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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.
JANUARY 2017
In This Issue
6 Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The George Hotel Answer our anagram competition to win the perfect afternoon treat. 20 City Image Competition - WIN £200! Calling all photographers and artists. 22 In Fradley Fields By Kate Gomez.
40 A Window on the Past Starting out together.
44 Lichfield’s Community First Responders An interview with Mark Walker. 22
CITYLIFE CONTACTS
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Issue 11 JANUARY 2017
Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048
josscitylife@gmail.com
Advertising-
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.
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Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The George Hotel
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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
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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.
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 below, and rearrange the letters to find a light lunch fit for an Emperor!
ACADSARELAS ______
_____
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 Sunday 3rd February.
One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent.
* The George Hotel will contact the winner to arrange their prize, and may contact entrants with information, offers and news.
Congratulations to David Hanley of Shenstone who gave the correct answer of 'Dundee Cake' and solved the anagram in the December issue.
Divorce D-Day
The advent of a New Year is frequently the catalyst for change. Every January 1st thousands vow to give up smoking, to take up exercise and, in more life-changing cases, to end a relationship. Solicitors often refer to ‘Divorce D-Day’ on account of around 30% more divorce enquiries being made in January directly after the festive Helen Bradin, Partner Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP based on holiday period. Couples and families have often Beacon Street, Lichfield spent concentrated periods of time together over Christmas which can bring to a head underlying relationship issues that may have been simmering for months. A New Year is commonly a time when people re-evaluate their lives and what they want going forward. But filing for divorce is a big step. And, as some later discover, the grass is not always greener on the other side. So before taking such drastic action, mediation or counselling could help resolve areas of conflict. Relate, for instance, offers face to face, phone and online counselling if both partners are willing to fight for their marriage, then maybe it can still be saved. However, if divorce seems to be the only option because a relationship has broken down to such an extent that it cannot be repaired then consulting a solicitor is the best next step. There are over 100,000 divorces every year, around half of which involve children. Children are affected by a break-up so it is important to try to separate amicably and put their needs first by creating a parenting plan covering contact arrangements, holidays, keeping each other informed of school activities and illness. Children can live with either/both parent but when making decisions divorcing couples should consider the age of their children; their wishes and feelings especially if they are older; the potential impact of change on the children; where they go to school, their educational, physical and emotional needs; where the children’s friends and other family members live and whether there is adequate room for the children to live at either home. In divorce proceedings each party must fully disclose their financial and personal circumstances. Withholding information or hiding details of money from a lawyer is most definitely inadvisable. Generally, most people are able to agree on how to divide their finances – this may include cash payments, transfer of property/assets, maintenance and pension sharing. A ‘clean break’ can sometimes be achieved which may entail, for instance, a lump sum payment, a property transfer and no ongoing maintenance. However if there are inadequate assets for a clean break or there are other grounds, maintenance payments from one partner to another may be needed. There are a range of considerations that will determine financial settlements such as pre-owned assets, inherited assets, jointly owned assets, the length of the marriage, the age of the parties, ability to earn, living expenses and role in the marriage (e.g. who is the breadwinner). A solicitor will guide separating couples through the process including when is the right time to settle finances – doing so too early or too late could mean losing out. A final but important point to be aware of is that even when a split is amicable, it is vital to get everything in writing and formalised into an official settlement. Too often things can very quickly turn sour if one party verbally promises something but later goes back on their word. A formal agreement will prevent this and allow both parties to move on with their lives after divorce. For advice on family and other legal matters contact Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP on 01543 421840 for a consultation or email hcb@btksolicitors.com
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Lichfield Winter Beer Festival
27th/28th January 2017 Lichfield Guildhall
Lichfield Arts have ordered over 30 beers and ciders for the popular Winter Beer Festival, taking place on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January at Lichfield Guildhall. A broad range of real ales will be available at the festival including many from local and regional breweries. Also available will be a fine selection of traditional ciders and perrys, plus Lichfield Arts’ regular bar and Famous Pork Pies. The festival promises something to tickle everyone’s taste buds! In addition, there’s live music on both evenings by two of Lichfield’s most popular bands: On Friday live entertainment will be provided by 3’s Company performing superb covers of music from the 60s to the 90s. On Saturday Last Orders hit the stage with excellent musicianship and fine rock versions of classic tunes. Lichfield Arts Chair, Jeff Fowler commented: “This is a wonderful community event enjoyed by young and old, and a great way to get rid of those post Xmas blues.” Lichfield Winter Beer Festival is a very popular event, so if you’d like to bring a large party you are advised to book in advance. Tickets for the festival are now available and can be booked on www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or by calling 01543-262223. Tickets are £2 on both Friday and Saturday before 6pm, and £3 after 6pm.
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A Great Way to Tackle Post Christmas Clutter!
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By Jessica Forreseter, Auctioneer and Valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers
t’s that time of year once again when the post-Christmas blues take over. After the celebrations and festivities of the Christmas season are over and the new year has been rung in, you may be left with a hole in your wallet and a daunting amount of crockery, cutlery and glassware to find homes for, plus a number of kindly-given but unwanted Christmas gifts. This colossal tidying-up is where the auction world can really help. If you have decided that it is time to retire the old faithful dinner service or upgrade the glassware or crockery it is an ideal opportunity to drop them down to your local auction house for them to appraise and sell on your behalf. It really couldn’t be easier, all you have to do is drop off the items you wish to sell. You will be greeted by a polite, enthusiastic member of staff who will receive your boxes of goodies (after all, every day is like Christmas in an auction house!). You will be issued with a receipt for your items and then it is over to us to work our magic. Great delight and care is taken in examining the contents of boxes and discovering all the hidden treasures. They are then displayed, catalogued and photographed ready for auction. It is at this point that any items of particular interest will be selected for entry in our next appropriate Fine Art and Collectables Sale. The next step is for a pre-sale notification to be issued to you, the vendor. This will give you a sale date, lot number, full catalogue description and guide price of your items from our team of valuers. Following the sale being put on to the internet to assure a global reach, and viewing days at the auction house, it is auction day - the day all this behind the scenes preparation leads up to. As we work on commission, we do our very best to attract every last bid out of our buyers in an attempt to realise the highest price possible.
