Citylife in Rugeley and Cannock Chase July August 2023

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Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Rugeley & Cannock
Chase, a bi-monthly magazine bringing you our pick
of the area’s news, events and stories. Every other
month CITYLIFE in Rugeley & Cannock Chase is
delivered to businesses and homes in Rugeley,
Cannock Chase, Shoal Hill, Ravenhill,
Etchinghill, Slitting Mill, Armitage, Brereton,
Handsacre, Colton, Hawkesyard, Draycott Park
completely free of charge; bringing you the best
that the area 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 region? We want to hear
from you!
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 been happening in and
around the area
12 Forest Bathing
A few hours in nature is great
for your wellbeing
15 Tastes of the Season
A BBQ recipe from Simon
Smith
26 What's On
Local events in July & August
32 The Beach
Why not visit the beach in the
heart of the Midlands?
Website Advertising
We now offer digital adverts on our
website! Would you like to drive
more people to your website or
Facebook page? If so, speak to one of
our team today to find out more!
www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk
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.
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LOCAL NEWS
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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: Rugeley SCP with Cllr
David Williams.
...........................................................
Your Park,
Your Ideas!
Residents living near the park in
Barnard Way, Cannock, are being
given the opportunity to
feedback on the design of the
new play area.
The existing equipment was
installed in 1991 and is not
inclusive. The refurbishments
will include, the provision of a
new accessible and equipped
play area, new formal hard
surfaced footpaths and tree
planting.
Work will start in the summer
with completion due autumn
2023.
The Council is seeking the views
of local residents on the design
of the new play area via a short
online survey. The closing date is
Monday 17th July. Visit
www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/ne
wparks.
...........................................................
Cyclist Route
Created
Cyclists and pedestrians in
Cannock are enjoying smoother
and safer journeys thanks to a
£1.3 million investment.
The Staffordshire County
Council scheme included major
cycling improvements to the
A5190 Lichfield Road and A4601
Hednesford Road.
The new cycleway now runs
two-way from the Old
Hednesford Road junction, along
Hednesford Road and onto
Lichfield Road, ending near to
the ASDA supermarket. It gives
people a safer, easy to navigate
cycleway and has separation for
pedestrians, cyclists and traffic.
The project was funded by the
Department
for Transport’s
Active Travel Fund grant.
...........................................................
School Uniform
Donations
Needed
Many families continue to
benefit from a project which has
provided over 8,500 items of
school uniform worth almost
£57,000.
The Pre-Loved Uniform Markets
(PLUM), run by Staffordshire
County Council’s libraries
service and The Salvation Army,
allow families in Stafford and
Cannock to pick up items of
clothing to help support them
with their children’s school
uniform needs. With the next
markets happening during the
summer holidays, organisers are
asking people to donate their
unwanted items.
School trousers, skirts, shirts
and branded school sweatshirts
of any size can be dropped off at
Stafford and Cannock libraries.
Items should be in good
condition and washed ready for
the markets.
Further details on the project
are available on Staffordshire
Libraries Facebook page.

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LOCAL NEWS
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Scrap Metal
Insect Art
To celebrate Insect Week,
students from South
Staffordshire College, who are
studying motor vehicle studies,
have been working with
Cronimet, a Cannock based
company that recycles scrap
stainless steel, to make insects
and bugs out of scrap metal.
The students have learnt various
metal working skills, which have
enabled them to produce some
amazing sculptures, which will be
displayed in the garden of the
signal box in Hednesford Park.
Insect Week is a National
campaign run by the Royal
Entomological Society, whose
aim is to encourage people of all
ages to learn more about
insects, it ran from 19th – 25th
June this year.
...........................................................
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.
...........................................................
New Optical
Store Manager
Visitors to a Rugeley opticians
are being greeted by a new face
after Shreena Patel joined as the
new store manager.
Joining the 11-strong team at
Specsavers on Upper Brook
Street, Shreena has five and a
half years’ experience working
as a store manager at Specsavers
stores in Cribbs Causeway and
Worcester Park.
Find Specsavers at 5 Upper
Brook Street, Rugeley or visit
www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ru
geley.
...........................................................
Free Kids’
Water
Activities
Local watersports company, Pier
52 based at Chasewater
Country Park, is partaking in the
2023 Staffordshire HAF (Holiday
Activities and Food) scheme this
summer.
If your child is aged 8-16 years of
age and is entitled to free school
dinners, they can come to Pier
52 during the summer school
holiday and get two hours of
paddling fun plus a lunch from
the cafe for free!
Pier 52 offers paddle boarding,
cable wakeboarding and other
water-based activities.
Check the website
www.pier52.co.uk for times and
to book. (You will need to enter
your HAF code to redeem your
session for free). Alternatively,
find Pier 52 on Facebook or
contact them on 07498 211962
to find out more.
...........................................................
Amazon Centre
to Close
Retail giant, Amazon, is to shut
its Rugeley fulfilment site, the
firm announced at the end of
June.
More than 1,000 staff who
currently work at the
warehouse will be affected,
although it is thought they will
be offered positions at a new
warehouse, due to open in
Sutton Coldfield in October of
this year.
Recruitment has already started
for the new Birmingham-based
premises, and Amazon is now
looking for engineers, HR and IT
professionals, health and safety
and finance specialists, and
operations managers, as well as
people who pick, pack and ship
customer orders.

