Citylife in Lichfield February 2019 by Citylife In Lichfield

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 josscitylife@gmail.com Deputy Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632

kristencitylife@gmail.com Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com Advertising -

Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Adele Edwards 07729 590072 adelecitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In Lichfield

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

e n i z a g a M l a c o Your L

Inside...

6 Win a Spa Day with Afternoon Tea A day of relaxation for two at Hoar Cross Hall

............................. 8 Win a Meal for Two Enjoy a taste of the countryside at The Strawberry Cabin

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24 Lovers of Lichfield Jono Oates takes a look at the history of Valentine's Day in Lichfield

............................. 36 Memories of a City Photo-cards bring to life the people of Lichfield's past

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40 Love is in the Air Treat your loved one with our Valentine's Gift Guide

Win an afternoon tea spa day for two at Hoar Cross Hall

Hoar Cross Hall has combined two of the finer things in life, a luxurious spa day and a sumptuos afternoon tea, and is giving you the chance to win this fabulous experience! Set in 50 acres of quintessential English countryside, Hoar Cross Hall is a magnificent stately home with an onsite spa, from tranquil pools and water therapies to aqua detox and sensory showers, the luxury spa facilities provide top-to-toe relaxation for both body and mind. Facilities include two beautiful pools for relaxing and swimming: a saltwater vitality pool and a hydrotherapy pool, along with sensory showers and Nordic heat and ice suite, offering a unique sensory experience. The four different zones are designed to stimulate different senses, leaving you feeling refreshed and relaxed. This spa day promises to be a whole day of relaxation and to really finish off the experience, you will get a glass of Prosecco to complement those cakes perfectly.

This fabulous prize includes:

• Arrival from 8.30am • A welcome drink and an introduction to the spa • Use of a luxury robe, fluffy towels and pampering spa products in our changing rooms • Full use of our spa and leisure facilities, with access to a programme of fitness and relaxation classes and a range of outdoor activities, including cycling, tennis and archery • Full afternoon tea with a glass of Prosecco • Depart by 5:30pm.

To win a Hoar Cross Hall afternoon tea spa day, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find the name of a relaxing activity that you can enjoy whilst at the spa.

IMSNGWMI _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Hoar Cross Competition* at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Saturday 23rd February 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy go to citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk. Full competition terms and conditions on page 57.

Win a Meal for Two at The Strawberry Cabin

Looking for a little taste of the countryside in Staffordshire? Look no further! The Strawberry Cabin Tea Room and Restaurant serves delicious food catering for breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas, as well offering a range of mouth-watering cakes.

Love is definitely in the air this month, so take a look at The Strawberry Cabin’s sumptuous Valentine’s Menu and you too could be taking in the countryside views and rural setting of Manor Farm over a glass of bubbly.

There’s a whole host of events taking place at The Strawberry Cabin over the next 12 months, so keep up-to-date at www.strawberrycabin.co.uk. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: The Strawberry Cabin.

Would you like to treat that special person in your life? Enter our fantastic competition for your chance to win a meal for two at The Strawberry Cabin!

Question:

In classical mythology, what is the name of the God of Love? Often portrayed as a cherub, he is famous for shooting his bow and arrow at potential lovers.

a) b) c)

Zeus Cupid Apollo

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to The Strawberry Cabin Competition, at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of 23rd February 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy go to citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk. Full competition terms and conditions on page 42.

14th February 2019

On 14th February 2019

‘

Hall Green Greyhound Trust

By Lauren Hirst

ove is in the air this Valentine’s Day so why not spend it with someone who adores you? After all, no one loves you like your dog! To celebrate the special bond that exists between humans and dogs, the Greyhound Ronnie is looking for love Trust Hall Green, together with Reverend Linda Collins, is holding a ‘We Love Dogs’ Valentine’s Pet Service and Meet & Greet at St. Michael’s Church in Lichfield on Saturday 16 February. Several of Hall Green’s homeless hounds will be at the service looking for their special someone. Now that their racing careers are over, all they want is a home where they can be loved as someone’s pet. Greyhounds retire between the ages of two and five years of age so have many years of love to give. Everyone is welcome to attend with refreshments available for both humans and hounds. Doors open at 11:30am and the service starts at noon. There will also be a ‘Paws for Remembrance’ event at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, where visitors and their pooches can wander along the dog-friendly pathways and take advantage of free health checks being offered by the PDSA.Takes place on Sunday 10 February from 10am4pm. To find out more about adopting a greyhound or becoming a volunteer for the Trust, ring 0121 426 4810, visit www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Lichfield Mysteries ..........................

enior schools and the College in Lichfield have taken over the renowned Lichfield Mysteries’ plays and will perform a selection at the first festival in February. Students from Lichfield Cathedral School, The Friary, King Edward VI, Nether Stowe and South Staffordshire College will take part in the non-competitive event. Arranged by the Trustees of Lichfield Mysteries Community Arts, the Festival will also feature a production by Adolf Reichwein Schule Theatre Group, from Lichfield’s twin town of Limburg and der Lahn. There will also be three adjudicators at the Festival who will provide written adjudications for each production. The Festival is in the theatre of The Friary School, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, on Saturday 9th February at 2pm. Tickets are £3 and available from the Samuel J o h n s o n Birthplace, Breadmarket Street, Lichfield.