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You are of course always more than welcome to attend the sale to watch your items going under the gavel and watch our auctioneers work their magic on the rostrum! Gone are the days when your items would get knocked down to a bidder in the room, you can now enjoy the experience of watching your items being bid on via telephone bids and online from far flung countries. Often we find ourselves selling to the Americas, China and Australia through the use of technological advances and online bidding platforms. Post sale, a cheque, less our charges for lotting and 15% commission plus VAT will be issued to you in the post for you to enjoy. For items that are too large to bring to the saleroom yourselves, we offer a collection service as well as a free home visitation service. For further details please do not hesitate to contact us 01543 251081 or via our website www.richardwinterton.co.uk
Francesco Group Lichfield
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stablished for over eighteen years, Francesco Group Lichfield is one of the area’s most favoured hair salons. Centrally located in the Three Spires Shopping Centre, the salon is a shining example of the Group. Led by Franchisee, Alice Reeve, the expert team is on hand to create gorgeous bespoke styles while clients sit back, relax and enjoy their pampering experience. The salon is part of the award-winning Francesco Group that boasts 38 hairdressing salons across the country. There are also three training Academies, where team members are trained from foundation courses through to advanced hairdressing training and management courses. Training is something that Alice is particularly passionate about. Francesco Group has an outstanding training programme for Apprentices and qualified hairdressers alike, which ensure all students are fully prepared for salon life and are skilled and confident in delivering high-quality hairdressing. A dedicated In-Salon Trainer oversees all Apprentices in the salon and delivers cutting, styling and barbering training, whilst Master Colour Expert, Sarah, ensures their technical work meets the salon’s high standards. Francesco Group is proud of the high standards of hairdressing in their salons and insists on a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3, whereas the industry standard is NVQ Level 2. Once qualified, all stylists must also undertake a rigorous 8-week intensive training programme Finishing School to perfect their skills before work starts in the salon, which means you really are in the very best hands! The Francesco Group salon experience is about couture hairstyles personalised for you; the team carefully select haircuts and colours to create your perfect tailor-made look. Whether you want your classic style to be crafted by the salon’s specialists or fancy a bespoke, contemporary re-style, the team have extensive knowledge and experience of working with all hair types, for every occasion. So if you need a glamorous and memorable ‘do’ for your wedding day or a sophisticated style just, well, because; Francesco Group Lichfield will make sure you are delighted with your beautiful look. As well as the usual range of hairdressing services, the Lichfield salon boasts a highly trained Afro-Caribbean hairdressing specialist, who offers a range of services, from cuts and styles, relaxers, perms and treatments. With a high level of expertise and differing amounts of experience there is sure to be a stylist suited to your needs and budget. To find out more information about any member of our team simply contact the salon on 01543 416466 and our Front of House Team will find the perfect stylist for you!
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Who was the Greatest Darwin?
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rasmus Darwin House kick off the New Year with a packed programme of ‘full moon lectures’ and events, celebrating the lasting story of the Lunar Society. Erasmus Darwin was a physician by profession, but he was also an inventor, scientific writer and one of the widely-read poets of his time. His influence can be explored through his personal contacts and effervescent correspondence but his reputation has been overshadowed by that of his grandson Charles. Described by his biographer as a man ‘who probably achieved more in a wider range of disciplines than anyone since’ his genius is under scrutiny in a battle like no other. In the first Lunar Lecture of 2017, bona fide descendant, Christopher Darwin will deliver an entertaining talk and debate on both great Darwins, Erasmus and his grandson, evolutionary biologist Charles. The lasting impressions of these great men will be examined to conclude who indeed had the greatest impact. Together with Birmingham metal manufacturer Matthew Boulton, Erasmus Darwin (1731 – 1802) founded the Lunar Society. Alongside a group of industrious Midlands men, the Society put the City of Lichfield on the map by establishing it as a centre for natural philosophy. During their meetings, held on the night of the full moon to
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light their way home, the group discussed current scientific developments and contemporary social issues, pitched their latest discoveries and helped spark the Industrial Revolution. It is believed that these exclusive meetings took place in Erasmus Darwin’s former home on Beacon Street, now a free entry museum dedicated to his life and legacy. Erasmus’ success in his professional career was swift. He treated residents of Lichfield without taking a fee, but would charge handsomely for his richer patients. With formidable powers of observation, he treated his patients with great kindness, especially when dealing with mental illness. His medical reputation was so great that even King George III requested that he move to London to be the King’s personal physician but Darwin declined the offer. During the cutting of the Harecastle Tunnel on the Grand Trunk Canal, Darwin was given some fossil bones to identify. These were unlike any he had seen before and within two years he came to believe in what we now call biological evolution. Some time after, he wrote the epic poem The Temple of Nature tracing the progress of microscopic specks in primeval seas through fishes and amphibians to humankind. Although they never met, Erasmus’ theories of biological evolution by means of natural selection were
handed down to his grandson, Charles who made a case for biological evolution, earning Erasmus the title of ‘Grandfather of Evolution’. ‘Who is the Greatest Darwin?’ talk/debate on Thursday 12th January 7.30pm at College Hall, Lichfield Cathedral Close. £5 a ticket. Booking essential via 01543 306260, enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org or purchase a ticket from the Museum’s front desk.
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Lee Hurst Comedy at The Garrick
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Lee Hurst, one of Britain’s most-loved comedians, is back at The Garrick in January with an all-new show. The ‘They Think It's All Over’ team captain and ‘Have I Got News For You’ regular, is set to perform at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 13 January. Having earned his stripes over the last twenty years as a circuit comic, Lee was quickly promoted to being a regular face and household name on popular comedy panel shows. Lee Hurst is a no-nonsense comedian whose sole purpose is to make audiences laugh. His comedy shows include funny stories, quality gags and side-splitting observations. There are no gimmicks. There is no over-arching narrative journey or message. This is one man, a mic and his mind. The show is simple. The content is hilarious. See Lee Hurst at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 13 January 2017, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18.50, and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by call the box office on 01543 412121. This show is suitable for 16+.
