Autumn in the City
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Welcome to CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to 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 Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com George Ellis-Kendal 07834 998004 georgecitylife@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
Inside...
18 Keep on Running A Lichfield local is the face of MENCAP charity
............................. 22 Beating of the Bounds The history of The Sheriff's Ride
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34 Old Cafes of Lichfield A look into old eateries of Lichfield
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42 Lichfield Proms Round-Up A recap of one of the city's most celebration events
............................. 44 Christmas Gift Guide Perfect present ideas for the children
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Top Sights in the UK Revealed ..............................................................
esidents in the West Midlands have revealed their top sights across the UK in a new survey released following National Eye Health Week in September. Commissioned by Specsavers, the research asked more than 2,000 adults to rank their favourite visions across the country, and those in the West Midlands picked Windemere in the Lake District as their favourite, followed closely by Snowdon in Wales. But despite 99% saying it is important to get their eyes checked, 18% say they don’t get their eyes checked often enough, with most saying it’s down to eye tests being too expensive. There are 187,000 people living with sight loss in the West Midlands. However, as half of sight loss is preventable, the survey aims to highlight the importance of our vision and why we should not take it for granted.
Praful Patel, store director and optometrist at Specsavers Lichfield, said: ‘Half of all sight loss is avoidable with early detection, but despite
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this, many people are not taking the necessary steps to put eye health at the top of their agenda. ‘Having your eyes tested does not just check for changes in vision but can help prevent sight loss through early detection of conditions and even spot other health concerns, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Everyone should take advantage of the latest innovations available in stores, such as our digital retinal photography machines, which look at eye health in fantastic detail.’ Your eyes can reveal a lot about your health so it’s really important to have regular eye tests – once every two years, or more often if recommended by your optometrist.To find out more, or book your next appointment, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/lichfield.
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Residents Urged to Waste Less Plastic ...................
With the increasing awareness of the harm it is doing to the environment, Lichfield District Council has put together a Waste Less Plastic campaign, which aims to highlight the issue of plastic pollution and how to avoid plastic packaging and throwaway items.
As part of this the council has produced a poster that features nine top
tips about how to avoid using single use plastics. From always having a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to hand, to bringing your own coffee cup and packed lunch with you, the tips offer simple ways to cut down on plastic packaging. Other tips include refusing plastic straws, using a cloth instead of wipes that have plastic in them, choosing loose fruit and vegetables and opting for glass containers rather than plastic bottles.The ninth tip is to recycle all appropriate plastics in your blue bin. The tips will be tweeted from the council’s Twitter feed @Lichfield_DC and will be posted on its Facebook page @lichfielddc.
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Pete Wood - Joint Waste Supervisor
To download the Waste Less Plastic guide, which can be displayed at community halls, shops and local venues, and to find more top tips, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/wasteless.
Gardeners of Lichfield We Need You!
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ichfield Garden Centre's first Festival of Gardening is now being planned and it needs your help. The event is to be held next July 18th and 19th (in 2020), and will take place at Curborough Countryside Centre, just off Eastern Avenue. The festival promises to be a weekend of celebrating plants and gardening with nurseries, growers, landscapers and gardeners all on hand to help you make the best of your garden. Multiple Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner, Chris Beardshaw, will be giving talks over the weekend, with BBC Radio 4's Gardener's Question Time panellist, Anne Swithinbank, taking to the stage to give advice on garden pests and plant problems. Byron Lewis, organiser of the event, said: “We want to encourage as many of the area's gardeners as possible to attend, and we'd also like to extend an invite to the many gardening clubs, societies, flower clubs and gardening guilds near us to come and promote themselves - whether it's by producing a flower display, selling plants, organising a seed swap, recruiting new members or just saying hello - all are welcome'.
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For more information, or to involve your club or society, call Byron at Lichfield Garden Centre on 01543 254306 or email info@lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk.
Crafty Lichfield Teacher Launches Creative Venture
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former midwife turned teacher is branching out with a new venture which stems from her love of making crafty creations with her pupils in south Staffordshire. Julie Peters, of Yoxall, was inspired to launch her new online business, Country Marketplace, after coming very close to almost losing her young daughter and mother within the space of just a few months last year. In a bid to turn such negative trauma into a positive, the 52-year old channelled her creative talents into making all year round high-quality faux silk floral wreaths. While wreaths are only usually seen adorning doors at Christmas, Julie wanted to prolong the treasured memories of precious family time together by extending this festive joy with all year around colourful wreaths full of cheerful seasonal blossoms. You can find more on Julie’s story and her one-off wreaths, which will also include a festive faux range, by visiting www.countrymarketplace.co.uk.
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Holy Smokes!
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Burlesque Show comes to Lichfield Church!
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n 2nd November, Staffordshire-based producer, Stage Door Johnny, is set to bring his Très Très Cabaret show to The Hub at St Mary’s.
Stage Door Johnny, from Burntwood, has been producing burlesque and cabaret shows for 10 years now and he’s hugely excited to be bringing his latest venture to Lichfield: “The first show I ever produced was in Lichfield, under the name Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, so I can’t wait to bring my latest show back to where it all began for me,” he explained. Since his debut in 2009 his shows have gone from strength-to-strength, and recently Très Très Cabaret celebrated its sixth birthday at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, which has been its home since 2013.
Johnny commented on the changes he’s seen over the years: “When I first started out shows were very much back-to-back burlesque, but now there’s far more variety and it has a much more Music Hall feel to it. More often than not you’ll find circus,sideshow, hula-hoopers, unicyclists and sword swallowers alongside burlesque performers, and that, coupled with the gorgeous surroundings of St Mary’s, is going to make a very special night.” Très Très Cabaret has a number of events planned at the Market Square venue, and the first one promises to be something special.
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Burlesque performers Lilly SnatchDragon and Scarlett Daggers will be taking to stage, alongside juggler Jon Udry and circus performer Jamie Double, whilst Stage Door Johnny will be compèring and bringing his own brand of ridiculous humour to the proceedings.
Tickets are priced at £17.50 and are available from The Hub at St Mary’s (www.thehubstmarys.co.uk) or by calling 01543 414749.
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www.hoarparkfarm.com
Open all year round Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm (winter to 4pm) Shops closed Mondays Open Bank Holidays FREE ADMISSION & PARKING Small charge for the children’s farm Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Tel: 024 7639 8334 Hoar Park Farm is located on the B4114 near Ansley, Nuneaton. Providing a fun day out for the whole family, it’s a great chance to get up close and personal with lots of different animals, from tiny chicks and ducklings, to deer and cows.You even have the chance to purchase animal food and have them eating out of your hands! If you’re feeling creative then Bee Crafty is the place for you and if you’re after that perfect gift then look no further than Giftz Galore which is bursting at the seams with local crafters for that special and unique item. Pop into the Farm Shop for an array of top quality fresh meat and vegetables at affordable prices and, finally, finish off a busy day with a bite to eat overlooking the spectacular Warwickshire countryside at the Hoar Park Restaurant & Tearoom.
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Advertising Feature
Can you afford to retire?
How many old pensions do you have? Will they provide you enough income when you retire? Do you know how much tax free cash can be taken from them and when? Have you a defined benefit or a defined contribution pension? Do you know the difference? Would you like a professional to give them the once over? How many years will it be before you can afford to retire?