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Life in Light – an Exhibition by Carl Knibb

Advertising Feature

Carl Knibb ARBSA is a Lichfield artist who recently came to national attention when he competed as a semi-finalist in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. Carl took part in the semi-finals after winning his heat that took place at Fountains Abbey, Ripon. Although Carl already enjoyed a reputation as a fine artist, this national exposure has meant that his works are now in high demand from both UK and international collectors who appreciate his uncanny ability to capture light and movement. Carl paints on board and canvas using acrylics and oils, and often works en plein air in his home city of Lichfield. He won the Lichfield Cathedral ‘Capture the Cathedral’ competition in 2016 and in 2017 his winning work ‘Pilgrims’ was hung alongside works by JMW Turner. The Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year exhibition is currently touring galleries across the UK. This exhibition features the work

submitted and produced by the finalists and winner of the show. Carl’s works were snapped up by collectors before the exhibition’s door opened – a potent example of how in demand Carl’s paintings are. His growing reputation led to an international art magazine approaching him recently and they will be running a large feature on Carl and his process in a spring issue. Carl has an uncanny ability to get under the skin of a landscape, translating the feel of a place to his canvas. His works are full of light and movement interpreted through subtle and painterly brushwork. His works cross the line between abstract and figurative, and truly hold the attention of the viewer. He highlights the

beauty of the everyday world. Carl’s latest exhibition entitled ‘Life in Light’ will be taking place at Artifex Gallery, Sutton Coldfield from 2nd March to 1st April. The exhibition will feature a minimum of 15 original works. Would you like to meet the artist? Carl will be at the opening of the exhibition on Saturday March 2nd. Artifex Gallery can be found at The Mitchell Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 6NA. Tel: 0121 323 3776. For more information on Carl go to www.carlknibb.com www.artifex.co.uk

Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the region? We want to hear from you! Contact Citylife at kristencitylife@gmail.com

New Home for Reading Girl ............................

ust over one month after moving back into the newly refurbished St Mary’s on Lichfield’s Market Square, the tourist information team is settling into their new home well.

Visitors to the new Lichfield Library will find the Visit Lichfield team next to library staff on the front desk, offering advice and directions, information about accommodation and district attractions, and what’s on in the area. The team also books National Express tickets, guided walks and city tours, as well as tickets for local events and concerts. Another important new arrival has been welcomed to St Mary’s: the newly cleaned Reading Girl statue. The sculpture, which is owned by Lichfield District Council and is by the Italian artist Antonio Rossetti, has been an important symbol for Lichfield Library over the years. Following a clean, the white marble statue, which dates back to 1883, has been placed in the new library for all to enjoy. Tourist information is available at St Mary’s in Lichfield from Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. To find out more about Visit Lichfield, go to www.visitlichfield.co.uk.

Twig Trail at Beacon Park ..........................

hildren and families are invited to follow the ‘Twig Hunt and Keep Warm Trail’ round Beacon Park this February. The team at Beacon Park has launched a new trail to help children identify some common British trees simply by looking at their twigs. The trail has some fun exercise challenges to keep trail-goers warm along the way. There is also a wheelchair friendly, accessible version of the trail on offer. To help explorers, the trees in the trail have been painted with an organic blue circle that will wash away over time. The trails cost £1 each and will be available from the Ranger Station every day until 24 February 2019, between 9.30am and 3pm. Councillor David Leytham, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Leisure, said: “This trail is a great way to get children to take an interest in nature and to tell different trees apart, while taking some healthy exercise. It’s a great lead in to our programme of half term activities which include hobby horse workshops, archery, tennis, street golf and more.” To find out more about visiting Beacon Park go to www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk.

Reading Girl before

Reading Girl after

Ruth Piddington on the Twig Trail

Advertising Feature

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Are you taking care of your Pensions, Investments and Savings or just allowing them to drift in a sea of confusion, apathy and misunderstanding? Do you know what you have got, what your options are and what you can do with them? Do you get your Advice from the bloke down the pub, or on the No. 7 bus, or do you speak to someone who knows what they are talking about and are more importantly qualified to do so? A Financial Adviser will be able to offer you correct, legal, professional, regulated and hopefully straightforward advice. I say to my clients that my Advice is my Advice, you may not like it and you don’t have to take it but its still my Advice. If you’re going to use a professional and trust a professional, then at least listen to what they have to say. You are unlikely to ignore your Doctor or Dentist when they give Advice so at least talk to, listen to and consider the Advice of a Financial Adviser. Your wealth may be at risk if you don’t. As an experienced local Financial Adviser, with many clients in our area, I may be able to help you. You can visit our office or I can visit you at home to discuss your Investments, Savings and Pensions.The first appointment will be at my cost and there is no obligation to proceed any further. Any future costs will be explained and agreed before any work is carried out on your behalf. I will carry out a full fact find of your circumstances and discuss with you where you want to be financially in the future and how we may be able to help you get there. I am a member of a ten strong Financial Adviser team at Four Oaks Financial Services where I am supported by inhouse research, client liaison and administration teams. As a fully qualified Financial Adviser I work with private and corporate clients to help them achieve their financial goals. I constantly keep my skills and knowledge up to date in order to provide the most appropriate advice in line with each client's risk profile and their specific needs. My clients are mainly in the Burntwood, Cannock, Lichfield and greater Wolverhampton areas, although I do have clients much further afield. At Four Oaks Financial Services we look after our clients’ money via a range of investments and are very proud to have their trust and confidence to do so. I provide financial advice on a wide range of financial services including investments, pensions, inheritance tax planning and long term care. The value of pensions and investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise.You may get back less than you invested. Estate planning, inheritance tax planning and long term care are not regulated by the FCA. Our first meeting will be at my cost so please email me or give me a call and we take it from there.

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In Search of Dion By Janet Lee ...........................

et in the local areas of Lichfield, Burntwood and Cannock Wood, In Search of Dion is the latest book by local author, and rock music fan, Janet Lee. Jo-Dan Rox talks incessantly, usually about himself; he lacks elementary manners; and everywhere he goes, he leaves a trail of human and material devastation. Luckily for him, he also has a voice and an electric guitar technique to die for. When Dion, the charismatic lead singer of the cult group Son of Gabriel, goes missing, the group feel that they must obey his parting wish: that Jo-Dan Rox be his replacement. The band’s admiration for Jo-Dan’s musical gifts, and their hard-won endurance of his company, create a roller-coaster ride. Meanwhile, Jo-Dan is, surprisingly, falling in love with an unlikely English rose, Victoria. And, at the same time, he has pledged himself to secure Dion’s return. All the ingredients are in place for the book’s dramatic finale. Janet Lee is a former newspaper reporter and lecturer and lives in Cannock with her long-term partner, Alex. When not writing, Janet works as a volunteer for the leukaemia charity, Paul’s Fun Fund, in memory of her eldest son who lost his battle against the disease in 2011. In Search of Dion by Janet Lee is published by Olympia Publishers (www.olympiapublishers.com) and is priced at £8.99.