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First artists for Lichfield Festival Announced
The first artists have been announced for one of the region’s cultural highlights of the year - the Lichfield Festival (7-15 July). Among many great names lined up for the multi-arts festival are The Halle orchestra, percussionist Evelyn Glennie, and world-famous gospel ensemble Black Voices. There are celebrations of Broadway legend Richard Rogers with stars from West End stage and opera houses; and Lichfield’s Georgian history is celebrated in events dedicated to Jane Austen and David Garrick. Added to this will be literary events, drama, film, dance, poetry, family shows and the Festival Market. Full programme details will be announced in the Spring. www.lichfieldfestival.org
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Friarsgate Investigatory works take place
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series of bore holes were drilled across the Friarsgate development site in Lichfield in December. In preparation for the flagship city centre development, Friarsgate, 16 bore holes in total were drilled into the ground to determine its geological composition. Four deep holes were drilled as part of the works. This includes one to the side of the multi-storey car park on Birmingham Road, one in the front garden of the house next to the police station on Frog Lane, and two on the grounds of the Tempest Ford garage and showroom. Twelve relatively shallow holes were also drilled. There were four on the grounds of Tempest Ford, three in the District Council House car park, three in the bus station car park, and a further two around the multi-storey car park. The contractor GeoDyne carried out the works on behalf of the Friarsgate developer, U+I. Richard Upton, Deputy CEO of U+I said: “We know local people are keen to see this area transformed, and we are delighted to be progressing with on-site activity. U+I is looking forward to continuing the partnership with the council to deliver this flagship scheme.” Friarsgate is set to bring new shops, restaurants, a cinema and gym, as well as housing and a new bus station and car park. To find out more about the development visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/friarsgate or www.visitfriarsgate.co.uk
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Burntwood’s 3G pitch refurbishment
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he Chairman of Lichfield District Council was joined by players from the Burntwood Dragons and Phoenix FC in December, to formally launch Burntwood’s synthetic football pitch. Players from Burntwood Dragons and Phoenix FC have been testing out the new third generation synthetic pitch surface, after the old one was replaced towards the end of last year. Work included removing the carpet and shock pad, repairing the base tarmac and surrounds, and installing the new 3G synthetic surface. The carpet is certified to FIFA 1 star standard and is filled with sand and topped with rubber crumb. Councillor David Salter, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “It was a pleasure to formally open this new and improved facility, and it’s fantastic that we are able to offer such a high quality pitch to Burntwood footballers.” With its soft plastic grass and loose rubber grains, Burntwood’s new pitch is as close as you can get to playing on real grass. And, as the springy surface absorbs impact and won’t get waterlogged, it means it can be used all year round. The 3G pitch can be booked in person at Burntwood Leisure Centre’s reception or by calling 01543 308810.
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City Image - calling all photographers and artists!
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his year, Citylife in Lichfield is launching its ‘City Image’ competition. Over the next 12 months we’d like to see your photographs, drawings and paintings of Lichfield and the surrounding area. Each month we’ll publish a selection of the work received, and the final winning image and artist/photographer (announced in the December 2017 issue) will receive a £200 prize and ‘City Image’ trophy. 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.
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The Cathedral Close by Carl Knibb
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One of the most intriguing recent discoveries is this scribble on the wall of one of the buildings believed to have been used to store ammunition.
In Fradley Fields By Kate Gomez
RAF Lichfield, or Fradley Aerodrome as it was sometimes known, was Staffordshire’s busiest airfield during the Second World War. At its peak there were over 3,500 people serving there. These serving personnel were made up of both men and women, as at Fradley (and other airfields up and down the country, women made an enormous contribution.
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Some of the women associated with RAF Lichfield were Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) pilots, who delivered aircraft to and from the base. It’s said that Amy Johnson was amongst them and that Johnson, the first female pilot to fly solo from Britain to Australia, was the first person to touch down on the runway when the airfield opened on 1st
August 1940, and 51 Maintenance Unit (M.U.) took up residence. Johnson lost her life on one of the ATA’s ferrying missions, flying an Airspeed Oxford from Prestwich to RAF Kidlington. After the war, the job of 51 M.U. was to break up aircraft. Although these were mostly recycled, according to David Mace of the Jet Age museum who contacted me early last year, some parts may have been dumped in the hedges and woodlands surrounding the airfield. Although nothing has turned up yet, several walks in the area have brought other new discoveries and so, I remain hopeful that some trace of the 900 Typhoons, 500 Liberators and 150 Fortresses broken up here might still remain in amongst the surviving hangars and other buildings.
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Happy New Year to all our customers
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They may have lost their lives but I’m determined that we don’t lose their stories, or the stories of the other ordinary men and women who were brought together at RAF Lichfield in extraordinary circumstances and loved, lived, laughed and cried here. In November, Lichfield Discovered and other local organisations held a community meeting in Fradley to discuss how best to carry on the work of the now defunct RAF Lichfield Association and continue to tell the stories of the airfield and its people. The newly formed Fradley Local History Group will be meeting in early 2017. Please contact me (Kate Gomez) at katelgomez@yahoo.co.uk for more information. If anyone would like to get involved, or has any stories or information to share regarding RAF Lichfield and those who served here, please do get in touch.
In Fradley Fields
Kate Gomez is the author of history blog Lichfield Lore, and one of the founding members of local history group Lichfield Discovered. Kate is currently working on her first book on the history of Staffordshire. 'The Little Book of Staffordshire' published by the History Press is due out in April.
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From 23rd April 1941, until the end of the war, RAF Lichfield was home to 27 O.T.U which trained crews mainly from Australia (you may have noticed a bench in The Close with a plaque commemorating the many Australian airmen who served at Fradley) plus some other Commonwealth countries before they went on to join their squadrons. Sadly, some didn’t get that far and many of those who were killed whilst training at Fradley are buried at the church of St Stephen in the village of Fradley.
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Sleeping Beauty at the Lichfield Garrick
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Review by Tom Roberts
ichfield Garrick has built up something of a reputation over the years for quality pantomimes that offer a strong alternative to the celebrity packed extravaganzas of the country’s bigger venues. It’s a reputation that has not been dented by this year’s offering. Panto is formulaic. Certain elements are always expected. It takes a skillful blend of good writing and pin point performances to keep both the kids and the adults happy. Woe betide any Producer that fails to tick the required boxes. It’s a form of theatre that offers no less of a challenge than ‘Hamlet’ - arguably more of one when you consider there are usually two shows every day! The challenge, here, is met with gusto. There is, of course, little that can be described as ‘traditional’ in most pantos. The original tale of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was unlikely to have featured ‘Madness’ dance routines or an appearance from ‘Honey G’. This production gets the balance right. It gives more than a nod to the characters and storyline of the original tale whilst throwing an exciting mix of comedy and show biz shenanigans into the pot. Highlights include a wonderfully written and performed sketch involving magazine and newspaper titles. Clever stuff, and an example of comedy that, on paper, would go over kids’ heads but it still works for them as they pick up on the energy and pace of the routine. A water slapstick scene is also a joy to watch as the two hapless characters get wetter by the minute. It’s one of those ‘elements’ that gets shoehorned in to most pantos but this is a classy example. Full credit to the technical team for turning the stage in to, effectively, a wet room. The risk assessment must have been hours of fun. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Giant toy soldiers, a fire breathing dragon and all manner of ‘flash bang wallop’ keep the gas on high from start to finish. Ben Thornton, as ‘Jangles’, is a non-stop gag machine. Armed with genuinely funny and topical material, his delivery and timing are spot on. ‘Pun-ditry’ of a very high level. Sam Rabone’s ‘Nurse Nellie’ combines the curves of a ‘lady’ with the voice of a Brummie steel-worker. Good ‘Dames’ are a dying breed. Rabone keeps the tradition very much alive. Fellas beware though. You might want to avoid sitting on the front row! Rebecca Keatley brings charm and order as Fairy Moonbeam. Her utter, smiley ’niceness’ contrasts beautifully with the dastardly vileness of her arch nemesis , Carabosse, played with impressive disdain by Siani Owen. Jo-Anne Stevens, as the eponymous ‘Beauty’ sings divinely and blends well with her swoon -inducing Prince, played by Lloyd Davies. Ian Billings crowns it all off as the dithering King.
