Citylife in Rugeley and Cannock Chase September October 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
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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
10 Community Highlights
Pics from local groups and
organisations
16 Tastes of the Season
Autumnal recipes with
Simon Smith
20 A Window on the Past
The Landor (local history)
Society looks at St Anthony's
Convent
Website Advertising
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our team today to find out more!
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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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5

LOCAL NEWS
Local Green
Spaces
Recognised
Cannock Bug
Explorer Trail
(l-r) Aaron Burgess, Cllr John
Preece, Christine Salmon & Matt
Warkulewicz.
Cannock Chase Council
celebrated in July after receiving
a Green Flag Award for Cannock
Park, Ravenhill Park, Elmore
Park, Hednesford Park, Stile Cop
Cemetery and Castle Ring.
The news that these open
spaces have achieved the
accreditation means that
Cannock Chase Council is one
of the top performing District
Council’s in the West Midlands.
Castle Ring Green Heritage Site
has also retained the Green
Heritage Site Accreditation,
supported by Historic England,
for the management of its
historic features.
The Green Flag Award scheme,
managed by environmental
charity Keep Britain Tidy under
licence from the Department
for Levelling Up, Housing and
Communities, recognises and
rewards well-managed parks and
green spaces, setting the
benchmark standard for the
management of green spaces
across the United Kingdom and
around the world.
Local schoolchildren and
community groups have helped
design a new eco arts trail to
encourage more people to go
outdoors and explore their local
green spaces.
The Bug Explorer Trail is located
around the Cannock Chase
Stadium site on Pye Green Road
and incorporates five art pieces
depicting insects that can be
found on Cannock Chase.
Schools and local community
groups worked alongside local
arts organisation, Planet Art, to
develop the artwork. Planet Art
ran creative sessions to get
schoolchildren to learn about
the habitats and protected
species of Cannock Chase.
Take on the challenge with the
Cannock Chase Can App (free
to download) and find out more
about each insect!
...........................................................
Funds Tackle
Climate Change
Hundreds of local businesses are
having a positive impact on
climate change and the planet
thanks to funding worth £1.1
million.
The county council's Low
Carbon Business Evolution
Programme (LCBEP) in
partnership with Staffordshire
Business and Environment
Network (SBEN) has supported
over 350 businesses with free
energy efficiency reviews and
provided grants to over 145
companies.
The programme which is part
funded by the European
Regional Development Fund and
Midlands Engine is estimated to
reduce carbon emissions by
over 2,250 tonnes annually.
Amongst the companies
receiving funding are Cannock
based ATP Group Industries Ltd,
which received £20,000 for
Lighting and Infra-red Heating.
Whilst Walpole Fine Bone China
Ltd, a family-run ceramics
manufacturer in Stoke-on-Trent,
received £9,898 towards the
cost of new more energy
efficient compressors and LED
lights.
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LOCAL NEWS
Veg Oil
Vehicle Trials
Guy Jones
Staffordshire's Household Waste
Recycling service is trialling the
use of Hydrotreated Vegetable
Oil (HVO) to fuel its site diggers
and fleet vehicles.
The six-week trial, at the
Cannock HWRC, is exploring
the potential of HVO as an ecofriendly
fuel source, to help the
authority reduce its carbon
emissions.
HVO is made from a 100%
renewable source and generates
around 90% less carbon
emissions than traditional diesel
fuel.
Should the trial prove successful,
the new low carbon fuel could
be used in other vehicles across
the authorities 14 sites.
...........................................................
Tech Firm’s
Charity
Marathon
TechCare, an IT support
company based in Rugeley,
recently undertook a moonlight
marathon challenge, raising
£1,175 for South Staffordshire
Network for Mental Health.
The group trekked through
Cannock Chase, originally
predicting to cover the daunting
26-mile distance in 12 hours,
however the trekkers exceeded
all expectations crossing the
finish line in an impressive nine
hours and 36 minutes.
With a total of £1,175 raised so
far, the financial support
generated will make a noticeable
difference in the lives of those
facing mental health challenges
in South Staffordshire.
...........................................................
Young Poets in
National
Contest
In a display of literary talent and
creative prowess, students from
The Hart School have left their
mark on the national stage.
Pupils Bella Dyson, Kyle
Stevenson, Isla Hodgkiss and
Rhys Marston (pictured from
right to left) who are a part of
the Creative Education Trust
school's Wednesday after-school
writing club, participated in a
prestigious poetry writing
competition that was open to
budding young poets from
across the UK.
The talented youngsters’ work
impressed Young Writers’
competition judges so much that
their poetry will feature in an
anthology entitled "The Power
of Poetry 2023 - Whispers of
the Soul” which is available to
buy in selected shops across the
country.
...........................................................
Don’t Lose
Your Vote!
Cannock Chase residents are
being urged to check their
electoral registration details or
risk losing their chance to vote
on decisions that affect them.
The annual canvass form allows
the Council to keep the
electoral register up to date, and
to identify who risks losing their
vote at the elections, to then
encourage them to register
before it’s too late.
Recent home movers in
particular are urged to check
their details. Electoral
Commission research has found
that recent home movers are
less likely to be registered than
those who have lived at the
same address for years.
If you want to register, the
easiest way to do this is online
at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
...........................................................
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STORY?
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KRISTENCITYLIFE@GMAIL.COM

