Citylife in Rugeley and Cannock Chase March April 2024

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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
Advertising Sales -
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
An Easter recipe from Simon
Smith
20 A Window on the Past
A look back to 1905
25 Best Kept Villages
The competition is now open
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
Chasewater
Firm
Celebrates
Milestone
Marcus Slade
A sports injury and fitness clinic
in South Staffordshire has
revealed an impressive 12-
month period of growth as it
celebrates a business milestone.
From humble beginnings in a
small room at a local gym, Paeon
Injury and Fitness Clinic, now
based at Chasewater Country
Park, Burntwood, is marking its
10th anniversary with the
revelation that it is going from
strength to strength.
Described as an “incredible
journey” by company founder
Marcus Slade, the clinic is
celebrating the landmark with
the news that it’s witnessed a
remarkable 37% increase in new
clients as well as an impressive
42% overall
performance boost compared
to the previous year.
Last year also saw Paeon’s brand
expand with the launch of its
first franchise in Leeds.
Visit www.paeon.co.uk for
further information.
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Wellness
Rewards at
McArthurGlen
Visitors to the McArthurGlen
Designer Outlet West Midlands
in Cannock can now take part in
a new wellness challenge that
will give users access to unique
offers via the District’s Cannock
Chase Can App.
Customers have to find six QR
codes which are hidden across
the centre to unlock a series of
exclusive offers, which include
an extra 20% off at The North
Face retail outlet, an extra 20%
off at Smoothies Plus, plus more.
Some lucky customers will also
receive an additional free prize
at the end of the challenge for
completing it.
The Cannock Chase Can App is
available to download for free
via Google Play and
the App Store.
Local Gem
Turns 40!
Gem Carpets and Beds is
celebrating its 40th year of
trading.
The local family-run carpet,
flooring and bed specialist is
planning several sales campaigns
throughout the year to offer its
loyal and new customers extra
special deals.
There are hundreds of great
quality products to view in the
five branches, not to mention
thousands of room-sized
remnants, so why not pop in and
take advantage of some fantastic
deals?
Follow Gem Carpets on
Facebook for special offers or
visit the website at
www.gemcarpetsandbeds.co.uk.
...........................................................
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

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LOCAL NEWS
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New School
Crossing
Completed
Cllrs Philippa Hayden, Phil Hewitt &
David Williams
A £120,000 crossing has been
installed on a busy road in
Cannock to make walking safer.
The crossing at Hawks Green in
Heath Hayes, covers the busy
Heath Way, a main route for
families walking to nearby
schools.
As well as the crossing, the road
was partially resurfaced and realigned
which included the
removal of an unused bus stop,
and the installation of a speed
indication device to encourage
drivers to comply to the 30mph
speed limit.
Well known for being a busy
road to cross, local resident and
County Councillor Philippa
Haden presented a petition on
behalf of residents to kick-start
the process.
...........................................................
New Learn to
Ride Arena
Work has started to construct a
new learn to ride arena at the
Stadium site in Cannock.
The development of a £75,000
dedicated off-street riding
facility will simulate the onstreet
safety issues without any
real risk to those learning to
ride.
The facility once complete will
be available to everyone and
local schools and community
groups will be encouraged to
use this provision to teach safe
on-street riding.
The works are set to be
complete by Spring 2024.
...........................................................
HELP Appeal
Funds Helipads
& Hangar
The HELP Appeal has donated
£2.5 million to fund two helipads
and an enclosed hangar space
constructed at Midlands Air
Ambulance Charity’s new
airbase and headquarters in
Shifnal on the
Shropshire/Staffordshire border.
The HELP Appeal, operated by
County Air Ambulance Trust,
distributes grants to fund
helipads at hospitals and at air
ambulance airbases across the
UK. The organisation agreed to
fund the two helipads and
hangar in 2018, the construction
of which was completed early
summer 2023. Since Midlands
Air Ambulance Charity moved
its operations from RAF
Cosford to the new facility in
August 2023, the helipads have
enabled the service’s helicopter
to take off on more than 180
vitally important air ambulance
missions.
To support the HELP Appeal’s
work, visit: helpappeal.org.uk.
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Get Ready For
Elections
Residents are reminded of some
important deadlines/changes as
the local elections will take place
on Thursday 2nd May.
