Joy to the world
3
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 - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632 kristencitylife@gmail.com Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com
Inside...
6 Win a Les Georgettes Bracelet Courtesy of City Jewellers Lichfield
............................. 14 Tastes of the Season Simon Smith offers up his Christmas Tips
.............................
28 The Garrick Theatre of Christmas Past Jono Oates looks at the history of the original Garrick Theatre
.............................
36 Ciao Bella! Italian Night at The Strawberry Cabin is one not to miss!
............................. 44 Christmas Gifts for Her The perfect gifts for ladies this year
Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@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.
e n i z a g a M l a c o Your L
The Cathedral Illuminated 2019: 'The Beginning' Created and Produced by Luxmuralis Artistic Collaboration
5
Win a Les Georgettes Bracelet from City Jewellers
The original customisable French jewellery, Les Georgettes by Altesse is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas outfit this year! In particular, the iconic Courbe bracelet, with cubic zirconia in a silver finish, is chic and refined and can be worn with its interchangeable and reversible leather band. Choose between its Coral side or its Metallic Navy Blue side, to go with your daytime or evening look! We’ve teamed up with City Jewellers of Lichfield to offer you the chance to win a Les Georgettes Courbe Bracelet. Want to win? Simply look at the picture on the right and contact us with your answer to the following question:
How many baubles are in the window of City Jewellers Lichfield?
Nearest answer to the correct amount wins! For the truly dedicated among you, feel free to visit City Jewellers’ shop window and have a go at counting them! To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to City Jewellers Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the closing date of 18th December 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. No cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter.
6
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 49.
A
First Anniversary for The Courtyard!
..............................
manda Shaw and her team at The Courtyard Fine Art Lounge celebrated the gallery’s first birthday by inviting guests to a lavish cocktail party on the evening of Saturday 16th November. Attendees, which included some of Lichfield’s best-known names and faces, were treated to drinks and canapes at the Dam Street venue whilst listening to the soul and jazz classics of Titine Lavoix. Having stood empty for many years, the store saw a dramatic refurbishment when Amanda took over in 2018 and is now home to stunning pieces of artwork by some of the industry’s biggest names. Amanda said: “Thank you to the girls who have worked so hard. To my wonderful family, and to all our supporters over the past 12 months. Here’s to an exciting, bigger and better second year!”
7
LOCAL NEWS
Cathedral Donates Denis May Art
A series of dramatic monochrome prints inspired by the poems of Wilfred Owen that were on display during Remembrance-tide last year in Lichfield Cathedral have been donated to two National Collections. The 22 linocuts, by Denis May, combine religious iconography with depictions of the horrors of war on the Western Front. The strong graphic qualities of the work with their blocks of velvety black ink, dramatic shading effects and stark white lines are perfectly suited to the intense nature of their subject matter. A selection of the prints was exhibited at Lichfield in 2018 under the title ‘Not about Heroes’, before being donated to the National Army Museum and Manchester Regiment Collections. .......................................................................................
Lichfield School’s Cookery Cash Boost
opportunities for children who have complex medical and special educational needs, was selected as one of M6toll’s monthly Drive for Charity in the Community campaign winners. The donation will finance the cooking element of a ‘Dare to Dream’ topic, enabling equipment and ingredients to be purchased to allow the children to learn valuable cooking skills. Since the M6toll opened 15 years ago, operator Midland Expressway Limited (MEL) has donated more than £1million to local good causes. To find out more, visit www.m6toll.co.uk. .......................................................................................
Awards for Love Ladies’ Locals
Two Staffordshire business women have been recognised at this year’s #LoveBizAwards, an annual event hosted by Love Ladies Business Group, which took place at The Crowne Plaza, Solihull on Friday 1st November. More than 500 nominations were received across 10 categories. Ruth Redgate, from Elford, was named Ambassador of the Year for the work she does for the Lichfield arm of The Love Ladies Business Group, whilst Wendy Harris, of Yoxall, was winner in the Business to Business Impact category. The Lichfield meetings of Love Ladies Business Group are held on the second Tuesday of the month at McKenzie’s in the City. For more information visit www.loveladiesbusinessgroup.co.uk.
Festive Run Goes Green
.......................................................................................
Ian Harvey (left) from M6toll with pupils from the Flamingo Class and teacher, Claire Dryhurst (right).
A local special needs school is set to offer cookery lessons to its pupils after being backed with a £1,500 donation from M6toll. Lichfield-based Rocklands Special Needs School, which provides enrichment
8
On Sunday 8th December, Lichfield will host the annual fun run event, the Festive Dash (previously known as the Santa Dash), which will see hundreds of fun runners completing the 2.5km traffic-free route around the city. The event begins at 10.30am when Santa will officially set the festive bunch on their way with the help of his elves (and friends from the Lichfield Round Table)! Proceeds from the event will go to Shining Stars, which provides night club experiences for adults with disabilities in the area, and was set up by local runner, Charlotte Aspley. She commented: “As part of our mission to be kinder to the planet we have decided to make our fun run a festive fancy dress affair! By
wearing your favourite festive jumper or outfit we can avoid discarded Santa suits ending up in landfill.” To take part in the Festive Dash visit www.kpevents.net or The Barbers, 3 Tudor Row, Lichfield. .......................................................................................
Brook Clearance by LARA
On 19th September and 31st October, Leomansley Area Residents Association (LARA) undertook work to help restore the water flow to Trunkfield Brook where it flows through Darwin Park. Members of LARA were joined by local volunteers, including Councillor Jamie Checkland, and volunteers from South Staffs Water. Debris from the water and surrounding areas was cleared along a considerable length of the brook. The work included cutting back overhanging branches and clearing the areas adjacent to the brook. Every effort was made to ensure that the ecology was not affected by the work. Thanks go to Lichfield District Council and Taylor Wimpey for clearing away the resulting debris and to Waitrose for providing washing and toilet facilities. The Darwin Park Pool and Wildlife Project is a LARA imitative to improve the pools and green spaces that form a part of the Darwin Park Estate. More information can be found at www.tell-lara.co.uk. .......................................................................................
Congratulations to our November winners! P Rogers, H Benham and M Ruane will all receive a canteen of Arthur Price cutlery. The winners of tickets to the BBC Winter Food Show were H Townsend, M Crowton and J Phillips. Well done!
9
LOCAL NEWS
Canal Trust Receives Queen’s Award
Ian Dudson presents the award to Eric Wood. Picture by Margaret Beardsmore.
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust (LHCRT) received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services at a ceremony in the city’s historic Guildhall. The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson, presented a certificate, signed by Her Majesty the Queen, to LHCRT president Eric Wood at the event, attended by many of the Trust’s volunteers as well as civic dignitaries and representatives of groups and businesses who have played a part in the on-going restoration of the canals. The Queen’s Award, the equivalent of the MBE for voluntary sector organisations, recognises the outstanding contribution made to local communities by individuals devoting their time for the benefit of others. LHCRT was praised for ‘restoring a derelict canal to improve the environment and for the benefit of the local community, wildlife and tourism.’ .......................................................................................
Auctioneer Teams Up with John Lewis
7pm. Entry to the special event costs just £5, which includes a glass of prosecco as well as a £5 John Lewis voucher to redeem instore on the evening. Mr Winterton, who appears regularly on BBC Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal, said: “Our team of specialists can cast a professional eye over anything from jewellery and watches to all kinds of antiques and curiosities, pictures, wines, whisky and port. “We can’t wait to see what treasures turn up.” To reserve your place, ask instore at John Lewis & Partners Tamworth. .......................................................................................
