careful undressing of love.
Here.
It will blind you with tears like a lover.
It will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief.
I am trying to be truthful.
Not a cute card or a kissogram.
I give you an onion.
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips, possessive and faithful as we
are, for as long as we are.
Take it.
Its platinum loops shrink to a wedding ring, if you like.
Lethal.
Its scent will cling to your fingers, cling to your knife.

5

LOCAL NEWS
6
Former LDC Chair’s
Donation
A former Chair of Lichfield District Council has
presented money raised during his year in office
to a district support group for people with
Parkinson’s Disease and their carers.
Councillor Barry Gwilt, who was Chair in
2021/22, raised £436 through a civic lunch at
Bishop’s Palace in The Close in November last
year and other fundraising activities.
In December he visited a meeting of Parkinson’s
UK Lichfield and District Branch at Martin
Heath Hall on Christchurch Lane and presented
the money to members.
Parkinson’s UK Lichfield and District Branch
meets on the second Thursday of every month
from 2pm to 4pm at Martin Heath Hall in
Christchurch Lane, Lichfield. There is no charge,
but a raffle is held to cover the cost of the hall
and guest speakers. For more information about
the group call Margaret Davies on 01543
264465.
......................................................................................
New Playground at
Burntwood Park
Cllr Sue Woodward, Cllr Steve Norman, Lyn
Hammant, Rvrd Matt Wallace, Cllr Colin Greatorex,
& Donna Greatorex
Christmas came early for youngsters in
Burntwood in December as new play
equipment was installed at a Chase Terrace
Park.
The children’s play area in the park on High
Street, now features items including an inclusive
roundabout and a spinning seesaw.
The Swirl Roundabout is suitable for children of
all abilities, with a seat on one side and easy
wheelchair access on the other, ideal for all
children to enjoy together without
compromising on fun. And the spinning seesaw
is a unique piece of equipment which enables
children to spin and bounce.
The new equipment has been delivered at a
cost of £20,617 through a £10,617 contribution
from Lichfield District Council, £5,000 from
Burntwood Town Council and £5,000 from St
John’s Community Church.
.......................................................................................
New Venue for
Memory Café
Lichfield Memory Café now has a new home!
All sessions will now be hosted every week
from the Methodist Church at 30 Tamworth
Street, Lichfield.
The Lichfield Memory Café provides a safe
space free from judgement where you can
come for a cuppa and a chat with an
experienced professional who understands
dementia or speak to others in your position.
The Memory Café also provides advice and
information for someone caring for a loved one
with dementia, as supporting family members
and carers is an important function of the cafés.
If you are worried about your own memory or
that of a loved one, you can always just drop in
for a chat and get the information regarding
support networks, that can make a difference.
The Memory Café runs every Thursday 10-
12noon. For more details contact Karen
Wilkinson on 01542 625 002 or email
karen.wilkinson@Tamworth.homeinstead.
co.uk
.......................................................................................
Local MP
Opens Film Fest
Michael Fabricant & Caroline Koziol
Michael Fabricant, the Conservative MP for the
area, officially opened the Lichfield Film Festival
at The Garrick Theatre on Saturday 21st
January.
The event, which has been organised by
Caroline Koziol in conjunction with the British
International Film Festival, is something new to
the City and the theatre is expecting not only
locals to attend, but also visitors from the US
and Canada who have come to see their films
shown on the screen.
With a new multiscreen cinema coming to
Lichfield in the near future too, the City will
soon become a hub for cinema entertainment,
something which is very welcomed by Michael.
.......................................................................................
Toy Donation to
Pathway Project
£2,000 worth of toys were donated to
Pathway Project
Lichfield Social Club teamed up with Town and
Country Meats in December to make a
Christmas toy donation to the Pathway project
in Lichfield, giving more than £2,000 worth of
toys for the charity’s annual Christmas appeal.
The worthy cause was suggested by Lichfield
Social Club Secretary, Paul Wright, who was
delighted to be able to give something back to
the community.
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

Advertising Feature
Financial Advice will cost you money, but I aim to
show you the value of good quality Financial Advice.
Have you got cash sitting in the Bank or Building Society earning you very little interest?
Are you concerned about inflation eroding the value of your savings?
We could discuss setting up a well-diversified investment portfolio for you.
What do you know about your pensions and your pension options?
Would you like a free one-hour initial chat with an experienced local Financial Adviser?
Our first meeting will be at no cost to you, without any obligation to proceed any further. If you do decide to
proceed then the fees for initial and ongoing advice will be clearly explained and agreed with you before any further
work is done. Financial Advice will
cost money, which can come from
the investment, but I hope to be
able to demonstrate to you the
benefit of good quality professional
advice.
If you do decide to become a
client then you will get a
personalised service that matches
your needs, whatever they may be,
as we are all individuals. I will carry
out a full fact find of your
circumstances, look at your current
plans and policies and discuss with
you your priorities, where you want
to be financially in the future and
how I may be able to help you get
there. I will speak in clear terms and
do my best to try and help you
achieve your goals.
As an experienced local Financial
Adviser I work with clients at all
stages of their life to help them
achieve their financial goals,
whatever they may be.
You can find me on the
Independent rating sites Unbiased
and Vouchedfor, via my website -
www.financialadviser.me.uk or the
Four Oaks website –
www.fouroaksfs.com
I hope to hear from you soon.
Robin Place DipFA, CeLTCI, MLIBF
Financial Adviser
0121 323 2070, 07968 504805
robin@fouroaksfs.com
7