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Local & Community Groups
Community Highlights
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?
SI Cannock & District were welcomed at the Energy
Recovery Facility, Four Ashes, to learn more about how
much waste we produce!
Ladies from Ridwares WI dressed up as Calendar Girls for
the recent MENAFEST charity village event.
The Ridwares WI enjoyed a trip to
Sheepwash Farm in Whittington.
Members of SI Cannock held their
Orange Cafe in Rugeley recently.
The ladies will choose a different
venue on 25th of each month where
they will meet to support
Orange the World.
Members of Rugeley WI met at Fradley Junction
for a stroll along the canal, finishing their outing
with lunch at the Canalside Bistro.
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Cannock & District Ladies Probus were taken on a journey
of holidays through the ages from 1900 to present at their
August meeting.
Cannock WI member Janet Cotton being presented with a
leaving bouquet by past Presidents' Helen Hallchurch and
Diana Jones.

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Celebration in the Park
By Jane Ewing
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As we near the end of the five-year
Transforming the Trent Valley scheme
we want to celebrate all our
achievements for nature, biodiversity and
the local community. Save the date for a day
full of fun activities and discoveries in
Burton.
Join us for our celebration in Newton Road
Park on Saturday 9th September
11am-3pm, DE15 0TU. FREE ENTRY AND
ACTIVITIES.
Prepare for a day packed with activities
designed for all ages. Here’s a sneak peek at
what’s on, to celebrate the best of the Trent
Valley; from free face painting and forest bathing,
to wild yoga, nature activities, park walks and
history talks. Keep your eye out for the Green
Man telling wild stories, and watch
demonstrations of wood carving with sculpture
Cannock Cycleway
Improvements
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
artist Andrew Frost. Satisfy your taste buds with
an array of treats from local food vendors with
ice cream and cakes. Come and bring a picnic,
listen to live music and tell your friends.
There is limited parking on site, please
consider using public transport or
walking/cycling to site where possible. Newton
Road Park is served by buses 8, 9, 801, 18 and V3.
The site is also a short walk from the carpark at
Meadowside.
You can book your free space here
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebration-in-thepark-tickets-672212825657
or turn up on the
day. The first 100 attendees will receive a free
goody bag of sustainable and natural items! It’s
an event you won’t want to miss!
*Jane Ewing is Marketing and Communications
Officer at Transforming the Trent Valley.
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.
David Williams & Pippa Haden