Co-op Funds Local Causes
Richard Winterton Auctioneers has teamed up with John Lewis & Partners, Tamworth, for an exclusive pre-Christmas event. The Ventura Park store will be welcoming Richard and his team for a special valuation evening on Friday 6th December, from 5pm-
10
allowing us to join them and see the hard work that the dedicated volunteers do – without them, it would not be possible. Thanks also go to everyone who kindly donates food or money to help out people in crisis. To find out more about Lichfield Foodbank, or to volunteer, visit www.lichfield.foodbank.org.uk.
.......................................................................................
Local Golfer Climbs the Ranks
Three local organisations celebrated with Morley Road Co-op, Burntwood, on Saturday 23rd November after being awarded funding from the Co-op local community fund and sharing over £14,000 between them! Spark in Burntwood, Hammerwich Women’s Institute Hall and 2nd Norton Canes Brownies and Guides were all selected to benefit this year. The Co-op has also donated refreshments to community events such as Play in the Parks and the Burntwood Wakes, whilst Spark has a partnership with the Co-op to distribute spare food donations to local families. During the last year every time Co-op members at Morley Road and Chasetown Swan Island shopped at their Co-op, 1% of what they spent on selected own-branded products and services has gone towards helping fund these community projects. Co-op has also given all money raised from shopping bag sales to the causes, to help even more. .......................................................................................
Ben Winterton (left), Lucy Hughes from John Lewis & Partners, Tamworth, and auctioneer Richard Winterton (right).
(From left) Rebecca, Jono and Krissy from the Citylife team.
Helping Local People in Crisis
The Citylife team joined other volunteers at Lichfield Foodbank at Tesco on Thursday 21st November for an eye-opening experience helping to collect food items from generous donators. Lichfield Foodbank provides three days’ worth of emergency food for people in crisis, and helped more than 1,100 people in 2018. We’d like to thank Lichfield Foodbank for
November saw Tom Beard compete in the EDGA Algarve Disable Open at Vila Sol Golf Resort in Vilamoura, Portugal. This was a world ranking event with the elite players fighting it out for the title. Tom finished in twelfth place in the gross category, and fourth in the nett category (with handicap off). The field had 75 players from the USA to Australia and everywhere between! This is a great result for Tom as it means he has climbed up to 57th place in the world rankings, maintaining a place in the national team. Well done Tom – 2020 is going to be an exciting year!
Opportunity for a Sales Executive
Citylife in Lichfield Ltd is expanding!
We currently have an opportunity for a Sales Executive to work on our two magazines – Citylife in Lichfield and Citylife in Rugeley & Cannock Chase. You must be self-motivated and comfortable speaking to clients on the phone as well as face-to-face. A car is essential for this post. For further information and a full job description, please email helencitylife@gmail.com
11
Win Tickets to see the NRO “The Glenn Miller & Rat Pack Era” Nick Ross is delighted to bring the Big Band Sound of the 1940s and 50s to Lichfield Garrick Theatre on Sunday 19th January 2020 with a concert celebrating Glenn Miller and the Rat Pack era. With a full line-up of saxophones, trumpets, trombones, a rhythm section and special guest vocalist Sam Merrick, the Nick Ross Orchestra will faithfully recreate the wonderful sound of the Big Bands including those led by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Syd Lawrence. Featuring numbers such as “Moonlight Serenade”, “In the Mood”, “A String of Pearls” and “Little Brown Jug”, memories of wartime and the blitz will no doubt be brought flooding back to life. The music will span almost all the emotions of those difficult times: comradeship, doubt, fear, loss and, most significantly, the hope in love. The Nick Ross Orchestra uses arrangements exactly as recorded in the Great Swing Era, coupled with outstanding instrumental and vocal performances. This special concert celebrating the inimitable Glenn Miller and other Big Band greats promise to be an unmissable evening of music and song with a liberal sprinkling of swinging Rat Pack arrangements.
12
We’ve got a pair of tickets to this event to give away, courtesy of Nick Ross Orchestra. To be in with a chance of winning, simply unscramble the letters below to make the name of a popular orchestral instrument.
mtebnroo --------
To find out more about the Nick Ross Orchestra, or to book tickets to this event, visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com or call the box office on 01543 412121.
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to NRO Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the closing date of 18th December 2019. 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 49.
OFFER ENDS 31ST DECEMBER 2019
Advertising Feature
What does your future look like?
Do you know when you can afford to retire? If something happened to you would your family be provided for? Are you worried that if you got a critical illness you wouldn’t be able to work and pay your bills? Is your pension fit for purpose? Are your savings in the right place? Do you need a pension wealth check from a professional? Do you need a professional to run an eye over your life and critical illness cover? Is it time to speak to a financial adviser? As an experienced local Financial Adviser, with many clients in our area, I will be able to help you. You can visit our office or I can visit you at home to discuss your financial needs including Pensions, Investments, Savings, Protection and inheritance tax. The first appointment will be at my cost and there is no obligation to proceed any further. Future costs will be explained and agreed with you before any work is carried out on your behalf. I will carry out a full fact find of your circumstances and discuss with you your priorities and where you want to be financially in the future and how I may be able to help you get there. As a member of a twelve strong Financial Adviser team at Four Oaks Financial Services I am supported by in-house research, client liaison and administration teams. I am a fully qualified Financial Adviser working with private and corporate clients to help them achieve their financial goals. My clients are mainly in the Burntwood, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley and greater Wolverhampton areas, although I do have clients much further afield. At Four Oaks Financial Services we advise our clients on a range of investments and are very proud to have their trust and confidence to do so. The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise.You may get back less than you invested. Estate planning, inheritance tax planning and long-term care are not regulated by the FCA. Our first meeting will be at my cost and there is no obligation to proceed further. It is often said that people deal with people so please give me a call or drop me an email, lets have a chat, and we can take it from there.
Robin Place DipFA, CeLTCI, MLIBF Financial Adviser 0121 323 2070, 07968 504805 robin@fouroaksfs.com
13
Tastes of the Season Christmas Tips By Simon Smith
Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat! Now is the time to start planning the Christmas meal and trying to avoid spending the whole day in the kitchen. More often than not the ‘chef of the day’ is short on space in the kitchen and stressed about cooking for large numbers of people. With a little bit of advance planning this can be avoided. Cook your sprouts a day or two before and put them straight into cold water to stop them cooking and keep a nice green colour. Drain them off and keep them in the fridge.You can do this with any green veg. When you want to serve them, tip them into a pan of boiling water for a minute, drain them off and put on a knob of butter and a little salt and pepper. You can also cook your carrots a day or two before. I would recommend just covering them with water, a knob of butter, fresh bay leaf, a tablespoon of honey and some salt. Simmer them gently until just cooked. Turn them off and let them cool. Leave in the pan and put into the fridge ready to reheat in the same beautiful scented liquid. Your roast potatoes can be blanched the day before, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Drain in a colander and shake to rough up the outside. On Christmas day dust with a little plain flour and some chopped fresh rosemary and sprinkle with some sea salt flakes. Cook in hot oil. I always use Maris Piper for this as you get a lovely crisp and fluffy potato. The biggest issue of the day is always the turkey. ‘Will it fit in my oven?’ is the most common question. If you think it may not you can always ask your butcher to take the legs off and bone them. This will give you a great cavity to put your stuffing in. It also gives you some bones to make turkey gravy with. Instead of turkey you may want to try a little something different. In this case I would plump for goose. A beautiful moist meat but some worry that it is very fatty. To overcome this I always prick the breast skin and start to cook it
14
upside down on a cooling rack. This way the fat drains out into the bottom of the pan and we can use it to cook our roast potatoes in… double whammy! Turn it breast side up after half an hour to brown off. Roasting times: Cook for 10 mins at 240C/fan 220C/gas 9, then reduce to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 and cook for 20 mins per kg for medium-rare, 32 mins per kg for more well-done, plus 30 mins resting. How to carve: Goose breasts are shallow, so take a sharp, long thin-bladed knife and angle it at about 90 degrees to the breastbone, carving from the neck end. Detach the legs then slice off the thigh meat.