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Crisp and lively choreography from Ashley Nottingham combined with Dave Culling’s tight musical arrangements just add further polish to a top notch production that hits all the right notes. This is the first collaboration between The Garrick and Evolution Pantomimes. On this evidence, it’s hopefully not the last.
Competition Winners
Christmas Tree Competition. Congratulations to Anna Allan of Burntwood who won a Christmas Tree courtesy of Curborough Countryside Centre. Spot The Snowmen Competition. Congratulations to Keith Danby of Shenstone who spotted all ten snowmen in the December issue.
Transforming the Feel of your Home with Fairway Curtains
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Soft furnishings are a wonderful way to transform your living space. f you’re thinking of adding or changing the cushions, throws, curtains, pelmets, tie-backs and blinds in your home, Fairway Curtains stock a comprehensive range of everything from contemporary and sleek to traditional and luxury curtains, cushions, fabrics and accessories. Fairway Curtains has been trading in the heart of Rugeley for 25 years, and for the last three years has been owned by Amanda Taylor, who has sewn all of her life and is an expert in choosing and making exactly the right curtains and accessories for you – all within budget and never compromising on quality and style. Not sure about the right design or fabric for your home? Pop into Fairway Curtains for an informal, no obligation chat for great advice and lots of options. Fairway also offers a made-to-measure service for curtains and blinds, and stocks a great selection of ready-made curtains. Made-to-measure and ready-made nets are also available. Made-to-measure curtains and nets can usually be provided within ten days of order and Fairway Curtains also offer a free measuring service. Amanda and the team can also offer one-off, bespoke pelmets and soft furnishings alongside a large range of tie-backs, poles, tracks, bedspreads and bed throws, haberdashery, sewing supplies and accessories. Simply need your existing curtains or blinds, or new purchases altered or updated? Amanda’s years of experience mean that she can alter and transform your curtains (using bead embellishment etc) to exactly fit your
specifications. Fairway Curtains are stockists of both made-to-measure and readymade curtains from Belfield Furnishings, Style Furnishings and Curtain Express, adding to an extensive range of ready-made curtains available in store and to order. Fairways Curtains’ fabric, threads and buttons ranges are ideal for dressmaking, quilting and creating your own soft furnishings, and cover both contemporary and traditional styles. Fairway is also a creative hub, with weekly sewing classes taking place every Wednesday at 10am till 12.30pm and 2pm till 4pm (£75 for a six week course). Fairway Curtains can be found at 3 Bow St, Rugeley WS15 2BT (Tel: 01889 579044) and are open every day (except Wednesday and Sunday) from 9.30am till 4.30pm
Win, Win, Win!
Citylife in Lichfield has got together with Fairway Curtains to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a set of four tartan scatter cushions and a cashmere feel throw worth £80! To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:* How long has Fairway Curtains been trading in Rugeley? A – 10 years B – 15 years C – 25 years Send your name, contact details and answer (A, B or C) to Fairway Curtains Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS or email josscitylife@gmail.com by the competition closing date of 20th January 2016. *Fairway Curtains will contact the winner to arrange their prize, and may contact entrants with information, offers and news.
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Laurence Jones
Lichfield Arts New Season L
ichfield Arts have announced their new Winter/Spring programme running from January through to June 2017. The programme is full of quality music and entertainment including folk, jazz, blues, jive and the ‘out of the ordinary’. The concerts, at Lichfield Guildhall, will include internationally recognised names such as Martin Carthy, Martin Taylor, Laurence Jones, Nancy Kerr, The Jive Aces and Craobh Rua. Local talents such as EnChanté and Fret and Fiddle will also feature. The line-up continues with bands who wowed audiences at 2016’s Fuse Festival - Little Brother Eli and The Jar Family. The Orange Circus Band (Americana/Cajun) will also be making their debut at the Guildhall. For more information, the full programme is available
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EnChanté
Jive Aces
online or from Lichfield Arts box office. Lichfield Arts events in January are a Ceilidh, a concert by French music band EnChanté and Lichfield Arts’ well-established Winter Beer Festival. There’s the chance to learn some barn-storming dance moves on January 8th when The Reel Hot Ceilidh Peppers appear again after a very popular Ceilidh in September. Everyone is welcome whether they know the steps or have never tried Ceilidh dancing before. EnChanté will be bringing the laid back ambience of Left Bank Paris to the Guildhall when they appear on Friday 20th January. French Singer-Songwriter Jocelyne began her musical career in Paris and member Ron Thomas is a highly talented classical guitarist from the Birmingham Conservatoire, while Nick
Martin Carthy
Thompson’s experience as a double bass player spans several decades. The recent addition of accordionist Paul Strach means EnChanté can express their music fully. Lichfield Arts final event for January is the Lichfield Winter Beer Festival on Friday and Saturday 27th and 28th January. Chris Newcombe, Lichfield Arts artistic director said: “Our January events should please people with very different tastes. Whether you want to dance to a live Ceilidh band, enjoy music with a strong French flavour or sample some of the best local real ales, Lichfield Guildhall will be the place to go. As always, the Lichfield Arts team promise a warm welcome.” Tickets and details for all events are available online at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or from Lichfield Arts box office on 01543 262223. See Lichfield Arts on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
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ACE Dance and Music comes to Lichfield
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irmingham-based dance company, ACE is bringing its new thought provoking production, TEN to the Lichfield Garrick stage in January. To celebrate 20 years of creating and touring dance shows, ACE have reunited with choreographer Jose Agundo to make this thought provoking full-length dance production. Performed at the Lichfield Garrick theatre on 27 January, TEN will explore humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 – the universal symbol of completion.
At a time when more and more people across the world find themselves leaving their own lands, ideas of home and belonging are changing. Full of both intense physical power and very human fragility, TEN explores the concepts of moving away and leaving, looking at how and why people choose previously unimagined
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destinies over the lives they'd always thought they'd live.