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
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Banish the Winter Blues
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By Charlotte Benton
easonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects two million people each year in the UK, with people commonly experiencing a persistent low mood, whilst feeling stressed and anxious, with a loss of interest in everyday activities. If your everyday life is affected by the impending dark nights and decreasing temperatures, be sure to follow these simple tips that could help you to boost your mood as the cold, dark days of winter take hold. If your everyday life is affected by the impending dark nights and decreasing temperatures, try these simple tips that could help you to boost your mood as the cold, dark days of winter take hold. Utilise natural light With the night’s drawing in it is important to make the most of the daylight hours. Attempt to boost your vitamin D levels by sitting close to a window when you can, or take a walk outside during your lunch break. Natural daylight will increase your vitamin D and, consequently, could help to improve your mood. Keep active As tempting as it is to snuggle up on the sofa, there is a strong connection between exercise and mental wellbeing. Exercise can be achieved in many ways, whether that is through going to the gym or even just running up and down the stairs in your home. Keeping active over the winter months could help to lift your spirits. Socialise Be sure to keep in touch with your friends and family throughout the winter. Staying connected to your loved ones helps to reduce the feeling of isolation. Even if the weather is poor and you do not wish to go out, take the opportunity to FaceTime or text your loved ones as greater human interaction is known to encourage feelings of wellbeing.
Keep warm Low mood and irritability are often associated with being cold, hence the importance of keeping warm during the winter. Drinking hot drinks and eating hot meals, are a straightforward way to help keep you warm as the colder days occur. Eat healthily Eating fatty foods can leave you feeling sluggish at the best of times, however accompanied by the winter blues, your mood could take a turn for the worst. Throughout the winter months try to incorporate complex carbohydrates into your diet, such as wholewheat breads and pasta. These carbohydrates tend to slowly release energy, combatting the spikes in your blood sugar that can often leave you feeling lethargic. As always, try to maintain a balanced diet to boost your mood; a few changes to your diet in winter could see you chasing those blues away!
Although these tips can prove to be helpful when trying to banish the winter blues, SAD is a recognised disorder that may require further advice and assistance. *This article is meant for interest only and is not expert advice, nor a substitute for seeking professional advice, guidance and treatment for such problems. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not accept responsibility for any individual who chooses to follow the above tips in place of seeking professional expertise.
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
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Halloween in the Forest!
It’s all about to get a little bit spooky at Cannock Chase this month as Go Ape introduces a series of devilish Halloween delights for the little ones! Taking place across three days during half term (30th & 31st October, and 1st November) Go Ape will be holding creepy dusk sessions on its Treetop Adventure course. As the light begins to fade children and families will be invited to take to the skies and experience the forest from a different angle as they navigate tricky treetop crossings and brave the speedy zipwire finale – all whilst avoiding the ghouls! There will also be activities to take part in, such as a fancy dress competition, and tasty cakes and treats to purchase, with all money raised going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. The event is suitable for children of all ages, although children must be 1 metre or above to use the Treetop Adventure facilities. To find out more about Go Ape’s Halloween dusk sessions, find Go Ape online at www.goape.co.uk or call 01603 895500.
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Keep on Running!
Charlotte is the face of MENCAP's 'Here I Am' campaign
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Charlotte with her support runner
Inspirational local lady, Charlotte Aspley, talks to us about being selected as the face of MENCAP’s ‘Here I Am’ campaign in the wake of the charity being chosen as the official Charity of the Year for the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon.
Charlotte Aspley, from Lichfield, is full of energy. She bursts through the door with a wide smile, greeting everyone warmly and instantly lighting up the room. Charlotte, aged 29, suffers from the rare condition Mosaic Down Syndrome, but simply refuses to let this stop her from achieving her goals. In the last few years alone, inspirational Charlotte has raised more than £8,000 for MENCAP, which she has achieved predominantly through marathon running and now has three of them under her belt. As a former trampolinist for Great Britain at the age of 19, Charlotte has always been the active type, although running a marathon was never on the agenda! “I saw the London Marathon on the TV one day and just thought ‘I want to do that!’” she laughs, remembering the moment she decided a marathon was for her. After applying for a ballot place, and being unsuccessful, Charlotte signed up for a charity place with the UK’s leading learning disability charity, MENCAP, who had helped her gain employment at Tesco 10 years previously through their Shine Project. “I heard that I’d got a marathon place just 26 weeks before the event,” states Charlotte. “It really didn’t give me much time at all!” Having never run before, Charlotte knew she had to act fast and get training if she was going to make it to marathon distance in just six months, so she enlisted the help of local running group, Lichfield Running Club. Daniel Flloyd, Charlotte’s coach at the club, remembers the first time he met her. “Charlotte literally turned up one day to the running club session and said: I’m running a marathon – help me!” Daniel set about devising a training programme for Charlotte to get her up to speed (and distance!) in the short timescale.
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Charlotte with her support runners from Lichfield Running Club
“First of all, Daniel told me to go on a run and see how far I was capable of going before I needed to stop,” she explains. This distance turned out to be roughly a mile, just 25 miles short of Charlotte’s marathon goal! “I joined the beginners group initially, which got me used to running distances of around 5 kilometres. Then, we had to pick up the pace and increase my stamina.” Charlotte ran her first marathon in 2017 and finished in a time of six and a half hours – an amazing time, especially considering that just six months prior, Charlotte would not have described herself as a ‘runner’! Since then, Charlotte has run the London Marathon again, as well as running the Berlin Marathon in 2018, where she flew round the course in just six hours and 28 minutes – a new personal record! She also stars in MENCAP’s ‘Here I Am’ video campaign and her face is emblazoned across the charity’s London headquarters. As well as running Virgin Money London Marathon 2020, Charlotte also has her sights set on Tokyo in 2021, and is looking forward to running the New York Marathon in November this year, where she is hoping to beat her current record by a mile! “I want to run this one in six hours,” she enthuses. “That’s my aim and that’s what I’m training for. “Running has become a passion for me. I love it. I just put my headphones on, turn up my music, and run!”
Why Risk Everything?
........................ By GJP Estate Planning
Competitive chess players rely on having a strong strategy to increase their chances of beating their opponent. In life, the same rules apply and those who take the time to plan ahead will ultimately succeed. Your hard earned assets could be lost if you don’t take the time to put some simple planning in place. Our services include: Wills Many people put off making a will, but don’t leave it too late as this could cause problems for the people you leave behind. You could end up giving your inheritance to the wrong people or even to the state. Trusts Trusts are an important part of estate planning and not just for the wealthy. Trusts allow you to protect your assets for future generations against attack from remarriage, divorce, bankruptcy, long-term care and inheritance tax. Lasting Powers of Attorney Managing your affairs can be difficult in later life.You could even become seriously ill or have an accident. Who would look after your financial affairs and make decisions regarding your medical treatment, living arrangements or care? Creating Lasting Powers of Attorney in advance ensures that your financial affairs and personal welfare are in safe hands. For more information contact GJP on 07904 325744.
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What a Punchline! Is Lichfield man’s curious collection the
............................... ONLY one in the world?
