Citylife in Lichfield March 2017 by Citylife In Lichfield

01543 416412

March 2017 20 44

Inside...

6 Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The George Hotel

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

Calling all photographers and artists.

38 Philip Larkin’s place in the life of Lichfield

By Patrick Comerford. 40 A Window on the Past

Because mums are special... 44 Happy Mother’s Day!

Treats for every mum.

Welcome to CITYLIFE

Welcome to CITYLIFE in Lichfield, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the city’s news, events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Lichfield is delivered to 18,000 businesses and homes in Lichfield, Kings Bromley, Fradley, Alrewas, Whittington, Stonnall, Shenstone, Little Aston, Hammerwich, Burntwood and Longdon, completely free of charge; bringing you the best that the city has to offer. Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the latest in fashion and style.

Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the city? We want to hear from you! Our business is bringing you Lichfield’s city life.

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com

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Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Karen Fudger 07909 694286 karencitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com

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

www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement, editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The George Hotel

e are delighted to be able to offer our readers the chance to win Traditional Afternoon Tea for two at the beautiful and historic George Hotel. Family owned and run, this 18th century former coaching inn on Bird Street, Lichfield has played a vital role in Lichfield’s social scene for hundreds of years and holds a special place in many local people’s hearts. The stylish newly refurbished bar is a popular venue, both day and evening, for a quick drink or meal and is particularly tempting for gin lovers as there are over 30 premium gins on offer! At lunchtimes, customers can enjoy a traditional carvery with all the trimmings and in the evening, modern British food takes centre stage in Darwin’s restaurant. The ultimate treat, full Afternoon Teas featuring a selection of dainty sandwiches and cakes are served each day in the Lounge Bar or restaurant - booking in

advance is recommended on 01543 414822. www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk

Afternoon Tea

Traditional Afternoon Tea - £10 per person. Includes a pot of tea or freshly ground coffee.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea – from £15 per person. Treat your mum on Sunday 26th March to a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant Garrick Suite. Includes a special gift!

Celebration Afternoon Tea - £14 per person. Includes a glass of sparkling rosé wine, plus a pot of tea or freshly ground coffee.

To win Afternoon Tea for Two, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find a baked treat that often comes with a scattering of nutmeg.

TARDSTUTCAR _______

____

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to 'The George Competition'* at josscitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Monday 27th March. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 58. *The George Hotel will contact the winner to arrange their prize and may contact entrants with information, offers and news. If you do not wish to be contacted please include the words OPT OUT in your entry.

Congratulations to A. Pointon who gave the correct answer of 'Flapjack' and solved the anagram in the February issue.

Have you been appointed to act as someone’s Attorney ? Lee Trubshaw, Partner at solicitors Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP in Lichfield highlights what it actually entails and your responsibilities when asked to act as someone’s Attorney in relation to their financial or personal affairs When you are appointed as an Attorney you are granted the legal authority to look after the Donor’s affairs and Lee Trubshaw, Partner Bradin have an overriding legal duty to act in their best interests. Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP based There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), on Beacon Street, Lichfield. property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare and your responsibilities depend on the type of LPA in question:

Property and Financial Affairs Attorney Property and Financial Affairs LPA enables you to manage the Donor’s finances either together with the Donor if they only require a little assistance or on behalf of the Donor if they have lost their mental capacity. These financial affairs will include: • Their money and bills (Including any bills that need paying for their care). • Any savings they have in bank and building society accounts. • Their property (Including their home if they live in a property they own) and investments. • Their benefits, including pensions and care benefits for which they may qualify.

Health and Welfare Attorney As a health and welfare attorney, you can make decisions about the person’s: • Daily routine such as washing, dressing and eating. • Medical care. • Living arrangements such as whether they live at home or move into a care home. • Life sustaining treatment such as resuscitation or life support. • Mental capacity Often a key consideration is if the Donor has lost their mental capacity to manage their own affairs. There are guidelines to help you work out whether someone has the mental capacity to make a decision. Someone is unable to make a decision if they can’t understand the information needed to help them make the decision, even when it is given in a way which meets their needs, for example, by using simple language or sign language. An Attorney should consider if the Donor can take part in that specific decision and can the Donor: • Remember the information given to them • Use or weigh up the information to help them make a decision • Communicate their decision in any way

When you are appointed as an Attorney, you are placed in a position of trust – you may only do what you have been authorised to do, and you must always act in the best interests of the individual you represent. These guidelines may help you when making decisions: • Do everything you can to encourage the individual to participate in the decision. • Consider their past and present feelings, especially any expression of the wishes they made, such as an Advance Statement. • Consider any of their beliefs and values that could influence the decision • Talk to other people, such as family, carers or friends who know about their feelings, beliefs and values and can suggest what might be in their best interests. • Always remember other people’s rights to privacy. • Make sure that you know about any exceptions, such as if the individual has made an advance decision to refuse any medical treatment.

For advice on putting your affairs in order and other legal matters contact Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP on 01543 421840 for a consultation or email ljt@btksolicitors.com

Your Garden in March By Byron Lewis

arch heralds the start of the gardening year and as the weather (slowly) improves, there are plenty of jobs to keep you busy in the garden.

Firstly it’s time to look at your lawn and repair any thinning or bare patches. This can be done quickly by sowing some fresh seed over the patches (this process is called ‘overseeding’). Before you apply the seed, rake out any moss and sprinkle a little fresh compost over the area. Water and allow to drain, then sow the seed on the patchy area. You may want to protect the area from the birds with some string or polythene to give the seeds a helping hand. You should see germination within 7-14 days. It’s also time to focus on your beds and borders. Weed seeds will be starting to shoot now, so get a hoe and turn over the soil – this stops the seedlings from taking hold and will reduce trouble later in the season. Once you have done this, consider applying a mulch like Ornamental Bark to the borders. This reduces weed problems, and also keeps in the water – reducing your workload in the summer! Many seeds can be sown in March – flowers and veg too. Why not try growing your own tomatoes this year? There are plenty of varieties available from seed including sweet-flavoured cherry tomatoes, Italian and traditional types, and most tomatoes are easy to grow. Sow in a seed tray and germinate on a warm windowsill. Keep them in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. Depending on the variety, some can be grown outdoors in the summer but do check the seed packet carefully before you buy – alternatively, ready-grown plants are available later in the month. Summer bulbs are now ready to plant. Garden centres will have in stock all the popular types from scented lilies to dahlias, as well as tuberous begonia and gladioli. Plant them in March and April for summer colour. Many will flower for years to come with minimal effort. As the bulbs increase in size over time, so the display increases too. As with all bulbs, adding some bonemeal (both when planting and after flowering), will feed the bulb and help to improve the show. Finally some seasonal highlights for March: the delicate flowers of hellebores, rhododendrons and camellias are now bursting into bloom, as are the scented blooms of viburnum. Spring is definitely on the way! Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre, at Curborough Countryside Centre in Lichfield. Tel:01543 254306, visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Snapping Up Value with Cameras and Accessories