The carefully chosen creative team each bring with them diverse world cultures and experience to the making of this piece. The collaboration with Jose Agudo delivers hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary underpinned by the ACE dance and music inimitable African style. Music composition by Giuliano Modarelli layer a haunting guitar melody onto the stories, combined with a powerful and dynamic soundscape created in collaboration with Beautiful Noise (Vincenzo Lamagna). TEN runs at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 27 January 2017, from 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £12 (£10 for students), and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by call the box office on 01543 412121.
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Funding To Help Tackle Potholes
unding to help towards tackling the worst potholes on Staffordshire’s roads has been welcomed by the county’s highways chief.
As part of the national Pothole Action Fund, Staffordshire County Council has been awarded almost £1.6 million to help towards repairing potholes in the county in 2017/18 – an increase of around £500,000 on last year. Although the core grant for road maintenance has also reduced, Mark Deaville, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said the council was determined to get maximum value and efficiencies for every pound spent. Mark said: “Maintaining good roads are important to the council, to local communities and to businesses and any further investment to tackle potholes is always welcome. “This year we used some of the pothole money to bring in three “pothole blitzing” roadmaster machines into the county and we will now be looking at how we can invest this allocation to get the maximum benefits for road users and the best value for money for taxpayers. The Department for Transport has announced the “pothole fund” for Staffordshire in 2017/18 will be £1,582m compared to £1,069m in 2016/17. The core grant for maintenance will be £17,848m compared to £18,405m.
Wishing all our customers a Happy New Year
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Spreading The Love Across The District
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Good causes from across the district received the perfect Christmas present in December as they shared more than £7,000 from the We Love Lichfield fund.
t a special presentation at The George Hotel in Lichfield on Friday 2nd December, representatives gathered to receive cheques from the fund which aims to help those who ‘make a difference’ in our area.
Hosted by We Love Lichfield patrons Simon Price and Julian Fisher the event saw 12 organisations benefit including: 2nd Stowe Rainbows, £300; Acoustic guitar group Lichfield U3A, £500; Saxon Hill Craft Barn, £500; Open Door of Hope, £500; Parkinson's UK, £505; Whittington Wednesday Club, £600; The Lichfield and District Live at Home Scheme, £720; Friends of the Museum of the Staffordshire Regiment, £750; 6th Lichfield Scout Group, £750; City Of Lichfield Friends, £750; Staffordshire Buddies, £875 and Pathway project, £1,000.
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Simon Price commented: “We have hit two landmarks today. Today we will have given back over £50,000 to the community and helped 99 different organisations."
Simon thanked the mayor of Lichfield Councillor Sheelagh James and Sheriff Cllr Robert Yardley for attending and for both making We Love Lichfield one of their two charities of choice for their year in office. He also thanked various organisations who had donated vouchers to the recipient groups. The vouchers are as special gifts to the volunteers who give up their time to help others. Gifts included vouchers from Arthur Price, Anthony John Salons, Worth Brothers and The George Hotel.
Simon added that volunteers in the Lichfield district are “remarkable people" and he feels society would collapse without them: "I would like to thank all of the volunteers present and who are finding it harder and harder to get funding. I and my fellow patrons at We Love Lichfield are going to work very hard to raise funds for groups in the future, and everyone is looking forward to the next giveaway when the 100th recipient will be announced." For more information visit www.welovelichfield.com.
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Come and visit the AWARD WINNING
Bookings now being taken for Chinese New Year Celebrations 29th to 31st Jan Sun 29th Jan Fully Booked
Book for Valentine’s Day
• • • •
Established over 20 years
Surrounded by 3 car parks. All free after 6.30pm
Superb menu with a vast choice selection. 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
J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD & ALREWAS
NOW LICHFIELD & ALREWAS’S ONLY FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS 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, 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
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Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
01283 792923
36 Main Street, Alrewas, Burton Upon Trent. DE13 7AA
Badges Plus
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adges Plus Limited combine traditional skills with new technology so that they are able to respond to market trends quickly and efficiently. The family-run business based in Birmingham has grown in the last 35 years to become the largest badge manufacturer in the UK. All of their customers are welcome to come and see their custom badges being made at any time. They specalise in school, charity, corporate, bespoke and personalised ID badges.
Not only do they produce badges but also: school badges; bespoke badges; cloth badges; conference badges; corporate name badges; custom made badges; enamel cufflinks; gold cufflinks; custom-made cufflinks; designer wristbands; die struck badges; embroidered badges; enamel badges; glitter badges; metal name badges; personalised badges; plastic name badges; promotional badges; security badges and silicone wristbands.
Badges Plus can help you and your organisation with a wide variety of other products. Their knowledge of the promotional merchandise market means they have helped customers with products such as stickers, plaques, balloons and stationary to name a few.
Using over 35 years of experience in supplying promotional merchandise, they can help you with a wide variety of promotional merchandise. They have worked with many organisations from small clubs and schools, to very large charities and corporate companies. Their staff can offer technical support and advice, while their design team will help prepare your artwork to be manufactured.
If you’re looking for the perfect promotional merchandise, or need help or advice in sourcing the right product, just give them a call. Badges Plus Limited, 70 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3NG. 0121 236 1612 Facebook: Badges Plus
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A Window on the Past
Starting Out Together
Thank you to members of the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for sharing these pictures of their happy days. 1. Andrew and Bernadette Moore in 2016 2. Adam and Keshia Wright in 2014
3. Jamie and Lucy Lett in 2003
4. Stephen and Michelle O'Neill in 2016
5. Richard and Julie Crisp in 2007 40
6. Kay Bywater with her late husband Geoff in 1968
The February issue of Citylife in Lichfield will be our Bridal issue, but inspired by our readers who have become engaged over the Christmas period (congratulations!), we bring you here a selection of Lichfeldian’s tying the knot. Fashions may change but these beautiful brides and happy grooms are timeless.
