Citylife in Lichfield April 2017 by Citylife In Lichfield

Inside... April 2018

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.

6 Win Afternoon Tea for Two Courtesy of The School House

14 An Extraordinary WW1 Diary The diary of Leonard Wentworth Stafford 16 Beautiful Homes Interior design ideas for beautiful homes 24 Hidden Spaces The Tudor of Lichfield

36 A Window on the Past Exploring your city 40 Unearthing History Metal detecting diaries

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com

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Amanda Moseley 07747 844346 amandamoseleycitylife@gmail.com Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com

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

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

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The School House

he School House, Church Hill, Weeford, near Lichfield is a unique venue for afternoon teas, delicious lunches, relaxed or occasion dining and wonderful weddings – all in the picturesque heart of the countryside.

Enjoy fantastic food, great wines and a relaxed atmosphere in The School House’s stunning restaurant, Manley’s Brasserie. Whether you fancy a succulent steak, fresh seafood, cuisine with a Mediterranean twist, a British classic or something a little different, Manley’s seasonal menus are designed with fresh, local Staffordshire produce at their heart. Manley’s Brasserie chefs use influences from around the world (as well as closer to home) to create dishes to suit all tastes. Their menus feature some of Staffordshire’s finest meats, Chef’s much-loved homemade pies and personally selected fresh fish from Birmingham's famous markets. Looking for private dining for that very

special occasion? With five beautiful private dining spaces within The School House, that are appropriate for 16 to 150 diners, they can offer the perfect environment for everything from a business meeting to a private family event. For more information just go to www.schoolhouse.co.uk or call 01543 480009.

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at The School House

The School House’s Afternoon Tea is quintessentially English, and includes finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones, beautifully presented alongside a pot of tea of coffee – or why not add a glass of Prosecco? Served on Tuesday to Saturday between 12.30pm and 4.30pm, The School House’s Afternoon Teas are a delightful way to spend an afternoon in beautiful surroundings. Afternoon Tea is £14.95 per person (Tuesday to Friday) and £17.95 (Sunday).

To be in with a chance of winning afternoon tea for two, just unscramble the letters to find an Italian cooked cream dessert.

TOPCANTANA _____ _____

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to The School House Competition, at citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd. PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Friday 20th April. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Entrants must be 18 or over. Full terms and conditions on page 50. Congratulations to D Conway who gave the correct answer of TIRAMISU and solved the anagram in the March issue.

Lichfield celebrates 10 years of Fairtrade

ver 30 representatives of local organisations joined together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lichfield’s Fairtrade City status on Thursday 15 March. At a Guildhall reception hosted by the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Janice Greaves, Fairtrade campaigners from local councils, churches, retailers and voluntary organisations attended the event organised by Fairtrade Lichfield. Since 8 March 2008, when George Alagiah, Patron of the Fairtrade Foundation visited Lichfield to present the Mayor with the Fairtrade City certificate, local people’s support for Fairtrade has been consistently strong with retailers, cafes, schools and councils committed to selling and using Fairtrade goods. This means that farmers and growers in developing countries can sell their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them stable incomes and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.

At the 15 March reception, speeches were delivered by the Mayor, Fairtrade Lichfield Founding members, the Patron, and Barbara Gwinnett, West Midlands Regional Representative on the Fairtrade Foundation Coordinating Committee.

Commenting on the event, Iwan Griffiths, Fairtrade Lichfield Coordinator said: “We were delighted to welcome so many local supporters to celebrate the city’s Fairtrade achievements over the past decade. We hope that local people will continue to buy Fairtrade products whenever they shop, and that local suppliers will increase their stock of Fairtrade goods to meet this growing demand.”

For more information on Fairtrade locally and how to get involved please email Iwan Griffiths on Iwanggriffiths@sky.com

Painting with feline grace sparks bidding battle By Adrian Rathbone, Hansons Auctioneers Director

wonderful cats painting by artist Mary Fedden recently saw the gavel fall at £14,000 at Hansons Auctioneers’ Decorative Arts and Design Auction, a world record price.

Cats were a common theme with Mary, who captured the charm of ordinary moggies with consummate ease. Her brilliance was not fully appreciated until later in life, perhaps because her talent was somewhat overshadowed by her husband, Julian Trevelyan, an English surrealist. In the same auction prints by Julian Trevelyan made £680 and £980, but it was Mary who stole the show. Her painting is believed to have achieved a record price for a work on paper by the artist.