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Local & Community Groups
Community Pics
There are so many wonderful organisations and community groups out there, we thought we'd select a
few of our favourite pictures to highlight in this issue of Citylife! Can you spot yourself?
Twenty members and guests of Rugeley Model Boat Club held a
celebration lunch at Manor Park for the King's Coronation.
Twenty members and guests of Rugeley Model Boat Club
held a The ladies from Cannock Soroptimists volunteered at
this year's Ironman 70.3 event.
The Cannock WI Corontion Committee celebrate
the King's Corontation in May.
Members of Rugeley WI with speaker, Rona Johnson,
from The Stan Bowley Trust.
Lead Team President, Carole Holdcroft, and Jill Mason,
inducted Alison Murray, Caryn Hewitt and Julia Kenny as
members of SI Cannock & District.
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New member, Jackie Watton, is welcomed at
Cannock & District Probus Club.
SI Cannock & District Soroptimists Jackie Prince, Lynne
Tuckley, and Carole Holdcroft at the Big Help Out event.

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A
long
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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 openeyed
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.
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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
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My Month in
Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
e are so fortunate to have such
Woutstanding natural beauty in and
around Rugeley. Cannock Chase offers us
a natural environment with a huge
diversity of wildlife, in turn attracting
visitors from across the country looking
to enjoy the great outdoors. However, we have another
area of beauty that often gets overlooked: the River
Trent.
The Trent Valley is currently undergoing many
improvements designed to help nature. To learn all about
this, I recently visited Staffordshire Wildlife Trust HQ just
outside Rugeley, to understand more about the
Transforming the Trent Valley (TTTV) project.
The TTTV project is a partnership of eighteen
to sponsor its stay in Lichfield, visit
www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/sponsorshipopportunities/knife-angel
organisations that include environmental groups, charities
and local authorities, who are all working together to
improve the natural environment and the biodiversity of the
River Trent and its tributaries.
I am also pleased that the issue of sewage dumping in
rivers has been brought under greater scrutiny in recent
months.
I voted for targets through the Environment Act to
strengthen the rules on pollution from sewage. I also called
on, and supported, the new plans for the water regulator,
Ofwat, to take action against water companies who pay out
dividends to their shareholders despite failing to meet
required performance standards. We have just given Ofwat
the powers they needed to do this. I understand that Ofwat
is now modifying utility licences to require companies to
take account of environmental performance and customer
delivery when deciding whether to pay dividends to
shareholders.
I am pleased that everyone, both locally and nationally, is
working together to ensure that the health of our rivers is
improving. As I am sure you will agree, our natural
environment is something that should be protected and
preserved for future generations.
As always, if you require my help with anything at all,
please do not hesitate to contact me via email at
amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or by telephone on
01543 877142.

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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. 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.
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.
I am still available to cater for dinner parties, barbecues buffets and corporate
catering and can be reached on simonsmith57@icloud.com.

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20 Years of
Lichfield Garrick!
Pamela Raith Photography
This summer, the Lichfield Garrick Theatre
began celebrating 20 years of putting the
very best of live entertainment and creative
opportunities at the heart of Lichfield.
The venue will be kicked off celebrations for its
20th year with an Open Day on Saturday 1st July,
which saw 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.
Visitors dropped into the Studio to chat with
local historian, Jono Oates, and to view the
original architect drawings and have a
conversation about the heritage of the building,
then took a trip down memory lane by perusing
the 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 in celebrating its 20th
birthday,including 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.
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19