By Richard Winterton, Director at Richard Winterton Auctioneers

rom the humble beginnings of the Pin Hole Camera to the modern day Digital Full Format Cameras, these amazing devices have recorded images and memories for millions of people. From the first snap of your child’s first moments to the iconic images generated by the lenses of professionals, photographs can instil so many emotions. The Leica camera was the mainstay device used by the greatest photographers of the 1930s and 1940s, and the Leica III camera in the hands of these artists has ‘snapped’ arresting images from the D-Day Landings to the Nagasaki Atomic Bombings. The Leica III was the first usable camera with a range finder, 35mm enclosed film (for quick change) and interchangeable lenses to bring the distant to the foreground, and the near into sharpness and definition. For this reason cameras and lenses like these will adorn any camera buff’s collection, and accessories and lenses are also highly sought-after. We recently sold a Leica IIIa camera, which alone had a moderate value of £200 to £250, but with the addition of a rare lens with a very small aperture size forced the auction price up to £4,500. This is a great example of rare accessories having a greater value than the main item. It isn’t just Leica cameras and lenses that have high values at auction. We have also had great results with Hassleblad and Bromica, as well as modern and more well-known names in the photographic field such as Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Mamiya. At Richard Winterton Auctioneers, we assess and research any item of photographic equipment from individual cameras to large collections, from older film cameras to modern digital cameras. We have in recent years sold large collections of older photographic

and cinematic equipment and even though there wasn’t much value in individual items the whole collection still made over £3,000. The same can be said for the more modern collections. One collection of film and digital SLR cameras, lenses, flashes, tripods and other accessories made £10,000. Although an individual camera in most instances will have some sort of value at auction, invariably it’s the lenses and accessories that will carry a greater value in both vintage and modern collections. A small collection of photographic equipment that came to us from one of our house clearances that included a Canon Digital camera with its stock lens made a reasonable price of £120, but the rest of the lenses made the fantastic amount of £3,600. Notably one telephoto lens made over £2,500 alone, so it always pays to accessorise! So let’s all have a root around in our attics, garages and sheds. They might be hiding enough money to take you and your family away on a lovely holiday or it might just buy you a nice meal. You never know until you bring it along to our valuation days for us to take a look at.

Please call or come along to The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF, for a Free Valuation Every Tuesday 9.30am to 4pm

Roy Wood New Patron of Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival!

nternationally renowned musician and songwriter Roy Wood who is a founding member of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and Wizzard where he sang lead vocal on Christmas favourite ‘I wish it could be Christmas Everyday’, has joined Lichfield Councillor David Smith in accepting an invitation from Lichfield Arts to become Patrons of this year’s Lichfield Blues and Jazz Festival which takes place in and around the city from June 2nd to 4th. Roy commented: “As a massive fan of live music in the Midlands area, I was delighted to be asked to be the patron of Lichfield Arts Blues and Jazz Festival 2017. My career as a writer, musician and performer since the 1960s has provided me with many of the highlights of my life, and it is great that festivals like this one continue to help and develop local talent, as well as giving local audiences the chance to see performers from the national circuit on their door-step. I remember my early instruments as being a nightmare to play, with high actions, and temperamental tunings being par for the course, and although the instruments that are available today are better, the pure thrill of playing for a live audience remains the same for all of us, whether or not it is playing to a small audience in a pub, or in massive arenas. As musicians we never take our audiences for granted, and we hope that you enjoy the festival, whether it is for one gig, or a workshop, or for the whole weekend, and if you want, bring a friend, because good music is always better when it is shared.” Councillor Smith added: “My joy at the Lichfield Blues and Jazz Festival is that it musically reflects on our wonderful heritage whilst looking forward to the future and how our music will progress.” This music festival promises a great variety of blues and jazz, performed by some of the best loved names on the national and regional music circuit. These include the Climax Blues Band, Sticky Wicket & his Swing Orchestra, Chris Gumbley & Anything Goes, Remi Harris Trio, Fred ‘T’ Baker, Emma Johnson Boogie Woogie Quartet, Masai Blues, Dunnett Baxter Big Band, Callum Roxburgh ‘Swing’ Orchestra, Lichfield Jazz All Stars, Blast Off, Lindy Hop dance workshop and a wide variety of street events. Visitors can expect a wide range of concerts and performances in pubs and historic venues right across the city. New venues this year include a ‘Festival Hub’ based at the George 1V public house, complete with pop-up blues and jazz stage, the Angel Inn and the Kings Head public houses. For more information on who is on and where visit www.lichfield-jazz.co.uk. For further information on Festival bands and tickets visit: www.lichfield-jazz.co.uk Day Stroller tickets are available this year. For further information please contact Lichfield Arts Office: 01543 262223; info@lichfieldarts.org.uk.

Six ‘O’ The Best Music Festival in Aid of the Stan Bowley Trust

By Ady Hellyer

he Stan Bowley Trust is a Lichfield based charity raising funds for the highly successful cancer treatment, Cyberknife. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham hosts the UK’s busiest Cyberknife machine and treats patients with various forms of cancer. The Stan Bowley Trust was founded by the family and friends of local police officer, the late Alan Bowley, affectionately known as ‘Stan’. Following his journey through his own cancer treatment, he discovered this unique form of precision Robotic Radiotherapy, Cyberknife. There were no machines within the UK at that time, so Stan travelled to the USA for treatment. There is no doubt that this treatment extended and improved the quality of his life throughout the duration of his illness. Thanks to the fundraising and donations, the QE is now a busy and highly successful treatment centre using this technique. The Charity has gone from strength to strength raising funds for future patients in need of the treatment.

The trust’s fundraisers are diversifying and inviting more and more people to get involved and support the charity. For 10 years, an annual ball at Alton Towers hosting approximately 400 guests has

raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Cyberknife treatment at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Now, The Stan Bowley Trust is delighted to support the ‘Six ‘O’ The Best’ Music Festival at Lichfield Rugby Club on 1st July this year. The festival will offer a fantastic day out with hits from six iconic bands and artists, played by local musicians and artists. A festival atmosphere of stalls, picnic tables and amazing music for all ages, will make a great afternoon and evening for both friends and families. Tickets are available now and are priced at £10pp and £25 for a family ticket. This includes two adults and up to 4 children (11 years old and under). All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the charity so please come along to have a great day out.

To buy a ticket call or text 07745 486659 or email hellbenttmusic@gmail.com or call into The Lichfield Rugby Club.

Would you like to get involved? Lichfield Rugby Club are sponsors of this event, and if you are interested in sponsoring this event and advertising your business, please get in touch at hellbenttmusic@gmail.com

Win a Mouthwatering Meal for Two and Bottle of Wine at the George IV!

he George IV on Bore Street is more than a pub, it’s a place where there’s always something happening – from music, comedy and poetry performances to Lindy Hop sessions. The George IV is a boho-luxe centre of Lichfield’s artistic and musical life. For upcoming gig details just go to Citylife’s What’s On section.

Looking for a place to treat your Mum on Mother’s Day? The atmosphere is laid back, welcoming and inspiring, and the new menu is spectacular, offering mouthwatering, gourmet, and just a little bit decadent food in a special setting.

With regular Swing Dance nights, a free-of-charge rehearsal room, and one of the best beer gardens in the city, this is a great venue. Enjoy your life and feed your soul with art, music, dance and like-minded company. There’s a warm welcome for all at the George IV

Open from 11am to 12pm Monday to Wednesday and 11am to 2am Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this much loved and historic pub stocks a great selection of ales, wines and spirits, including gins and whiskies plus a comprehensive cocktail menu.

Win Win Win!

Fancy winning a main meal for two and free bottle of white, red or rose wine? Just read the menu in the advertisement below and answer the following question. The George IV offer mouthwatering, gourmet food from… A. Banger Bros. B. Burger Co. C. Sizzle Co. To enter, just send your name, contact details* and answer (A, B or C) to George IV competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS or email josscitylife@gmail.com by the competition closing date of Monday 27th March 2017. *Please note, the George IV may contact entrants with news and offers. If you do not wish to be contacted please include the words OPT OUT in your entry. For full terms and conditions see page 58. For more information on George IV visit their Facebook Page. The George IV can be found at 34 Bore Street, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 523025

New Menu at George IV - You Can't Get Better Than This

George IV, 34 Bore Street, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 523025

