Citylife in Lichfield July 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, Shenstone,
Hammerwich, Burntwood, Streethay, Yoxall 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.
Inside...
6 Local News
What’s happening in and around Lichfield.
20 The Chase & Burntwood Wakes
Jono Oates looks as this traditional festival
through the ages
28 Five Minutes With...
Chase Mist are in the interview hot seat
36 What's On
There's loads of summer events taking place in
Lichfield
..................................
June Competition Winners!
Congratulations this month to S Dodd who is the winner of a granite
chopping board from Just Granite; and C Rowe, T Hughes, and T Collins
who each win a fantastic Arthur Price Cutlery set courtesy of Arthur
Price Factory Shop. There’s also N Shepperson who receives two tickets
to see Andy Hamilton at The Garrick, plus B Tuckley and H Frew who
both receive a pair of tickets to a Lichfield Festival act of their choice!
Well done!
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
Community Magazine

5

LOCAL NEWS
6
School Crossing
Patrol is 70!
Lollipop men and women from across
Staffordshire are celebrating the 70th
anniversary of the School Crossing Patrol
service (SCP).
The service was created in 1953 with the first
official patrol starting the year after. While the
uniform and sign have changed slightly to meet
modern standards, and patrols can now stop
traffic to cross any pedestrian, adult or child, the
role is essentially the same today as it was 70
years ago.
Staffordshire has more than 220 patrols,
working outside schools and busy sections of
roads, including people from all walks of life.
Currently the youngest patrol is 26 and the
oldest is 83.
Pictured is Lichfield SCPs at their Jubilee
Meeting with Dougie Craig, SCP Area Manager
.......................................................................................
Music Fellow at
Cathedral School
Lichfield Cathedral
School has
announced the
appointment of Mr
Richard Yarr MBE as
the School’s Music
Fellow. In this new
role, Richard will
work with the
music department’s
academic and
performance staff to profile the breadth of their
work, deliver new initiatives and create
landmark events of national interest.
Richard is one of the UK’s most respected
music professionals. Most notably, he created
the highly successful Northern Ireland
International Organ Competition in 2011; leads
the Charles Wood Festival of Music and
Summer School, alongside Patron John Rutter
and Artistic Director David Hill; and has
worked at a senior level for the BBC since
2000. As an educator he advises The Council for
the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment in
Northern Ireland and adjudicates widely.
Richard was awarded an MBE for Services to
Music in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday
Honours.
Richard will commence as Music Fellow in the
new academic year.
.......................................................................................
Knife Angel
Sculpture Arrives!
The Knife Angel has arrived in Lichfield as part
of a campaign to raise awareness in the district
of the dangers of knife crime.
This iconic sculpture, which is made of 100,000
seized blades collected by 42 police
constabularies across the country, is 27 feet
high and will be is situated for people to see on
the open space adjacent to District Council
House in Frog Lane.
Sculptor Alfie Bradley completed the Knife
Angel in 2018, working in conjunction with the
British Ironwork Centre to create a poignant
memorial to those who have lost their lives to
the violent use of a blade.
Its presence in Lichfield until Monday 31st July
will be complemented by a programme of
education and awareness activities together
with the opportunity to relinquish knives in
special bins located around the district.
For information about the Knife Angel, and how
to sponsor its stay in Lichfield, visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/sponsorshipopportunities/knife-angel
.......................................................................................
City Centre Markets
Lichfield’s weekly general markets continue to
be held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays on
the Market Square in the heart of the city.
Recently, the market has attracted a number of
new traders including those selling Greek food,
handcrafted wooden homewares and
homemade brownies.
Lichfield markets also boast longstanding,
established traders who offer a wide variety of
goods from fruit and vegetables and fresh fish,
to leather goods, cards and printer ink, with
much more besides. The dedication and long
service of these traders demonstrates a great
loyalty to the market, the city and residents.
In addition, the Producer’s Market continues to
be held on the first Sunday of the month and
the next Vegan Market will be held on 16th July.
Both have proven very popular with traders and
residents alike and continue to grow.
Contact the Council’s Market’s Officer on
01543 309855 or e-mail
markets@lichfield.gov.uk. Follow on: Twitter
@LichfieldMarket or Facebook
@lichfieldmarkets.
.......................................................................................
Local Firm Backs
Awards
Staff from Pool House Group
An established financial planning company has
pledged its support for Lichfield District
Council’s Beacon Awards which will recognise
the district’s star businesses and communityminded
organisations and individuals later this
year.
Pool House Group has become the principal
sponsor of the awards set to take place at a gala
presentation at the National Memorial
Arboretum near Alrewas in October.
Entries and nominations are invited until 31st
July for the awards, the categories for which are
as follows:
•Independent Business of the Year
•Customer Service Award
•Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year
•Apprentice/Young Businessperson of the Year
•Employer of the Year
•Large Business of the Year
•Small Business of the Year
•Best Sustainable Business
•Entrepreneur of the Year
•Lichfield Shining Light – District Legacy Award
•Community Hero
•Charity or Social Enterprise of the Year
For full details of how to sponsor, enter or
nominate, visit www.beaconawards.co.uk.
Got a story or charity event you want
to share with our readership? Think
you’ve snapped an image that
captures the spirit of the region? We
want to hear from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com

Advertising Feature
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10/02/2023
7

LOCAL NEWS
Dementia Support
Sessions
Cannock Chase Crematorium will join with
support staff from Alzheimer’s Society to run a
series of workshops aimed at supporting local
people and their families living with dementia.
The Let’s Talk About Dementia programme runs
over three sessions on Thursday evenings in July.
Alzheimer’s Society support staff will be
offering information and support for people
with a dementia diagnosis. The evenings are for
anyone with a diagnosis and any family
members or friends who want to know how
best to help.
The programme will help people who have
received a dementia diagnosis to understand
what to expect in the early stages and signpost
them to the wealth of support they can access.
It will help families plan for long term care and
help them start that difficult conversation about
end of life wishes.
The sessions Thursday 6th July, Thursday 13th
July and Thursday 20th July from 7pm to
8.30pm, at Cannock Chase Crematorium,
Norton Road, Heath Hayes, WS12 3HJ.
Refreshments are available.
For further information and to book places
contact Jo Walker. Tel: 01543 212988. Email:
info@cannockcrematorium.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
Cutlery Factory
Shop Sale!
The UK’s biggest cutlery shop is having its
biggest ever sale in July. Over 1/2 million knives,
forks and spoons plus many tableware gifts will
be on offer with up to 75% for just two weeks
between 8th and 22nd July.
There are some hot offers in the Summer Sale,
including cutlery sets from only £49. So,
whether you are looking for a new dining
canteen or a second set just for BBQs, there is
something for you.
The Factory Shop Manager Bev and her team
have been working on the sale for weeks and
have created some incredible offers across the
range of cutlery and gifts.
The Arthur Price Factory Shop Sale starts
Saturday 8th July at 10am, finishing Saturday
22nd July at 4pm. There’s free parking right
outside.
8
Visit Arthur Price Factory Shop at 1 Britannia
Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 267324.
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm.
.......................................................................................
Local Liam
Braves the Shave!
Liam Thompstone,
26, lost his luscious
locks on Saturday
1st July in aid of
Little Princess
Trust, a charity
which provides real
hair wigs free of
charge to children
and young people
who have lost their
own hair through
cancer treatment
or to other conditions such as Alopecia. The
charity is also one of the largest funders of
childhood cancer research in the UK and relies
solely on the generosity of its supporters.
Liam, a porter for Richard Winterton
Auctioneers at Fradley Park, had been growing
his mane for 18 months in preparation for the
cut.
The first time big-hearted Liam parted with his
ponytail was in 2017 when he raised £315. Fast
forward to September 2020 and colleagues,
friends and family helped him raise £1,581 for
the charity, smashing his goal of £500.
Auctioneer Richard Winterton has also made
Little Princess Trust one of the family firm’s
chosen charities.
To support Liam online, visit
https://www.justgiving.com/page/liamthompstone-trilogy.
.......................................................................................
Lichfield Hockey
Competes in London
Lichfield Hockey Club Mixed Team made its way
to London on 17th June to compete in the
England Hockey Mixed Championship T2 Final.
They were up against the University of Bristol
at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Both teams took some time to shrug off the
early jitters starting the match with a cautious
approach. It was a tight game throughout with
ample opportunities from both teams. The first
half ended in a 0-0 deadlock.
In the 60th minute, Bristol broke the stalemate
with a penalty corner goal. This was then
doubled in the 64th minute with another short
corner routine. Lichfield did not give up and
with two minutes to go, Lichfield took their
keeper off seeking their first goal. This paid off
as they were rewarded with a penalty stroke.
Gray made no mistake in getting a goal back for
his team.
The game ended with Bristol 2 – 1 Lichfield.
.......................................................................................
Closure of
Barclays Bank
On Friday 15th September 2023, Barclays Bank
will be closing its branch in Lichfield.
Although the branch is closing, Barclays will still
have an active presence in the community via a
new and alternative physical presence. The bank
plans to provide additional face-to-face access
for banking services via one of its community
locations from the point of closure.
Further details, including the timings and the
location of the Barclays Local site, will be
communicated to regular customers in the
coming weeks.
To Advertise call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456
mikejamescitylife@gmail.com
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
District Council’s
‘Rising Star’
Lichfield District Council is celebrating after
one of its talented officers won a prestigious
national award.
Ecology and Climate Change Manager, Kristie
Charlesworth, scooped the ‘Rising Star Award’
at the LGC (Local Government Chronicle)
Awards 2023 which celebrated the
achievements of officers and politicians in local
government at London’s Grosvenor House
hotel on Thursday 8th June.
She was among 1,200 local authority
professionals to attend the gala occasion after
being shortlisted back in March.
An expert in environmental issues Kristie is
committed to delivering policies and initiatives
which protect Lichfield District’s ecology and
green spaces.
The award, presented by Sports pundit and
former rugby union player, Ugo Monye,
recognises Kristie’s considerable achievements
in the early stages of her career.
.......................................................................................
Streets Named
After War Heroes
Lichfield District Council is attempting to trace
the relatives of 11 fallen World War heroes
following a proposal that new streets on a
housing development in the city be named after
the servicemen.
It has been suggested by Lichfield City Council
that 10 streets in the residential area south of
Shortbutts Lane honour sons of the city whose
names are commemorated in the Garden of
Remembrance.
Lichfield District Council is responsible for
street naming and is now seeking any members
of the heroes’ families to let them know of the
proposal and, where possible, gain their consent
to use the names.
The names of the men who served in World
War I are G. W. P. Abraham, E. T. Bagnall, A. C.
Child, C. Davis, T. J. Eaton, H. Flanagan, L. L.
Harper, E. C. Keble and E. Rae-Jones.
The names of the men who served in World
War II are A. E. Bagnall, W. G. Godwin.
.......................................................................................
Local Lady
Walks in Memory
A local antiques specialist took part in the St
Giles Hospice Safari Solstice Walk in memory of
a friend and colleague who passed away last
year.
Sarah Williams, senior fine art valuer with
Richard Winterton Auctioneers, joined
fundraisers walking the 10km route on Saturday
17th June. Sarah signed up to the Solstice Walk
in memory of Elaine Axton, who passed away in
September 2022 aged 72. Elaine, from
Burntwood, was a popular member of the team
at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park.
Sarah can be sponsored online at
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarahwilliams428.
.......................................................................................
Citylife Swims for
Local Charities!
Our very own Editor, Kristen Lackajis, recently
completed a gruelling open water swim to raise
money for the We Love Lichfield fund.
Krissy, a regular in the open water world, took
part in the Aquasphere Chillswim Coniston
End-to-End 5.25m event on Saturday 24th June
which sees participants swimming from one end
of Coniston Water, in the Lake District, to the
other.
Completing the swim in under three hours,
Krissy raised more than £300 for the Fund,
which helps support local charities in and
around the Lichfield area.
.......................................................................................
Spring Ball
Raises Funds
Soroptimist Lichfield & District held a Spring
Ball Fundraiser in aid of Breast Cancer Now
and The Eve Appeal.
All monies were split between the two charities
and, including a couple of very generous private
donations, the final total amount raised was
£5,200, meaning each charity will receive
£2,600.
A large part of the monies raised was through
the raffle held on the evening, and therefore
Soroptimist Lichfield & District would like to
say a big thank you to local historian, Jono
Oates, for the raffle prize of a history tour of
Lichfield for four people that he kindly donated.
.......................................................................................
Blood Brothers
at the Garrick!
Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning
production of the international smash hit
musical, Blood Brothers is coming to Lichfield in
September! The much-loved musical, known for
sell out houses across the country, returns after
a short break with gusto.
Written by award-winning playwright Willy
Russell, Blood Brothers tells the captivating and
moving tale of twins separated at birth, who
grow up on the opposite sides of the tracks,
only to meet again with tragic consequences.
Few musicals have been received with such
acclaim as the multi-award-winning Blood
Brothers. Considered 'one of the best musicals
ever written' (Sunday Times), Bill Kenwright’s
production surpassed 10,000 performances in
London’s West End, one of only three musicals
ever to achieve that milestone.
This epic tale of Liverpool life started as a play,
performed at a Liverpool comprehensive
school in 1981, before opening at the
Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. The musical has
since triumphed across the globe, completing
sell out seasons in the US, Australia, Canada,
New Zealand and Japan, and scooping up four
awards for Best Musical in London and seven
Tony Award nominations on Broadway.
Blood Brothers will be appearing at the
Lichfield Garrick from 5th-9th September.