LOCAL NEWS
8
Vote for New
School’s Logo
Lichfield’s newest school will open its doors in
September this year!
Anna Seward Primary School, part of the highlyrespected
Arthur Terry Learning Partnership
(ATLP), will welcome nursery and reception
children through its doors at the start of the
new academic year under the leadership of
Head of School, Richard Storer.
ATLP has been working on a logo which will
feature on the school’s uniform and branding
and has whittled down the options to two
designs. It’s now down to the public to choose
which one should be chosen to move forward
with as excitement builds!
The school has been named after romantic
poet Anna Seward. Known as the ‘Swan of
Lichfield’, she was an early feminist and
successful writer with an influence beyond what
was considered normal for the time.
Both logos feature a swan motif formed from
the letter ‘S’ for Seward, which represents a
visual link to her skillful and creative ability with
words. The designs are based on three colours
– lunar blue, superpower purple and sky blue –
which link closely to the romantic poet and
novelist that the school is named after.
Visit @AnnaSeward_pri on Twitter to cast your
logo vote in the online poll.
......................................................................................
Waterworks Art
Competition &
Exhibition
To celebrate its 150th Anniversary, Lichfield
Waterworks Trust is launching an Art
Competition and Exhibition, which is open to all
residents of Lichfield and surrounding areas.
There are three categories of entry: Adult (over
16 years); Children & Young People (8-16 years);
and Adults with Disabilities (physical or
learning).
The paintings or drawings must be about water,
including rivers, canals and associated buildings
and people.
The closing date for entries is 31st March 2023
and application forms and further information
can be found at
www.lichfieldwaterworkstrust.com or by
contacting Robin Taylor on 07738 939271.
......................................................................................
LFF Seeks New
Members
Last year, Lichfield Festival celebrated 40 years,
as did Lichfield Festival Friends (LFF), which was
set up in 1982 as a supporters’ club to raise
funds for the Festival, and to provide practical
help. It’s still doing so – in fact, last year it raised
a record sum.
The start of the year is a busy time for LFF as
subscriptions are renewed, but it’s an ideal time
to join as members receive priority booking for
the forthcoming years’ events, which include
the Literature Festival in March; the multi-arts
summer Festival in July; and a Chamber Music
Weekend in October. Plus, “one-off” events
such as the Grimethorpe Colliery Band
Concert at the Cathedral last December.
The Friends run fundraising events too. A
recent Call My Bluff Wine Quiz saw those
attending sample several wines and are regaled
each time with information from three
‘experts’, two of whom are making it up! The
aim was to identify the liar and it provided
excellent entertainment, with plenty of laughs.
For further information, email:
lff@lichfieldfestival.org.
......................................................................................
Voters Need Photo ID
For the first time,
residents in Lichfield
District will need to
show photographic ID
to vote at this year’s
local elections. Residents
are being urged to make
sure they are ready to vote in May by checking
they have an accepted form of ID.
Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European
Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth
passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’
licence; and some concessionary travel passes,
such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will
be able to use expired ID if they are still
recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted
forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID
online at voter-authoritycertificate.service.gov.uk/.
The requirement to show photo ID at the
polling station is a new requirement, introduced
by the UK Government’s Elections Act which
was passed last year and comes into effect for
the first time this May.
......................................................................................
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
10
Cathedral Bells Ring
for Ukraine
Lichfield Cathedral took part in a national
initiative to ring the bells on Saturday 21st
January 2023 in solidarity with the people of
Ukraine.
Bells rang out across Lichfield for 20 minutes
from 12 noon, along with other bells around the
country, to mark Ukrainian Unity Day (a day the
celebrates the unification of East and West
Ukraine in 1919).
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine
Lichfield Cathedral has held ‘Prayers for Peace’
at 12 noon every Thursday. Anyone is invited to
attend to spend a moment in quiet reflection,
light a candle and pray for peace around the
world.
......................................................................................
Giant Carbon Bubble
Tours County
People across Staffordshire will have the chance
to learn more about climate change when a
huge bright orange ‘carbon bubble’ tours the
county.
The 10-metre bubble installation, due to tour in
summer 2023, will help people to visualise how
their daily activities can impact carbon
emissions.
Staff from local council climate change teams
will also be on hand to offer advice and tips to
help residents understand what they can do to
reduce their own carbon footprint. People will
also be asked to pledge to do one small thing to
help Make Staffordshire Sustainable.
Earlier this year, the County Council and
Staffordshire’s eight district and borough
councils formed the Staffordshire Sustainability
Board to develop and deliver joint carbon
reductions initiatives across the county. This
initiative is being brought to life as part of the
Staffordshire Sustainability Board.
The carbon bubble will be transported to
locations using electric vehicles and inflated
using generators which run on 100 per cent
renewable materials.
.......................................................................................
Spring/Summer
at The Hub
Joshua & Me
The Hub at St Mary’s has launched a new treatpacked
season of arts and culture ahead. As
usual, there’s a little something for everyone –
here’s just a taster of what’s in store this
season.
There are two family shows lined up – perfect
for a first introduction to the theatre for babies
and young children.
There are hot picks for theatre fans from the
2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, such as Joshua
and Me (23rd February), written by Rachel
Hammond, which explores being a sibling of
someone who is autistic – giving a voice to
young people with responsibilities of care.
We’ve got side-splitting jokes for comedy lovers
with three more Alter Comedy Clubs (on 8th
February, 29th March and 17th May). With
relaxed vibes, reserved seats and some of the
best of the UK’s award-winning acts, The Hub
has quickly become Lichfield’s finest
establishment for Stand-Up Comedy.
There’s also an eclectic mix of music to keep
those toes tapping throughout the spring and
summer.
Information and tickets for all events are
available online at www.thehubstmarys.co.uk or
pop in and visit The Hub to book and find out
more!
.......................................................................................
Pancake Day Fun!
Lichfield’s exciting Pancake Races are back on
Tuesday 21st February. Spectators can expect
to see all the usual races including Ladies,
Gentlemen, Mascots and Under 10s.
Participants will be on their marks in Bore
Street from 12 noon.
The races will be followed by the traditional
opening of the Shrovetide Fair on the Market
Square by the Civic party, supported by the
Town Crier who will give a shout to announce
the occasion.
All entrants must pre-register anytime up to 12
noon on Friday 17th February.
If you would like to take part, please complete
the coupon below and return to Lichfield City
Council Offices in Bore Street. Alternatively,
you can download the application form from
the Lichfield City Council website at
www.lichfield.gov.uk/news
.......................................................................................
Charity Fund Holds
Open Event
A community fund which has distributed more
than £300,000 to groups in Lichfield and
Burntwood in the past decade is staging an
information event to connect with more
supporters.
The We Love Lichfield 'Connect With Your
Community' event will be held at The Hub at St
Mary’s on Market Square, Lichfield on Thursday
9th February, and is inviting interest from
residents and businesses alike. The free, informal
event runs from 4.30pm to 6pm to enable
people to drop in after work and includes a free
welcome drink.
Companies and individuals are welcome to
donate or fundraise and all money is invested
through a permanent endowment fund by
registered charity The Community Foundation
For Staffordshire in line with charity
commission guidelines.
The interest and dividends earned on the
invested money is then distributed by the We
Love Lichfield Fund as small grants across the
district. The beauty of this model is that it will
provide a source of on-going funding that can
be used for small grants, and larger grants as the
fund grows, for many years to come.
For more information visit
https://welovelichfield.com/.

11

New Kid
on the Block
Business
of the Month
Erase UK
An independent record shop selling new and used vinyl, CDs
and cassette tapes has got music fans in a spin after opening
in the City.
The arrival of Stylus Records has been received extremely positively by
shoppers who have been flocking to the new shop to stock up on their
favourite tracks.
The new business has signed a five-year lease on a retail unit at Minster
Pool Walk. The 647sqft former yoga studio is located just off the
pedestrianised Bird Street, fronting the access road to one of Lichfield's
main car parks serving the city centre, and overlooking Minster Pool and
the cathedral beyond.
Tim Balderstone, owner of Stylus Records, had been looking for the
right space for his business for some time, and was delighted when his
dreams of opening a record shop in Lichfield came true.
Opening its doors on 1st December 2022, feedback has been very
positive and Tim is looking forward to an exciting future.
12
Tim Balderstone outside his new shop, Stylus Records
Local Artist
Spotlight
Jackie Roberts is a Staffordshirebased
artist, living in Lichfield.
It was during lockdown that
Jackie rediscovered her love for
art which subsequently led to her
leaving her job 18 months ago
and setting up her own business,
Love2dream.
Jackie’s distinctive line drawings of
local landmarks were originally
inspired by the beautiful buildings
she noticed around the City during
her lockdown walks. However, it wasn’t until she drew a picture for her
intern as a leaving gift that the idea of turning her talent into a business
came to her.
Erase UK, based in
Tudor Row in
Lichfield, was
established in 2012 by
Gemma Richards.
The clinic offers an array of
aesthetic treatments to its
customers, including IPL Hair
removal, Radio Frequency
Skin Tightening, ST Tropez
Express Spray Tans and
aesthetics procedures (which
are carried out by registered
nurse, Denise Horsley).
Gemma started the
business as there was nothing
of its kind in Lichfield at the
time, and she longed to work
in an environment where she
could interact with her
clients. After 11 successful
years, the clinic has built
some fantastic long-term relationships with returning customers.
Despite finding things difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic due to
the clinic having to shut down for a period of time, Erase UK bounced
back and now Gemma is planning to add some brand new treatments
to her repertoire!
Her advice for anyone looking to start their own business? “Just be
passionate about whatever you’re doing. It’s not easy to start a
business but worth it with hard work!”
Find out more by visiting Erase UK on Tudor Row, or online at
www.erase-uk.co.uk.
Having always been quite
creative at school, it wasn’t long
before Jackie had reignited her
passion and her now recognisable
style (simple black and white line
drawings, sometimes peppered
with a splash of colour) can now
be seen in various locations
throughout Lichfield, including the
shop in The Hub at St Mary’s on
the Market Square, and adorning
the walls of Pom’s Kitchen and
Deli on Bird Street.
Making ideal gifts for the home, Jacke had a fantastic festive season in
2022, attending many local craft fayres where her drawings were very well
received. She even raised £500 for charity through the sales of her
Commemorative Buckingham Palace print.
Now, as a finalist in the Ladies First Award for the title of Sandra Godley
Outstanding Woman in Creative Arts, Jackie is excitedly anticipating
another successful year ahead!
You can see more of Jackie’s work, and buy her art online, by visiting
www.love2dream.co.uk. Alternatively, follow Jackie on Facebook and
Instagram @love2dreamdesigns.