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hen it comes to hobbies, a Lichfield man’s collection from the past four decades is bringing a ‘hole’ new take on pastimes. For the past four decades, 82-year-old Peter Duffell has not hoarded stamps, coins or even toy cars – but hole punches. And he could well be the ONLY person in the world to do so. Since buying the first one from Lichfield Market in 1978, for a grand total of 50p, Peter has been fascinated by how the deceptively simple task of cutting a hole in paper can be achieved in a multitude of ingenious ways devised since Victorian times and perhaps beyond. The retired grandfather of six has now acquired more than 200 punches – many of which are beautifully engineered with up to 30 separate parts. Peter, who taught French, Italian and occasionally Latin, admits some may consider his hobby ‘eccentric’ but has gained great pleasure tracking down the instruments from across the globe. “I bought one punch in the states – $1 to buy, shipping $20,” he chuckles. Peter’s collection ranges from the quaint to the quasi-industrial, with punches coming from all over the world.There are examples from Japan, the USA, Czechoslovakia and Germany. Most are the familiar double hole punches but some can sheer out four holes and other are multi-hole punches – one ingenious multi device has been manufactured by engineering several standard punches on to a shared platform. “Modern punches use thin steel plate and plastic which have a colourful, aesthetic appeal to the buyer which older machines did not have,” said Peter. “I believe that my collection covers the whole history of punches from the Victorian era to the 1960s and, with a little TLC, would be of museum quality.” After 40 years of amassing his haul, Peter decided to put the collection up for sale and they were auctioned in 10 lots at Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Wednesday 4th September, going for a total of £450 – which was above the estimate! Even Peter’s very first punch – by the brand Bullfinch – was in the
collection sold. It was bought on impulse in Lichfield Market for 50p in 1978. “It just looked interesting. I took it home, took it apart, took the rust off it, oiled in and displayed it,” said Peter. “In a curious way, it’s all down to Lichfield Market – if I hadn’t walked past at that point, none of this would have happened.”
Sausage Roll Recipe By Simon Smith
This month, I’m concentrating on a bonfire favourite - the humble sausage roll.
Ingredients
800gms Pork mince (lean) 2ozs Fresh breadcrumbs 1 Red onion 1 Leek 1 English apple 2 Fresh sage leaves or dried if you can’t find fresh ½ Fresh chilli (or less if you prefer)
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2tsp Grain mustard 1 Sheet puff pastry 1 Egg beaten 1 Egg whole
Method
Finely dice the red onion, chilli and leek, then sweat off in a little oil and allow to cool. Finely chop the sage leaves, dice the apple and stir in to the mix. Put these items in a bowl and mix in the pork mince, breadcrumbs and whole egg until it
becomes firm. Form into a large sausage shape, about an inch thick. Roll out the puff pastry and brush with grain mustard then place your sausage on and roll into the pastry, using the beaten egg to glue together. Bake in a preheated oven at 160 degrees for 25 minutes.
*All recipes serve four people **Please take extra care when preparing and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details.
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The Sheriff’s Ride Beating of the Bounds
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n Saturday 7th September a large group of horse riders set off from the Lichfield Guildhall to embark on one of Lichfield’s most historic and traditional customs: the Sheriff’s Ride. Jono Oates looks at the ancient history of the ride that is described as ‘beating of the bounds’. Lichfield is well known for its ancient, often quirky and quaint, customs and traditions: the St George’s Court; Court of Arraye and the Shrovetide Fair Pancake races to name but a few. The Sheriff’s Ride is also one of the most colourful and impressive traditions and one that has been taking place since the middle of the 16th century. In 1553, when King Edward VI was succeeded by Queen Mary I, Lichfield was separated from Staffordshire and granted its own status as a county, meaning that it was then able to appoint its own Sheriff. Queen Mary’s Charter stipulated that the Sheriff should ‘perambulate the new County and City annually on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.’ The Sheriff would visit all of the boundary markers of Lichfield to ensure that they were all well maintained and clearly defined and this became the annual ‘beating of the bounds.’ Originally the Sheriff undertook the duty on foot but this took so long to complete that eventually horses were employed so that it could be completed within a single day. The route originally took 16 miles from start to finish but over the years this changed and the current route is closer to 20 miles long. The initial date for the ride was fixed as September 8th but, again, over the years this rule has been relaxed and it now takes place on the Saturday nearest to, or after, this date. The first Sheriff of Lichfield to ‘beat the bounds’ in 1553 was Gregorie Stonynge, who owned the Franciscan Friary building which went on to become the Girls’ High School in the late 1920s. In 1877 the Sheriff was Thomas Hull Hunt and the Staffordshire Advertiser described how the trainee riders would set off on their training several days before the ride itself, some of whom were clearly very unlikely horsemen! The editor described the horses as being a mixture of ‘weedy mounts’ and ‘fiery chargers’, and that some horses were so steady that they would not shy even if they were met by ‘a waggon-load of monkeys with their tails burnt off!’
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In 1910, the Lichfield Mercury reported that the Sheriff’s Ride had seen a revival of interest in the event in recent years and that a fine day with a large attendance of riders and spectators was only marred by an unfortunate accident. Thomas Ffrench, a former landlord of the Prince of Wales pub on Bore Street, was kicked by his horse and had his leg broken below the knee. His fractured leg was put into an emergency splint using two riding crops and some wooden railing taken from a farm fence, before he was transported back to the city to be treated by the local doctor. In September 1914 Thomas Baxter was the Sheriff for the first ride since the First World War had commenced and, although the ceremony went ahead as usual, only the Sheriff and Under-Sheriff participated due to a severe shortage of horses with so many of them being used for military purposes. By the time of the Second World War in September 1939 Councillor Frank Halfpenny made history by becoming the first Sheriff to undertake the ride carrying a gas mask with him on his horse. All the usual festivities surrounding the ride, including the reception and refreshments, were abandoned and the Sheriff set off with only one other rider, Mr Sam Ashley, rather than the customary 40 to 50. The Sheriff in September 1978 was Francis Howard Clayton, who was also responsible for writing several notable books on the history of Lichfield, including ‘Loyal and Ancient City’ about Lichfield’s role during the English Civil War. The Sheriff this year was Mr Daryl Brown of Maple Hayes, who continued a tradition going back to the first ride by Gregorie Stonynge in 1553. The next Sheriff’s Ride will take place on Saturday 12th September 2020 and will be the 467th consecutive ‘beating of the bounds’ – and long may it continue! Sources: British Newspaper Archive; Lichfield City Council website.
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Allen Brown Supports Breast Cancer Charity
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uring October, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, Allen Brown Jewellery at Heart of the Country Shopping Village will be supporting Breast Friends Sutton Coldfield. The jewellery gallery is asking for donations via its JustGiving page, or whilst customers are in the shop, for Breast Friends of a minimum amount of £5.00, and everyone who donates will be entered into a draw to win a beautiful ‘Radiant Ribbon Pendant.’ This is an 18ct white gold diamond and pink sapphire pendant, to the value of £2,000, which has been made in the gallery’s onsite workshop. Breast Friends is a support group based at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. It is run by unpaid volunteers who have all been diagnosed with breast cancer. The charity’s aim is to help local women with breast cancer through a difficult time by offering friendship, support, emotional and practical help, from the time of initial diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond. Allen Brown is hoping that the donations will raise lots of money for a very worthwhile cause and is delighted to be able to support a local charity which makes such a difference. For more details of how to enter please visit Allen Brown Jewellery’s fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/allenbrown or pop into to the gallery at Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield, WS14 9QR. Alternatively, visit the website at www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk or contact the gallery on 01543 481 948.