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MENTION
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Trust Thanks Wildchild Supporters
Staffordshire Wildlife
Trust is saying a big
"thank you" to all
those involved in making
its Wildchild Festival a
huge success.
Hundreds of people
attended the festival at the charity’s Wolseley
Centre headquarters on Wednesday 2nd August.
Adults and children alike took part in dozens of
activities at the festival, including theatre
performances from The Fabularium theatre
company and Quantum Theatre, along with
immersive storytelling sessions, Forest School and
a Construction Zone. Other attractions included a
giant water slide, yoga, wild wellbeing activities,
dance workshops and arts and crafts. Hundreds of
children were inspired to take action for nature in
the Eco Superhero area and they also had the
chance to get up close with aquatic nature in the
Wildlife Discovery zone.
The popular event, which previously ran in 2019,
was once again supported by funding from Arts
Council England.
The charity is also thanking its event sponsors
Ludlow Trust, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue
Service, The Prince’s Trust; along with Fairways
Garage in Rugeley, Wyevale Garden Centre and
Shugborough Estate for providing car parks on the
day.
To keep the festival theme of being an Eco
Superhero going, the charity is offering a free
downloadable activity pack for children to enjoy.
Visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/WildChildfestival
to download it!
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My Month in
Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
was very pleased to welcome Huw
IMerriman MP, the rail minister, to
Cannock Chase and take a journey along
the Chase Line to discuss the new
timetable, accessibility issues at the
Rugeley stations and other issues
passengers face.
The new December timetable will see the last train go
from Birmingham to the Rugeley stations, rather than
terminating at Hednesford.
The tour started at Rugeley Trent Valley station where I
outlined the accessibility issues passengers face if they are
using the northbound or Chase Line platforms, setting out
the need to replace the footbridge. I also discussed the
need to address the dangerous car parking access at the
station.
We boarded a train with the next stop being Rugeley
Town station, so the Minister could also see first-hand the
accessibility issues at this station. To demonstrate the point,
I took Huw on the walk between the two platforms if you
are unable to use the footbridge.
While it was a very productive and insightful visit, and the
timetable changes which will come into force in December
is great news, the work doesn’t stop here!
I will continue to press for improvements to our train
stations and services. If you do use our train services, please
do get in contact about any issues that you face. I will
happily raise these with the appropriate organisation,
whether this be West Midlands Trains or Network Rail or, of
course, the Minister.
As always, if you require my help with anything at all,
please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail at
Amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or by telephone on
01543 877142.

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Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
Autumn Days!
This month, as we glide, refreshed, into September after the summer holidays, it’s time to think of
autumn fruits which are either dripping off the trees in the garden or flooding the shelves in the
supermarkets. Here’s a couple of easy recipes for you to try.
Grilled Pear with Stilton and Walnuts
2 x ripe pears
8ozs grated Stilton (or cheese of choice -
Shropshire Blue makes a good alternative)
12 x walnut halves
4 x slices sourdough
3 tbsp olive oil
Salad Leaves
Method
Peel the pears, cut in half, remove the pips from the centre and slice. Put onto a tray, brush with olive
oil and cook gently under a grill for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the grated Stilton and grill again gently
until it has melted. Place the walnuts on and give it another few seconds under the grill. Serve on the
toasted sourdough with some salad leaves. For the more adventurous, try it with pickled walnuts
instead for a sweeter soft taste.
Baked Nectarines with Mascarpone
4 x ripe nectarines
8ozs mascarpone
4tbsp honey
6ozs whole blanched almonds
Cinnamon
Caster sugar
Method
Cut the nectarines in half and remove the stones. Lay on a baking sheet and
pour the honey into the hole where the stone was. Gently toast the blanched
almonds under a grill until golden, but keep and eye on them. Cook the nectarines in a preheated
oven at 160°C for 5 minutes until soft. Mix the cinnamon and sugar 50/50 and roll four pieces of
mascarpone in it. Serve the nectarines on a plate, top with the Mascarpone and sprinkle the toasted
almonds over the top.
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.