13

Five Minutes
With… Rosie Tee
Photo credit Jess Whitty
This month, we chat to Rosie Tee, a
local composer, performer, and
event producer about her work and
what inspires her!
Photo credit Broaden
• To begin with, could you tell us
a little bit about yourself. For
example, are you a local lady? If
not, when did you move to the
area?
Hello! I’m very much a local lass! I grew
up in Burntwood, but spent most
weekends and evenings of my teenager
years in Lichfield playing in bands with
friends, whether that be in the 20+ youth
ensemble Wildfire Folk founded by
Lichfield Arts, or indie-folk quartet The Offbeat.
I moved down the road to Birmingham in 2015 when I started uni,
studying Music Composition at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and
now live in South Birmingham where there’s a thriving creative scene!
• Can you tell us, in your own words, what it is you do?
A whole mix of things! As a composer I write music for my four-piece
band who perform around the country with a line-up of vocals &
glockenspiel, offkilter synths (Piera Onacko), swarming bass (Dan Cippico)
and textural drums (Kai Chareunsy).
I also create atmospheric music for sound installations (if you’re ever in
Coventry War Memorial Park, check out Sound Seat!) and even
occasionally write for orchestras and larger ensembles. I’m an
independent artist which means I self-release all my own music, plan all my
own tours/shows and promote it too!
When I’m not making wonky, electronic sounds with my band I work as
Programme Coordinator for the internationally renowned Supersonic
Festival, based in Digbeth – we received a 5* review in The Guardian last
year and they described us as the “UK’s best small festival” – not bad eh!?
Making a festival happen is one of the most rewarding experiences!
• How did you get into the industry? Has music always been
a passion of yours?
I grew up in a household where music was playing non-stop, as my
parents are both musicians - so I suppose you can say it’s in my blood!
Having had a background of learning piano and drums, there was definitely
a light bulb moment sat at my parent’s piano when I decided I would
rather write my own music than play other people’s. So that’s why I went
to study Composition, and have built a whole lifestyle and community
around it.
Then my love for making music expanded into wanting to create
immersive events too, as I’ve always been quite visually led and interested
in how art forms cross over. And where better than at Festivals for an allencompassing
experience?! Hence my work now with Supersonic Festival
and producing colourful, multi-disciplinary shows with my band. I love
playing shows in unconventional spaces too. Last year, the Rosie Tee band
performed in the incredible 1800’s Sandfields Pumping Station in Lichfield
(there’s a great video of it online called ‘The Waterworks Session’), and
there’s talk of a show at the stunning Moseley Baths later this year!
• Can you describe your musical style for us? Has this
changed or evolved at all over time?
This has always been a tricky question for me! The honest answer is
that it’s ever evolving. With composing music that is completely across
genres it means you can kind of dabble where you like – the band and I
played jazz shows in the early days, but now feel more comfortable in the
electronic/experimental gig scene. Alongside live shows with the band I
also score orchestral music or create electronic ambient soundtracks for
installations - so I try and see this freedom and flexibility in my practice
and genre as a massive positive, but sometimes it can feel like you don’t
“belong” in anyone place. As I say, still working it out as I go along! But if
I had to shoe-horn it, at the moment it’s somewhere between psychedelic,
electronica and avant-pop.
Ultimately, I don’t fear the idea of ‘weird’ anymore. ‘Weird’ is something
to be proud of. It means you can write a song with no chorus, mess
around with technology without understanding the nuts & bolts and learn
as you go along. I’m really content with the experimental approach I take
to music making.
• What motivates you to create your music?
Being able to play music with others is definitely a huge motivation.
Once I’ve mapped out a song at home, I’ll take it to a band rehearsal
where we fine-tune the details or complete the song structures – this is
one of the parts I enjoy the most about being a musician. Bouncing off
your fellow bandmates and sharing in that joy of bringing an idea to life is
addictive! Especially when everyone is so proficient in their area of
musicianship, they deliver so much more to the tracks than I could do on
my own and I’m always so grateful for that.
• How important do you feel that music as an art form is to
society?
Essential! It’s the soundtrack to our lives, our happiest moments and
our lowest. I think the value of music as emotional sounding board and as
a communicative tool is invaluable. The world would be a very dull place
without it.
• And finally, what does Lichfield mean to you?
Lichfield! I suppose with hindsight now, I see it as the place that shaped
much of who I am as a person now. I met Bryony Simcox, my friend and
most frequent artistic collaborator there (she’s the collage artist for all my
EP covers and has filmed my music videos!), I gained invaluable gigging
experience from a young age with opportunities Lichfield Arts provide,
busked outside the Guildhall, sang in the cathedral, and I even had my very
first Saturday job in the city. All things that have informed where my life
and career is at now, so I’d say Lichfield has been my springboard.
Find out more about Rosie Tee from her website www.rosietee.uk or
follow her on social media!
14

15

Community Fitness
on Your Doorstep
By Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council
Like many of you, I started 2023 with a renewed focus on my
physical and mental health. As well as joining in with the
excellent ‘Ranuary’ challenge (walk or jog every day during
January), I also turned up to my 13th ParkRun in Beacon Park one
crisp Saturday morning, and joined 250 or so people walking,
jogging and running a 5k route as part of this brilliant free
community event.
I know how important regular activity is, not only for our physical
health, but for our mental health too, whether through the release of
endorphins from a brisk walk, or from the social connections formed
as part of a group-based activity.
While Covid-19 got many of us exercising outdoors, indoor leisure
centres are a great way that councils can ensure a warm, safe
environment for physical activity. The national picture is pretty bleak at
the moment; swimming pools are expensive to heat, and leisure centre
visitor numbers still haven’t recovered fully from the Covid period.
That’s led to more than 350 leisure centres across the country either
closing, altering their opening hours, or making other severe
operational changes to attempt to stay afloat.
With two leisure centres in Lichfield District, I’m adamant that we
will find a way of protecting these vital civic amenities. Because they
have such a powerful impact on increasing activity levels and reducing
social isolation, we are intent on building a replacement for Friary
Grange Leisure Centre. While
Whitehall didn’t smile favourably
upon our Levelling Up Fund bid,
we’ve identified another way of
financing a leisure centre with no
external borrowing. We expect
that a planning application will go
in this March, with contractors
starting on site later this year,
and doors opening in late 2024.
We’re also busy looking at
how we can invest even more
money into leisure facilities
which will not only open up new
types of activities, but also provide a small and steady income stream
for the council to help invest back into our community fitness
initiatives right across the District.
In the meantime, I’d highly recommend taking a visit to our
swimming pools in either Burntwood or Lichfield, get booked in to one
of the many fitness classes available across our parks and leisure
centres, join Parkrun on a Saturday morning (9am at Beacon Park or
Chasewater), or play a round of golf at Beacon Park - and even better,
take someone else along too!
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
Early Spring marks the start of the gardening season, and there’s
plenty to be done in your garden to get ready for the long summer
days ahead... it’s been a mild winter so far (great for us and our
heating bills, and also the plants too!) but there is still the chance of
a cold snap. Be prepared by protecting more tender shrubs like
palms, camellias and others with horticultural fleece. This is
breathable, but also insulates the plants from severe cold. You can
generally buy this by the metre or pre-packed. You may also want to
think about wrapping your pots in bubble wrap if it gets really bad!
It's time to take an early look at the vegetable garden. Seed potatoes
are now available – buy them early for the best selection and keep
them somewhere warm and dark (like an airing cupboard). This will
encourage small shoots, or chits, to grow. When these are around an
inch long they will almost be ready for planting into the garden.
If you’re lucky enough to have a heated greenhouse, you could also
start sowing some salad crops later in the month. Things like lettuce,
radish, spring onions and others don’t take too long to mature and
can give you some fresh tasty home-grown crops by late spring.
Herb seeds like parsley and chives can also be sown.
Out in the garden, and particularly in pots or window boxes, replace
any tired looking patio plants with spring colour in the form of
primroses, polyanthus and ready potted spring bulbs such as crocus
or daffodils. These will be coming into flower now, through to late
spring.
* Handy tip - instead of properly planting potted bulbs into
containers, just 'plunge' them in, pot and all. Once they have finished
flowering, you can then remove them from their temporary home
and put them straight into the garden and fill the gap with something
else in flower.
If you need to move shrubs around, now can be a good time to do
it. As the plants are mainly dormant, they shouldn’t suffer too much
if moved now. A few things to remember – dig the proposed hole
first and enrich with some fresh compost and a little bonemeal (a
good root encourager). Then water the shrub you want to move, dig
it out with as big a root ball as possible and pop it straight into the
new planting hole.
We celebrate our 10th year in business this year at the Garden
Centre – keep an eye on our social media channels and also in store
for details of our celebratory events!
18
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.

