Citylife in Lichfield May 2024

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Welcome to
CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine
bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories.
Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to
businesses and homes in Lichfield, Burntwood, Alrewas,
Yoxhall, Kings Bromley, Fradley, Streethay and Longdon
completely free of charge; bringing you the best that the
city has to offer.
Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich
history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the
latest in fashion and style.
Got a story or charity event you want to share with our
readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures
the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you!
Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com
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
Distribution - Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
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 & around the area
12 Win Tickets to John's Boys
Enter our Welsh Male Choir competition
24 What are you really eating?
Wendy Hill looks into ultra processed foods
28 The Darling Buds of May
Lesley Smith celebrates the warmer season
34 Dress to Impress
Sophie Shelley provides top style tips
40 Tastes of the Season
It's summer salad from Simon Smith
46 What's On
Local events taking place in the month of May
Citylife In Lichfield
@citylifelichfield
@lichfieldcity
www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation
appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement,
editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an
endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
Your Local
Community Magazine

5

LOCAL NEWS
Charity Sculpture Trail
March of the Elephants is an exciting, free public
art sculpture trail due to take place this
summer, which will see around 60 elephant
sculptures pop up across Lichfield, Tamworth
and Sutton Coldfield from 1st July 2024, before
being auctioned off to raise vital funds for St
Giles Hospice.
Decorated by local and national artists,
designers and illustrators, the elephants will
form an ‘unforgettable’ trail of colourful
sculptures for visitors to discover and enjoy.
The free public art event is set to benefit the
whole community, with hundreds of thousands
of people expected to join in the fun.
To find out more, visit
www.marchoftheelephants.co.uk.
.......................................................................................
Local Firm’s
Historic Relocation
Family-owned business, Glazerite, has relocated
its window and door showroom to the historic
Lichfield Brewery on Upper St John Street.
The Lichfield Brewery site holds a rich history
dating back to the 1800s and has stood as a
symbol of craftsmanship and community for
generations. By moving its showroom here,
Glazerite aims to celebrate this legacy.
The new location offers a spacious and inviting
environment for customers to explore the
firm’s extensive range of windows, doors,
aluminium verandas and shutters, plus there is
ample parking and easy access from Upper St
John Street.
The move marks an exciting new chapter for
6
the business and presents numerous benefits
for customers and the local community.
.......................................................................................
Top Award for
Marketing Expert
A marketing specialist from Lichfield has been
recognised for his commitment to the building
materials industry.
National trade body The Builders Merchants
Federation (BMF) and Builders’ Merchants
News (BMN), have joined forces to identify the
Top 100 Young Achievers across the multibillion-pound
building materials sector, and
shine a light on the brightest stars of the future.
Daniel Broadhead, Marketing Manager at
Tippers, based in Lichfield, has been nominated
for the accolade based around his achievements
within his career so far, and having a positive
impact in the sector.
The Top 100 Young Achievers programme
follows last year’s Top 100 Merchant Influencers
and Top 100 Supplier Influencers in 2022 and
2023.
The Top 100 Young Achievers will feature in a
commemorative brochure and be invited to a
Gala Dinner celebration and networking event
at the Belfry in May.
.......................................................................................
Canal Site Opens
to Public
Eric Wood & Robbie Cumming
The Lichfield Canal at Darnford Moors Ecology
Park was officially opened by TV’s Robbie
Cumming, following its completion by Lichfield
and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
(LHCRT).
The 0.5km metre section of canal was
completed thanks to a grant from the European
Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with
match funding from HS2’s Community and
Environment Fund (CEF), and separate grants
from the Biffa Award and the Wesleyan
Foundation.
Representatives from each of the funders
attended along with the volunteers who have
worked tirelessly on site and behind the scenes.
All watched as the Ecology Park was formally
opened by LHCRT patron Robbie Cumming, of
TV’s Canal Boat Diaries, together with LHCRT
president Eric Wood.
Two commemorative trees were planted, one
by Robbie and the other by John Horton,
LHCRT’s former engineer. There was then a
guided walk, whilst paddle boarders took to the
water, along with LHCRT volunteers in a canoe
and a coracle.
Find out more about at https://lhcrt.org.uk/.
.......................................................................................
Prestigious Pub
Brand for City
The Leader of
Lichfield District
Council, Doug
Pullen, provided
an update recently
on the highly
anticipated
redevelopment of
the Birmingham
Road Site.
A key part of the
project is the
The Botanist, Birmingham
repurposing of the
f o r m e r
Debenhams store into a cinema complex
complete with cinema, bars and restaurants.
Popular cinema operator, Everyman, is being
joined by prestige restaurant brand, The
Botanist, as the anchor food and beverage
outlet. This is the first step in the creation of a
plaza where people can enjoy socialising.
As an upmarket gastro pub chain,
headquartered in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, The
Botanist should other businesses in its wake
owing to the increased footfall generated by its
customers.
Lichfield District Council is backed by local MP,
Michael Fabricant, who says he welcomes the
decision to attract The Botanist to the city.

Advertising Feature
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7

LOCAL NEWS
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Funding to
Renovate Church
Burntwood Town
Council has been
awarded over
£180,000 from the
Government’s
Community
Ownership Fund to
renovate and
modernise Chase
Terrace Methodist
Church, transforming
it into a Community
Centre for residents.
Following a successful, locally driven campaign
last year to save the building for community use,
the Town Council purchased the former church
in December, and received confirmation last
week that their bid to the Community
Ownership Fund was successful.
The Fund has awarded £71 million to 231
projects across England and is available to
support communities to take ownership of
assets which are at risk of being lost.
.......................................................................................
Charity’s
Lifesaving Lottery
You can help Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
save lives by playing its Lifesaving Lottery for as
little as £1.15 each week, with the weekly
chance to win £1,000!
Not only do you get the opportunity to win
one of five cash prizes each week, by taking part
you are supporting a vital cause that saves lives
every day. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
provides a crucial emergency service to those
in the most serious and critical need. Every
lottery entry and every pound raised keeps
your local air ambulance in the sky and critical
care cars on the roads.
Each £1.15 entry entitles you to a unique
number, and the winning numbers are randomly
selected by computer each week. The Lifesaving
Lottery is only available to those aged 18 or
over, you can either pay monthly, bi-monthly, biannually,
or annually.
With online signups taking less than five
minutes, it’s easy to register and start playing
today.
Visit
www.midlandsairambulance.com/lottery.
.......................................................................................
Chair’s Charity
Improve Elderly Lives
The Chair of Lichfield District Council is
highlighting the work of a charity which helps
older people maintain their independence and
live more fulfilled lives.
Councillor Ann Hughes is supporting MHA
Communities South Staffordshire during her
term of office and recently attended a special
lunch and social group that it organised for
people with dementia at the Old Mining
College, Burntwood.
MHA is holding a fundraising Communi-tea
Party on Tuesday 21st May at Chasetown
Methodist Church from 1pm to 3pm. To book a
place call 01543 674257.
Anyone seeking more details, or who would like
to make a donation can contact MHA
Communities South Staffordshire on the same
telephone number or email
southstaffs@mha.org.uk
.......................................................................................
£2m Boost for
Vulnerable
Recently, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet
backed investment in the delivery of new
temporary accommodation and acknowledged
the need for more wrap-around support for
people placed in temporary accommodation.
Cabinet recommended that Full Council
increase the budget for the capital programme
for new temporary accommodation in the
district by £979,000 from £1,178,000 to
£2,157,000.
The District Council currently spends around
£80,000 every year on emergency
accommodation to support local residents,
including families with children and Cabinet
recognised more needs to be done. At any one
time there are more than 30 individuals and
families from the district living in temporary
accommodation. Insufficient supply of
accommodation means people in need are
often placed in emergency bed and breakfast,
located outside of the district and offering
limited facilities.
Funding for the proposal, which includes more
‘Housing First’ housing pathway units to
support local rough sleepers will come from
money negotiated from housebuilders and from
Right to Buy receipts, money generated through
the Right to Buy sale of the council’s former
housing stock, now managed by Bromford.
.......................................................................................
Funding Plea
for Memorial
A new campaign has launched inviting the public
to support the renovation and preservation of
the Shot at Dawn memorial, one of the most
visited and poignant memorials at the National
Memorial Arboretum.
The memorial was installed in 2001 with the
support of public subscriptions, and now over
twenty years later the wooden stakes that pay
tribute to the 309 soldiers that were ‘shot at
dawn’ during the First World War have
deteriorated beyond repair.
This new campaign aims to raise £45,000 to
ensure that the memorial will be preserved for
future generations to explore, discover and
remember.
Whilst refurbishment work to the Shot at
Dawn Memorial takes place at the Arboretum
from 7 May for up to six weeks, the names of
those who were ‘shot at dawn’ will remain
accessible for those who wish to pay tribute to
their service and tragic loss of life.
To Advertise
call:-
Steve Brown 07740 166497
stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com
Rebecca Hill 07970 513144
rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Mike James 07900 982456
mikejamescitylife@gmail.com