News from Lichfield Cathedral

Pilgrimage and Prayer

Advertising Feature

ichfield Cathedral introduces a programme of services and events inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing. This event captured the world’s attention and imagination opening up new perspectives on space and how we see the Earth in the vast expanse of the universe. Like the ‘Imagine Peace’ programme of services and events in 2018, ‘Journeys through space, light and time’ will run throughout the year and will include services, exhibitions and concerts inspired by the journeys we take on this earth and beyond. The series starts with an exhibition entitled Pilgrimage and Prayer, which explores how modern thinking builds on the historical tradition of Christian pilgrimage. Lichfield is a city built on the foundations of pilgrimage and the exhibition will explore pilgrimage to Lichfield Cathedral from the time of St Chad to the present day. Among the fascinating exhibits are a 14th century document listing relics owned by the Cathedral, stonework linked with the mediaeval shrine of St Chad, a 1420 edition of Chaucer’s ‘Canterbury Tales’, and a 17th century casket which contained the relics of St Chad after the Reformation. The exhibition runs until Thursday February 28th and is free of charge, although donations are encouraged.

There will be a series of lectures to tie in with the theme. On February 20th, the Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev. Adrian Dorber, who has led many pilgrimages to the Holy Land and elsewhere, will draw on his own experiences of pilgrimage. Tickets are £5. The lecture starts at 7.15pm and there will be an opportunity to view the Pilgrimage and Prayer exhibition from 6.45pm.

The Lovers of Lichfield

n 14 February thousands of Valentine letters will be sent to loved ones across Lichfield. In this article, our features writer, Jono Oates, looks at whether the Lichfeldians of earlier times were true romantics… Or not, as the case may be!

The origin of St Valentine, after whom St Valentine’s Day is named, is quite difficult to work out as there are no less than three contenders for the title, all called Valentine and all martyrs from Roman times! Valentine’s Day began as a pagan festival held in February and the first Valentine’s Day greetings go back to the Middle Ages. It was believed that Henry V hired a writer, John Lydgate, to compose a Valentine’s letter to Catherine of Valois – and it must have worked as they were married on 2 June 1520! In Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated around the 17th century and, by the 18th century, it was quite common for lovers to send each other little gifts or letters, with printed cards beginning to replace written letters around 1900. Valentines! Valentines! Valentines! shouted the advert of Mr Eggington and Brown on Bird Street in February 1879 where they had a large

selection of letters and notes for sale from their premises, opposite the old Swan Hotel. The offices eventually became home to the Lichfield Mercury and were later demolished in the 1970s to make way for the entrance road to the Bird Street car park.

In February 1937, the Lichfield Mercury wondered whether the city of Lichfield was still in love with Valentine’s Day and, in the era when there were no e-Valentine cards or text messages, they decided to ask the Lichfield Royal Mail to find out. The Post Office told them that the number of Valentine cards sent out from the city in 1936 was lower than the average across the country, suggesting that if there was anyone who had a heart then it definitely wasn’t in Lichfield! This led the Postmaster, Mr F. Thompson, to wonder if “the people of Lichfield are not quite as sentimental as in other towns.” However, good news was on the horizon as the figures for the number of Valentine telegrams sent in 1937 looked more promising, which seemed to be mainly due to a much more attractive telegram design with brighter colours. The Post Office said that the rise of the usage of the telegram in the last two years had been nothing short of phenomenal,

although by 1982 it had died out completely.

Despite failing to be the most romantic city in the country in 1936 we hope that the people of Lichfield are making up for it now and that you have a very happy Valentine’s Day! Source: The British Newspaper Archive

y t i VIEW C

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - February 2019

TWINNING

There are lots of opportunities to get involved with Twinning, just take a look at what’s on offer this spring:

College Exchange - Eighteen college students from Limburg will be visiting Lichfield for one week from 11 - 18 May. They will be taking part in lessons at the South Staffordshire College’s Lichfield campus in the morning and excursions in the afternoon. We are now looking for host families for these young people for the week.

Lichfield Mysteries – Twin Town Participation On Saturday 9 February a drama class from the Limburg Adolf-Reichweinschule will be taking part in this year’s Lichfield Mysteries. The group will perform again on Sunday 10 February during the Civic Church Service being held at Wade Street Church, at the earlier than usual time of 10.30am. Please come and support the young visitors from our German twin town. Councillor Bernard Cocksey, Leader of the Council

Welcome to this issue of City View. Last year was another busy year for the City Council, but the focus has now shifted to the setting of the 2019/20 budget to ensure it can continue to deliver a full programme of events and services to the same high standards that the citizens of Lichfield have come to expect.

Among other aims, and as part of our ongoing commitment to make improvements in the City, we will be undertaking a programme of repairs to the four miles of footpaths we currently maintain, as well as commencing a programme of replacing more than 130 street lights on our public open space with low energy LED lights to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

As the smallest of the three local authorities serving the City area, it is worth noting the diverse activities the City Council undertakes. Many of you will be familiar with the traditional Civic events, such as the Sheriff’s Ride and Johnson Birthday Celebrations, but may not realise that the City Council also maintains some of the City’s historic monuments such as the Friary Clock Tower, the Borrowcop Gazebo, the war memorial in the Remembrance Gardens and the Friary remains site. In addition, we are also responsible for 76 acres of Public Open Spaces, including the Remembrance Gardens, Festival Gardens and Pool Walk, and three community centres, plus Cruck House on Stowe St.

This year is also an election year for both City and District Councillors and I would encourage everyone to exercise their democratic right and make sure they vote. I will not be standing for re-election, so this is my last message to you as Leader of the City Council. Looking back I wish I had become involved in local politics at a younger age; I believe Parish Councillors can and do make a positive contribution to their locality and I have thoroughly enjoyed the past four and a half years as a representative of St John’s Ward. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the electorate for their support and also to thank the Officers of the City Council for all their hard work and commitment. I wish you all well for the future.