19

Lost Pubs of Lichfield
The Prince of Wales
By Jono Oates
At the end of Bore Street, close to the junction of St John Street and the Friary,
stands a dilapidated and crumbling building which has lain empty for many
years. It was however, in its heyday, a bustling and popular city centre pub
known to many Lichfeldians – the Prince of Wales.
Over the years the pub has had several names, both before and after it was the Prince of
Wales. It started life as the Queen’s Head in the early 1800s when it was one of the many
coaching inns in Lichfield. In August 1807, J Tibbles and Company announced that the
Wolverhampton and Lichfield coach would be travelling, via Walsall, on every Sunday,
Wednesday and Friday morning. It left the Peacock Inn, in Wolverhampton, at ‘precisely’
6.30am and arrived at the Queen’s Head Lichfield at 9.30am. In December 1826 the ‘Paul Pry’
coach departed from the Queen’s Head as a day coach to London on Tuesday, Thursday and
Saturday morning, starting at 6am. They provided a coach that was ‘superior, safe, elegant,
cheap and fast’ and boasted that it was the first day coach ever to run between Lichfield and
London. It arrived at the Golden Cross Inn at Charing Cross, London, at 9pm, a journey of
fifteen hours.
In 1835 a new pub was opened on Queen Street and took the name of the Queen’s Head,
at this point the inn on Bore Street was renamed as the Turf Tavern. In July 1837 George
Callaway, a long-standing landlord of the Old Crown at the other end of Bore Street, hosted
a housewarming event at the Tavern for his patrons and friends. They paid one guinea (£1 and
one shilling) for their tickets which included dinner and wine.
By 1868 the inn was renamed yet again, this time becoming the Prince of Wales. The first
landlord of the Prince of Wales was Thomas Ffrench, who had been a Sergeant in the
Staffordshire Militia, based at the Militia Stores on the Birmingham Road. When Thomas died,
aged just 41 in 1874, his widow, Catharine, became the landlady, a role she was to hold for
nearly 20 years. Not all of her customers were honest however and in October 1878 Francis
Green, a carpenter from Whittington Heath, was taken to court accused of stealing 7 shillings
from the till at the Prince of Wales. When challenged at the time he flatly denied it, however
when a Police Constable arrived and searched him, he discovered a number of coins
totalling… 7 shillings! At court he continued to deny the allegation, however the judge clearly
believed he was guilty, sentencing him to 14 days in prison with hard labour.
Members of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment held a farewell
dinner at the Prince of Wales in March 1900, just before they set sail for South Africa to take
part in the 2nd Boer War. Forty members of the regiment, who had volunteered to go to the
front, were hosted by the landlord of the inn, Charles Buckley, and his wife. During the
evening, toasts were made and several songs were sung, some with the theme of the recent
surrender of the experienced Boer General Piet Cronje, to the British Commander-in-Chief,
Field Marshall Lord Frederick Roberts.
After World War One RAF Sergeant John Ings, based at Whittington Barracks, was accused
of assaulting Mrs Rose, wife of landlord Edwin Rose, at the pub in August 1919. However, after
several witnesses came forward to confirm that the sergeant had been singing at a concert
at the Church Army Hut at the Barracks on the night in question, the judge quickly dismissed
the allegation as a case of mistaken identity.
In the 1960s and 70s the Prince of Wales hosted a number of clubs, societies and
performers. In February 1969 singer/songwriter Gerry Lockran performed at the Rectangle
Blues Club at the pub. He had produced several albums and had toured with Blues legends
Long John Baldry, Alexis Corner and Joe Cocker. The pub hosted the inaugural City of
Lichfield Ladies Open Darts Championship in August 1970, sponsored by the Lichfield
Mercury, and Mrs Jean Maddox became the first champion, beating Cynthia Pendleton in the
final.
Prince of Wales Bore Street
Pipers Bar September 1998
Chameleon Bar March 2006
By the 1990s the Prince of Wales had become
Pipers Bar, then the Chameleon Bar and finally the
Feria Tapas Bar. For many years the building has
remained empty, boarded-up and derelict. For me, this
is the saddest of the Lost Pubs of Lichfield – let us
hope that one day it will re-open its doors and
become a bustling pub once again.
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Lichfield
Pubs by Neil Coley, The Old Pubs of Lichfield by John
Shaw; Trades of a City by JP Gallagher.
20

21

All You Need is Love
By Charlotte Benton
It’s the most romantic time of year, Valentine’s Day. The one day
a year where a dozen red roses and a box of your favourite
chocolates cost three times the price they do on any other day!
This year as we each try to tackle the rising cost of living, you may be
wondering how to show your special someone just how special they are
but without breaking the bank.
Write a letter to the one you love
Restaurant bills and flower deliveries can soon mount up, but fear not.
It is all about spending time with the one you love. So, it’s time to get
creative. Look no further for just a few affordable Valentine’s Day ideas
for you and your loved one.
Enjoy breakfast in bed
The old ones are the best. It may be soppy but it is also super sweet.
Setting aside some time to write down how you feel about your loved
one, letting them know just how much you appreciate the small things
they do and noting down the special memories you have shared together
is sure to be just as, if not more, romantic than anything money could buy.
It really is the thought that counts. Be sure to read them aloud to one
another toasting to the future.
Snuggle together for a romantic movie night
Rather than heading to a flash, expensive restaurant after a long day at
work, why not wake up a little earlier to enjoy some quality time with
your beloved. Prepare your favourite breakfast treats and head back to
bed to start this special day together. A coffee may be needed later in the
day, but thankfully that won’t break the bank.
Take a trip down memory lane
Take some time to look through old photographs of you and your
loved one. Whether that be printed photos, that you of course spent
hours deciding which ones to print, or simply scrolling through your
photo album on your phone, reminisce on your cherished times. Our
memories are at our fingertips. There is sure to be an old embarrassing
photo thrown into the mix too. Don’t forget to take a new photo to add
to your memory box, or should I say your iCloud!
Create a Valentine’s playlist
We cannot underestimate the power of a certain song to transport
you straight back to a special moment. Putting together a playlist of you
and your special someone’s favourite songs, both romantic and
memorable, is sure to remind of the wonderful times you have shared
together.
You can pop this playlist on whilst you make dinner, get ready for work,
or even dance around the house. Whenever you hear those certain songs
you are sure to relive all those cherished memories.
Whether it be an old classic or the latest romcom added to Netflix,
dig out your fluffy socks and your favourite cosy blanket as you snuggle
up to enjoy a romantic movie with your special someone.
Take a raincheck
If all else fails, the chocolates and flowers will be cheaper on the 15th
February. You can always celebrate a day later, unconditional love is
omnipresent, not just for Valentine’s Day!
Rest assured, you don’t have to break the bank to show that you care.
After all, you can’t put a price on love.
22

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 17th March 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

25

Tales From The Saleroom
By Richard Winterton, Richard Winterton Auctioneers
The medals of a brave
Staffordshire soldier who made it
home from WW1 despite being
gassed in the trenches have sold
at auction just yards from where
he was born.
Private William J Richards of
the North Staffs Regiment was
awarded the Distinguished
Conduct Medal for “conspicuous
gallantry and devotion to duty
Richards pictured in a
family photograph in the
1930s.
during an enemy attack… utterly regardless of
personal danger”.
His DCM, 1914-1915 trio of medals and archive
including a Princess Mary Christmas tin sold for £1,400
with Richard Winterton Auctioneers last month.
The collection was described by our militaria
specialist Jeff Clark as “an exceptional set of medals”.
The oldest British award for gallantry, the DCM was
a decoration established in 1854 by Queen Victoria for
gallantry in the field by other ranks of the British Army.
Only ranked below the Victoria Cross – which was
introduced in 1856 – the DCM was discontinued in
1993 when it was replaced by the Conspicuous
Gallantry Cross.
Pte Richards
was born at a
house in
Aldergate,
Tamworth, at the
end of the 19th
century – just a
few minutes’ walk
from The
Tamworth
Auction Rooms
in Church Street.
Private William Richards’ medals archive
sold at £1,400.
He survived the horrors of the trenches and
returned home, marrying at St Edith’s Church and
living a simple life as a carpenter.
Sadly, he died in his early 50s from lung
complications – probably caused by being gassed in
WW1.
Our next Collectors Sale featuring medals and
militaria, stamps and vintage toys takes place on
February 22, starting at 9.30am.
Catalogues can be viewed online via
https://www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auction-dates.
The Alabaster & Wilson sapphire and diamond
spray brooch.
Auction is the perfect place to buy or
sell fine and vintage jewellery.
A good example is this beautiful mid-
20th century Alabaster & Wilson
sapphire and diamond spray brooch,
estimated at £700-£900.
It’s Lot 5 in Richard Winterton
Auctioneers’ next Lichfield Fine Art Sale
at Fradley on Wednesday, February 15.
To book a free valuation, telephone
01543 251081 or email
office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

From Lupercalia to
Valentine’s Day
By Lesley Smith, Curator of Tutbury Castle
Ihave written over the years about St. Valentine, whose
anniversary is this month, as the evidence of this elusive and
romantic saint is somewhat vaporous to say the least. I can tell
you what we do know though, both from the historical record and
religious traditions, and then you can arrive at your own
conclusions.
In the third century AD, a Christian priest called Valentine was
supposed to have performed an illegal marriage ceremony and, as such,
was executed for his beliefs. This Valentine came to be regarded as a saint.
For formal canonisation of saints, miracles have to be associated with the
person, and tested, and later tradition mentions Valentine miraculously
healing a child.
A similar tale of Christian marriage and miracles performed by a
Roman Christian bishop called Valentine is also mentioned. This tale was
reputed to be circulating in the late medieval period.
Again the bishop is executed, but sends the young bride a comforting
note ‘From your Valentine’ which from my perspective is a highly
entertaining way to explain Valentine’s cards.
I can think of a couple of top academics who are much irritated by
these apocryphal tales of romance and martyrdom as there doesn’t seem
to be any evidence whatsoever these tales are true. The first we hear of
St. Valentine and his romantic links to lovers comes from the writings of
Geoffrey Chaucer, writing in the late 14th century. So, the link between
Valentine is early but apparently not Roman. However, the name Valentine
is a genuine Roman name. There are no fewer than three Roman
emperors by that name, which in its original Latin form is Valentinianus,
two in the fourth century and one in the fifth century. Imperial freemen
(freed slaves) often took the name of their emperor as a family name so
no wonder that name was popular, although that wouldn’t explain a
martyr of that name in the third century.
There is one other highly relevant note worth considering which was
that a priest did not have to be present at a wedding until 1446 as it was
not a sacrament until then. The Council of Florence had sat for fifteen
years before announcing this new sacrament of marriage. Priests were
only present to a small number of royal or aristocratic weddings as a rule.
So that’s the end of the Roman link except for the name – or is it?
The date of Valentine’s Day is interesting to me as it is so close to the
Roman Festival of Lupercalia which falls on the 15th February. This, as the
name suggests, is linked to the wolf and fertility rites. The Romans liked
fertility rites and fitted in many in the enormously long and involved
round of religious festivals they enjoyed, and in many cases they enjoyed
them far too much! So, the feast involved the animal sacrifice of goats and
a dog by a flamen (senior priest) – not a happy thought. Then young noble
men would run almost naked, except for the goat skin, through the
streets of Rome smeared in blood and milk and slap passers-by with an
extra skin which was supposed to bring fertility to the slapped individuals.
The goddess of breastfeeding comes into this too and also a fig tree. The
number of goddesses goes beyond counting in imperial Rome with
individuals having devotion to a favourite for whatever reason. Religion
was a complicated business in the eternal city. So, I can see how the 15th
February is a small step backwards to the 14th, and how a Roman fertility
ritual could become a celebration of romantic love.
So, the name of Valentine is appropriate for a Roman and from this,
legends have sprung. Whatever the true origin, it is not a canny Victorian
greetings card manufacturer in a top hat who invented the valentine card,
as the story can be found in English literature in the fourteenth century.
Many of Chaucer’s stories can be traced back to earlier origins, so
although we don’t have firm evidence that the tradition of St Valentine
was already old by his time, it is certainly possible. So that postman – if
he or she is not on strike – staggering up your garden path clutching a
pile of admirers’ cards, is arriving at your door because of a legend that
certainly dates back many hundreds of years Whether in togas, or
medieval tunics or modern clothes (or none at all!) love has existed
across the ages, and in many forms, so take heart and be joyful!
28