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A Victorian
Dinner Party!
TG Bonney, who became an eminent
geologist, was born in 1833. As a child he
lived at Rugeley Grammar School where his
father was head. His maternal grandparents
lived opposite, at "Lottery Hall". This extract
is from his autobiography "Memories of a long
life" - the chapter on his Rugeley childhood.
In a country town dinner parties were not
frequent, for there were few who could afford to
give them, and guests could not easily come from
a distance. The hour was four or half past or
sometimes five. As a first course, soup was placed
before the hostess, and fish before the host, and
these were alternatives. The latter, in Rugeley, had
to be ordered from a Lichfield fishmonger about a
week beforehand, and uncertainty that it would
arrive in time added to the hostess' anxieties.
damaging it. The wines were port and sherry.
The men sat rather longer over their wine than
now, and imbibed a little more. After they
returned to the drawing-room, tea and coffee
were served, and in due course card tables were
put out, at which quartets sat down to 'long whist’,
but the younger members of the party would
sometimes join in a 'round game'. Very often, as
the evening was rather long (the party generally
dispersed about ten) a tray was brought in shortly
before that hour, with sandwiches, cakes and
"negus".
The next course an ample one. For a party of
about sixteen, eight dishes were placed on the
table: a roast joint and a turkey or fowls boiled, at
top and bottom; two rather lighter things -
perhaps ducks or boiled rabbits and a hare - were
put in the middle of the sides. The remaining four
dishes, called from their position the 'corners',
took the place of the modern entrée, and were, I
think, served before the heavier viands.
The next course include game, when in season,
with pudding or tart, jellies and creams - about
half a dozen dishes in all, after which cheese was
handed round. At dinner sherry was the usual
drink, except that ale, commonly in tall conical
glasses was served with the cheese. Then the cloth
was drawn and the dessert placed on the table, in
the polish of which the hostess took great pride,
and decanter stands were always used to avoid
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A Window on the Past
By The Landor (local history) Society
St Anthony's Convent
The Sisters of the Christian Retreat
were a teaching order founded in
France in the 18th century. They first
came to Rugeley in 1901 at the invitation of
the Rev. Canon Thomas Duckett to take
charge of the old parish school at St Joseph's.
The sisters settled at Hern's Nest (now
Heron's Nest).
Whilst at Hern's Nest they started a small
Convent School. This closed in 1911 when a new
Convent School was opened in Cannock and the
pupils moved there.
In 1904 the French government expelled all
religious orders and some of the refugees found
their way to Rugeley. The Rugeley Sisters bought
the vacant mansion known as Heron Court and
translated their Convent to it so as to
accommodate the extra Sisters.
The Sisters continued to provide the teaching
staff at St Joseph's School until 1940, when the
first lay teacher since May 1901 was appointed.
After that more lay teachers were appointed,
but the sisters continued to teach there until the
last three had to leave when St Anthony's
Convent closed in 1963.
1
2
Illustrations
1. A 1931 postcard of the front view of St
Anthony's Convent. Originally known as Heron
Court, it was built in 1850 by Joseph Whitgreave,
who was responsible for the building of the
Church of SS Joseph and Etheldreda in Rugeley
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Photographs 2, 3, 4 & 5 were taken in 1946.
2. The Convent garden and lake, they covered
about two acres.
3. The reception room.
4. The entrance to the chapel.
5. The Chapel.
Please see the Landor (local history) Society
website www.landorsocietyrugeley.uk for our
autumn/ winter programme of events.
Continued on page 22