11

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12
Forest Bathing:
A Focus on Nature
By Kathryn Kavanagh, TTTV WildChild Officer
a little lane behind Burton Tesco, is a road
to the wide open space of the Washlands with a
great view of the Ferry Bridge and a woodland - a
hidden gem ready to explore.
I came here on a sunny afternoon to experience
forest bathing. Now, I know what you are thinking:
words and our imaginations work together to create
images and expectations of activities we’ve not yet
experienced. Not having attended forest bathing, you
might think of lying down, sunbathing in a forest.
Although that does sound lovely and relaxing, it isn’t
exactly what the activity entails. Here’s my experience
from my first ever session…
To begin, we first cross the wooden bridge under the
Burton Mail Centenary Woods’ green archway. A wild
hedgerow frames it so well that it’s like a portal to the
forest, hidden within a vast grassland habitat.
Beyond the arch in the clearing is our event leader,
Alexis Johnson, the Wild Wellbeing Lead for
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. She greets us with a big smile, and talks about the benefits
of spending time in nature, as well as our expectations of the session.
She explains that this time is about being mindful, but also engaging with nature.
Taking back the moments we take for granted, don’t have time for, or that get lost in
the hustle and bustle of life. Instead of the five billion things we have on our minds,
we will focus on the one or two aspects we see in front of us. Yes, it’s a tricky task
but trying is step one. The excellent example Alexis gives is when you notice
something interesting - like an insect on a leaf – we might typically dismiss it. She
advises instead: “Look closer.” Who knows what you might see, feel or experience as
a result. That insect might have an iridescent colour or wings you’ve never before
noticed. You might walk through a sunspot on the way and feel suddenly warm – take
the time to feel it. Once you take notice, a walk through the woodland isn’t just one
foot in front of the other, but an experience.
Alexis talks about crossing a threshold, a boundary where, once over, a quiet and
open-eyed journey can begin. This is a great process. With the roar of the Burton
traffic rolling across the Washlands, it doesn’t seem like a possible task, but I was
surprised by how quickly I was able to tune it out once under the canopy. The sounds
of a blackbird rustling through leaf litter, cheerful chirps of birds, and those of my own
movements soon took over.
We were then set with the challenge of walking deliberately. Not rushing off, but
to take in the woodland community with each step. As adults we are often all about
the A to B, so to slow down and just be present feels hard - a tricky habit to break.
But, by the end of the session, a snail could overtake me. I would let it and follow it
to a new observation, or invitation from the woodland.
Alexis finished the session with a sit spot for about twenty minutes, before we all
came together over tea and biscuits to reflect about how nice it was to walk around
the woodland, take in the scenery, and switch off for a couple hours.
The session was well-led as Alexis has a certificate in ecotherapy, and over fifteen
years of experience working with people outdoors - as well as a calm and thoughtful
manner with a passion for wildlife and the benefits it brings.
My advice is to attend a session with an open mind, allow it to give you what you
need (even if it is just a break and some fresh air). You can focus on what interests
and relaxes you in nature, be it the wider view of our environment, the various
creatures and elements you might spot or hear, or simply exploring a new site in a
calm and mindful way.
We are counting down to our fourth year for a WildChild summer full of activities! Scan
the QR code, have a look through what’s on and book online to join in the adventure.
Your Garden in July
By Byron Lewis
The last few weeks have seen a mini heatwave across the
UK already – are we set for another one in July? If you are
away on holiday at any point this month, make sure you
prepare your garden as if the sun shines and you’re away,
lots of plants can suffer and go beyond the point of no
return!
Summer Patio Plants
With the continued good weather we have had since the
end of May, most garden centres have already run out of
summer bedding plants, but you might find a few larger
specimens of cosmos and geraniums that will give an instant
hit of colour – geraniums are relatively drought tolerant if
you are away, as are begonias – if you can find them, these
are the ones to use! If you want something more long term
for midsummer colour, then read on to find out about
cottage garden plants.
Cottage Garden Perennials
Lots of these popular plants will flower through the
summer months and generally need a little less looking
after compared to some bedding plants. Look out for plants
like verbena bonariensis with tall stems of purple flowers.
Shasta daisies (leucanthemum) are also typical border
plants with large white or pale yellow daisy like flowers
which last for weeks at a time. Agapanthus also flower in
the summer, along with rudbeckia - try these together for
a combination of blue/purple and yellow. Removing dead
flower heads on all these plants will encourage further
flowering into the autumn.
If we do end up having a heatwave this month, please
remember to water your plants in the morning or evening
- NOT in the middle of the day when the temperatures are
at their highest. This can stress your plants, and some
flowers and leaves are also liable to become scorched.
While watering, think about adding some general purpose
feed to your watering can to add vigour to your plants. The
better fed they are, the better they will perform. The same
goes for hanging baskets and pots - there is no natural
water source in these, so the plants rely on you for water
and food. Water daily in hot weather.
Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at
Curborough Countryside Centre.
Telephone 01543 254306 or visit the website at
www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk.

13

Summer Lovin’
Grant recipients had a blast at the We Love Lichfield Grant
Giveaway which took place on Thursday 15th June.
The We Love Lichfield Summer 2023 grant giveaway saw nearly
£20,000 presented to 18 good causes from across the district.
Representatives from voluntary groups gathered at the George Hotel for
the event together with a host of civic and business guests representing
the area.
The presentation was an opportunity to pay tribute to the hundreds of
volunteers across the district, including in the city, Burntwood and all the
rural villages. Each recipient group made a speech about the work they
did so that guests were able to gain an insight into the thousands of
voluntary hours given every week across the district.
Simon Price, Patron of We Love Lichfield, hosted the event and thanked
everyone for attending.
He also thanked the following businesses and individuals who have
supported We Love Lichfield this year including The George Hotel, John
Heeler, Terry Turner, The Boat Inn, Adcocks Solicitors and David Lloyd
Leisure. He also thanked the We Love Lichfield advisors, and The
Community Foundation for Staffordshire for administering the grant
scheme.
Simon explained the history of the fund, that it began 11 years ago with
£24,000 sitting in dormant funds which was released by Lichfield District
Council. This figure was match funded and since then fund-raising has
boosted the balance. The capital is invested and only the interest is given
out as grants to ensure that the scheme is sustainable for the future.
The recipients and supporters of We Love Lichfield at The George Hotel
Simon said: “We Love Lichfield is like a pension scheme for the
voluntary sector in Lichfield District. By raising funds for capital and giving
away our interest we can keep the funding going for generations to come.
“So far, we have given away over £1/3 million in 330 grants to nearly
200 organisations. And as the cost-of-living crisis continues, we have had
many new applicants which I am delighted to say we were able to help.
“My thanks also go to Lichfield District Council for their support and
for entrusting We Love Lichfield in assisting them in their grant and
Community Lottery funds. To have the council as a partner gives us a
boost to strive even harder to make a difference across our district.”
For more information about We Love Lichfield visit
www.welovelichfield.com.
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J HOWELL &
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Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call
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14