Following a boundary review,
there have been changes to
every ward in Cannock Chase
District, with the exception of
Norton Canes, some
boundaries are different and
there are some new ward
names. These changes have
resulted in a reduction of wards
from 15 to 12 and Councillors
from 41 to 36. There will be
three Councillors per ward
from May’s elections. You can
view the new boundaries here:
www.lgbce.org.uk/allreviews/cannock-chase.
Registering is easy and you can
apply online at
www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.
The deadline to register to vote
is Tuesday 16th April.
K

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Local & Community Groups
Community Faces
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?
Four members of care staff from MHA Briar Hill House in Rugeley
were acknowledged for their services. From left to right, Maureen
Pope (10 years), Paul Hiscox (5 years), Theresa Lliffe (10 years)
and Nina Varndell (20 years) each received a certificate and gifts
from the management at the care home.
New Cannock WI
member Margaret
George is
welcomed.
GOT A STORY?
THEN CONTACT
KRISTENCITYLIFE@
GMAIL.COM
An evening to celebrate their 69th Charter was held by
Cannock & District Soroptimists, at The Barns, Huntingdon,
with Chairman Anne Bumford (left) making the Toast to
Soroptimist International.
Donna Wareham was welcomed to the Cannock
Women's Institute in January.
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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
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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 May 2024. 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.
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Crematorium Donates
to Children's Charities
Cannock Chase Crematorium recently made
a cash donation of £7,000 to two charities
which support children and young people,
Young Lives vs Cancer and Windmills.
These donations have been made possible
because the crematorium is a member of the
Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium
Management National Recycling of Metals Scheme.
The scheme is a national initiative and works to
sensitively recover residual metal items such as
orthopaedic implants or metals used in the
construction of the coffin, following the cremation
process. These are then recycled, with the written
consent of the bereaved family, to raise invaluable
funds for charity.
Jo Walker, Manager of Cannock Chase
Crematorium, invited representatives from both
charities to the crematorium to understand more
about how the metals recycling scheme works. She
presented a cheque for £7,000 to Joe Burns, Senior
Fundraising & Engagement Manager for Young Lives
vs Cancer and another for £7,000 to Leeanne Clay
& Zara Toussaint, Specialist Practitioners in Acute
Bereavement for Windmills.
Joe Burns & Jo Walker.
This is the fifth major donation that Cannock
Chase Crematorium has made to local charities
since opening in April 2021, bringing the total
donated through this scheme to an incredible
£63,000.
Anyone wanting to find out more about how the
metals recycling scheme works can join a Behind
the Scenes Tour of the crematorium held on the last
Thursday of every month from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Those interested can contact the crematorium to
book a place.
Tel: 01543 212988 or email:
info@cannockcrematorium.co.uk.
Leeanne Clay, Jo Walker and
Zara Toussaint.
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River Goddess
Statue Celebrates
Site’s History
Astone statue has been
unveiled at Croxall Lakes
nature reserve by the
Transforming the Trent Valley
(TTTV) team to inspire
curiosity about the site’s
history.
The site, near Alrewas, marks
the confluence of three rivers;
the Mease, Tame and Trent. The
prehistoric people of Britain
believed that rivers were a
representation of the feminine
Photo courtesy of TTTV
divine and that each river was a manifestation of a
goddess. The goddess at this spiritual place was known
as Trisentona, the thrice beloved, which was shortened
over the years to Trent.
TTTV is a partnership project of 19 organisations
working together to restore and enhance the natural
and cultural heritage of the Trent Valley, with
My Month in
Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
The beginning of the year got off to a very cold
start and I appreciate the cold weather can be a
worry for many who are concerned
about the cost of heating. So, I wanted
to urge anyone on a low income to
check if they are eligible for a £150
rebate on their energy bills. The help is
available to over three million UK
households that are most at risk of fuel
poverty, with many receiving the discount
automatically.
For the vast majority of these customers, the
discount is automatically applied to bills between
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at the helm.
The pre-Christian people of Britain believed in genius
loci or the spirit of place. Trees, springs, mountains and
rivers were represented by a spirit, a god or goddess.
These three rivers gave birth to the triple goddess, with
the creation of the Catholme Ceremonial Complex as
the celebration of that birthplace. The river then
became a manifestation of the goddess, and the goddess
a representation of the river.