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Continued
3
4
5
Happy Café
Writing Group
Are you a writer of poetry or prose? Or a
wannabe writer wanting to find your voice
and looking for somewhere to do this? On
Thursday 28th September at Mary’s Tearoom,
Bishton Hall Courtyard, Wolseley Bridge, a new
writing group will open its doors to all writers
who want to make their words work and their
voices heard.
Facilitated by Staffordshire Poet Laureate, Dawn
Jutton, and local entrepreneur and writer, Ingrid
Wagner, the group will be part of the Happy Café
Stafford initiative which aims to take action to create
a more positive world. The perfect place, it seemed to
the two women, for a new writing group.
Taking its cue from National Poetry Day on 5th
October with its theme of ‘Refuge’, Dawn and Ingrid
are encouraging everyone interested to bring along
writing (poetry or prose) to share related to the
Dawn Jutton, Staffordshire Poet Laureate
theme or just an open mind and a notebook!
Open to all, there will be a 7pm start, with coffee
and cake available to purchase from Mary’s Tearoom.
The session will be PAYF (Pay as You Feel) to help
support future visiting writers.
For more information, contact Dawn on
07710414007 or Ingrid on 07717036213.
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Preserving Our
Mining Heritage
By Jackie Prince
The National Miners’ Memorial at the
National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas,
Staffordshire is becoming one of the most
visited memorials on the site! During the two
years since its unveiling by the Duke of
Gloucester, voluntary group Chase Arts for
Public Spaces [CHAPS] has continued to work
to enhance aspects of the memorial and the
site.
They have been working on the elements to be
included within the Time Capsule which, on 21st
August 2023, was housed inside the memorial. The
capsule contains paper and digital evidence of all
aspects of design, planning, fund raising, building,
unveiling and Dedication of the memorial, along
with information about the pandemic we were
living through whilst all of this was happening.
There is also a mug which was designed to help to
raise funds, a pin badge made to commemorate the
memorial, an NUM card and a selection of miners’
and Mines Rescue pin badges – and a newspaper of
the day!
The Time capsule will again see the light of day
50 years from now – in 2073!! That will be a
special occasion for our grandchildren.
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Also fitted on that day, and visible to all, was a
box containing a Davy Lamp, that iconic emblem of
coal miners, some coal and two miners’ pit checks
– one handed in before going ‘down the pit’ and
collected upon the miner’s safe return above
ground, the other kept in the possession of the
miner himself – that way everyone could be
accounted for. Thanks to a fibre optic cable, visitors
will always be able to see the lamp alight.
Mike and Trish Mellor, Len and Jackie Prince, Pat
and Ken Ansell along with other members of
CHAPS committee were present for this special
day, as were many other visitors who have an
interest in the National Miners’ Memorial. A
Walker, Stonemasons of Cannock, had again
carried out the work on the stone whilst artist
Andy DeComyn constructed the box which
houses the lamp.
Details of the National Miners’ Memorial can
be found on the group’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/ChaseArtsForPublicSpaces, or
on the website
www.chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk.
*Jackie Prince is the President of CHAPS.

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What’s On
Saturday 23rd September
Home Front Hednesford
A special 1940s event
looking at local life on
the Home Front. What
was it like in an Anderson
shelter, Dig for Victory,
local history, Black
market cream teas, The
Blackout, what happened to the Cannock Chaser
spitfire, Bevan Boy, Home Guard, museum
artefacts and escaped German POW!
The Henderson Big Band will be performing
classic music from the era at 11.30am and 2pm.
Performances by soloist Diana Gunn and
‘Hednesford Heroes – We Were There’ by the
Tower Players.
Venue: Museum of Cannock Chase
Time: 11am-4pm
Price: £4 per person, under 16s free.
Thursday 28th September
Happy Café Writing Group
NEW! Want to make your
words work and your voice
heard? Meet other writers, find
new directions, re-invigorate
your practice. You are invited to
bring writing to share (poetry
or prose) related to National
Poetry Day’s theme of ‘Refuge’ or just an open
mind and notebook.
Facilitators: Staffordshire’s Poet Laureate, Dawn
Jutton & Ingrid Wagner. Open to all. Coffee and
cake available to purchase.
Venue: Mary’s Tearoom, Bishton Hall Courtyard,
Wolseley Bridge.
Time: 7pm
Price: PAYF (Pay as You Feel) to help support
future visiting writers.
Contact: FB Happy Café Stafford/07710414007
Thursday 12th October
Abba Sensation
Returning with their
new extended show,
Abba Sensation is
widely considered to
be one of the best
ever Abba Tribute
Acts, playing to packed theatres and festivals
throughout Europe. A stunning stage show, which
combines costume changes, lighting effects and a
faithful reproduction of the Abba sound. The band
love audience participation, so you can sing along,
clap or even get up and dance!
Venue: Rugeley Rose Theatre
Time: 7.30pm
Price: £17.50
For further info, or to book, visit www.rugeleyrose-theatre.co.uk.
Word Perfect 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.
Wednesday evening session, 7pm till 9pm.
Friday morning session, 11am till 1pm.
Friday afternoon session, 2pm till 4pm.
£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
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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'.

Opportunity
for a Sales
Executive
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd
We currently have an opportunity
for a Sales Executive to work on our
Citylife in Rugeley & Cannock Chase
magazine. You must be self-motivated
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The post is commission only and a car
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For further information and a full
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27

C
annock’s
rich
history will soon
be just a click away
thanks to funding from
The National Lottery
Heritage Fund.
Staff at the Museum of
Cannock Chase are celebrating following an award
of £87,120 which will see Cannock Chase’s history
available as a digital online catalogue.
The successful Connecting Collections bid will
ensure access to the museum’s collections and
increase opportunities to engage with them, as well
as improve management of the collections through
digitisation, creating an online catalogue that can be
utilised as the basis for new displays, engagement
activities and research.
The Museum of Cannock Chase is managed by
the charity Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (IHL) on
behalf of Cannock Chase District Council.
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Heritage Fund Grant for Museum
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has launched a
calendar dedicated to the county’s wildlife,
after running a competition for photographers
to get their images featured.
The competition saw hundreds of stunning highquality
entries submitted from all over the county.
The images were wide ranging - from the small but
mighty grasshopper, right through to vast landscape
shots showing Staffordshire’s raw beauty.
After 12 winning photographs were chosen by
the Trust, one for each month, guest judge Kevin
Morgans selected the overall winner and the
calendar’s cover image. He visited Staffordshire to
reveal the calendar and present the winner with
their prizes at an exhibition event held on Thursday
31st August.
Kevin, who is a UK famous multi-award-winning
wildlife photographer, tour leader, and
photographic guide, also donated a copy of his
latest book, Puffins: Life On The Atlantic Edge.
The winner, local photographer Karen Rae,
submitted a beautiful photo of a curious fox cub in
Members of the public will be able to access the
new database via the museum website and an onsite
kiosk.
It will also see the creation of an online curated
search of the collections so that people can find
out more about the historical treats in the
museum.
New travelling displays for other venues in the
community will also be introduced, reaching new
audiences in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley.
History Hunters is the museum volunteer
research group, which aims to provide a welcoming
space for people in the local community with
shared interests to gather regularly to explore,
research and interpret the museum collections. For
further information about History Hunters, or to
find out what forthcoming events are to be held at
the museum, call 01543 877666 or visit website
www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org.
Charity Wildlife Calendar Launched
a woodland setting. She also scooped an incredible
Lowepro camera bag prize worth £300, which was
kindly donated by the company.
The calendar is now available to buy for £10 on
the Trust’s website at www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk or
at The Wolseley Centre in Rugeley, as well as at its
three charity shops in Codsall, Penkridge and Leek.
Winner Karen Rae with
Kevin Morgans

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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 OCTOBER 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
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Full t&cs on page 34.
29

CAMRA
Comes to Cannock!
Thursday 14th September
5-11pm
Friday 15th September 12-11pm
Saturday 16th September
12-11pm
The Prince of Wales Theatre welcomes
back the Cannock Chase branch of the
Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for its 8th
real ale and cider festival. This year, the event
features 45 cask ales, 10 ciders and perries
and a new addition of five “KeyKeg” Craft
beers which are fast becoming very popular
amongst younger drinkers.
Hot and cold food and snacks will be
provided by Funky Foods and a range of live
entertainment will be on for visitors to enjoy.
Friday evening will see Boogie Van performing,
and on Saturday, the Magnificent 7 Club will
be making an appearance.
Tickets are available for purchase on the
door and are priced at £1 for CAMRA
members, £2 for seniors, Armed Forces and
NHS workers, and £3 for general public.
These charges are included in a single £10
admission token which also includes a festival
souvenir glass, and of course, beer and cider!
30

31

Stepping Back in Time
By Trish Mellor
Recently, members of Soroptimists
International Cannock & District visited
the Great War Hut at Marquis Drive on
Cannock Chase. The hut is designed to show
how soldiers that fought in the First World
War lived whilst billeted in the training camps
on Cannock Chase.
Built in Autumn 1915, at its height it was the
largest training camp in the British Empire; housing
40,000 men at a time who were brought to
Cannock for three months to learn how to fight.
At that time the population of Rugeley was 7,000
so that gives some idea of the amount of
infrastructure that needed to be put in place.
Power was tapped from the nearby colliery power
supply, and the camp included shops, a bank and a
1,000-bed hospital.
The hut
In May 1917, when the demand for training had
lessened, part of the camp became a POW camp
for captured Germans who if injured were treated
in the hospital. Many of the prisoners who often
worked on local farms stayed in the area after the
war.
The hut recreates how the soldiers were
billeted showing their uniforms, the food they ate
and where they slept. It looks basic but for many
soldiers it was a vast improvement on what they
were used to, they were fed well, with meat on the
menu daily. It also contains a fabulous diorama of
Cannock Chase in the 1900s.
Volunteer Evelyn Slater dressed in a period nurse’s
uniform shows a soldier’s bunk and kit
Overall, the exhibit provides a fascinating insight
into what was often the last place in Britain that
many of the soldiers saw before going off to war
and is well worth a visit.
The Hut is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank
Holidays from 10am- 3pm. Entry is free.
32
SI Cannock & District Soroptimists and
volunteers at the hut

History Festival
Explores
County’s Past
People interested in finding out more about
Staffordshire’s fascinating history are being
invited to join in a two-month long
celebration of the county’s past.
The Staffordshire History Festival, organised
by Staffordshire County Council’s libraries, arts
and museum services, will run throughout
September and October.
The annual event, which saw over 10,000
people joining in last year, will include
exhibitions, historic talks and walks, heritage
open days and library events. An online festival
with photos and videos from the past, quizzes,
crafts and activities for families, posts to highlight
famous people from Staffordshire and littleknown
facts about the county’s history will run
alongside the physical events. People can follow
the action using the hashtag #StaffsHistFest.
Highlights include a mini walking tour of
historic Eastgate Street in Stafford and an
exhibition created by David Robbie about the
history of Great Haywood at Rugeley library is
also part of the programme.
At Burton Library on 23rd September, a local
author day will give people the chance to meet
MAGAZINE
DISTRIBUTORS
WANTED
Get fit and earn extra money
delivering magazines in Rugeley,
Cannock. Must be over 16
and reliable,
contact Rebecca
email
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
with history authors promoting their books. At
the Perton Library History Fair on Saturday 7th
October people can explore stalls, exhibitions,
re-enactors and enthusiasts and a special escape
room activity for young people.
Tamworth library will be celebrating its 50th
birthday with a ‘Tamworth Then and Now’
photographic exhibition, created in partnership
with Tamworth Castle. The Pop-up Stafford Film
Festival is also back this September, with The
Mace Guide to the Midlands, a celebration of the
customs and traditions of the Midlands region.
Films will be shown every lunchtime in Stafford
Library between 12th and 17th September.
Further information and details of the events
are available at http://tinyurl.com/29p8b7zx.
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 & sought-after
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.
Restaurant dining
3 course meal with choices
Tuesday to Friday lunch/dinner £28.50
Saturday lunch/dinner £33.50
Boxing day lunch in the restaurant £45
Boxing day lunch in the pavillon with music from
Jim McCallister £45
4 course meal with choices
Christmas day lunch £110
Champagne arrival and 5 course meal with
choices
New Year's Eve with Iconic 80's V 90's in
Starlight pavilion £110