9

Committed to Improving Services
By Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council
With so much focus on some of our key
infrastructure and regeneration
projects, such as the re-development of the
Birmingham Road site, a new leisure centre,
and the creation of a Greenway between
Lichfield and Chasewater, it’s sometimes
easy to ignore some brilliant achievements
that perhaps only interest a much smaller
number of people, but which are quite
literally life-changing for those affected.
People living across Lichfield District with
mobility or accessibility challenges are able to access the governmentfunded
Disabled Facilities Grant scheme. Around £1M of funding is
provided to the Council each year – which helps people to stay
independent at home, reducing hospital admissions and preventing or
delaying a move into residential care.
Nationally there is a huge backlog of applications, and we were no
different, with our contracted providers struggling to meet our targets.
That's why we decided to take action and bring the service back in-house,
with a new approach aimed at making the process smoother and faster.
Using our wholly-owned, arms-length company, Lichfield WMTS, we
brought in a new team, streamlined processes, focussed on the individual
residents’ needs and set some incredibly stretching targets.
Just one year in, the results speak for themselves. Since bringing the
service in-house and implementing our new approach, we've shaved
weeks off the time it takes to get funding awarded – halving the time from
application to approval.
Not only that, but we've also seen a significant increase in the number
of grants awarded, meaning we've been able to help even more people
make vital adaptations to their homes and improving their quality of life in
the process.
This success story is a testament not only to our brilliant team at LDC,
but I hope also to our ongoing commitment to improving services for our
residents.
I'm incredibly proud of the strides we've made with our Disabled
Facilities Grant scheme. By bringing the service back in-house and
implementing our new approach, I know that the team have been able to
make a real difference in the lives of those who rely on this vital support.
Our work certainly doesn't stop here - I’m continuously looking for
ways to enhance our services and better meet the needs of our
community; hopefully I’ll be able to write about many other ways that we
have improved our services in coming editions of CityLife!
Delivering to the Community
By Darren Ennis, Leader of Burntwood Town Council
We did it! Some moments in life just
make you jump for joy and receiving
confirmation that our bid to the Government’s
Community Ownership Fund for over
£180,000 was successful was one of those
moments. Months of hard work from
councillors and officers led to this outcome
and the funding will enable us to renovate and
modernise the former Chase Terrace Methodist Church turning into
a Community Centre for residents. The procurement process has
now begun, and we will be working with local businesses to help us
to deliver this project, ensuring the building will be fully transformed
to a high specification, something Burntwood deserves. I cannot put
into words how ecstatic I am about this project.
Over the past few years, the Town Council have been working with
other partners to raise awareness of dementia and make Burntwood a
more dementia-friendly place to live. The 13th – 19th May marks
Dementia Action Week, a national campaign to encourage people to take
action on dementia. We have put together a programme of events during
the week for people living with dementia and their carers to access, the
details of which can be found on our website and social media pages
below. Partners including Burntwood Leisure Centre, Burntwood Library,
MHA Communities, Magnolia Friends and more are involved in raising
awareness during this week, and the Town Council will also be hosting a
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free Dementia Friends information session on Monday 13th May for
anyone who may be interested in understanding more about dementia.
As well as a community that supports its residents, we are also striving
to make our town safer. I recently had the chance to visit Smalley Court
Retirement Village to talk about defibrillators as the residents have opted
to raise money to fit one on their building, bringing a benefit to the whole
community. Burntwood has a significant number of defibrillators across
the town, not only because of the excellent work of our Council and
councillors to prioritise their installation and maintenance, but through
support from amazing businesses and community groups like Smalley
Court who simply want to make Burntwood a better and safer place.
It’s all steam ahead on the skate park too. Funds from Burntwood Town
Council and Lichfield District Council have been agreed and work now
begins on the planning and implementation of this facility which will be
based at Burntwood Leisure Centre. Although the previous skate park
was removed by Staffordshire County Council, the community came
together to campaign for a replacement and Burntwood Town Council’s
joint working with Lichfield District Council demonstrates how councils
can and should work together for the betterment of the community.
If you need further information on our events, services, or sponsorship
opportunities, this can be found by following Burntwood Town Council on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or on our website www.burntwoodtc.gov.uk.

11

Celebrating
Forty Years!
This year Heart of the Country Village is celebrating its fortieth
birthday! For those who haven’t visited yet, Heart of the
Country Village is a shopping village… with a difference! It is a
perfect day out, with clothing and gift and home decor shops,
restaurants, a children’s soft play and luxury services including hair
dressing, beauty and dog grooming.
But what makes Heart of the Country special is that, although only
two miles from Lichfield, it is nestled in peaceful countryside, away from
the hustle and bustle of big retail parks. Sheltered from the road by a
thick hedge, and boasting a natural woodland where children can roam,
the courtyards are full of trees, flowers and greenery.
Once a working farm, Heart of the Country has been home to the
Stubbs family for over forty years. In 1984 Lesley Stubbs swept out the
pig barn and opened her first shop selling eggs, honey and dried flowers.
Lesley's Canadian influence saw her introduce North American Folk Art
to the shop, which grew into the famed Three French Hens. One shop
became two with the addition of Paul Martyn Furniture, spearheaded by
the visionary Paul, utilising an old tractor shed to renovate pine furniture.
This was the beginning of the respectful conversion of the red brick
barns into workshops, eateries and shops and throughout, the Stubbs’
have been careful to protect the traditional features of the buildings,
preserving the integrity of the traditional farm buildings such as the
threshing barn and the red-brick stables.
Today, Heart of
the Country
Village is a
symbol of lasting
success, home to
a variety of
longstanding
businesses. Run
by the sons of
Lesley and Simon
Stubbs and their
wives, it offers
unique items,
skilled craftsmanship, and friendly service. A recent addition is the
development of the Village woodland, a natural sanctuary complete with
fairy doors and two friendly pigs. This green space welcomes visitors of
all ages, including well-behaved dogs, to enjoy time in nature. Throughout
the year, the Village hosts a variety of special events, such as the Step into
Spring celebration in March and the Scarecrow Festival in October. These
events embody the Village's spirit of joy, creativity, and togetherness,
drawing visitors from near and far to join in the festivities.
To mark its 40th anniversary, Heart of the Country Village will be
hosting a Big Birthday Party on Saturday June 8th, 10-5pm. The
celebration will feature fun games, artisan stalls, face painting, delicious
street food from our eateries, live music, and more. Additionally, the
event will support the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Heart of the
Country Village would like to invite everyone to join in the celebration
with its family of retailers and restaurateurs.
Find Heart of the Country at A38 South Swinfen,
London Road, WS14 9QR.
Win Tickets to Johns’
Boys Welsh Male Choir
Experience the unforgettable sound of Johns'
Boys Welsh Male Choir as The Britain’s Got
Talent semi-finalists perform in the stunning
setting of Lichfield Cathedral on 20th July.
Johns’ Boys Welsh Male Choir from North
Wales is one of the most decorated British
male choirs in history. The choir has won
numerous choral competitions and in 2019
became the first British Male Voice Choir to
win the prestigious Pavarotti ‘Choir of the
World’ prize.
The choir has gathered millions of new
followers since appearing on the live shows of
Britain's Got Talent and was described by
Simon Cowell as “A brilliant choir - I love
them!”
Johns’ Boys brings a groundbreaking, modern twist to the traditional
Welsh Male Voice Choir. Don’t miss the breathtaking covers of Calum
Scott’s Biblical and Harry Styles’ Falling plus modern twists on wellknown
classics, like their stunning take on the
famous Welsh hymn tune ‘Calon Lan’.
We’ve got a pair of tickets (2 tickets) to giveaway
to attend this incredible event. To be in with your
chance of winning, simply correctly answer the
following question, and send it along with your
details to the email or address below.
Where will Johns’ Boys perform in
Lichfield in July?
a) National Memorial
Arboretum
b) Lichfield Cathedral
c) Lichfield Garrick Theatre
The choir recently appeared on The Royal
Variety show and have also released their
debut EP ‘Biblical’ which went straight to
number one in the iTunes Classical charts.
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To enter, just send your name, contact details and
answer to Welsh Mail Choir 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
22nd 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 50.

Watch Our Story
13

14

New Beginnings: Our Window and
Door Showroom Finds Home in
Historic Lichfield Brewery
We are thrilled to announce the relocation of our window
and door showroom to the historic Lichfield Brewery at 56
Upper St John Street, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9ET. This move
marks an exciting new chapter for our business and presents
numerous benefits for our customers and the local community.
Embracing History: The Lichfield Brewery holds a rich history dating
back to the 1800s and has stood as a symbol of craftsmanship and
community for generations. By moving our showroom here, we aim to
celebrate the legacy of this historic site and to Lichfield’s rich culture
and heritage.
Enhanced Experience: Our new location offers a spacious and inviting
environment for customers to explore our extensive range of windows,
doors, aluminium verandas and shutters. With ample parking and easy
access from Upper St John Street, we ensure a convenient and relaxed
experience for our visitors. Additionally, the distinctive architecture and
character of the brewery add a unique charm to our showroom,
creating a memorable backdrop for browsing our products. We are
especially excited to introduce our latest addition – Deponti aluminium
verandas, which will be prominently displayed alongside our window
and door offerings. These elegant and versatile structures provide the
perfect solution for extending outdoor living spaces, allowing you to
fully enjoy your garden in style and comfort.
Community Engagement: As a family-owned business and proud
members of the Lichfield community, we are committed to contributing
positively to our local area. By repurposing the Lichfield Brewery, we
not only preserve a piece of our city’s history but also stimulate
economic growth and activity in the area. We look forward to
welcoming residents and businesses alike to our new location and
continuing to be an integral part of the community.
We invite you to join us in celebrating as we embark on this exciting journey in our new home. Visit us at 56 Upper St
John Street to experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation in our window and door solutions, as well as our
stunning Deponti aluminium verandas.
15

Your Garden in May
By Byron Lewis
Could this be the month we finally see the sun? The weather has been
pretty rubbish up to now with constant wind and rain, and most
plants have taken a battering! At this time of year the garden centre
is now filling with all the popular summer bedding plants, so do take
care if you’re buying them and we get a frost. If low temperatures
(lower than around 4 degrees) are forecast, it’s worth protecting your
bedding plants by wrapping them in horticultural fleece overnight.
Don’t be tempted to use plastic as there is no airflow, which can
cause fungal problems – the fleece is more breathable.
Talking of bedding plants, there is so much choice available it can be
difficult to know what to pick! Million Bells (also called callie or
calibrachoa) are a great option – these have masses of bright flowers
all through the summer and come in a range of colours. Use these in
window boxes or hanging baskets – they have a trailing habit.
If you use lobelia in your hanging baskets, why not try the bush types
rather than trailing? I find these keep their shape better, particularly
later in the season, when trailing lobelia can get very straggly. For pots
and baskets in shady spots, use fuchsia, begonia and Busy Lizzy
(impatiens). These perform well in darker positions and give lots of
colour.
When you plant your baskets and pots, use good quality compost and
consider adding some slow-release feed and water retention gel. Use
this at the time of planting and you will reduce your workload over
the summer – the feed lasts all season and the water gel will cut your
watering too!
Turning to lawns, it's time to give a weed and feed product to your
lawn. Feeding will help new growth, but if your lawn is thin you can
also re-seed. Use multi-purpose lawn seed, which is generally hard
wearing and mix it with compost, then sprinkle evenly over the thin
area. A word of caution - water the lawn BEFORE sowing, as you can
end up washing all the seed into one area causing thick patches. Also
protect the seed for a few weeks from the birds by getting some
netting over the area.
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Let's hope we have a good summer run of weather - it's time to get
gardening!
Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at
Curborough Countryside Centre,
Lichfield. Tel: 01543 254306. Visit
www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find the centre on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