15

Summertime
Safety
By Lauren Hirst
We all love to be out enjoying the sunshine but hot weather
and dogs just don’t mix. All dogs are susceptible to
heatstroke but some breeds more so, notably flat nosed dogs
and perhaps surprisingly, greyhounds. You often see greyhounds
wearing coats in the winter due to their lack of body fat and just
one layer of fur, but this lack the insulation also means that they
don’t tolerate heat as well as other dogs.
The greyhounds at Greyhound Trust Hall Green kennels only have
very short walks in shady areas during the hot weather, with dog safe
suncream for those sensitive areas like tops of the ears and noses.
They enjoy “spa days” instead to keep them cool. Out come the
paddling pools for bobbing for treats. Good grooming helps keep
dogs cool; brushing out excess fur, followed by a shower, shampoo,
and a good rub down/towel massage. All followed by chilling out
under a tree with lots of hugs and cuddles from the volunteers and
bowls of fresh, cool water.
Did you know that dogs can’t sweat to keep cool like we do? They
only sweat through their feet and nose (thus the treat
bobbing/paddling pool activity). Instead dogs rely on “evaporative
cooling” through their membranes; ie panting to move air around.
Cooling coats or wet towels also helps with evaporation. Ensure
you wet them with cool, not cold, water (cold restricts the blood
vessels restricting the body’s ability to release heat) and ensure that
towels are regularly removed replenished with fresh cool water. Left
on they will eventually warm up make things worse.
It seems counterintuitive to close windows on a hot day, but
keeping windows closed and curtains drawn on the sunny side of
your house and opening them on the shadier side as the day changes
helps. Use a fan or two. To make a homemade “air conditioner” put
frozen plastic bottle of water in front of the fan. Freeze some treats
like a yogurt and berry smoothie, bone broth ice lols, or a frozen
stuffed Kong.
Your dog won’t miss having a walk if they have other ways to have
fun. But monitor their play as they don’t always know their limits! If
you are going out, walk at cooler times of day; early mornings and late
evenings. Early evenings are still hot as pavements retain the heat. Do
the 5-second tarmac test – hold the back of your hand on the
pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, then it’s too hot for
your dog’s paws. You could wet your dog before you go out using mist
sprayer the mist setting of hosepipe. Take lots of water and find shady
places to walk.
It should be common sense NEVER to leave a dog in a car even for
short periods, even with windows open, or in the shade. Yet we still
see reports of dogs being left. There are some particularly powerful
videos on social media made by vets who filmed themselves sat in hot
cars when conditions became unbearable within minutes – and that’s
without wearing a fur coat!
If you think you dog is experiencing heat stress or heat stroke, cool
them using cool but not cold water, create a breeze, give sips of water,
and get to the vets asap.
By helping your dog “beat the heat”, you can both enjoy the joys of
summer while it lasts.
www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk
Got a story or charity
event you want to share
with our readership? Think
you’ve snapped an image
that captures the spirit of
the region? We want to
hear from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
16

Coronation Babies
Presented with Gifts
Local families whose babies were born on the day of the King’s Coronation have
attended a special tea party where they were presented with a
commemorative mug.
The idea was part of the county’s celebrations for the coronation of King Charles III
and Queen Camilla on Saturday 6th May. The gifts were given to the first ten parents to
get in touch whose children were born on the day.
Families joined Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Vice Lord-
Lieutenant for Staffordshire, Graham Morley, who presented them with their gifts at
County Buildings, Stafford, on Wednesday 14th June.
Babies and families at the presentation included:
• Olivia Grace Wileman, who made a prompt arrival at the Good Hope Hospital in
Sutton on Saturday 6th May, greeting her parents Chloe Vieira and Brad Wileman at
6.26am.
• Alfie James Flowers announced his presence at Queens Hospital, Burton, at 6.56am,
to become the first child of Lizzie and James Flowers, of Fradley, Lichfield.
• Marnie Rose Easton born at 04:25am, greeted second time parents Sabrina
Goodwin and Louie Easton from Burton.
• Barney Thomas Yardley was welcomed at 10:34am by ecstatic mum and dad Lucy
and Paul Yardley from Lichfield.
The black and white photograph shows Coronation babies from 1953. The photo
shows a group of proud mothers in the Mayor's Parlour, Stafford, holding babies born
in Stafford Borough on Coronation Day, June 2nd 1953. John Davies of Little Haywood
is being held by the Mayor, Charles Jones. John's mother, Harriet, stands behind the
baby's head. Behind the Mayor's other shoulder is Mrs Kathleen Locke of Rugeley,
holding her baby girl, Lesley. The second mother and baby from the right is Mrs Joan
Whitehouse of Handsacre with son Peter James. Each baby was presented with a silver
commemorative mug. (Copyright: Stafford Newsletter. Photo on the Staffordshire Past
Track website.)
17

Summer in the City!
By Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council
Since moving to Lichfield district almost 15
years ago, I have fallen deeply in love with
this beautiful area and the lively and active
social calendar that keeps our family
entertained all year round. Through my role as
Leader of Lichfield District Council, I get to
meet regularly with people who have moved to
the district from across the UK (and
sometimes the world!), and they too point out
what a vibrant scene we have throughout the year. However, our
district really ups its game in the summer, with plenty of festivals,
events, experiences and activities to choose from.
My immediate family, with our varying ages, interests and physical
abilities, make it important to have a wide variety of activities available -
and as a council we've taken time to ensure we have curated an event’s
calendar which really does provide something for everyone.
I’m so excited for the array of events on the calendar for this summer
in Lichfield District. There’s Hello Velo both in Lichfield and Burntwood,
which takes place in June, Cars in the Park running from the 1st to 2nd
July, Fuse Festival starting on 7th July, Burntwood Grub Club on 7th July,
and the inspiring Lichfield Knife Angel art installation arriving in the City
on 1st July, remaining with us until 1st August.
But there’s more! The world-renowned Lichfield Festival takes place
from the 6th to the 16th July, Burntwood Wakes on 22nd July, Lichfield
Pride on 22nd to 23rd July, Lichfield Food Festival from 26th-28th August,
Lichfield Proms in the Park on 2nd September, Lichfield 10k on 10th
September and Lichfield Community Games from the 16th to 17th
September.
If this isn't enough, the Cathedral also brings back its wonderful
beach located in front of the cathedral for even more summer fun.
Free children's activities such as crafting and learning will also be
organised, including tours of historic sites.
The majority of these events are free, but some may have a small
charge, so please check in at our website, www.visitlichfield.co.uk
for more information on fees, ticket bookings and accessibility.
Lichfield District is the place to be this summer, offering an array
of thrilling activities and events that cater to different tastes, ages and
abilities. Pack your sunscreen, bring your family and friends along and
making the most out of your summer in Lichfield District!
James Middleton (third from right) opened Lichfield’s Hello Velo event on Saturday 24th
June with Lichfield District Council’s Leader, Councillor Doug Pullen, supported by council
officers, councillors including District Council Chair Derick Cross, Street Velodrome staff
and Jon Arrowsmith of Cocker Hoop Creative.
The Town of Opportunity
By Darren Ennis, Leader of Burntwood Town Council
Being elected as Leader of Burntwood Town
Council is a privilege, not just because this is
the in which town my parents, my children and I
were born and currently live, but because I have
been given the chance to lead Burntwood Town
Council, the town of opportunity.
Burntwood Town Council is a parish council and
doesn’t have the resources of larger councils, and I
don’t want it to be. Our achievements over the last
four years show that we excel at teamwork and empowering our
community, and this is something we will strive to continue.
So, what can you expect from us over the next four years? To build on
the very strong foundations of the council’s work in 2019-2023. We are
working on making our town look great, encouraging strong community
links and fighting to get the infrastructure we so desperately need. We are
your community council, the closest council tier to the residents of
Burntwood and we’re very proud of that.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the fantastic community events
we have coming up over the summer months. Our fabulous Burntwood
Wakes Festival will be held at Burntwood Leisure Centre on Saturday 22nd
July from 12pm. We don’t charge to get in, and we don’t charge for
fairground rides or to listen to the live acts. It’s truly a community fun day
that doesn’t break the bank and we look forward to seeing you there. This
year we have received some generous sponsorship to help us make this
event even bigger and better than before. Thank you to Lichfield District
Council, Lesters Packaging, TechCare, Crown Highways, Tara Group and the
We Love Lichfield fund.
We also have our monthly Producers Markets at Sankey’s Corner on the
second Sunday of every month, and the Burntwood Grub Club at
Burntwood Leisure Centre on the first Friday of every month. Residents
told us that Burntwood needs more events and we have listened. Play in
the Parks is also back and we will be hosting eight events in our local parks
over the summer holidays, encouraging families to come and enjoy what
our area has to offer.
More specific details can be found by following Burntwood Town Council
on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or looking at the events page on our
website www.burntwood-tc.gov.uk.
18