An archaeological team led by Professor Henry
Chapman of the University of Birmingham unearthed
an incredible series of finds at nearby Catholme, also
near to Alrewas. A ritual landscape based around a
series of ceremonial monuments focussed on the
confluence of three rivers, the Trent, Tame and Mease,
was discovered to have existed between about 3,000
BCE and 1,500-1,000 BCE. The importance and
sanctity of this unusual triple confluence was of utmost
significance. Starting in the late Neolithic, these
monuments may have stood in the landscape for well
over 1,500 years and influenced the building and
placement of later Bronze Age burial mounds and other
landscape features. This ceremonial complex was of
national significance, despite there being nothing visible
above ground now.
Visit www.thetrentvalley.org.uk for more
information.
October 2023 and March 2024. For those with prepayment
meters a top-up voucher is available.
This scheme is just one of many measures that the
government has implemented to keep costs down for
families.
More broadly, we have seen some good progress on
the economy which has seen inflation falling from 11.1%
at its peak to 4%. Wages are rising and mortgage rates
are starting to come down. Because of this progress, the
Chancellor was able to announce some tax cuts in the
Autumn Statement, as well as increases to the state
pension and working age benefits.
To find out more about the Warm Home Discount,
visit www.gov.uk/the-warm-home-discount-scheme or
call the helpline on 0800 030 9322. I hope that everyone
who is eligible signs up.
As always, if you have any concerns or queries on this,
or any other matter, please do get in touch with me by
emailing me amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or
calling 01543 877142.
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Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
This month, I’ve done a simple Easter recipe which, when I cook at
demonstrations, is always a favourite during the tasting afterwards. It’s not all
about the chocolate although it does have a large part to play too!
French Toast with Blueberries & Chocolate (eggy bread!)
4ozs milk
4 free range eggs
4 slices either brioche or your favourite bread
4ozs unsalted butter
2tbsp caster sugar
Pinch of cinnamon
1 punnet blueberries
4ozs grated chocolate
Method
Put the blueberries in a pan with 2 tbsp water and some maple syrup and bring to a simmer.
Whisk the milk and eggs together in a bowl. Drop the bread into the mixture and leave to soak
for a minute or two. Heat half the butter in a non-stick frying pan and put the bead slices in,
cook on both sides for two minutes or until golden. Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl ready
to sprinkle on the top. Plate the toast on a warm plate, top with the warm blueberries and
sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Finish with the grated chocolate and for an additional
indulgence add a large dollop of clotted cream., Book a blood test the following day to check
your cholesterol levels.
Chocolate Pots
200gms dark chocolate
250gms double cream
100gms caster sugar
50gms butter
Vanilla paste
Zest of 1 orange
Method
Put all the ingredients in a glass or steel bowl and sit on a small pan of simmering water. Make
sure the bowl is much bigger than the pan so the steam doesn’t burn you. Stir occasionally until
all the ingredients are melted together. Pour into small pots and decorate with fresh raspberries
and chopped pistachios. Alternatively allow to set in the bowl and them scoop out small balls
and roll in chopped nuts for truffles. Great fun for the little ones but can be very messy!
www.simonsmith-chef.com

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WIN 5 Family Tickets to
Staffs County Show
The Staffordshire County Show will be held on
Wednesday 29th May and Thursday 30th May,
during half term. The Show offers something for
visitors of all ages, and this year’s main attraction is
the world famous JCB Dancing Diggers. Youngsters
will delight in watching them and enjoy all the
other attractions from riding on the narrow-gauge
steam railway to traditional attractions such as
Punch & Judy and donkey rides.
In the Country Pursuits Area the West Lancs Dog
Display Team will perform, watch them jump
through hoops of fire, race through tunnels and
walk the high plank. Visitors can also see birds of
prey, the ferret roadshow and the opportunity to
walk an alpaca.
A packed Main Ring programme includes the JCB
Dancing Diggers, The Mounted Games, Show
Jumping and Parade of Hounds (Wednesday), the
Young Farmer’s Floats (Thursday), as well as the
Grand Parade of Livestock.
At the heart of this traditional County Show is
livestock with over a thousand cattle, sheep, pigs
and goats and over fifteen hundred horses and
ponies.
There are several competitions and shows within
the Show including the Sheep Shearing and Wool
Handling, the Farriery Competition, the Poultry,
Guinea Pig and Rabbit Shows, as well as the Bee &
Honey Show. In addition, the Dog Show will attract
around 2,000 dogs.
There is so much for youngsters to see and do,
there is also the children’s farm, fairground rides
and the giant tortoises to visit.