District Council Considering Curborough Development High Court Appeal

n May 2014, a planning application to build 750 homes on greenfield land at Curborough was rejected by Lichfield District Council because it did not conform with the newly adopted Lichfield District Local Plan. The developer appealed the decision, and the appeal was considered by an independent planning inspector and rejected. Ηowever, on 13th February 2017, The Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, overturned the planning inspector’s ruling. This decision will now allow 750 homes, shops, a school, community centre, parking, playing fields, care village and public open spaces to be built on 60 acres of agricultural land around Curborough Craft Centre on Watery Lane. Cllr Ian Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Development & Environment, commented: “The Secretary of State’s decision to overturn the independent planning inspector’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent. “The proposal for 750 homes in Curborough was rejected by the council because it does not conform with our newly developed local plan, a plan which reflects thousands of local people’s views on how our district should be developed and was accepted as being in conformity with legislation and national planning guidance. “Not only does the Secretary of State’s decision undermine our local planning process, it also conflicts with key elements of the National Planning Policy Framework. “Given the reasons why the Secretary of State has allowed the appeal, we are now seriously considering whether to challenge the Secretary of State’s decision in the High Court.” More information on the government’s decision can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/recovered-appeal-land-and-buildingsoff-watery-lane-curborough-lichfield-ref-2224354-13-february-2017

City Image Competition calling all photographers and artists!

ver the coming months, we’d like to see your photographs, drawings and paintings of Lichfield and the surrounding area. Each month we’ll publish a new selection of the work received, and the final winning image (announced in the December 2017 issue) will receive a £200 prize and ‘City Image’ Trophy. For terms and conditions see page 58. The competition is open to all ages. Photographs, paintings and drawings should be of Lichfield city or the surrounding area and countryside. Please note that you should own the copyright to any image that you send in and the image should be your own work. If sending in a photograph, please make sure that you have

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

Minster Pool by David Scragg

St Michael’s on Greenhill by Martin Gässl. Martin told Citylife: “It was just the moment the fog burned off and the sun came out.”

Bolt Court by Tori Hibbert. Tori told Citylife: “I walk through Bolt Court most days and there is something about it that truly captures the quintessential 'old worldly' character of Lichfield. Here it is on a winter’s evening.”

Darwin Park by Tracey Gibson

Citylife in Lichfield’s

City Image Cont... Stowe Pool by Nick Nicholls

The Swan at Fradley Junction by Phil Sutcliffe

Watercolour of Minster Pool at Night by Mick Steele

Power Station Cooling Towers by Phil Sutcliffe

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

Real Ale Trail Birthday Celebrations

ichfield District Tourism Association (LDTA) celebrated the first birthday of the Lichfield Real Ale Trail and the launch of a special beer by Blythe Brewery to celebrate David Garrick’s 300th Birthday ‘David Garrick Golden Ale’ in fine style at the Samuel Johnson’s Birthplace Museum on Wednesday February 10th. Over 30 members of the LDTA enjoyed fine food, fine company, fine ale and superb birthday cake supplied by LDTA member Comfortin Food. Copies of the trail brochure can be obtained from participating venues and Lichfield Tourism Information Centre or can also be downloaded at www.visitlichfield.co.uk

Old Specs needed for Vision Aid Overseas

pecsavers, Lichfield is appealing to locals to drop off their old and unwanted specs as part of ongoing support for international eyecare charity, Vision Aid Overseas. The team at Specsavers on Market Street has been supporting the charity for five years, acting as a drop off point for glasses and raising awareness. Founded in 1985, Vision Aid Overseas works in numerous African countries, including Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and Zambia. The charity provides sight tests and glasses to help those living in poverty who have little or no access to eyecare. Store director Praful Patel commented: “In this country, we can take our vision for granted because of how easy it is to get access to affordable eyecare; all you need to do is go to your local opticians. But for people in so many countries, services like these are completely out of reach. One in ten people in Africa can’t see properly to learn and earn simply because they need glasses – that is what Vision Aid Overseas is working to change. The work that this charity does is so valuable and makes a huge difference in people’s lives. We collected around 300 pairs of glasses a month last year, so this year we’d like to encourage even more people to show their support for Vision Aid Overseas.” All donated glasses are recycled and the income generated is used to support the charity’s overseas programmes. To find out more Vision Aid Overseas please visit www.visionaidoverseas.org. For more information or to donate a pair of your old glasses, visit Specsavers at 43 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA, call 01543 417517 or go to www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/lichfield.

J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD & ALREWAS

NOW LICHFIELD & ALREWAS’S ONLY FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS 24 hours a day

COMPETITION WINNERS Adele Louise Bridal Gown Competition.

Congratulations to Abigail Smith, winner of an Alfred Angelo Bridal Gown and Charlotte Nash, winner of a Mori Lee Bridal Gown, courtesy of Adele Louise Bridal. Mori Lee Bridal Gown

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, 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

01283 792923

36 Main Street, Alrewas, Burton Upon Trent. DE13 7AA

Come and visit the AWARD WINNING

Alfred Angelo Bridal Gown

Bookings now being taken for Mother’s Day Surrounded by 3 car parks. All free after 6.30pm

• • • •

Established over 20 years

Superb menu with over 250 dishes to choose from. Experienced chefs from Hong Kong & Malaysia. Open 12 noon till late. Superb function room, seats up to 65.

Visit our website: www.leegardenrestaurants.co.uk 50 Tamworth Street, Lichfield WS13 6JJ Tel: 01543 418515/01543 254388

Wedding Show Prize Draw

Congratulations to Laura Cranston, Daniel Woods, Samantha Tootill, Jan Murcott, Ray Turley, Kayleigh Derry and Lauren Haffenden – all winners of a pair of tickets to The National Wedding Show.

Springtime at

The Shop at No.9 The Cat’s Whiskers Leather Purses: eau de nile £12, brown leather £35 by Yoshi Lichfield. Leather Cat Handbag £65 by Yoshi Lichfield Available from The Shop at No.9. Fair To Trade, hand-crafted papier-mache: Bird Box £5.50, Yellow Hanging Egg £4, Hanging Cat £4, Bunny Box £6.50, Green Cat Box £5.50, Cream and Blue Hanging Eggs £4, Large Egg Box £8 - Available from The Shop at No.9.

A selection of English Soap Company soaps starting at £3 and Pure Soy Candles starting at £10.50 - Available from The Shop at No.9.

Porcelain Jewellery by The Other Pottery, Barlaston: Dragonfly Brooch £14 Available from The Shop at No.9.

Ecoffee Cup, made from Naturally Organic Bamboo Fibre, large cup £8.50, medium cup £7.50 - Available from The Shop at No.9.

Treasures of a Tudor Manor

ansons Auctioneers are proud to have been appointed to handle the auction of the contents of a stunning Grade II* listed seven bedroom manor house. The Old Castle at Studley is set in 4.59 acres of pasture land in Warwickshire, about four miles outside the vibrant town of Henley In Arden. The house dates back to Tudor times with stunning timber-work and later Georgian elements. The £1.7million property exterior boasts formal gardens with topiary, a ha ha, views towards the church next door and sheep grazing in fields. The character-rich interior boasts a formal sitting room, dining-room with huge inglenook fireplace, billiard-room and two staircases. The interior is crammed with all manner of antiques and works of art. Lichfield resident Adrian Rathbone and Associate Director of Hansons Auctioneers is overseeing the sale of the contents: “It is every Auctioneer's dream to be called to an ancient manor house crammed with wonderful antiques and other furnishings. Such occurrences are very few and far between these days. Gone are the days of the 'Country House Sale'. Until now. When I was invited to The Old Castle at Studley near Henley In Arden I was amazed to be greeted by a sweeping driveway leading to a Tudor manor house which would not look out of place in a Miss Marple mystery…This is a real treasure trove of antiques which is set to ignite interest from buyers across the globe who have a fondness for the English Country House. A look many of us aspire to.” The contents have been removed in their entirety to Hansons Derbyshire based auction centre, the principle of which will be offered in their 31st March/1st April

Fine Art Auction. The interior furniture and furnishings were put together over many years by the current owner who has sold the property and is downsizing. There are numerous examples of early English oak and country furniture with notable highlights to include a William and Mary walnut chest on stand, two antique tester beds, a vast oak oval drop leaf dining table, chests, chair sets and settles. There is also silver, paintings, ceramics metalwork and works of art. Experts at Hansons are currently cataloguing the contents in preparation for the auction in late March and the fully illustrated catalogue will be available about a week prior. In celebration of this magnificent English Country House, Hansons are currently inviting entries for inclusion in their Summer Fine Art auction on 29th June to 1st July - from old master and sporting paintings to antique furniture, silver, ceramics and glass. Entries close 2nd June. Free valuation days for all manner of jewellery, watches, silver, antiques and collectables are held every Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm in aid of St Giles Hospice at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Rd, Lichfield, WS13 8JB. Home visits can be arranged for large/bulky items and clients who are downsizing or dealing with an estate clearance. For further information please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or email: arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

Critically acclaimed Invincible comes to the Lichfield Garrick

he Original Theatre Company’s production of Torben Betts’s critically acclaimed Invincible will be coming to the Lichfield Garrick from 21st to 25th March after which it will be travelling to Broadway, New York to perform at the 13th annual Brits Off Broadway festival.