Citrus Butter
If you want to add a bit of extra flavour to your bird you can make a beautiful citrus butter to put between the breast skin and the meat. 8ozs salted butter 1 orange, zested 1 lemon, zested 2 sage leaves finely chopped Ground black pepper Method Soften the butter and add the citrus zest, sage leaf and black pepper. Work together until completely mixed and then spread between the skin and meat. Whilst the turkey is cooking the flavours will infuse into the meat and the breast meat will stay beautifully moist. Simon Smith runs a catering business from his production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event catering. Simon also undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers. During the summer months Simon works for private clients both on superyachts and in villas in St Tropez and Europe. If you are looking for catering or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmith-chef.com
*All recipes serve four people. **Please take extra care when preparing and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details.
15
Tippers’ Christmas Market .................................................
Tippers held its annual Christmas Market on Saturday 23rd November at its showroom in Lichfield. The event, which was very well attended, raised a total of £334 for St Giles Hospice! We bring you a few highlights of the day in pictures…
Amy Tipper with staff, chef Simon Smith and Father Christmas.
Chef, Simon Smith, giving a seasonal cookery demonstration at Tippers’ Christmas Market, helping to raise money for St Giles Hospice.
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
16
17
The Green Man Middleton ................................ DINING REVIEW
L
ocated in the quaint village of Middleton, near Tamworth, The Green Man has recently undergone a dramatic refurbishment to become the perfect country pub, with a premium feel and a vibrant twist. So when Citylife was invited to sample the exciting menu, we jumped at the chance to see the renovation for ourselves! Structurally, the building remains the same however the décor has been substantially refreshed. Featuring deep, rich hues of peacock blue, green and purple, the once dark and traditional interior has been transformed into an opulent space with a contemporary vibe. The menu boasted country fayre classics, with modern twists, such as the Sticky Pig Sharing Board which combined favourites such as sausage roll, scotch egg and pork belly with beetroot piccalilli, smoky creamed corn and apple sauce and crackling. Delightfully large and succulent lamb chops were cooked to perfection (pink and juicy) and served with chorizo, butternut puree and dauphinoise potatoes. Supporting the British fishing industry, there were dishes of fresh fish caught in the North Atlantic, and a delicately cooked skate wing arrived with accompaniments of brown shrimp, garlic samphire and mashed potato. Impressively, there is a full vegan menu available also, with wellthought out dishes lovingly created by the masterful culinary team. To finish off what had been a feast fit for a King and Queen, the flamboyant Icon Sharing Dessert Birdcage played host to three fantastic sweets and certainly created an interesting talking point!
Drinks-wise, the pub offers everything you would expect, plus a little bit extra. From real ales to quality wines, and even cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Even those driving can pick from a special alcohol-free menu, meaning that no-one gets left out! If you’re looking for somewhere to take family and friends to impress them this festive season, then The Green Man combines incredible food with lavish décor in a tranquil countryside setting. Visit The Green Man at Church Lane, Middleton, Tamworth, B78 2AN or online at www.thegreenmanmiddleton.co.uk.
Burntwood Group Transforms Smallest Park ............................... P
18
rince’s Park in Burntwood, which holds the Guiness World Record of Britain’s Smallest Park, was spectacularly transformed to create an Armistice Day Memorial by Friends of Princes’ Park, part of Burntwood Action Group. The display shows the silhouettes of two life-sized soldiers either side of a refurbished bench, along with 1,000 poppies made out of recycled plastic that cover the base of the small park’s three trees and are dotted along the railings. The two soldier figures were made from plywood and timber donated by G. E. Collis & Sons Ltd of Chasetown, and made by Barry Colbourne from a template supplied by Redwood Roofing. Crown Cutting Ltd of Chasetown carried out a free ground inspection to ensure no essential services were beneath the area where the soldiers were secured with wooden posts. Paint for the bench and railings was supplied by Tonks Brothers Tree Services and Lichfield District Council’s parks team, which also removed, transported and refitted the heavy cast iron bench so it could be fully refurbished by members of the friends group.
Volunteers made 1,000 poppies out of old plastic bottles which they painted before being secured around the base of each of the trees and along the railings. Burntwood Action Group is sharing information about the project as it progresses on its Facebook page, and has added a donation button so followers can donate to the Royal British Legion. So far more than £150 has been raised.
19
Unexpected Treasures!
‘For A Better Life VI – Red’ by Fabian Perez fetched £4,000.
A signed print of ‘Peel Park, Salford’ by LS Lowry sold for £3,200.
By David Fergus, Decorative Arts Valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers
................................
A
drenaline pumping, you open the wrapping and a treasure you never expected presents itself. It’s a festive scene soon to be played out all over the world but at The Lichfield Auction Centre surprise finds ensure Christmas comes rather more regularly than once a year! It is rather like Christmas morning when a client brings in something for a valuation and discovers they’re sitting on a fortune. Who knows what wonderful artistic treasure is innocently hanging on walls across the Midlands – or languishing in lofts? Some people may inherit a piece of art, the signature is indecipherable and they have no idea what it is. But remember, your gran and granddad were once hip and trendy! The art they might have collected could turn out to be something really special and these treasures are still out there waiting to be discovered! I shan’t forget a phenomenal collection of modern art which had been stored in a Burntwood lock-up for 12 years. Amongst it was an abstract oil painting titled ‘Artist and Curtain’ by Roy Oxlade (British 1929-2014). Taking it to sale, this was only the third time this particular piece had appeared at auction and there was a fierce bidding battle to a £9,000 hammer price. It’s the best-ever for Roy Oxlade by some distance – the previous highest price for an Oxlade was £2,000 in 2007. So, from a lock-up in Burntwood to achieving a world record price! Funnily enough, the client previously achieved a record price of £3,200 for a 1963 abstract, ‘Guyana X’ by Aubrey Williams (Guyanese 19261990) from the same collection in another of our
20
‘Guyana X’ by Aubrey Williams sold for £3,200.
‘Artist and Curtain’ by Roy Oxlade made £9,000.
