Citylife in Lichfield August 2017 by Citylife In Lichfield

August 2017 20 48

Inside...

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at McKenzie’s

Answer our anagram competition to win the perfect afternoon treat. 20 City Image Competition

Calling all photographers and artists. 40 A Window on the Past

Wish you were here...

48 Living the Good Life at Woodhouse Community Farm

By Kate Gomez.

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 18,000 businesses and homes in Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Fradley, Alrewas, Whittington, Stonnall, Shenstone, Little Aston, Hammerwich, Burntwood 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 - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com

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Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Karen Wraxton 07791 635019 kaz.citylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com

Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In Lichfield

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.

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at McKenzie's Restaurant

cKenzie's Restaurant is set in the beautiful old Corn Exchange building on Conduit Street, Lichfield.

Creating delicious dishes from locally sourced and provenanced suppliers, McKenzie’s is the perfect place for a special occasion or a midweek treat. Combining laid back luxury with a great menu catering to all tastes, McKenzie’s is renowned for its steaks that are truly succulent and sourced from the best local suppliers. Add to that a great bar, friendly staff and beautiful surroundings and you have the recipe for the perfect dining experience.

Afternoon Tea

McKenzie’s famous Afternoon Tea is priced at £14.50 per person and runs throughout the week from 3pm to 6pm. Afternoon Tea includes: Homemade Scotch Egg; Colin Ryan, Streetly Butcher Pork Pie; Finger Sandwiches (Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, Cucumber and Cream Cheese and Ham and Cheddar) plus Slice of Cake of the Day; Fresh Scones and McKenzie's Shortbread. To complement this is unlimited fresh loose leaf tea from Arco, or Lavazza coffee of your choice. McKenzie’s Afternoon Teas are substantial, so if you can’t finish it they’ll wrap it up for you to enjoy later!

To win Afternoon Tea for Two, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find a Spanish soup that’s served cold…

zagchopa ________

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to McKenzie’s Competition* at josscitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Friday 25th August. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 57. *McKenzie’s Restaurant will contact the winner to arrange their prize and may contact entrants with information, offers and news. If you do not wish to be contacted please include the words OPT OUT in your entry. Congratulations to C Deakin, who gave the correct answer of ‘strawberries and cream’ and solved the anagram in the July issue.

Lichfield Arts’ Autumn Season

ichfield Arts has announced its Autumn 2017 season, which includes returning old favourites, such as Fred Zeppelin (Friday 1st December); King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys (Saturday 2nd December); Jacqui Dankworth and Charlie Wood (Sunday 19th November) and The Sleaze Brothers (Saturday 23rd December). Newer acts are also making their Guildhall debut and include Funke and the Two Tone baby (Sunday 3rd September); Habadekuk (Sunday 1st October); Skinny Molly (Sunday 29th October); The Willows (Friday 3rd November); The Paperboys (Sunday 5th November) and The Moulettes (Wednesday 13th December). A number of tribute acts, such as The Born Again Beatles (Sunday 10th September); The West Coast Eagles (Sunday 17th September); Meatloaf tribute act Meat Loud (Sunday 22nd September) and the Dylan Project (Sunday December 17th) will also be appearing, bringing their pin-sharp interpretations of some of the best known song-books in popular music. The Autumn season also feature the Jamaican grooves of Ricky Cool and the In-Crowd (Friday 15th September); a Ceilidh from the Red Hot Ceilidh Peppers (Friday 22nd September) and a Cajun dance night with Elvis Fontenot (Saturday November 18th) plus Lichfield Art’s now traditional Christmas show which this year it will be John Kirkpatrick’s Carolling and Crumpets (Sunday 3rd December). The L2F folk festival will run between October 13th and 15th, and this year will include well-known performers such as Jon Boden; Faustus; Sheelanagig; Julie Felix; Philip Henry and Hannah Martin; Sean Lakeman and Kathryn Roberts; the James Brothers and Merry

Hell. Lichfield Arts Beerfest takes place between Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October, with a wide selection of beers, ales, and drinks to suit all tastes, and live music from Back in Time and Downshift. For further information, and to book tickets visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, call the Lichfield Arts Box Office on (01543) 262223, or call into the Lichfield Arts office in Donegal House, on Bore Street.

Paper Boys

Time Flies!

By Hansons Auctioneers

ansons Auctioneers fine watch department goes from strength to strength - this was reinforced by the specialist auction held on 29th June at the Etwall Auction Centre in Derbyshire. Head of Watches, Adrian Rathbone had hand-picked fine and vintage watches from a variety of private sources including individuals attending valuation events and deceased estates. There were prestigious brands galore such as Rolex, Cartier, Jaeger Le Coultre, Corum, Omega and Longines to name a few. The strength in this market sector continues unabated despite economic and political uncertainty. This was proven by the immense pre-sale interest from worldwide collectors and investors and the prices achieved across the board. Showcasing these select watches in a glossy catalogue with high quality images and an evening auction where the Pimms flowed was a recipe for success which Mr Rathbone intends to explore further in his next auction on 28th September. Particular highlights included Lot 125, a stylish circa 1999 Jaeger Le Coultre Art Deco design Reverso steel wristwatch, (boxed with paperwork) which was always going to fly past the £800 top estimate to bring £1,700; and Lot 103, a 1980s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date just

found in a Derby property which topped £1,900. Lot 124, a boxed 1990s gents Rolex Cellini wristwatch took its top estimate at £2,000. The highlight of the auction was Lot 122, a pristine Patek Philippe wristwatch. Crafted in 18ct white gold the Nautilus watch bezel is set with diamonds totalling 0.77 carats and was offered with all of the original packaging and paperwork, including the high gloss macassar ebony presentation box. Discovered in a Staffordshire property, the estimate was punchy but did not deter one room bidder from contesting it to £14,000. Hansons next Fine Watches Showcase Evening Auction is 28th September and entries are currently being invited until 1st September. For further information, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk Hansons next valuation days in aid of St Giles Hospice will take place at St Chads Parish Church, Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7SN on Tuesday 8th August from 10am to 1pm and at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JB every Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm except Bank Holidays.

Sapphires

for Virgos

If you’re celebrating your birthday between August 23rd and September 22nd you were born under the zodiac sign of Virgo. Intelligent, self-disciplined and balanced, Virgos are loyal, patient and adaptable souls. The gemstone associated with Virgo is sapphire – and the intense and sumptuous colour of these jewels make exquisite pieces to be treasured for a lifetime… 18ct white gold blue sapphire and diamond bracelet £1,5300 - Available from Salloways. 18ct yellow gold multi colour sapphire and diamond ring £8,120 Available from Salloways.

18ct white gold blue sapphire and diamond ring £795 - Available from Salloways. 18ct white gold pear blue sapphire and diamond pendant £2,950 - Available from Salloways.