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The Month in Pictures
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September
e take a look at the events and activities over the last month, bringing you a roundup of the city in pictures...
City of Lichfield Probus Club members with Tony Willis of Firmin & Son, Birmingham.
Captain of Wales and former Swansea and Everton Premier League footballer, Ashley Williams, joined his family in Lichfield to celebrate his 35th birthday.
The Sheriff's Ride strolls by Lichfield Cathedral. By Nick Burton
Ryknild Rabble at the Lichfield Community Games
Sword in the Stone open-air theatre in Beacon Park
Barton Grub Club at Barton Marina
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Images by Jono Oates www.jonotourism.co.uk
Lichfield 10k Race
A local schoolboy collects his certificate for taking part in the Lichfield Library Reading Challenge over the summer holiday.
The winner of the annual Young Town Crier Competition
Whittington Country Fair
The Shining Stars’ Prom King and Queen at Walkabout
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.
An Evening with Cherrywood
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n evening of song and poetry is promised at the Lichfield Holy Cross Community Hall on Saturday 19th October as local duo, Cherrywood, perform in aid of Cancer Research UK.
Doors will open at 7pm and the performance starts at 7:30pm. Tickets, which are ÂŁ10 and include a glass of wine and nibbles, can be purchased by calling 07907 519224. The Tamworth and Lichfield Cancer Research UK fundraising committee hold a range of fundraising events throughout the year and are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join the team. Find out more by visiting https://www.facebook.com/TamLichCRUK/.
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Premier Transfer Services - for when image is everything!
Premier Transfer Services is a family run, privately owned business, providing transport for all areas of Staffordshire, the UK and Ireland. They are a leading provider of chauffeur driven executive cars and minibuses for the more selective traveller. Their fleet of vehicles is luxury gold class standard and driven by professional, licensed chauffeurs, but costs are kept at very affordable prices. Keith Warner, owner of Premier Transfer Services and its sister companies, the Image Luxury Cars company and Wightwick Transfers, have over 20 years’ experience in luxury travel. Premier specialise in Corporate Hospitality offering a door to door service with professional chauffeurs, who know how to avoid traffic delays and the points closest to your event where they will drop you off and pick you up. Premier Transfer Services are ideal for airport transfers and seaport transfers. They will keep you up to date with your transport details to make sure you arrive for your departure in stress-free comfort. They will also check your route for delays, and will transport you safely and smoothly to the departure terminal. Premier Transfer Services are fully licensed by South Staffordshire Council as a Private Hire Vehicle Operator. All drivers hold, regularly renewed, Private Hire Licences. All vehicles undergo rigorous inspections and are regularly serviced by the relevant main dealer. They will transport you to your destination in either a Mercedes R class, Jaguar XJ or an executive Renault Traffic. Premier also provide chauffeur driven wedding transportation for your special day. Their modern Jaguar XJ
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in a stunning cashmere gold with leather interior is ideal for the main bridal party. Premier also specialise in: Luxury travel to sporting events such as Royal Ascot, and the Henley Regatta and luxury travel to special occasions and days and evenings out. Why not hire the vehicle and Chauffeur for the whole day, and have a vehicle waiting for you to take you wherever you want? For a quote or a no obligation chat call 07860 622545, 01902 566500 or email enquiries@premiertransferservices.co.uk Premier Transfer Services for when image is everything.
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Never Give Up! By Lauren Hirst of Greyhound Trust Hall Green
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Dave is finally on the mend
reyhound Trust Hall Green is one of 50 branches of the national charity, the Greyhound Trust, whose mission it is to find loving homes for exracing greyhounds. Kennel life is all these dogs have ever known and the volunteers at the Trust are passionate about helping the greyhounds transition by taking them out to local parks, dog friendly cafes, garden centres, and even to their own homes to increase their chances of being adopted. However it’s not always plain sailing. Dave, one of the greyhounds in care, was out walking with his volunteer recently when both were savagely attacked by three large dogs, causing massive injuries. The dogs ran off, as did the men who were walking them. Whilst investigations are underway it's unlikely anyone will be held responsible. However Greyhound Trust Hall Green never give up on the dogs in their care and are fundraising to help pay for Dave's vet bills, which are now topping £5,000. Whilst it was touch and go for a while, Dave is finally on the mend, as is his brave volunteer, and even celebrated his 3rd birthday recently wearing his specially adapted pyjamas that members of the public have kindly sent in to protect his wounds.
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If you'd like to find out more about how to help Dave or any of the other dogs in the care of Greyhound Trust Hall Green, or would like to adopt or volunteer, please call 0121 426 4810 or email hallgreen@greyhoundtrust.org.uk. If you'd like to donate towards Dave's care you can do so via the website www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk/donate-online.
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Samuel Johnson Comes Home
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Dr Samuel Johnson visiting Lichfield Cathedral by John Fulleylove, 1891.
The exhibition at Lichfield Cathedral is open to the public until 2nd January 2020. COMING HOME has been made possible by the National Portrait Gallery, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, generous contributions from The Thompson Family Charitable Trust and funds raised at the Gallery’s Portrait Gala in 2017.
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Samuel Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds, c.1756 © National Portrait Gallery, London.
portrait of the famous son of Lichfield, Samuel Johnson, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds is being displayed in Lichfield Cathedral as part of a major National Portrait Gallery project.
The COMING HOME project sees 50 portraits of iconic individuals from the national collection travelling to the towns and cities most closely associated with their subjects. Johnson’s portrait will be taking pride of place in Lichfield Cathedral’s Chapter House alongside a selection of notable books from the Cathedral library and a painting of Samuel Johnson visiting the Cathedral on loan from the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Johnson spent the majority of his life in London, but he regularly visited his birthplace in his later years. His high regard for his home is indicated by the inclusion of Lichfield in his Dictionary of the English Language (1755) with the motto: Salve Magna Parens (Hail Great Mother). In 1771, Johnson wrote to Sir Joshua Reynolds about another painting, a copy of which had been painted for his stepdaughter Lucy Porter: “When I came to Lichfield, I found that my portrait had been much visited, and much admired. Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place, and I was pleased with the dignity conferred by such a testimony of your regard.”
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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
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Site of the old Minster Cafe now NatWest Bank.