Fine Art sales. Other more leftfield originals sold recently include two abstract oils on canvas by Mali Morris, a British artist born in 1945, fetching £2,200 and £1,700. Changing tack but staying modern, six paintings by the popular contemporary Argentinian artist Fabian Perez fetched £18,400 earlier this year. In terms of prints, a perennial favourite at auction is LS Lowry. His art has never been more popular; at auction his oil paintings now regularly make several million pounds – increasing the price of limited edition signed prints. One such lithograph of ‘Peel Park, Salford’ from 1975 was a perfect example of the artist’s trademark industrial scenes and matchstick people and it sold for £3,200. In fact, some say the Lowry market is at a possible peak – so if you have a print you’re considering selling, now could be a canny time to do so. Other artists in terms of prints to look out for include Patrick Caulfield, Patrick Heron (we have a print of his up for auction this December), Eileen Cooper and Sir Terry Frost. Richard Winterton Auctioneers offers free valuations every Tuesday between 9.30am-4pm at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park WS13 8NF. You can also email us at office@richardwinterton.co.uk or call on 01543 251081.The auction house will be closed from December 19th until January 2nd but do pop in before or after the holidays with your surprises and help us keep Christmas all year round! Richard Winterton Auctioneers would like to wish CityLife and its readers a wonderful festive season and peaceful new year.
21
22
Oh Christmas Tree! Advertising Feature
F
................................
orestry England at Cannock Chase Forest is turning choosing a tree into an unforgettable day out. Find the right tree for your home and family with their expert advice. Christmas begins the moment you pick up your tree. And at Cannock Chase Forest, choosing your tree becomes an extra special festive tradition, with woodland rambles, Christmas trails, delicious treats, and even a visit to Santa. It’s also a great place to find specialist advice. Not every tree will suit every family, and Forestry England’s knowledgeable Tree Team can recommend the right tree for the right home, as well as offering detailed care tips so that you can make the most of your tree right through to Boxing Day (and beyond!). Once you’ve found your favourite, the Tree Team will cut the tree stump to ensure it lasts as long as possible and carry your tree to the car - leaving you to carry on making special memories with your family. Traditional Nostalgia - Norway Spruce Looking for a storybook Christmas tree? Go for a Norway Spruce. This traditional tree is classically shaped with an abundance of branches, which means plenty of spots for all those sparkly baubles you can’t bear to leave in the box. • Wonderful, Christmassy scent. You’ll want to bottle it! • Sharp and spiky to touch, so be careful with little hands hanging decorations. • Loses needles slightly quicker, so is best bought fresh close to Christmas. • Keep away from heat and water regularly. Standout Sparkle For those searching for a statement tree, we always recommend the Lodgepole Pine. Lush and bushy, it’s perfect for big rooms with high ceilings and lots of space. When choosing, look closely - you might find one with pine cones clinging to the branches. Nature’s already done a little decorating for you! • Big personality, so be daring with your decorations.This tree will pull anything off! • Lusciously long, yellowy green needles and a full, bushy appearance. • Fresh pine scent. • Distinctive branches that point upwards. • Holds onto needles for a long time - great if you like to start Christmas early! Family-Friendly Simplicity A true crowd-pleaser. The Nordmann Fir is the most popular Christmas tree in Europe, and it’s no surprise - it’s non-allergenic, soft, and gorgeously green. It also holds onto its needles for much longer than some other varieties. • Good for allergies as needles have a thick, waxy coating. • Soft foliage and an even shape - a joy to decorate. • Glossy, dark green needles with an almost light blue underside. • Strong branches are ideal for hanging heavier decorations. • Long-lasting, requiring little maintenance.
23
Buddy Holly Rocks Cannock!
................................. W
orld renowned tribute act, Buddy Holly and The Cricketers, has delighted audiences around the globe and recently in Cannock too when the band took to the stage at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The authentic sound and pure professionalism did the late Buddy Holly proud, and featured his greatest hits including Rave On, Peggy Sue, Everyday, Heartbeat and beautiful ballads like Raining in my Heart and True Love Ways. The ensemble also played Chantilly Lace as a tribute to the Big Boppa, who tragically died in the plane crash that also claimed Buddy’s life. The superb venue was packed as the audience ‘rocked out’ for more than two hours. It’s safe to say that Buddy Holly and The Cricketers will be very much welcomed back! For further information on forthcoming events at the Prince of Wales Theatre, visit www.princeofwalestheatre.co.uk.
Greyhounds are Good for your Health! By Lauren Hirst of Greyhound Trust Hall Green
.........................
C
hristmas is almost upon us, bringing with it all of its holiday excess. But did you know that studies have shown that pets are good for your health? So forget crash diets, slimming clubs and the gym - dog owners hold the secret to staying healthy and shedding the pounds! Walking the dog is great exercise but there are also emotional benefits, too - dogs keep us connected to the world. People with pets are approached more often for conversation than when alone. A survey by the Greyhound Trust revealed that 97% of dog owners say that their canine pals have made them happier people. Dogs don’t judge us when we’ve put on a few pounds after Christmas, or when we are having other difficulties in our lives. People with pets have higher levels of the chemicals in the brain that stimulate feelings of satisfaction, and love... and the dogs feel it too. So it’s official: pets are good for our physical and emotional health! Greyhound Trust Hall Green has kennels in Shenstone and Hagley with 40 dogs looking for homes. Greyhounds only need two 20 minute walks a day so they make perfect pets for people with restricted mobility or time.
24
To find out more about the dogs waiting for adoption, or how to become a volunteer dog walker, phone the Trust on 0121-426-4810,email hallgreen@greyhoundtrust.org.uk or visit www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk.
25
The Month in Pictures
W
November
e take a look at the events and activities over the last month, bringing you a roundup of the city in pictures...
Historian, Victorian Jono, at Lichfield Foodbank, Tesco
Richard Winterton in full swing at the Abbotts Bromley School auction
Citylife ladies, Rebecca and Krissy, volunteering with Lichfield Foodbank at Tesco.
Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum celebrates Staffordshire Tourism Award
Blooming Lichfield Award at Monks Walk Garden
Peter Walker’s latest art installation at Lichfield Cathedral
26
Images by Jono Oates www.jonotourism.co.uk
Cast of Last Tango and Panto in Little Grimley, Cathedral Hotel
LHCRT Queen's Award presentation at Lichfield Guildhall
Volunteers of the LARA Pools Project at Darwin Park
Remembrance Sunday parade at Alrewas
NHS Families' Health and Wellbeing Service at Commuity Event, Market Square
Snapped a picture at a local event that you'd like to see in Month in Pics? Send your photos to jonocitylife@gmail.com for consideration.
............................ Specsavers Remembers
S
taff from Specsavers in Lichfield travelled back in time on Friday 8th November to raise money for Blind Veterans UK and Poppy Appeal. Members of the team raised ÂŁ200 whilst hosting the charity fundraiser. Staff dressed up in 1940s style clothing and customers made donations by purchasing a sweet treat from the cake sale and entering the raffle. All donations from the cake sale and raffle will be handed over to Barry Harteveld, a representative from Blind Veterans UK. The charity helps ex-service men and women of all generations to rebuild their lives after sight loss. The charity has worked to provide rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support since 1915. Their support means thousands of veterans around the UK can still live a life of fulfilment.
27
The Garrick Theatre of Christmas Past
The Wilko store on Bore Street, site of the former Garrick Theatre
The David Garrick Memorial Theatre
By Jono Oates
............................