Salloways Jewellers, Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA. Tel: 01543 262244 www.salloways.co.uk

Two silver medals for Team GB para badminton star

ebecca Bedford recently returned from the 2017 Irish Para-Badminton International, held in Dublin from 22nd to 25th June. Nineteen-year-old Rebecca, who is from Yoxall and trains at Friary Leisure Centre in Lichfield, competed in the SS6 classification, playing in the singles and mixed doubles competitions. She got through to the finals and won silver medals in both categories. She also won an exhibition final match in women’s doubles with her partner, Rachel Choong. In total there were 132 players from 25 countries at the tournament, which took place over four days. Rebecca trains at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, using the badminton courts and Evolve Fitness Suite. To help Rebecca, Friary Grange has provided her with a free Premier membership of Evolve and free court use. Para badminton is becoming ever more competitive as the sport progresses towards its debut in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Rebecca is studying history at Sheffield University and has been selected for the inaugural GB squad, which has started intense training ready for competing in Tokyo 2020. Rebecca’s next big competition is the World Dwarf Games in Canada in August. She is competing in singles and women’s doubles at badminton and also in shot, discus, table tennis, powerlifting, swimming and playing in the GB women’s football team. She is also training for this year’s World Championships, which is being held in South Korea in November. Following the removal of all funding for the GB and England para badminton squads, Rebecca has to fund her own travel and accommodation at tournaments. To help support Rebecca’s sporting dream, visit her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rebeccabedford. If you are interested in sponsoring Rebecca, please contact her at mail@thebedfords.simplyms.com Follow Rebecca on Twitter @becky_badminton. To find out more about Lichfield District Council’s leisure facilities and services, go to www.activelichfield.co.uk

A Guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Richard Wells, Managing Partner at Philips Legal Solicitors

ccessing someone’s finances if they become incapacitated or ill is a complex and protracted process, which could make things very difficult for a spouse, partner or children. Bills could go unpaid and if cash is needed for any purpose, it would be inaccessible. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows someone that you trust to act on your behalf should the need arise. Your chosen person can then manage your affairs in your best interests. This could be in the long term or until such time that you are able to take up the reins again yourself. There are two types of LPA, both of which Philips Legal Solicitors can help you with. A Property and Affairs LPA This allows your nominated person to: • Manage your finances and property • Make sure your bills are paid • Make decisions about your assets

A Health and Welfare LPA This allows your nominated person to: • Make decisions about your medical treatment • Decide whether it’s best for you to continue to live at home or whether residential care would be more appropriate If you haven’t set up an LPA, your loved ones may have to pay out a lot of money on your behalf. The Court of Protection would have to appoint a deputy to manage your affairs, which is both time-consuming and costly. An LPA will avoid the distress of a delay and also preserve your assets to pay for the care you may need in the future. With Philips Legal Solicitors, setting up an LPA is a pretty straightforward process. Simply call us free on 0800 228 9988 and we will happily give you more details or arrange a meeting.

Beacon Park is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best green spaces

eacon Park in Lichfield has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world. The park is among a recordbreaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces to have received a prestigious Green Flag Award â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Beacon Park is set in more than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space. On top of historical statues and monuments, it features a large play area, a boating pool, a golf course, football and cricket pitches, tennis courts, bowling greens, a community garden, woodland, eateries and a programme of seasonal events and activities. To find out more about visiting Beacon Park and its facilities and history, go to www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk.

City Image Competition calling all photographers and artists!

ver the coming months, we’d like to see your photographs, drawings and paintings of Lichfield and the surrounding area. Each month we’ll publish a new selection of the work received, and the final winning image (announced in the December 2017 issue) will receive a £200 prize and ‘City Image’ Trophy. The competition closing date is Monday 30th October 2017. For terms and conditions see page 57. The competition is open to all ages. Photographs, paintings and drawings should be of Lichfield city or the surrounding area and countryside. Please note that you should own the copyright to any image that you send in and the image should be your own work. If sending in a photograph, please make sure that you have permission to submit the image from any individual who may be

Clock Tower by Rod Parsons

pictured in your work, and also appropriate permissions if the photograph was taken on private property. To enter, email your images to citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post them to City Image Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. Apologies but we cannot return images sent to us, so if submitting a drawing or painting you may want to send us photographs of your work rather than original artwork. We have been blown away by the talent of the artists and photographers who have sent us their work so far. We print here a selection of those images that truly capture our beautiful city. Thank you to everyone who has submitted their work.

My Garden, by Jackie Edwards

Copyright of these images remains with the creators and Citylife in Lichfield Ltd and they may not be reproduced by any unauthorised individual or organisation.

‘Cars in the Park’ By Phil Shaw

The Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove by Michael Colton

Citylife in Lichfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

City Image Cont...

Festival Crowds by Phil Shaw

Cathedral at Night by Patrick Heaney

Copyright of these images remains with the creators and Citylife in Lichfield Ltd and they may not be reproduced by any unauthorised individual or organisation.

Beacon Park by Richard Haggett

A silhouette of the beautiful Cathedral by Olivia Grant

Festival Hares by Phil Shaw

Beacon Summer Workshops Park’s Driveat the Lichfield in Movie Garrick

he Lichfield Garrick summer school workshops are aimed at children aged 8 to 16 years. Award winning theatre company New Old Friends will be hosting the week long workshop in the Garrick’s Studio Theatre in August. Led by Heather Westwell and Feargus Woods Dunlop the workshop aims to be a week of fun, games and theatrical exploration around the theme of Letters. Participants will learn how to create memorable characters, how to tell a story, pull it apart and tell it again in a totally new way, and most importantly how to delight an audience. There will be a showing at the end of the week to present what the students have created. The week long Summer School Workshop runs at the Lichfield Garrick from Monday 14th to Friday 18th August and costs £150 per child. Sibling discounts are available. Places are limited and are on a first come, first served basis and must be booked through the theatre's box office on 01543 412121 or in person.

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To book call Karen on 07791 635019

rease will play on a giant inflatable screen at Beacon Park’s first Drive-in Movie on Saturday 12 August 2017. Lichfield District Council is pleased to announce that Vantage Toyota Tamworth is backing the event. Gates will open at 7pm and the film will start at 9pm. Drivers simply tune in their radios to the movie soundtrack frequency to hear the film and all the classic songs. Lakeside Bistro will be selling movie snacks, such as hotdogs, popcorn and drinks, which will add to the drive-in atmosphere. There will be a small section in front of the cars for on foot ticket holders to watch the film, but these tickets have already sold out. Entry is by ticket only which must be pre-booked. It costs £20 per car with a maximum of four people (£5 extra a head). Tickets are available to buy at the Beacon Park’s Ranger Station, over the phone by calling 01543 308867, or online at www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk/drivein where you will also find the Drive-In Movie Frequently Asked Questions.

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If music is the food of love...

By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers

or many years music of all types has been performed and recorded. Most of those recordings were pressed and sold in small numbers, but many sold in their millions. Over the years technology has moved on and music has been pressed on many different formats from a wax cylinder through to today's downloads – often our mobile phone holds nearly as many songs as a warehouse full of vinyl LPs. Many people have fond memories of the very first record that they bought, or the first time they heard a certain track - who they were with, where they were, who they were dancing with. I think we all have a story or two to tell about moments and memories involving music. Music has the uncanny ability to take us back in time. It’s this that gives music such a connection with the collector. Music is also a very tactile thing to collect. Enjoying the sleeve artwork, reading the sleeve notes and booklet, and turning the disc over in your hands is an interactive experience that simply downloading music doesn’t give you.

Although most of the LPs, singles and 78s that are sold at auction are sold to collectors and retailers there are many instances where people are buying back music that has a special relevance to them – special memories contained in one small 12 inch disc in a cardboard cover. Why not have a look online or pop into one of our sales to see if one of our lots hold one of those memories? The sale of vinyl and acetate discs is a growing market. There are instances where misprinted records have sold for thousands of pounds for individual items, so they don't have to be perfect to have value - in fact an oddity can have more value than its perfect counterpart. When I was a lot younger I remember buying a certain single from a small record store, and the disappointment on returning home to find both sides of this 7" single played the same song. As most of us would, I returned the item back to the store boy am I kicking myself now, that single in today's market is worth around £5000 in mint condition. It isn't just high value individual records that are sold in Auction, we also sell a box or two, or massive collections. The last

large collection realised over £7000. None of these lots were individual items. They were assessed and grouped into types and artists such as Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, heavy rock, folk, jazz etc. Some of these lots made over £300. So if your attic holds a box or two or your spare room is bursting at the seams with vinyl, let us have a look and see if we can turn it into a little bit or a lot of cash. Alongside the resurgence of vinyl, there’s also a growth in interest in vintage Hi-Fi equipment. Our last Music Collectables sale had numerous items manufactured by Bang and Olufsen, Dansette, Hacker and Linn among other names from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, along with gramophones by HMV, Columbia etc from earlier times. Our Specialist Sales also carry great quality radiograms, gramophones, vintage turntables and Hi-Fis as well as records and C.Ds for all tastes. Free Valuation Every Tuesday 9.30am till 4pm with Stuart Hay at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield, WS13 8NF.