29

A Day Out…
Blists Hill
Victorian Town
Fancy seeing an old-fashioned printing press in action, listen to
tales of olden day cures for ailments, or discover why you should
never be caught with green candles at home? Read on…!
This month, Citylife in Lichfield stepped back in time and experienced
the sights, sounds (and smells!) of Victorian life in the late 19th and early
20th century, when we paid a visit to the open-air museum that is Blists
Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge.
Recreated and decked out like it would have been more than a century
ago, Blists Hill marks a time when traditional life and industry sat side by
side at the dawn of the modern era.
Built on an old industrial site, the town is laid out in three very distinct
areas, or districts: a fully working residential town of the time, with shops
and cottages to go inside to see craftspeople demonstrating their trades,
as well as a bank, bakery, butcher, bicycle shop and post office; an industrial
district that provided various employment to local townsfolk, such as a
blast furnace and wrought iron works; and a countryside district with
buildings such as a squatters cottage and the tin roof church.
The entire site is staffed with a full cast of costumed demonstrators who
have been specifically trained in the trades they are re-enacting, in order to
provide an authentic experience, such as the lady who runs the sweet shop
and will give you a taste of what Victorian children used to enjoy as sweets,
or the pharmacist who will tell you all about the weird and wonderful
potions and lotions that are on offer at his chemist.
To make the experience even more convincing, you can even exchange
your pounds and pennies for shillings and pence and try to get to grips with
an entirely new currency – at an exchange rate of 40 new pence to one
old penny, it really takes some working out!
There’s a fairground packed with olden day rides and games of skill, such
as the coconut shy, a train to take you into the mines, and plenty of places
to eat, such as the old-fashioned fish and chip shop. You can dress up in
Victorian attire and pose for a picture in the photographic studio, that a
visit to Blists Hill makes a great day out for all the family.
Find out more by visiting www.ironbridge.org.uk.
Did you know…?
• Due to its authenticity, Blists Hill has been used as a venue
for various TV shows, such as Doctor Who, Blue Peter and The
Antiques Roadshow!
• The museum is actually built on the site of an old Victorian
working industrial area which operated brick and tile works,
blast furnaces and coal, iron and fire clay mines in the 18th and
early 19th century.
30

31

Sign-Up for Garden
Waste Collections
Residents across Lichfield District have signed up for this
year’s garden waste service in their thousands.
Registration, or subscription renewal, will see their garden
waste bins emptied fortnightly, with the charge again held at the
2021 level so it will continue to cost just £36 per bin for a
maximum of 23 collections between January and December.
Green waste includes grass cuttings, plants and weeds, flowers,
prunings, hedge clippings, leaves and bark, pot plants, and pond
plants.
The council wants as many residents as possible to benefit
from the collection service which saves them from arranging
removal themselves.
Where residents don’t generate enough waste to fill a bin, they
are encouraged to sign up and share with a neighbour, splitting
the cost.
Last year saw more than 9,980 tonnes of garden waste
collected across the Joint Waste Service area, and it was disposed
of sustainably through processing into compost, improving the
environment.
Now the council is encouraging residents to join the thousands
who have already signed up to have their garden waste bins
emptied this year.
It is also offering, for the first time, a direct debit facility that
can be set up ready for payment of the subscription in 2024.
To sign up for garden waste collection fill in the online form at
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/mygardenbin or call the Tamworth and
Lichfield Joint Waste Service on 0345 002 0022.
Help Bring Johnson Home!
Local Lichfield historian and tour guide, Jono Oates, has started
a campaign to return a historic artefact to its rightful place!
Here, he tells us more about what he is trying to do, and why.
One of the iconic images of Lichfield was the bust of Samuel Johnson,
Lichfield's most famous son, protruding from the front of the shop at
number 10 Bird Street. For many decades the shop was Lomax's, a
family-run printer and publisher, firstly owned by Thomas Lomax, and
then by his son, Alfred. Later the shop was owned by two businessmen,
but they kept the original family name and called it Lomax's Successors,
and many Lichfield locals knew the shop as 'The Johnson's Head.' In the
early 1970s they closed the printing business and the Johnson bust, above
the shop doorway, was removed. Recently it has been purchased at an
auction and the new owner has offered to return it, free of charge, as a
gift to the city and people of Lichfield on the understanding that it is
placed in its exact original location above the shop doorway, which is
now the Viking E-Cigs vape shop. There are, however, costs associated
with the installation of the bust: scaffolding, potential repairs to the bust,
installation cost, structural engineer's fees, materials and consumables
etc.
The project aims to raise the funds to allow for the installation of the
Johnson's Head to its original location, with an estimated project total of
£6,000, to cover all of the current costs, with contingency for any
additional costs and inflation etc.
Please help us bring the Johnson Head back to Lichfield, by donating as
much as you can, and we will hopefully be able to see our Samuel looking
out over the City once again!
You can donate to this project online by searching for Return of the
Lichfield Johnson Head on website www.gofundme.com.
32

Charity Valentine’s
Sunday Lunch
The Mayor of Lichfield,
Councillor Jamie
Checkland, and Sheriff
of Lichfield, Councillor Janice
Greaves will be hosting a
Charity Valentine’s themed
Sunday Lunch on 12th
February from 2pm in the
Guildhall.
You are warmly invited to
dine with them in the historic
Guildhall with all its grandeur
whilst enjoying a traditional two-course set Sunday Lunch and light musical
entertainment, followed by a raffle.
Prior to the luncheon a civic Church service will be held at Wade Street Church
at 11am and all are welcome to attend.
All proceeds from the event are in aid of the Mayor and Sheriff’s chosen charities,
The Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation and Pathway Project.
Tickets are priced at £30 per person which includes a welcome drink, two-course
set meal, and light musical entertainment. This is a popular event and places are
limited so an early application is advised. Closing date to purchase tickets is Friday
3rd February 2023. Contact Harriet Chatwin at Lichfield City Council on 01543
250011 or email civic@lichfield.gov.uk.
33

A Romantic
Valentine’s Day Meal
By Simon Smith
34
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.
If you’re interested in
finding out more, please call
Rebecca on
07970 513144.
Many restaurants are offering a
Valentine’s Day menu but nothing quite
beats an intimate meal for two at home.
This doesn’t need to be complicated and
should be something that can be prepared
in advance so you can spend the maximum
time with your partner. Of course, if you
both enjoy cooking and want to spend
time together in the kitchen, all the better!
This month I’m going for an easy twocourse
meal, starting with surf and turf
with a garlic butter followed by a rum and
sultana cheesecake, which can be made a
couple of days in advance.
Surf and Turf with Gratin
Potatoes
4 x 3ozs beef fillet
medallions
8 x king prawns
1x clove garlic
½ glass white wine
4ozs butter
2x tbsp. chopped
parsley (it keeps the
breath fresh, in
theory!)
2x large Maris Piper potatoes
4ozs double cream
2ozs grated cheddar
Grated nutmeg
Olive oil
Method
The day before you need them, boil the
potatoes in their skins until cooked. Leave
to cool overnight in the fridge.
Peel the potatoes and slice thickly. Lay in
an ovenproof dish and season with grated
nutmeg, salt and pepper. Top with double
cream and grated Cheddar. These will need
25 minutes in a preheated oven at 180
degrees to cook and brown off.
Skewer the king prawns and brush with
olive oil. These can be cooked either in the
oven or under the grill.
Peel and finely chop the garlic.
To cook the steak, heat a frying pan with a
dash of olive oil until it starts smoking.
Season the steak just before it goes into
the pan and then place into the hot oil.
Cook to your liking and then take out,
keep it warm and rest it for two minutes
while you make the sauce.
In the pan you used for the steak, pour the
wine, add the garlic and reduce by half.
Whisk the butter in and add the parsley.
Serve the king prawn skewer on the fillet
steak and top with the garlic butter.
Serve the potatoes on the side.
Rum and sultana cheesecake
1x shot of rum
1x orange zest and
juice
3ozs sultanas
5ozs Philadelphia
cream cheese
5ozs mascarpone
2ozs sugar
4x chocolate Hob
Nobs
1ozs butter
Method
Put the sultanas in a small dish with the
rum, orange juice and zest and cook in the
microwave for 1 minute so the juice
becomes hot and the sultanas become
soft. Allow to cool.
Mix together the Philadelphia, mascarpone
and sugar. Add the sultanas and stir
together to create the cheesecake mix.
Crush the Hob Nobs and add the melted
butter, stir together.
Pipe the cheesecake mix into a cocktail
glass and sprinkle with the biscuit crumb.
This can be done the day before and kept
in the fridge.
For the chocoholics amongst you, a good
portion of chocolate sauce on the bottom
makes a lovely addition. Garnish with a few
edible flower petals for a romantic
flourish.
Chocolate sauce
4ozs dark chocolate 74%
2ozs full milk
2ozs double cream
Method
Melt together gently in the microwave and
stir until fully blended.
Find out more about Lichfield-based
private chef, Simon Smith, from his website
at www.simonsmith-chef.com.