17

Re-Pawting
for Duty!
By Lauren Hirst
Home Run Hound’s roving re-pawter, Ray (aka Velvet Ranger)
has been busy this month covering all of HRH’s events. Ray’s
vision is that every greyhound who retired from racing, or never
really got started, will find a loving forever family. Ray knows that
greyhounds are the first dog that people think of when they decide
to get a dog and he’d like to change all that by getting out and
about to let people know what great pets ex-racing greyhounds
make. He’s organised greyhounds from HRH to strut their stuff
around Staffordshire from the local greyhounds walks in
Tamworth and Beacon Park on the first Saturday and fourth
Sunday of every month, respectively.
Ray also organised for his kennel mates to make guest appearances
at Burton Albion football club, Great Barr Golf Club, the PupUp Dog
cafés in Birmingham and Stafford, Buzzards Valley Vineyards Artisan
market, the RSPCA and Hagley Hall’s Easter fayres to name just a few.
Other greyhounds have visited nursing homes, church groups, and
hospitals across the region as part of Home Run Hounds community
work. Next month he’ll be at Moira Canal Festival, Burton and Lichfield
Food Festivals, PupUp café in Lichfield, and Crick Canal Boat Festival in
Northampton – phew!
Ray likes to tell people that contrary to popular belief, greyhounds
don’t need a lot of exercise and are actually quite lazy! Other fun facts
about greyhounds are that they are the only dog mentioned specifically
by name in the Bible, and that in the Middle Ages only royalty were
allowed to have greyhounds – no wonder they look so regal. In modern
times, because greyhounds have a universal blood type, they make
excellent blood donors and Pet Blood Bank visit all three of Home Run
Hounds kennels (Shenstone, Hagley, and Wombourne) for Ray, his
kennel mates and homed friends to help save the lives of dogs in need.
Did you know that one pint of blood can save the lives of four dogs?
However hard Ray works in spreading the word about greyhounds as
pets, and his striking good looks sadly, he himself has yet to find his
forever family. He wants everyone to know that he is a super friendly
lad, young at heart at aged seven, gets on great with all other dogs, and
loves a belly rub! What’s not to like? Ray deserves to be loved as
someone pet and find a home where he can put his paws up and enjoy
his retirement. If this might be you, please get in touch with Ray’s
supervisors at www.homerunhounds.co.uk,
hello@homerunhounds.co.uk, or phone or WhatsApp on 07488 253
537.
Got a story or charity
event you want to share
with our readership? Think
you’ve snapped an image
that captures the spirit of
the region? We want to
hear from you!
Contact Citylife at
kristencitylife@gmail.com
18

19

A Fostering Journey
Acouple from Stoke on Trent, who
have fostered three teenagers, are
urging more people to come forward
due to the shortage of local foster
carers.
Gina and Michael began their fostering
journey three years ago, after speaking
about fostering for a while they
eventually knew the time was right. Gina
said: “My daughter is a Social Worker for
the local authority and was coming home every evening with stories
about the lack of placements available for children in the area. This made
us feel so helpless when we had the space to do something, so that was
it, we started the application with Nexus Fostering.”
Over the three years, Gina and Michael have supported three teenage
girls, now aged 13,16 and 18 years old. The couple describe their
journey so far as “frustrating, emotional, and challenging at times but so
rewarding; when you first meet the children and see the difference in
them after a couple of months - there is nothing as rewarding as that.”
Before meeting their first young person, Gina said: “From the referral,
she had difficult behaviours and had rebelled against her previous carers.
Michael was nervous but she was just a typical teenager. Before she
moved in, we went to meet her and went out for the day to help us get
to know each other. On the first night, we showed her the kitchen and
I said she could help herself with snacks and drinks. It took her a few
days to adjust but she settled in well. She even changed her surname to
ours within six months and calls me mum to her teachers. She is part
of the family and always will be.”
Now aged 18 years old, she has moved out of Gina and Michaels’s
home into independence. Gina stated: “We have a great relationship and
I still speak to her every day. She is doing so well, received excellent
grades in her GCSEs and is now studying at college while working with
my husband. When she moved into her flat, we all helped decorate and
all the family pitched in, it was a family affair.”
Gina and Micheal welcomed their second young person in 2022, aged
14 at the time. Gina said: “She is now settled and becoming a wonderful
independent young lady and her confidence has grown so much, she’s
our little superstar.”
Gina spoke about the support they have received: “Nexus Fostering
offer great support and training, and there is someone always available
if needed. Barbara, our local clinician, is amazing.”
Gina and Michael urge anyone to consider fostering as “the rewards
far outweigh the challenges and the difference you can make in a child’s
life is incredible.”
If you have been inspired by Gina and Michaels’s fostering journey and
think you could provide a safe and stable home for a child or young
person in Staffordshire, then contact us to start your journey with
Nexus Fostering today. Visit our local office at Montford House Suite 1
& 2, St Georges Court, Donnington, Telford, TF2 7AS, take a look at the
website at www.nexusfostering.co.uk or call 01952 916002.
200th
Anniversary
of the RNLI
By Evelyn Jefferies
The 4th of March 2024 saw a very special service at Westminster
Abbey celebrating 200 years of saving lives by the Royal
National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and was the start of a year of
special events organised by branches throughout the country.
As part of the 200th Anniversary celebrations, Tamworth & Lichfield
branch is delighted to be hosting an evening of song performed by the
wonderful choir Beatus on Friday 17th of May at the George Hotel,
Lichfield - an event not to be missed! Tickets are £15.00 and can be
obtained from Alan McDonald by popping into the George Hotel, calling
01827 55141 or emailing alan_mcdonald2@rnli.org.uk.
We are also proud to be one of the stop-off points for the
bicentenary scroll at the National Memorial Arboretum in May. On this
scroll is the RNLI’s One Crew pledge, in which we promise our
commitment to saving everyone we can, without judgement – staying
true to Sir William Hillary’s vision when he founded the charity in 1824.
And we cannot let the chance go by to say heartfelt thanks to the
residents of Lichfield whose generosity enabled us to raise the
magnificent sum of £560 during our February collection.
If you would like to help in other ways membership enquiries are
welcomed on tamworthandlichfieldrnlibranch@gmail.com.
20

21

More Than Words
By Rebecca Slater
Iwasn’t sure what I would write
about when I started this column. I
didn’t want to limit myself to one
single topic or theme and for better
or worse I have something to say
about pretty much everything (it’s a
blessing and a curse). So, I decided to
do what I do best and just write about
experiences I encounter, thoughts
that occur to me, and things I’d like to
try but am maybe too scared to do alone so would like you to do
with me.
Unfortunately for you, the subject falls into the last category and
occurred to me when I recently attended a funeral online (very
modern). Through my small screen the sadness could be seen but what
was even stronger were the feelings of love, they were apparent in the
expressions on people's faces, the words that were said, and the songs
that were chosen. It got me thinking why is it so common for us to wait
River Goddess
Statue Celebrates
Site’s History
until somebody has died for us to express what we felt about them?
Wouldn’t it be better for everybody if people knew how we felt whilst
they were alive? I’m not talking about compliments such as “Your hair
looks nice” or “What a lovely outfit” although those are always
welcome.
I’m talking about the big things. The things that make headlines, the
obituaries, the things that make people glow from the inside out. You
know like telling a friend “When I spend time with you, I always go away
feeling happy” or letting somebody you admire know what you think of
them - “That thing you said the other day was really thought-provoking
and changed how I see the world, thank you.”
Often these conversations can take us out of our comfort zone, but
there is evidence that there is power in telling people positive things
about themselves is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver and
can take friendships, romantic, and family relationships to another level
of understanding.
So, that’s this month's challenge - join me in telling three people about
the positive impact they’ve had on you, and in return, I promise that
next month I won’t ask you to try anything new!
Rebecca Slater lives in Lichfield and is a freelance PR
Consultant who owns Beck and Call Public Relations. She
also writes bespoke poetry through her business Poems from
Becky.
By Louise Morris, TTTV Project Manager
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 reserve, 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 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.
Dr Mark Knight, Cultural Heritage Officer for TTTV, says: “We are
really pleased to bring Trisentona to life. We thank the sculptors Miranda
Wakeman and Geraint Lloyd for their stunning interpretation of
Trisentona, which will enable visitors to Croxall Lakes to learn more
about the reserve’s history and deepen their connection with the
landscape around them.”
For more information on the sculpture visit:
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk/projects/tttv-heritage/birthplace-of-agoddess/
The Transforming the Trent Valley scheme, based in East Staffordshire
and South Derbyshire finished in March this year. This highly successful
scheme has made a difference to the living landscape of the Trent Valley
in this area. Helping communities to connect to their natural
environment and creating a self-led wildlife recording group, we have
encouraged people of all ages to explore outside, and increased the
discovery and preservation of cultural heritage sites.
We have overcome many challenges, including flooding and a global
pandemic but the achievements of the last five years really showcase the
dedication of our team, volunteers and partner organisations.
We are very excited to announce new projects in the north of the
Trent Valley, towards the headwaters of the River Trent. This is a really
important stepping stone which we hope will bring further long-term
funding into a vital landscape. You can follow our progress at
www.thetrentvalley.org.uk
22