The work, painted in 1981, was exceptional not only for its size but for the fact that it had two cats, as well as the iconic St Ives coastal backdrop and a still life table arrangement, which makes her works so desirable among collectors today. With four telephones competing, it eventually sold to a private internet buyer in Scotland. Sadly, Mary is no longer with us to witness the growing passion for her art. She died at the age of 96 in 2012. But it’s wonderful to see her work appreciated now. Of course, there were other star lots in our Decorative Arts Auction, such as a beautiful Norwegian enamelled silver butterfly brooch, which flew away for £420, and a rare pair of green Loetz vases, from 1911, which sold for £1,150. But Mary’s cats were the stars.

Have you got any treasures which could get bidders battling at our specialist Fine Art or Decorative Arts auctions? Hansons offer free valuations every Monday in Lichfield from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, WS13 8JB, (except Bank Holidays). Free home visits for estate clearance and downsizing advice can be made by appointment. For further information, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

David Clayton told Citylife: “The Goldfinches are looking well on my feeders despite the cold snap.”

Wild City

In night-time gardens, on city bird-tables and throughout our beautiful countryside, there’s so much wildlife to be seen and enjoyed in Lichfield.

‘A very acrobatic squirrel’ by Trevor Buckle

Lichfield Arts in April

olk singer Maddy Prior will appear at The Guildhall with Giles Lewin and Hannah James on Saturday 21st April. Over the course of her career, Maddy Prior has worked with some exceptional musicians - both within Steeleye Span and beyond. To that list is added accordion player, singer and clog dancer Hannah James and multi-instrumentalist Giles Lewin (Bellowhead/Carnival Band), forming a trio that explores the music of England, the

This beautiful Heron picture was captured by Gillian Duffell. Gillian told Citylife that the heron is “a regular visitor to our garden pond. It is netted, but he is not deterred.”

British Isles and Eastern Europe. Tickets are £18, £16.20 and £9 for under 16s. On Friday April 27th, at The Guildhall, Miranda Sykes will be performing songs from her new album Borrowed Places. After a career spanning over 20 years, she will be touring as she started out: one woman, one bass, and one guitar. Tickets are £12, £10.80 for Friends of Lichfield Arts and £6 for under 16s. For further details and to book tickets visit

Miranda Sykes

If you’ve been lucky enough to capture a snap of one of the birds, animals, invertebrates, amphibians, wild plants, fungi etc that make their homes with us, we’d like to see them. Every month we’ll print a selection of them here in our exploration of our wild city. To submit your images to us email them to josscitylife@gmail.com with your name and brief description.

www.lichfieldarts.org.uk phone 01543 262223, or call into the Lichfield Arts Box Office in Donegal House on Bore Street.

Maddy Prior

Lichfield Lion goes to Palace

he Countess of Wessex G.C.V.O. as Patron of Lions Clubs of the British Isles held a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, 28th February to celebrate a ‘Century of Service’. HRH has been its Patron since 2004. Lion Harry Taylor MJF from Lichfield Lions joined in the 100th Birthday celebrations with Lion representatives from all over the country. Harry (86) has been a member of Lichfield Lions since moving from Sutton Coldfield Lions 12 years ago. He has now been a Lion for 50 years and is still one of the first to volunteer. Lichfield Lions is made up of men and women in their 30s through to their 80s who want to serve their local community while enjoying a good social life with friends. Lions Clubs International has 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, making it the largest service club organisation in the world. Lions are ordinary people who do extraordinary things to help others and support good causes.

Cycle Rides for All

The monthly Sunday cycle rides programme, Cycle Rides for All, is a series of seven free monthly cycle rides that take place towards the end of the month, from March to September. Each month the group cycles to a new destination, including around Lichfield and Burntwood, and to Fisherwick Lakes, Chasewater, the National Memorial Arboretum and Fradley Junction and back again. The rides are graded from level 1, which are suitable for beginners, to level 4, which are for more experienced cyclists. Councillor Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Cycling is a great way to get some exercise and to visit some fantastic places across the district. So it’s great to see the new season on cycle rides start up again... All the bikes receive a quick safety check by Freedom Cycles before setting off, to make sure they are roadworthy. We also recommend that safety helmets are worn and that you bring a packed lunch and drink, although there is a café stop on most rides.” To see the full Cycle Rides for All programme, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cyclerides To find out more, or to check whether a ride is taking place if the weather is uncertain, please call Lichfield District Council’s parks team on 01543 308846 or Freedom Cycles on 01543 411633.