Shopaholics will delight in browsing over four
hundred trade stands selling everything from cars
to hot tubs. In addition, there is a food hall selling a
range of mouth-watering local produce.
Further details about the Show are available on the
website at www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk or
follow us on Facebook @staffscountyshow.
We’ve got five family tickets to give
away. To enter, simply answer the
question below and send your
details to us.
On which road is the County Showground
located?
a) Weston Road
b) Stafford Road
c) Lichfield Road
To enter, send your name, contact details & answer to
Staffs Show at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or to
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS
by closing date of 20th May 2024. One entry per
household. Multiple entries disqualified. No cash
equivalent. Entrants 18 or over. All information in line
with GDPR Data Protection Regulations & Privacy
Policy (available at citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk). Full t&cs on
33.
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A Window on the Past
By The Landor (local history) Society
Rugeley in 1905
This month, we take a walk along
Rugeley's main streets about 120
years ago using post cards from the
first years of the twentieth century, before
Western Springs Road was cut and when all
through traffic passed along Upper and
Lower Brook Streets. 1905 was at the
height of the popularity of the postcard and
one with the message "arriving tonight on
the 7.20pm train" would be delivered in
time!
1. Elizabethan cottages on the east side of
Horse Fair. James' furnishing shop is now on
the site. Judging by the brackets, the thatch
must have had a considerable overhang. The
cottages were improved and tiled in 1911 -
workmen tiling were said to have paused to
watch Edward VII drive past on his way to
Beaudesert. On the right is a glimpse of a house
in Blood's Yard.
2. Another row of picturesque black and
white cottages stood between Sandy Lane and
the Globe Hotel - across the present island. At
least one of these houses was believed to have
been a "bush house" selling beer during the
June Fair and advertising this by displaying
branches of a bush. They were demolished in
1912 by J Moore and sons. A glimpse of St
Mary's Mission church (the Tin Tabernacle) can
just be glimpsed on the extreme left, behind the
fence.
3. Upper Brook Street looking towards
Brook Square. The first building on the left is
the Crown. The old cottages on the right, some
with front room shops, stood where the
present-day shops are set back on what was to
have been a new building line. The cottages
were demolished in the late 1930s.
4. Looking into Brook Square. The building
on the left with the ornate lantern was the
Black Horse - Costa Coffee is now on the site.
The shop on the extreme left is Gouldbourn's
ironmongery. Later it became Moore's
greengrocery and florists. The horse and trap
block the view of the present-day Nationwide
Building Society, at that time a butchers.
5. Where Market Place becomes Anson
Street. The fine range of public buildings were
erected in 1878, with Anson Street being cut at
the same time. The range comprised a hall for
social events, a market hall, armoury, council
offices and a police station with cells
underneath. After the second World War these
were used by Rugeley Mixed Youth Club known
as the Cellars Club. The buildings were
demolished in 1978 despite a local campaign to
save them followed by a Public Enquiry. Dry rot
was the main problem and only the Clock
Tower was saved.
Please see the Landor (local history) Society
website www.landorsocietyrugeley.uk for our
autumn/winter programme of events.
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First Look at
New Local Attraction
Staffordshire’s heavily anticipated and newest
family attraction is set to open to the public
from 1pm on Monday 11th March, and the
team behind it have revealed a sneak peek.
Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn, located in
Brewood and owned and managed by the
Chillington Hall estate, is inspired by local history.
Youngsters will have the chance to hide inside and
climb to the top of its centrepiece - a magnificent
mock oak tree inspired by the tree that King
Charles II is said to have hidden inside at Boscobel
House, as he fled Oliver Cromwell at the Battle of
Worcester.
Children and grown-ups who also want to join
in on the fun, can expect bridges, tunnels, high-level
walkways and slides in the indoor section. For
thrill-seekers there is also a pedal go-kart track,
where drivers can channel their inner Sir Lewis
Hamilton, lining up on the start line indoors and
speeding outside onto the winding tarmac track.
Other outdoor features include the zip lines,
swings, slides, sand pit and bespoke toddler area
that will be open year-round.
Charlie, his wife Tessa and their young family
set out to create a fun-filled space that they didn’t
feel was on offer in the area. A place where
children of all ages can play, learn and interact with
nature, as well as making it a comfortable
environment for grown-ups to spend their time
too.