The Chase &
Burntwood Wakes
By Jono Oates
Many people associate the word ‘wake’ with an event held after a funeral, but the
Chase, and later Burntwood, Wakes is a celebration event, with music, food,
drinks and funfair rides. It is something which has been celebrated in the area
since 1865 and is today a popular event in the Burntwood calendar.
A wake was originally a religious celebration which followed the consecration of a church. The
church service started on a Saturday at sunset and the night of prayer was called a vigil or, due
to the lateness of the hour, a ‘wake’. Following the church services there would be games, sports,
dancing eating and drinking.
During the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, the wakes became adapted as part
of a week’s holiday for workers in factories, mills and collieries etc, as they closed down for a
week’s maintenance. Wakes were held mainly in the northwest of the country but also held in
areas of industrial activity, such as the mining communities in and around the Cannock Chase
area.
When the church of St Anne’s, Chasetown, was consecrated in September 1865, the official
opening was followed by the wakes celebration which was held, originally, at the end of August
each year. In late August 1879 the festival was held on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of
the week when ‘work and business were almost entirely suspended, the community being
unanimous in having a holiday.’ The weather was glorious, and the Wakes’ procession, headed by
the Cannock Chase Colliery Band, marched from Brownhills to Burntwood. The procession
included a number of costumed characters in ‘picturesque and grotesque costumes, including
several clowns.’ The event was seen as a huge success, with 2,000 people attending on the
Tuesday and 3,000 on the Wednesday. By 1884 the Wakes festival had added lots of other
sporting and entertainment events and was held at the Cannock Chase Colliery Sports Ground
on High Street, Chasetown.
The Chasetown Wakes of 1893 was not fully celebrated, as in the June of that year the Miner’s
Federation of Great Britain union had put its 300,000 members across the country out on strike,
including many from the Cannock Chase collieries, over a pay dispute. The large procession on
the Monday did not take place although the sporting events on the following days did, but
spectator and visitor numbers were well down on previous years due to the strike action.
Tragedy occurred after the Wakes of 1932 when two of the showmen who had been working
at the Wake fairground were both killed in a motorcycle accident. They were travelling to
Bloxwich after the event when they were in collision with a car at the bottom of the Walsall Hill
triangle. Both men were thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. The
car driver was exonerated from any blame at the inquest. The car belonged to Colonel Robert
Williamson who was, ironically, the Managing Director of the Rugeley and Cannock Chase
Colliery, many of whose workers would have been enjoying themselves at the Wakes festival.
The main organisers and sponsors of the Wakes was the Cannock Chase Colliery and, when
the colliery closed down, they could not continue to support the event so by the mid-1960s the
Wakes had become poorly attended and supported.
In July 1970, however, the event was brought back to life again, when the management of the
event was undertaken by the Burntwood Parish Council’s Entertainment Committee and the
event had the added attraction of the new Parish Hall and swimming baths, opened in August
1969, at the cost of £132,000. The weather for the two-day event was warm and sunny, and 3,000
spectators attended on Saturday with a further 2,000 on the Sunday. Parish Hall manager, Dave
Rolley, admitted later that the event only made a small profit and that he hoped it would be held
the following year. Finances were not helped when vandals burned down a marquee, which had
cost £600, on the Saturday evening.
20
In 1984 the Wakes celebrated its 100th anniversary of being held at the same location, but
St Anne's Church in Chasetown
unfortunately torrential rain, said to have been
the worst weather at any Wakes, meant that
most outside activities were either cancelled or
moved indoors.
During the 2000s the popularity of the Wakes
declined and it moved location to the
Burntwood Rugby Club but in 2016 it returned
to its historic home, now the Burntwood
Leisure Centre on High Street.
The 2023 Burntwood Wakes, organised by
Burntwood Town Council, will take place this
year on Saturday 22nd July from 12pm at
Burntwood Leisure Centre with free entry for
all!
Sources: The British Newspaper Archive;
www.burntwood-tc.gov.uk; www.bhfg.org.uk.

21

Lichfield’s Lost Pubs
The Goat’s Head
By Jono Oates
The Goat’s Head Inn stood on the corner of Breadmarket Street and Bore Street
and, like many of Lichfield’s Lost Pubs, it was a pub used by many of the local
groups and organisations to hold their monthly meetings, or for special
occasions.
Originally the pub stood further down Breadmarket Street (see the 1890s photograph)
before it was repositioned at the turn of the 20th century to become a three-storey building
on the junction of the two streets. The earliest listed landlord was William Hobday in 1811,
however in April 1800 a meeting was held at the Goat’s Head Inn, described as the ‘House
of Mr Cooper’.
Margaret Slater was the landlady of the inn from the 1830s to the 1870s when the Goat’s
Head was used frequently as a temporary auction house, when household items, land and
houses were auctioned.
Thomas Albert Carter was the landlord in June 1890, when the inn was the victim of theft.
Sixty-two -year-old John Ellis, a canvasser of Frog Lane, stole eight shillings and six pence from
the till. Thomas’s wife, Margaret, saw Ellis take the money out of the till and held on to him
until a police constable arrived. At court Ellis pleaded not guilty, however the judge found him
guilty and he was sentenced to 28 days in jail, with hard labour.
Four years later, in January 1894, all of the employees of the Lichfield City Brewery (located
between Birmingham Road and Chesterfield Road) were entertained to dinner at the Goat’s
Head Inn, by the Managing Director, Councillor Thomas Andrews. They enjoyed a ‘sumptuous
repast’, followed by music and entertainment.
In November 1908 Lichfield tailor John William Stone was charged with refusing to leave
the Goat’s Head on a Saturday evening. At the court hearing it emerged that Stone had gone
to the inn to meet Clarence Daft, brother of landlord Charles Daft. When the two men met
in the pub, Clarence punched Stone in the face, knocked him to the ground and then struck
him several times while he was on the floor. Clarence was then ejected from the pub by the
landlord’s son, his nephew. Stone was found not guilty and Clarence was fined £2 with 14
shillings court costs.
Members of the Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes (also known as the Buffs) from
all around Lichfield District gathered at the headquarters of the Lichfield Ancient Citie Lodge,
the Goat’s Head, in November 1938. The Buffs, a fraternal movement, had several lodges in
the city at that time but secretary Brother H Linnell said that although the current
membership was strong, they needed to encourage younger men to enrol.
After World War Two had finished, the American husband of Mrs Noreen Haskins,
daughter of Goat’s Head landlord Arthur Walker, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for
valour. While on duty in northern France, Private Richard Haskins and his comrades had been
faced with 60 German soldiers who outnumbered them four-to-one but they still managed
to capture 13 prisoners and kill or injure many more.
The last landlord of the hotel was Horace Wilson, along with his wife Maud, who took over
in April 1958. Horace was an experienced landlord and had looked after several Lichfield
pubs in the past.
Winterton and Sons, whose offices were next door to the hotel at St Mary’s Chambers,
now Ansons solicitors, held an auction at the Goat’s Head in July 1962, which included the
sale of Elmhurst Hall Farm, which included 32 acres of land, following the death of owner
Norman Hollinshead. It was sold on the day of the auction for £9,050.
In June 1969 it was announced that the Goat’s Head building was about to be purchased
by Barclay’s Bank, whose Lichfield branch was, at that time, on Market Street. The bank
announced that negotiations were under way with the pub’s owners, the Wolverhampton and
Dudley Brewery.
The Goat’s Head finally closed on New Year’s Eve 1969 and Horace and Maud treated their
many regulars to a closing-down party. Horace, aged 70, and his wife Maud had spent 33 years
in the licensing trade, at four different pubs, and were now finally going to retire, and live in
Goat's Head, Breadmarket Street, 1960s
Goat's Head, Bore Street, 1960s,
awaiting refurbishment
Goat's Head, 1890s,
Breadmarket Street landlord
Thomas Carter
a house of their own on Shortbutts Lane.
The building opened as Barclay’s Bank in 1973
but now, 50 years later, the bank has announced
it is due to close in September this year.
Perhaps this is an opportunity for the Goat’s
Head to make a welcome comeback?
Sources:
The British Newspaper Archive; Lichfield Pubs by
Neil Coley, The Old Pubs of Lichfield by John Shaw
22

23

GE Collis & Sons
Create interesting features in your garden
this year with these garden sleepers (size
2400mm x 200mm x 100mm). Priced at just
£27 +VAT throughout July!
Available from G E Collis & Sons, Queens
Drive, Chasetown. Tel: 01543 686370.
www.collisdiy.co.uk
Tippers
Upgrade your outdoor dining experience
with our sleek and sophisticated Aluminium
and Teak 6-Seater Dining Set featuring a
stylish 100cm table. This exquisite set
effortlessly blends durability and elegance,
making it a perfect addition to your patio,
garden, or poolside.
Priced at £899, available from Tippers
Lichfield or Tippers.com.
Window Restore
Don't let failed windows and doors spoil the
opportunity to bring the outside in. Window
Restore has the remedy to all your double-glazing
woes, so don't replace - repair! Find Window
Restore on Facebook or call on 07712 156702.
www.windowrestore.co.uk
Wilko
Create the perfect outdoor ambience for
your friends and family, plus keep flying
insects away, with this Wild Citronella
Bucket Candle. Made with real citronella oil,
it is perfect for outdoor dining this summer,
and smells great too!
Available from Wilko, Bore Street, Lichfield.
www.wilko.com
The Great
Outdoors
Now the sunny weather is finally here,
it’s time to throw the doors open wide
and embrace the beauty of our outdoor
spaces! Whether you have a wild,
natural garden; a perfectly honed
landscape; or a modern entertaining
space, there’s never been a better
excuse to enjoy the fresh air. We’ve put
together a few of our favourite items
from local retailers to help make your
garden area the perfect haven for a
relaxing summer!
Philips
Philips 3-in-1 Air Purifier keeps homes
healthy and comfy. It heats you in winter
and cools you in summer, continually
cleaning the air – removing 99.95% of
particles as small as the smallest known
virus with its HEPA filtration system.
Priced at £399 and available from
www.philips.co.uk.
The Range
Transform your outdoor space for yearround
entertaining! These beautiful warm
white LED plug-in waterproof outdoor
string lights really set the mood so you can
sit back, relax, and enjoy the evening. These
lights are ideal to use for outdoor dining
and seating areas, entertaining friends and
family out in the garden!
Available from The Range, Cannock.
www.therange.co.uk
24
Dunelm
Versatile and on-trend, the Moretti range has
the advantage of being suitable for both
indoor and outdoor living. Designed in a
contemporary and eye-catching pattern and
available in two stylish colourways and a range
of sizes, this collection is extremely durable
and prepared to tackle different weather
types. Constructed in a flatwoven form, these
rugs are extra easy to care for and would
look great situated in a range of indoor and
outdoor spaces. Priced at £39 and available
from Dunelm, Cannock.
www.dunelm.com
Tippers
Alfresco dining couldn't get any better this
summer than a Kamado Joe Kettle Joe
BBQ! Priced at £599 and available in store
or online at Tippers.com.