Local museum receives extraordinary First World War diary

On Wednesday 21st March, Citylife was privileged to join the family of Lance Corporal Leonard Wentworth Stafford as his daughter Marion Towle entrusted a diary of his experiences as a Prisoner of War to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Whittington, exactly one hundred years to the day after he was officially reported as missing.

orn in Mansfield on 17th November 1898, Leonard enlisted shortly before his 18th birthday and trained as a Lewis gunner. On 11th December 1917, he arrived at Le Havre and a few days later was transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment. L/Cpl Stafford served on the front line in the trenches of the Somme. On the first day of the German Spring Offensive (Kaiserschlacht) he was reported as missing. However, he had actually been wounded and taken prisoner by the Germans. In Leonard’s diary, he describes how on the morning of 21st March 1918: ‘the barrage opened at 5 o’clock and continued till 9 o’clock’. Prior to that there had been a gas attack lasting three hours. Leonard describes the barrage as ‘terrible’, with half the Company wounded or dead in five minutes. His orders were to mount his gun at Company Headquarters, two hundred yards away. He left with seven men and arrived with three. Eventually, Leonard found himself in the middle of a communication trench with both ends being bombed where his wrist was caught by a bullet and a fragment of a bomb penetrated his leg. On scrambling from the trench, L/Cpl

Stafford was taken prisoner. Leonard’s diary gives details of the conditions he and other prisoners were kept in. For five days, they were held in a field around six miles behind the front line of the trenches and provided with ‘neither blankets nor overcoats’. During this time, Leonard and the others repaired roads and laid railways for 12 hours a day. When the wound on Leonard’s wrist turned septic, he was sent to a camp where daily rations were half a pound of bread and soup made of ‘mangolds’ (a variety of beet) and fish. Later, at Villiers, rations included horseflesh and very occasionally a scrape of butter or jam. Washing was difficult, with no soap and little water. At the end of July 1918, the prisoners were taken to a factory at St-

Amands where dysentery broke out, resulting in the deaths of 150 men. By October 1918, the men were on the move, sleeping in barns, fields and woods, sometimes with rations, sometimes without. On 9th November Leonard records the last ‘meal’ provided to him by the Germans – soup and bread. Leonard’s diary records how he was released at 5 o’clock on 11th November 1918 – Armistice Day. He was finally repatriated on 3rd December 1918 and five years later, he married Mary Elizabeth Watson. Together they had four children – Margaret Wentworth, John James, Leonard Wentworth and Marion Sylvia. Marion told Citylife that her father was an intelligent, kind, gentle and smartly-dressed man – a wonderful father who never talked about the war. She and her siblings were aware of the existence of a diary but had no idea about the experiences recorded in it. The family have presented it to the Museum to give future generations an insight into conditions endured by soldiers in the Great War. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at DMS Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY.

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Lichfield Beacon Probus

The Lichfield Beacon Probus Club is a group for retired businessmen and meets each month of the year at St Matthew’s Sports and Social Club in Burntwood. Activities include talks on a range of subjects, walks and occasional outings to places of interest. Members also have the opportunity to play bowls in the summer and snooker in the winter, with an annual lunch to present trophies to the winners of these sporting activities. Each year, the club’s Chairman designates a charity that has a particular interest for him. Last year’s Chairman, Colin Fishwick recently presented a cheque for £520 to the Staffordshire Air Ambulance after a talk by Ann Roberts, one of their many volunteers, and a visit to the airfield at Tatenhill inspired members. This year’s Chairman, Stan Rose is keen for the club to support a charity for children with disabilities. New members are always welcome and are invited to come along to the monthly meeting to establish if they feel the Club is for them. For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact Secretary John Lundie by email at johnlundie833@gmail.com or call 01543 264327 for further details.