A Window on the Past
By The Landor (local history) Society
Transport
This month's article is a foretaste of the
Landor (Local History) Society's 2023
display, which will be in Rugeley
Library for four weeks in the autumn and at
Brereton Carnival on Saturday July 15th, in
Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall.
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1. The 18th century bridge over the River
Trent, near Trent Valley station in November
1974.
2. The railway bridge carrying the Cannock
Mineral Line over the end of Horse Fair in 1974,
showing the original gas light brackets,
colloquially known as "The Antlers."
3. Manton's first taxi. Photo taken at the rear
of the Shrewsbury Arms early in the twentieth
century. Rugeley's first taxi driver was Benny
Bufton.
4. An early motor-car accident at Great
Haywood. When the car was approaching the
bridge over the Trent, near Great Haywood Mill,
the steering-gear broke. The out-of-control
vehicle broke through the bridge and
somersaulted into the river. The chauffeur
escaped and was able to rescue his elderly
passenger, but her 21-year-old niece perished.
5. The Green Bus company's cafe and offices in
Taylors Lane in 1974 (where the car park was
until earlier this year).
6. Not only humans need refreshments on
their journeys! The horse trough in Wolseley
Road in 1957, presented by the Revd. Littleton.
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7. Rugeley Eastern by-pass. The Stafford Town
Crier at the official opening on 22nd September
2007.
Please see the Landor (local history) Society
website www.landorsocietyrugeley.uk for our
autumn/ winter programme of events.
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Continued on page 22

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Continued
3
4
5
6
Wildchild Festival
in August!
Staffordshire
Photo by Adrian Clarke
Wildlife Trust is
excited to
announce the
return of the
highly anticipated
Wildchild Festival,
set to take place at the magnificent Wolseley Centre
in Rugeley on Wednesday 2nd August 2023. This
year, they are going all out to celebrate National
Playday with wild adventures, laughter, and endless
fun for the whole family!
This year's Wildchild Festival features a wide range of
activities and food stalls that will feed adventurous
spirits. From nature trails that lead to wondrous
discoveries, to interactive bush craft workshops that will
ignite creativity and imagination.
Booking is required and tickets are available on The
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust website www.staffswildlife.org.uk
or on Eventbrite.
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7

23

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 Baker of
The Wind and The Wave, the entire evening was a
real treat for fans of rock and soul. And, as the sun
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Photo by Dave Cox
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-ina-lifetime
performance!
Photo by Dave Cox

Cannock Foster
Carer Awarded
M
ore than 40 Staffordshire
foster carers have been
recognised at a special
celebration event, including
Jeanette McInnes from
Cannock, who has been a
foster carer for 40 years.
The families received their long service awards from
members of the Staffordshire Corporate Parenting Panel
at the event in County Buildings in Stafford on Sunday
25th June. A total of 651 years of fostering experience
was celebrated.
The service, which is rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted has
opportunities for many types of foster carer. These
include, short break fostering, disability fostering, shortterm
and long-term fostering.
The service hopes to recruit 60 more families over
the next year.
Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering
with Staffordshire County Council can visit
www.fosterforstaffordshire.co.uk or call 0800 169 2061.
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What’s On
Sat 8th & Sun 9th July
Open Gardens
13 gardens in Cannock Wood & Gentleshaw with
a very varied mix of sizes and styles to enjoy with
refreshments available. Several have wonderful
views and some are partially accessible for
wheelchair users. Free parking at village hall.
Location: Village Hall, Buds Road, WS15 4NB.
Time: 11am - 5pm
Price: Entry by programme (£5 for each adult),
available from the Village Hall.
Visit www.cwggc.co.uk/events for more
information.
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.
Sat 12th & Sun 13th August
The Battle for Mercia 2
Following the success of last year’s event, Mercia
Spirits Lab will once again transforming the
grounds of the Georgian Mansion back to the
Dark Ages where the Vikings have invaded and
set up camp. Come and see how they lived with
a working viking village, including axe throwing,
archery, food stalls, children’s activities and so
much more!
Venue: Bishton Hall, Bellamour Lane, Rugeley.
Price: £3 per adult, kids go free.
Every Thursday in Aug (3rd, 10th, 17th,
24th and 31st)
Summer Fun at Sam’s House
Hands-on family craft activities for the holidays. A
different activity each week themed on Johnson’s
Scottish travels 250 years ago – from making
your own coats of arms to wobbly Lock Ness
monsters!
Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum,
Market Square, Lichfield
Time: 11am & 12 noon
Price: £3.50 per child (accompanying adults free)
Find out more and book online at
www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk, call 01543
264 972 or email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk.
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Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over 8,000 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 Rugeley and Cannock'.