‘Tis the Season to be Jolly… and there is no better place to be jolly at Christmas than at the traditional panto at the Lichfield Garrick! This year’s production is Cinderella and Citylife in Lichfield will be there to shout out “He’s Behind You!” along with the rest of the audience, for what will be another sell-out festive season. However, the theatre that currently stands on Garrick Square was not the first Garrick Theatre in Lichfield. Here, I delve into the story of the David Garrick Memorial Theatre of the 1950s. The Garrick Theatre is one of the most recognisable buildings on Lichfield’s skyline but the site of the original David Garrick Theatre is one that many Lichfeldians will also recognise… that of the Wilkinson’s store on Bore Street. In 1949, Mrs Joan Cowlishaw opened a new Repertory Playhouse and, for four short years, it produced hundreds of plays for Lichfield audiences including, of course, the obligatory festive panto. Joan purchased the building, which had previously been the Palladium Theatre and the Lido Cinema, with the intention of reviving the name of David Garrick in the city where he had been brought up as a child. After converting the former cinema to a theatre in early 1949 it opened its doors for the first time in the March of that year, with a production of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. George Roche was the first producer but he was soon replaced by Kenneth Tynan. Tynan put on an elaborate, and controversial, production of the play The Beaux Stratagem, written by Irish playwright George Farquhar while staying at the George Hotel. Tynan soon left the company and later became a noted, and feared, theatre critic for the London Evening Standard and The Observer.
28
Joan Cowlishaw
In 1949 the company put on a panto and, coincidentally, they also chose Cinderella. John Boulter and Sidney Dench played the Ugly Sisters while Cinderella was played by Elizabeth James who struggled on despite having been injured in a car accident the day before the first performance. The panto proved to be a great success with the audiences, despite the fact that the company did not really want to produce that kind of theatre. The company continued to schedule productions on a weekly basis which put a huge strain on the actors and the behind-the-scenes teams. One of their best-known actors was Lionel Jeffries, who later went on to star as Dick Van Dyke’s father in the hit 1960s film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Lionel starred in Noel Coward’s Private Lives on the Garrick stage as well as Mr Bennett in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. In December 1950 they produced another pantomime, this time Dick Whittington, with Jacqueline Mackenzie playing a ‘gallant’ Dick and Jimmy Thomas producing ‘an ideal cat.’ Although it was a production with more glitz and glamour than the 1949 offering, the audiences were much smaller and the following year they put on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Audiences did not flock to that either, despite the efforts of a young Hilda Braid, who provided a fine performance as Alice. In later years, Braid starred in the TV comedy Citizen Smith and, more recently, as Nana Moon in Eastenders. In January 1953 tragedy struck when owner Joan Cowlishaw passed away after a short, and unexpected, illness. Beset by financial issues, and despite the intervention of noted actor Sir Michael Redgrave, the theatre closed its doors for the last time in July 1953. It later re-opened as the Adelphi Cinema before being converted in to a supermarket and is now home to the Wilko’s store. In 1949 the David Garrick Memorial Theatre put on its first pantomime, Cinderella, and now, 70 years later, the current Lichfield Garrick will put on the same performance. Today’s audiences will undoubtedly get just as much enjoyment and fun out of this classic panto as their forebears did in 1949 – long may the Christmas panto reign in Lichfield! Cinderella, at the Garrick Main Theatre, runs from Thursday 28th November until Sunday 5th January 2020. My thanks to Susan Kahn for her help with this article
29
Sooty steals the show! Vintage puppets owned by Harry Corbett sell for thousands! S
By Adrian Rathbone of Hansons Auctioneers
............................
ooty’s enduring popularity was proved at auction as a set of vintage puppets and a Sooty Mobile used on TV sold for thousands of pounds. Sooty, Sweep and Soo puppets, given as a gift by their inventor Harry Corbett to a Yorkshire brother and sister in the 1970s, sold for £5,000 at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers on 19th November. In the same sale, a Sooty Mobile used on the children’s TV show by Matthew Corbett in the 1970s, sold for £1,100 despite needing restoration. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “Sooty has stolen the show yet again - with a little help from Sweep and Soo. The puppets had a particularly touching story as Harry gave them to two children after their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s. He even did puppet shows for
30
them at their home. Their father was Harry’s financial adviser. “The seller was with us in our saleroom and it was an emotional moment for her. The good news is, the puppets are staying in Yorkshire. They’re going to a private collection and will be joining a rare Sooty Hansons’ staff member Jill Gallone with Sooty, Sweep and Soo. Credit: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian puppet which sold for a world-record total price of £14,500 at Hansons in 2018. “We were equally delighted to help the Sooty Mobile find a new home after being stuck in a Cambridge garage for 20 years. Hopefully, it can now be restored to its former glory. Seller Bruce Harward, 43, from Cambridge, took the Sooty Mobile, a rare Honda Acty van, on a European road trip when he was 18. He was given the vehicle by Matthew Corbett, Harry’s son, in the mid90s. They used to be neighbours in Camberley, Surrey. Items are invited for Hansons’ 2020 auctions. Free home visits for large valuations, house clearance and downsizing Provenance with the puppets quotes available. To find out more, email includes photo cards signed by Adrian Rathbone at Harry Corbett and Matthew arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or CorbettImage by Hansons call 01889 358050.
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
31
The Ultimate Vegan Vampire Experience! DINING REVIEW
A
.............................................
great time was had by ghouls, ghosts and monsters alike at the Ultimate Vegan Café’s Halloween Event, held on Thursday 31st October. With all staff dressed up in amazing costumes, and the café decorated in a spooktacular fashion, the atmosphere was simply electric and the café was full with both regular customers and newcomers to the vegan eatery, based in City Arcade, Lichfield. Citylife witches sampled a devilishly delicious menu which included treacherous treats such as the Moving Mountains Burger, complete with ‘blood curdling’ red relish and ‘tragic tomatoes’, as well as the café’s signature fries. There was also a stack of Ludicrous Nachos with salsa, guacamole, and ‘phantom’ facon (fake bacon), along with ‘curdled’ cheese and ‘chillblain’ chilli! Both of these were a taste sensation to truly whet the appetite, and the perfect treat to satisfy even the most horrific of hungers! To find out about forthcoming events, visit Ultimate Vegan Café on Facebook, or pop in and sample the menu for yourself.
32
33
The Churches of Lichfield at Christmas ............................
Lichfield Cathedral
St Michael's on Greenhill
As we approach the season of goodwill the churches of Lichfield will be filled with worshippers singing Christmas carols and lighting candles, and in our festive edition Jono Oates looks at the history of some of the churches in the city who will be holding services this winter. St Chad’s Church, on the north side of Stowe Pool, is one of Lichfield’s oldest churches and, of course, bears the name of St Chad, the first Bishop of Lichfield from 669-672AD. Originally a wooden structure, a stone church was constructed in the 12th century. The churchyard has a covered well over a spring which is believed to be where Chad would pray and baptise the local people who had been converted to Christianity. To the south-east of Lichfield stands St Michael’s Church on Greenhill, located on the site of an ancient burial ground. The church was originally
34
Holy Cross Chapel
St Chad's
Christ Church
built in 1190 and the nave of the church contains commemorations of Samuel Johnson’s father Michael, his mother Sarah, and his younger brother Nathaniel. St John’s Church Without the Barrs on St John Street was built in 1135 and was just outside the Culstubbe Gate, which protected the city at night, so that travelling pilgrims could find overnight hospitality if they arrived after the gates had been locked. The chapel contains a stunning stained-glass window by 20th century artist John Piper. Christ Church at Leomansley was built in 1846, thanks to the generosity of Ellen Jane Hinckley, wife of Lichfield solicitor Richard Hinckley, who owned a large mansion called Beacon Place, now demolished, in the grounds of what is now Beacon Park. The Holy Cross Chapel, on the junction of Upper St John Street and Chapel Lane, is a Georgian building, constructed in 1803 using funds raised by Father John Kirk. A church school, St Joseph’s, was added in 1860 which eventually moved to its current location on Cherry Orchard in the 1960s. Finally, Lichfield Cathedral, whose history can be traced back to the 8th century when a church was erected and dedicated to St Chad and St Mary some thirty years after Chad had died. Known locally as The Ladies of The Vale, the cathedral was ravaged and ransacked during the English Civil War and its main spire collapsed in 1646 at the end of the fighting, before being restored in the 1660s. The cathedral will again be lit by art installation illuminations this Christmas, as featured on our front cover. Sources: www.stjohnslichfield.org; www.christchurch-lichfield.org.uk; www.romancatholiclichfield.co.uk; www.stjosephslichfield.org.uk
St John's Without the Barrs
35
Ciao Bella! Dining Review
I
...............................