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The former Elizabethan Cafe in Dam Street
Old Cafés of Lichfield
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n our latest magazines we’ve featured the café culture of Lichfield’s present. Now, feature writer, Jono Oates, looks back at the cafés of Lichfield’s past. Today Lichfield is filled with many lovely cafés serving barista-style cappuccinos and lattes with delicious cakes, breakfasts and lunches. In fact, Lichfield has always had a fine range of cafés and this month I’ve taken a look through the archives to discover where past Lichfeldians would have enjoyed a cuppa. The old Regal Cinema is one of Lichfield’s most iconic buildings and is currently being transformed into city centre apartments. In addition to the cinema there was also a tobacconist and a café. In May 1945, a few months before the end of World War II, the café enjoyed an ‘elaborate re-decoration’ where citizens were invited to visit as the Regal claimed it was ‘the most charming café in the city and neighbourhood’. After sampling their afternoon tea, audiences could then enjoy watching the classic comedy ‘A Night at the Opera’ by the Marx Brothers. On the site of what is now the NatWest Bank was a property which once housed a number of coffee shops. In the 1880s it was a Coffee House and Temperance Hotel. The temperance movement was very popular at this time, with abstinence being actively encouraged, and there were several temperance hotels in Lichfield. In 1903, the hotel and coffee house had been entirely renovated by a ’thoroughly experienced and competent man’ and visitors to the ‘Ancient and Loyal City will now receive every attention and courtesy combined with strictly Moderate Charges.’ In 1907 it briefly became Seagraves Coffee Shop, followed by Lloyd’s Coffee Shop, before becoming the Minster Café in 1939. The Minster was owned by Frederick Garratt, a councillor who had been both Mayor and Sheriff of Lichfield and who also owned Garratt’s Bakery at
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The Old Regal Cinema
Regal Cafe
Tudor of Lichfield
12 Market Street (now the City Arcade) and 12 Tamworth Street. In the 1950’s on Beacon Street there was the Little Barrow Guest House and Café (later to become the Little Barrow Hotel, and now the Cathedral Lodge Hotel) and Old Pheasant Cafe, Beacon Street Pheasant Café. The cottages which housed the Pheasant Café were later demolished. Causeway House is a traditional black and white timbered building on Dam Street, but in the 1950s and 1960s it was the Elizabethan Café. Opening in June 1953, it replaced Ye Olde Cottage Tea Rooms, and hosted a number of clubs and society meetings, including the Lichfield Chess Club and the Lichfield Business and Professional Woman’s Club. In February 1971 the entire contents of the café, including hoop-backed chairs, antique tables and an electric washing-up machine, were put up for auction by Winterton and Sons of St Mary’s Chambers, Breadmarket Street. With such a rich and varied history through the ages, the cafés of Lichfield have always been, and continue to be, an ideal place to sit, relax, enjoy a drink and chat with friends as you watch the world go by.
If you have any memories, or photographs, of Lichfield’s cafés of the past then please contact Jono at: jonocitylife@gmail.com. Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Trades of a City by John P Gallagher
Cafe Culture
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Breakfast at The Strawberry Cabin Breakfast Review
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reakfast at The Strawberry Cabin is not for the fainthearted, as we found out recently when we stopped in for a bite to eat to set us up for the day!
Situated in the rolling Staffordshire countryside of Hints, Manor Farm Fruits is first and foremost a fruit farm, and has been for several generations. However, the introduction of the stylishly appointed eatery, known as The Strawberry Cabin, has brought a whole new lease of life, plus a buzz of activity, to the area.
Seated near the window so we could gaze upon the lush green fields, we enjoyed a latte and a pot of tea, whilst perusing the menu which is abundant with different choices depending on how hungry you are! From something simple and light, such as avocado on toast, through to the belly-busting Manor Farm Breakfast, there is something for everyone here – including vegetarians and vegans as well. However, being meat-eaters, I selected the Eggs Royale and my hungry companion opted for a Classic English Breakfast. Now I love a breakfast, and I love something a little different – so I was incredibly impressed when my dish of a toasted English muffin, layered with smoked salmon, perfectly poached eggs, and slathered in a creamy Hollandaise sauce arrived. It was not only elegance on a plate, but it was delicious, moreish and the perfect start to my day. The Classic English which my partner in crime ordered was a sight to behold! The smaller of the two Full English choices, it consisted of sausage, bacon, egg, hash brown, tomato, beans, mushrooms and toast! She bravely got stuck in, only defeated right at the end with a crust of toast remaining on her plate! What can I say? The food is fresh, local, delicious and cooked to absolute perfection. The staff are cheerful, welcoming and simply can’t do enough to help. And the chef – well, he really does speak for himself with the dishes he creates! Simply perfect!
Manor Farm, Watling Street, Hints, Tamworth, Staffs. B78 3DF. Telephone: (01543) 483308. 36
Cafe Culture
Win a Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children) to PumpkinFest Plus a Large Pumpkin!
The Pick Your Own season for summer 2019 has now come to a close and this year The Strawberry Cabin welcomed even more visitors to the tearoom, with many customers returning year after year and new ones experiencing the joy of gathering their own fruit for the first time. Despite the end of the season, life at Manor Farm will not be quiet for long, as the nights get darker and autumn sets in, the farm we will be opening its doors again for the famous Halloween PumpkinFest. Offering a range of activities for children aged two to 12 years of age and, of course, the chance to choose your own Pumpkin to take home, the event will also offer bouncy castles, a climb and crawl straw bale pyramid and mini maze, spooky space hoppers, face painting, creepy sneaky scare tunnel, Pumpkin Express tractor rides and much more. The Cabin Crew at The Strawberry Cabin are also thrilled to announce that, due to popular demand, the Italian Night will be taking place on Saturday 16th November. Booking is absolutely essential for this event to ensure that you get a table! As always you can stay up to
date with all autumn and winter events at www.strawberrycabin.co.uk and on the Facebook page – watch out for the fabulously festive Christmas Menu which will be running throughout December (1st-22nd). Manor Farm, Watling Street, Hints, Tamworth, B78 3DF. Tel: 01543 483308.
We’ve got a family ticket to PumpkinFest, including a large pumpkin, to giveaway, courtesy of The Strawberry Cabin. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question:
Which event is the pumpkin most associated with? A. Christmas B. Halloween C. Easter
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Pumpkinfest Competition at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of 14th October 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a 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. To view our Privacy Policy go to citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk. Full competition terms and conditions on page 49.
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Cafe Culture
Win Christmas Afternoon Tea at Tuppenhurst Barn
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et in rolling Staffordshire countryside, nestled between Lichfield and Rugeley, lies Tuppenhurst Barn – a newly opened café and bed and breakfast. The fifth generation family-owned farm features a converted barn that has been lovingly transformed into a luxury boutique B&B, whilst the adjoining rustic café serves a host of freshly cooked food from local producers. To kick-start the festive season, Tuppenhurst Barn is hosting Christmas Afternoon Teas from 30th November up until 22nd December. Featuring a range of seasonal treats, such as parsnip soup, pork and apple sausage rolls, mince pies, stolen and handmade fudge, these self-indulgent delights
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are the perfect way to get you in the yuletide mood! Priced at £18 per person (£10 for children), places can be booked by calling 07932 266515. We’ve got one delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea for Two to give away, courtesy of Tuppenhurst Barn.
To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply unscramble the letters below to reveal the name of a popular festive fruit:
tsamasu -------
To enter, send your name, contact details and answer to Tuppenhurst 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 25th October 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. 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 competition T&Cs on page 49.