23

Ultra Processed Foods:
What Are You Really Eating?
By Wendy Hill
Have you ever heard the
term “ultra-processed
food” (UPF) in the
news and wondered what it
actually means? In 2009 a
university in Sao Paulo created
a food classification system
that included the category
ultra-processed foods to
describe foods that are industrially produced and contain chemicals
such as thickeners, artificial sweeteners and emulsifiers. These
include protein bars, packaged cakes and pastries, savoury snacks and
many ready meals.
If our great-grandparents were transported into the middle of your local
supermarket they would struggle to recognise most of the products that
constitute part of the modern diet. Equally, I’d bet that faced with an
ingredients list that included xanthan gum, humectant, sodium alginate and
sorbitan monostearate, you wouldn’t guess that it was a very well-known
brand’s angel slice?
UPFs now constitute around 60% of the UK adult’s diet and it’s even higher
for children. It seems incomprehensible that in a society that is focused on
its health and wellbeing, that supports a health supplement industry worth
over £1.6bn, it bodes the questions, if our food was better quality would
we need so many supplements, and should these products even be labelled
as food?
Is it really food?
The NOVA food classification groups foods based on the extent of their
processing. There are four levels and foods that are from groups 1-3 we
should aim to be putting into our weekly shopping basket.
Group 1: Unprocessed and minimally processed foods – these are natural
or raw ingredients and would include milk, plants, seeds, vegetables and
fruit.
Group 2: Processed culinary ingredients – foods that have been dried,
cooked or slightly altered. Such as herbs and spices, olive oil, frozen fruit
and vegetables.
Group 3: Processed foods – combining two or more foods from groups
1 & 2 and then adding a processing method such as baking, fermenting or
packaging.
Group 4: Ultra-processed foods – foods that are industrially produced
and contain chemicals such as thickeners, artificial sweeteners and
emulsifiers.
I’m hoping after reading this article you start to read ingredient labels, as
the food industry relies on you assuming that the yoghurt pot with fruit on
the front, describing itself as a strawberry yoghurt, contains just yoghurt
plus strawberries. Yet if you did read the label and found that the second
ingredient was sugar (check back on the March issue for more about sugar
and our health) and it included, rice starch, anthocyanins and just 2%
strawberries from concentrate how would you feel? Would you be happy
about the description on the front of the pack? I’m guessing not.
It's not your fault that UPFs have crept into your diet, it’s the food
manufacturing industry and its marketing team. I believe that these
products should be labelled as food-like substances. A true description of
the aforementioned yoghurt would be ‘yoghurt with lots of sugar and
additives and a little strawberry concentrate’ but that probably wouldn’t
sell many tubs!
Traditional processing methods
Not all processed foods are bad, just the ‘ultra’ kind. Throughout history,
we have used various methods to process the foods that we have farmed
or hunted. From cooking food to make it more palatable, to drying, curing,
preserving or fermenting to improve longevity.
We have learned to smoke, dry, jar and can foods in times of plenty so that
we have available supply in leaner times. The key difference is that these
processes have minimal additives such as salt, spices, sugar and vinegar. And
the process would capture as much of the nutritional benefit as possible.
Most modern kitchens have freezers which are a wonderful way of
extending the life of many ingredients. Vegetables and fruits can be frozen
at source, meaning they are available to us all year round, and fish and meat
can be stored and used just when we want it.
A healthy and convenient kitchen
Life is all about balance and it is possible to have a healthy diet without
having to cook from scratch every night, here are some of my tips to help
you reduce UPFs and not be chained to the oven:
Cook once, eat twice – always think ‘can I make more’ when you are
preparing a meal. Portion out the extras and pop them in the freezer for a
day when you don’t want to cook – just remember to add a label!
Jars and tins – beans, lentils, tomatoes, coconut milk and fish are always
in my cupboards as they are already cooked and prepared. Many a meal has
been the result of me opening a few tins and adding a few herbs and spices.
Herbs and spices – you could serve the same chicken and veg tray bake
with different herbs and spices and create a totally different meal. Herbs
and spices are also packed full of health-supporting phytochemicals.
Healthy convenience foods – check the labels of your favourite
convenience foods as they are not all processed. For example, I am a huge
fan of precooked packs of rice, quinoa and lentils, they save on time and
washing up!
How to spot an ultra-processed food
Don’t be fooled by the packaging and take some time to read the labels
next time you do your shopping. It might mean that it takes a little bit
longer, but you only have to do it once. If there are ingredients on there
that you cannot pronounce, or don’t recognise as a food, then put them
back!
Choose foods with ingredients that you would use if you were going to
cook it yourself, and that way you know you are actually eating food and
not industrially produced edible substances that resemble food.
Wendy Hill is a Nutritional Therapist, Nutrigenomics Practitioner, public
speaker, yoga teacher, and health coach. With a wealth of expertise in
these fields, she delivers insightful presentations to groups on topics
including health, longevity, and menopause. Additionally, Wendy hosts her
own weekly podcast titled Fab Female Nutrition, offering valuable insights
and practical tips to her audience.
You can find her on podcast and social media as Fab Female Nutrition,
or contact her at wendy@hillstart.me.uk.
24

25

Sparkling Sound Of The Mighty Wurlitzer
By Alex Keller, Richard Winterton Auctioneers
A RARE 1930s Wurlitzer theatre organ is heading for auction in Lichfield
this month.
Not only has this 1936 example of a ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ cinema pipe organ
been lovingly restored to an amazing standard, it’s been played by most of
Britain’s top organists to the enjoyment of audiences in a bespoke mini
theatre built at its owner’s bungalow in a quiet cul-de-sac in Cannock!
Thought to be one of around 20 operational theatre Wurlitzers in the UK
today, the instrument goes under the hammer at The Lichfield Auction Centre
as Lot 1201 in the Antiques & Home Sale on Tuesday, May 21, starting at
9.30am.
Around 28 American-built Wurlitzers were originally transported to Britain
from 1925 until just before WW2 – the last one shipped is still entertaining
people almost daily at Blackpool Opera House.
As in a traditional pipe organ, a theatre organ uses pressurized air to
produce musical tones.
The Cannock Wurlitzer has eight ranks of pipes, xylophone, glockenspiel,
vibraphone and percussion effects such as bass drum, snare drum and cymbals.
It also has all the usual sound effects associated with cinema organs such as
bird whistle, train whistle and fire gong, and is in perfect working order with
the authentic Wurlitzer sound preserved.
Changes over the years include a new keyboard – replaced after wartime
bomb damage in 1944 – and latterly an electronic piano.
The instrument was originally delivered to the UK on October 16 1936 and
installed in the newly-built 2,468-seater Granada Cinema in Barking Road, East
Ham, London.
After six weeks’ assemblage and tuning, organist Donald Thorne officially
opened the instrument on November 30 1936 and it remained in East Ham
until 1975.
Some 25 years later, the present owner saved the Wurlitzer from
deteriorating in a container and had it transported and craned into a purposebuilt
20-seat mini theatre at his home.
During 2001 it was lovingly restored and
rebuilt with guidance from Steve Tovey, The
Birmingham Odeon’s master cinema
organist, and the assistance of The Cinema
Organ Society’s Cameron Lloyd.
The home auditorium opened in
November 2001 – almost 65 years after
the organ’s original appearance – and was
regularly in use until five years ago.
“Sadly due to my age I now have to sell
Auctioneer Richard Winterton with the
Wurlitzer.
the instrument as I am unable to squeeze into the tight corners of the pipe
chamber to maintain it!” said the owner, who prefers not to be named.
“It is not a small instrument, needing a three-phase power supply for the
blower and a room of at least 18 square metres to house the relays and
pipework.
“They were fantastic instruments in their time, constructed of timber,
leather and steel – the only plastic parts are Bakelite.
“I describe it as a living instrument when it’s all up and firing away and it has
been wonderful to be its custodian for the past 20 years.”
Most of the UK’s famous organists came to Cannock to play the instrument
and recordings were made of their performances.
Musicians included Phil Kelsall, resident organist at Blackpool Tower;
Nicholas Martin BEM; BBC organist Dr Arnold Loxam; and Britain’s Got Talent
finalist, Lichfield-born Jean Martyn.
The auction catalogue can be viewed online via
www.richardwinterton.co.uk/auction-dates a week before the sale.
Appointments to view in person can also be organised through Richard
Winterton Auctioneers on 01543 251081 or by emailing
office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

The Darling
Buds of May
By Lesley Smith
SStratford upon Avon is pretty close to
Lichfield at just over an hour’s drive
away. If you can actually park (nearly as
bad as Lichfield), you find yourself in a
pilgrimage site to one man, William
Shakespeare. Hardly a revelation to our
readers, until you start to sense the
enormity of the impact of that one Midlandborn
man from a middling background, on
the entire world. Some years ago, I was
asked to appear as Elizabeth I (with
handsome Robert Dudley at my side) at the
Shakespeare Birthday procession through the town. The purpose was to
lay flowers at his grave in Holy Trinity Church. At first, I was a bit sniffy,
as I didn’t fancy following some crummy floats or perhaps an ice cream
van on a two mile walk in a four and a half stone costume. How wrong
I was! When I took my place, I realised that the Cultural Attache from
the American Embassy was in front of me with a wreath, the Chinese
Embassy behind me, and one country after another represented by
senior diplomats with wreaths. I was then gathering what an honour it
was to take part, and the noise form the crowds was just overwhelming
and joyful. There were some hysterically funny moments such as when
I passed Barry the Butchers. The aproned chaps were all outside, arms
crossed, and one big lad in a straw boater shouted: “Pork chops
Wednesday as usual, your Majesty?” And I nodded which made the
crowd roar louder.
The local grammar school (exquisite and half-timbered), which
Shakespeare had attended, decanted the boys to join us, each carrying
flowers. Now if there is one thing teenage boys don’t want to carry it
is a bunch of flowers, so they sort of dragged them nonchalantly at their
sides as if they didn’t know they were there. Young Shakespeare joined
me at one point and then the crown really erupted especially when I
knighted him in the middle of the road. “About time!” I shouted.
In the church all the priests and vergers wore white with rosemary
pinned to their shoulders (as in remembrance). I was greeted by an
astonished priest: “Your Majesty, we were not expecting you,” she
giggled. The sea of flowers and beautiful music that was being played
made the whole experience really moving. The flowers were akin to a
royal memorial and filled the altar floor sweeping up the base of the
walls. I was very much aware of Anne Hathaway at that point, who has
her grave about six feet along from her husband. That ghost of a woman
we know so little about, but she had three children by Shakespeare,
including twins, and when he had finished his work in the theatre of
London and decided to retire, he came to Stratford upon Avon and lived
with his wife in New Place, a fine house he had built. He spent his last
years with her and is buried near her. He was so famous in his lifetime
that the next owner of New Place became so sick of visitors standing
and pointing at his house that he actually pulled it down. So, all you see
now is a green and lovely garden. That is still visible, of course, along
with many other wonderful things to see in Stratford associated with
William Shakespeare and his wife, as well as Anne Hathaway’s cottage at
Shottery, which is a small
village a few miles away.
Later that evening, I went
for a drink in costume at a
local pub with Shakespeare,
and the windows went black
with camera lenses pressed
to the glass. I mean,
Shakespeare is absolutely
loved, and it seems that
people cannot get enough of
him.
If you are wondering what
the Lichfield link is with Stratford upon Avon, it is because our own Dr
Johnson and his biographer Bothwell were due to be in the parade
celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday one year, but it was rained off. So
that just tells you how long it’s been going on, and how our connections
to each other in the Midlands are greater than you think. Indeed, it was
Johnson’s former pupil David Garrick who organised the Shakespeare
Jubilee in 1769, which gave rise to the annual birthday celebrations. It
was also his innovative performances of Shakespeare’s great characters,
especially Richard III and King Lear, which first made Garrick’s name as
an actor, still commemorated today in Lichfield’s own Garrick theatre.
Perhaps we should have a great parade in Georgian costume, but I mean
a really grand one, in celebration of Samuel Johnson, Garrick and others
who have graced this place, and lay flowers in Lichfield cathedral for
their sakes. What do you think?
Lesley appears as Anne Hathaway in costume, so you can see the Bard’s
wife on Saturday 8th June at Tutbury Castle to find out more about this
woman as she steps out of the shadows.
Stratford Upon Avon
Shakespeare statue
Ann Hathaway's Cottage
28