French Twin Town Visit - The Lichfield Twinning Association will be hosting guests from our French twin town of Sainte Foy from 12 -15 April. Please contact the City Council if you would like to be involved.

Summer Camp in Limburg, Germany - An exciting opportunity for five young people (aged 12 – 16) and a supervisor (aged 18 or over) to enjoy a fun week of sport in Lichfield’s German twin town of Limburg from 29 July – 3 August. Accommodation in a local youth hostel will be provided and sports include climbing, water-skiing and laser tag, to mention a few. Language is no barrier as English is widely spoken.

Festival of Senses in Limburg – Artists Invited - On 18 May, the catholic relief charity Caritas is organising a festival of the senses in the Bishop’s garden in Limburg. The organisers would like to invite artists of music, theatre and performance from both their twin towns of Lichfield and Sainte Foy to participate in this beautiful, professional event. If you would like to register your interest in any of the above events, or become a host family, please contact the Twinning Officer at Gabriele.Lasch-Burden@lichfield.gov.uk.

Shrove Tuesday

Lichfield’s exciting Pancake Races will take place on Tuesday 5 March, and spectators can expect to see all the usual races, including Men’s, Women’s, Mascots and under-10s. Participants will be on their marks as usual in Bore Street from 12 noon. The races will be followed by the traditional opening of the Shrovetide Fair on the Market Square by the Civic party, supported by Town Crier, Ken Knowles, who will give a shout to announce the occasion. To enable better and more efficient management of runners on the day, all entrants must pre-register anytime up to 12 Noon on Monday 4 March. No registrations will be accepted after this time. If you would like to take part, please contact Lucy Clarke on 01543 309852 or email lucy.clarke@lichfield.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the ‘News’ section of the City Council’s website at www.lichfield.gov.uk. Frying pans and pancakes will be provided! Please note anyone who has not registered before the day will not be permitted to take part.

Market Bids Farewell to Long-standing Trader

On Friday 21 December 2018 the Mayor, Cllr David Leytham and Mayoress Mrs Jan Leytham-Gain, visited the Lichfield market to bid farewell to one of its longest-standing traders after 54 Years. Lichfield Country Market (formally known as Lichfield WI Market) first stood on the market on Friday 4th December 1964 offering a wide variety of homemade goods; such as savouries, cakes and preserves. Manned entirely by volunteers, who have braved every type of weather imaginable, the stall was always popular with members of the public. Joyce Deakin, a member since 1983, said: “The fact that a lot of our members are looking towards retirement has led to us making the difficult decision to vacate the Lichfield Friday Market. Although Lichfield Country Markets has taken part in a wide range of events on the square it is the loyalty of customers that will be the most memorable". Over the years the Lichfield Country Market has made cakes for many Civic occasions such as the Town Criers competition, Mayoress at Home and Simnel cake for Shrovetide celebrations. Whilst they may have vacated the stall on the Lichfield Friday Market, customers will still be able get in touch to purchase homemade delicacies and place orders for celebrations.

CityVIEW

Coming soon at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council

Words Alive! Every Saturday, 10.30am – 11.45am, £3, discounts for family groups and first session free. A friendly reading, writing and hands-on activity club for 7-11 year olds who love words! Half Term Fun Thursdays 21 February and 30 May 11am & 2pm, activities £2. Craft activities for the school holidays.

Willow Words at Stowe Pool Boathouse Art Space Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 March, 11am – 3pm, free. Installation showcasing poetry and prose written by visitors to the Birthplace over the summer of 2018, inspired by Johnson’s willow, including readings from Lichfield Poets. Saturday 9 March, 12pm.

Word Café at Lichfield Guildhall, Guildroom Saturday 9 March, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, free. A fair for word lovers! Meet readers, writers and poets over tea and cake, discover the art of bookbinding, and enjoy a pop-up exhibition.

Easter Trail Daily, Saturday 6 – 27 April. 10.30am – 4.30pm, £1 for trail pack.

Family Crafternoon Tea Party Thursday 18 April. 2pm, £3.50 per child, £1 accompanying adults. Join a tea party with a difference! Find out about famous tea parties in history and fiction and enjoy an afternoon of magic, cake and craft activities in a tea-lover’s house.

History Workshop: Behind Every Great Man… Sunday 28 April, 2pm, £4. Join Sue Bray as she explores the hidden histories of the women in Johnson’s world, revisits some of his well-known quotes and gives insight into attitudes in the 18th century and beyond. Includes behind-the-scenes archive visit.

Imagination and Reality: Johnson and the Use of Travelling Saturday 4 May – Sunday 7 July. Daily, 10.30am – 4.30pm, free. Discover travel writing and 18th century journeys in this exhibition including maps and atlases, travel journals and Johnson’s own adventures around the country and beyond.

Pirate Storytelling Wednesday 29 May, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Sail the high seas with travelling tales from Lichfield Storytellers in a pirate ship cabin – fancy dress optional!

Open Daily 11.00am-3.30pm in February, 10.30am – 4.30pm from 1 March. Standard entry is free of charge. Call 01543 264 972 or email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk for more information or to book an event.

Dates for your diary…

Sunday 10 February Mayor & Sheriff’s Charity Sunday Lunch 1.00pm, Guildhall. Tickets £25 p/p.

Friday 1 March Michael Fabricant & Arthur Price School Speaking Competition 7.30pm, Guildhall. Free entry.

Tuesday 5 March Pancake Races & Shrovetide Fair 12 Noon, Guildhall and Bore Street.

Sunday 7 April Sheriff’s Darwin Walk Meet 10.00am, Bunkers Hill Carpark. Free event.

Sunday 21 April Easter Sunday Service 11.00am, Cathedral.

Tuesday 23 April St Georges Court 12 Noon, Guildhall. Free entry.

Monday 27 May Court of Arraye 10.30am, Guildhall. Free entry.