Chambers Group to Sponsor Panto

he Lichfield Garrick has announced that that Sutton Coldfield based car dealership Chambers Group, will be the main sponsors of the theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 festive pantomime, Aladdin. The sponsorship will see the dealership provide an Aladdin themed car that made its first appearance at Cars in the Park in July. The news of the sponsorship with Chambers Group follows the announcement that CBeebies presenter Cat Sandion has joined the line-up of Aladdin as Princess Jasmine alongside Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton who will play Widow Twankey and Wishee Washee respectively. Aladdin runs at the Lichfield Garrick from Thursday 30th November until Sunday 31st December 2017.

Local pupils create First World War artwork

tudents at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School in Lichfield have helped to create a portable piece of artwork that will be used to help youngsters learn about the First World War. Based on the Shot At Dawn Tom Powers, memorial in the National Henry Tomlinson, Memorial Arboretum in Dr. Daryl Brown and Alex Walker. Staffordshire, the miniature piece of art comprises clothes pegs that have been painted and etched with the names of 306 soldiers who were shot for cowardice during the war and subsequently pardoned in 2006 after a long campaign by families of the men and supporters. A 307th peg has been added to include the name of one of the main characters in Michael Morpurgo’s book Private Peaceful, which tells the tale of a brother who faced a firing squad after a bloody battle. The artwork is the brainchild of English teacher and photographer Alison Fawdrey, who is keen to educate children about the First

World War through First World War poetry and fictional texts, such as Morpurgo’s War Horse and Private Peaceful. She said: “I wanted to make a portable piece of art that can be taken into classrooms, and was keen to get children involved in the creation. We started a slice of tree with 307 holes drilled into it and each soldier is represented by a wooden peg. It is a fantastic art piece and one that will undoubtedly capture the imaginations of students when they learn about the War.” The ‘heads’ of the pegs have been dipped in paint and an aerial view reveals the image of a poppy, which was the idea of Tom Powers, a year 8 Maple Hayes School pupil. To recognise his contribution to the art project, his painted peg has been placed in the very centre of the art piece. A peg has been sent to Michael Morpurgo to decorate for Private Peaceful, while Andy DeComyn, the artist who created Shot At Dawn, has also decorated a peg. Another has been painted by an expert witness who gave evidence in the class action for the 306 to be pardoned. Dr Daryl Brown, headteacher at Maple Hayes School, said: “Being involved in a project such as this is a real privilege because our pupils have the opportunity to assist the artist - and as Tom found out, his contribution can make a real difference to the overall aesthetic.” Pegs have also been decorated with pictures, patterns, words or poems by pupils at Chadsmoor Junior School, Cannock, and scouts and cubs from the 1st Norton Canes pack.

Next phase of HS2 route confirmed

he Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, has confirmed the planned route for Phase 2A, which will run through 33 miles of Staffordshire, from the West Midlands to Crewe by 2027. Mark Winnington, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for HS2, said the county council remained committed to getting the best deal for Staffordshire along every mile of the route including proper compensation, mitigating the impact on the landscape, improving connections and sharing in the economic benefits Mark commented: “From the outset we have campaigned to get the best deal for the county and for our communities and we will continue to do this now that the Phase 2a Bill has been deposited. “In Phase One we managed to secure some significant changes, including the lowering of more than five miles of the route in Lichfield to minimise the impact of the project, and in this next phase we will now be examining every mile of the route in detail and challenging where we feel further mitigation could benefit Staffordshire. “Phase 2a will run through 33 miles of the county and we have made it clear that Staffordshire must share in the economic benefits and be able to access HS2 travel too through the construction of the Handsacre Link in the first phase of the scheme. “This will allow people in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas to benefit from faster journeys to London and direct links to Birmingham Airport HS2 via the Stafford hub.” The Transport Secretary deposited the hybrid bill in parliament in July to prioritise Phase 2a of HS2 six years earlier than first envisaged triggering a consultation process for communities and organisations affected by the scheme. Following the consultation, those directly affected will have the opportunity to petition on the route in Parliament. Details for the major contracts to build Phase One were also announced. The Phase 2a route includes plans for a temporary railhead at Stone – with the potential to create a permanent maintenance depot in the future. Facilities at the railhead would include offices, storage, a rail marshalling yard, preassembly depot and railway reception lines to manage trains arriving from the conventional railway.

All the Fun of the Fair

On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steam Fair set up shop in Beacon Park. Carters Steam Fair is a travelling vintage funfair entirely made-up of rare vintage rides and attractions, ranging in date from the 1870s to the 1960s. Sunshine, and the occasional shower, added to the fun as hundreds enjoyed this fantastic event.

Turner’s Watercolour of Cathedral Sells at Sotheby’s

rare watercolour painting by renowned Romanticist artist JMW Turner and bequeathed to Lichfield Cathedral has been sold at Sotheby’s auction house. The painting, which depicts the three-spired cathedral and Minster Pool as a storm approaches, was painted by Turner following his visit to Lichfield during a tour of the Midlands in 1830. It has been held in private collections since the painter’s death in 1851, until it was left as a legacy to Lichfield Cathedral last year. Turner’s watercolour, which went on public display at the cathedral earlier this year, was auctioned at Sotheby’s in London on Wednesday 5th July, where it was sold to the highest bidder for £310,000, exceeding its estimate of £300,000. All proceeds from the sale will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the building, which welcomes 120,000 visitors each year. Helen Geary, Director of Fundraising at Lichfield Cathedral, commented: “Legacies of all sizes have made a tremendous difference to the cathedral and we are absolutely thrilled with the amount raised by the sale. The story of Turner’s painting will no doubt become an enduring part of the cathedral’s history for centuries to come. It costs £5,000 per day to keep the cathedral open and free to visitors, and the funds raised from this sale will be a huge help in preserving the building for future generations.” The Very Reverend Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral, added: “To receive such an extraordinary legacy is something that happens only once in a lifetime. Our donor’s generosity has not only helped us meet the ongoing challenges of securing this unique historic cathedral for the next generation, but has also seen us welcome 20,000 visitors to the city to see our temporary exhibition Mr Turner Comes to Lichfield. We hope the new owners will enjoy this beautiful painting every bit as much as we have.” For more information on upcoming events at Lichfield Cathedral call 01543 306100, email info@lichfieldcathedral.org or visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org.

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Based in the Midlands, Vesta Space supply and install sliding wardrobes and storage solutions direct to the public, and also specialise in the retail, trade and contract marketplaces. Vesta Space have years of experience in working with national and regional developers as well as contractors of all sizes, and pride themselves on their delivery and service - taking ownership of projects through to completion and making the whole process as hassle free as possible. Vesta Space was formed by Jon Meek and Mark Davies in early 2017, whose knowledge in the marketplace and commitment to the highest levels of service have guided the company to success.

Jason Hodson (formerly of Portico Midlands and Spaceslide) is Vesta Space Sales Manager and has over 15 years’ experience in the design and installation of stunning sliding wardrobes and storage solutions, direct to the public and to the trade.

Jason commented: “I create a personalised service with each and every order. Providing customer care and clear communication is paramount in creating the customer journey. Becoming part of the team at Vesta Space has allowed me to do what I really enjoy ‘working in a fantastic environment and being able to offer solutions to customer requirements’. I am committed to going above and beyond to ensure a customer’s needs are serviced to the best of my ability.

“We have a range of products to suit every budget as well as complementing interior systems. We work one to one with individual clients or with key departments including commercial, sales, design, technical and operational to ensure a suitable solution is agreed and a quality finish is achieved.”