£500,000 county loan fund

taffordshire small businesses looking for access to finance to enable them to grow are being urged to find out more about a loan fund run by the county council with a £500,000 allocation available. The Staffordshire Business Loan Fund’s latest allocation for county businesses will be open until November. Loans of between £10,000 and £50,000 are available to eligible businesses which have struggled to access finance through mainstream lenders. The fund is run in conjunction with BCRS Business Loans and since it started in 2009 has benefited 176 businesses and created and protected 1,155 jobs. Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader Mark Winnington said: “Small businesses play a vital part in Staffordshire’s ongoing economic growth and we are seeing more and more innovative companies expanding and employing more people. The fund has been a huge success in Staffordshire and the results speak for themselves. It has achieved exactly what we wanted it to – enabling businesses to grow by overcoming access to finance issues. Small companies are however still facing difficulties in accessing funding despite having strong business cases. “Now we’re urging more Staffordshire small businesses facing similar barriers to expansion to get in touch – an allocation from the £500,000 pot could make a big difference to their growth. Interested businesses can discover more about the Staffordshire Business Loan Fund by visiting www.bcrs.org.uk or call BCRS Business Loans on 0345 313 8410.

Exploring the Peace Woodland

Lichfield Cathedral is working in partnership with Lichfield District Council’s parks team to create a new Peace Woodland in Beacon Park. The Peace Woodland will be a permanent living artwork created by Lichfield Cathedral’s artist-in-residence Peter Walker. 1,918 local trees, including ash, oak and hazel, that would otherwise have been felled due to routine forest maintenance have been potted up by volunteers ready to be transported to the Cathedral Close later this year. The woodland will be temporarily installed around the cathedral for eleven days between the 17th and 27th August (as part of The Great Exhibition 2018: Imagine Peace), as a mesmerising, living artwork which forms part of the cathedral’s commemorations of the end of WW1. The trees, ranging in size from knee-level to approximately eight feet tall, will then be planted in Beacon Park as a permanent Peace Woodland. As a poignant and fitting tribute to those we have loved and lost, or as a personal dedication to peace, members of the public can have a name inscribed on a bronze commemorative plaque that will be placed within the Peace Woodland at Beacon Park. Costing £25 per dedication, more information is available in the Peace Woodland leaflet which can be picked up from Lichfield Cathedral, or via www.lichfield-cathedral.org/peace

Citylife recently spoke to Peter Walker about this intriguing work of living art. Peter commented: “The Peace Woodland is a living memorial – it’s about rebirth and regrowth. At the end of the war the Western Front had been decimated. Over the years nature comes back in, and a lot of what we see now has been created naturally over the last 100 years. I wanted to look at the landscape itself as an artwork that would last, essentially, forever.”

In addition to Consequence of War from 16th April to 24th June – a major exhibition exploring themes of war and peace through art and history and featuring works by world-renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and Paul Nash – the cathedral’s Imagine Peace season commemorating the centenary of the Armistice continues with a range of events throughout the year.

An Evening of Wonderful Music at Lichfield Cathedral

One of the UK’s leading trumpet players, Mike Lovatt, is running a morning workshop for young musicians at Foremarke Hall before he and they go to the historic Lichfield Cathedral to perform a gala concert together.

Mike is a recording artist, educator and a professor of trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music. He has performed and recorded a wide range of musical styles with artists including Eric Clapton, Michael Ball, Michael Buble, Oasis, Quincy Jones, Robbie Williams, Shirley Bassey, The Glen Miller Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Tony Bennett. As Principle Trumpet in London’s West End, Mike is currently first trumpet in 42nd Street and has performed in musical such as Evita, The Producers and Billy Elliot. Mike is also principal trumpet of the Grammy nominated John Wilson Orchestra. He is lead trumpet of the BBC Big Band and has played on

a vast range of movie soundtracks including Tomorrow Never Dies, Die Another Day and Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince. In the morning of May 15th, he will be working with Concert Band musicians at Foremarke Hall, Repton’s prep school. He will then go to Lichfield with members of Foremarke’s Jazz Band, Orchestra, String Octet, Flute Ensemble, Girls’ Choir, Boys’ Choir and Chamber Choir. The musicians will present a gala concert in the evening at Lichfield Cathedral. The concert will support the ongoing work and fabric of Lichfield cathedral. The concert commences at 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm) and a reception with champagne and canapes will follow at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £25 per adult. They are available from Foremarke Hall, tel: 01283 707100, email office@foremarke.org.uk or Lichfield Cathedral tel: 01543 306121, email development@lichfield-cathedral.org