Whilst youngsters run wild, parents can take
time to refuel enjoying barista quality coffee, fresh
sandwiches and delicious ice cream - all produced
as locally as possible. An outdoor hut serves stone
baked artisanal pizzas, with all the family favourites.
The new play facilities will be open daily from
Monday 11th March, with last entry at 4pm on a
weekday and 3pm on a weekend or public holiday.
Pre-booking is recommended and tickets can be
purchases from the Hockerhill Adventure Playbarn
website now. www.hockerhill.com
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23

A Roast
to Boast About!
Citylife popped to visit Perry’s Field to Fork to try out a
brand-new cookery course that celebrates the very best of
British… yes, the humble roast dinner!
Now, everyone assumes they can cook a roast dinner, I mean how
hard can it be? Well, this course is designed not only to get your roast
spot on, but to elevate it to the next level in order to wow your guests!
The girls at Citylife were under the tutorage of renowned chef
Stephen Guy (aka The Hungry Guy) who put us through our paces at
Perry’s Field to Fork, based in Eccleshall, as they conjured up a
delectable feast fit for a king using the finest quality ingredients from
the highly acclaimed Perry’s Butchers.
I’m talking perfect pork crackling every time, the best Yorkshire
puddings ever, silky gravy with incredible depth of flavour, and many
more tips and tricks to enhance your veggies, improve your custard
and make your crumble stand out!
Not only was the course fun and informative, but will make you see
your food in an entirely new light, experimenting with flavours and
seasonings used by top chefs to bring their meals to life!
Find out more about what Perry’s Field to Fork has to
offer at www.perrysfieldtofork.co.uk or call them on
01785 851911. DISCOUNT CODE FZ93FSDE.

Staffs’ Best Kept
Village Open for Entries
The Community Foundation’s Best Kept Village and
Community Competition is now open for 2024 and is
being sponsored by famous TV auctioneer Richard
Winterton. The competition will celebrate the charm
and vibrancy of Staffordshire's villages and communities
and to help during the cost-of-living crisis the event will
be free to enter this year.
There has already been an increase in interest from
communities across the county eager to showcase their
unique character and community spirit. While the
competition has historically celebrated the aesthetic charm
of Staffordshire's villages, the judges in 2024 want entrants to
showcase their community spirit, with community cohesion
and unity now accounting for 25% of overall marks.
In an exciting development, thanks to increased
sponsorship, the Community Foundation has been able to
waive the entry fee for any Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent based community or village wishing to enter.
There are multiple categories including large villages and small villages. There are sustainable and green
awards plus, for children, competitions to celebrate their writing and art skills.
The deadline for free entry is 31st March 2024 and communities interested in participating can find
more information and entry guidelines on the official website at www.bestkept.community.
25

What’s On
Saturday 16th March
Bridgtown Concert Band
An evening of entertainment from one of the
best concert bands in the Midlands. Raising funds
for Chase Arts for Public Spaces.
Venue: Staffordshire University Academy, Marston
Rd, Hednesford, WS12 4JH.
Time: 7.30pm
For details & tickets email
bridgtownconcertshowband@gmail.com.
Venue: Hammerwich Cricket Club, Burntwood,
WS7 0JQ.
Time: 10am – 4pm (exhibitors arrive by 9.30am)
Monday 15th April
Aled Jones – Full Circle
Tuesday 26th March
The Dublin Legends
Following the sudden death of founding member
Barney McKenna in 2012, and the decision of
John Sheahan to retire, it was agreed that The
Dubliners, as a touring band, would end – and
The Dublin Legends were born.
Venue: Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock
Time: 7.30pm
Contact the box office on 01543 578762.
Sunday 7th April
Hammerwich Pre-War Car Gathering
Open to pre-war cars only. Free to attend but
exhibitors need to register by phone on 07850
799791 or email at klaxonhoard@gmail.com.
Donations to Burntwood Lions charity will be
most welcome.
After 40 years in the business, Aled is looking
back on a remarkable career with a one-man
show, that will feature never-before-heard music,
tales from the decades and, for the first time, his
story told in his own words.
Venue: Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets available from the box office or online at
www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
Sunday 28th April
Spring Wedding Fayre
One of the area’s longest established and largest
wedding shows is back providing a true one stop
wedding shop experience!
Venue: Hawkesyard Hall, Rugeley Rd, WS15 1PU.
Time: 11am-3pm
Book tickets at www.eventbrite.co.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.