talian Evening at The Strawberry Cabin on Saturday 16th November was a roaring success. Helen Smith, from Citylife in Lichfield, attended the sell-out event.
Following the appointment of new Head Chef, Gábor Wachter, the restaurant has gone from strength to strength and took the opportunity to showcase its varied cuisine, and open out of hours, at a recent evening event. The two-course menu boasted a whole host of delicacies that were synonymous with Italian dining, such as antipasto platters, seafood linguine and the traditional hearty favourite of lasagne. However we plumped for the chicken parmigiana, served with Italian dressed salad and parmentier potatoes; and a herb crusted rack of lamb with patata campagna and a mint jus. The chicken was succulent and juicy, whilst the lamb was pink inside and melted in the mouth – we were both unduly impressed with our ‘secondi piatti’ and left wanting more… which was handy, as dessert, or ‘dolce’ was just around the corner! The classic tiramisu was my choice, and the indulgent layers of cream, coffee liquer and delicate sponge was the perfect way to finish off my meal. My partner opted for the limoncello and raspberry semifreddo (made using Manor Farm’s own home-grown raspberries) and declared it equally divine – hats off to the talented dessert chef, Paighton Smalley! Needless to say, The Strawberry Cabin is so much more than simply a stop-off for tea and cake; it is a countryside retreat that is quickly becoming known for its exceptional dining experiences!
36
Christmas 2019
The hard-working staff at The Strawberry Cabin will be taking a well-deserved break! The Cabin will close on Monday 23rd December 2019 and re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2020 at 9am.
37
Lichfield Lights Switch On
On Sunday 24th November large crowds gathered on Market Square to enjoy the traditional Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch On! Live music was provided by groups The Hustle and Punch the Air, followed by the Lichfield Rock Choir and then carol singing by the youngsters from Christ Church Primary School. The cast from the Garrick Theatre’s panto, Cinderella, including Cbeebies star Rebecca Keatley, joined in with a song from a show, before the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Deborah Baker, along with two young competition winners helped push the button to switch the lights on!
Tres Tres Eye Opening! By Jo Howell
Sssh! Do you wanna know a secret? A really funny, albeit rude, secret?! Well, let me tell you about Lichfield’s best kept secret I had the pleasure of seeing on Saturday 2nd November.
I expected a bit of dancing, maybe a comedian and definitely some singing – and technically I got all three. Just not quite the stereo typical acts you would expect to find in Lichfield on an autumn evening!
38
Stage Door Johnny
We arrived at the beautiful St Marys Church in Market Square and were led upstairs to The Hub, a rather quirky venue with the most amazing backdrop of the old Church. Something told me
that irony of the stained-glass biblical scenes was not lost on what I was about to witness.
The compere, a rather jolly chap by the name of Stage Door Johnny, opened the evening with fast one liners, a wonderful wit and charm and the words ‘You will see things you’ve never seen before tonight’. He was not wrong! We watched a Burlesque dancer remove everything except her modesty, a male acrobatic dancer who did amazing things with chairs, poles and left nothing to the imagination, a hilarious juggler who was both funny and awesome to watch and a girl that made our eyes open wider and our mouths hit the floor. She is not for the faint hearted! The show was split into three parts
and Johnny intertwined each act with singing, comedy and general naughtiness, with the interaction with the audience being just perfect.
Scarlett Daggers
You will need to leave your inhibitions at home and keep a very open mind to watch this show, but you know what? It’s Tres Tres worth it! The next Tres Tres Cabaret is on 21st December. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.thehubstmarys.co.uk or pop into St Mary’s on Market Square.
39
Advertising Feature
Your Garden in December By Byron Lewis
Another year has come and gone and it's now Christmas all the way - time to buy your REAL Christmas tree! Here at the garden centre, our best seller by far is the Nordman Fir. This is a softto-the-touch tree which is easy to decorate. Nordmans are classed as 'low needle drop' meaning they will stay looking good right the way through to New Year with the correct care.
Other types are available including the narrower Frazer Fir and the Lodge Pole Pine, but steer clear of Norway Spruce if you have a particularly warm house as these can drop their needles quite quickly no-one wants a bare tree on Christmas Day! Whatever tree you choose, there are a few simple rules to follow: • Keep your tree watered. This is the most important part of the process. Once a tree has been cut, it is no longer able to find water itself – so you will need to water it regularly. There are numerous designs of Christmas Tree Stand which incorporate a water ‘reservoir’, so keep this full of water at all times. A medium tree can drink up to three pints of water daily! • Select your tree early in December. This should give you the best selection in terms of choice of sizes and shapes. But once you’ve purchased, keep the tree outdoors until you are ready to decorate – this will keep it looking better for longer. • Keep your tree away from heat – if you can, turn off any radiators or fires that are alongside the tree. Again, this prolongs the life of the tree. If you want to grow your own tree year after year, pot grown trees are also available (generally in smaller sizes). A good tip for pot grown trees is to keep them outdoors as long as possible. If you do take them indoors, acclimatise them after Christmas to the lower outdoor temperatures to reduce stress, and as before, water regularly and keep away from direct sources of heat.
Lichfield Garden Centre’s Christmas Shop is now open, with a huge selection of cut and pot-grown real Christmas Trees, as well as homemade wreaths and garlands. Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre, Curborough Countryside Centre, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 254306, visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or follow on Facebook & Twitter.
40
41
42
Advertising Feature
Big Benefits, Local Values
UK Boiler Fit can source, install and maintain gas, oil and LPG boilers using only the industry’s leading brands, and providing rates that are significantly cheaper than the larger energy companies (with typical installation costing as little as £1800). All members of the team are DBS-checked, as well as being expert gas-safe engineers. Directors Mark and Dave are always available to help, guide and advise customers on choosing what is right for them and their budget, offering a first-class, personal service to each and every one. The firm has a five-star Trustpilot rating thanks to satisfied customer’s reviews. There are even options to pay via an FCA-regulated finance deal and spread payments out over a longer period of time, should you need to. There are no hidden extras with UK Boiler Fit – what you see is what you get, which means great customer service and quality products at consistently affordable prices!