J HOWELL &
DAUGHTERS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD
LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT,
FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS.
SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY.
24 hours a day
We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of
choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and
memorials are but a few of the services we offer.
Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call
01543 255776
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe,
Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
29

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 May 2023 One entry per household. Multiple
entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must
be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line
with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy
(available at citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk).
Full t&cs on page 50.
30

Lichfield Festival
Line-Up Announced
Stars of classical, folk, world, jazz, cabaret
and popular music, theatre, dance and
the written word, are set to converge
on Lichfield as this summer’s Lichfield
Festival line-up is announced for 4-14th July
2024.
Headline acts in Lichfield Cathedral
include multi-talented folk singer and
Mercury Music Prize nominee Seth Lakeman
and swash-buckling sea-shanty singers The
Longest Johns along with the all-singing, allplucking
spectacle that is George
Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great
Britain. Elgar’s Cello Concerto is among the
majestic concert classics from the BBC
National Orchestra of Wales, and renowned
Baroque violinist and Associate Artist Rachel
Podger plays Vivaldi’s much-loved The Four
Seasons to open the Festival.
The Cathedral is also the backdrop for
Ballet Cymru’s exquisite Romeo and Juliet
and is the atmospheric setting for a latenight
concert by 2024 RPS award-winning
sitar player Jasdeep Singh Degun and for a
magical candlelit concert by pianist and
Associate Artist Danny Driver to close the
Festival.
There are more contributions from the
Festival’s Associate Artists including five
concerts by the Brodsky Quartet in which
they play the complete Shostakovich
Quartets, a brand-new comedy from
Lichfield’s own award-winning story-teller
Katie Arnstein, and cabaret shows with
Jessica Walker and Joseph Atkins. A
glamorous evening celebrates The Magic of
the Movies with violinist/vocalist Lizzie Ball
and world-renowned pianist and Ronnie
Scott’s Artistic Director James Pearson.
Also returning to the Festival is
comedienne, songstress and one third of the
iconic Fascinating Aida, Liza Pulman who
teams up with Joe Stilgoe for A Couple of
Swells. Charles Court Opera bring their
latest Gilbert & Sullivan production, The
Sorcerer, and wine-writer and broadcaster
Oz Clarke reunites with Armonico Consort
for a light-hearted look at music and wine.
In Holst150 Lichfield Festival marks the
150th anniversary of the Cheltenham-born
composer Gustav Holst, with choral music
by The Carice Singers, his tone poem Egdon
Heath played by the BBC National
Orchestra of Wales, and Holst arrangements
from BBC Folk Musician of the Year Will
Pound and percussionist Delia Stevens.
Jazz nights include Jeremy Sassoon’s Ray
Charles Project and Wendy Kirkland’s
centenary tribute to the music of Blossom
Dearie. Joyful soul music comes from the
100-strong Lichfield Gospel Choir, while
globally renowned qanun player Maya
Youssef introduces Lichfield to the 78-
stringed zither, and there’s folk from Jim
Causley and Miranda Sykes (Ghosts,
Werewolves & Countryfolk) and Wayward
Jane.
History is a rich seam at this year’s
Festival. Lesley Smith raids her wardrobe to
present the story of Mary Queen of Scots in
full Elizabethan costume, recorder quartet
Palisander’s historical concert experience
follows the wives of Henry VIII, and The Lord
Chamberlain’s Men perform Shakespeare’s
Hamlet in the open air, in period costume,
with an all-male cast, just as it would have
been in Elizabeth I’s day.
Among literary events are historical
writer and new Lichfield Festival patron
Tracy Borman, forensic investigator Jo Ward,
Einstein expert Samuel Graydon, and Philip
Modiano who explores the Lichfield
paintings of pre-Impressionist artist J L Petit.
This year also sees the return of Lichfield
Festival’s popular Midlands Choir of the Year,
the final taking place in the Cathedral. For
younger audiences, Waterperry Opera
returns with Peter and The Wolf, and music,
art and drama projects on the theme of
Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons take place with
local schools for this year’s Aspire!
community and participation programme.
Making a show-stopping climax, the
Festival Fireworks is FREE to all at Beacon
Park on Friday 12 July, in collaboration with
Fuse/Lichfield Arts.
The Festival is extremely grateful for the
generous support it receives from Arts
Council England, Lichfield District Council,
its Major Festival Partners McArthurGlen
West Midlands, Pegasus Homes and Roxane
UK (Aqua Pura), and from its corporate and
individual supporters, all of which enables
the Festival to bring stellar artists and events
to the city year on year.
Lichfield Festival runs from 4-14th July
2024. General booking are now open.
Tickets and details from
www.lichfieldfestival.org. Festival Box Office
01543 306271 (callback service) or email
boxoffice@lichfieldfestival.org.
Brodsky Quartet (credit Sarah Cresswell)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales (credit James Fear)
Ballet Cymru (credit (c) Sleepy Robot)
Liza Pulman & Joe Stilgoe
31

New Pub
Launches
in the City
Citylife in Lichfield was delighted to be invited to the official
launch ceremony of the latest public house to open in the city,
in order to soak up the prestigious atmosphere, enjoy some hearty
food and sample a taste of the ales on offer.
The Quill & Scholar on Tamworth Street is part of the Heartwood
Collection and opened its doors to welcome the Lichfield community in
March, following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.
The team is led by General Manager, Stuart, and Head Chef, Costel,
who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the establishment.
The pub has undergone an extensive refurbishment to create a warm
and welcoming bar of 42 covers, a stunning dining room with 122 covers
and a gorgeous heated terrace to the rear with 74 covers. Infused with
Heartwood’s signature quirky style, the pub boasts design touches
including a wood-burning fire, cosy snugs, House of Hackney fabriccovered
banquettes and Bert & May tiling. A large skylight to the rear of
the pub has transformed this area into a light-filled garden room.
Guests can enjoy Heartwood’s seasonally sourced menus alongside a
curated wine list, local cask ales, beers and cocktails. Younger guests will
be able to enjoy their own bespoke menu whilst four-legged friends will
be made welcome in the bar and on the terrace.
Stay up to date with The Quill & Scholar at
www.quillandscholarlichfield.com.
32

33

Dress to
Impress
By Sophie Shelley
Wedding season is almost
upon us and whilst it’s
exciting, there’s always one
question that pops into your
mind the moment that invitation
arrives - what are you going to
wear? You don't want to upstage
the bride but you do want to
wear something flattering,
something that showcases you,
whatever your style. Nowadays,
brides and grooms seem to be taking their wedding wardrobes to
new heights, enlisting the help of professional stylists to curate
diverse looks for their special day; ditching the traditional white
dress and giving themselves more freedom to style themselves.
Wedding attire is all about making a statement. This attention to
style adds a touch of sophistication to the overall celebration.
Colour trends are ever-changing, but this year, expect to see a lot
more bold colours like poppy red and sunset hues.
What about hats?
Despite etiquette being confusing, hats and fascinators are still worn
at all kinds of weddings. Finding a suitable one isn't easy though and
involves a few key considerations. Firstly, your role in the wedding may
influence your choice. Naturally, your age and personal taste will also
play an important part in guiding your decision too but generally, a bigger
role in the wedding requires a more fabulous hat! If you are in the
wedding party, choose a comfortable hat that makes you feel confident
but doesn't hide your face. Whilst close friends or relatives might be able
to get away with making a fabulous fashion statement that'll get
everyone talking, no-one wants a scene-stealing fascinator ruining all the
photographs if you're a distant cousin or plus-one!
If the dress code is formal, this could be your big chance to wear a
truly magnificent hat; you may even be expected to wear one! Consider
the traditional elegance of a large-brimmed wedding hat or take the
opportunity to experiment with a striking fascinator as — let's face it
— this might be your only opportunity if you never go to the races! At
a more casual wedding, where the ceremony or celebrations may take
place outside, you may want to wear a hat to keep your head cool and
your face in the shade. Too casual a hat may look sloppy though, so opt
for a smart, wide-brimmed sunhat or a trendy straw boater to
acknowledge the magic of the day while still feeling laid-back and
comfortable.
If you have a quirky and youthful style, a fascinator can be more fun to
wear than a standard hat. Unusual designs make an unforgettable
statement, while a fascinator with netting or a veil adds a touch of
vintage glamour to your look. If you have short hair or are planning an
up-do for the big day then a fascinator is perfect for accentuating, rather
than hiding, your locks. Plus, fascinators have a distinctly regal vibe —
think Princess Eugenie or Victoria Beckham at the royal weddings!
Perhaps a large-brimmed hat feels a little stuffy for your tastes, but a
fascinator doesn't float your boat either?
A clever blend of the two, known as a ‘hatinator’, will provide all the
drama of a hat without the fear of a rogue gust of wind stealing it away.
You wear it just like a headband, but it provides the look of a
sophisticated hat that's tilted at a flirtatious angle. Most hatinators have
a large, sweeping brim so they can also provide a little shade if you're off
to a wedding in the sunshine.
Lastly, you need to decide whether you want your headpiece to match
your outfit or simply complement it. Matching feels satisfying and saves
you from stressful decisions, while headwear in a complementary colour
or one that picks up on a secondary colour from your outfit will
tastefully elevate your look.
Top Tips For Effortless Wedding Style
The English weather doesn’t exactly make it easy to decide what you
should wear though. Add to that the pressure to look chic yet be
comfortable? So, here are some tips on how to get it right:
• Don’t wear a new outfit for the first time to an important event. You
don’t know whether it will be comfortable or whether it might let you
down.
• Many wedding guests will wear dresses with matching fascinators but
if it suits your personality style - why not try wearing a gorgeous
jumpsuit with heels instead? Be true to yourself!
• Gentlemen - use an unusual tie or interesting colour in your suit to
avoid looking like you are at a business meeting.
• There is nothing worse than watching someone struggle through a
wedding in a pair of killer high heels. Have some spare flats in your bag
for dancing in but make sure they still look good with your outfit.
• It’s essential to differentiate yourself from the Bride and not to be in
any way as in competition with her, so do avoid white!
• Wearing something vintage can help avoid the problem of guests
wearing identical outfits. Just be sure it fits well and is in your colour and
style.
• Wear a colour that suits you. True red can be a great option if you
are not sure. Pair this with accessories that harmonise with your
colours.
If you are getting married or have an invite to a wedding, why not
book yourself in for a colour and/or style analysis and make sure stand
out from the crowd for all the right reasons!
Contact me at Sophie.shelley@houseofcolour.co.uk
34