Vesta Space can be found at Unit 5, Westgate Trading Estate, Aldridge, WS9 8EX. Tel: 01922 324050

Your Garden in August

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By Joss Musgrove Knibb

here’s always plenty to do in the garden, and high summer is no exception. In addition to all the many little jobs needed to maintain a garden in peak condition during hot, dry days, August is also a time to encourage further flowering and help and nurture fruiting plants. Jobs in the garden in August Support lilies and dahlias as their long stems and heavy flowerheads can make them prone to bending and breaking. Feed your tomato plants, pinch out side-shoots, keep the plant well supported and remove excess leaves from the base of the plant to encourage air circulation. If your lavender plants have finished flowering, remove the old flower heads and give them a light prune. Keep dead-heading flowering plants to encourage new flower-growth Collect seed-heads ready to propagate on for next year Keep weeding, as weeds will take water away from your cultivated plants During very hot weather, your lawn will thank you if you leave it slightly longer when cut Pinch out the top of runner bean runners if they reach the top of the growing frame If your strawberry runners have self-rooted, now is a good time to pot them up.

Cast announced for Wait Until Dark

raeme Brookes and Tim Treloar will play Croker and Roat respectively in Frederick Knott’s thriller, Wait Until Dark. They join the previously announced Jack Ellis as Mike, Karina Jones as Susy and Oliver Mellor as Sam Henderson. Shannon Rewcroft and Thomas McCarron complete the cast as Gloria and Policeman. Set amidst the social turbulence of 1960s London, the play follows the story of Susy, a blind woman who, left alone in her apartment, becomes the victim of an elaborate scam hatched by a group of conmen. Susy is left to fend for herself, and eventually finds a way to turn the tables on the conmen and give them a taste of life in the dark. Frederick Knott, best known for writing Dial M For Murder, wrote Wait Until Dark in 1966. Audrey Hepburn starred as Susy in the 1967 film adaptation, for which she was nominated for both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actress. The film is often ranked as one of the top 100 scariest films of all time. Wait Until Dark is playing at the Lichfield Garrick from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th October with a variety of evening and matinee performances. Tickets start from £23 and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.

Lichfield Prize Winners Announced

In July, the winners of the Lichfield Prize art competition were announced. The Lichfield Prize is run by Emporium gallery, Lichfield in association with the Lichfield Festival, and First Prize was awarded to John Thomson for his drawing and sculpture entitled ‘Once upon a time in the West’. In addition, the works by Chris Welsh, Rosalind White and Alison Griffin were Highly Commended. The First Prize of £500 sponsored by Lichfield BID plus a gallery exhibition at Emporium were awarded to John on 6th July at Lichfield Cathedral.

The Lichfield Prize 2017 winner John Thomson receiving his prize from Lichfield BID manager Paul Maddox and Amanda Moseley from emporium

Compelling exhibition comes to Emporium

Following a series of exhibitions in various prestigious London galleries Victoria Wolny returns to Emporium, Bird Street, Lichfield to launch her latest powerful, emotionally charged collection of oil paintings from 1st to 15th August. Victoria commented: “I’ve named this collection of paintings, ‘Flawed’ as

I feel this represents where I am with my art at the moment… I don’t think there is any such thing as perfection in art. Embracing that thought, making it your own and then running with it as you move forward is something which is definitely under my skin at the moment. ”On the outside and at first glimpse, the paintings in this collection appear perfect and well balanced but only feign perfection as within all of them there are flaws. A subtle reminder that even things deemed beautiful are imperfect.” Victoria was born in 1974 and raised in Burton upon Trent. Her early interest in ar t came from watching her father, a prolific landscape and portrait artist, at work in his studio. Here she learnt various painting techniques using different mediums but was par ticularly interested in oil paint. In order to pursue her other interest in Natural Sciences, Victoria gained a scholarship

to Denstone College and graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Biological Sciences. Her passion for the arts, however, never faltered and she produced several pieces of work during her study time. Victoria’s bold use of colour and knowledge of the effects of wavelength are grounded in scientific study. She strives, through layering and complex manipulation of oil paints, to invoke emotion; to prompt an impulse in the viewer initiated by colour. Her technique creates paintings that possess an intense depth of feeling beyond the visible with a unique changeable character when viewed in different lights and from different angles. Since becoming a full time artist in 2016 Victoria has exhibited work at an array of venues including the London Mall Galleries and the Menier Gallery and has work in private collections nationally and world-wide.

Citylife Welcomes New Deputy Editor

Citylife magazines are growing, and we're delighted to announce that Kate Gomez - writer, local historian and trustee of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust, has joined the team as Deputy Editor of our latest title, Living in Tamworth, which launches on August 26th. Kate's first book, 'The Little Book of Staffordshire' was published in April this year and Kate will be bringing her love of local history and community to Living in Tamworth, Citylife in Lichfield and Citylife in Rugeley magazines.

Lichfield Food Festival

Lichfield Food Festival returns for its sixth year over the August Bank Holiday weekend - Saturday 26th, Sunday 27th and Bank Holiday Monday 28th August. Featuring over 225 market stalls, celebrity chefs, free cookery classes for all ages, street food, live music, free children's activities, competitions - restaurants, hotels, bars and lots more. Admission is free and more information is available at www.lichfieldfoodfestival.com

Have Your Say on City Neighbourhood Plan

Lichfield City Council has submitted a Neighbourhood Plan to Lichfield District Council, becoming the sixth community within Lichfield District to reach this stage of the process. The Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan outlines how the city could be shaped in the future and, if approved, it will provide a framework for development, which will form part of Lichfield District Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Local Plan. Lichfield District Council is now holding a six-week consultation so local people, organisations and agencies can see the Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan and give their views. The district council will then collate all the comments and pass them on to an independent examiner. The examiner will look at the comments and the Neighbourhood Plan when assessing whether it meets national requirements and can proceed to the next stage of the process, which is a referendum within the neighbourhood area. The opportunity to comment on the Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan will run until 5pm on Friday 18 August 2017. To comment on the Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan or to find out more about neighbourhood planning please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplans or call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308196.

A Window on the Past

Wish You Were Here… It’s high summer, and the streets of our city are full of visitors enjoying everything that beautiful Lichfield has to offer. All kinds of people have been coming to our city for almost as long as Lichfield has been in existence - from the many thousands of pilgrims who walked here in the Middle Ages, to literary superstars such as Charles Dickens, who visited the city in the 19th century. We share with you here a selection of postcards from the collection of local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’, written home during happy holidays in our city of light and beauty.

The Conduit Pump, the Cathedral Close, c1940s

The Free Library and Museum in 1912

Showing the reverse side

View from ‘Museum Grounds’ in 1910

Old Post Office, Bird Street (now Ego) c1940s

Bore Street showing Prince of Wales pub c1900

Showing the reverse side

Dam Street c1920

10.

‘St John’s Street’ c1920

11.

Bird Street c1920

Market Place in 1903

For more stories, pictures and memories, visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or go along to their next meetings on Tuesday 8th August and Tuesday 5th September from 7pm till 10pm at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, WS13 7HP. For more information contact 01543 416393 or 01543 268842. The group’s great displays of local photographs and memorabilia can be booked free of charge to appear at shows, nursing homes and clubs etc.

Please note, these images remain the copyright of the image owners as listed and Citylife in Lichfield Ltd and may not be reproduced, copied, or used in any way without permission.

Beacon Park Fun Day eacon Park’s Fun Day takes place on Wednesday 2nd August, between 11am and 3pm.

A highlight of the day is the popular Teddy Bear Games, which see children compete in races such as Ted on the Head, the Teddy Sprint and Teddy Wanging. This year also features the new event, Pre-walkers Crawling Race for crawling tots. On top of a range of stalls, giant inflatables, a carousel, and face painting, there will be plenty of

free activities to try. These includes maypole dancing, following the Swinfen Broun brass rubbing trail through the park (normally priced at 50p each) and a variety of games, such as hoopla, limbo and giant snakes and ladders. The council’s sports development team will also be running free sporty activities, including panna football, badminton and volleyball and new age bowls. The Fun Day will take place at Beacon Park’s sports pitches. It’s free to get in, but there is a small charge for some of the activities.