The ‘riotously funny’ production has been written by one of the most exciting playwrights to emerge since Alan Ayckbourn, Torben Betts, and is directed by Christopher Harper. 30

With the recession biting hard, Emily and Oliver have decided to downsize and shift their middle-class London lifestyle to a small town in the north of England. One night they open their doors and invite next-door neighbours, Dawn and Alan, into their home. Over the course of a disastrous evening of olives, anchovies, Karl Marx and abstract art;

class and culture collide where the consequences are as tragic as they are hilarious.

Catch Invincible when it plays at the Lichfield Garrick from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 March 2017. Tickets cost from £22.50, and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the box office on 01543 412121.

Exhibition celebrates Tolkien’s link with Staffordshire

eople from Burntwood will get the chance to see a new exhibition celebrating the author of The Lord of the Rings’ links with Staffordshire from March 1st to April 8th. This fascinating insight into the early years of JRR Tolkien has already been seen by over 70,000 visitors since it launched in March 2016. Now the exhibition is set to visit Burntwood Library, from Wednesday 1 March until Friday 8 April. Highlights of the exhibition include rare photos and copies of original sketches by Tolkien, not seen in Staffordshire since they left with the author in 1918, specially loaned by The Tolkien Estate and Bodleian Library. Arriving in Staffordshire on 17 August 1915, JRR Tolkien would begin a connection with the county that would span the remaining years of the Great War and provide inspiration for the mythology and geography of what we now know as Middle-earth. During the Great War, Second Lieutenant J.R.R. Tolkien of the Lancashire Fusiliers trained in Staffordshire before he was sent to serve on the front lines of the infamously bloody Battle of the Somme. After contracting trench fever at the Battle of the Somme in June 1916,

Tolkien was shipped back to Staffordshire to recover with his new wife Edith, in Great Haywood. The Tolkiens later briefly took up residence in a cottage at Gipsy Green, Teddesley Park, near Penkridge. During this time, he began writing his earliest fantasy works for what is now called Middle-Earth. The exhibition will be at Burntwood Library, Sankeys Corner, Bridge Cross Road, Burntwood, WS7 2BX and will be available to view during normal opening hours. For further details visit www.staffordshiregreatwar.com or the Staffordshire Libraries webpages at www.staffordshire.gov.uk. “J.R.R. Tolkien – Soldier and Myth-Maker” is organised by The Haywood Society, supported by Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries and Arts Service and the Museum of Cannock Chase, and funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund.

Building a Reputation

P I Limited h a v e over 25 years d i r e c t experience in all associated trades. We have decades of knowledge, responsive suppliers and a healthy portfolio, earning our reputation as one of the most reputable local building companies. We specialise in home extensions, garage conversions, orangeries and conservatories that will transform your home. We also do driveways, UPVC facia sofit and guttering, through to other home improvements that will add value to your home, thus we can directly complete any given project from conception to completion. DPI Limited endeavour to achieve 100% customer satisfaction throughout the process of any given building project, from initial consultation, through to pricing, workmanship and aftercare support. Creating happy customers is our goal.

The Sixteen

Sonia Stevenson & Damian Thantrey

Lichfield Festival Announces Guest Artistic Director 2018

ichfield Festival has named Damian Thantrey as Guest Artistic Director for the 2018 Festival, taking over the reins from Sonia Stevenson, currently in her third year as Artistic Director, during her maternity break.

Born in Burton-on-Trent, Damian trained first as a lawyer before becoming a professional singer appearing on stages around the world. More recently he has also moved into producing, and runs his own festival in the Northamptonshire village of Hargrave. 34

Damian Thantrey has produced several shows for Lichfield including the Mozart operas The Magic Flute in 2015 and last year’s Così fan tutte in which he also sang the role of Guglielmo. This year, he will produce a celebration of Broadway legend Richard Rodgers with a cast of West End soloists and talented musicians from Chethams Music School, co-commissioned with Cheltenham Festival.

Damian Thantrey commented:"I'm delighted to be appointed guest Artistic Director and am very much looking forward to planning next year's Festival. Being involved in a small way over the last three years has shown me the huge commitment, hard work and support that goes on behind the scenes and enables the Lichfield Festival to thrive; I will endeavour to match that with my own efforts for 2018!"

This year’s Lichfield Festival runs from 7-15 July and is one of the most eclectic multi-arts festivals in the UK. Among the first artists to be announced are The Hallé Orchestra, percussionist Evelyn Glennie, comedian Rich Hall, world-famous gospel ensemble Black Voices, and The Sixteen, as well as events celebrating the anniversaries of Jane Austen and Lichfield’s own David Garrick. Also featured are literary events, drama, film, dance, poetry,

family shows and a packed Festival Market. Early bird tickets for Rich Hall and The Sixteen are on sale on 6 March from www.lichfieldfestival.org with full Festival details announced and booking from late March. Rich Hall

Pick up that perfect present at Trust’s Wolseley Craft Fayre

he county’s largest conservation charity is inviting people to pick up a unique Mother's Day gift by attending its popular Craft Fayre in March. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is holding the event on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March between 10am and 4pm at its Wolseley Centre headquarters, near Rugeley. There will be a wide range of stalls during both days at the fayre, including paintings, knitware and jewellery. Sam Pachner, Events and Fundraising Officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Our Craft Fayre has increased in popularity year after year, and we are lucky there will be so many talented craftspeople and artists in attendance again this year. “It is Mother’s Day at the end of March so the fayre is a perfect chance to pick up a special gift." Admission to the fayre is £1.50, with proceeds going towards the Trust's work protecting and enhancing wildlife and open spaces in the county. Entrance for under-16s is free. Visitors can also explore the centre’s magnificent 26acre grounds and put their feet up afterwards with a selection of hot and cold drinks and cake. The Wolseley Centre is located at Wolseley Bridge on the A51 between Stafford and Rugeley. For more information call the Trust on 01889 880100.

Lichfield Arts’ Guildhall Concerts in March M

aking a welcome return to the Guildhall on Sunday 12th March will be the award winning traditional Irish band Craobh Rua (pronounced Crave Ru-ah). Their sets feature virtuoso musicianship, spirited vocals and foot stomping rhythms, rousing jigs, reels and polkas with tender ballads and airs. Tickets are £14 or £12.60 for friends of Lichfield Arts, and £7 for under 16s.

The critically acclaimed solo jazz guitarist Martin Taylor will return to play Lichfield Guilldhall on Friday 24th March. His career has seen him touring the world, leading workshops, inspiring guitarists of all ages, and even touring with Stephane Grappelli, filling Django Reinhardt’s seat. The concert costs £16 or £14.60 for Friends of Lichfield Arts, and £8 for under 16s. Finally, Sunday 26th March will see a performance from Gigspanner, a band that has roots in folk, but branches in many other genres. Led by fiddle player Peter Knight, best known for his work with Steeleye Span. Tickets for this concert are £15 or £13.50 for friends of Lichfield Arts and £7.50 for under 16s. For further information, and to book tickets visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk , phone the box office on (01543) 262223, or call into the Lichfield Arts Office in Donegal House on Bore Street.