For more information please contact Lucy Clarke on 01543 309852, or email lucy.clarke@lichfield.gov.uk

Markets in Lichfield

The Lichfield General Markets and Farmers' Market offer a wide selection of goods and local produce from friendly, established and reliable market traders.

As well as the weekly General Markets on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a Farmers' Market is held on the 1st Thursday of the month (except January).

From 17-31 May Lichfield Markets will also be taking part in the “Love your Local Markets” initiative. Look out for competitions and fun activities on market days as part of this National Campaign.

The Market Square is also available for hire on a commercial or charitable basis on non-market days.

For more details, or for any information or queries relating to Lichfield Markets, please contact the City Council’s Markets Officers on 01543 309853 or e-mail: markets@lichfield.gov.uk If you would like to keep up-to-date with more of the

City Council’s activities, you can follow the City Council on Twitter @lichfield_cc.

CityVIEW

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council Weddings at the Guildhall

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

OUR WEBSITE: www.lichfield.gov.uk

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

The right Council…

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

Public Participation

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

Monday 4 February 2019

6.30pm

Grants Advisory Committee

Monday 4 March 2019

6.30pm

COUNCIL

Thursday 7 February 2019 Thursday 7 March 2019 Thursday 4 April 2019

Tuesday 23 April 2019

Thursday 25 April 2019 Monday 13 May 2019

Wednesday 22 May 2019 Thursday 30 May 2019

6.30pm

7.30pm

6.30pm

Planning Committee

Planning Committee COUNCIL

Planning Committee

ANNUAL COUNCIL

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Planning Committee

Watch out! That vintage gem ‘worn down the garden’ could be worth a fortune By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director of Hansons Auctioneers If a spring clean beckons and an old watch is discovered in a dusty drawer, never dismiss it because it might be worth a life-changing sum. Hansons Auctioneers, which holds free valuation events at Lichfield’s Hedgehog Inn every Monday, witnessed this at its recent Fine Art Auction at Staffordshire’s Bishton Hall where a vintage watch sold for a record £51,100. The Tudor Rolex steel Oysterdate watch had been ‘worn down the garden’ by the owner and at work in the construction industry. Bought for around £300 in the early 1970s, it sparked an international auction room bidding battle eventually selling for more than 17 times its low estimate. We’d love to see more vintage and luxury watches like this as they are highly collectable right now. Our quarterly auctions specialising in watches such as Rolex, Cartier, Patek and Jaeger le Coultre are witnessing record prices. Such was the battle to own the Tudor watch, which is related to superstar brand Rolex, six phone bidders from the UK and around the world, including Hong Kong, competed against internet and advance bidders to secure the item. The watch was finally sold to a French internet bidder competing against a UK phone bidder. Though the hammer price was £51,100, the This rare Tudor watch buyer’s premium took the total price to an eye sold for a record watering £63,364. £51,100 at auction.

Desirable watches are likened to rare cars and wealthy collectors will stop at nothing to acquire the best examples for their collection. The watch belonged to the late husband of a 74-year old retired office worker. Naturally, she was over the moon. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to fetch that kind of money. Her husband was a keen collector of watches. The Tudor watch soared at auction because it was a rare and early example in exceptional condition. Omega, Cartier or Hansons jewellery valuer Isabel Longines watches are also keenly Murtough with the watch which sought after. she auctioned. Hansons offers free jewellery, Image courtesy of Hansons watches and general antiques and collectables valuations every Monday from 10.30am-12.30pm at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JB which is held in aid of St Giles Hospice. Entries are now invited for Hansons’ March 28-April 4 Spring Jewellery, Watches, Fine Art & Library Auction. To find out more, email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.

Tastes of the Season A Romantic Valentine’s Day Meal By Simon Smith

Many restaurants are offering a Valentine’s Day menu but nothing quite beats an intimate meal for two at home. This doesn’t need to be complicated and should be something that can be prepared in advance so you can spend the maximum time with your partner. Of course, if you both enjoy cooking and want to spend time together in the kitchen, all the better! This month I’m going for an easy two-course meal, starting with surf and turf with a garlic butter followed by a rum and sultana cheesecake, which can be made a couple of days in advance.

Surf and Turf with Gratin Potatoes

in their skins until cooked. Leave to cool overnight in the fridge. Peel the potatoes and slice thickly. Lay in an ovenproof dish and season with grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. Top with double cream and grated cheddar. These will need 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees to cook and brown off. Skewer the king prawns and brush with olive oil. These can be cooked in the oven or under the grill. Peel and finely chop the garlic. To cook the steak, heat a frying pan with a dash of olive oil until it starts smoking. Season the steak just before it goes into the pan and then place into the hot oil. Cook to your liking and then take it out, but keep it warm and rest it for two minutes while you make the sauce. In the pan you used for the steak, pour the wine, add the garlic and reduce by half. Whisk the butter in and add the parsley. Serve the king prawn skewer on the fillet steak and top with the garlic butter. Serve the potatoes on the side.

Rum and Sultana Cheesecake

2ozs sugar 4x chocolate Hob Nobs 1oz butter

Method

Put the sultanas in a small dish with the rum, orange juice and zest and cook in the microwave for 1 minute so the juice becomes hot and the sultanas become soft. Allow to cool. Mix together the Philadelphia, mascarpone and sugar. Add the sultanas and stir together to create the cheesecake mix. Crush the Hob Nobs and add the melted butter, stir together until blended. Pipe the cheesecake mix into a cocktail glass and sprinkle with the biscuit crumb. This can be done the day before and kept in the fridge. For the chocoholics amongst you, a good portion of chocolate sauce on the bottom makes a lovely addition. Garnish with a few edible flower petals for a romantic flourish.

Chocolate Sauce

4ozs dark chocolate 74% 2ozs full milk 2ozs double cream

Method

Melt together gently in the microwave and stir until fully blended.