43
£660
9ct Gold Diamond & Opal Earrings. Available from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk
£195
£2,250
£239
18ct White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Ring. Available from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield. www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk
Perfect Presents for Her From stocking-fillers to special items, we've got your Christmas shopping all wrapped up with our selection of gifts from local retailers.
£6
Keith Sherwin ‘Giraffe and Calf’ Nickel and Resin Sculpture. Available from The Courtyard Fine Art Lounge, Dam Street, Lichfield. www.thecourtyardfineartlounge.co.uk
£12pp Afternoon Tea, including a pot of tea or coffee, an assortment of finger sandwiches, fruit scones with cream and strawberry jam and a selection of afternoon tea cakes. Available at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield - www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk
Create a personalised bracelet with your favourite symbols, letters, and charms for a gift that’s 100% original. Composable charm links start from £15. Available from ES Jewellery, 1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield. www.esjewellery.co.uk
£6.95
Silver Plated Candelabra. Presented in an Arthur Price of England gift box. Available from Arthur Price, Britannia Way, Lichfield. www.arthurprice.com
£115 Original Nomination Watch with Gold Glitter Dial. Can be personalised with composable charm links. Available from ES Jewellery, 1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield. www.esjewellery.co.uk
Ladies Bamboo Socks assorted designs. Available From Dame Oliver's, 19 Dam Street, Lichfield. www.dameolivers.co.uk
£135
Tide Jewellery: Holly Pendant £9.50.Robin Earrings - £9.50. Bee Pendant - £9.50. Mistletoe Brooch £13.50. Available at Dame Oliver's,19 Dam Street, Lichfield. www.dameolivers.co.uk
£995
Bamboo Travel Cup. Six patterns to choose from. Available from Arthur Price, Britannia Way, Lichfield - www.arthurprice.com
£1,650
£135
Silver plated 8-inch Mounted Rose Bowl. Presented in an Arthur Price of England gift box. Available from Arthur Price, Britannia Way, Lichfield. www.arthurprice.com
Vienna Wall Clock - Circa early 1900s. Spring movement, chimes on the hour and half hour. Available from Golden Oldies, 5 Crown Bridge, Penkridge. www.goldenoldiesfurniture.co.uk
18ct White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cluster Pendant. Available from City Jewellers, 23-25 Bore Street, Lichfield. www.cityjewellers.co.uk
18ct Ruby & Diamond Cluster Earrings. Available from City Jewellers, 23-25 Bore Street, Lichfield. www.cityjewellers.co.uk
Customer Testimonials “When we opened our doors five months ago we needed to let the people of Staffordshire know that the Ultimate Vegan Cafe had arrived in Lichfield. “Our first advert in the area was placed with Citylife, where Steve, Krissy, Helen and the rest of the team couldn't have been more helpful in sorting out our artwork and promoting our business. We found that we had a response from it almost immediately. “Steve is always most attentive, popping in on a regular basis and making sure we are happy with the content of our adverts and write-ups. Thank you to the team for helping us promote our new adventure!”
- Ian, Ultimate Vegan Cafe
“Myself and Mark, the two directors of UK Boiler Fit, were really amazed by the amount of calls that we received throughout the month following our appearance in Citylife magazine. “We had such an overwhelming response from our advertisement and editorial that we have even had to revisit our business plan and pull forward the recruitment of extra staff!” - David, UK Boiler Fit
T
Allen Brown Supports Cancer Charity
............................
hroughout October Allen Brown Jewellery supported Breast Friends Sutton Coldfield for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raised a total of £1,175 for the charity. The jewellery gallery, based at Heart of the Country Shopping Village, produced a diamond and sapphire Radiant Ribbon Pendant, worth £2,000, and invited people to enter a draw for the chance to win the pendant, with a minimum donation of £5 for entry. The winner was Clarice Jones from Four Oaks, who entered the draw as a surprise for her mum Angela. Angela is a member of Breast Friends and recovering after receiving treatment. For more information on Breast Friends visit www.breastfriends.org.uk.
45
T
Lichfield Cathedral Advent Special Services 2019 ............................
here are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit at Lichfield Cathedral as the festive season approaches.
It all starts with the Advent Carol Services on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December at 6pm. These will be beautiful thought-provoking services with readings, carols and hymns that help worshippers begin the Advent journey. Starting in darkness, the Cathedral is gradually lit by thousands of candles as the first of the Advent candles is taken in procession through the church. Then on Wednesday 4th December there is an opportunity to join an evening hosted by TV presenter and writer, Pam Rhodes, for The Leprosy Mission Carol Service. This will be a chance to hear about leprosy in the 21st Century. The service will end with free refreshments. A very special carol service will be on Thursday 5th December at 2pm when there will be the chance to celebrate and pray for the work of Embrace, our partners and the church in the Middle East. The Entrust Christmas Festival of Music is on Friday 6th December at 7.30pm and on Saturday 7th December there will be a special concert by Lichfield Cathedral Chorus which is at the end of its 60th anniversary year. This will include a performance of Puccini’s Messa di Gloria and Vaughan Williams Fantasia topped off with a set of Christmas carols specially arranged by musical director Ben Lamb. On Sunday 8th December at 4pm is the Christmas Lantern Service. Sung by the Cathedral Choir, this service for people of all ages will include a Lantern Procession around the Cathedral and the lighting of the Christmas Tree. Also on Sunday 8th December at 6.30pm is the St Giles ‘Light Up a Life’ service. This will be a special service outside the Cathedral to remember loved ones lost in recent years. It’s a chance to reflect and remember while also viewing the books of remembrance, lighting a candle and sharing in some refreshment. The ever popular Cathedral Chorus and Salvation Army Christmas Carols will be on Thursday 12th December at 7.30pm. Sing along with your festive favourites and enjoy music and readings to usher in the Christmas spirit. Arrive early to be sure of a seat. The very special and popular Christmas by Candlelight featuring the Cathedral Choir is on Saturday 14th December at 7.30pm and the
46
Emergency Services Carol Service is on Sunday 15th December at 6pm. On the same day at 3pm will be Sharing the Gift, in which people are invited to bring toys and gifts suitable for distribution to children and/or store cupboard items to support the work of the foodbank. On Saturday 21st December at 2pm and 3pm, take a break from the Christmas shopping for a short time of peace and reflection with some popular readings and carols at the Shopper’s Carol Service. For further information, and for tickets, visit www.lichfieldcathedral.org.
TUDOR ROW - a wonderful place for Christmas Shopping
Tudor Row is surely one of the prettiest places to shop and relax in the area. It connects Bore Street to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and Three Spires Shopping Centre, and is a great place to spend an enjoyable afternoon browsing its many independent stores.
There’s Erase UK – a well-established intense pulsed light (IPL) and skin rejuvenation clinic; Bene Umbra where you'll find truly affordable hairdressing; Tudor Sew with more than 30 years’ experience in ladies’ and gents’ clothing alterations and repairs; The Little Make-Up Shop which stocks top brands such as Max Factor, Bourjois and L’Oreal, plus designer perfumes for men and women, and, to top it all off, there’s The Tudor of Lichfield – a historic restaurant offering everything from a relaxing pit-stop afternoon tea, to breakfast or even a full dining experience!
Forgotten Lichfeldian Emerges from the Shadows By Philip Modiano
............................................