Gigspanner

Craobh Rua

Martin Taylor

Peace of Mind – Protecting your Property

By Richard Wells, Partner at Philips Legal Solicitors e spend our lives working to provide for ourselves Property Protection Trusts and our loved ones. You may have a house or flat,

shares, savings, investments as well as your personal possessions. All of these assets are your ‘estate’. Making a Will ensures that when you die your estate is shared according to your wishes. It’s never too early to plan ahead for the future, everyone should have a Will, but it is even more important if you have children, you own property or have savings, investments, insurance policies or you own a business.

A Will is a legal document that sets out your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children. We are regularly asked what additional steps can be made to further protect assets for future beneficiaries, for example if a spouse or partner remarries or from long term care fees.

Philips Legal Solicitors is a Lichfield-based, family run, law firm. My colleague, solicitor Rebecca Hill, is head of private client. She works with clients who are looking to put their affairs in order for peace of mind in later life.

A Property Protection Trust is structured to help couples protect their share of the home from assessment by the local authority for long term residential care costs and to ensure that their share in the property passes to their intended beneficiaries after first death. The half share of the family home belonging to the first person to pass away, passes into the Trust. This type of trust is known as a Life Interest Trust in favour of the survivor which means that they can benefit from the share of the house in the trust during his/her lifetime and on their death the Trust Fund passes to others, usually children of the family.

About Us

Philips Legal Solicitors is a family run firm with offices on St John Street, Lichfield. The firm was established in 2012 and has grown to become one of the leading providers of Estate Planning services, with over 30 members of staff. We run a free drop in service every Wednesday 9.30am to 1pm where we can answer your questions and offer guidance at our offices in Lichfield. To find out more please contact us on 01543 624062 where we would be happy to chat over the phone, make an appointment at our office or arrange a home visit all without obligation. Philips Legal Solicitors, Friary Court, 13 St John Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NU.

33 Cherry Orchard

21 Tamworth Street

Philip Larkin’s place in Poets’ Corner and in the life of Lichfield By Patrick Comerford

he poet Philip Larkin was honoured in Westminster Abbey last year [2 December 2016] when his name was added to Poets’ Corner. Andrew Motion has described Philip Larkin (1922-1985) as ‘one of the two or three most important British poets of the last part of the 20th century,’ and Clive James says: ‘Philip Larkin really was the greatest poet of his time.’

Professor Lisa Jardine, Professor of Renaissance Studies at University College, London, who died recently, famously dismissed Larkin as a ‘casual, habitual racist and an easy misogynist’. However, the Dean of Westminster Abbey, the Very Revd Dr John Hall, decided it is ‘the right time’ to honour Larkin, and more recent academic thought, and study of his letters, has suggested that his outdated opinions were often tongue in cheek, and in reality the life he led and his actions did not suggest a man who harboured bigoted opinions. The jury is of course still out. The stone includes words from one of his bestknown poems, An Arundel Tomb (1964): ‘our almost instinct almost true: What will survive of us is love.’ Peter Young, the former Town Clerk of

Lichfield, has spoken on many occasions – to Lichfield Discovered (2014), to Lichfield Speakers’ Corner Group (2012), and to Lichfield Civic Society (2008) – about Larkin and his associations with Lichfield. Peter has joked that Larkin once said of Lichfield: ‘God this place is dull.’ But the three poems he wrote in Lichfield are anything but dull and form an important part of his collected works. The Larkin family’s links with Lichfield date back to 1757, and many generations of the family are commemorated in the churchyard at Saint Michael’s Church. Some Larkin families lived at No 49 Tamworth Street and at No 21 Tamworth Street, beside the former Regal Cinema and now the site of the Whippet Inn. Philip Larkin was born in Coventry, the only son and younger child of Eva Larkin and her husband, Sydney Larkin (1884-1948), who was from Lichfield. In October 1940, during the Coventry blitz, Eva and Sydney moved with their family to No 33 Cherry Orchard, Lichfield, the family home of an aunt and uncle. The house was too small for all the Larkins, however, and Philip Larkin moved out to another house in Cherry Orchard where he had a room to himself. When Philip Larkin returned to Lichfield from Oxford for a Christmas holiday in 1940-1941, he regularly walked from Cherry Orchard into the

centre of Lichfield to drink in The George and The Swan. During this time in Lichfield, he wrote three poems: Christmas 1940, Out in the lane I pause and Ghosts. In Out in the lane I pause, the poet is standing alone under a starless sky beside a railway bridge. From his invisible vantage point, he contemplates the futures of the ‘Girls and their soldiers from the town’ whose steps he can hear on the steep road towards the shops, and the wartime disappointments to come. Is this the narrow bridge over the railway line at Rotten Row, or the footbridge at Levett’s Fields? Larkin does not say he is standing under the bridge, although if he is unseen, then it is more likely that this is the railway bridge at Upper Saint John Street, close to the west end of Cherry Orchard. He would have passed under

The George Hotel

The footbridge this bridge on his way to The George Hotel and The Swan on Bird Street. Larkin wrote this poem on the nights of 18 and 19 December 1940, and included it in a letter to his school friend, James Ballard Sutton (1921-1997), on 20 December, along with two other poems, Christmas 1940 and Ghosts, written in Lichfield on the night of 19 December 1940.

Peter Young has suggested that Larkin may have referred to the Gazebo on Borrowcrop Hill in Christmas 1940, and that in Ghosts he is referring to the ghost story of the White Lady at The Swan on Bird Street, once the oldest pub in Lichfield.

Although he sent these three poems to his friend Jim Sutton, Larkin’s Lichfield poems were never published in his own lifetime. They were first published in 1992 in Selected Letters

The narrow bridge, Rotten Row of Philip Larkin, 1940-1985, edited by Anthony Thwaite. They were included in 2005 by AT Tolley in Philip Larkin: Early Poems and Juvenalia, and more recently they were included by Archie Burnett in Philip Larkin: The Complete Poems (2014). In 1977, the ashes of Philip Larkin’s mother, Eva, were buried in Saint Michael’s Churchyard, and although the poet is buried at Cottingham, near Hull, both Eva and Sydney Larkin are named on tablets among the raised stones in Saint Michael’s. Despite his wellknown line in ‘This Be The Verse’ about parents, the poet visited the graves regularly, he witnessed his mother’s ashes being buried there in 1977, and he once asked for a plan of the churchyard. He died in 1985.

Patrick Comerford has strong family links with Lichfield, and returns regularly. A former journalist, he is an Anglican priest living in Ireland and is a theology professor. www.patrickcomerford.com Bibliograhy and Sources: Archie Burnett (ed), Philip Larkin: The Complete Poems (2012/2014). Lorna Bushell, ‘Philip Larkin,’ report of Peter Young’s address to Lichfield Civic Society, May 2008, . www.lichfieldcivicsociety.org.uk/reports/0805_Philli p_Larkin.htm ‘Town clerk hanging up his wig after 28 years in key role at heart of city,’ news report, Lichfield Mercury, 21 August 2015. Anthony Thwaite (ed), Philip Larkin: Collected Poems (1988/2003). AT Tolley (ed), Philip Larkin: Early Poems and Juvenilia (2005). All images by Patrick Comerford.

St Michael’s on Greenhill

The railway bridge

49 Tamworth Street

A Window on the Past

Because Mums are special…

Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate motherhood and everything that our Mums did and do for us. As part of this celebration, we print here family pictures shared with us by members of the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’

1. Kim Dutton and daughter Amelia

2. The late Dot Peers with daughter Sue Hathaway in 1967

3. Louise Jarvis with sons Jack, Russ and Joe 4. Penny Draper with twins Sam and Joe 5. Ann Rowe with daughters Sam and Jodie

6. Sophie Brightman with sons Alfie and Jenson

7. Rose Statham with daughter Julie in 1967

8. Pat Ellis with daughter Tracey Lumb

9. Doreen Dayus with daughter Jane

For more stories, pictures and memories, visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or go along to their next meeting on Tuesday 4th April, 7pm till 10pm, at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 7PH. For more information call 01543 416393 or 01543 268842. The group’s great displays of local photos and memorabilia can be booked free of charge to appear at shows, nursing homes and clubs etc. Call the numbers above for details.