Customer Testimonial
“Tuppenhurst Barn opened 22nd June 2019. After a long and careful renovation, we knew we needed to engage with the people of Staffordshire to spread the word about our new venture. After having a fantastic response from our ad in the Rugeley & Cannock Chase magazine we placed a further ad within the Lichfield one. “Krissy & Jono have been great sorting out fab artwork for our ads and being so supportive throughout these first few months. Thank you so much for helping us start our journey!” Melissa Bettson, Tuppenhurst Barn
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Your Garden in October By Byron Lewis
The start of the autumn months also signals the start of the season for planting ornamental trees. It's the time of year when you'll see a wide variety available at the garden centre. Here are some of our top picks:
Ornamental Cherry 'Prunus' varieties. These cherry trees produce no fruit, instead displaying lots of blossom in whites and pinks. There are different forms available, from the Flagpole Cherry (Prunus 'Amanogawa), to ones with a weeping habit such as 'Cheal's Weeping'. Most are ideal for small to medium sized gardens and will flower mainly in spring. Crab Apples - Another wide range of varieties here. These will produce small fruits in yellow, red or orange, but they also have great summer flowers which are ideal for attracting wildlife into the garden. The fruits are not tasty for eating, but can be used to make jams, marmalades and chutneys. Mountain Ash - Sorbus varieties. These are good for summer blooms, autumn leaf colour and then winter berries in orange, red, yellow or white. These medium sized trees will reach up to around 15-20ft in 10 years. Sorbus also have a great range of leaf forms with finely cut leaves being very popular. There are lots of other species available - Birch, Willow and Hawthorn are all good choices. Most are generally easy to grow, and are not too fast in growth rate, so if you need to keep them to a certain height, you can prune easily - it's best to prune in the winter to avoid too much loss of sap. Plant your trees all through the winter months. As long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, you can safely plant. We always suggest adding organic matter to the soil (things like chicken manure, rotted horse manure or your own homemade compost) to help them get off to a good start. Don't forget the all important tree stake to hold your trees in position - and later down the line, it's worth checking that your tree tie is not too tight. The trunk will thicken over time and the tie could dig into the bark and damage your tree. Next month we'll take a look at fruit trees and hedging plants as these will be ready for planting sooner than you think! Lichfield Garden Centre will also host the Creepy Crawly Halloween Show for children on Wednesday 30th October. More details on the advertisement (left).
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Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at Curborough Countryside Centre, Lichfield. 01543 254306. Visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter.
Got the Bug?
By Adrian Rathbone of Hansons Auctioneers
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L
ove or loath insects, if you’ve got the jewellery bug don’t miss Kate Bliss in Staffordshire.
In a summer destined to go down as the year of the blood-sucker mosquito, you may be surprised to learn that it’s fashionable to wear an insect on your lapel – but not a live one! You may be even more surprised to learn that mosquito brooches exist, although if you’ve been heavily bitten this summer your preference could be to swat it even if it’s bursting with diamonds. Kate Bliss, who will be doing free jewellery and watch valuations at the stunning grade II* listed Bishton Hall,Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0XN on October 17th, from 10am-3pm, has seen all creatures great and small on accessories. She said: “Brooches celebrating nature have long been popular. The Victorians loved them as did the late Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, Deborah Cavendish, one of the famous Mitford sisters. She was known for many things including her love of brooches and wore glittering, insectinspired examples, such as butterflies. “But, believe it or not, fly, spider and moth brooches are popular too – though these particular insects look considerably more attractive when inanimate and adorned with precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, emeralds or tanzanite.” Insect brooches in Hansons’ October Fine Jewellery sale include a 19th century diamond and gold bee brooch, estimate £800-£1,000, and a 19th
century butterfly brooch awash with diamonds, blue sapphires, red rubies and a pearl, guide price £5,000-£6,000. Kate said: “We have the Victorians to thank for jewellery inspired by nature. The Victorian era was one of immense change. The industrial revolution had a huge impact on people’s lives, heralding a move This 19th century diamond, sapphire from rural life to working in new factories springing up in and ruby butterfly brooch has a guide price of £5,000-£6,000. towns and cities. “However, this created feelings of nostalgia for the countryside which was often romanticised in the form of insect jewellery. “By the 1860s stylish Victorian women were wearing beetles and other insect motifs on their clothes and accessories such as parasols, shawls and hats as well as bracelets, earrings and rings.” To find out more, or to enquire about the free home visit valuation service for large quantities of jewellery, silver, watches or estate clearance downsizing solutions, please contact Carol Jones on 07802 839915 or email cjones@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
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Lichfield Proms Goes Off with a Bang!
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housands of people descended on Beacon Park on Saturday 7th September to enjoy the end-of-summer event, Lichfield Proms.
Lichfield District Council’s free annual Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park outdoor event featured music from the City of Lichfield Concert Band and the British Police Symphony Orchestra. The 75-piece orchestra, conducted by Richard Jenkinson, was joined by compere, Danny Mizon and the singers Claire Prewer, Anando Mukerjee and Nick Pilborough. Highlights of the main programme included music from The Greatest Showman and Frozen, along with Freddie Mercury’s Barcelona, and opera favourite, Nessun Dorma. The evening ended with everyone on their feet, waving their Union Flags to the proms anthems, Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance No 1, to a firework finale overhead. Lichfield Proms 2019 was sponsored by: BHB Architects, A Plan Insurance, Strongs Plastic Products, Allen Brown Jewellery, Wilcox Refinishers, Prizm Solutions, Friel Homes, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Premier Group, Beacon Street Garage, Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, Blueprint Designs, The Best of Lichfield, Keelys Solicitors, Grosvenor Shutters, C Residential, Cosmetica and Secret Garden. Lichfield BID, Lichfield City Council and Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust supported Lichfield Proms through grant funding.
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City Jewellers to Open in October!
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aving recently moved from its spot in Market Street to larger premises on Bore Street (formerly occupied by Salloways) City Jewellers is pleased to announce that the date for its Grand Opening is Tuesday 15th October. Please pop in and say hello to City Jewellers in its new home!
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Christmas Gifts for Little Ones
The summer is but a distant memory as autumn sets in, marking the beginning of the festive season and the countdown to Christmas! We bring you a selection of children’s Christmas gifts that are available in and around the area. £1.85
£26
£26 Silver Princess Frog Earrings. Available from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield,WS14 9QR. Tel: 01543 481 948 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk.
Silver and Yellow Gold Plate Daisy Earrings. Available from Allen Brown Jewellery, Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Lichfield,WS14 9QR. Tel: 01543 481 948 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk.
£14.95
Children’s Craft Sets. Available from Giftz Galore, Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Tel: 07702 488355 www.beadzgalore.co.uk.
£8 to £12.50
Hand Painted Leather Money Boxes. Available from Giftz Galore, Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Tel: 07702 488355 www.beadzgalore.co.uk.
Children's coloured watches in a range of colours. MW Jewellery and Repairs, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
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Bee Crafty offers a wide range of crafts and events all year round for all the family. Check out Facebook for a full list of events. Bee Crafty, Hoar Park Farm, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV10 0QU Tel: 02477 676033 www.beecrafty19.co.uk
From £10.95
This adorable children's dinner set, from the Bambino Collection, is made out of environmentally-friendly bamboo. Six patterns to choose. Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 267324 – www.arthurpriceinlichfield.co.uk.
Cherish Me Child’s Cutlery Set. Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 267324 – www.arthurpriceinlichfield.co.uk.
£17.50
From £12.99
From £1.50
Handmade hair accessories made from the best quality leatherette & glitter fabrics. Available from Facebook (Arabellas Bow). Telephone: 07772 980082. Children's Christmas Chests - different sizes. Available from Keeren's Kardz, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
Cute slogan t-shirts and hoodies. Available from Pro-Elite Saddlery, Piper’s Nurseries, A5 (Watling Street).