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The Swan Inn
By the late Harry Thornton (Landor local history Society)
Brereton had three inns even in the days
before 1800 when the village was little
more than a few houses scattered around
Brereton Hall where the ancient highway
crossed over the brook (now culverted), with a
few more houses up Coalpit Lane. The historic
Red Lion still quenches thirsts, whereas the
Talbot Inn and the Swan closed their doors to
imbibers many years ago. Fortunately, the
Swan Inn building still remains as a doublefronted
house next to the Cedar Tree Hotel
and to many people it is still known as the Old
Swan.
It was acquired by the 2nd Earl Talbot in the
1840s at a time when he was snapping- up all the
property he could in Brereton to house colliery
workers and because coal was potentially under
the ground. When the executors of his greatgrandson
the 20th Earl of Shrewsbury sold it, with
many other Brereton properties, by auction in July
1923, the sale catalogue described it as “The Old
Swan”, with an old brew-house, let to Mr Sam
Jones at an annual rental of £13. Two 3-storey
houses (now demolished) which adjoined the rear
of the Swan but faced towards Coalpit Lane were
let to Messrs Vernon and Watkiss. Mr Ambrose
Jones, in an audio- taped interview in 1978 with Mr
John Perry, then head of Hob Hill School, said his
parents moved to the Swan in about 1908 from
Talbot Road and he recalled the beer-making
coppers still being there. He said his father had a
small holding on the other side of the Main Road
where he kept retired pit ponies which he used for
delivering miners’ coal and for carting spent hops
from the Lichfield Brewery for horse feed, etc.
The Swan had closed as a pub as long ago as
1879 when it became a temperance club known as
The British Workman. The parish magazine of
September of that year announced that new
premises for the club had been opened in the
Swan’s old brewhouse. At the opening, St. Michael’s
Vicar Samson spoke of the Swan’s two advantages
over the club’s former location in a cottage near
the vicarage: “its greater convenience and it being
the conversion of a public house into a place which
is intended to counteract drunkenness”. The
article added that a skittle alley and quoits ground
in the garden of the Swan was planned.
Among the many Shrewsbury family documents
at the Staffs Record Office is a large bundle of
papers relating to ownership of the Swan. They
trace its title and that of adjoining properties back
to when its malthouse was sold by Thomas Birch
to John Ottey in March 1765 for £75. The earliest
reference to it being called the Swan is in a deed
of June 1790 which describes it as “the dwelling
house in Brereton know by the sign of the Swan”.
At an earlier date the Swan apparently had
another name as a deed of October 1794 relating
to ownership of two adjoining houses, refers to
them as “adjoining a house heretofore in the
possession of John Warburton called the Boot and
Shoe but now called the Swan”.
Illustration shows the ‘Swan Inn’ to the left of
the Cedar Tree Hotel.
27

Celebrating
25 Years of The Gruffalo
Forestry England’s Cannock Chase Forest
has announced a year-long celebratory trail
to mark the 25th anniversary of the awardwinning
picture book “The Gruffalo”.
Since 2014, the collaboration between Magic
Light Pictures and Forestry England has
enchanted families in England, immersing them in
the magical world of the Gruffalo within the
nation’s deep dark woods.
To mark this remarkable milestone, Cannock
Chase Forest is inviting families from across
England to join in the festivities and celebrate the
Gruffalo's 25th birthday on an exciting new trail
experience.
The Gruffalo's 25th birthday trail is going to be
a big party in the forest! As part of the adventure,
families will be encouraged to work together to
search for missing party items whilst enjoying fun
and games along the trail. Participants will also
learn about the intricate ways plants and animals
look after each other.
Available at 26 forest sites from 24th January,
the trails will boast five large activity panels, two
of which will include interactive elements. In
addition, visitors can expect 15 smaller spotter
panels, where they can search for missing party
items. Five rubbing stations will also be scattered
along the trail, adding an artistic touch to the
adventure.
For those looking to enhance their experience,
an accompanying trail pack will be available to buy
on-site for just £4. These will include a festive
party headband to get you into the party spirit, an
activity leaflet for curious minds, stickers, pencils
and crayons to get creative, and a woven Gruffalo
sew-on patch as a cherished keepsake.
This fantastic celebratory trail is set to
captivate Gruffalo fans of all ages, offering a
memorable and educational experience amidst
the beauty of our fabulous forests. Mark your
calendars for 2024, as the Gruffalo's 25th birthday
promises to be an adventure you won't want to
miss.
For more information and updates on this
exciting new trail, visit
https://www.forestryengland.uk/gruffalo-partytrail
28

Launch of Stick
Man Trail at NMA
On Saturday 23rd March, families are
invited to kick off their Easter holiday at a
special opening celebration for a brand-new
free Stick Man outdoor trail at the National
Memorial Arboretum within the National
Forest.
The new, mile-long trail will feature five new
carved wooden characters, encouraging younger
visitors to complete activities exploring the
wildlife, nature, and the stories they find.
The Stick Man Celebration Day, featuring free
indoor screenings of The Stick Man adaptation,
themed arts and crafts, and music making inspired
by the book, will ensure that visitors will enjoy a
full day at the Arboretum immersed in the world
of Julia Donaldson’s classic children’s tale.
From a twig for a nest to a mast for a flag,
the brand-new Stick Man trail will follow the
adventures of The Stick Man as he tries to get
home to his Family Tree. Visitors will be able to
pick up a free self-led trail sheet on arrival at
the Welcome Desk, and head out into the
Arboretum to explore the new trail.
Free Stick Man Activities
Families are invited to the Arboretum on
Saturday 23 March to be the first to explore
the new Stick Man trail and participate in a day
of The Stick Man themed activities to celebrate
the opening. Highlights include:
• The Stick Man Indoor Screenings (10am-
4pm, booking recommended)
The Stick Man adaptation will be shown
throughout the day. Limited spaces are
available for each session so visitors should
book their free tickets online in advance to
ensure entry at their preferred time slot.
• Music making sessions (hourly from 11am)
Visitors are encouraged to listen out for the
hum of bees, singing birds and the wind
blowing around the Arboretum, before joining
in music making sessions to create a
soundtrack to spring using instruments from
around the world.
• The Stick Man arts & crafts (11am-3pm)
Using creative skills and imagination, younger
visitors can make The Stick Man-themed items to
take home.
For more information visit www.thenma.org.uk.
29

New Addition to
Miners’ Memorial
Visitors to the
National Miners’
Memorial at the NMA
can now enhance their
visit by listening to the
Story of the Plaques as
they walk around the
bronze plaques set
into the Derbyshire
stone, resembling a
drift mine and
depicting the men,
women and children
who worked in the
UK’s coal mines.
Council Calls for
Litter Volunteers
Cannock Chase Council is appealing to
residents to pledge to pick one bag of
litter or more for Keep Britain Tidy’s Great
British Spring Clean campaign as the charity
marks its 70th anniversary.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean
campaign, which runs from 15th-31st March, is
calling on residents across the district to show
their pride in their community by taking part in
the mass action litter pick. A significant number of
local councillors have pledged their voluntary
support to this year’s campaign too.
The Council is delighted to lend its support to
back the charity’s #BigBagChallenge – a plea to
the public to pledge on the charity’s website to
The film is available via a QR code which is
fixed to the plinth at the entrance to the NMM
site on Gifford Avenue. The film was produced by
CHAPS member Lisa Shephard, the words were
written by Len Prince and are read by the Lord-
Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, CBE, K St
J; CHAPS members and former miners Len
Prince and Alex Smith; historian Brian Elliott;
Colonel Richard Hawkins from the Royal
Engineers; and Mike Mellor, President of CHAPS.
A second QR code takes you to the music
Grounded in Gratitude and its accompanying film
showing men and women at work in the coal
mines. The music was written by Handre
Potgeiter, a South African composer and friend of
CHAPS, the film was edited by Matthew Farrell.
For those who want to watch and listen again
at their leisure, the films are available on the
projects page of website:
www.chaseartsforpublicspaces.co.uk.
pick one bag or more
of litter from streets,
parks, beauty spots
and beaches in order
to protect our vibrant
communities and
precious wildlife
habitats.
This year’s campaign
comes as Keep Britain
Tidy marks its
platinum anniversary, Cllr Muckley on a litter
having been founded by pick in the district
Women’s Institute members in 1954, and the
Council has joined forces with the charity to
highlight to residents that the environment
‘belongs to everyone’. People can make a
#PlatinumPledge to mark Keep Britain Tidy’s 70th
year such as by picking 70 items, 70 bags, or
spending 70 minutes in the great outdoors litterpicking.
Every year the Council supports individuals,
community organisations, schools and businesses
with bags and the loan of litter pickers and hoops,
plus the Council will collect the bags of rubbish
you collect. Contact the Street Cleansing team
on 01543 462621 or email
streetcleansing@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.
30

Anyone for
Tennis?
sporting facilities. Over 1,500 courts have been
completed through the project so far.
To encourage residents of all ages to take up
and enjoy tennis, Cheslyn Hay and Cannock
Chase Community Tennis Club will continue to
provide free use of the courts and tennis
equipment at Cannock and Hednesford parks
during the sessions they run, funded by Tennis for
Free, with this particular scheme being
considered for rolling out at Ravenhill and Heath
Hayes parks during 2024.
The new booking systems and gate access
technology means it will now be easier to get on
court by booking in advance to guarantee
availability.
(l-r) Aaron Burgess, Tom Walsh, Cllr John Preece, , Anna
Hart, Paul Lord & Chris Perrin.
Cannock Chase Council has announced the
reopening of its tennis courts following
refurbishment.
A total of 13 courts across Cannock Park,
Hednesford Park, Ravenhill Park and Heath Hayes
Park have undergone various improvements to
ensure tennis courts are of a high quality for local
players. The introduction of an electric gate
access system means that players can now find
and book a court with assurance it will be
available when they arrive to play.
The renovation work has been managed by the
LTA with funding from the Government, LTA
Tennis Foundation and Cannock Chase Council.
The LTA provided £208,386 and the Council
contributed a further £7,000 from the receipts of
Section 106 schemes.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is
delivering the biggest ever investment in parks
tennis facilities across Britain, with £30 million
going towards transforming park tennis courts
across Great Britain in a significant boost to
All courts will be available to book at
https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/CannockChaseParks
Tennis.
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
31

Lichfield Garrick
Joins the Herd
for the community to discover and enjoy.
The March of the Elephants sculpture trail
marks the 40th Anniversary for St Giles, and
the theatre is delighted to be celebrating
their 20th Anniversary with St Giles.
Affectionately named after the theatre’s
iconic namesake, David Garrick, ‘Baby David’
has been part of an exciting makeover
getting him ready to be displayed around
Lichfield with the rest of his herd this
summer. The charity has been reaching out
to community groups and figures who have
been involved with the theatre over the past
20 years and asking them to paint their
thumbprint on Baby David. Each unique
fingerprint or handprint firmly places Baby
David at the heart of the theatre’s legacy,
shaped by wonderful people both near and
far, who have made the theatre what it is
today. Once the march is over, Baby David
will return to the theatre permanently and
be displayed for all to see!
As the theatre continues to celebrate
its 20th Anniversary Year, Lichfield
Garrick sends its elephant off to join the
rest of his herd as part of the city-wide
arts project ‘March of The Elephants’
launched by St Giles Hospice, set to take
place this summer. The elephants will
bring Lichfield to life in a sea of creativity
and colour in an exciting free public art
sculpture trail. More than 60 elephants
are expected to make up the herd for ten
weeks, before they are auctioned off to
raise funds for the incredible work of St
Giles Hospice.
Lichfield Garrick joins local and national
artists, designers and illustrators who are
decorating elephants, both large and small,
32

The Price of
Feeding Deer is
Dear
Feeding deer makes them vulnerable to disease,
poaching and overpopulation, so rangers are
urging country park users to buck the trend.
Over the years, countryside officers have seen a rise
in members of the public feeding the deer roaming
around Cannock Chase.
What may be seen as a harmless tasty treat puts the
deer at risk of death, disease and dependency on
humans.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for
communities and culture, Victoria Wilson, said:
“Feeding deer makes them less wild by making them
reliant on easy food and more approachable to
humans, making them a target for poachers.
“It also leads to more deer vehicle collisions and
speeds up their metabolism unnaturally leading to
diarrhoea, dehydration and even death.
“Please help us to protect these iconic animals of
Image by John Kraujalis
Cannock Chase by not feeding or approaching them
and keeping dogs away from them. The natural
vegetation provides the deer with all the food and
nutrients they need to thrive.”
With Spring fast approaching, people may encounter
baby deer huddled in the grass. If you do spot a fawn,
please do not attempt to pick it up because its mother
may smell you and abandon the baby deer as a result.
If you hit a deer or see one injured on the roadside,
please call Staffordshire Police on 999. If a deer is dead
on the roadside verge, please call 101. A deer warden
will be notified in both cases.
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