25

Hidden treasures can fetch hundreds of pounds at auction
By Louise Ludlam-Snook, Richard Winterton Auctioneers
It's not all about diamonds and gold, there are other
hidden treasures out there that you may not know about –
which is why taking your items to a reputable auction house
such as Richard Winterton Auctioneers is a great idea.
Our specialists can look through your jewellery and find
any hidden treasure, which can then be catalogued
accordingly and sold for its true value.
A prime example of valuable jewellery that can be
overlooked is natural amber.
Natural amber bead necklaces can fetch hundreds of
pounds at auction and can easily be dismissed as plastic
beads; there are lots of imitations out there that are plastic,
treated and pressed amber, so an expert eye is needed.
I remember a point in my career when natural amber
bead necklaces where achieving more per gram than gold!
Amber is not actually a gem, it’s fossilised tree resin that’s
millions of years old. The majority of amber on the market
today is Baltic amber which comes in a variety of yellow to
orange shades and ‘butterscotch’ amber is one that fetches
some of the highest prices.
A high proportion of amber is treated in some way to
enhance it, for example to clarify it, to darken it, or to induce
so-called ‘sun spangles’. These inclusions are believed by
many to be proof of natural amber, but they’re actually
discoidal stress fractures caused by the amber being heated.
Cut-steel jewellery is another example of jewellery
whose value could be easily disregarded. Steel is not a
precious metal so cut-steel jewellery can be assumed as low
or no value, but it’s the age, quality and rarity of pieces that
contribute to its value and collectability.
Lots of items were produced from cut-steel; earrings,
brooches, bracelets, necklaces and chatelaines, with buttons
and shoe buckles being the most popular.
They were constructed of cut-steel frames set with small
steel studs that were individually faceted and polished to a
very high shine. They were made to resemble gemstones; the
facets reflected the light, giving them a ‘sparkle’.
Cut-steel jewellery was very popular from the 1700s,
becoming fashionable in France circa 1759, as it was worn as
a substitute for donated jewellery when King Louis XV
‘requested’ that citizens donate their precious gems and
jewellery to help fund his military campaigns.
By the 18th century demand for it often made it more
valuable than gold.
There were many manufacturers of cut-steel jewellery,
but Mathew Boulton – who had workshops in Birmingham
and London – was considered one of the best.
Cut-steel remained popular until the late 19th century. It
became mass manufactured and quality began to deteriorate,
leading to a fall in demand.
Victorian pieces didn't have the quality or beauty of the
earlier earlier pieces and, as a result of steel’s high corrosion
factor, rust has meant not many pieces have survived.
Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers jewellery appraisals,
insurance valuations and probate advice by appointment at
The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, and pop-up,
drop-in jewellery valuations also take place every Tuesday at
The Hub at St Mary’s in Lichfield and at Burntwood Library
on the last Tuesday in the month.
The handle and shell-shaped guard of this ornate
late 19th/early 20th century dress sword by Henry
Pool & Company of Saville Row, London, is decorated
with cut steel beading.
This natural amber necklace of 143 oval beads sold
at Richard Winterton Auctioneers for £240.
To book appointments or to discuss full or
partial house clearances, telephone 01543
251081 or email
office@richardwinterton.co.uk
Visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk.

Five Minutes
With… Chase Mist
Chase Mist is a five-piece folk band
from Staffordshire and has been
playing folk clubs and festivals in the West
Midlands since 2000. We find out a little
more about them and what it is they do.
Glenn Tunley (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki)
and Robin Draper (bass) had played in a pop
band together during their school days, on
leaving they went professional and toured
the UK extensively until the band split in the
late 70s. Years later, Robin and Glenn joined forces again as they had
still felt a need to play and make music. This time they decided to try
acoustic music with an emphasis on vocal harmonies. Glenn’s wife
Tessa (vocal, flute) joined after about a year, bringing increased
instrumentation, allowing 3-part vocal harmonies.
Over the next few years, the band was joined by Catherine Gough
(a multi-instrumentalist) and Jemma Geoghan (violin), resulting in the
Chase Mist of today. A very exciting group of musicians and vocalists
exploring and playing a wide range of original, contemporary, and
traditional folk and acoustic music.
• Can you tell us, in your own words, what it is you do?
We play folk songs and instrumentals from contemporary sources
but also write original songs, tunes, and arrange traditional material.
Chase Mist has produced three CDs, the latest one being The
Adventures of Julius Hip Jig and are due to release a digital E.P later
in the year.
• Has music always been a passion of yours?
Absolutely! For all the members whether it be playing, listening,
going to live concerts or teaching.
• Can you describe your bands musical style for us?
Contemporary folk. We aim for quality, both in our instrumental
and vocal presentation but if we are doing a cover we want to still
try and inject a little bit of ourselves/Chase Mist into the song or
tune, so it’s not just a carbon copy of the original, and hopefully make
it our own.
• Which artists inspire and influence you the most, both growing
up and now?
Our influences are quite wide. Glenn and Robin’s origins lie with
the Beatles, late 60s and mid 70s music. More recently with folk
artist Jim Moray, Nickel Creek and The Punch Brothers. Tessa has a
solid folk background from the 70’s up to the present day. Catherine
and Jemma are both seasoned musicians with a background of
project work. Catherine loves to play in folk sessions and has gained
an extensive catalogue of traditional folk and morris tunes.
• What motivates you to create your music?
Sheer enjoyment of what we do. It’s just great to get together, try
things out, and then consider what can we change and how can we
add value to get the best possible result. The icing on the cake is to
perform the results to an audience.
• How important do you feel that music as an art form is to
society?
Very. Music can bring people together for all kinds of events.
Within the folk idiom there is much scope for sharing music at an
intense level, entertaining an audience of like-minded people who
will be listening! Several of the band members took an active part in
running Wildfire Folk, a youth folk ensemble that was based and ran
in Lichfield for 13 years or more. It aimed to enthuse local young
people to play folk and acoustic music so that traditional music will
be carried forward to the next generation because we think that it
is important to continue the living tradition.
• And finally, what does the L2F Lichfield Arts ‘Folk on the Farm’
& ‘Folk Festival’ mean to you?
A great opportunity to deliver on all of the above. We look
forward to seeing everyone there!
You can see Chase Mist performing at the Lichfield Folk Festival,
featuring various artists and events, which will be held from 17th
September until 14th October.
Entertainment Section

29

Shakespeare in the Park
By Kristen Lackajis
Beautiful weather, a stunning setting,
and a talented cast held all the
promise of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Night’s Dream being a night to
remember… well two out of three ain’t
bad (and yes, I’m talking about the
weather!) A well-timed clap of thunder
from the production’s sound chaps and
the heaven’s opened, but even the rain
couldn’t dampen the audiences’ spirits
as the show played on!
Directed by Sarah Stanley, this refreshing
take on the Bard’s classic tale of love with
a comedic twist, saw the cast donning
1970s disco gear whilst glitterballs hung
from the tree branches in Sarah’s boogie
wonderland interpretation. We eagerly
took our seat on straw bales, tucked into
our picnic, and waited for the show to
begin.
If you’re not familiar with A Midsummer
Night’s Dream, it has a little something for
everyone… comedy, unrequited love,
fantasy, music and mischief, and the highly
acclaimed cast members brought the magic
to life in the stunning setting of The Glade
at Maple Hayes.
The forlorn Hermia (passionately played
by Abigail Skidmore) falls in love with
Lysander (Nicola Townsend) but is forbade
from marrying him by her father, Egeus
(David Stonehouse) who instead favours
Demetrius (Rachel Somers) as her worthy
suitor. Meanwhile, Helena (Bethany
Hibbert) is in love with Demetrius and the
whole thing appears to be an utter
disaster!
We followed the mischievous
troublemaking sprite, Puck (played by Chris
Stanley), as he blundered the love potions
created by his master, Oberon (Robin
Lewitt), which had highly humorous and
almost catastrophic results, including
Oberon’s lover Titania (Imogen Bloxham)
falling for Nick Bottom (Elliot Beech) in a
hilarious story that was capably woven
together with a little 70s disco singing,
dancing, and a lot of merriment. Needless
to say, Elliot stole the show with his fantastic portrayal of
Bottom/Pyramus, which had the audience howling with
mirth and glee!
Shakespeare in the Park is definitely an annual
performance not to be missed! You can find out more by
visiting www.sitp.org.uk.
Paul Weller Rocks
the Chase!
By Kristen Lackajis
Crowds gathered on
Friday 9th June to
watch The Modfather, Paul
Weller, in action at Cannock
Chase’s Forest Live gig, and
what a night it was!
Being 65 years of age
certainly does not hold this
rocker back and Paul played a
28-song set effortlessly to a
bouncing crowd. Cool and
collected as ever, he warned us
that the set was a ‘long one’
and promised something old and new, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.
From golden oldies to new as-yet-unheard tunes, the gig could not have
been more varied and it appear that the audience were enjoying it almost
as much as the man himself! The former frontman of The Jam and Style
Council, Paul was backed by an excellent band which included Solihull
legend Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene fame – much to the delight
of the exuberant crowd.
Supported by Far From Saints, a cross-genre team-up featuring
Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones alongside Austin’s Patty Lynn and Dwight
Entertainment Section
Baker of The Wind and
The Wave, the entire
evening was a real treat
for fans of rock and soul.
And, as the sun slowly
set behind the forest
canopy and the dulcet
gravelly notes of Paul’s
ode to unattainable love,
You Do Something to
Me, rung out across the
treetops of an incredible
setting, I marvelled at this
once-in-a-lifetime
performance!
Photo by Dave Cox
Photo by Dave Cox