From £10
£5
£65 Beautiful Silver Heart Locket and Chain. Available from City Jewellers at its new location on Bore Street, Lichfield.
£11
Hello Kitty Nomination Charm. Now just £11 (was £22 - all Nomination Charms are currently half price). Available while stocks last from City Jewellers at its new location on Bore Street, Lichfield.
£5 Cinderella's Musical Cottage. Available from Angela's Allsorts, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
£19.95
Musical Activity Truck. Available at Angela's Allsorts, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
Sterling silver aeroplane pendant and chain. Available from MW Jewellery and Repairs, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
From £7.50
Elf and Snowman teddies. Available from Gifts from the H❤rt, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley.
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Celebrating People Power! ............................
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n the weekend of 14-15th September hundreds of locals and visitors celebrated the Lichfield Heritage Weekend Festival with this year’s theme of People Power! The weekend was part of the National Heritage Open Days festival, where local heritage attractions and locations are encouraged to ‘open up’ their doors and provide free entry, entertainment, events, performances and art for the public to enjoy.
The event began in fine style, with blue skies and bright sunshine, beginning a real Indian summer of a weekend! It all began with a walk to the Sandfields Pumping Station and the Lichfield Canal restoration organised by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, which started at Speakers’ Corner on Dam Street. Around 90 people joined the walks and attendees also enjoyed a ride back to the city centre courtesy of a vintage Midland Red bus! Other events included walking history tours of the city with the Visit Lichfield guides, a behind-the-scenes tour inside the Lichfield Garrick, a chance to have a look round the historic Citizens Advice Bureau offices at Levetts’ Fields, a feature on Lichfield during the English Civil War at the Library and open door events at Dr Milley’s Hospital on Beacon Street (which opens its doors to the public only on Heritage Weekend). There were also activities taking place at Erasmus Darwin House; Wade Street Church; St Michael’s Church on Greenhill and the Guildhall Cells. Outside of the city visitors could have a walk round Letocetum, the remains of a Roman Bath House, at the village of Wall. At midday on Saturday a large crowd gathered on the market square to witness the laying of the wreath on the Samuel Johnson statue by the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Deborah Baker to celebrate the 310th birthday of Lichfield’s most famous son, Samuel Johnson. Birthday cake was served at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum afterwards and there was a funny performance by the Intimate Theatre group of ‘Jumping Johnson!’ on the market square. Saturday afternoon had music and dance performances by Three Spires Morris; the Wildfire Folk group and an excellent set from the City of Lichfield Concert Band which completed the afternoon’s musical events. The Lichfield Mysteries performed The Shepherds and there was also the very popular Mini Town Crier competition. The Lichfield Poets
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performed readings in the hidden gem of Monks Walk by the Friary, and there was a walking tour round Stowe Pool telling the story of St Chad. Citylife’s Feature Writer, Jono Oates, entertained a large crowd at Speakers’ Corner with a free talk about Lichfield’s Georgian Famous Four: Garrick; Seward; Darwin and Johnson on Saturday morning and in the afternoon signed copies of his new book, ‘The A-Z of Lichfield’ in Lichfield Library. The 2019 Lichfield Heritage Weekend enjoyed lovely autumnal sunshine and the crowds turned up in large numbers, showing that People Power is definitely alive and well in Lichfield!
Dr Johnson’s Birthday Celebrations The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum played host to more than 500 visitors over the weekend of 14th-15th September, as it marked the 310th birthday of its former inhabitant with a day of cake, ceremony and performance. Cllr Deborah Baker The Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Deborah Baker, hung a wreath on the statue of Johnson on the market square during the traditional civic ceremony, as civic dignitaries, visitors and members of the Johnson Society looked on. The festivities continued throughout the afternoon with theatre performances, dancing and music, culminating in the Johnson Society’s Annual Supper at the Guildhall. Admission is always free at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, open 10.30am – 4.30pm daily. For more information visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk. .......................................................................................
Calling all Poets!
cathedral.org/the-word/the-word-poetrycompetition.
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Latest What’s On Guide
Lichfield Cathedral is looking for new poets to take part in a competition as part of its first ever Poetry Festival. The competition will be judged by poet, novelist and librettist, Michael Symmons Roberts, on Thursday 28th November and the deadline for all submissions is on National Poetry Day - 3rd October. The Word, which will be opened by ‘dub poet’ Benjamin Zephaniah, begins on Sunday 24th November and will see some top names performing throughout the event, culminating in the competition prize giving. For more information about the festival and competition, visit www.lichfield-
purpose-built site at the heart of the Roman Heights and Cathedral View housing developments in Streethay, Lichfield. Pupils were welcomed into a modern barninspired building – constructed by Miller Homes in conjunction with Seddon, in partnership with Staffordshire County Council– with access to a large outdoor learning and play area, including a football pitch. To meet the area’s increasing demand for primary school places, the school opened to a larger number of pupils than initially planned, with Nursery, Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils starting. .......................................................................................
Aileen Beesley showcases the new guide
The popular guide to events across Lichfield District and surrounding areas has launched its Autumn and Winter issue. Lichfield District Council’s visitor economy team, Visit Lichfield, has put the finishing touches to its new What’s On brochure and it is now available online and at heritage venues across the district, such as St Mary’s. With listings through to the end of December, it’s the perfect resource for Halloween and Bonfire Night and in the run up to Christmas. What’s On brochures are available at Tourist Information in St Mary’s in the Market Square and other visitor attractions. You can also download a copy from www.visitlichfield.co.uk/download or see online events listings at www.visitlichfield.co.uk/events. .......................................................................................
Benjamin Zephaniah will open the festival (image courtesy of Adrian Pope)
LOCAL NEWS
New School Opens in Lichfield
Excitement was in the air as Streethay Primary School welcomed its first ever cohort of pupils in September. The free school, which is part of the Shaw Education Trust, opened on a brand new,
New Art Gallery to Open
A new art gallery, featuring original and diverse artwork, is to open at The Plant Plot Craft Village on 19th October. Featuring local well-known artists such as Helen Beverly Plester, Mary Griffin, and adventure photographer, Tim Aldridge, the gallery aims to showcase the local talent in the Lichfield area. Interested artists can find out more by emailing Julie at rootsgallery@outlook.com, finding @rootsgallerylichfield on Facebook, or by calling 01543 751619. .......................................................................................
Walking Football Sessions
F r e e d o m Leisure’s Active Communities team and Lichfield City Football club are offering fun, friendly walking f o o t b a l l sessions - a great way to enjoy the game at a slower pace. Sessions are led by qualified, first aid trained coaches on Thursdays 10.30am-11.30am at the Lichfield City Ground, Brownsfield Road, Eastern Avenue, WS13 6AY. The first session is free of charge and then £2 each week. For more information visit www.freedomleisure.co.uk/centres/activecommunities/lichfield/active-ageing, call 07523 514852 or just turn up.