7. Thank you to Linda Downton, who has shared with us this picture of her parents’ Clive and Gladys Wilkinson’s wedding day in 1944
8. John and Nicola Green in 2015
9. Wayne and Sharon Hutchings in 1999 For more memories, pictures and stories, visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if’ or go along to their next meeting on Tuesday February 14th at 7pm at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, WS13 6TS. For more information call 01543 416393 or 01543 268842
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Capturing the Cathedral
arlier this year, Lichfield Cathedral, working with Peter Walker, the Cathedral’s Artist in Residence, invited artists to participate in an exciting new competition to capture Lichfield Cathedral in a new way. For one afternoon on Saturday 20th August, artists were invited to set up their easels and tripods to paint or photograph the Cathedral. In October a panel selected the best images from the afternoon and the winning artist was Lichfield professional artist Carl Knibb. Carl’s winning painting entitled ‘Pilgrims’ will be featured in an exhibition at the Cathedral this summer. This special exhibition will showcase a number of works by Masters, including Lichfield Cathedral from the South West painted in 1832 by J W Turner. Carls painting will also be framed by one of the leading framers in the UK, Kingswood Frames, in preparation for the exhibition. The winning photograph by Dawn Jutton (from the photography category) will be printed as a 20x30 inch canvas print provided by Frosts Photo Centre, again in preparation for the exhibition. Carl Knibb works from his studio ‘Lion House Art’ at Curborough Countryside Centre on Watery Lane, Lichfield, and exhibits in a number of galleries including Artifex, Sutton Coldfield and Emporium on Bird Street, Lichfield. Carl specialises in capturing the ‘light’ of the city and county of Staffordshire. From 2nd January and throughout the month, Carl will be exhibiting works of Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Staffordshire in an exhibition at Artifex Gallery, The Mitchells Centre, Weeford Rd, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6NA
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Alex Nicholson Ward, Peter Walker and Carl Knibb
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Lichfield’s Community First Responders
By Joss Musgrove Knibb
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ecently, I met Mark Walker, Lichfield resident and Lichfield Trent Valley Community First Responders. I am one of co-ordinator of the Lichfield Trent Valley the Co-ordinators in the group alongside Helen Lee. J.M.K: What do Lichfield Trent Valley Community First Community First Responders, to talk about the vitally Responders do? important work that they do. M.W: In our free time we book on with the ambulance service
JMK: How did you initially get involved with the Community First Responders? M.W: Back in 1999 I was part of a group of people who were assisting the emergency services during inclement weather with 4x4 vehicles – so if we had snow, floods etc we would transport hospital staff and District Nurses around, or patients that needed hospital treatment. We were on call 24 hours a day. The rapport that we had with the EPU (Emergency Planning Unit) meant that we then asked ‘what else can we do for you, as you only call us if there’s snow or bad weather’, and the response was ‘Staffordshire hasn’t got a Search and Rescue team’. We said, ‘it’s not going to happen overnight but we will go down the lines of setting up a Search and Rescue team’, and myself and these people got together, made some enquires and that is when the Staffordshire Search and Rescue team was born. This then led on to the advanced medical training which assisted in the creation of 44
via the radio network and respond to any 999 emergency calls, taken by the Ambulance service, within the surrounding areas. That can be anything from somebody who’s had a fall, to a road traffic collision or a cardiac arrest. One minute you can be sitting there watching the telly and the next minute, that’s it, you’re off. J.M.K: What’s your job as Co-ordinator? M.W: We set up a calendar within the group and ensure that everybody has time to see the calendar and to do the shifts. There’s a minimum commitment of 16 hours a month but we do understand that, as we’re all volunteers, people have family lives and work commitments, but we encourage them to get involved either going out solo or as a crew. We also arrange fund-raising events and apply for grants because we have no government income at all. The only money that we get in is from bequests, donations, grants - things like that. Initially it was our own money that was used to start the group.
J.M.K: What training do you receive? M.W: All training is provided by the ambulance service under the First Responder training programme which is renewed every 12 months, plus a three yearly major review. We’re not as qualified as a paramedic, we’re more along the lines of just below a technician. However, that will not degrade any treatment that is given. One of the major benefits of First Responders is that we have the time - a lot of the time somebody who’s had a fall - all they really want is to be lifted up, sat down and talk to somebody. Sometimes we’re called out to an older person who has fallen and who maybe hasn’t had a visitor for three days, especially through the winter. We go in and make sure they’re OK, check if they have any injuries, sit them in a chair, make them toast and a cup of tea and sit with them. We don’t leave until the ambulance crew arrives. We’re there to fill the gap, prioritise and treat, between the phone call and the ambulance arriving. J.M.K: Can you tell me about a situation where your arrival has saved lives? M.K: On one occasion I was on the way to an incident where someone had fallen and injured themselves. As we were travelling through Lichfield, a red call, or priority call came through that somebody had gone into cardiac arrest, and they asked if we could divert. Seconds prior to the message coming through I was passing the end of the road where the person was. I went straight into the residence where somebody was performing CPR on a bed. I told them we need to get this person on to the floor, and they said they couldn’t as they’d got osteoporosis. I said ‘I’m sorry but they’re clinically dead. Let’s get them on the floor’. We commenced CPR using our training and the paramedic arrived. By the time he’d cannulated we’d got a heart rhythm back. The person was then transported to the hospital with assisted breathing and the heart was beating. At the end of the shift I called up to ask the current situation with this person, and was told that they were sitting up in recuss, having a cup of tea. Really, within the Lichfield area, we can be on scene in five minutes or less. If someone’s got a breathing problem we can actually stabilise the breathing just by calming them down so that when the ambulance crew get there they can get a better idea of the problem. Alternatively, we make initial observations, and if it’s critical we can request additional specialised support, while maintaining life before the crew gets there. We can be on-scene quickly purely because of the geographic location of the incident or ourselves. J.M.K: Are you trained to deal with most scenarios? For instance, someone going into labour? M.K: The basic training that we’re given is a package that is primarily life support. Then we’re given extra modules that cover labour and all sorts of medical conditions. We are trained to use drugs and to support the person or assist in any way possible. J.M.K: Do you transport people to hospital? M.W: We don’t transport a person for treatment, but if the ambulance crew has transported someone to hospital, and there’s anyone with them who needs to get back to their car we can take them. If someone has fallen perhaps and they’re with a partner in town, we can run the partner home so they can get the car, keys
etc. J.M.K: How big is the team? We have six in Lichfield and Trent Valley First Responders. At the end of the day we’re providing a voluntary service, but we need to get that vehicle out as much as possible. However, the more it’s out the more it costs us. Blue light training (where a responder is able to drive a car with blue lights on is very expensive, and we have to pay for that, plus uniforms, car insurance and all of our responders are covered under insurance. J.M.K: Why did you get involved? M.W: Personally, it’s because I’m a Lichfeldian, born and bred. Lichfield has changed into a much bigger place and I want to put something back into our local community - showing how volunteering can be so rewarding. J.M.K: How can the public support first responders? M.W: We get no funding from government. We had to buy the car, and our uniforms ourselves, so the biggest way people can help is through donations, or by offering to come and fundraise. If you’ve got an event running we can supply you with Community First Responders buckets/tins and display boards. You can get in touch with us via our Facebook page, Lichfield Community First Responders, and we’re based at the Fire Station, so anyone can pop a letter in here for us for the attention of Community First Responders. We are starting life support sessions at the Fire Station this year where we will be teaching people basic life support - things that can save people’s, lives. It runs for 2 hours and is free, we just ask for a donation. J.M.K: How would someone become a First Responder? M.W: To become a First Responder you have to go online to the NHS jobs page and type in community first responder, and there is an advert there for all areas. Enter your information and the ambulance service will be in touch. We are very grateful for the support we have been given from organisations such as the Rotary Club of St Chad, Lichfield Lions, We Love Lichfield and Lichfield Round Table. T Turner Autos look after our vehicle for us and quite often all we do is pay for the parts. We would also like to thank the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for the use of the facilities at the new Fire Station, allowing us to garage the Responder car there too. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of the community.