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
35

Mobile Phone/Glasses Pouch
By The Fabric Vault, Tudor Row
You will need:
Fabric - 15cm x 100cm
Iron on (fusible) wadding - 13cm x
48cm
Sew on velcro – 5cm x 2.5cm
Optional - Tape or string – 1.5m
Roller cutter, cutting board and
ruler
OR fabric scissors, tape measure
and taylor’s pen or chalk
Iron and ironing board
Clips or pins
Thread and sewing needle or sewing machine
5) Fold 1.5cm of the fabric inside the opening and press with hot iron.
Making sure that both sides of the fabric are matching. Place one side of
the velcro on the edge and clip or pin in place. Sew the velcro all around.
Finished Mobile phone or glasses pouch
How to:
1) Take the fabric and iron on wadding. Unfold the strip of fabric and place
the wadding on the wrong side of the fabric, leaving 1cm gap from three
sides. Hold fabric and wadding together and flip the fabric right side up.
Press with hot iron (follow manufacturer’s instructions)
6) Fold the long end of the pouch towards the corners of the start of the
angle. Fold the flap with velcro over and measure where you need to
place the opposite side of the velcro. Pin in place. Unfold the fabric to
long strip and sew the velcro all around in place.
2) Fold the fabric
in half. Place the
velcro in the
middle of side
with two ends,
measure 5cm
from each corner
on the short side
and 10cm from
each corner on the long side. Cut the corner of the fabric diagonally
between these two point on each side.
3) Place the fabric nice sides together and pin or clip along the long sides
and the cut sides. Sew both sides together, leaving the small opening at
the top unsewn.
7) Fold the pouch again, with one end finishing where the angled flap is
starting, but make sure you fold the velcro inside the pouch. Position the
long sides of fabric on top of each other and clip or pin in place. Sew
along the long sides. Turn the pouch inside out, so the velcro is on the
outside of the pouch.
OPTIONAL
You can add a string or tape to allow your pouch to be carried over your
shoulder or around your neck.
4) Turn the pouch inside out through the top opening. Press with hot
iron
36

37

David Garrick
A Lichfeldian Legend
By Jono Oates
The Garrick Family Home, Beacon Street
On 19th February, one of Lichfield’s greatest sons will celebrate his 306th
birthday, a man who was one of the best actors of his day, a man who changed
the way actors performed on the English stage and a man who reinvigorated
British theatre in the 18th century – Mr David Garrick.
Garrick was born on in 1717 at the Angel Inn – however not the one on Lichfield’s Market
Street, but the one on Widemarsh Street in Hereford, many miles from the family home on
Beacon Street. The reason he was born there was that his father, Peter Garrick, was a
recruiting office in the army and was stationed at Hereford when baby David was born. His
mother, Arabella, was the daughter of a cleric at Lichfield Cathedral and the family were
descendants of a French Huguenot family, who left France following religious persecution in
the 17th century.
The family home on Beacon Street was a modest two-storey Georgian property, which
was demolished in 1856. A plaque on the wall of the Probate Court (next to the Lichfield
Register Office) denotes where the building originally stood. Young David made his first
appearance as an actor at the age of 8 or 9, in a performance of George Farquhar’s play The
Recruiting Officer in the drawing room of the Bishop’s Palace in the Cathedral Close, where
he played the role of Sergeant Pike, a big burly middle-aged soldier, and young David
undoubtedly used his father’s experiences in the army to help him get into the part.
Garrick was educated at Lichfield Grammar School on St John Street, where another
Lichfield legend, Samuel Johnson, was educated. Although Samuel was David’s senior by eight
years, the two young students became friends, a friendship that lasted for life and, when
Samuel opened a short-lived school of his own at Edial, just outside Burntwood, Garrick was
one of the handful of pupils that attended the school.
Following the collapse of the school, Samuel decided to leave Lichfield and make his
fortune as a writer in London and when he made his way to the capital in March 1737 his
former pupil, Garrick, joined him. Garrick was intending to become a wine merchant in
London but he became distracted when he caught the acting bug. His early performances
took place at the unfashionable Goodman’s Fields theatre, in the rough East End of London,
where his innovative acting style, which was much more dramatic than his contemporaries,
soon brought him to the attention of the public and the larger theatres. He then joined the
prestigious Drury Lane Theatre where he became noted for his Shakespearean roles,
particularly in the titular role of Richard III. He reprised the role several times and it became
his ‘tour de force’.
Garrick also showed a masterly talent for producing performances and became the
manager of the Drury Lane and later its owner. He changed the way the theatre operated,
introducing a revolutionary (for the time) gas lighting system and also forcing the actors to
become more professional. He fined them for being late, for missing rehearsals and for not
knowing their lines. The theatre, and Garrick, became so well-known that he was one of the
highest-paid men in the country, allowing him to build a magnificent house close to the river
Thames by Hampton Court. David married Eva Maria Veigel, in 1749, who was a dancer with
the Italian Opera Company in London. She was very well-known in London and they quickly
became a celebrity couple and the talk of the town. Garrick, by now, was so successful that
he caught the eye of the King, George III, who was a lover of the arts and a huge admirer of
the actor and King George attended performances by Garrick at the Drury Lane Theatre.
In later life Garrick started to suffer from illness and withdrew from acting, concentrating
on running the theatre, with help from his younger brother, George. David died on 20th
January 1779, at the relatively young age of 62. He was laid to rest at Poets Corner in
Westminster Abbey, where he was later to be joined by his great friend, Samuel Johnson, in
December 1784.
Lichfield Garrick
David Garrick as Richard III (photo Samuel Johsnon
Birthplace Museum
Garrick’s legacy was to influence the British
stage for many years to come, with leading actors
being inspired by his performances and stage
presence. There are several Garrick theatres
around the country, including our very own
Garrick Theatre which opened in 2004.
Garrick was undoubtedly one of the most
successful actors and theatre owners in the
history of British theatre and, although he was
not born in Lichfield, we can definitely claim him
as ‘one of our own’ - a true Lichfeldian legend.
Source: Garrick by Ian McIntyre
38

39

Great Start for
Local Camera Club
Members of Lichfield
Camera Club were
given an inspirational
start to the new year by guest
speaker, David Lowe.
Worcester based David is an
Associate of the Royal
Photographic Society and has
won both national and
international acclaim for his
outstanding images. He is an
expert in the genre long
exposure photography and
captivated members with his
beautiful, minimalist
monochrome images.
In an entertaining lecture
David shared the techniques and
equipment necessary to achieve
his stunning images, which are
shown here. For more
information
see
www.davidlowepics.com.
If you would like to learn how to produce images like these or to
generally develop your photographic skills to a higher level, come
along to Lichfield Camera Club. The club meets in the Lichfield
Methodist Centre, Backcester Lane each Wednesday from 7:45pm to
10 pm. Anyone can come to meetings as a guest and if you later decide
to become a member, you will be given lots of opportunities to share
your work with a wider audience by participating in competitions and
exhibitions. The next Spring Exhibition can be viewed in the Hub at St.
Mary’s Centre from to 6th March to 3rd April. For more information
visit lichfieldcameraclub.org.
Lonely Hearts
By Lauren Hirst
February is the month to celebrate love and there is nothing
purer than the love we share with our dogs. Every day is
Valentine’s Day if you share your life with a dog! You know
what they say, “no-one loves you like your dog!”
If you own a dog – you have already given him or her the best gift ever
– you! But other dogs are still waiting for their special someone. A dog
like Tommy.
Tommy has been unlucky in love. He will be “celebrating” Valentine’s
Day in the care of Greyhound Trust Hall Green having been here for 376
days on February 14th. Fortunately, the volunteers will shower him with
love, cuddles, and treats but what Tommy would really like is a family of
his own to love. It’s heart-breaking that he’s waited so long.
One of the reasons Tommy has had such a long wait is due to his age.
Tommy is 7 years old and many people are looking for a younger dog.
The second reason Tommy has been unlucky in love is that many looking
for an older dog usually want something more sedate. Tommy doesn’t
know he’s getting on in years except for the few grey hairs on his brows.
He’s always eager to go out and walks well with other greyhounds but
would be happiest in a home as an only dog so he doesn’t have to share
your love.
If Tommy was on a dating site, it would look something like this:
Handsome older but active gent looking for a long-term partner. A
little reserved to start but loyal and loving once I get to know you. Likes:
travel in the car, walk in the country, cuddles by the fire, but Ok with own
40
company. Dislikes: Cats and squirrels and sudden loud noises. Looking
‘fur’ someone to love!
If you could love Tommy, or one of our other 40 hounds looking for
their fur-ever family, please have a look on our website at
www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk, phone 0121 426 4810, or email
hallgreen@greyhoundtrust.org.uk.
Adopting one greyhound won’t change the world but the world will
surely change for that one greyhound.

41

COSMIC+ Investigation
at Catholme Neolithic site
By Dr Mark Knight
Balancing the requirements
between food production and
looking after a scheduled
monument is a difficult one for any
landowner but when your site is of
national significance and there’s
nothing visible on the ground, it
takes a leap of faith.
Near to Alrewas, along the very
busy A38 trunk road, lying quietly
between the road, the railway, quarry
and the Amazon warehouse, is one of
Britain’s most remarkable Neolithic
sites, the Catholme Ceremonial
Complex. Discovered from aerial
photography and only first excavated
in the early 2000s, this site is
Sunburst monument at
Catholme
(by Dr Mark Knight)
something of an enigma: cursuses, which were created some 5,500 years
ago. Cursuses are very rare and little understood. The remains are
usually just a set of parallel ditches, ranging in length from 50m to more
than 3km. The Catholme cursus is 45m wide and runs for 110m before
being lost under modern farm buildings. Their function is unknown
although they always have an astronomical alignment (often east-west)
and the ones in the Trent valley are associated with the river, perhaps as
a buffer zone between the secular world and sacred sites. They may be
connected with ritual and sacred purposes themselves.
Next came the Sunburst Monument, a series of radiating pits with a
central near-circular ditch and bank with a 57m overall diameter. This is
the only known feature of this type and its purpose is unknown. A later
beaker period pottery vessel was discovered during the investigation in
2004. The final phase of Neolithic activity was the erection of a massive
‘Woodhenge’ style monument to the
east of the Sunburst, and offset from
both it and the cursus. Solar
alignments with a range of hills to the
south for the winter solstice have
been suggested. This 50m diameter
monument has a series of 19 radiating
post holes, 64 in all, with a central
circular space of 21m diameter. The
post holes are 1.2m across and 1m
deep and would have held huge tree
trunks.
Individually these monuments
represent something very special but
taken together it would be hard to
overstate the importance of this site,
despite there being nothing at all to
see on the ground now.
The Transforming the Trent Valley
project team, Historic England and our
Northernmost edge of the
Woodhenge monument
(by Dr Mark Knight)
archaeological specialists are undertaking an investigation of the
Sunburst Monument in January using the COSMIC+ method
(Conservation of Scheduled Monuments in Cultivation) to assess the
current state of the archaeology of these nationally important
monuments. This will also help and support farmers in preserving our
precious heritage. We look forward to updating Citylife readers on our
findings in a future issue.
Dr Mark Knight is Cultural Heritage Officer for Transforming The
Trent Valley.
Paul Weller Announces Forest Live Gig!
Paul Weller has
announced
dates as part of
Forest Live 2023, the
summer concert
series presented by
Forestry England
which takes place on
Cannock Chase.
Paul Weller has
enjoyed an incredible
50 years making music.
From his era-defining
breakthrough with The
Photography by Derek D’Souza
Jam, reinvention via The Style Council, and formidable career as a solo
artist, Paul has scored a string of number one albums and singles.
Constantly creating forward-thinking music, the ever-changing Weller has
connected with fans across the generations and is regarded as a cultural
icon of British music. A Forest Live stalwart, Paul has made a recordbreaking
25 appearances as part of the concert series since his debut in
2004, the most by any artist and all to sold-out crowds.
Forest Live is a major outdoor live music series that introduces forests
to new audiences in unique, natural woodland arenas around the country.
Over two million people have attended a Forest Live gig in the last
twenty-two years, enjoying great music and supporting the nation’s
forests when buying a ticket. Going to a concert helps Forestry England
create beautiful places for people to enjoy, run important conservation
projects and keep growing trees. Last year they planted some 6.8 million
trees, caring for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests sustainably and
welcoming 363 million visits annually.
Commenting on the dates, Paul Weller said: “I am very happy to be
playing the Forest Live gigs again as they are always such great shows
with such a great audience! See you there.”
Paul Weller will be playing on Friday 9th June at Cannock Chase
Forest, near Rugeley, Staffs. Tickets are on sale now at
www.forestryengland.uk/music.
42

TASTING EXPERIENCES
AT THE SPIRITS LAB!
GIN MASTER TASTING
INTRODUCTION
1-1½ HRS
Enjoy a gin & tonic on arrival. Discover the history
of gin and, using our very own Mercia gin as a
base gin, learn the secrets of how to taste and
match botanicals. Upgrade your experience to
take away your unique Mercia gin with your
chosen added botanicals for an additional £35.
TASTING EXPERIENCE - £25 EACH. BLENDING
EXPERIENCE - £35 EACH.
IMMERSIVE GIN BLENDING
‘EXPERIMENT’
1½-2 HOURS
We’re bringing you back to school with a more
immersive gin-blending experience, starting with
your very own science kit to create your perfect
gin. If you can’t decide then extra bottles can be
made up for £25 per bottle. A range of nibbles will
be available during the tasting or order one of our
food platter.
£65 EACH OR £120 PER COUPLE
WHISKY MASTER TASTING
EXPERIENCE
1-1½ HRS
Tasting three drams from the Highlands, Lowlands
and Campbeltown. You can also add Speyside
and Islay too for an extra £20. We will teach you
not to trust your memory, but use your nose and
taste, by laying our certain ‘tasting notes’ to help
you identify the region. A range of nibbles will be
available, or a food platter for £13 per person or
£24 per couple.
£35 EACH
The ideal choice for private parties or corporate events. Max party booking size is 24 people.
You can book online at www.merciawhisky.co/spiritlab or
visit Mercia Spirit Lab at Bishton Hall in Rugeley. Tel: 01889 529 291.
43

Valentine Gifts
Jewellery With Life
Emily Jane is passionate about creating her pieces
as much by hand as possible; making each piece
truly unique, just like you. This silver pebble heart
pendant is beautiful, delicate and the perfect gift for
your loved one this year! Priced at £35 and
available from www.jewellerywithlife.co.uk or join
the Instagram community at @emilyjanedesigner
Needwood Living
This 'Dancing Storks' coral lidded jar is a great,
vibrant addition to the home and perfect as a
present for a loved one. Priced at £93, it is
available from Needwood Living at 136 Main
Street, Alrewas, or 7a High Street, Tutbury.
www.needwoodliving.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
The perfect Valentine' gift - treat your partner
with a lovely pure cotton shirt with a design filled
with romance. Claudio Lugli is well-known in the
trade for exquisite Italian designs and prints.
Priced at £69.95 in the sale, available from
Michael's Menswear, Market Street, Lichfield.
If you’re after a gift for
your loved-one then
look no further - we've
put together a few of
our favourite items from
local retailers, artisans
and producers to ensure
that your Valentine's Day
is extra special this year.
City Jewellers
If you’re looking to pop the question to your
loved one on Valentine’s Day, it doesn’t get much
better than this stunning Platinum Certificated
Diamond Solitaire Ring. Priced at £11,000.
Available from City Jewellers,
Bore Street, Lichfield.
Paul Martyn
Treat your true love to this gorgeous, fused glass
kitten for all the cat lovers out there. Also
available with lilac hearts, it's something to
treasure forever. Priced at £35.99. Available from
Paul Martyn Furniture, Heart of the Country
Shopping Village, Swinfen, WS14 9QR. Tel: 01543
481592. www.paulmartyninteriors.co.uk
44
Artisan Upcyclers
A collective of artists, designers and crafters who
make their work wholly or in part from recycled,
reclaimed or repurposed materials. This beautiful
orange leather, purchased from a recycling site, is
now a stunning handmade backpack. Priced at
£110, this is truly one-of-a-kind. Available from
Artisan Upcyclers, Tudor Row, Lichfield.
Allen Brown Jewellery
Danish Design Watch, the Koltur Chrono II in
Grey, is priced at £185 and available from Allen
Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country Shopping
Village, Swinfen, WS14 9QR. Tel: 01543 481 948.
www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk

Valentine Gifts
Tippers
Light and portable, the Kamado Joe - Joe Junior is
perfect to cook a quick, flavourful meal for two
wherever you are this Valentine’s Day. The Joe
Junior is the ideal sidekick to travel with you for
every adventure, rain or shine. Priced at £499 and
available from Tippers, Europa Way, Lichfield,
WS14 9TZ. www.tippers.com
Victoria Lowe
British Designer Chris Lewis produces amazing
handmade jewellery pieces at affordable prices,
making this range perfect for a stunning Valentine’s
Day present. For a vast array of both men’s and
ladies’ Valentine’s gift ideas, visit Victoria Lowe
Interiors, Dam St, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 262581.
Mercia Spirits Lab
Mercia Spirits Lab offers fantastic gin or whisky
tasting events and workshops where you can even
make your own unique spirit! There’s also a range
of Valentine’s Hampers available, with prices
ranging from £25-£60. Visit Mercia Whisky, Bishton
Hall, Wolseley Bridge, or www.merciawhisky.co.
Arthur Price
This silver-plated picture frame is perfect to
display a photo of your loved one in! It comes in
three designs (art deco, bead and plain) as well as
three sizes (6"x4", 7"x5" and 10"x8"). Priced from
£9.95 for the smaller of the three, and available
from Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way,
Lichfield, WS14 9UY.
Eden Gallery
This framed limited edition entitled Dance With
Me ‘til Dinner Time by artist Sam Toft makes the
ideal Valentine’s gift. Priced at £220 and available
from Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre,
Curborough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane,
Lichfield, WS13 8ES. Tel: 01543 268393. Open
Weds-Sun:10am-4pm (Tues by appointment only).
www.edenartandframing.co.uk
Arthur Price
Pre-order this limited edition Coronation Spoon
to commemorate the crowning of King Charles III
in May 2023. Priced at £12.95. Available to order
for March delivery only at Arthur Price Factory
Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY.
Framework
Superb open edition book by Doug Hyde. A fine
collection of paintings combined with revealing
narrative that gives insight into the inspirations
and creative processes of one of the country's
most collected artists. Priced at £75 and available
from Framework, Tamworth Street, Lichfield.
www.theonlineartshop.com
Clive's Wines
Try something a little different this Valentine's Day
with Rhubling – a delightfully refreshing sparkling
rhubarb wine from local wine merchants, Clive’s
Wines. Made using the traditional method to
create bubbles, Rhubling is the perfect fizz for
your romantic meal!
Available from Clive’s Wines of Burntwood. Tel:
07972 269 620.
www.cliveswines.co.uk
ES Jewellery
United forever – the intertwined rings of this
Thomas Sabo collection represents the
inseparable bond of two lovers. The engraving
'Forever Together/Together Forever' strengthens
its symbolic power. Prices: necklace £98, earrings
£39, bracelet £89. Available from ES JEwellery,
Tamworth Street, Lichfield.
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...
We Love Lichfield Fund Awarding, the
George Hotel
Volunteers' evening, the Hub at St Mary's
The Santa Dash, Stowe Fields
Sing Choirs of Angels illuminations,
Lichfield Cathedral
Saxon Hill Academy, Tesco Lichfield Foodbank
collection
The cast of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, Lichfield Garrick panto
St Giles Hospice with the Lichfield Rotary
Santa sleigh
Victorian late night shopping, Tudor Row
Shops
Lichfeild and District Soroptomists, Volunteer Fair at Lichfield Cathedral
Opening of Glazerite Lichfield Showroom,
Upper St John Street
Samuel Johnson Museum Family Christmas -
with Georgian Jono!
46
Lichfield Cathedral School carol singers, Tudor Row Shops

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'.
February
Sunday 5th February
Floristry Workshop & Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a fun and creative floristry workshop at
The George Hotel and take home your very
own creation. Afterwards, indulge in a delicious
afternoon tea which includes three tiers of
finger sandwiches, scones and cakes all served
with a pot of tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield
Time: 12pm
Price: £65 per person
Visit www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book.
Tuesday 7th February
Lichfield Ladies’ & Men’s
Probus Club
A talk on the National Memorial
Arboretum by Margaret Bullock.
Members of the Club meet on the first
Tuesday of every month.
Venue: St Matthew’s Social Club, Burntwood,
WS7 9EP.
Time: 12.30 pm for an optional buffet lunch
followed by the talk at 2.15pm.
New members always made welcome. Contact:
peter.hitchman44@gmail.com, tel: 07971
113505, or jenny_hodgkins@yahoo.co.uk, tel:
01543 305522.
48
LICHFIELD TEXTILE &
STITCH GROUP
3rd Weds each month
A variety of creative activities and speakers
From 2pm to 4pm at Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch
Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8AY.
Sat 4th February
LichStitch 10am – 12 noon
An informal opportunity to chat and stitch
Weds 15th February
Maria Thomas Textiles: RELATIVE
Exploring family history and belonging. Maria shares
her personal view of family relationships through a
series of contemporary patchwork garments and
artefacts.
Weds 15th March
Helen Waite - Upcycling & Recycling
The background of making something from nothing.
Contact: mandyjgriffiths@gmail.com
8th February
Engineer John Robinson Maclean
Over 55? Looking for something new? Join
Lichfield u3a’s low-cost local interest groups,
from art to walking. We hold FREE talks on the
second Wed of each month.
Venue: The Guildhall
Time: 2pm
Email lichfieldu3a@gmail.com or call 07510
634476 to find out more.
Thursday 9th February
We Love Lichfield Community Event
A free, informal event for local businesses and
residents to drop in after work and find out
more about the We Love Lichfield Fund and
the charities it supports. Includes a free
welcome drink.
Venue: The Hub at St Mary’s, Market Square,
Lichfield.
Time: 4.30pm - 6pm
Friday 10th February
Valentine’s Ball
This love-themed black-tie ball aims to raise
funds for We Love Lichfield and features a
three-course meal and live music.
Venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield
Time: 7pm
Tickets are priced at £40 and available from
Arthur Price Factory Shop.
Tuesday 21st February
Pancake Day Races & Shrovetide Fair
Spectators can expect to see all the usual
races including Ladies, Gentlemen, Mascots and
Under 10s. The races will be followed by the
traditional opening of the Shrovetide Fair on
the Market Square by the Civic party,
supported by the Town Crier who will give a
shout to announce the occasion.
Venue: Bore Street & Market Square
Time: 12 noon
Thursday 23rd February
Half Term Fun: Dragons & Daffodils
Hands-on arts and crafts activity session for
the start of spring, inspired by Wales and St
David’s Day.
Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace
Museum
Time: 11am and 12 noon
Price: £3.50 per child, accompanying adults
free.
To book call 01543 264 972, email
sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit the
Museum.
Thursday 23rd February
Joshua & Me
From the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival,
Joshua and Me, written by Rachel Hammond, is
a one-woman show which explores being a
sibling of someone who is autistic – giving a
voice to young people with responsibilities of
care.
Venue: The Hub at St Mary’s, Market Square
Price: £14 per ticket
More info, and booking, at
www.thehubstmarys.co.uk
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'.

49

CLASSIFIED
DO YOU HAVE
LEAFLETS THAT
WANT
DELIVERING?
Call REBECCA
07970 513144
50
To Advertise call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456
mikejamescitylife@gmail.com
Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield
Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection
legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email
kristencitylife@gmail.com
2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and
conditions stated.
3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition.
4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in
accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the closing
date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely
destroyed/deleted. Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until
the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details will be
securely deleted/destroyed.
5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception
to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of
Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition
partner to allow winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will
be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in
our magazines – no other details will be published.
6.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield
Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants (but not address or
contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and
online.
MAGAZINE
DISTRIBUTORS
WANTED
Earn extra money delivering
Citylife magazines. Must be over
16 and reliable,
call Rebecca
07970 513144
7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright
or breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants in their creation or
submission of materials.
8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader.
9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the
prize is non-transferable.
10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and
conditions.
11.No purchase necessary.
12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years
or over (unless otherwise stated).
13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of
individual associated with any employee, agent or third party of Citylife in
Lichfield Ltd.
14.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws
and competitions, or by an independent judge in the case of photographic/art
competitions from all entries received.
15.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield up to 28 days after the
closing date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by
the entrant. Winners have 28 days to respond if contact cannot be made
initially. If no response is forthcoming after 28 days, Citylife in Lichfield
reserves the right to redraw the competition and select a new winner.
16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be
available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after
the competition closing date.
17.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is
final and no correspondence will be entered into.
18.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost,
damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party,
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or
for the quality of the prize provided.
19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
20.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name,
(photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published in any of
Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online.
21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box
7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS.
22. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any
competition prize, information, service or product provided in connection with
a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition.
23.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for
any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any
kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition.
24.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw
entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your
original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is
accurate, moral and legal.

51