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LOCAL NEWS
Lichfield Business on Dragons Den
Nick faces the Dragons
Local businessman, Nick Bennett, believes he has found the sustainable solution to the use of festival camping equipment - the FESTIVAL BAG. With one in five tents being abandoned after festivals and UK festivals being responsible for 23,500 tonnes of waste annually, Nick has taken matters into his own hands, producing a viable option for sustainable camping in the future. The FESTIVAL BAG can be purchased online and contains all the camping equipment that you will need to enjoy your festival, which you pick up once you arrive at your chosen venue. Recently, Nick pitched his new business venture to the Dragons on the BBC television programme, Dragons Den. Here, he asked for an investment of £70,000 for a 20% stake in his new business venture. For more information regarding this sustainable alternative to camping equipment, please visit www.myfestivalbag.com. .......................................................................................
Spooky Storytelling at Johnson’s Birthplace
thrill and delight with a deliciously chilling collection of stories. Come and hear yarns of mystery, hauntings and horror: the lover who cared too much; the Scottish piper who made a terrible bargain; the family at the mercy of a sinister servant, and much more. Some of these tales are creepy, some are poignant, some are even funny – just don’t walk home alone! Tickets to ‘Tales from the beyond the Grave’ Halloween Storytelling for Adults cost £8.50 and include an arrival drink. To book, pop into the museum, or call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, or book online at www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk. .......................................................................................
Future Faces Place for Lichfield
Laura Sutton, owner of The Cake Spa in Lichfield, has been awarded a place on Lichfield District Council’s ‘Future Faces’ scheme. In connection with Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Future Faces offers young businesses the opportunity to network, develop and gain the competitive advantage they need in order to make it to the top. This business programme also enables the individuals to attend business events and sessions, as well as the Future Faces Annual Dinner and Awards. For more information regarding Future Faces please visit www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/ourgroup/future-faces/
Introducing Garrick Juniors
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This autumn brings the introduction of Garrick Juniors, as 6 to 10-year olds are invited to a new Saturday morning theatre group to develop their drama skills and boost their confidence. This junior theatre group aims to open the
Three Lichfield Storytellers will tell creepy tales this October.
As we approach All Hallows Eve, the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum will be haunted – by sinister tales. For one night only at 7pm on Wednesday 23rd October, the talented Lichfield Storytellers will
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children’s eyes to the world of theatre, both on and off stage, hosting a variety of drama-based games, as well as introducing them to the basics of scripts and movement. For further information email education@lichfieldgarrick.com or call 01543 412 128. Pamela Raith Photography. .......................................................................................
Local Landlady Tackles Inca Trail for Charity
Landlady of the Olde Peculiar in Handsacre, C o r i n n e O’Donnell, was part of a fourperson team which walked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for charity in August. Joined by some of her local friends and pub regulars, Corinne started in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 3,330-metres, and walked the 51-kilometre route over a period of five days. So far, more than £13,000 has been raised for MDS UK, Alzheimers Research UK and Lichfield-based charity, The Stan Bowley Trust. .......................................................................................
New Building Regs Initiative
The building control teams from six Midlands councils, including Lichfield District Council, have joined forces to share their c o n s i d e r a b l e Ged Cooper, Central Building knowledge and Control Partnership Manager expertise. Central Building Control Partnership promises to provide a seamless and consistent service to make sure projects meet national building standards. It will offer high quality, responsive and independent guidance and advice to the construction industry and its customers, as well as to local homeowners. There will be a single application process, faster plan checking, a single point of contact, lower prices in some areas, and more flexibility when arranging site inspections with the local team. To find out more and to submit building regulation applications online, visit www.centralbc.org.uk.
What’s On in October
Tuesday 1st October The City of Lichfield Probus Club You Should Have Gone to Specsavers – A talk followed by a business meeting. The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Venue: St Matthew's Sports & Social Club, Burntwood, WS7 9EP. Time: 12.30pm New members always welcome. For more information email peter.hitchman44@gmail.com or call 07971 113505. Thursday 17th October Lichfield Civic Society The Work of the Friends of Cannock Chase – Speaker: June Jukes Venue: The Lichfield Room, Wade Street Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Time: 7.45pm Price: Free to members and students. Non-members welcome, £3 payable on door. Wednesday 23rd October Stonnall Conservation Society Pub Signs and the Stagecoach Era- A talk by David Cole of the Inn Sign Society. The object of the Society is to bring together those who hold a common interest in Inn Signs to provide a platform for the interchange of information and promote further
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'. research. Venue: Stonnall Youth and Community Centre, Main Street, Stonnall WS9 9EE. Time: 7.30pm. Wednesday 23rd October Tales from the beyond the Grave The talented Lichfield Storytellers will thrill and delight with a deliciously chilling collection of stories for adults. Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Time: 7pm Cost: £8.50 (includes arrival drink) To book, call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, visit the museum or book online at www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk Saturday 26th October Halloween Cellar Tour Join us for a tour of the cellars and learn what they were used for back in Erasmus Darwin’s day. Venue: Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield. Time: 3pm-4pm Price: £3 To book, email enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org or call 01543 306260. Saturday 26th October – Friday 1st November Bradshaws Pumpkin Fest A whole host of activities including pick-a-pumpkin, sledge hire, space hoppers, painting & crafts, face painting, popcorn and candy floss! Venue: Bradshaws Farm, Ironstone Road, Burntwood. Time: 10am-12-pm, 1pm-3pm.
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
Price: £5.99 per ticket Get 10% discount by pre-booking at www.ticketsource.co.uk/bradshawbrothers. Saturday 26th October PumpkinFest at The Strawberry Cabin A range of activities for children aged 2-12 years. Choose your own Pumpkin to take home, plus bouncy castles, climb and crawl straw bale pyramid and mini maze, spooky space hoppers, face painting, creepy sneaky scare tunnel, Pumpkin Express tractor rides and much more. Venue: The Strawberry Cabin, Manor Farm Fruits, Hints. Time: 10am-4pm. For more information call 01543 483308. Tuesday 29th October Creep Storytelling For younger visitors, there will also be creepy fun for families, with storytellers telling scary tales and spooky stories in an eerie witches’ lair. Visitors are encouraged to dress up to add to the fun! Suitable for children up to age 11. Venue: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Time: 11am, 12pm, 2pm. Cost: £3.50 per child (accompanying adults £1) To book, call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, visit the museum or book online at 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
Friday 1st November Murder Mystery Afternoon Tea Sit down to a delicious afternoon tea and put your investigative skills to the test. Venue: The George Hotel Time: 1pm-4pm Price: £22 per person Call 01543 414822 or email events@thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book. Lichfield Textile and Stitch Group We host a variety of speakers and are a fun and friendly group. June’s speaker is Debbie Hotchkiss on the subject of Crewel Embroidery. Date: Third Monday of every month. Venue: Fire Station, Birmingham Road, Lichfield, WS13 6HU. Free parking opposite. Time: 7pm Price: £2 to cover entry and refreshments. Visitors very welcome. For more information call Iva Davies on 01543 25177 or email iva@davies125.plus.com. The Chase Parkinson’s Support Group Fancy a chat, some information or just a coffee? The Chase Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the third Thursday of every month at The Red Lion Pub, Brereton at 10.30am – 12.30pm. Monthly meetings are held at The Aquarius, Hednesford at 7.30pm on the last Monday of every month. Everyone is very welcome. For information contact Harry at harry.wilkes46@gmail.com or 07817 743196.
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.
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Competition Winner
Congratulations to Mr Poole - the winner of our September competition. Mr Poole receives a Sunday Lunch for Two People courtesy of The Strawberry Cabin. Well done! 50