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y t i VIEW C

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - August 2017

Christopher Moulton 1963-2017

Councillor David Smedley, Leader of the Council

Welcome to this issue of City View.

The sudden and unexpected death of Christopher Moulton, our Town Clerk, at the age of just 53 has been a terrible shock to Members, staff and friends of the City Council alike. Christopher was liked, respected and admired in equal measure. He was an excellent Town Clerk and I am proud that though our relationship was based on professional circumstance I considered him a friend, too.

Christopher’s funeral was held at Lichfield Cathedral on 18 July and I was honoured to be asked by his family to deliver a eulogy. Such things are not easy to write, but it did serve to remind me of Christopher’s dedication to his job and to the City of Lichfield that he loved so dearly. He will be missed by us all.

On behalf of all Members, I would like to express our deepest condolences to Christopher’s family and friends. Through the cards and tributes they have read to the many times they have discussed Christopher with us and other members of the Lichfield community over this past few weeks, I hope some essence of how much he meant to us has been conveyed. It is also my hope that this knowledge may provide a little comfort to them in the weeks and months ahead.

However, the duties of the City Council continue, and I must express my gratitude to the staff of the City Council who have come together so marvellously in the face of their sudden loss to ensure the services we provide are maintained. It is a credit to them all as individuals and to the team that Christopher built.

On Friday 23 June 2017 at around 5pm Christopher gave a inspired the best in those who worked with him, especially cheery smile and wave, wished us a good weekend and left when the deadline was tight. Despite his heavy workload he the office. It was rare for him to leave always had time for each of us, even when before us, but on this occasion he did. A (as was not unknown) a small queue would little more than 24 hours later he suffered form outside his office door as we individually a severe bleed on the brain that would needed to discuss something with him. lead to his death on the night of Tuesday The City Council is a sad place to be at the 27 June. It was completely unexpected moment, but life goes on and things still need and came as an incredible shock to all to be done. The way in which the City who knew him. Council staff have come together to ensure At just 53 years of age Christopher should day to day functions continue as normal is a have been with us all for much longer. In testament to the close team that Christopher a little less than two years as Town Clerk built and our desire to keep things running as he had achieved so much, but he still had he would have wanted, and expected. a long list of ideas for the future of the City Our loss of course counts for nothing against Christopher Moulton Council and was totally dedicated to his the loss experienced by Christopher’s Family, job and this City. to whom we offer our sincere condolences. I Christopher was a very experienced Town Clerk who was would like to thank Christopher’s Wife Mary and Daughter incredibly knowledgeable in regard to the affairs of local Laura for their kind consideration of the City Council and its Councils. While he took his role extremely seriously he had a staff during this tragic time. wonderful sense of humour that helped to create a professional but relaxed office atmosphere. His down to Tony Briggs, Deputy Town Clerk earth, friendly style coupled with his unflappable personality Lichfield City Council

New Civic Team 2017/18

On 15 May the Annual Council and Banquet was held. The new Civic team for 2017-2018 are; Mayor, Cllr Mrs Janice Greaves; Deputy Mayor, Cllr David Leytham and Sheriff, Cllr Andrew Smith. During the Council meeting the Mayor named her chaplain as Reverend Nest Bateman and her cadet, Sergeant Isaac Mulvany from the 1206 (Mercian) Squadron Air Training Corps.

Following the meeting a banquet was held for 140 guests, some of whom had travelled all the way from Lichfield’s twin town of Limburg, bringing with them a letter of congratulations from the Mayor of Limburg that was presented to the new Mayor during the banquet. In their speeches the Mayor and Sheriff announced the charities they would be supporting during their year in office; Guide Dogs for the Blind and Staffordshire Blood Bikes.

The Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Mrs Janice Greaves with Deputy Mayor David Leytham (R) and Sheriff Cllr Andrew Smith (L)

If you would like to keep up to date with more of the City Council’s activities, you can now follow the City Council on Twitter @lichfield_cc.

CityVIEW

Coming soon at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council

For more information about any event or to make a booking call 01543 264972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or pop into the Museum Bookshop on the corner of the Market Square.

Summer Fun at Sam’s House. Thursday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st August at 11am & 12pm. £2. Craft Activities for the school holidays. Drop-in or book in advance

Lichfield Storytellers Storywalk. Thursday 21st September 7pm, £6. Discover four storytellers each telling a traditional story, reflecting the atmosphere of the house

Samuel Johnson’s 308th Birthday Celebrations. Saturday 23rd September 10.30am – 4.30pm, Free entry. Celebrate Samuel Johnson’s Birthday at his family home. With an exhibition, activities and the great Garrick dressing-up chest to enjoy plus a slice of birthday cake for all!

Half Term Fun. Thursday 26th October 11am & 12pm, £2. Craft Activities for the school holidays. Drop-in or book in advance

History... is magic!. Friday 27th October 10.30am & 1.00pm, £3.50. A fun-filled session for the half term holidays. Discover Samuel Johnson’s time in a magical interactive show, and make your own magic trick to take home!

History Workshop: Celebrations, Clowns and Cricket. Saturday 4th November 2pm, £4. Explore commemorations and public events from Lichfield’s past in this informal talk and workshop session based on archives, including a behind-the-scenes library visit and archive display. Bookworms United! Fortnightly Saturdays from 16th September £4. Read, explore and enjoy popular titles in our fortnightly book and activity club for 7-10 year olds. New Bookworms always very welcome!

Birthplace Writers Group. Saturdays September 9th & October 14th, 2pm. Free. Informal and friendly group, supporting writers at all levels in an inspiring venue

Markets in Lichfield

The Lichfield General Markets and Farmers' Market offer a wide selection of goods and local produce from friendly, established and reliable market traders. As well as the weekly General Markets on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a Farmers' Market is held on the 1st Thursday of the month (except January). The Market Square is also available for hire on a commercial or charitable basis on non-market days. For more details or for any information or queries relating to Lichfield Markets please contact the City Council’s Markets Officers 01543 309853 or e-mail: markets@lichfield.gov.uk

Dates for your diary:

Saturday 9 September Sheriff’s Ride The Sheriff of Lichfield invites competent riders and obedient horses to take part in the 2017 Sheriff’s Ride. The Ride assembles 10.00am at Lichfield College Campus and then follows a clearly marked route of about 20 miles around the boundary of the City, including bridleways, cross-country and some road sections. To Register contact Sarah Wallace, 01543 309854. Sarah.wallace@lichfield.gov.uk. Registration closes Friday 1 September.

Saturday 23 September Dr Johnson Birthday Celebrations Lichfield civic ceremony around the Johnson statue in the Market square at 12 Noon. The Mayor will lay a wreath on the Statue of Dr Johnson, also includes performances by local musicians and choristers.

Tuesday 31 October Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Concert, performed by Lichfield Rock Choir. 7.00pm Guildhall

Sunday 12 November 10.00am Service in the Cathedral after which the civic party process to the Remembrance gardens to observe 2 minutes silence at 11.00am, this is then followed by the wreath laying ceremony.

Saturday 25 November Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Masquerade Ball. 7.00pm Guildhall

For more information please contact Sarah Wallace on 01543 309854, or email sarah.wallace@lichfield.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Plan

The Lichfield City Neighbourhood Plan together with supporting documentation was submitted to Lichfield District Council as scheduled on Monday 3 July. The District Council have now commenced the Regulation 16 Consultation which invites further comment on the Neighbourhood Plan from organisations and individuals over a period of six weeks. The consultation is due to end on Friday 18 August 2017. Following any amendments resulting from the consultation or independent examination, the Neighbourhood Plan can then be put to a referendum.