4 x 3ozs beef fillet medallions 8 x king prawns 1x clove garlic ½ glass white wine 4ozs butter 2x tbsp. chopped parsley (it keeps the breath fresh, in theory!) 2x large Maris Piper potatoes 4ozs double cream 2ozs grated cheddar Grated nutmeg Olive oil

Method

The day before you need them, boil the potatoes

Simon Smith (who many Lichfeldians may know from his much-missed restaurant Thrales) runs a catering business from his production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event catering. Simon also undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers. During the summer months Simon works for private clients both on superyachts and in villas in St Tropez and Europe. If you are looking for catering or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmithchef.com *All recipes serve four people 1x shot of rum 1x orange zest and juice 3ozs sultanas 5ozs Philadelphia cream cheese 5ozs mascarpone

**Please take extra care when preparing and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details.

Michelle Williams Photography Advertising Feature

ichelle Williams creates timeless, sophisticated images that tell a story - seamlessly combining photojournalism with lifestyle portraiture. Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style is inspired by filmic pastels, cool greens, crisp whites and luminous palettes, integrated with beautiful black and whites - an aesthetic that will still look great in years to come. Passionate about her work, Michelle sees every wedding as individual in its own right. It is a special day and the interactions and emotions that unfold are unique to each couple. Michelle will capture the very essence of that special day, always observing, always anticipating the next opportunity to freeze a moment in time, so that special memories can be relived for years to come. The love and laughter, the tears and romance, all documented with Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative flair, as a visual storyboard with the happy couple at the centre. Michelle Williams Photography covers the whole of the UK as well as destination weddings. Contact Michelle on 07958 652021 or visit her website at www.michellewilliamsphotography.co.uk.

The Month in Pictures

January

e take a look at the events and activities of the last month, bringing you a roundup of the city in pictures...

Chasewater Boxing Day Dip (photo: Terry Lawson)

Lichfield Winter Beer Festival, Lichfield Guildhall

Lichfield Foodbank tincake at Three Spires Shopping Centre Images by Jono Oates www.jonotourism.co.uk

Planting trees at the Peace Woodland, Beacon Park (photo: Peter Walker)

Lichfield Winter Beer Festival, Lichfield Guildhall

Pouring a pint at the Lichfield Winter Beer Festival, Lichfield Guildhall

Tourism Association Real Ale Trail launch at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum (photo: Lichfield Photography)

Big Energy Saving Week, Market Square

Lichfield Foodbank promotion at Three Spires Shopping Centre

Special guest Debbie McGee at the We Love Lichfield fund awards

The George Hotel team at the We Love Lichfield fund awards

New Route for Cathedral to Castle Run ........................................

I.O.T.A. to perform at Lichfield Guildhall ..........................

he popular Lichfield Cathedral to Tamworth Castle 10 mile charity run is back for a third year, with a change to the route and more spaces added. The new route will now take in Cathedral Close, bringing runners closer to the landmark than before. The 10 miler begins in Beacon Park and passes through Cathedral Close before crossing a variety of terrain, including Lichfield City Centre, Ministry of Defence land at Whittington Barracks and Hopwas Woods, before finishing in Tamworth Castle grounds. The Cathedral to Castle Run is organised jointly between the four Rotary clubs of Tamworth, Tamworth Anker, Lichfield and Lichfield St. Chad, with all proceeds being shared between local charities chosen by the groups. The event takes place on Sunday 7th April 2019 and registration is available at www.cathedraltocastle.co.uk.

.O.T.A. is a new all-female ensemble, consisting of musicians Sally Barker, Marion Fleetwood and Anna Ryder, who will be performing in Lichfield for the first time in February. Singer-songwriter Sally, having worked with the Poozies, and supporting the likes of Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Fairport Convention, rose to national acclaim as a finalist on The Voice in 2014. Marion has been a familiar face in the British folk world since her time in Stratford-based folkies Meet On The Ledge. She has worked with the likes of Colvin Quarmby, Feast of Fiddles, and The Jigantics. Anna is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer and educationalist. I.O.T.A. will appear at Lichfield Guildhall on Saturday 16th February at 8pm (doors open from 7.15pm).Tickets are £15, £13.50 for Friends of Lichfield Arts and £7.50 for under 16s. Book tickets at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, phone (01543) 262223, or visit the Lichfield Arts Box Office in Donegal House, Bore Street.

Red Nose Glasses

Every year Specsavers sells Red Nose Day glasses to support Comic Relief. The glasses are available in two sizes so they are ideal for both children and adults. Priced at £2 per pair, the entire amount goes to Comic Relief. Available now at Specsavers Lichfield.

Memories of a City

Recently, we were given some old photo-cards to have a look at. They were taken by Lichfield photographer, William Nicholls, who had a photography shop on Tamworth Street, where The Olive Tree restaurant is today. William Nicholls and his son ran the business between the 1880s and the 1900s. Unfortunately, we don’t know who these people are, but do you recognise anyone?

People of the Past

The photographs are of military men (with amazing moustaches!), jockeys, young children and family portraits and, in typical lateVictorian style, they are all looking rather glum and sombre! We know who took the photographs but we have no idea who any of these people are. So, if you see any family resemblances please have a look through your old family albums and see if you can

spot your great-great grandfather! If you do know who any of these people might be please let us know as we’d love to be able to identify them. Email our feature writer, Jono, at: jonocitylife@gmail.com We’ll be publishing another batch of photo-cards in next month’s issue.