Lichfield Ladies Welcome International Visitors

The Art of Literature

ichfield Ladies Circle was honoured to host the International Ladies Circle Mid-Term Meeting from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th February.

Around 100 members of Ladies Circle from 11 countries arrived in Lichfield for a ‘Best of British’ weekend organised by Lichfield Ladies Circle. Guests arrived in Lichfield on Friday from Belgium, Luxembourg, Iceland, Germany, France and Austria. The weekend started with a welcome evening on Friday in the Guildhall. The international visitors were welcomed by Lichfield’s Town Crier Ken Knowles and his consort Marilyn along with the Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Mrs Sheelagh James. The guests were treated to a traditional fish and chip supper served to them by waiters from Lichfield Round Table! On Saturday the Mid-Term Meeting was held in The George Hotel. During the evening the visitors were treated to a sumptuous three course British gala dinner in MacKenzie’s Restaurant. The ladies danced the night away to a Robbie Williams tribute act while enjoying the company of their Ladies Circle Friends. On Sunday morning the visitors bid a fond farewell after enjoying a traditional ‘full English breakfast’ at the Premier Inn. The ladies enjoyed a warm welcome in Lichfield and have gone back with some lovely memories of Lichfield and Ladies Circle Great Britain and Ireland. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to broaden your social life, Lichfield Ladies Circle is the perfect way to get more out of life. Lichfield Ladies Circle meets once a fortnight on a Tuesday evening for ladies between the ages of 18 and 45. If you’d like to find out more about joining in the fun, email: info@lichfieldladiescircle.co.uk or call 0800 148 8595 or visit our website at www.lichfieldladiescircle.co.uk.

Four more stores confirmed for Friarsgate

n 21st February, property regeneration specialists U+I announced that four new high street names have signed up to join the Friarsgate development in Lichfield City centre. Retailer Seasalt and food chains Le Bistrot Pierre, Patisserie Valerie and Starbucks have all agreed leases on new units within the development, which will become an extension to the existing Three Spires Shopping centre. Today’s announcement follows the news that The Light Cinema will open a seven screen cinema and Pizza Express, Zizzi and the Handmade Burger Company, restaurants will also be coming to Friarsgate. Further retail lettings are in the pipeline and these will be announced in the coming months. In total, Friarsgate is expected to add between 8 to10 food and drink establishments and approximately 20 shops, with 82 apartments and 11 townhouses to the city centre. For more information about Friarsgate please visit www.visitfriarsgate.co.uk.

Lichfield art gallery Emporium has launched The Art of Literature Exhibition, that will run until 11th March. A companion event to Lichfield's Literary Festival, this intriguing exhibition celebrates literature in art form. Visitors are invited to use their literary knowledge to fathom the writings referenced in paintings, etchings, jewellery, sculpture and 'specimen boxes' created by regional artists.

Care Spending Approved

lans for a £300million spend on caring for the elderly, people with disabilities and vulnerable children were been approved at Staffordshire County Council in February at a meeting of the Full Council. To help towards the increasing costs of social care, county council tax will rise by 4.95 percent from April, which includes the Government’s 3 percent ring-fenced increase for care. Bills for a Band D property will increase by just over £1 a week. Ian Parry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member responsible for finances, said: “This budget, while undoubtedly the most challenging we have seen to date, will help us build on our track record of growing our economy and at the same time also see us, at a record £300m, spending even more on adults and children’s social care next year. With a growing ageing population to support, we all now need to look at doing a little more for ourselves where we can, while also paying a little more to help those who now need our help the most.” Over the last seven years the council has reduced its running costs by around £200m and further reduced inhouse costs to help tackle a funding shortfall.

The lives of Georgian women

n Saturday 11 March at 7pm the Samuel J o h n s o n B i r t h p l a c e Museum will be hosting, ‘Love & Duty: the Lives of Georgian women’. Professional storyteller Cath Edwards will weave a vivid cast of characters into this onewoman show, inspired by real stories and archives from the time. Cath Edwards performs nationally and is co-host of Lichfield Storytellers. The storytelling performance will give a warm and sympathetic glimpse into the interlinked lives of gentlewomen and working women in the 18th century, drawing on contemporary letters, diaries, account books, folk tales and songs. Tickets cost £8.50 including a glass of wine and can be booked at the Birthplace Museum reception (open 11am-3.30pm daily), by calling 01543 264 972 or email to sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk.

Volunteer gaolers needed!

olunteers are needed at the Old Guildhall Prison Cells to join the team that welcomes over 5000 visitors into the historic display over the summer months. Opening on 1st April for Saturdays up to October, the team of volunteers welcome people visiting Lichfield from around the country and the world, as well as helping local visitors to find out more about the grisly history of the city. There has been a prison on the site from 1548, and visitors today can see original cells and find out about the stories of their former inmates, including Edmund Wightman, the last man to be burnt at the stake in England for heresy. 2017 is an exciting year to join the team, when more of prison cells will be open and visitors can contribute to the ‘People’s Prison’ project which will be running throughout the year to find out what visitors would like to see in future displays. The cells will be open from 10am-4pm on Saturdays from April to October. Volunteering opportunities can be very flexible, depending on what you feel you could offer. If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the Old Guildhall Prison Cells, please contact Jo Wilson, Museums and Heritage Officer on 01543 264 972, by email to sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, or pop in to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum on the corner of the Market Square (reception open 11am 3.30pm daily).

Happy Mother’s Day! M

othering Sunday takes place this year on March 26th. Mums are special and they deserve treating! To all the Mums out there - everyone at Citylife would like to wish you a very happy Mother’s Day.

If you’re looking for a special gift or treat for the Mums in your life, here’s a little inspiration…

Treat Your Mum at The George

The George Hotel in Bird Street is the perfect place to treat your Mum on Mother’s Day, Sunday 26th March. Choose the stylish restaurant for a 3 course carvery lunch featuring your favourite roasts with all the trimmings for just £19.95 per person, or there’s the option to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant Garrick Suite. Served to the table, the afternoon tea includes a selection of dainty sandwiches plus

indulgent sweet treats, like Victoria sponge, strawberry pavlova macaroons and chocolate orange tart. The traditional afternoon tea is £15 with options to add a glass of prosecco or a premium gin and tonic! If you’re searching for the perfect gift for your mum, take a look at the range of vouchers on offer from The George, like afternoon tea for two, lunch for two or an overnight stay – the personalised vouchers can be bought at the hotel’s Reception or online.

For more information, visit www.thegeorgelichfield.co.uk or call 01543 414822.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Gift vouchers for Mother’s Day available.

Happy Mother’s Day! Mother’s Day Card Workshop at Little Green Frog Café

Little Green Frog Café are delighted to be welcoming Nikki Joyce to run her Mother’s Day Card Making Workshops. The sessions will take place at 10.30am, 11.15am and 12 noon on Sunday 19th March, one week before Mother’s Day. The workshops are aimed at 5 to 11 year olds, and during the workshop each child will be able to make a Mother's Day card and a gift bag which Nikki will fill with chocolates. Nikki will bring alternative stamps to enable bags to be made for other family members if the child so wishes e.g. grandmother, step-mum etc. A maximum of 12 children can be accommodated in each workshop and places can be booked online at www.littlegreenfrog.co.uk Costs are £5 per child payable to Nikki on the day and an adult is required to stay at the café during the workshop. Little Green Frog Café can be found at Three Spires Shopping Centre, 57 Wade Street, Lichfield, WS13 6HL.