Active Twinning

This summer has seen a variety of exchanges between Lichfield and our two twin towns of Ste. Foy-les-Lyon in France and Limburg in Germany. Lichfield Cathedral Girls’ Choir. 16 Cathedral Girl Choristers visited our French Twin Town of Sainte Foy-les-Lyon to give various concerts in local Churches, as well as participating in joint musical activities with Schola, the girls’ choir from Lyon’s Cathedral. Lichfield Table Tennis Club. Members of the Lichfield Table Tennis Club took part in an international Twinning Tournament in Limburg-Offheim as part of their 800th anniversary celebrations. The tournament was between all four of Limburg’s twin towns, Lichfield, Ste. Foy, Oudenburg (Belgium) and Limburg. Work experience in Lichfield. A Limburg student completed a three week work experience at Thomson Holiday Shop in Lichfield through the European Funding Scheme “ Erasmus+ “. She was the 4th student this year from our twin town to come to Lichfield on the programme. 25th Anniversary of Twinning. During the weekend of 6th to 9th October Lichfield is celebrating the 25th anniversary of being twinned with Limburg, Germany and Ste. Foy-les-Lyon, France. The celebrations this year are taking place in France. If anyone is interested in any kind of exchange with people or institutions in our twin towns, please contact the Twinning Officer by emailing: gabriele.laschburden@lichfield.gov.uk

CityVIEW

Weddings at the Guildhall

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council

A wedding at the Guildhall (Image by Asassynation) Located in Bore Street in the heart of the city, the Guildhall is a beautiful historic Grade II Listed Building, and is a magnificent setting for civil ceremonies, receptions and other celebrations. The main hall has oak panelling and a beamed roof giving a fine mediaeval appearance, and can accommodate up to 160 guests. The Guildroom, on the Ground floor, has paneled walls and timber ceiling and can seat up to 70 guests. A number of smaller rooms are also available to hire, and are ideal for conferences, seminars or small meetings. For more information or to enquire over availability please contact Helen Winter at Lichfield City Council. Tel: 01543 309850 or e-mail: helen.winter@lichfield.gov.uk A wedding brochure is also available either from the City Council offices at Donegal House or by downloading from our website www.lichfield.gov.uk

OUR WEBSITE: www.lichfield.gov.uk

Have you visited the City Council’s website? It offers a wealth of information about the work of the City Council; including details of all Council meetings and associated documents. In addition it contains useful information about the City, its history, festivals and major events, and its many unique customs and traditions.

The right Council…

Lichfield City Council is the ‘parish’ authority for the City and is the smallest of the three councils serving the City area. Within the City we deal with local matters such as the markets, maintenance of open spaces and churchyards, civic and mayoral events, the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and public lettings of the Guildhall. Lichfield District Council (Tel: 01543 308000) is the larger local authority dealing with such matters as planning, environmental health, refuse collection, housing, car parking, arts and tourism, and leisure services. Staffordshire County Council (Tel: 0300 111 8000) is the responsible authority for wider services such as Education, Social Services and Highways.

Public Participation

City Council meetings are held in the Guildhall, Bore Street. Dates and times of meetings can be found on the notice-board outside the Guildhall, and on the City Council's website at www.lichfield.gov.uk Meetings are open to the public, with public participation sessions held at full Council and at the Planning Committee. Advance notice needs to be given to the Council of the subject matter of each question, and any person wishing to speak must contact the Council Offices at Donegal House, Bore Street (next to the Guildhall) before NOON on the day of the meeting.

Thursday 17 August 2017 Monday 11 September 2017 Thursday 14 September Wednesday 11 October Monday 23 October 2017 Thursday 9 November 2017

6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm 6.30pm

Planning Committee COUNCIL Planning Committee Planning Committee COUNCIL Planning Committee

Living the Good Life at Woodhouse Community Farm

By Kate Gomez

oodhouse Community Farm on the outskirts of Whittington was once part of the lavish but short-lived Fisherwick Hall estate. In recent years, Annamarie and Andrew Stone have brought the hall’s 3.5 acre Walled Garden back to life, growing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and rearing rare-breed pigs and cows. Recently I met up with Annamarie to find out about life at Woodhouse Farm. K.G: What brought you and your family to Woodhouse? A.S: Woodhouse was Andrew’s childhood home as his parents were tenant farmers here. We were aware that former owner Francis Paget Howard had given the farm away during the Second World War with instructions that it should be used for ‘the healthful recreation of the people’ and so, when Andrew’s father passed away in 2007, we wanted to try and ensure that Paget’s generous gift was used for the purposes he intended and thought the best way to realise his vision was to create a community farm. K.G: Can you tell us a little about the history of Woodhouse? A.S: The walled garden and the surrounding parkland were once part of the Fisherwick Hall estate, remodelled by Capability Brown for the Marquess of Donegal in the mid-eighteenth century. Although the estate was sold to pay family debts and the hall demolished in the early nineteenth century, there are still some surviving features from that era including a ha-ha; part of the orangery and some of the water features Brown designed. After the fall of Fisherwick Hall, the garden continued to supply fruit and vegetables to new owners, the Howards of neighbouring Elford, for a short while, but soon began to be used commercially to produce crops and vegetables and the layout of the garden was all but lost. During the Second World War, Land Girls and Prisoners of War worked here, followed by a series of short term tenants, until Andrew’s parents, Trevor and Edith, arrived in the 1960s. K.G: What makes Woodhouse a community farm? A.S: We are a community interest company which means that as well as being passionate about local food, we are also passionate about local people being part of what we do. There are indoor and outdoor community areas which are used by a variety of local groups and there are a range of volunteer roles, from gardening to helping out at events, for anyone who wants to get involved. We also have a ‘Friends of Woodhouse Farm’ group, who organise social events and community initiatives such as our recent Repair Café. When we are open on Fridays and Saturdays, we also welcome families to bring a picnic, come and see the animals and enjoy all of the wonderful history and wildlife we have on site. K.G: Is the farm a good place for wildlife lovers to visit? A.S: Absolutely! The wood is carpeted with snowdrops and then bluebells in the Spring, and the different habitats we have here mean the

Continued on page 50

Embark on a visual journey across Earth

ichfield Cathedral is preparing to take its visitors on an journey across earth, sea and sky at a unique exhibition running in August. The cathedral’s first of four planned annual Great Exhibitions will take place from Saturday 19th to Monday 28th August, bringing together a range of artistic visual elements to examine how the natural world has influenced architecture throughout history, particularly that of the cathedral itself.

This exhibition, entitled ‘Earth: What a Wonderful World?’, aims to bring the outside indoors with an art and light installation incorporating the natural beauty of light and sound to transform the internal spaces of the cathedral into a display of earth, sea and sky. Through the exhibition, the cathedral will become a reflection of the planet’s fragility, merging the diverse sights and sounds of industry with those of nature and inviting visitors to discover a new world that needs to be seen to be believed. The installation, created by Luxmuralis – the team behind ‘Before Action’ and the award-winning ‘A Cathedral Illuminated’ which brought the building to life over the Christmas period – will run on selected dates throughout the exhibition. Local schoolchildren have also been involved with the exhibition by producing their very own art installation – consisting of hundreds of painted tiles – which will guide visitors on a vibrant journey through the building by highlighting the close relationship between nature and architecture. Led by the cathedral’s artist-in-residence Peter Walker, the project aims to build on the successes of the 10,000 Angels installation, which saw budding young artists creating thousands of festive paper angels which hung from the cathedral’s ceiling and brought light and love to the building’s internal spaces in December. Screenings of the animated Disney films WALL-E and The Jungle Book (1967) will be shown on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd August respectively, offering viewers of all ages the chance to see these two family favourites from a completely new perspective within the exquisite confines of the cathedral and encouraging cinema-goers to engage with how both movies examine our relationship with the natural world. The art and light show and the film screenings are ticket-only events and tickets for both can be purchased online now at

www.lichfield-cathedral.org. Advance admission to the installation is £3 per person (£2 for under 16s), while tickets bought on the door are £5 per person (£3 for those under 16). Tickets bought in advance of the film screenings cost £5 per person and are £7.50 on the evening. The Great Exhibition is supported using public

funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, as well as from Lichfield District Council. To find out more about The Great Exhibition 2017 at Lichfield Cathedral, visit the website at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.