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Happy New Electoral register published T Year!
So here we are in a brand new year. Citylife in Lichfield magazine started life in January 2016, so this month we're marking a year since four Lichfeldians - Joss Musgrove Knibb, Helen Smith, Rebecca Hill and Steve Brown sat down to create the very first issue of Citylife. Since then the team has grown, and although we work hard to bring you the very best magazine that we can, we've also enjoyed every single day of reporting on this vibrant and fascinating city. We'd like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2017. May it bring you everything you wish for. We're proud of our city, and we're proud of the people who live in it. We're all part of a place that is truly unique - long may it prosper. Joss Musgrove Knibb, Editor
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he new electoral register for Lichfield District has recently been published. Throughout October and November Lichfield District Council contacted local households to make sure all local people who are eligible to vote are on the electoral register. As a result most people are on it and are registered. Anyone who has not registered to vote should do so now to make sure they don’t lose out. Not being registered means you can’t vote and it can affect your credit rating. Diane Tilley, Electoral Registration Officer at Lichfield District Council, said: “We’ve worked hard to get as many local people as we can on the electoral register and registered to vote. If you haven’t registered to vote in the past, or if you’ve recently turned 18, moved house or have just got married, you will need to register. It only takes just a few minutes and there is no need to print out, post or sign any forms.” To register to vote visit www.gov.uk/registertovote. You will need your national insurance number to hand as well as your date of birth. If you do not have access to the internet, call Lichfield District Council’s elections team on 01543 308125. The next elections in Lichfield are on 4 May 2017, when eligible voters will be asked to elect their local county councillor. If you struggle to vote on the day in person, you can apply for a postal vote now by emailing elections@lichfielddc.gov.uk, calling 01543 308125 or visiting www.gov.uk/voting-in-the-uk
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Undiscovered Treasures
he life of a Fine Art Valuer is one of many surprises. One never knows what each day will have in store. One day could be spent cataloguing, the other could involve being called to a country house in Devon. Recently, Hansons Auctioneers Associate Director Adrian Rathbone received a phone call to go up to the Scottish borders to look at the contents of a container. Adrian commented on his experience: “There was no real indication of what was in the container other than the collection of a (now deceased) prominent Hong Kong lawyer who had a passion for collecting antiques many years ago. I felt like Howard Carter when he discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. As the doors of the metal vessel opened I caught a glimpse of silver glistening in the shaded light - faint images of horses and the outline of some old furniture. In the open light of day all was revealed. I was presented with a magnificent single owner collection of the finest antique silver, a stunning William III
bracket clock and numerous canvasses of equestrian art. It was certainly a case of treasure. An Auctioneer’s dream come true. The collection is remarkable for the quality of silver and for the largest assortment of important sporting paintings I have handled in my career to date.” Included were significant equestrian paintings by John Frederick Herring and other 19th century important artists such as John E. Ferneley, Sawry Gilpin, James Polland and Adrian Jones. A highlight is an important selection of silver which includes, a rare silver Warwick gilt trophy with matching silver gilt salts, (valued at £15,000), a pair of Septimus Beresford cast silver figural candlesticks, (£8,000) a pair of Garrard silver candlesticks and a pair of George III silver entree dishes in Old Sheffield Plate twin handled stands. The William III ebonised bracket clock by Benjamin Merriman with engraved foliate scroll decoration and had been valued at £6,000 £8,000. “The contents belonged to a high ranking lawyer in Hong Kong with a wonderful home. They had been housed in three containers where they had been languishing for twenty years. Once back at the auction centre it was like Christmas - unpacking boxes and newspapers dating back to the mid-1990s to expose such wonderful treasures.” The collection was offered in Hansons Christmas Fine Art Auction in Etwall. Find out if you are sitting on hidden treasures at free jewellery, antiques and collectables valuation days held every Monday in Lichfield from 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Rd. The event is held in aid of St Giles Hospice. Free home visits can be arranged for large/multiple items, house clearance or downsizing advice.
For more information, please contact Hansons Auctioneers on 01283 733988 or email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
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Small Changes for Big Results
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So here we are at the start of a new year. 2017 lies ahead and we hope that it brings you all everything you’d wish for. anuary is traditionally a time for new resolutions, and after a few to many mince pies over Christmas, many of us are thinking of ways to get fitter in the coming months. We all know that healthy eating and exercise are key, but there are some small changes to our daily routines that we can all make that improve both health and wellbeing. We present here a list of seven of the best small changes for big results. 1. Treat Yourself You’re probably a great friend – remembering birthdays and offering help when needed. It’s often true however that those who care about others, sometimes forget to look after themselves too. Treating yourself might be as simple as taking a little time out to do the things that you like to do. This year why not join a choir, or learn a new skill; book the occasional beauty or spa treatment or just schedule in time to read a book or see old friend? It’s a great route to happiness and I bet you deserve it. 2. Get a Pet If you have the time, space, lifestyle and means, adding a furry friend to the family has wonderful health benefits. Walking your pet is a great way to add a little exercise, and stroking pets has been proven to have remarkable stress-busting properties. 3. Eat an Apple a Day That old adage ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ may well be true! Apples are remarkable little packages of all sorts of health giving nutrients. They include antioxidants, flavanoids, fiber and phytonutrients and have been linked to a reduction in the development of cancer, highblood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. They also taste great!