27

Kingsley Wood Road
By Alec Neal (written in February 1952)
have a few completed houses in Middle Road, which
has become Kingsley Wood Road and no signs,
fortunately, of the vast estate which was to disfigure
that small remaining core of a royal forest, which is
our legacy from the past.
The stone placed on Kingsley Wood road commemorating
the opening of the road by Sir Kingsley Wood
I
t
is interesting to look back to 1939 and the
grand plans that were made for a new town
"in the heart of the Chase." How fortunate for
lovers of the country that circumstances
prevented the completion of these grandiose
plans. Admittedly the need for houses is great
but there are plenty of sites which are not
exactly beauty spots.
April 12th 1939 had seen the arrival at Rugeley
Trent Valley station of the first batch of airmen to
be trained at the new camp on the Chase. Housing
facilities for the permanent staff of this new camp
were needed and the Rugeley Improvement
Association decided to sponsor a scheme to house
500 families.
The first turf was cut on 31st May 1939. At this
ceremony the new "Spirit of Rugeley," in the person
of a charming young lady, rose from the ground and
the old "Spirit of Antagonism and non-Cooperation"
was buried by members of the Rugeley
and Brereton Dramatic Society.
On June 9th Sir Kingsley Wood, Air Minister, laid
the foundation stone of the first of the initial batch
of 150 houses, which were to cost £73,000.
Provision was to be made for shops, a community
centre and playing fields.
Within three months we were at war and
building work soon stopped; sewage difficulties
arose, RAF requirements changed; and so now we
28
Entrance to RAF Hednesford
A poster advertising a dance at Rugeley shortly after the
first RAF occupants arrived at the new camp.

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 34.
29

Coronation Babies
Celebrated!
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.
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.)
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.
Other families included, Elodie Davis and
Parents Hester and Ben from Tamworth. Bodie
Paxton with mum Elise Deavall from Cannock and
Louie McIver with mum Amy Davies from
Hednesford.
30

Mapping Memories
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.
31

Holiday Cottage
Woolacombe, North Devon
Details/Pictures:-
www.leesideholidays.com
johns@leeside.myzen.co.uk
Tel: 0121 353 6613
The Beach is Back!
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.
32
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.”

33

34

Price includes an arrival drink, 3 course meal and coffee along with a Blaze disco till midnight.
Friday Abba Re-Bjorn 17/11/23 £39.50
Get ready for one of the most exciting and
authentic-sounding ABBA tribute acts that
you're likely to see.
Saturday Micki’s Diva Show 18/11/23
£39.50
Is truly a one-of-a-kind show! Micki is a vocal
chameleon, her unique ability to sound like
many great Divas by performing some of their
greatest hits in their original style. A
memorable, unique and fun night with
something for everyone!
Friday Elvis – Kevin Paul 24/11/23 £39.50
Make way for the King of Rock 'n' Roll with
this Elvis Extravaganza of Glitz & Glamour of
the Vegas years!
Saturday Bublé Reborn with Adam Dean
25/11/23 £39.50
Bublé Reborn is a highly regarded & soughtafter
Michael Bublé Tribute.
Thursday Essential 80’s 30/11/23 £37.50
Essential 80s are a terrific 4-piece tribute act
nothing short of amazing, performing your
favourite 80s hits.
Madonna & Back to the 80’s – Nicola Marie
01/12/23 £39.50
The Queen of Pop will take you on a musical
journey through the ever-changing image and
hits of Madonna's illustrious career.
Saturday Soul Kinda Wonderfull 02/12/23
£42.50
SKW re-light the magic of that splendid Soul
and Motown era, that we all love and adore,
with distinctive vocals and flawless dance
moves.
Thursday Abba Re-Bjorn hits from
Mamma Mia 7/12/23 £42.50
Get ready for one of the most exciting and
authentic-sounding ABBA tribute acts that
you're likely to see. Voted as the UK’s TOP
ABBA tribute!
Friday 08/12/23 £39.50
Saturday 9/12/23 Blaze £42.50
Our resident disco Blaze, playing a range of
party music.
Wednesday Iconic 80’s V 90’ 13/12/23
£39.50
With 1000’s of performances under their
belts, the Iconic band deliver a fantastic,
jammed pack night of 80's V 90's classics.
George M & Wham Tribute -Steve Mitchell
- George Michael Live 14/12/23 £42.50
George Michael live Is a Celebration of the
music of George Michael and WHAM!!
Friday 15/12/23 £42.50
Saturday 16/12/23 Blaze £45.00
Our resident disco Blaze, playing a range of
party music.
Take That – Could It Be Magic – 17/12/23.
£45.00
These boys will Relight Your Fire, with an
explosive high energy performance of old &
new.
Tuesday Abba Re-Bjorn 19/12/23 £45.00
Get ready for one of the most exciting and
authentic-sounding ABBA tribute acts that
you're likely to see. Voted as the UK’s TOP
ABBA tribute!
Wednesday Swinging 60’s & Motown Party
with The Krystalettes – 20/12/23 £45.00
Let’s transport you into the swinging sixties,
back to a time where miniskirts, Mary Quant
and beehives ruled.
Thursday Essential 80’s 21/12/23 £45.00
Essential 80s are a terrific 4-piece tribute act
nothing short of amazing, performing your
favourite 80s hits.
Friday 22/12/23 £45.00
Saturday 23/12/23 Blaze £45.00
Our resident disco Blaze, playing a range of
party music.