farm is home to an abundance of wildlife, including birds, bats and small mammals. The River Tame flows past the old Cherry Orchard and so we are even visited by otters from time to time! K.G: What are the highlights of living here? A.S: Witnessing the arrival of new calves and piglets is always a special moment and I’m always delighted when visitors comment on how well our animals are looked after, as that is something that is incredibly important to us. It’s also fantastic when people understand what we’re about and what we’re trying to do here in terms of promoting the use of local, seasonal local produce through our Community Supported Agriculture scheme. K.G: How does Community Supported Agriculture work? A.S: For me, it’s a way to get people thinking differently about food and is a great way of building a stronger relationship between farmers and the community. Effectively, people pay a regular amount which buys them a ‘share of the season’ in the form of fruit and vegetables and that money is then re-invested into the following year’s crop. K.G: What is next for Woodhouse Farm? How would you like to see it develop in the future? A.S: We want to build even stronger links with the community by connecting with other organisations who may wish to make use of our indoor and outdoor facilities, as we would love to see the farm used for all sorts of events and activities. We’d also like to do more to promote local, seasonal food and would like to work with other producers in the area to develop a stronger voice on the subject. Something I’m keen to do personally is to run workshops showing people how they can make the most of seasonal produce and encouraging them to give new things a try. Woodhouse Farm and Garden is open to the public between 11am and 4pm every Friday and Saturday and is located just off Fisherwick Wood Lane, on the outskirts of Whittington. For more information, please visit www.woodhousefarmandgardencic.org.uk or contact Annamarie on 01543 432005 or annamarie@woodhousefarmandgardencic.org.uk.

Home welcome

• Buying • Selling • Renting • Letting

Advertising feature

Be Happy - with Belvoir the Lettings Specialists

o you have a property that you’d like to let? Are you an experienced landlord or new to property rentals? Renting out your property can make great financial sense, but can also be a complex process. Belvoir Estate and Letting Agents on Bore Street, Lichfield are the property letting experts, working closely with landlords to make letting your property hassle free. We not only find the right tenants for your property, but can also handle deposit and rent collection, legislation and legal compliance, property management and all of the day to day running, leaving you to relax. Belvoir Lichfield is run and owned by Ben Goodyear, who has lived in the area all of his life and has an excellent knowledge of the local property and lettings market. Belvoir is also part of a large national network, giving landlords the best of both worlds – local knowledge and 40 years of experience in local lettings, plus the peace of mind of

working with a national, award winning and highly regarded lettings expert. At Belvoir Lichfield, landlords have direct access to their own personal lettings expert, who knows you and knows your property. Belvoir pride themselves on their results. Be happy with Belvoir. Belvoir are also proud to be supporting St Giles Hospice. Every time they sell or let a property Belvoir donate a percentage of their fee to St Giles. Ben commented: “We believe a successful company should support their local community, so if you have a property to let or are moving home, call us now to arrange your free market appraisal and help us help St Giles Hospice.” For more information call 01543 262930 or pop in to Belvoir at 30 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LL. Are you a tenant looking for you next home? Go to www.belvoir.co.uk or visit the office where one of the lettings team will be glad to help.

The Galapagos Experience at Erasmus Darwin House

rasmus Darwin House this summer is offering visitors the opportunity to step into the footsteps of Charles Darwin, grandson of Erasmus as intrepid explorers are invited to explore the mystery and wonder of the famous Galapagos Archipelago. Darwin helped to put the Islands on the map with his publication ‘On the Origin of Species’. Vistors will be able to discover the Galapagos Islands through the work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust in a special summer exhibition – and explore how current ground-breaking scientific research is helping to conserve its iconic species. The exhibition is suitable for all ages and offers a visual journey through images of the Islands, scientific explorations and adventures, to exciting art and craft activities for a younger audience. Admission is free and the exhibition runs from Saturday 29 July to Sunday 3 September at Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield.

The Johnson Society Annual Supper -

By Phil Jones

he Johnson Society is one of the oldest literary societies in the world and is dedicated to celebrating the life and works of Samuel Johnson, the author of the celebrated Dictionary. Every year we hold an Annual Supper to celebrate Johnson’s birth as part of a weekend of celebrations. This year it takes place on the 23rd September and as usual will be a splendid candle-lit supper in the Guildhall. Anyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are £40 per person. Contact me on p.jones201010@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested in attending. At each Annual Supper we invest a new President. This year I am delighted as Chairman of the Johnson Society that our President-elect for 2017 is Michael Bundock who will succeed Dame Margaret Drabble DBE FRSL, the 2016 incumbent. Dame Margaret will attend the Supper to hand over the Presidency to Mr Bundock. Dame Margaret is an eminent English novelist, biographer and critic. A Cambridge graduate, she rose to prominence in the 1960s and her third novel The Millstone (1965) won the John Llewellyn Memorial Prize in 1966. She has written 18 novels. Dame Margaret’s early novels explored the life of young women growing up against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1970s. She has also written plays and screenplays. She is perhaps less well known as the mother of Joe Swift, the English Garden designer and TV personality who many of you will have seen co-fronting the BBCs coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show. Most importantly she is a keen Johnsonian. From novelist we move to biographer. Johnson was both a novelist and biographer so I am sure that

LOCAL NEWS Help shape the future of policing

People in Lichfield are being urged to step forward to join an independent panel to influence policing in their communities. Anyone aged 18 and over in Lichfield is able to join their local Safer Neighbourhood Panel to help hold the Local Policing Team Commander to account as well as look at wider criminal justice and community safety issues in their area. Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire Matthew Ellis, who launched the Safer Neighbourhood Panels in 2015, commented: “This is a real opportunity for people in Lichfield to play a part in holding those responsible for policing in their area to account and I’d urge them to get involved.” Safer Neighbourhood Panels are established in Tamworth, Stoke-on-Trent, Cannock, Lichfield, Newcastle, Stafford, South Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands and East Staffordshire. Local residents and members of the business community sit on the panels to influence local policing and community safety, scrutinise the work done by police in their area, give feedback to communities and examine the impact of community resolutions and restorative justice. The PCC is interested in attracting people from all walks of life who are able to represent the

he would have been delighted with our choice of Michael who is the author of the acclaimed biography, The Fortunes of Francis Barber: The True Story of the Jamaican Slave Who Became Samuel Johnson’s Heir. Michael Bundock Writing in the Sunday Times John Carey described it as ‘a joy – elegant, precise, formidably informed … one of the very few books about Johnson worthy to stand beside Boswell’s Life of Johnson’. Michael gave an excellent presentation in 2015 to the Johnson Society about Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson’s manservant, which was further enhanced by the presence in the audience of Cedric Barber, a direct descendant of Francisa piece of living history! Michael has a longstanding interest in Samuel Johnson, and describes himself as ‘a proud Life Member of the Johnson Society (Lichfield), which I joined over twenty years ago’. He is also a barrister, and when not reading and writing about Samuel Johnson practices maritime law in the City of London. Johnson contributed towards the writing of Robert Chamber’s Vinerian lectures on law at Oxford University and was well versed in legal matters, so the confluence of jurisprudence and biography is a happy one. I also know from first-hand experience that Michael is an accomplished guitar player, although he is far too modest to acknowledge this. As a lawyer, I am sure that he will help keep the Society in good order over the coming year.