Knitique

Independent retailer of accessories and gifts specialising in items as diverse as Classic Canes Walking Sticks, Nobile Glass and Giftware, Levin Brothers Scented Candles and Diffusers. Brakeburn Bags and Accessories, Fox and Chave Ties and Scarves, Heathergems Scottish Jewellery, A E Williams Pewterware, and hats from Tilley, Olney and Denton to name but a few. Tudor Row, Wade St, Lichfield WS13 6HH Phone: 01543 418030.

Your local knitting and crochet yarn store located on Tudor Row in the heart of historic Lichfield. We have a great selection of yarns, patterns, books and accessories. Knitique offers Gift Cards of any value that make great presents for those special knitters and crocheters. 7 Tudor Row, Wade St, Lichfield WS13 6HH Phone: 01543 417700

Body Beautiful

Body Beautiful has been established for many years. Liz, the co-owner has been in the beauty industry for 20 years and has owned successful salons previously. We have experienced many salon treatments ourselves here, and around the world during our time travelling and believe the secret to success is by simply providing customers with a high standard of treatment in a happy, friendly atmosphere. We believe everyone needs some ‘me time’ to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Body Beautiful day spa and salon could be your retreat! 20 Dam St, Lichfield WS13 6AA Phone: 01543 897600

Young Enterprise students take their wares to market

housands of Staffordshire’s young entrepreneurs have created their own Young Enterprise company and will be selling their products at local markets.

The Young Enterprise programme, being co-ordinated by Staffordshire County Council helps young people develop their business and personal skills by creating their own company. Now young people will be hoping to bag a profit as they try and sell their wares at public markets. Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said: “Young Enterprise is a great programme that is really helping inspire our young people with the skills confidence and ambition to succeed in today’s business world. We’ve been following these young entrepreneurs progress carefully, from creating their companies, developing their business ideas and then pitching them to local business leaders. It’s now wonderful to see them with some really clever products and heading off to sell them at local markets. Throughout the Young Enterprise programme they have been learning vital business and personal skills all of which will benefit them both in life and whatever career they choose.” Over twenty High Schools from across the county have signed up to

Additions

the programmes, working with over 3,500 students. Pupils work alongside teachers, business mentors and employers in school and take part in practical, engaging activities that introduce them to the world of work and enterprise. Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership chairman David Frost CBE said: “Young Enterprise is a great scheme that is inspiring our future entrepreneurs and giving them a good grasp of business skills. Many of the jobs of the future will come from innovative ideas and start-up businesses so it is important to encourage our enterprising young people. This is vital not only for their future, but also to ensure that we build a thriving local and national economy. Enthusing our young people and developing the highly skilled and motivated employers and employees of the future are key to our aims of attracting inward investment, helping businesses to grow and creating more and better jobs for local people.” Local schools taking part and the products they will be selling include Lichfield Cathedral School’s ‘Original Chai Company’ – selling loose leaf tea sourced from India and King Edwards VI’s Timmy Toothy which is a tooth brushing motivational system for children that tracks when a child has brushed their teeth daily and nightly.

An evening with the ‘voice of golf’.

he former professional golfer, Ryder Cup legend and one of Britain’s most celebrated television commentators will be coming to the Garrick on Tuesday 14th March for an evening packed full of anecdotes, humour and stories from the ‘Voice of Golf’. Peter Alliss will be live onstage at the Lichfield Garrick on Tuesday 14th March at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £19.50 (Stalls and Boxes) and £17.50 (Circle) and can be booked by calling the box office on 01543 412121 or online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com

High Sheriff visits Maple Hayes

igh Sheriff of Staffordshire, Colonel David Leigh visited pupils at Maple Hayes specialist dyslexia school recently, to present achievement awards; be given a guided tour of the facilities and to speak at their weekly assembly about his experiences growing up with dyslexia.

Col. Leigh, who was joined by his wife Lucy Leigh, told pupils at the school that they should never give up on their dreams, and that they could achieve anything, despite having had a difficult start in life.

He said: “I think it is important for children with dyslexia to see that they can absolutely make it, no matter what their difficulty. I was told I was ‘thick’ while I was at school, and it was only when I was 25-years-old that I was told I was dyslexic. People didn’t really understand it in those days. But I had some fabulous teachers too who were really there for me, and that helped me so much. It was from school that I went to Sandhurst before serving in the Territorial Army for 28 years. I am now chairman of Staffordshire Clubs for Young People, so I’m passionate about supporting ventures which look after the young people in the county.”

There are around 120 pupils aged between 7 and 17-years-old who attend the Lichfield school.

Kaleidoscope Choir R and MNDA presentation

ecently, Sheila Lamisere of the local Motor Neurone Disease Association group (a group that supports people living with MND and their families) visited a recent rehearsal of Kaleidoscope Choir to accept a cheque for £1385.

The sum was raised during 2016 by Kaleidoscope for the association. It adopted this charity for the year and held concerts and raffles to raise the amount presented. Over £700 alone came from the proceeds of a collaborative concert with several other choirs and a band of jazz musicians in Lichfield Cathedral in May 2016. The choir, led by Cait Hodgkiss, performs several times a year and is always interested in hearing from local organisations where they can support fund-raising activities.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association hold regular meetings to provide members with the chance to meet others in a similar situation who can share their experience and knowledge. They can also help with funding. This may be for specialist equipment, adaptations to house or car, household appliances to facilitate care etc. or simply to improve quality of life. For further information, please contact the Group Secretary at selamisere@gmail.com or call 07955 182054

Win a Pair of Tickets to the Spring Fashion Show!

For more information about the choir go to their website www.kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk, email info@kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk or call the choir secretary on 01543 268738.

he Townswomen's Guild's Spring Fashion Show takes place on Monday 27th March at The George Hotel, Bird Street. Starting at 7pm for 7.30pm, Springtime ladies' fashions will be modeled by Obsessions Clothing, Streetly. Tickets cost £7 and include light refreshments. To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets, just send your name and contact details to Fashion Show Prize Draw, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS or email josscitylife@gmail.com by 20th March 2017. For term and conditions see page 58.

Lichfield Businesses Lead the Way

ichfield businesses have led the way by picking up an array of TheBestOf 2017 awards this February. Lichfield now holds 18 winners nationwide. The pinnacle UK Business of the Year award was won by McKenzie's Restaurant in Conduit Street, which was highlighted for its exceptional referrals from satisfied customers. Mark Maltby of McKenzie’s commented: "McKenzie's Restaurant is the place of Great Steaks, Great Wines and Great Times. 50

This has been our standpoint from the outset. It is truly wonderful to have had a guest base recognise what we have achieved and feel strongly enough to support us with their comments and feedback. We wish to thank all our guests who put pen to paper. We look to the future with a positive outlook with having won this award from real guests leaving genuine feedback." In addition, Cathedral Chem Dry, won their category of Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners and Hunnypot Cottage Designs

won Specialist Retailer. Ruth Redgate of Hunnypot Cottage Designs added: “Lichfield is a fantastic place for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow. There’s a real community in the business network and lots of help available to get started. Small businesses have seen a huge surge in customers who want to buy locally and, in my case, choose healthy and homemade breads. I’m really proud to have won this award as Speciality Retailer.”

Home of the Regiment Purchased by Veterans

n March 25th 1705, Colonel Lillingstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 38th Regiment of Foot was raised at the Kings Head pub on Bird Street. This regiment was the antecedent of the Staffordshire Regiment. On Saturday 25th March, a parade through Lichfield will take place to mark the purchase of the lease of the Kings Head, the traditional home of the Regiment, by veterans of the Staffordshire Regiment. The Parade will start at 10.40am at The Cathedral, and will march to the Kings Head for the opening ceremony. At 11.05am there will be an act of Remembrance at the pub, and at 11.20am the ribbon cutting will take place in the presence of the Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Sheelagh James and Susie Lillingston, a descendant of Colonel Luke Lillingston. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the parade, to mark this historic event.

Shenstone Village Festival

2017 will see another biennial Village Festival in the village of Shenstone. Over the weekend of 23rd to 25th June, the community will again show-off and share its talents and treasures.