35

Sunflower Foot
Health & Beauty
Owned by Donna, a highly experienced, fully
qualified beauty therapist and a foot health
practitioner, the studio can deal with all your foot
concerns, including diabetics. Donna also provides
a range of affordable beauty treatments in the
friendly and comfortable environment,
Find Donna at Heart of the Country, Swinfen, or
visit www.sunflowertrainingandbeauty.co.uk.
At Florist of Lichfield our team is small but our
passion and commitment to our shop and trade
makes us stand out. We cater for all your events
Weddings, funerals, birthdays, anniversaries etc.
For the best and freshest flowers in Lichfield,
Florist of Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 252380.
www.floristoflichfield.com
Dance Electrical Services
For all your electrical needs, including:
• extra sockets and lighting
• fuse board replacements
• electric shower replacement
• burglar alarm installed
• electrical vehicle charging points
• outside lights and sockets • cooker installations
Small jobs welcome with no call out fees!
Call 01543 677531 or
07970 498751.
Lichfield’s
Small Businesses
Lichfield is most definitely a
hub for activity and, this
month, we’re highlighting just
a handful of the City’s
wonderful small businesses
to encourage people to
support the community and
shop local!
If you are a small business and would like to
be featured in our August issue please contact
kristencitylife@gmail.com for more details.
The Mens Room provides a range of male
grooming options, such as barbering services,
colouring and perming. Visit the barbers at 22a
Tamworth Street, Lichfield. Alternatively, book
online via Booksy or
call 01543 419043.
M&I Domestic Appliances
A great range of Bosch home appliances now in
stock, with a five-year warranty on
selected models.
Visit the shop at 13a St John St, Lichfield.
Tel: 01543 411283.
36
Payroll & Bookkeeping Hub
Based in the centre of Lichfield, the Payroll &
Bookkeeping Hub offers a range of services
including bookkeeping, payroll, pension advice,
self-assessments, VAT returns, company
registration, and SAGE and Xero training plus
much more. Find ‘The Hub’ at 29 Bore Street,
Lichfield, email us at
Georgia@payrollbookkeepinghub.co.uk or
call 01543 622515.
Short & Curlys Coffee
Dan and Ant roast ethically sourced beans fresh
weekly on Eastern Avenue, Lichfield! Not only
do they stock a number of local cafes, but now
you can enjoy these world class flavours at
home too. Explore their coffee selection, learn
what brew is best for you (they also grind it for
you!) and get super fresh roasted bags at
www.shortandcurlyscoffee.co.uk.
Sitting Knitting Yarn Shop
Sitting Knitting is a friendly local yarn shop
situated in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, as well
as having an online shop. Established in 2013, the
shop stocks West Yorkshire Spinners, Rico, Opal,
Knit Pro and much more. Find Sitting Knitting at
the rear of 7 Belwell Lane, Mere Green,
B74 4AA, or call 0121 308 4205.
www.sittingknitting.com

LDC Ratifies Birmingham
Road Design Code
Lichfield District Council (LDC) has confirmed the approval of a
detailed design code for the redevelopment of the Birmingham
Road Site, a key gateway to the city centre. This code has been
developed following a rigorous two-year consultation period with
local residents, businesses, and community groups, reflecting the
commitment to preserving the unique heritage and high standards
of construction in Lichfield city centre.
The design code is the result of comprehensive input gathered from
over 5,747 online surveys, more than 300 participants at public events,
and numerous feedback sessions at the Council House drop-in centre.
Based on feedback from people across the district of all ages, the code
stipulates strict guidelines to ensure that all new developments
complement the city's heritage and architectural tradition. Key elements
of the code include requirements on building scale, architectural style,
material use, and the incorporation of heritage-compatible features. The
code differentiates between mandatory "must" standards and the
advisable "should" guidelines to provide clarity and flexibility while
ensuring quality and consistency in development.
The principles gathered through the engagement have formed the basis
for the final design code. It covers architectural style, building scale,
height and density of buildings, materials, brickwork, roofs, windows and
other elements such as street design, lighting and signage.
This design code promises to guide the transformation of the
Birmingham Road Site into a vibrant, aesthetically pleasing new part of
our city while paying homage to Lichfield’s storied past and ensuring
high-quality urban design.
37

The Month in
Pictures
We take a look at the events and
activities over the last month, bringing
you a round-up of the city in
pictures...
Tom Penzer Adams ran a marathon round
Lichfield Cathedral to raise funds for
Muscular Dystrophy.
David Garrick (aka Jono Oates) provides some
historical insight at the official launch of
Quill & Scholar.
The town crier at the official opening of Quill & Scholar on
Tamworth Street, Lichfield.
Runners take part in the 10-mile
Cathedral to Castle event on
Sunday 7th April.
Peter Hitchman of Lichfield City Probus Club
presents a cheque to Bob Harrison of
Lichfield Litter Legends.
The 21st Birthday Ball for Staffordshire Network for Mental Health
held at The George Hotel, Lichfield.
Lichfield Litter Legends visited Sandfields
Pumping Station and did a litter pick in the
area, before enjoying a very welcome cuppa!
Paddleboarders enjoying the water at the
official opening of Lichfield Canal at Darnford
Moors Ecology Park.
A beautiful spring day for the Burntwood Producers Market.
The performance of Les Miseŕables by Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre at Lichfield Cathedral.
38
* Thanks to Jono Oates, Lichfield Litter Legends, Adam Andrew Photography & Staffordshire Network for Mental Health for photo contributions.

James Bond
Gala Night
Join The Hub as it promises to
take you to ‘Double-0 Heaven’
with this sensational gala
concert!
Compere, Tom Roberts, will
lead you through a night of iconic
theme songs and thrilling Bond
anthems from almost six decades
of box office blockbusters.
Together with Musical Director,
Gladstone ‘G‘ Wilson, Tom
presents an evening of sumptuous arrangements of songs we all know and
love – Diamonds are Forever, Goldfinger, Live and Let Die - the list goes
on…
The evening features UK Recording Artist Clare Andress with guest
vocals by Tom and one or two surprise guests – this is a night you will
want to re-live at least twice!
Date: Sunday 19 May
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £26 including welcome drink. Black Tie optional.
www.thehubstmarys.co.uk
39

Tastes of the Season
By Simon Smith
Summer Salads
As I sit here writing this and looking out of
the window the rain is still coming down in
bucket loads - will it ever end?
All this water will have a terrible effect on the
price of food later in the year as seedlings are
waterlogged and potatoes are taking the
brunt of it. For anybody who looks to grow
edibles at home, now is the time to consider
growing in raised pots so that some of the
water can drain through. At some stage,
however, surely it must end and we will all be
out with our BBQs and picnics.
Salads will become popular again as we try to regain our ‘beach bodies’
and look for the lighter foods of late spring and summer. When I worked
in the South of France in the summers there was barely a potato to be
seen and the glitterati hardly ate any more than grilled fish or chicken
with salad and a mere drizzle of olive oil. The foods available in the market
there were a league away from the uniformly shaped and tasteless we
generally find in our supermarkets. The colour and flavour of these
market stalls was an inspiration to work with and so easy to prepare.
This month, I have two salads, both of which serve four people.
Ingredients
4 x free range chicken breasts
1 x pink grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
1 x green grapefruit, peeled and cut into segments
1 x orange, peeled and cut into segments
1 x punnet cherry vine tomatoes
1 x bunch basil
2 x avocados, peeled and chopped into squares
Method
Make a pint of chicken
stock using a stock
cube and bring to a
simmer. Place the
skinned chicken
breasts in, cover with a
lid or tin foil and
simmer for 15-20
minutes depending on
size. Turn off, drain and
leave to cool
overnight. Cut into
squares and arrange
on a plate with the
citrus segments, cherry tomatoes, avocado and basil leaves. Drizzle with
extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Colourful Summer Salad
4 x Burford brown eggs
1 x large head of broccoli
1 x punnet cherry vine tomatoes
4 x sticks of celery
6ozs feta cheese
8 x mint leaves, chopped
1 x red onion
1 x packet extra fine green beans
Method
Trim the broccoli into
small heads. Boil a pan
of water and drop the
broccoli in, cook until
it still has a crunch to
it. Take out and drop
into a bowl of iced
water. Do the same
with the green beans.
Boil the eggs until they
are cooked as you like,
either soft or hard. I
use the Burford
browns as they have a
very rich colour. I use
a peeler on the back
of the celery to remove the string and then chop into slices. Cut the
tomatoes in half, cube the feta and finely dice the red onion. Mix all the
ingredients together (except the eggs as they break up) in a bowl gently
and place on a serving platter. Place the sliced eggs gently on top and
sprinkle with the chopped mint.
For a salad dressing take 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp grain mustard and 2 tsp
lemon juice. Mix together and drizzle over the top of the salad.
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.