Phil Jones is Chairman of the Johnson Society

views from a business perspective. This is a voluntary role but travel expenses will be paid. Anyone interested in applying to join their local Safer Neighbourhood panel should register their interest at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/saferneighbourhood-panels/ or contact Jan Matthews, the Safer Neighbourhood Panel coordinator for Lichfield, on 01543 500404.

Progress in Long Awaited Burntwood Health Centre Project

Recently, Michael Fabricant MP commented on the long-awaited Burntwood Health Centre project. Michael said: “I have been in close contact with Staffordshire County Council and South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula (SES&SP) Clinical Commissioning Group regarding the long delayed Burntwood Health Centre over the last few months and years. But now an end is in sight. “Some of the delays were caused by the nature of the GP practices in Burntwood and an unwillingness to cooperate, but these problems have been overcome and construction work is expected to be well underway by March of 2019, if not sooner, subject to planning permission being granted by Lichfield District Council. There seems little doubt that planning

permission will be granted. “I would expect a brand new centre to be opened within three years on the old Greenwood House site on Lichfield Road in Burntwood. “Staffordshire County Council owns the site which was a former residential nursing home run by SCC until 2007. Since its closure, the building on the site has been empty. Discussions have been on going with the nearby Fulfen and Spires practices for some years about a potential new health centre on the site. This would mean both practices would re-locate and that their current premises would then be vacated and returned to NHS Property Services. There is no space to grow on their existing site at Hudson Drive as it is surrounded on all sides by either residential or commercial buildings. “The County has funded the preparation of drawings that have formerly been the basis of dialogue with both practices and the NHS England area team in trying to find a proposal that would meet the needs of the residents of Burntwood as well as the GP practices themselves. Architects drawings for the proposal are now fully developed and the plan is progressing full steam ahead. “This much needed project has been long awaited by the people of Burntwood, but it does now look as if planning for the purpose built centre is well underway.”

Advertise your event in our what’s on guide for only £3 for up to 75 words max, please contact Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 josscitylife@gmail.com. (Local Charities and advertisers may place what’s on listings free-of-charge).

Your Citylife What’s on in August

Saturday 29th July until 3rd September. Discovering Giant Tortoises: The Galapagos Experience At Erasmus Darwin House. 11am – 5pm, Free. A special exhibition throughout the summer exploring the work of the Galapagos Conservation Trust. From a visual journey through images of the islands, scientific explorations and adventures, to art and craft activities for our younger audience.

Saturday 5th August Cellar Tours at Erasmus Darwin House Step back in time with exclusive access to the cellars under the museum. Catch a glimpse Lichfield’s hidden history. Tickets £2 First come, first served. 01543 306260, enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org Sunday 6th August Princesses & Pirates Afternoon Tea At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Pretty princesses, swashbuckling pirates and Mums and Dads are invited to join us for a special summer afternoon tea - dress in your best gown or your favourite pirate outfit! Adults: £18.95 | Children: £9.95

Wednesday 9th August Lichfield U3A - August Main Meeting At The Guildhall at 2pm. “Wrong Sex : Wrong

Instrument” by Maggie Cotton (and display by our Architecture Group). Lichfield U3A caters for those who are no longer in full-time employment and who wish to be actively involved in learning and leisure pursuits. Most days of the month there is a U3A group in action. Interest groups range from Local History to Folk Music and Creative Writing to Challenging Walks. To find out more come along to one of our meetings on the second Wednesday of the month.

Friday 11th August Robbie Williams Tribute Evening At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 As the UK’s Number 1 Robbie tribute act, Ollie Hughes has been wowing audiences both here and abroad for the past 10 years with his charismatic persona and uncanny similarity to the man himself. £35 per person or from £139 per couple to include an overnight stay.

Saturday 19th August Cellar Tours at Erasmus Darwin House Step back in time with exclusive access to the cellars under the museum. Catch a glimpse Lichfield’s hidden history.Tickets £2 First come, first served. 01543 306260, enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org

Wednesday 23rd August Burntwood Folk Club Open Mic Night If you play, sing, tell folk stories or just like to listen, you are welcome at The Ashmole Club, Meerash Lane, Hammerwich from 8pm to 10.30pm. Admission to this acoustic event is free. For more information visit

facebook.com/groups/burntwoo dfolk

Saturday 26th August Summer Party Night At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 An evening of fantastic food and a disco with an eclectic mix of party tunes that are guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor! £35 per person or from £149 per couple to include an overnight stay.

Bat Walk Lichfield Wildlife Group and the S.E. Staffordshire Bat Group will be holding a bat walk on August 26th at 8pm at Fisherwick Lake, Fisherwick Wood Lane, Whittington WS13 8QF.

Tuesday 29th August Sauce Supper Club At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Join Richard Turner of Turners at 69 in Harbourne for a 6 course pop up fine dining experience in the elegant Oak Room restaurant. £65 per person.

From September Lichfield and District - RSPB Local Group Join us at our monthly meetings at the Guildhall in Lichfield for illustrated talks on bird and wildlife subjects. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from September to May beginning at 7.30pm and ending at 9.30pm including a break for refreshments and chat. Entry £3. For more information call Dennis Muxworthy on 0121 353 6886 or visit our website www.rspb.org.uk/groups/ lichfield

Saturday 2nd September An evening with Katherine Swynford Presented by Lesley Smith at Boley Park Community Centre. Doors open 7pm, talk starts 7.30pm. Tickets include cheese and biscuits and wine. For tickets tamworthlichfield4cruk@yahoo. co.uk 07907 519224. In aid of Cancer Research UK.

Call for Lichfield Proms sponsors

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park is a free entry event for the whole family, and the council is hoping more sponsors will come forward to help raise the money needed to stage its nineteenth outdoor concert extravaganza. 2017’s Lichfield Proms is on Saturday 2 September, when thousands of people will gather in Beacon Park for a musical evening of entertainment featuring The British Police Symphony Orchestra, the City of Lichfield Concert Band, children’s entertainment, and a fireworks finale.

Sponsorship packages start from £50 and sponsors can benefit from their logos appearing on posters and leaflets and in the glossy programme. They also feature in news stories and have VIP parking and seating at the event - right in front of the stage. To find out more about sponsorship packages email proms@lichfielddc.gov.uk or call 01543 308866.

Changing the World – One Cup at a Time

t can be surprising how much changing the little things can make a difference. We have become more aware of using ‘bags for life’ instead of plastic ones and taking walks for shorter journeys instead of using the car - but what about the difference an everyday household object can make? Here at Lichfield Cathedral we are passionate supporters of Fair Trade, ethical produce and buying locally. We strive to stock a wide selection of products that help to support the environment. Our Eco Coffee Cups embody this ethos. Every year 100 billion single-use disposable cups end up as landfill. It is hard to imagine that many cups simply being thrown away. Most plastic cups are not biodegradable, therefore dumping them pollutes both land and water. Plastic destroys the quality of soil by preventing proper absorption of water and minerals and it cannot be

decomposed by microorganisms. Plastic is also very harmful to terrestrial and aquatic animals since those foreign materials put them at risk of ingesting a harmful substance or losing their life through suffocation. Burning plastic can be just as detrimental to the environment too as this causes the plastic to release harmful fumes and toxic gases like carbon monoxide into the environment. Even recycling plastic requires the use of huge amounts of energy. We were thrilled when we discovered Eco Coffee Cups. They are not made from plastic, ceramic or stainless steel but from one of the fastest growing and most sustainable resources on the planet; naturally organic and sterile bamboo fibre. They are light, bright and beautiful to drink from as they come in a variety of pretty designs including our limited edition William Morris collection. They are available in both 140 oz and 120 oz sizes and can be used for many drinks other than coffee. It is amazing the difference one small cup can make and shows just how much the little things matter. For more information please contact us on 01543 306150 or visit our Facebook page @TheShopatNo.9.

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