31

Dracula: The Bloody Truth
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
By Cheryl Turner
"Dracula: The Bloody Truth" is a thrilling and comedic play that takes
the iconic character of Count Dracula and spins a hilarious twist on the
classic tale. Written by Exeter-based theatre company, Le Navet Bete and
John Nicholson, this production combines the elements of horror,
mystery, and comedy to create a unique theatrical experience.
The play follows the adventures of Professor Abraham Van Helsing,
who embarks on a quest to unveil the truth about Count Dracula.
Alongside a group of brilliantly bumbling actors, Van Helsing travels from
London to Transylvania, encountering various obstacles and hilarious
situations along the way. As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to
an uproarious blend of slapstick comedy, witty dialogue, and clever visual
gags.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Dracula: The Bloody Truth" is
its ability to balance humour with the darker themes of Bram Stoker's
original novel. The play incorporates iconic scenes and characters from
the classic tale, injecting them with comedic twists and surprises.
The performances in "Dracula: The Bloody Truth" are nothing short of
spectacular. The talented cast brings the characters to life with
impeccable comedic timing and physicality. Their energy and chemistry on
stage are infectious, drawing the audience into the zany world of the play
– even roping in one front row theatre-goer as an extra at the beginning
of Act 2.
"Dracula: The Bloody Truth" is a delightful and captivating theatrical
experience that offers a fresh take on the classic vampire tale. With its
blend of humour, horror, and heart, not to mention generous nods to the
likes of Monty Python and The League of Gentlemen, it is sure to
entertain audiences of all ages.
Le Navet Bete will be returning to The Garrick in early 2024 with their
new show, King Arthur.
The London
Django Collective
The Hub at St Mary’s
By Jono Oates
The London Django Collective made a very impressive debut
performance at The Hub at St Mary’s at the end of May. The
band, which has a fluid number of members, is named after
Django Rheinhardt, the Romani-Belgian jazz guitarist and
composer, who was very well-known in the 1920s-40s. His style of
music was called Gypsy Jazz, and his characteristic method of
playing his guitar was influenced by the fact that he had lost the use
of two fingers on his fretting hand, damaged during a fire in his
caravan in 1928.
The Collective performed at the Hub as a four-piece, led by Harry
Diplock on guitar, Peter Thomas on double-bass, violinist Matt Holbourn
and Elias Prince on guitar. As he introduced the set Harry explained that
he was brought up in the tiny village of Lustleigh, in Devon, and Harry
only recently discovered that the noted jazz-violinist, Stephane Grapelli,
who collaborated many times with Django, lived just across the road
from his family home in the 1940s!
The Collective provided a stunning and captivating set of jazz tunes,
including several of Django’s own compositions, as well as ones
composed by Harry himself and some jazz classics from other
composers. All four band members were very talented, and the
musicianship was first class. Each of the musicians had an opportunity to
shine as they produced solo riffs, which were appreciated just as much by
their fellow band members as they were by the audience.
During the interval a member of the audience asked one of the Hub’s
staff if they could request a specific song. The band were more than happy
to oblige, so the second set opened with the classic Honeysuckle Rose,
composed by Fats Waller in 1929, accompanied by the lady who had
made the request dancing with her partner at the side of the stage!
Other classics included Tears and Django’s Tiger, by the great man
himself, and also I Wonder Where My Baby is Tonight, composed by Ben
Selvin.
The two sets were a wonderful and delightful celebration of jazz, and
gypsy jazz, all performed with verve and enthusiasm and was hugely
enjoyed by the appreciative sell-out audience. I am certain that it will not
be long before we see the London Django Collective back in Lichfield
again soon.
Entertainment Section

33

The Beach is Back at
Lichfield Cathedral!
The UKs most land locked Cathedral is all set to welcome back
The Beach this summer.
Back by popular demand, the Beach will be returning to Lichfield
Cathedral from Saturday 22nd July to Sunday 3rd September. Sand,
decking, deck chairs, children’s activites and refreshments will be
available throughout the school summer holidays for everyone to enjoy.
There is no charge to visit The Beach,, with free children’s acitivites
organised alongside it.
Every weekday during the school holidays from 10am-12pm, Lichfield
Cathedral will be hosting a free Craft Club for children and big children
alike. Each week will see a different activity with the opportunity to
create artwork that will be on display in the Cathedral during the
autumn installation: ‘Journey Through Creation.’ Children will be making
light catchers from recycled materials, fish, feathers, clouds, and much
more.
New for 2023, Lichfield Cathedral adds the water element to the
Beach. Every Monday and Friday during the school holidays at 10am-
12pm there will be water play on the West Front, perfect for families
with younger children.
Also installed during the summer will be an art installation: Wellspring
by Carolynn White. Wellspring will feature representations of water
cascading and bursting from the Font, respresenting new life and
refreshment for the body and soul. The artwork will be installed in the
summer and added to with children’s creations during the Craft Club.
The Right Revd Jan McFarlane, Dean of Lichfield would like to invite
everyone to come along: “Come for the day, bring a picnic, and enjoy the
sand trickling through your toes. Join in with children and adults alike,
making sandcastles, sunbathing, and simply enjoying relaxing in one
another’s company. Life is tough at the moment, with worries about
household bills and the cost of living. Child-like play is good for us
grown-ups as well as the little ones. Please know that you are always
welcome at Lichfield Cathedral – your Cathedral.”
20 Years of
Lichfield Garrick!
Pamela Raith Photography
This summer, the Lichfield Garrick Theatre begins celebrating 20
years of putting the very best of live entertainment and
creative opportunities at the heart of Lichfield.
The venue will be kicking off celebrations for its 20th year with an
Open Day on Saturday 1st July. Kicking off at 10am is a whole day of
exciting events, including community performances from Lichfield
Operatic Society, Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, and the Lichfield
Garrick Community Musical cast, and building tours, which are a unique
opportunity to discover what happens behind the scenes, from
exploring backstage to getting a glimpse into the dressing rooms. Drop
into our Studio and chat with local historian, Jono Oates, to view the
original architect drawings and have a conversation about the heritage
of the building, then take a trip down memory and peruse our archive
of costumes from past productions and pictures from performances
past.
Patrons will also have chances across the year to win big! The theatre
will be giving away 200 tickets over the next 12 months; on its birthday
there’ll be 20 chances to win tickets (up to four tickets each) for either
the legendary #GarrickPanto or this summer’s community musical, The
Wind in the Willows, then throughout the year, on the 20th of each
month, the venue will be offering out competitions via email for the
chance to win. Make sure you’re signed up to the mailing list for the
chance to win!
So, join Lichfield Garrick for a cuppa and a piece of birthday cake on
Saturday 1st July to share its birthday and celebrate the past, present
and future of live theatre in Lichfield!
For more information on Garrick 20 and the yearlong initiative to
support creative opportunities in the local area, visit
www.lichfieldgarrick.com/garrick20.
Entertainment Section

35

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'.
Saturday 1st July
Charity Concert for Kids Like Us
Kaleidescope Female Choir and Stagecoach
Lichfield Performance Troupe present a charity
concert for Kids Like Us.
Venue: Lichfield Methodist Church, 30 Tamworth
Street
Time: 7.30pm
Price: £8/£5 under 16s
Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk /
www.kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk/ 01543 252268.
Saturday 1st July
Lichfield Garrick Turns 20!
An open day will kick off the celebrations as the
Lichfield Garrick clocks up 20 years of
performances, celebrating with music, theatre,
tours and a chance to find out more about what
goes on behind the scenes. The event will feature
performances from the likes of Lichfield Operatic
Society, Brownhills Musical Theatre Company and
the Lichfield Garrick Community Musical cast.
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Time: 10am
Thursday 6th July
Lichfield Festival
An 11-day summer multi-arts festival at various
venues around the City of Lichfield! For more
information, such as the acts and performances
available, visit www.lichfieldfesival.org.
Thursday 6th, 13th & 20th July
Let’s Talk About Dementia
Cannock Chase Crematorium will join with
support staff from Alzheimer’s Society to run a
series of workshops aimed at supporting local
people and their families living with dementia. The
evenings are for anyone with a diagnosis and any
family members or friends who want to know
how best to help. Refreshments available.
Venue: Cannock Chase Crematorium, Norton
Road, Heath Hayes, WS12 3HJ
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm
For further information and to book places
contact Jo Walker. Tel: 01543 212988. Email:
info@cannockcrematorium.co.uk.
Saturday 8th July
Birthplace Writers Group
Free monthly session (no meeting in August).
Beginners and current writers are welcome to
this friendly adult group to nurture their writing
aspirations in an inspiring venue.
Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Time: 2pm – 3.30pm
Free event, just drop in call 01543 264 972, email
sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit the Museum.
Saturday 8th & 22nd July
Birthplace Bookworms!
Our fortnightly reading club for 7–11 year-olds!
Read along and enjoy themed craft activities.
Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Time: 10:30am-11:40am
36
Price: £3.50 per child. Discounts available for
family groups.
Visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk to
book online, call 01543 264 972 or email
sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk for more details.
Monday 10th July
Burntwood Family History Group
A talk on the Battle of Waterloo by Tim Burgin.
Visitors welcome.
Venue: Chase Terrace Academy, Bridge Cross
Road, Burntwood, WS7 2DB. Use entrance on SE
corner of main building.
Time: 7pm
More details on www.bfhg.org.uk/.
Thursday 13th - Saturday 15th July
Art Exhibition & Musical Performances
By members of Lichfield u3a. There is also well
dressing preparation. Entry is free.
Venue: St Chad's Church
Time: 10 00 to 16 00 each day.
Further details of Lichfield u3a at
u3asites.org.uk/lichfield/welcome.
Friday 14th July
Lichfield Gospel Choir
Lichfield Gospel Choir is back for a Summer
Concert with a difference. For the first time, we’ll
be joined by Year Five children from St Michael’s
Primary School for an evening of uplifting African,
gospel and soulful music.
Venue: St Peter and Paul Church, Dimbles Hill,
Lichfield, WS13 7NH
Time: 7:30pm
Tickets available from:
www.lichfieldgospelchoir.co.uk/tickets/summerconcert-lichfield-gospel-choir.
Mondays until 17th July
Birthplace Writing Café
A relaxed course welcoming participants of all
levels to create stories, poems, and scripts at
your own pace.
Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Time: 2pm-3.30pm
Price: £4.50 per person
Visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk for
more details. To book call 01543 264 972, email
sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit the Museum.
Thursday 20th July
Lichfield’s Lost Pubs with Jono
Lichfield has had many pubs and inns over the
centuries and this walking tour, with illustrations
of the former pubs, takes you round the city
centre with local tour guide, and historian, Jono,
searching for Lichfield’s Lost Pubs. The tour will
last an hour and thirty minutes and will be
followed by a visit to a historic pub to discover
its history. Pubs are as featured in Jono’s articles
for Citylife in Lichfield.
Time: 7pm. Price: £12
Book tickets at www.eventbrite.co.uk or email:
jonathan@jonotourism.co.uk.
Date: Friday August 25th. Time: 4pm until 11pm
Venue: Beacon Park
Crooked House Live presents Ministry of Sound
Classical Orchestra with vocalist Janice Robinson (Livin'
Joy) & DJ set from Judge Jules.Venue: Beacon Park
The Staffordshire
Regiment Museum
Visit us at the Museum this summer and
join in with one of our many events and
activities, which will keep all the family
entertained.
Events coming up include:
• Military & Vintage Fair 27th July
• Knott Car Club Show
13th August
• Blitz Weekend
26th & 27th August
With our children’s play area, First World
War trench experience and our fascinating
museum charting the history of the people
of Staffordshire’s involvement in conflict
since 1700, there is lots to see and do at
the Museum.
www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com
Continued on page 38