41

Twelve
Angry Men
By Jono Oates
Iremember watching Twelve Angry Men, the 1957 film, when I was
about 12-13. It was a bit heavy going for someone of my age who was,
at that time, more interested in Westerns and James Bond films, but
I remember being drawn in to the dialogue and drama of it and the
sheer emotion displayed by the actors.
Haydon, the cast all put in excellent performances and took a welldeserved
ovation at the end from the enthusiastic audience.
Twelve Angry Men is truly a very dramatic play that is sure to keep
you gripped from beginning to end. It is thoroughly entertaining and the
social commentary is just as relevant as it was in 1957 – it’s simply
superb and is, undoubtedly, one of the best, if not the best, courtroom
dramas on the screen or in the theatre – definitely a Jono
recommendation!
To see more about forthcoming productions, visit the Garrick Box
Office (during usual opening times), ring 01543 412121 or booking
online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
The film was based on a 1954 teleplay by Reginald Rose and was
directed by one of Hollowood’s greats, Sidney Lumet. It starred Henry
Fonda, Lee J Cobb, Kack Klugman and Jack Warden, amongst others, and
was one of the best films of 1957, winning many awards including a
BAFTA for Henry Fonda in the Best Foreign Actor category.
The action takes place in a single room, the jurors’ room at the New
York County Courthouse on a baking hot and thundery summer’s day.
Twelve jurors are tasked by the judge to find judgement in the case of
a juvenile Puerto Rican accused of stabbing his father to death after an
angry exchange. The judge tells the jurors that they must come to a
unanimous majority decision, or they have to declare a hung verdict,
which would enforce a retrial with a different jury. It appears that the
jurors are certain that the young offender is guilty as charged and they
all vote for him to face the death penalty. However, juror number 8 is
unsure about the young boy’s guilt and votes for not guilty. Now that
the outcome is 11 for and 1 against the jurors must enter a debate
about the guilt, or innocence, of the accused. As juror 8 outlines his
reasons for his decision, he reminds his fellow jurors that his guilt must
be proved ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. Will juror 8 be able to persuade
his fellow jurors to change their minds, or will he be influenced to
match the guilty verdict and send the accused to the electric chair?
Considering this play faithfully recreates a film that is nearly 70 years
old this drama, produced by Bill Kenwright Productions, certainly stands
the test of time. You could hear a pin drop in the main auditorium as it
held the appreciative audience spellbound as the jurors debated, argued,
shouted, pushed and shoved each other before finally coming to their
final decision. Jason Merrells (Agatha Raisin, Casualty, Emmerdale) plays
juror 8 determined to make sure that justice is done, while his chief
antagonist is juror 3, played by Tristan Gemill, who is adamant that the
juvenile is guilty. Well known TV stars Gary Webster (Minder), Gray
O’Brien (Casualty, Coronation Street) and Michael Greco (Eastenders)
play other juror members and Greco, as juror number 7, is excellent,
playing a wise guy, chewing bubble gum and desperate to escape the
courtroom so he can go to a baseball game that same evening!
The tension between the jurors is palpable and as the angry
exchanges escalate the jurors display their true colours, some of them
showing bigotry and racism while the foreman desperately tries to
bring them to order and to come to their final conclusions.
The set design is very clever, and as the temperatures, and tempers,
continue to rise in the jury room you can almost see the sweat on their
brows and sense the claustrophobia of twelve male egos trapped in the
same, locked, room. The accents are all very convincing and the
atmosphere and feel is very much American. Directed by Christopher
42

Spotlight on…
Tippers
This month, we chat to Amy Tipper of long-standing Lichfieldbased
business, Tippers Building Materials, to find out more
about the firm and its origins.
• When was the company established?
Tippers was established in 1916, but the Company originates in one
form or another from 1888.
• What does the company specialise in/what services
does it provide to clients?
Tippers supplies the trade and public with a comprehensive range of
building materials, kitchens & bathrooms, landscaping materials, tool and
plant hire, concrete, and much more.
• What made you decide to start your own business?
Tippers is and has always been a family business.
• What is unique about your company? What makes it
stand out from others?
Tippers prides itself in offering the right product, right price at the
right time, every time. We build real relationships with our customers
and make everyone feel welcome and important to us. Tippers has been
and will always be an independent family run business.
• Why did you choose Lichfield as a base for your
business?
Originally Tippers started in Uttoxeter and opened a branch in
Lichfield to capitalise on the growing population.
• Do you have any plans for the future?
Yes, we hope to continue to expand sustainably, taking opportunities
as and when they arise.
• How are you finding business at the moment?
High interest rates and slow market trade has meant that the last 12
months have been relatively steady.
• What has been the toughest challenge for you
business-wise to date?
I think it was the years 2008/2009 and having to make our first and
only ever redundancies due to the recession.
• And what has been your proudest business moment so
far?
Tippers was one of the first builders’ merchants to implement a selfselection
area. Expanding and diversifying the business to offer tool and
plant hire and concrete.
• If you had one piece of advice for small business
owners or people looking to start up their own company,
what would it be?
Dedication to hard work and the detail.
Tippers is based at Europa Way, Lichfield, WS14 9TZ.
Tel: 01543 440000. www.tippers.com
43

Lichfield
Camera Club
Lichfield Camera Club’s latest inter-club competition was a close
affair with neighbours Tamworth Photographic Club just edging the
result by 356 points to Lichfield’s 350.
Trinity Photography Group from Sutton Coldfield came third, with
the judge, David Graham, praising the quality of the images submitted
by all three clubs, a selection of which are shown below.
Jodrell Bank by Moonlight by Steve Stamford
Blea Tarn by Joe Anderson
Warm up by Steve Clifford
Lichfield Camera Club is a
friendly club that welcomes
photographers of all abilities. For
more information, please visit
www.lichfieldcameraclub.org.
Magpie Mine by Anne Anderson
44
View to Castle Crag by
Darron Matthews
Poppies by Sandra Morgan
Warm up by Steve Clifford
Parasitic Wasp by Darron Matthews

Spotlight
Property
................................
Claypit Lane, Lichfield £975,000
PART EXCHANGE CONSIDERED FOR THIS LARGE &
DESIRABLE PROPERTY POSITIONED JUST OUTSIDE LICHFIELD -
Sitting in quite possibly the perfect position in a plot of
approximately 0.32 acres, this vast property offers plenty of space for
all of the family. Located just outside the hugely desirable city of
Lichfield, and having the benefit of great access to the city whilst
having Staffordshire countryside just on your doorstep. The property
measures around 2500 square foot, so boasts a serious amount of
space, which is flexible and well appointed. The accommodation
benefits from having exceptional room sizes throughout and
comprises an entrance hall, three reception rooms including a living
room, dining room and sitting room as well as a large kitchen diner
with doors leading off to the garden. There is also a guest WC and
utility whilst to the first floor are four double bedrooms and family
bathroom, with three of the bedrooms having their own separate ensuites.
The master bedroom is particularly impressive, with huge
dimensions, with a dressing area off as well as its generous en-suite,
with stairs leading up to a loft room area. Outside is also impressive,
with a large drive providing plenty of parking to the front, and the
formal garden is very attractive and spacious being laid mainly to
lawn with an array of mature trees and shrubs. There is huge scope
to extend subject to gaining the necessary permissions, so there
really is huge potential with this fabulous home. Location wise, the
property sits in a set back position off Claypit Lane, fractionally over
a mile from the very centre of Lichfield, with all of Lichfield's most
popular amenities being easily accessible, including bars, restaurants,
Lichfield City train station, the Cathedral and Beacon Park.
Properties of this calibre and sheer size don't present themselves
very often and often command a significantly higher price tag. Don’t
miss out, as this is a property which can only be appreciated with an
internal inspection!
Units 6-8 City Arcade Bore Street Lichfield WS13 6LY
Call: 01543 396677
Email: lichfield@andrewdowningbooth.co.uk
45

What’s On
Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over 16,000
homes and businesses for only £20 for businesses and £10 for charities.
Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact Rebecca Hill
07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com
Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On Lichfield'.
Join us at a studio near you - two
week trial
Join us at a studio near you and experience a
two-week trial with our worldwide bespoke
curriculum. All teachers are fully qualified to
teach your child the best developmental drama
programme and more! Call 01889802376 or
07776285407, or email staffs@dramakids.co.uk
to find out more.
Fri 3rd May & Fri 17th May
Free Valuations with Charles Hanson
Do you have a unique item you’ve always
wanted to know the value of? Join Charles
Hanson from Hansons Auctioneers for free
valuations!
Venue: Moor Hall Hotel, Sutton Coldfield
Time: 2pm - 4pm
For further information email
kcooper@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
Fri 3rd May & Fri 17th May
Free Valuations with Charles Hanson
Do you have a unique item you’ve always
wanted to know the value of? Join Charles
Hanson from Hansons Auctioneers for free
valuations!
Venue: The Bowling Green, Lichfield
Time: 11am - 1pm
For further information email
kcooper@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
Friday 3rd May
Murder Mystery Night
Enjoy a night of murder, mystery and intrigue.
The story unfolds over a delicious threecourse
dinner and it’s up to you to examine
the clues and work out “who dunnit”.
Venue: The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield.
Time: 7pm arrival
Price: £45 per person
Further details at www.thegeorgelichfiel
d.co.uk/upcoming-events.
Wednesday 8th May
Lichfield u3a
On the second Wednesday of each month we
hold our monthly meetings. This month’s
Talk is entitled ‘Curious Objects’. It will be
explained what makes the objects curious.
Refreshments are included. Everyone is
46
welcome.
Venue: Lichfield Guildhall
Time: 2pm
Please book your place by emailing
lichfieldu3a@gmail.com or leave a message on
07510 634476.
Sunday 12th May
Wedding Event
Free quotations, a glass of fizz, plus 10% off all
wedding rings!
Venue: ES Jewellery, Tamworth Street, Lichfield
Time: 11am-4pm
Sat 29th- Sun 30th June
Wool@J13 2024
For all wool lovers everywhere! Festival fun
with over 40 UK-wide exhibitors in all things
wool, demos, music, workshops & super street
food. Supporting Bishton Ponies CIC.
Venue: The Heritage (opp. Bishton Hall),
Bellamour Lane, Wolseley Bridge, ST17 0XL.
Time: 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4.30pm Sun.
Visit: www.wool-j13.uk to book show &
workshop tickets. Concessions available.
Parking: £2
2nd & 4th Sunday
RISE
RISE is a breakfast community for people from
all backgrounds, including anyone not into
traditional church. Come along for FREE
breakfast, discussion, short talk and upbeat
music. 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month
(apart from August)>
Venue: Lichfield Methodist Church, Tamworth
St, Lichfield.
Time: 9am-10am
Further details, email
churchoffice.tamlich@gmail.com.