Debbie McGee hosts We Love Lichfield Presentation

.............................

e Love Lichfield recently donated ÂŁ13,000 in grants to local voluntary groups in a special Christmas presentation, hosted by celebrity and television personality, Debbie McGee. The event, which took place at The George Hotel in Lichfield on 14 December, saw the following voluntary groups receiving funds: Live Music Now, King George V Scouts and Guides Beaudesert, Shenstone Community Library Local History Group, Kendall and Wall Charitable Trust, Youth Sailing at Chasewater, Lichfield Swimming Club, Whittington Wednesday Club, Clifton Campville Village Hall, 1st Burntwood Scouts, Friends2Friends, Cogs Prepares For Life, The Guild of St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lichfield Greenhill Bower, Girlguiding Lichfield Division, Gartmore Riding for the Disabled, Shenstone Cares Elderly Support Group, Erasmus Darwin House and Spark Burntwood. The donation to Spark, which will be used to fund an after-school club, was extra special as it became the 200th organisation to receive We Love Lichfield funding. The aim of the We Love Lichfield initiative is to establish a permanent fund for the city which supports good causes every year. For more details, or to make a donation to the fund, please visit www.welovelichfield.com. Spark Burntwood with special guest Debbie McGee

Heart of the Country The original rural shopping village

Heart of the Country Shopping Village is a collection of converted 19th century farm buildings, now home to individual shops and boutiques, as well as two restaurants. The Village, having started as a single country store in 1985, now gives life to a collection of eclectic and stylish local businesses. Heart of the Country Shopping Village, A38, South Swinfen, WS14 9QR. Open: 10am-5pm, Tuesday-Sunday

Lichfield Beacon Probus Club .................................

he annual general meeting of the Lichfield Beacon Probus Club saw its new Chairman for the coming year, Stan Rose, installed. The Probus club is autonomous and chooses its own programme for retired business gentlemen, meeting each month throughout the year. Activities are centred around interesting, humorous, educational and informative talks and, whilst not a fundraising club, the Chairman designates a charity each year that is of particular interest to him. This year, Stan is keen to support the Lichfield and Tamworth Gateway Club, part of the Mencap organisation, as his chosen charity and a cheque for £200 was presented to Treasurer, Pat Wilkes. Activities throughout the last 12 months have included short country walks, occasional lunches at local hostelries and visits to interesting places, which are also open to ladies and friends. The annual outing last year was to Melton Mowbray by coach to see the making of the famous pies, visit the cheese shop and enjoy a cruise on Rutland Water, finishing with an evening carvery meal. Costs of activities are kept to a minimum and are good value for money, with any surplus monies going to the Chairman’s charity. New members are always welcome. Contact should be made, in the first instance, to the Secretary, John Lundie at johnlundie833@talktalk.net or by telephone on 01543 264327.

The Garrick’s Dawn Chorus Choir ..........................

ollowing a grant from the Barchester Foundation, The Garrick Theatre’s Dawn Chorus Choir has gone from strength-to-strength. Aimed at the over 65s, the Theatre’s daytime choir brings older people from the local community together, encouraging them to meet new people, have fun and Dawn Chorus Choir avoid being isolated. and the Community Choir Carrie Jahn, Services Advisor at The Spires Care Home, part of the Barchester Group, wrote to the Barchester Charitable Foundation in 2018 and nominated the choir to receive a grant after hearing that additional funding was required. Carrie duly received a donation of £1560 and the choir was launched in February of last year. Today, the weekly singing sessions see 16 regular attendees, who had little to no previous singing experience and were mainly strangers to each other. Less than a year later, they have formed a close friendship and the choir has performed in public more than once to a high standard. The Morning Chorus Choir, led by Dan Tomkinson, meets on a Tuesday Morning at 10am at the Lichfield Garrick. No previous singing experience is necessary. There is a cost of £55 per term.

From £109pp

Spring Superfood Retreat Spa Day. Full use of the spa facilities, a 55-minute Elemis treatment, and a 3-course lunch and a glass of raspberry Prosecco. Available March, April and May – available at Hoar Cross Hall

£60

Nothing can quite beat the wonderful British afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, plus an arrangement of cakes and pastries. Advanced booking required – available from Hoar Cross Hall

From £20pp

'You Complete Me' framed print by Mike Jackson - available from Eden Gallery Pandora Disney love charm available from ES Jewellery

Love is in the air...

A pair of silver plate candlesticks – available from Arthur Price

If you’re searching for something special for your loved-one this Valentine’s Day then look no further.

£129

£22

£210 £89 Silver plate cocktail shaker – available from Arthur Price

£195

Shaun Leane silver heart pendant - available from City Jewellers

Shaun Leane silver with yellow gold vermeil heart bracelet - available from City Jewellers

£18pp

Treat the gin lover in your life to an afternoon tea with a difference which includes a Hendrick's gin and tonic, an assortment of sandwiches and a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, plus a pot of tea or coffee - available from The George Hotel

Stockists: Arthur Price, 1 Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. Cathedral Gift Shop, 11 Bakers Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6NF. City Jewellers, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. Eden Gallery, The Hexagon Centre, Curborough Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES.

£45 each 'The Gift of Love' framed print by Mike Jackson - available from Eden Gallery Olivia Burton Meant to Bee watch - available from ES Jewellery

£155 £39.95

Harris Tweed gentleman's gloves - available from Michael's Menswear

Selection of novelty ties: Landrover (100% silk) £29.95, Musical Notes (100% cotton) £19.95 - available from Michael's Menswear

St Tropez Spray Tan, for a streak-free, natural look – available from Erase UK

£80 £30

Tree of Love earrings in sterling silver, comes with gift box - available from Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop

Into the Wild leather grab bag available from Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop

Erase UK, 1 Tudor Row, Wade Street, Lichfield, WS13 6HH. ES Jewellery, 1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP. Hoar Cross Hall, Maker Lane, Burton upon Trent, DE13 8QS. Michael’s Menswear, Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LH. The George Hotel, 12-14 Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR.

Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over 18,000 homes and businesses for only £15 for businesses and £5 for charities. Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com (businesses who are already advertising in the relevant issue may place additional what’s on listings free-of-charge). Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On Lichfield'.

What’s on in February

Wednesday 13th February U3A Meeting – Talk on Stafford Gaol A talk by Steve Geale about ‘Stafford Gaol and how to get there.’ Venue: Guildhall Lichfield. Time: 2-4pm For more information visit www.u3asites.org.uk/Lichfield or call 07510 634476.

Friday 15th February Prosecco Tasting Dinner at The George Hotel. A four course meal and premium Prosecco. £37.50 per person. Tuesday 19th February

Lunar Lecture - Staffordshire and West Midlands Accents and Dialects Venue: Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street. Time: 7.30pm. Price: £6 per person, tickets available from Erasmus Darwin House. Friends of Erasmus Darwin House Bridge Club Venue: Erasmus Darwin House. Time: 7.30pm Price: £3.50 per person.