T
he Reverend John Louis Petit (1801-68) was nationally famous in his day, and not just for his art - he was the leading opponent of the extreme promotion of neogothic architecture that swept the country in the middle of the nineteenth century. Eldest son of the wealthy vicar of Shareshill, the family moved to Lichfield in 1823, buying Redcourt, a big house on Tamworth Street. This was to be the family home until 1897 when the last of Petit’s sisters died. Petit himself graduated from Cambridge and took holy orders in 1826. He worked at the parish of Bradfield and Mistley, Essex, before resigning in 1834 to focus on his twin vocations of art and architecture and returning to the Lichfield family home in the late 1840s/early 1850s. One of his driving motivations was to preserve ancient churches from the extremes of the Gothic movement. They were being restored, but altered in the process to the ‘one correct style’ that the movement demanded, destroying their ancient character. Writing books and speaking up and down the country, Petit was the first major, national, advocate of
48
Stowe Pool excavation, March 1857 preservation, decades before the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings. Petit used his art mainly to demonstrate his views. He never tried to sell it, although it was exhibited widely. His ‘studio’ was Lichfield itself and he would be out daily capturing the cathedral from every angle and in all weather. He painted the cathedral well over 100 times and perhaps half have survived. By the mid1850s, the peak of his career, Petit had developed his own distinctive style. In direct opposition to the detailed studio work of midVictorians, Petit’s quick impressions are entirely Cathedral from St Michael’s. 1857 modern for the times. Done without the pressure of painting for the market they simply show the beauty of the scenes that he wanted to capture. After his death in 1868 the annual Architectural Exhibition housed a memorial exhibition of over 300 of Petit’s pictures, including seven of Lichfield and others of Rugeley, Cannock Chase and Upper Longdon. Then, all his art disappeared into the family. The bulk of his art was initially cared for by his sisters, who continued to live at Redcourt, and subsequently it went to a nephew and then Cathedral from Grange Lane, 1863, Courtesy Samuel his only daughter, living in Surrey. Johnson Birthplace Museum The art, or what was left after various tragedies, was dumped in auctions at Sotheby’s Billingshurst in 1980s and 1990s, all jumbled up alongside works by his sisters who had accompanied him on travels. The remarkable thing about his art though is how different Petit is to other 19th century artists. It sold easily even from an unknown artist and is now widely dispersed except for a chunk with a few large collectors in the Reverend Petit Huddlesford Mill under snow, from Cappers Lane canal Society who would like to seed bridge, February 1855 public collections. Philip Modiano has been researching the Reverend Petit for three years since stumbling across his art at a London dealer. He is the founder of the Rev Petit Society www.revpetit.com and has written “Petit’s Tours of Old Staffordshire”, which organises 150 of Petit’s Staffordshire works into eight tours.This is available in S&J Music, the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and at St Michael’s. St Michael’s church porch, c1827,
What’s On in December
Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd December Christmas Voices at The George Hotel Intimate Theatre presents an entertaining compilation of lighthearted poetry, music and drama for the festive season. Price: £11 per person, includes a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.
Tuesday 3rd December The City of Lichfield Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at St Matthew's Sports Club Burntwood. There is are speakers on a variety of subjects and coming up in the New Year is "The A-Z of Lichfield" by Jono Oakes and "Your Heart" by Warren Appleby from The British Heart Foundation. New members are always made welcome. For more details call 07971 113505 or email peter.hitchman44@gmail.com.
Saturday 7th December Lichfield Cathedral Chorus Come and join Lichfield Cathedral Chorus at the end of its 60th anniversary year as it launches into the Advent season with a performance of Giacomo Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, to which Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols will add yet more festive cheer. Venue: Lichfield Cathedral Time: 7.30pm Tickets available from Lichfield
Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over 18,000 homes and businesses for only £15 for businesses and £5 for charities. Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com (businesses who are already advertising in the relevant issue may place additional what’s on listings free-of-charge). Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On Lichfield'. Cathedral, by calling 01543 306150 or at www.thelittleboxoffice.com/lichfie ldcathedral .
Sunday 8th December Fairy Toy Workshop & Storytelling A magical experience for families, inspired by Johnson’s fairytale ‘the Fountains’. Book a place at a hands-on craft session to make fairy decorations and toys to take home (4-12 years, must be accompanied) and enjoy storytelling sessions (free, all ages welcome!) throughout the day. Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Fairy toy workshops (1hr) at 1:30pm - £3.50, accompanying adults £1, advance booking required. Storytelling sessions at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm & 2.30pm - free event, just drop-in. To book call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org .uk.
Wednesday 11th December U3A A Potpourri of Entertainment by speaker David St-John. Venue: Lichfield Guildhall Time: 2pm Tickets for this meeting must be purchased in advance.
Tuesday 17th December Lichfield Civic Society The Butcher, The Baker & The Undertaker by speaker Jono Oates. Venue: The Lichfield Room, Wade
Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions 1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email josscitylife@gmail.com 2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and conditions stated. 3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition. 4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the closing date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely destroyed/deleted. Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details will be securely deleted/destroyed. 5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition partner to allow winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in our magazines – no other details will be published. 6.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants (but not address or contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and online. 7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or
Street Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield. Time: 7.45pm Admission is free to members and students. Non-members are always welcome (£3 at the door).
Wednesday 8th January U3A The Role of Cadbury Workers in the 1st World War by speaker.Fiona Joseph Venue: Lichfield Guildhall Time: 2pm
Wednesday 22nd January Stonnall Conservation Society Stonnall Conservation Society will not be holding a meeting in December this year but will look forward to seeing everyone in 2020 when Phil Griffiths will give a talk on “Stories of the English Coinage” from the earliest coins in Greece almost 3,000 years ago up to Decimalisation and the present day. Venue: Stonnall Youth & Community Centre, Main Street, Stonnall, WS9 9EE. Time: 7.30pm Christ-mouse Trail The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Until Sunday 5th January, 11:00am – 3.30pm Daily, Free A fun festive trail for children to find ‘the smallest of all beasts’ around the house. Available every day throughout the holidays. For more information call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit
Creative Experiences - Gift Vouchers and Workshops Struggling to find a unique gift or would you like to learn a new skill? For: Adults & Group Talks Children’s Parties - Hen Parties (including Bubbly). December Workshops: 7th & 15th - Feltmaking. 14th - Batik Painting. 8th - Mosaics. Visit website www.feltworld.co.uk or telephone Barbara on 07966 944817. Decor Supplies Sale - Now On! On paint, wallcoverings and fabric until Saturday 28th December. Please see the advertisement on page 33 showing all our Christmas opening times. Décor Supplies, Unit 23, Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY.
Words Alive! The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Saturdays 10:30am – 11:45pm until 14 December A weekly club for 8-12 year olds who love words! Read, write, create, act and illustrate in the inspiring setting of the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Try your first session free! £3.00 per session, £2.00 for siblings To book call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org .uk
www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants in their creation or submission of materials. 8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader. 9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. 10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions. 11.No purchase necessary. 12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated). 13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of individual associated with any employee, agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd. 14.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an independent judge in the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received. 15.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield up to 28 days after the closing date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by the entrant. 16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after the competition closing date. 17.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is
final and no correspondence will be entered into. 18.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality of the prize provided. 19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 20.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online. 21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 22. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, information, service or product provided in connection with a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition. 23.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition. 24.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral and legal.
49
50
To advertise please call Citylife 07970 513144 from ÂŁ40 plus vat
51