37

What’s on Continued
Friday 21st July
A Different
Thread
A Different Thread is a
transatlantic band
fronted by Alicia Best
from Durham, North
Carolina, and Robert Jackson from the Midlands
of England. The two met busking in Ireland in
2016 and have been on the road ever since,
touring and creating original music together.
Pulling from their respective roots, they weave
together elements of 70s’ Folk Revival, Country,
and Appalachian Blues into a timeless blend of
Americana.
Venue: The Hub at St Marys, Market Square
Time: 8pm
Price: £16
More information and tickets available from
www.thehubstmarys.co.uk or pop into the venue
to book.
Saturday 22nd July
Chase Wakes
Family fun day with
free entry for all.
Attractions include
funfair rides provided
by Pat Collins Funfairs; inflatables by Best Fun
Limited; petting zoo by Nature's Burrow Animal
Encounters; Punch & Judy by Story Magic;
Everyone Health NHS Trailer; Staffordshire &
Stoke on Trent Wellbeing Bus, and lots more!
Venue: Burntwood Leisure Centre, High Street,
Chasetown
Time: 12 noon
Saturday 22nd July
Kings Bromley Show
A family event for all ages with live music, fun dog
show, artisan craft market, food and bars,
children’s entertainment, falconry display and
stunt motorbike show, plus lots more for people
of all ages! Free parking. More info at
www.kingsbromleyshow.co.uk.
Time: 10am-7pm
Price: Tickets £8 per adult, children under 16 £4,
under 5s free.
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd July
Lichfield Pride
A weekend for everyone, in a safe environment.
Full of fun and entertainment, street food and
more. Pride March is on Sunday and takes place
at 12 noon from Minster Pool
Venue: The Angel Inn & Duke of York, plus various
venues around City
Thursday 27th July
Lichfield in the Civil War
From the winter of 1642, to the summer of 1646,
the city of Lichfield was torn apart during the
English Civil War. Lichfield historian, and tour
guide, Jono Oates, provides an illustrated talk
describing how Lichfield became a city divided
between Royalists and Roundheads - and also
reveals the location where the ghost of a mortally
wounded Cavalier takes his last breath!
Venue: Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street
Time: 7pm
Price: £10pp to include refreshments.
Book tickets online at:
www.erasmusdarwin.org/events or ring 01543
306260.
Creative Writing
Word Perfect Creative Writing is a weekly
Lichfield group for new and experienced writers.
Explore poetry, fiction, drama and non-fiction.
Identify the strengths of your work and learn new
techniques in a friendly and supportive group.
Each session is designed to help you become the
writer you want to be.
Times & Dates:
Wednesday evening session, 7pm till 9pm (two
spaces available).
Friday morning session, 11am till 1pm (currently
fully booked).
New Friday afternoon session starts 8th
September, 2pm till 4pm.
Price: £10 per session. All materials included. No
need to block book and you only pay for the
sessions you attend.
For more information or to book your place
contact Joss on 07833 735048 or at
wordperfectcreativewriting@gmail.com.
Win Tickets to
Ministry of Sound
Classical
Don’t miss the electrifying Ministry of Sound 31-piece
classical orchestra event live and in Lichfield on Friday 25th
August 2023. Featuring globally-renowned DJ Judge Jules and
live vocalist Janice Robinson (Livin' Joy).
This August bank holiday get set to relive some of the most
incredible dance music of all time against the beautiful backdrop of
Beacon Park, Lichfield, underneath our festival big top. Experience
classics such as Hey Boy Hey Girl (The Chemical Brothers),
Sunchyme (Dario G), Insomnia (Faithless), Right Here, Right Now
(Fat Boy Slim), plus many more, delivered like never before.
Citylife has teamed up with Crooked House Events to offer one
lucky reader two (2) VIP tickets for the Ministry of Sound Classical
event on 25th August. This fantastic prize includes access to the
exclusive VIP village and main stage. The VIP village features a VIP
bar, DJs, and a live feed of the main arena for the orchestral
performance. A glass of fizz on arrival, queue jump, posh toilets,
and VIP food traders Neighbourhood Coop & Taco El Pap are all
included. Tickets available from skiddle.com (Search Ministry of
Sound Classical, Lichfield)
To be in with a chance of winning, simply
correctly answer the following question and
send it along with your contact details.
Where does Ministry of Sound Classical take
place?
a) Beacon Park
b) Stafford County Showground
c) Chasewater
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Ministry
of Sound 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 23rd July 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.
Entries must be 18 & over. ID will be required.
Tickets are only valid in the winner's name. No re-sale is available
38

39

40

41

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...
Simon Price, of Arthur Price Cutlery,
addresses the audience at the We Love
Lichfield prize giveaway at The George Hotel
Staffordshire Regiment Museum team, St
Giles Hospice Safrai Solstice Walk
Lichfield Society of Artists Exhibition
presentation, Lichfield Guildroom
Lichfield Players Men of the World play at
Lichfield Garrick Studio
Lichfield Bower procession,
Bore Street
Lichfield Bower Procession,
Cathedral Close
Tony Hadley with the Hub St Mary's team St Giles
March of the Elephants launch
Lichfield Bower Funfair, Beacon Park
Lichfield Bower procession.
42
Court of Arraye at Lichfield Guildhall
Artist Bob Goldsboro exhibition,
Courtyard Fine Art Gallery
A Misummer Night's Dream by
Shakespeare in the Park at
Maple Hayes

Mapping Memories
of Covid Pandemic
Communities across the UK are being encouraged to participate
in Mapping Memories, a new engagement programme forming
a nationally significant archive of community stories that explores
the impact of lockdowns on people’s mental health, education, daily
lives and routines. Aided by a selection of free-to-download online
resources, groups can participate in this national conversation by
hosting self-guided workshops, mapping their memories and sharing
stories of their outdoor experiences during the pandemic.
Part of the Lockdown Landscapes initiative, Mapping Memories is a
nationwide community engagement programme led by the National
Memorial Arboretum in partnership with the National Forest Company,
Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage and Westminster Abbey, with
support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stories gathered
through the initiative will be stored in a new national archive for use by
researchers and a curated selection of stories will be made publicly
available.
The launch of the Mapping Memories workshop toolkits coincides
with the opening of a new Lockdown Landscapes exhibition at the
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, that will remain on
display until 1st October. It features artworks reflecting stories of
diverse communities that were disproportionately impacted by the
pandemic, gathered by four artist-led community engagement projects.
The artworks use a variety of mediums and are displayed in both
indoor and outdoor spaces around the 150-acre site:
• Breaking Ground: In Burton upon Trent, artists Anna Horton Cremin,
Natalie Linney, Rebecca Lee and Dawn Jutton worked alongside a local
social prescribing group to produce eco-dyed textiles and a soundscape
inspired by experiences of outdoor spaces during and after the
pandemic.
• Citizens of Coventry: In Coventry, artist Sebbie Mudhai and
videographer Tom Chimiak held workshops with communities living in
Citizen's supported housing, creating a poem and a film inspired by the
residents' individual and collective stories.
• Memory Benches: In Westminster, artist Alix Smith and members of
St Andrew's Youth Club produced a series of park benches covered with
illustrations created by the young people themselves, exploring their own
experiences and encounters with outdoor heritage throughout
lockdown.
• Together in a World Apart: In Birmingham, artists Tasawar Bashir and
Nafeesa Hamid gathered stories from communities with South Asian
heritage, bringing them together to form a sound artwork installed along
the pathway leading to the Arboretum's Trees of Life Glade.
Contributions to the Mapping Memories archive must be submitted by
1st October. To download the Mapping Memories resources and share
Lockdown Landscape stories, visit: https://thenma.org.uk/what'son/exhibitions/lockdown-landscapes.
43

Lichfield Camera Club
Lichfield Camera Club’s final competition of the season drew
high praise from judge, Dave Tucker, who commented on the
high standard of images in all sections of the competition.
First place in the Beginners/Intermediate section went to Annette
Keatley with her evocative “Winter Woodland” image, while the
Advanced Section was won by Anne
Anderson’s beautiful, Still Life
composition, “Box of Roses.”
Other images included the great action shot “Missed It” by Nigel
Lord; the impressive architectural shot, “Tower Blocks”, by Catherine
Nicholls; Sandra Morgan displayed great perception with an excellent
example of street photography in “Ideas To Reflect On”; another street
photography capture was Steven Eyles’ “Five K2 Reds” in which the red
colour of traditional telephone boxes has been highlighted by
desaturating the rest of the image; Joe Anderson’s image of “Durdle
Door” captured the amazing geological feature with beautiful light just
before sunset; and beautiful light also featured in Chris Redman’s image
“Swan At Alrewas”; finally, Darron Matthews showed his amazing ability
to photograph natural history with his beautifully detailed image
“Brimstone Moth on Fern Leaf.”
The club’s activities will resume on 6th September when John
Hartshorne will give a lecture entitled ‘Dark into Light’. If you would like
to develop your photography and learn how to produce images similar
to these, why not pop along? Visit www.lichfieldcameraclub.org for more
information.
44

45

Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
It’s Barbecue Time!
As I sit to write this I can’t help but wonder if
I’m being too optimistic wanting to cover
barbecues after the start we’ve had to the
year. Hardy as we Brits are to the rain it does
take the joy out of the day when you serve a
soggy sausage.
There are so many pieces of equipment to
choose from these days and it all comes down
to budget and personal preference. Most
garden centres have a wide range to look at
but I would recommend Tippers if you want to
see a full selection and they often have Weber demonstrations. I have
cooked on a Big Green Egg and had wonderful results as the meat stays
wonderfully moist but they do come at a price. There are copies on the
market at better value but I haven’t used any. There are the hunter
gatherers amongst us who still like to light our own fire and garnish it
with any number of herbs and wood wet wood chips to smoke the food
at the same time. Make sure you sit upwind if this happens or it will be
an uncomfortable experience. Tabletop gas barbecues are ideal for those
who prefer to stay seated whilst grasping and beer can or wine glass but
make sure you have sturdy table.
Supermarkets and butchers have started to stock all sorts of different
burgers, sausages and skewers which cover every possible continent. It’s
a very easy way to shop at the last minute but for those who enjoy
making their own I shall give a couple of recipes. The base for any BBQ
can be a mince of some kind, beef, lamb, pork, salmon or tuna. As these
are all protein they will hold together very well and the less fat content
the less flare up once it’s cooking. The base mince is merely a vehicle for
your seasoning be it from Vietnam, India or Thailand. Mix your favourite
seasoning together and either press into burgers or form round a skewer.
If you don’t have wooden skewers you can use rosemary stalks and the
sharpened outer leaves of lemon grass. These both look better and give
you added flavour on the inside
Vietnamese Style Tuna Burger
12ozs tuna steak
1 x red onion finely diced
1 stick lemon grass
1 x clove garlic
½ tsp chilli flakes
1tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 x lime
Method
Finely dice the tuna steak. Put
into a bowl and add the
chopped onion, crushed garlic
clove, zest and juice of the lime,
chilli flakes and season with some soy sauce or rice wine vinegar. Peel the
outer leaves off the lemon grass and finely dice the soft middle part and
mix into the mince.
Form into 4 burgers and cook on the BBQ Turning after 45 seconds and
then to cook for a minute more. Tuna is beautiful served pink. Dust with
the chopped coriander.
Moroccan Style Cous Cous
This dish is both easy to make and a nice change from potatoes. Serve
either warm or cold for a textured side.
1 x 200gm packet of fine cous-cous (not pearl)
8 x chopped soft dates
12 x blanched almonds
1pt chicken stock boiling
2tbsp chopped coriander
½ tsp Chilli flakes (less if you don’t like it too spicy)
Method
I use the fine cous-cous rather than the pearl for this recipe as it doesn’t
need cooking as such. Put the cous-cous into a bowl and drizzle a
teaspoon of olive oil on top. Rub through with your fingers so that every
grain should be coated with the oil. This will stop it sticking together. Add
the dates, almonds and chilli and pour the boiling chicken stock on until
it just covers the top by 5 ml. Put a plate on top to keep the heat and
steam in. After 7 or 8 minutes give it a stir and add the coriander. Either
serve straight away or at any time afterwards. This goes very well with a
BBQ chicken breast or lamb marinated in harissa.
Banana with Rum and Brown Sugar
Such an easy dish that you can leave on the low embers while you eat
your main course
4 x large peeled bananas
4tbsp Demerara sugar
2ozs unsalted butter
8ozs clotted or whipped cream
2 x shots dark Rum (or 4 on a cold night!)
Method
Take a sheet on tinfoil big enough to wrap all the bananas in. Place the
sliced butter on the bottom, sprinkle the brown sugar and rum over the
top and seal in the tin foil. Place the packet on a low BBQ for 7 or 8
minutes. Serve and cover with a dollop of cream. If you fancy making
chocolate shortbread biscuits to finish it all off much the better for you
Endive and Orange Salad
1 x head white endive
1 x head red endive
1 x large orange
1tsp grain mustard
4ozs mayonnaise
1tsp caster sugar
1tbsp white vinegar
10 x leaves mint
Method
Break the endive into single leaves and cut a V into the bottom of
the leaf to remove the bitter part and then wash. Peel and
segment the orange. Chop the mint. In a bowl mix the mayonnaise,
sugar, mustard and vinegar. Mix the endive, orange and mint in a
bowl and then mix with the mustard dressing. Endive is also called
chicory if you are out shopping.
I am still available to cater for
dinner parties, barbecues buffets
and corporate catering and can be
reached on
simonsmith57@icloud.com.
Alternatively, visit
www.simonsmith-chef.com for
further information.

Lemon Drop Martini
A show-stoppingly zingy, citrussy,
refreshing taste explosion to
cleanse the palate on a warm
Summer’s day!
Ingredients
25ml Triple Sec
25ml Absolut Citron Vodka
25ml Sugar Syrup
25ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and
pour in the ingredients. Shake as
though you mean it for at least 20
seconds and then pour into a cocktail
glass. Garnish with fresh lemon. Strike
a pose, sip and enjoy!
*Cocktail courtesy of Encore!
situated on Market Street, Lichfield.
47

Downton Glamour
By Lesley Smith,
Curator of Tutbury Castle
There is a lady I know whose name fills me with envy
– Notty Hornblower. Just imagine the glory of such
an unforgettable name, particularly as mine is Smith!
Now, there is nothing wrong with Smith, a fine old English
name, but I would much prefer Hornblower, or indeed my
grandmother’s name – De Vere. How grand that would be,
but I am still Smith.
Notty Hornblower is a well-known figure in many circles, and
it seems everyone I speak to in Lichfield, across Staffordshire
and beyond, has heard of her. Notty is a fashion expert and
costume collector with a formidable reputation for high
standards. She manages to mix this expertise with a warm and
enthusiastic nature which means she is great fun to be with and
hear speak. Notty Hornblower has a museum you can see in
the Peak National Park, with wonderful displays going back to
some original 18th century pieces. Real costumes worn by real people at the time of
Lichfield’s own Dr Johnson. It takes great skill to care for and curate such a collection.
Experts who support her are at the top of their respective professional trees,
including a lady from the Royal School of Needlework.
We met recently at the castle and talked together about the enduring affection and
attraction of the TV series Downton Abbey. Many people were dismayed when it
finished. I heard a whisper recently that it may be returning to our screens, which I
think would be wonderful if true, and I know I am not alone in that view, either here
in the UK or in many other countries. The Americans love it, of course, as we would
expect.
I remember speaking to a senior manager from the National Trust many years ago,
and he told me there was some trepidation as to whether they should open up the
kitchens and servants’ quarters for the public to see. As we know, they turned out to
be the part of these properties that were amongst the most visited. The reasons are
straightforward, as it turned out that people love to see the vast array of copper pans,
black ranges, spits for roasting and laundry rooms. Another reason is that, for most
people, the servants’ quarters were where their ancestors lived and worked, and that
link with the past can be moving. You often hear people say “my gran used to work in
a place like this.” As the years go by there will be fewer of these comments, but there
will be programmes like Downton to keep these thoughts alive both upstairs and
below stairs.
Notty Hornblower (who, by the way, looked just like Honor Blackman at one time)
and I are going to put on a show of her 1920s collection at the Castle this month. She
is picking out the most gorgeous pieces and bringing a team of models with her. I can’t
wait to see the models looking marvellous under the chandeliers in our marquee. The
real things are so much better than fancy dress. They will make the audience gasp if
the photos are anything to go by.
I have a particular affection for the period as my late mother-in-law was at the
School of Art as a fashion designer in the 1920s and we have a number of her designs,
many of which are in full colour and are now real family treasures. Her name was
Phyllis Meakin and she went on to become a ‘Fever Sister’ in the local hospital, but her
love of creativity lived on in her short life. Sadly, she died before I was born, but I feel
I know something of her through her designs. It is because of Phyllis that I wanted
Notty’s 1920s fashion collection at the Castle, as well as the sheer glamour it would
offer.
So, here in England much of our confidence is almost entirely back, and lockdown is
like a bad dream. It is time to appreciate the opportunities we have to enjoy life to the
full. All these positive thoughts ring true with all of us, I know, but I also know I am still
a Smith!
48

Property of
the Month
...........................
Pinfold Hill, Lichfield, WS14
£900,000
Journey Through ‘The
New World’ at the NMA
This summer (20th July - 1st
September) families of all
ages can immerse themselves in
an extraordinary free interactive
experience at the National
Memorial Arboretum.
The New World takes its
inspiration from the natural
surroundings of the Arboretum and
the powerful stories of service and
sacrifice shared within its grounds.
Created in collaboration with
immersive environments arts
organisation Wild Rumpus, the New World introduces five distinct themed areas
that encourage creative, physical, and reflective activity drawing on the themes
of journeys and travel, encouraging people to contemplate the experience of
exploring new places.
Families will be guided on their immersive technicolour journey by the spin of
a wheel, which will send them on an unpredictable adventure around the areas
which include a dream garden, memory maze, playscape, the sanctuary and
utopia, completing fun activities that will challenge their imaginations along the
way.
Visitors can journey through The New World from 10am to 5pm daily. Entry
into the Arboretum, and The New World is free though advance booking is
recommended to guarantee entry and save on parking. Find out more
atwww.thenma.org.uk/thenewworld.
This spacious family home occupies a prime position
within Shenstone village and has been thoughtfully
extended by the present owners to provide a magnificent
open plan kitchen/diner with living area. There is a large
driveway to the front providing parking for several cars
and a private rear garden with views over the park.
This tastefully decorated imposing accommodation
briefly comprises: entrance hall, guest toilet, through
lounge/dining room, open plan bespoke kitchen/diner,
utility and boot room. The stairs and landing leads to the
first floor where there is a master bedroom with ensuite
bathroom, three further double bedrooms and family
bathroom. To the second floor there is a large double
bedroom and study/bedroom six. The private rear garden
overlooks the park and is mainly laid to lawn with a variety
of mature shrubs to borders, water feature, fruit trees and
paved patio area. To the front of the large driveway, there
is a well established garden with mature shrub borders.
Conveniently located within walking distance of all the
amenities of Shenstone village, including the train station,
this property is also well placed for all motorway
networks.
Rebecca Adams In Partnership with The
Property Experts
E: rebecca@thepropertyexperts.co.uk.
P: 07715 763563
49

CLASSIFIED
Holiday Cottage
Woolacombe, North Devon
Details/Pictures:-
www.leesideholidays.com
johns@leeside.myzen.co.uk
Tel: 0121 353 6613
Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
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to GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email kristencitylife@gmail.com
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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
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agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
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50
judge in the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received.
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entered into.
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prize is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the
quality of the prize provided.
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county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online.
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or consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition.
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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.

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 18th August 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.
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