Lichfield Civic Society Letocetum: The Roman Forts and Settlements at Wall by speaker Dr Mike Hodder. Venue: The Lichfield Room, Wade Street Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield. Time: 7.45pm. Price: Members and school students are free of charge. Visitors are always welcome (£3 at the door). Any queries, please contact 07729 523617.

Thursday 21st February Half Term Fun Make a Daffodil and a ‘flittermouse’ in hands-on craft activities for the school holidays. Plus meet Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, find out about the first signs of spring and join a free nature-themed trail.

Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. Time: 11am and 2pm. Price: Craft activities £2, standard entry free. For information and booking call 01543 264972.

Friday 22nd February Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society Bog Bodies and Sacrifice, a talk by Professor Henry Chapman. Venue: The Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield. Time: 8pm. Price: £3, visitors welcome. For more information call 01543 416144 or visit www.sahs.uk.net.

Sunday 24th February Wedding Fair at The George Hotel Come along between 11am to 3pm. Exhibitors include cakes, cars, jewellery, disco, menswear, singer, make-up, bridalwear, photography, ice-cream cart, honeymoons and sweets. Free entry.

Wednesday 27th February Stonnall Conservation Society Sutton Park and its Hidden Treasures, a talk by Marion Baxter, Chairman of the Friends of Sutton Park Association, founded in 1950, author and member of the Sutton Coldfield Local History and Research Group. Venue: Youth and Community Centre, Main Street, Stonnall WS9 9EE. Time: 7.30pm.

Friday 1st March World Prayer Day World Day of Prayer gives us a chance to be thankful for our planet. This year the World Day of Prayer Service has been prepared by women from Slovenia. Everyone is welcome to join us for this service, which will be taking place all over the world creating a wave of prayer, starting as the sun rises over Samoa. Venue: Holy Cross Church WS14 9DX Time: 10.30am and 7.30pm.

Lichfield Memory Café

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Tuesday 5th March Lichfield Men’s Probus Speaker Chris John talks about Castle Bromwich Aerodrome. Venue: St. Matthew's Club, Burntwood WS7 9EP. Time: 2.30 pm. There is a friendly environment, so come and join us! For more information phone Ken on 01543 686965.

Every Saturday Words Alive! A friendly reading, writing and hands-on activity club for 7-11 year olds who love words! Venue: The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Time: 10.30am 11.45am Price: £3, discounts for family groups and first session free. For more information and booking call 01543 264972.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays Elford Hall Garden Project The Elford Hall Garden Project is looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can pop down any time between 10am-2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, have a coffee with us and find out what we do. No gardening experience needed, just a love of fresh air and willingness to contribute. Find us at Elford Hall Garden, Church Road, Elford, B79 9BZ. For further information please contact Roger Thompson on thompson680@btinternet.com.

Volunteer Gaolers Needed for Lichfield’s Historic Prison!

Do you have a passion for the history of Lichfield? Volunteering at the Old Guildhall Prison Cells could be the perfect role for you! New volunteer ‘welcomers’ are needed to join the team to meet and greet more than 5,000 visitors into the historic display over the summer months. Opening on 6 April, the volunteers welcome people visiting Lichfield from around the country and the

world, as well as helping locals to find out more about its grisly history. There has been a prison on the site from 1548, and visitors today can see original cells and find out about the stories of former inmates, including Edmund Wightman, the last man to be burnt at the stake in England for heresy. The cells will be open from 10am-4pm every Saturday from April to October, with training taking place in March. If you would like to find out more about volunteering, please contact Jo Wilson, Museums and Heritage Officer, on 01543 264 972, by email at sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, or pop in to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum on the corner of the Market Square.

Players Wanted for Walking Cricket Older men and women are invited to join in a slower-paced, indoor format of cricket at Burntwood Leisure Centre. The sessions are run in partnership with Staffordshire Cricket and form part of Lichfield District Council’s Active Lichfield activities. Aimed at the over 50s, they are the perfect way to remain involved in the game and meet new people while staying active. Walking Cricket takes place every Thursday between 3.30pm and 5pm and costs £2.50 a time. There’s no need to book, just turn up! To find out more about Active Lichfield sessions, visit www.activelichfield.co.uk.

ichfield Memory Cafe is supported by Home Instead Senior Care in partnership with Lichfield Churches Together.

The Memory Cafe offers a place where people can come together in a supportive and friendly environment, to meet others that are in similar circumstances. By talking and finding out how others deal with things, people can better manage their own situations. There is also a private room, for members who want to discuss more complex matters.

The cafe is also supported by the Alzheimer’s Society and the Community Mental Health team visit on a bi-monthly basis.

The cafe is supported by two trained caregivers as well as volunteers and has a bi-monthly newsletter which lists activities that are taking place.

The Memory Cafe is open every Thursday 10am-12pm at The Methodist Church, Tamworth Street, Lichfield. For more information please contact 01543 625002 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/tamworth. 41

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED Earn extra money delivering magazines in Lichfield and Rugeley. Must be over 16 Call Marie 07548 682576

Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions 1.Entrants’ details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email josscitylife@gmail.com 2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and conditions stated. 3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition. 4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the closing date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely destroyed/deleted. Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details will be securely deleted/destroyed. 5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition partner to allow winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in our magazines – no other details will be published. 6.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants (but not address or contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and online. 7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or

breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants in their creation or submission of materials. 8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader. 9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. 10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions. 11.No purchase necessary. 12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated). 13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of individual associated with any employee, agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd. 14.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an independent judge in the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received. 15.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield up to 28 days after the closing date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by the entrant. 16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after the competition closing date. 17.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is

final and no correspondence will be entered into. 18.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality of the prize provided. 19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 20.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online. 21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 22. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, information, service or product provided in connection with a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition. 23.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition. 24.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral and legal.