Property
of the Month
................................
Beacon Road, Rolleston-on-
Dove, DE13. £875,000
Offered with no upward chain, this imposing six bedroom period
property boasts expansive family accommodation extending to over
3100 square feet. Located right in the heart of the village and
retaining many original features, the spacious accommodation briefly
comprises: porch, entrance hall, lounge, separate sitting room, study,
open plan kitchen/diner and family room, utility and guest cloakroom.
To the first floor a split level landing leads to a principal bedroom
with dressing area and ensuite shower room, five further double
bedrooms, two with ensuites and a family bathroom. Outside there is
a gravelled driveway to the front with parking for several cars,
integrated single garage and private landscaped rear garden.
Beyond the striking facade of this home, the generously
proportioned and thoughtfully arranged interior offers both comfort
and functionality for the needs of a growing family and the private
rear garden provides a tranquil retreat and the perfect place to
unwind.
Positioned just a few minutes stroll from the heart of Rolleston-on-
Dove, this property boasts not only convenience but a gateway to all
of the village amenities such as beloved local establishments The
Spread Eagle and Jinnie Inn, St Mary's Church, the Co-op, a butcher
shop, cricket club and the post office. Families will appreciate the
property's location within the catchment area for John of Rolleston
Primary School, a stepping stone to the esteemed De Ferrers
Academy. For those seeking alternatives, the newly established John
Taylor Free School is a short drive away, while the region also boasts
outstanding independent Schools such as Repton and Denstone
College.
The neighbouring village of Tutbury provides further amenities with
its medieval castle, charming cafes, country pubs, opticians, dentists
and a general store. Tutbury is a haven for those seeking proximity to
countryside walks and rambling routes, offering a perfect blend of
historical charm and modern amenities.
Transportation is effortless with the A38 and A50 nearby, linking to
Derby, Birmingham and Nottingham. Commuters can access rail
travel from nearby Hatton (to Derby) and Burton (to Birmingham)
stations. International travel is made easy with the East Midlands,
Birmingham and Manchester airports all within a convenient drive. In
essence, this home not only provides a comfortable residence but
also serves as a gateway to local conveniences and regional
connectivity.
Rebecca Adams In Partnership with The Property
Experts. E: rebecca@thepropertyexperts.co.uk.
P: 07715 763563
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no matter how big or small then contact one of
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CITYLIFE
47

Spotlight On…
Jazz & Blues
Festival
The Lichfield Arts Jazz & Blues Festival will
take place from Wednesday 5th June through to
Sunday 9th June, and will feature events at the
Guildhall, the Cathedral Hotel, and Wade Street
Church. There’s everything from Big Band Jazz
through to Rockin’ Blues, plus a return for
dancers with the Salsa Evening, and also a Lindy
Hop workshop and dance. We spoke to Nick
Dewhurst, Music Director of Lichfield Arts Jazz
& Blues Festival. to find out more.
King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
• What’s new at the festival this year?
Featuring at the festival for the first time will be performances from
the Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO), as well as the great
Guitar/Organ/Drums Trio which is the Svarc/Hanley/Longhawn Trio. Also
appearing at the festival for the first time will be the Royal Birmingham
Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra (RBCJO), and they’re bringing two great
guests with them, the blues guitarist Steve Ajao, alongside Tenor
Saxophonist and Improviser Paul Dunmall. Additionally, we’re also doing
a new festival launch gig on Sunday 2nd June, 2pm, at the Bowling Green
Inn. That’s going to feature Lichfield Arts’ own community jazz band,
ASpire!
• Are there any returning favourite artists who
audiences might have seen at festivals previously?
Most certainly! Audiences should hopefully be familiar with King
Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, as well as the Walsall Jazz Orchestra, and
also a return for the fabulous jazz and funk trombonist Dennis Rollins
MBE who once again will be guesting with my band, the Nick Dewhurst
Band! The Salsa evening will once again feature the brilliant Birmingham
based band ‘Del Camino’, and Lindy Hop dancers will once again be able
to learn from Lichfield Lindy instructors Jacqui Evans and Nigel Hall, as
well as dance to the Jim Wynn Swingtet!
Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Orchestra
with Steve Ajao & Paul Dunmall
• Can you tell us anything else about the artists or
musicians performing this year?
I’m really pleased to say that the majority of the programme features
Midlands’ based bands, which has been a real theme we’ve worked on
recently with the festival, as there’s so much great music on our
doorstep! I’m also pleased to say we’ve got lots of young musicians
performing too (in MYJO, and the RBCJO), and by my estimation, I think
that in total there will be approximately 125 different musicians
performing at the festival this year!
• Finally, where can people find out more information
or buy tickets from?
The best place to head to is the Lichfield Arts website
(www.lichfieldarts.org.uk) or pick up a flyer with more information (you
should be able to find them in all the usual places across town, or at any
Lichfield Arts event too). It’s going to be a great festival, and we can’t wait
to enjoy five days of wonderful music with everyone. See you there!
SHL Trio
48

Electric Avenue
Review of the
Nissan Leaf
By Syd Taylor
For motorists keen to plug into tomorrow, the only way is
electric. That's why a new, better and bigger, second-generation
Leaf that combines practicality with panache is well worth a look.
Especially as in this case, the car in question happens to be adorned
with the Nissan badge.
The Leaf has a lot going for it: that's obvious from the very first glance.
The original Leaf had a loyal following and Nissan were the first with a
proper 'standalone' electric vehicle. Their experience in the field must
count for a great deal.
A charmingly sleek but functional design manages to combine
pleasing aesthetics with an evident capacity as a practical and efficient
family hatchback. The best news is it doesn't cost 'loadsa dosh' at
£28,495 and it's possible to carry all the golf clubs an octopus might
need whilst still cutting a dash at the clubhouse car park.
As I soon discovered, the Leaf is a car that attracts plenty of the right
sort of interest. The two frequently asked questions were: “Is that
electric?” and “Is that a Nissan?” It was a matter of chance whichever
came first. The twentieth time this happened, I'd parked in the one
available space in the Concert Hall car park prior to attending a concert
of progressive electronic music. I felt entitled to treat myself to a little
culture now that, so to speak, I was 'plugged in'. A fellow music lover
wearing a beard, shuffled over to me in his Hush Puppies and corduroy
clothing.
"I say!" He began. At the time I was standing by the Leaf and
struggling with my flying jacket. There was no escape.
"I say. Is that a Nissan?" Before he had a chance to speak further, and
anticipating what he was about to ask next, I straightened my back,
puffed out my chest, retracted my corporation and struck a pose.
"Sir" I declaimed. "The vehicle that presents itself to your ocular
advantage is none other than an electric hatchback bearing, as you
correctly surmised, the Nissan badge. And tomorrow has arrived not
with a roaring engine and a fruity exhaust note, but rather with a
whisper: an incantation almost that conjures up a silent spirit of swift
satisfaction."
He smiled at this. "I used to own a Nissan Micra," he declared. "Lovely
little car. Owned it for 20 years. Should never have let it go. What I call
a proper car. Nowadays it's all about emissions, environment and all that
stuff. How times change."
"Indeed," I agreed. "But don't you think it's a mistake to dwell on the
past? Didn't Elvis once sing 'The future looks bright ahead'? This Leaf, in
my view, represents a positively charged way of thinking. It's a car for the
here and now with tomorrow in its sights. Oh! And by the way, despite
this electric hatchback's focus on versatility and functionality, it
nonetheless - as I'm sure you'd agree - would outperform your Micra.
It'll do about 95 mph thanks to its 39 kWh battery and electric motor
that delivers 150PS to the front wheels. But that apart, for the challenge
of squeezing into a shoebox, your Micra wins hands down.”
We parted on good terms. A couple of hours later as I coasted along
city streets in calm serenity, comfortable on the supportive seats,
untroubled by ULEZ regulations and unbothered by anxieties over range
(having fully charged it to the maximum 168 miles whilst in the concert).
I wondered how anyone ever could disagree with the contention that
motoring in recent years has undergone a beneficial revolution.
On the open road as the wheels kept turning, I paid conscious
attention to all the attributes that together combined into an
experience of ultimate assurances. The acceleration in Sport mode is
whizz quick. No vroom vroom, brmm brmm here. Just a soothing
'whoosh' and a shove in the back. Should you wish to be economical,
however, and enjoy 'one pedal' driving (when you back off the
accelerator, there's retardation energy recharging the battery and a
consequent braking effect) the new Leaf is just so easy and relaxing to
drive. There are lots of other benefits too associated with both comfort
and safety via the numerous driver aids. All contribute to an impression
of modernity and grace.
“What a quality car this is,” I thought to myself as I admired the
attention to detail within the cabin: and how solid and settled it felt
despite the jarring resulting from pothole encounters. This feels like a
particularly robust car' (certainly as robust as a VW and yet Nissan
doesn't have to shout it from the rooftops) I thought, as I was
encouraged to 'press on' and enjoy the safe and secure handling and
roadholding on a road that got twistier and bumpier.
Whilst stopping for a coffee break, I encountered a fellow motorist
who fancied himself as a bit of a wag - passing derogatory comments
about the trend towards electric vehicles. I pointed out that in my view
electric cars represented the future. He responded with a truly shocking
joke.
"It's a good job" he said, "because there's no future in the electric
chair."
49

CLASSIFIED
To Advertise call:-
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mikejamescitylife@gmail.com
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