Initial planning has begun and it is intended to have the traditional attractions of Flower Festivals in the churches, some Open Gardens, Arts and Crafts exhibitions, a Classic Cars Cavalcade and activities for all ages. A concert will be held by each of the two churches plus the traditional Open Air Service and final Songs of Praise on the Sunday with a combined choir and orchestra.

The Co-ordinating Committee has already begun the preparations for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event and will be happy to receive offers of help from local people to ensure a warm welcome to their lovely village. Anyone willing to assist can get more details from the Festival Co-ordinator, Pauline Sampson, on 01543 480535.

Home welcome

Be Happy - with Belvoir the Lettings Specialists

o you have a property that you’d like to let? Are you an experienced landlord or new to property rentals? Renting out your property can make great financial sense, but can also be a complex process. Belvoir Estate and Letting Agents on Bore Street, Lichfield are the property letting experts, working closely with landlords to make letting your property hassle free. We not only find the right tenants for your property, but can also handle deposit and rent collection, legislation and legal compliance, property management and all of the day to day running, leaving you to relax.

Belvoir Lichfield is run and owned by Ben Goodyear, who has lived in the area all of his life and has an excellent knowledge of the local property and lettings market. Belvoir is also part of a large national network, giving landlords the best of both worlds – local knowledge and 40 years of experience in local lettings, plus the peace of mind of working with a national, award winning

• Buying • Selling • Renting • Letting

and highly regarded lettings expert. At Belvoir Lichfield, landlords have direct access to their own personal lettings expert, who knows you and knows your property. Belvoir pride themselves on their results. Be happy with Belvoir.

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

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

FROM Wednesday 1st March 10.00-12 noon loveART? ARTCLASS Beginner or Budding Artist? A different lesson each week! Try lots of different mediums, styles and areas of Art. Learn professional skills and top-tips. Short, fun, and easy! A 6 week half-term @£60 and ALL materials are provided! MORNINGS: Lichfield Garrick, Wednesdays 10.00-12.00noon EVENINGS: Hobbycraft Tamworth, Tuesdays 6.00-8.00pm some SUNDAYS: PaintingWorkshops, £15 ALL materials provided! 1.00-3.00pm Hobbycraft Tamworth Call/text 07855-156540 : see Facebook Page Sam Orton Milne Artist.

Friday March 10th The Nerve 9pm till 12 midnight, at The George IV, 34 Bore Street, Lichfield. The Nerve, after 20 years the UK's premiere Verve Tribute Band are back. Celebrating 20 years since the release of Urban Hymns and also featuring Richard Ashcroft's latest solo material. This gig will be dedicated to the memory of The Nerves drummer, Rob Dynarowski and the proceeds will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Admission £5, Tickets available on line via eventbrite; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thenerve-verve-tribute-tickets30823020484 or to purchase behind the bar. All proceeds will be donated to Macmillan. Call George IV on 01543 523025 or text/call 07846 259034 for more info or to reserve your ticket.

Saturday 11th March Motown and Soul Evening At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Come and enjoy a fantastic night of music and entertainment from Soul Kinda Wonderful who recreate the magic of the splendid Soul and Motown era. Includes a three course meal. £35 per person or from £139 for 2 with an overnight stay

Dr D’s Science Club at Erasmus Darwin House – British Science Week! Our science club for children between 7-11 is back with a bang! It’s British Science Week and the theme for our drop in day of activities is Colourful Chemistry & Brilliant Biology. Meet a genuine scientist and experiment with fun activities. Kids can collect stamps on their personalised passport to become a fully-fledged Dr Darwin Scientist and win a prize! FREE. 10am – 3pm. 01543 306260 enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org

Sunday 12th March Wedding Open Day 11am – 3pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751. See the Charter Suite dressed for a wedding, wander the grounds and chat to the friendly wedding co-ordinators. Exclusive offers on the day! Admission free

National Childbirth Trust Nearly New Sale. Sunday 12th March. 11:00am-12:30pm. Entry: £1.50 (donation to NCT charity) at Nether Stowe High School. Sale items include: maternity wears & goods, baby equipment, toys, books, games, puzzles, clothing & shoes for babies & children up to the age of 5. nns.lichfieldandtamworth@nct.org.u k

Back Room Swing Get your jazz feet down to George IV and join in this fabulously fun authentic swing dance evening. All welcome. 7:30pm to 10pm £4 admission. At George IV, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, 34 Bore Street, Lichfield.

Friday 17th March Adele Tribute Evening At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Winner of the National Tribute awards, Olivia Leigh’s uncanny resemblance to Adele and her singing voice guarantees a night to remember. Includes a three course meal. £35 per person or from £139 for 2 with an overnight stay

Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society Meetings held at The Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield. Friday 17 March 8 pm: Mappa Mundi: Hereford's Curious Map, talk by Sarah Arrowsmith. Friday 31 March 8 pm: Brocton German Prisoner of War Camp, talk by Beryl Holt. Visitors welcome, £3 at the door. Refreshments available from 7 30 pm. For more info call 01543 416144.

Saturday 18th March Plant Hunters’ Fair at the National Memorial Arboretum. Saturday 18th March 10am – 4.00pm Alrewas, DE13 7AR. FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair and Arboretum (P&D parking.) Popular plant fair featuring many highlyrespected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees and old heritage varieties. ALSO Plant Hunters’ Fair at Middleton Hall, Middleton, Nr Tamworth B78 2AE on Sunday 9th April (10am-4pm) entry to Plant Fair, Gardens and Hall only £2.00 Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Cellar Tour 2.30pm at Erasmus Darwin House. Step back in time with exclusive access to the cellars under the museum. Glimpse a hidden history of 13th Century Lichfield. Tickets £1.50, pre-book to avoid disappointment. 01543 306260, enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org

Lesley Smith as Mary Queen of Scots The Tamworth and Lichfield fundraising committee for Cancer Research UK are presenting an evening with Lesley Smith as Mary Queen of Scots at Boley Park Community Hall on 18th March 2017. Tickets are £15 to include wine and cheese. Doors open at 7pm, talk starts at 7.30pm. For tickets please contact Pauline on 07907519224 or tamworthlichfield4cruk@yahoo.co.u k

Monday March 20th Lichfield Embroiderers' Guild: A practical workshop. 7pm for 7.30pm at the Fire Station, Birmingham Road, Lichfield WS13 6HU. Plenty of parking. Please join us when we

will be stitching together to support the “Dress a Girl” campaign http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworl d.com/ Visitors very welcome - £4. For further information, please call Iva Davies on 01543 252177 or email iva@davies125.plus.com

Thursday 23rd March Lichfield Civic Society Talk Churchyard Memorials and Plaques. Speaker: Dr. Trevor James. The meeting commences at 7.45pm in The Lichfield Room, Wade Street Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6HS. Admission is free to members. Nonmembers are always welcome - £3 at the door.

Sunday 26th March Mother’s Day At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 and The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822. Give your Mum a treat this year with a delicious Mother’s Day lunch or a special Afternoon Tea at The George or Moor Hall– every Mum will receive a gift from us! Lunch: from £19.95 per person. Afternoon Tea: from £15 per person at The George, £24.95 per person at Moor Hall.

Alrewas Arts presents Budapest Cafe Orchestra In concert at Alrewas Village Hall. Powerful, driving folk-based music inspired by the tunes of gypsy campfires and Budapest cafe life, plus some popular themes from films and TV. Think also of blistering Cossack dances, and the ethnic music of Russia and the Ukraine. Sit back and enjoy slow ballads and the band's own compositions. An evening to savour and remember from musicians who have played with star performers worldwide. Book soon. Start 8.00 pm. Bar 7.15. Info and tickets (£9) from Lorna on 01283 790799

Sat April 29th Lichfield Gospel Choir in concert at St Chad’s Church Lichfield 7.30 pm. Tickets £10.00 to include refreshments, available from 01543 263973 or 01543 252036. Concert in aid of St Chad’s Foundation Trust

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