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Disabled access at Lichfield Trent Valley Station
ears that work to provide access by lift to all three platforms at Lichfield Trent Valley railway station would be delayed until beyond 2020 have been dispelled. In a letter to Michael Fabricant MP, Paul Maynard, the Rail Minister, has said that work will commence this year and be completed by 2019 at the very latest. Michael Fabricant commented: “I am delighted with this news. Disabled access – and access for those with babies and luggage at Lichfield Trent Valley has been a long campaign of mine and I have raised it several times in the House of Commons. “There was a very real fear that the Autumn Statement a couple of weeks backs would not have provided the Department of Transport with the funds needed to undertake this work and we were all holding our breath. But the Treasury have come through and I hope that the construction will all be completed in 2018. It will involve two lifts: one at the north platform and one at the south platform both linking to the overhead crosscity line platform.” Photograph shows Michael pointing
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out the stairs to the overhead platform
4. Sleep More This is a hard one. Our lives are so busy that getting eight hours of quality sleep a night can seem pretty impossible. Sleep is when the body repairs itself – including the repair of vital blood vessels and your heart. Lack of sleep raises stress levels and long-term sleep deprivation has been linked to stroke and high-blood pressure. Simply making sure that your curtains are thick enough to block out extraneous light, keeping your bedroom cool (but not cold!) and banning the TV can work wonders. 5. Take a Book to Bed Ten minutes of a good book before bed has been linked to a decrease in mild anxiety, and is a great way to prepare the mind for sleep. 6. Turn off Your Smart Phone We all know the feeling, it’s 9pm and work emails are still appearing on your smartphone. When you know it’s there, it’s incredibly difficult to ignore, so pick a time when you put your smartphone away. The blue toned light that smartphone screens emit has also been linked to sleep deprivation, as it stops our bodies producing melatonin before bedtime, the substance that helps us sleep. 7. Spend Time Outdoors This is particularly important in the dark winter months, when we might go to work in the dark and come home in darkness too. Natural light does wonderful things – it helps production of vitamin D, makes us happier and can even help us heal faster! * Please check with your GP before making any changes that could affect your health.
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Writing Group at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
any of our New Year's resolutions include taking up a new hobby, making time for our interests or doing something creative, and the writing group at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is the perfect place to start! Meeting on Saturday the 14th January at 2pm, and the second Saturday of every month apart from July and August, the peaceful surroundings of the historic house provide the perfect backdrop for inspiration. The monthly meetings are facilitated by Charlotte Rigarlsford who is an experienced creative writing tutor and dedicated to encouraging creativity. Each month a new prompt or idea will be introduced with topics as diverse as First Lines, Characters, Shakespeare, Feasts and Travel as inspiration planned throughout 2017. During the session writers will freewrite for approximately 30 minutes and then discuss their pieces or writing that is brought along to workshop - it could be your own, or a piece that has inspired you. The group is very informal and friendly, and seeks to support writers at all levels. An interest in creative writing is all you need. There is no fee and entrance to the Museum is free of charge too, but if you plan to attend please book with Charlotte by emailing dottielottie@me.com or calling the Birthplace Museum on 01543 264 972.
CLASSIFIED To Advertise please contact our classified team on
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Studio R & R Photography MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
Earn extra money delivering magazines in your area. Must be over 16
Call Marie 07548 682576
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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 January
Until Monday 23rd January Lichfield Tennis League Play friendly, competitive singles matches in the Lichfield Tennis League. Men and women of all standards welcome. Players are organised into groups of a similar level and arrange their own matches at a mutually convenient time over 8 weeks between 26 January and 22 March. Any court that suits both players can be used. Entry 15 by Monday 23 January at https://localtennisleagues.com/lichfield
Saturday 7th January Erasmus Darwin Cellar Tour 2.30pm. 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 At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD Sunday 8th January Wedding Open Day 12pm - 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird
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Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822. Come along and see just how lovely your wedding day could be at The George! Admission free.
Sunday 8th January 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 our wedding coordinators. Admission free
Wednesday 11th January Lichfield U3A Meeting and Talk At our next Main Meeting on 11th January the topic will be Crime Doesn't Pay by Jill Sly. At Lichfield Guildhall at 2pm.Cost: £2. Lichfield U3A is a ‘self-help’ organisation in which members are invited to share their talents and interests and take part in interest and activity groups which mostly meet regularly each month. Annual membership is £12. There are now over 500 members who are retired or in part-time employment.
Thursday 12th January Lunar Lecture: ‘Who is the Greatest Darwin?’ 7.30pm. Join us as we continue to celebrate L i c h f i e l d ’s links to the w o r l d renowned L u n a r Society, w h i c h
shaped the world we live in, and helped spark the Industrial Revolution. This talk is delivered by a Darwin descendant exploring the impact of both great Darwins, Erasmus and Charles. Tickets £5, booking essential. 01543 306260, enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org. Please note this lecture is taking place at College Hall, Cathedral Close.
Saturday 14th January Dr D’s Science Club 10am – 12pm. Our science club for children between 7-11 is back with a bang! Meet a genuine scientist and experiment with hands-on activities. Collect stamps on a personalised passport to become a fully-fledged Dr Darwin Scientist and win a prize. £4 per child (reductions for siblings). Parents may wish to attend with their children although all staff can fully supervise. Booking essential 01543 306260, equiries@erasmusdarwin.org At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD
Wednesday 18th January South East Staffordshire Association of National Trust Members. Meetings held at The Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield at 7.30 pm. Wednesday 18 January talk: Bletchley Park: Britain's Espionage Factory, talk by Bob Horner. Members £2, non-members £4. For more info call 01543 416144.
Saturday 21st January Erasmus Darwin Cellar Tour 2.30pm. 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 At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD
Saturday 21st & Saturday 28th January Burns Night Celebrations Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s best loved bard with a 3 course meal and dancing to an authentic ceilidh band. £39.50 per person or from £145 for two people to include an overnight stay with full English breakfast.
Sunday 22nd January Wedding Fayre 11am to 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 A wide range of exhibitors will be on hand to help you organise your very special day. Free admission & £100 worth of vouchers to be won!
Sunday 29th January House Bridge Drive 2pm – 5pm. Join the Friends of Erasmus Darwin House for an afternoon of friendly rubber bridge with tea and cake for suggested donation of £5. Prizes for the winning pair, no disputes or post mortems! Proceeds go to the upkeep of a beautiful Georgian townhouse. If you require a partner call Jayne (01543 253326) or Carol (01543 255903). At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD.
Saturday 4th February Dr D’s Science Club Our science club for children between 7-11 is back with a bang! Meet a genuine scientist and experiment with hands-on activities. Collect stamps on a personalised passport to become a fully-fledged Dr Darwin Scientist and win a prize. £4 per child (reductions for siblings). Parents may wish to attend with their children although all staff can fully supervise. Booking essential 01543 306260, equiries@erasmusdarwin.org At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD
Erasmus Darwin Cellar Tour 2.30pm 2.30pm. 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 At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD.