Citylife in Rugeley & Cannock Chase - Nov/Dec 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 the
area
16 Tastes of the Season
Simon Smith's latest recipe
24 Perry's Field to Fork
Cooking up some festive
classics!
26 Festive Fun
Your guide to festivities this year
Website Advertising
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our team today to find out more!
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Citylife In Lichfield
@citylifelichfield
@lichfieldcity
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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
New Care
Home
Councillors & representatives at the
Avon Road site
Cannock town centre is to
benefit from significant
investment with the opening of a
new nursing home for adults
living with complex needs.
Midlands-based Deeley Group
has partnered with national
health care provider Exemplar
Health Care to transform the
former Avon Road Car Park into
a new 33-bedroom care home.
Work on the new building,
which includes communal living
space, sensory bathrooms, a
therapy room, and gardens, is
due to commence in November,
with the first residents moving
in by January 2025. Once open it
will create around 100 new jobs.
Exemplar Health Care, which
will own and operate the home
once built, is funding the £6
million investment to bring this
much-needed service to the
local community.
...........................................................
Funds to
Tackle ASB
£500,000 is to be invested in
preventing and addressing antisocial
behaviour (ASB) and
associated crime in Cannock as
part of the Government’s Safer
Streets Five Fund. This is
following a successful bid by the
Staffordshire Commissioner’s
Office (SCO).
This programme has been
designed, and locations
identified, by the SCO. The
investment will be allocated
specifically in the Cannock
South and Cannock West wards
of the district.
This funding is in addition to
almost £3 million already
secured by the SCO through
Safer Streets in rounds one, two,
three and four, and forms part of
Staffordshire’s preventative
approach to reducing ASB more
broadly.
...........................................................
Bridges to be
Replaced
Two footbridges in popular
amenity sites in Cannock Chase
district are to be replaced
following a decision made by the
Council.
They are at Anglesey Nature
Reserve near Hednesford and at
Rawnsley Woods in Rawnsley.
There are two bridge locations
at the nature reserve. The one
that will be replaced is the
pedestrian bridge near Hereford
Road which had been previously
removed because it was beyond
repair. Reinstating it will improve
access to the reserve and allow
residents to fully enjoy this area
of open space.
The work will be paid for from
the Council’s existing capital
budget. £110,000 has been set
aside and the Council is hopeful
the quotes will fall well below
that sum.
...........................................................
MORRO Staff
Think Pink!
Rob Payton at MORRO’S
Cannock office
The team at MORRO
Partnerships wore pink on
Friday 20th October to help
raise awareness for Breast
Cancer Now.
The team dressed to impress by
switching out their usual hard
hats and high visibility jackets,
for bright pink hats and vests to
do their bit for the wear it pink
campaign.
In over 20 years, over £39
million has been raised by wear
it pink supporters. The charity
helps fund vital research across
the UK and Ireland to help find
a cure for all stages of breast
cancer.
Previously named Jessup
Partnerships, the developer has
recently re-branded to MORRO
Partnerships. Created on the
solid foundations of its new
purpose to be Better Tomorrow
Makers, MORRO have
developed a modern and digitalfirst
brand that reflects its
growth over the last year.

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LOCAL NEWS
Spread Joy with
Christmas
Ticket Appeal
(photo credit Pamela Raith
Photography)
Lichfield Garrick Theatre, a
cherished hub of culture and
community, is once again gearing
up for a magical Christmas
season with its heartwarming
"Christmas Ticket Appeal." This
year, the theatre is calling on the
support of local businesses to
join hands and make a
meaningful difference in the lives
of those who've faced adversity
in our community.
Cultural experiences hold a
special place in our hearts, and
they have an undeniable impact
on our mental well-being. This
Christmas, Lichfield Garrick
Theatre is on a mission to bring
smiles to the faces of families in
our region who have weathered
a tough year, whether through
trauma, bereavement, illness, or
everyday obstacles that limit
their access to cultural delights.
Since the inception of this
heartwarming initiative in 2017,
more than 500 families have
been able to attend Lichfield
Garrick's enchanting
pantomime, all thanks to the
generosity of local businesses.
If your business is eager to join
the Christmas Ticket Appeal and
help spread festive cheer, please
contact Matt Clay at
Matthew.Clay@lichfieldgarrick.c
om or on 01543 412123. The
appeal runs until 7th January
2024 with suggested business
sponsorship from £150+VAT.
Individuals can make a donation
of any size online or through the
Box Office.
For more information on how
you can support Lichfield
Garrick Theatre's charitable
initiatives, visit
www.lichfieldgarrick.com/suppo
rt-us/christmas-ticket-appeal.
Christmas Light
Show at The
Cathedral
The Lichfield Cathedral Light
Show is back!
Lichfield Cathedral has been
delighting its visitors for years
with an annual Christmas Light
Show, with visitors describing
the experience as ‘mesmerising
and magical’, and ‘perfect to get
into the Christmas spirit’.
For 2023, Lichfield Cathedral
promises another spectacular
show delivered by the
acclaimed animation team:
Illuminos. There will be
audiovisual shows on the
Bishop’s Palace and West Front
and the festive experience will
continue inside the Cathedral
alongside a visit to the stunning
Christmas Tree Festival.
Illuminos will be using the
popular carol ‘In the Bleak
Midwinter’ to tell the
Christmas story, introducing
visitors to a kind and generous
fox who gives gifts to other
animals he meets along his
journey to see the newborn
baby Jesus.
The Christmas Light Show runs
from 5.30pm on 16th, 17th,
18th, 19th, 20th and 22nd
December. Tickets are available
on the Cathedral’s website now
and are priced reasonably at
£10 per adult, £7.50 per child,
£30 for a family ticket, and
under 3s go FREE.
www.lichfieldcathedral.org/lightshow
K
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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?
Rugeley WI members were
treated to a fascinating talk
given by Helen Morning from
Staffordshire Search &
Rescue Team (SSART), a
highly skilled team of
dedicated volunteers who
give up a lot of their valuable
time to provide emergency
services.
Cannock Soroptimists enjoyed
having Beverley Ricketts, co-founder
of Books4Home, as its speaker for
the evening. Beverly explained that 1
in 8 children does not have a book of
their own!
A light-hearted social afternoon was
enjoyed by members of Cannock and
District Probus Club when the arranged
speaker was unwell. Chairman Anne
welcomed visitor Brenda and new
member Janis, before a delicious meal
at the Chase Golf Club.
Elizabeth 1st is seen here with Ridwares WI
member Debbie Warner. The ladies were
royally entertained with tales of daring do,
family squables and lovers’ tiffs.
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Members of Ridwares WI enjoyed a
recent trip to the Garrick theatre in
Lichfield to see the much-acclaimed
musical, Blood Brothers.
Cannock & District Ladies Probus
enjoyed a visit from magician, Kris
Krendo, who gave the ladies a flavour
of his magic to cries of amazement at
Cannock Chase Golf Club. Pictured
with Chairman, Anne.

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Libraries to Host
Ghost Story Nights
People are being invited to a reading of
‘Pock’, a terrifying new horror story
written and read by AG Smith
AG Smith
Since 2009, AG Smith’s annual ghost story
readings have become an essential date for
Staffordshire Libraries, drawing SOLD OUT
performances that have guaranteed audiences a
wonderful evening’s entertainment and leaving
them shaking with fear.
The author of the critically acclaimed stage
plays ‘An Evening of Delectable Terror’ and ‘The
Dead of Night’ is returning to Staffordshire
Libraries this autumn to perform a brand-new
story.
Describing his latest story as his most chilling
to date, AG Smith explained: “Pock is a chilling
tale of witchcraft and possession that will leave
your bones rattling.”
Talking about his return to the county’s
libraries, he said: “It’s always a joy to be returning
to Staffordshire to perform readings for
audiences in their incredible libraries.
“I always say that my job is the easy part, I just
turn up to read, it’s the dedicated staff in these
wonderful libraries who are the unsung heroes
of the evening, they work so hard and go above
and beyond to make these events so
memorable.”
Libraries Chief at Staffordshire County
Council, Victoria Wilson said: “Alan’s readings in
our libraries have become renowned and are a
great night out.
“I know from speaking to library staff about
previous story nights, audience members scream
out loud and jump from their seats in fright. It’s
really exciting to get him back for another series
of readings and we are anticipating the tickets
will sell out very quickly. I’d urge people to check
out the dates and get their tickets booked early.”
Story nights will take place at:
• Cannock Library – Wednesday 22nd
November
• Perton Library – Thursday 11th January
• Rugeley Library – Thursday 1st February
All shows start at 7:30 pm and tickets cost £4
per person. Children over the age of 12 are
welcome and refreshments are available during
the intervals.
Early booking is advised and people should
contact the relevant library: Wombourne on
01902 506055, Cannock on 01543 334525,
Perton on 01902 506050 or Rugeley on 01889
869063.
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Knit the
Community
Together!
Residents are being encouraged to get involved in
a new community knitting project to help
vulnerable residents during the winter months.
‘Cannock Chase Knits Together’ is a new initiative
which will help ‘knit the community together’, by
producing knitted items for those people struggling
with the cost of living and rising household bills. It will
also provide additional support to those that are most
in need as well as bringing communities together to
address isolation and loneliness.
Knitting packs have been created and are being
distributed by community champions across the district
to local community groups and those residents who are
unable to leave their homes to access a local club. There
will be two packs made available: a beginner’s pack and
expert pack.
Residents are also being encouraged to join in from
home, and as part of this will be able to access tutorials
My Month in
Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
With Small Business Saturday only a month
away, I am very pleased to announce my
“Best of Cannock Chase 2023”
competition is officially open.
This annual competition, now in its tenth
year, sees the public vote for their most
loved independent high street businesses.
I’ve been running this competition each
year as I am keen that our local
independent businesses get the support and recognition
they deserve. It is vitally important we show our
support for our fantastic independent businesses
because without them our high streets would not be the
same.
Over the next month, you will have the opportunity
through the Cannock Chase Can App (available to
download for free). These tutorials will be led by local
knitting experts.
Finished items can be dropped off at donation boxes
located across the district including several local
libraries. These boxes will allow people to donate wool
and drop off finished items. The boxes will be emptied
regularly and items will be distributed via community
champions and services to those most in need this
winter.
The initiative is being delivered by Inspiring Healthy
Lifestyles with the support of Cannock Chase Council
thanks to funding received from the National Lottery
Community Fund.
For more information about Cannock Chase Knits
Together and a full list of drop off points visit
www.creativechase.co.uk.
to vote for your favourite local independent businesses
across 11 categories. There will be a special award for
the one local business who secures the most votes in
their individual category - the coveted “Best of Cannock
Chase award”.
This is the perfect opportunity to praise all our small
business owners and come together to support them in
the lead up to Christmas.
Everyone in the area is invited to nominate their
favourite small businesses online at
www.bestchasebusiness.uk
Get voting now! Nominations close at midnight on
Sunday 26th November 2023. I will announce the results
on Small Business Saturday on the 2nd December 2023.
Businesses can also download printable voting forms
and posters to display to their customers by visiting the
above website too.
To local independent businesses my message is –
good luck! I can’t wait to see who will be crowned the
overall winner!
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
It’s All in the Game!
Autumn brings a big change in foodstuffs as we move into the
colder months. Gone are the long hot days of summer and we
are now into the time of year where comfort food, game and
preserved fruits become an essential part of our diet.
Pheasant shooting season starts on 1st October and pheasant
is widely available. As with all game, it is a very lean meat as it
has to work hard for its food and burns as many calories as it
eats. If only it were that simple for the human species! ‘To hang or not to hang, that is
the question’ - personally I don’t see any benefit from hanging a pheasant for more
than a day. Our tastes have changed through the years and people no longer enjoy
eating game that smells ‘high’. It already has a different flavour by its very nature and
does not need enhancing to my mind. The same applies to most other game dishes.
Venison with Redcurrant & Orange Syrup
4 x venison cutlets
4 x rashers streaky bacon
4tbsps redcurrant jelly
2 shots cassis
1 orange
2tsps pink or green peppercorns
Orange juice
Method
Wrap the individual cutlets in streaky bacon and cook in a medium oven for 10-15
minutes. Remove the zest and segment the orange. Put the cassis into a pan with the
orange zest, redcurrant jelly and orange juice. Simmer and mix together, add
peppercorns to finish and garnish with orange segments. Pour over the game chops as
a glaze.
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 Window on the Past
By The Landor (local history) Society
An Evening Out (Circa 1890)
In 1890, Rugeley's population was just
over 4,000. What was there to do in an
evening? The comparatively new Town
Hall provided a venue for numerous
entertainments - concerts, dances,
amateur dramatics, magic lantern shows
and the occasional professional
entertainment such as Madam Lloyds
Italian Choir "the best entertainment ever
heard in Rugeley" according to her
advertisement. The Brereton
Perseverance Institute and churches and
schoolrooms were alternative venues.
Rugeley had the usual range of clubs and
societies. These included amateur
dramatic societies, choirs, orchestras, the
Reading and Recreation rooms in Bow
Street, a debating society, friendly
societies, political societies, sporting
organisations... And there was always the
local pub.
1. A regular weekly event organised by the
Wesleyan Methodist Church.
2. An example of an amateur concert, given
in Brereton Perseverance Institute which
stood in Main Road, next to the Wesleyan
Chapel. The Institute aimed at improving the
education of working men and had about 100
members. This concert was to raise funds for
the Adult Class. The programme performed
by Rugeley PSA (Pleasant Sunday Afternoon)
Orchestra, a choir and nine soloists, and
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consisted of four orchestral pieces plus 15
songs including "Rocked in the Cradle of the
Deep" and "Boys of the Old Brigade."
3. This ticket admitted a family of five to
both nights. The Wednesday night
performance consisted of the oriental
burlesque entitled "The Illustrious Stranger"
followed by a laughable farce entitled "Which
Shall I Marry." On Thursday "The Illustrious
Stranger" was repeated but followed by the
screaming farce "Found in a Four-wheeler."
4. This Grand Concert was given by semiprofessional
artists. The programme was
mainly songs - solos, duets, quartets -
interspersed with readings. The composers
included Balfe, Sullivan, Gluck and Offenbach.
5. Each September Rugeley Cycling Club
held a Lantern and Character Parade with
money prizes for the best decorated
machines in various classes.
Machines not lit up by 8 o'clock, when
judging took place were disqualified. After the
judging in the Shrewsbury Arms Hotel yard
the cycles processed through the town. This
was followed at 9 o'clock by a Fancy Dress
Ball, the proceeds of which were given to
Rugeley District Hospital.
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 from page 20
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Cooking Picnic
Classics
By Kristen Lackajis
It’s always nice to learn a new skill, and so we were delighted to be invited to Perry’s
Field to Fork Artisan Butchery and Cookery School in Eccleshall to make a few
classic picnic treats, including sausage rolls, pork pie and scotch eggs.
On arrival we were greeted warmly by owner, Debbie, and Carl, the butcher and chef
who was taking the course, and who also regularly makes items to sell in the family’s deli
and butchers on the High Street which runs through the village.
Being just a short half day course, we had to work fast and so we got cracking on making
our pastry – from scratch! Feeling like a contestant on The Great British Bake Off, I
diligently rubbed flour and butter, laminated my puff pastry, and created hot water crust too
– simply by following Carl’s lead and his instructions as he took us through the process step
by step.
Once pastry was set aside, we learned a little about the meat we were going to be using
as the fillings for our products – finely minced for the sausage rolls and Scotch eggs, and a
coarser mix for the pork pies to give them that characteristic bite that we all know and
love.
On to putting together our creations, and I was amazed as just how simple these
seemingly complex items were to make. They even looked like the shop bought ones, just
more rustic and, of course, much larger than you would ever see on the supermarket
shelves!
After a fabulous afternoon, we left with our Tupperware containers full of food to feed
our families for a week!
Perry’s Field to Fork offers a range of different cookery classes, and also sell gift vouchers,
making it an ideal gift for a loved one this Christmas time – and who knows, you may even
get to eat the results!
Visit www.perrysfieldtofork.co.uk to find out more, or call them on 01785 851911.
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What’s On
Christmas Pantos!
It’s that time of year again… “Oh no it isn’t… oh
yes it is!” Festive pantos are fun for all the family,
and here are details of the local ones taking
place this year.
From 30th Nov – 7th January
Beauty & The Beast
Photo courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography
The Garrick's legendary dame Sam Rabone, as
Madame Bellie Fillop, Ben Thornton is back at the
Garrick as Phillipe, Kat Chatterton as Belle,
Melad Hamidi (Les Misérables) as the Prince and
the Beast, Natalie Pilkington (Six The Musical) as
The Fairy and Sarah Annakin as the Enchantress.
Expect hilarious comedy, lavish sets, fantastic
music, beautiful costumes, magic and mayhem! It's
never too early to book your favourite seats!
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Time: Various – see website.
Price: From £15.
www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call 01543 412121.
Sat 9th December
Jack & The Beanstalk
Will Jack, a poor country boy, outwit the giant to
save his family? Why not find out at this year’s
panto.
Venue: Rugeley Rose Theatre
Time: Performances at 12pm and 4pm.
Price: Family ticket £32, adults £12, kids/OAPs £8.
www.rugeley-rose-theatre.co.uk or call 01889
584036.
From 23rd Dec – 30th Dec
Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
PMA Productions returns to Cannock with this
year’s pantomime. For a fantastic family day out,
the panto has all the traditional ingredients
including music, laughter and lots of audience
participation.
Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
Time: Various, incl afternoon and evening
performances.
Price: Family ticket £70, adults £21, concessions
£18.
www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org or call 01543
578762.
Get Your Real Christmas Tree!
22nd Nov – 17th Dec
Buy your real
Christmas tree
from Cannock
Chase Forest for
a wonderful
experience and
the highest
quality, UK-grown
Christmas trees. The Cannock Chase Forest
Christmas Trees team will be on hand to help you
choose from hundreds of spruces, firs and pines
in the fresh, wintery air of the beautiful forest.
There’s also a full range of accessories, from tree
stands to fairy lights, in the on-site Christmas
store.
Visit www.cannockchasechristmastrees.co.uk for
more information and opening times.
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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'.

Local Boost for Green Heating
More rural households in
Staffordshire are set to
benefit from a £10.5m
boost to help keep them warm,
reduce bills and support the
environment.
The rollout is part of the
Staffordshire Warmer Homes
initiative which aims to bring eco-friendly heating
solutions to rural residences, aligning with the
county's vision of sustainability.
The funding, secured from the second phase of
the Government's 'Home Upgrade Grant,' will be
managed by Staffordshire County Council on
behalf of the district and borough councils.
Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has already
benefited more than 900 households by installing
over 1,200 thermal efficiency measures. This has
resulted in an estimated £1.5m savings for
residents.
The proposals were
discussed and approved at
Staffordshire County council’s
Cabinet in September. They
include spending an average of
£18,000 per household to
install various green heating
measures, including air source
heat pumps, external and cavity wall insulation,
solar panels, and solar batteries.
This new phase of the initiative aims to make a
positive impact on rural communities, recognising
the unique challenges faced by homes situated
away from the gas network. These challenges often
include insufficient insulation and difficulty
maintaining warmth during cold months.
The scheme is now accepting applications at
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/warmerhomes.
Kevin Leese from Featherstone (pictured)
previously benefitted from the scheme by getting
an Air Source Heat Pump installed in his home.
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A Lost Agricultural Scene
By Harry Thornton (c2005)
When the Reverend Cason wrote in
the Brereton Parish Magazine of
November 1959 “More and more
this area in which we live becomes urban and
not rural; day by day the industrial engulfs the
agricultural” he was seeing the view from the
vicarage over the Trent Valley change
dramatically as tall new structures at Lea Hall
Colliery and the ‘A’ Power Station relentlessly
took over from centuries old farmland. Whilst
the colliery gobbled up all of Lea Hall Farm’s
land beyond the canal, other nearby farms also
disappeared.
The Moors Farm which lay over the Mossley
canal bridge, but was more accessible from
Rugeley’s Love Lane and Leather Mill Lane (via its
one-time south-easterly arm), was given over in
the 1950s by its last farmer, Mr Walker, partly for
Lea Hall Colliery use and partly for building the
later ‘B’ Power Station – the farm buildings stood
between the present station entrance and the
cooling towers. In the early 1940s a large field
immediately to the west of farm buildings had been
almost entirely quarried for ‘valley gravel’ for
building Hixon’s wartime airfield. Ten years later,
material for making the Lea Hall Colliery railway
embankments was dug out from near the farm
creating two large “borrow pits.” The pits filled
with water and one became an unofficial local
swimming pool until a boy drowned there in 1959.
Afterwards they were filled in by the tipping of
colliery waste which engulfed a large area of the
former farmland.
A six acre field now crossed diagonally by the
Power Station railway embankment and lying
partly under the coal stocking area had been
purchased, with £1,000, and given to Trustees in
1828 by the charitable Miss Sarah Hopkins for an
income to provide “additional Lectures and
Sermons” in Rugeley church on Sunday afternoons
“except on those days on which the Sacrament is
administered” – the trust apparently still exists
with a bank account. The same field will be crossed
diagonally in another direction when the planned
Rugeley bypass is completed.
Boothurst Farm has also entirely disappeared.
The now demolished ‘A’ Power Station cooling
towers rose up around where the farmhouse and
buildings one stood. After being farmed by the
Pickerill family since the 1920s, Mr Joe Pickerill
reluctantly left in June 1954 with his prize-winning
‘Boothurst Friesians’ attested herd, built up over
12 years, to take another farm at Hopton. When
he died two years later, to be buried with his wife
at Armitage, his herd was dispersed and a prize bull
fetched an exceptional 475 guineas (£499). Mr
Pickerill, of portly build, was ahead of his time for
treating the cows to music in their sheds with the
aim of increasing milk yield. With a son named
Philip (Pip), he was especially known in Rugeley for
his greengrocery shop in Bow Street – his
Trentside land being well suited to growing
vegetables. Some of the Boothurst land has stayed
green in the Trent flood plain, and around the
Power Stations Social Club which occupies part of
what was the long boomerang shaped strip of
access land called Langley Common.
Footpaths once allowed walkers to cross fields
and stiles from Mossley to pass near the Moors
Farm then on to near Boothurst Farm and Langley
Common to Holly Bank Farm then along Holly
Bank Lane to the Armitage Road near Hawksyard.
Holly Bank Farm also fell victim to the Power
Station.
*The late Harry Thornton was a member of the Landor
(local history) Society.
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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 December 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 33.
29

Floodplain Reconnection
at Tucklesholme
By Marie Smith
Transforming the Trent Valley is on the
cusp of completing a major river and
floodplain enhancement project at
Tucklesholme Nature Reserve, owned by
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.
The transformation at Tucklesholme is part of a
bigger habitat enhancement project that aims to
create a connected wetland corridor along the
River Trent’s floodplain to increase species diversity.
The first phase began in the central area of the
Washlands in Burton and was completed in
summer 2022. This new phase has connected
Tucklesholme in the south to Claymills in the north
following the route of the River Trent.
Work has been focused around the northern
lake and adjacent river bank, where the floodplain
30
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
and comfortable speaking to clients
on the phone as well as face-to-face.
The post is commission only and a car
is essential.
For further information and a full
job description, please email
helencitylife@gmail.com
has been lowered. This has enabled Transforming
the Trent Valley to create a shallower gradient to
the river bank, which will help water flow into the
northern lake more easily. A channel has also been
adapted to allow a continuous connection between
the river and the lake. Not only does this
contribute to flood prevention downstream, but it
also means fish will have access to an area of calm
water to rest and breed, whilst still able to move
freely between environments.
To keep the process as holistic and disruptionfree
as possible, soil and gravels that have been
removed will be placed into the lake to create
shallows and pools at the lake edge. Different
depths in the lake provides variation in habitat, such
as shallow reedbeds, which will in turn encourage a
range of invertebrates for nesting and wading birds
to feed upon. As a result, “we’re expecting to see an
increase in Oyster Catchers and Little-ringed
Plovers nesting on site in the spring - perhaps
Bittern if we’re lucky!” says Living Floodplains
Officer, Victoria Bunter.
If you would like to see how the enhancements
are making a difference for yourself, then
Tucklesholme is well worth a visit. There are
accessible paths around the lakes and the Trent
Valley Way passes through Tucklesholme, heading
towards Branston Leas and the Burton Washlands.
For more information about Transforming the
Trent Valley’s work visit www.thetrentvalley.org.uk

Ten Years of
Energy Recovery
More than 2.75 million tonnes of waste has
been diverted from landfill and sent to energy
recovery to generate electricity to power 66,000
homes.
These are amongst the successes of a partnership
between Staffordshire County Council and Veolia
Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) at Four Ashes in the
last 10 years.
All difficult to recycle or compostable waste is
delivered either direct from the kerbside, the
Household Waste Recycling Centres or in bulk from
waste transfer stations in Staffordshire to the ERF
where it is processed. This process then creates steam
power from which electricity can be generated. This
reduces the county’s reliance on using energy from
fossil fuels.
The county council in partnership with Veolia
continues its efforts to tackle climate change, diverting
2.75 million tonnes of waste and sending just 1% to
Pictured are Steve Mitchell from Veolia (left) with Tim
Cooper, head of service, waste and sustainability at
Staffordshire County Council and pupils from Brewood
Middle School who got a tour of the facility.
landfill is just a few of the ways that helps to be more
sustainable.
Other highlights for the partnership include the
EnvrioGrant scheme where a total of over £55,000
has been awarded to Staffordshire's communities to
help them be more sustainable. Educational tours of
the ERF plant along with access to resources for
schools focusing on reduce, reuse and recycle have
also taken place.
31

New
Woodland
Wellbeing Trail
32
Forestry England is inviting visitors to
Cannock Chase Forest to take a mindful
walk through the woodland this autumn to
take care of their physical and mental health
with a new Forestry England wellbeing trail.
The self-led trail winds through the trees,
encouraging visitors to pause, unplug and
mindfully reconnect with nature as they walk.
The sensitively designed trail has themed
panels winding through the trees inviting visitors
to slow down, notice and absorb the beautiful
woodland landscape as they walk. With scientific
evidence showing positive effects on physical and
mental health of being amongst trees, Forestry
England’s trail encourages everyone to take time
to relax and experience the restorative benefits
Local Beauty
Salon Wins
Big!
Gemma Webster of
Rugeley-based
beauty salon, Gemma
at Fourteen triumphed
recently as she
clinched first place in
the UK Hair and
Beauty Awards 2023
winning
the
prestigious title of
Forestry England/Crown copyright
of the forest.
A forest wellbeing journal accompanies the
trail, enhancing visitors’ wellbeing experience.
Beautifully designed, with space for individual
reflections, the journal offers ideas for mindful
activities to try out in the forest and at home.
Visitors can get a copy at Cannock Chase Forest
visitor centre or download it from the Forestry
England website.
As well as the physical wellbeing trail, Forestry
England has created a hub of virtual forest
experiences, allowing people to enjoy the peace
or tranquility of the forest whenever they need
to - www.forestryengland.uk/wellbeing.
Semi-Permanent Makeup Artist of the Year
for the West Midlands.
The eminent UK Hair and Beauty Awards are
held each year and are on a mission to unite
businesses and individuals across the UK,
celebrating industry talent nationwide, no matter
what their financial or social status.
Gemma is absolutely delighted to have taken
the crown for the region and said that she was so
happy that small towns, such as Rugeley were
being recognised in such a national awards
campaign and with such stiff competition from
large brands and businesses. Well done Gemma!

CLASSIFIED
To Advertise please
contact our classified
team on
07970 513144
07740 166497
07967 154187
Competition & Prize Draw - Terms & Conditions
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Protection legislation. For a copy, email kristencitylife@gmail.com.
2.By entering the competition, you agree to the terms and conditions
stated.
3.The closing date is stated on each individual competition.
4.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The
exception is the name and address of winners that will be
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prize. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in our
magazines.
6.By entering the competition, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd
using or publishing materials provided in any of their publications and
online.
7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of
copyright or breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants in their
creation or submission of materials.
8.Only one entry per prize competition, per reader. Open to UK
residents aged 18 plus (unless otherwise stated). No purchase
necessary.
9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered
and the prize is non-transferable.
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
10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms
and conditions.
11.Competitions may not be entered by any employee, agent or third
party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
12.Winners will be selected at random, or by an independent judge in
the case of photographic/art competitions, from all entries received.
13.Winners will be notified up to 28 days after the closing date of the
competition by the contact details provided. Winners have 28 days to
respond. If no response is forthcoming, Citylife in Lichfield reserves
the right to redraw.
14.A list of the surnames of the winners will be available by writing to
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after the competition
closing date.
15.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s decision is final and no correspondence
will be entered into.
16.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being
lost, damaged or delayed. When the prize is provided by a third party,
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the
prize, or for quality of prize provided.
17.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time.
18.By submitting entries you agree that you own these photos, text or
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that your entry is accurate and legal.
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