Meet the ‘Dulux Dog’ at Decor Supplies

Advertising Feature

he current Dulux Dog will be in store at Decor Supplies, Britannia Way, Lichfield on Saturday 5th May from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Come along to meet Lewis, the Old English Sheep Dog! Decor Supplies offer an impressive choice of wallcoverings, paints and fabrics and are winners of the Home Decoration Retailers Association, Retailer of the Year Award UK. This family run business has been trading for 34 years, and is open to the public, to trade and retail customers. Decor Supplies stock all the major brands, and you can wander around the enormous showroom/store and find paint names like Dulux, Crown and Farrow & Ball plus many more. There’s also a mixing service available to

ensure you get exactly the shade you want. It’s also a great place to browse through an extensive range of wallcoverings and hundreds of designs by manufacturers including Graham & Brown, Arthouse, Holdens and Fine Décor. Wallcoverings are displayed on boards and in an impressive selection of wallcovering and fabric books from Harlequin, Sanderson, Prestigious Textiles, Designers Guild, Casamance, Blendworth and Galerie for lots of

inspiration. You can browse in store or loan the books to view at home. With wood finishes, furniture paint, exterior preservative and stains, Décor Supplies is a one stop shop for all your decorating needs. Just drop in to this local decorating specialist for lots of free advice and guidance on colour schemes or decorating challenges – they’re always very happy to help.

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Hidden Spaces The Tudor of Lichfield

Each month, Citylife explores one of Lichfield’s ‘Hidden Spaces’ to give readers a glimpse into part of the city’s fascinating history not usually seen by the public. In this issue, we explore The Tudor of Lichfield, one of the city’s most recognisable and best loved buildings, which has been a family business since 1936 when Wilfred and Evelyn BurnsMace opened it as a tea shop.

The Tudor of Lichfield

riginally built in 1510, the black and white building is a three storey timber framed Tudor house with 18th century alterations. The house is filled to the brim with historic features. There are numerous original fireplaces, including one with classic blue and white Delft tiles and another with a bread oven still in situ. At the top of the open-well oak staircase, guarded by two beautifully carved lions, is a fascinating display of artefacts relating to the family business.Vintage machines once used in the day to day running of the tea shop and café sit alongside cake boxes and other ephemera, including labels produced for products which were supplied to Jacksons of Piccadilly and Harrods. The cellars have played a role in two conflicts. During the Civil War, they were used as a dungeon where Parliamentarian prisoners were held, chained to the wall by a ring still visible today. An oak door bears evidence of these events, with graffiti carved into the wood that includes the Roundhead mottos ‘Cave Adsum’ (loosely translated as ‘Beware, I am here’) and ‘God with us’, alongside a crude drawing of a hanged man and the name Hampden, which may refer to the parliamentarian leader John Hampden. Three hundred years later, the cellars were a place of refuge for Lichfield citizens when it became an air raid shelter for 77 people during the Second World War. There are still remnants of the blast walls added to minimise damage and a blocked up escape route leading to what is now Tudor Row. More intriguing features are found on the top floor of the building, including the door to a concealed ‘priest’s hide’ on which two crosses and the date 1761 have been scratched and an ornate carving thought to be around 400 years old above another of the attic doors. To the rear of the Georgian extension is the former coach house, once used as a bread shop and now a self contained unit, retaining traces of its original purpose with saddle and rein hooks still attached to the wooden beams. The Tudor of Lichfield is located at 33 Bore Street, Lichfield and is open seven days a week (9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and between 10am and 4pm on Sundays) for morning coffees, lunches and afternoon teas, made with local produce wherever possible. For reservations, please call 01543 263951. Many thanks to Adam Burns-Mace and the staff at the Tudor for making us so welcome on our visit.

Sources: www.tudorrow.com/tudoroflichfield www.heritagegateway.org.uk

Historic wall between The Tudor and its neighbour

Continued on page 26

This ornate carving is around 400 years old

Delft tiles

WW2 blast wall

Door to the Priestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hide

Portway portable gas oven

Historic fireplace

Iron wall ring

Vintage milk churns and packing cases in historic cellars

Interior of Priestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hide

Cellars that may have held Parliamentarian prisoners

Cellar used as air raid shelter

Big lift beats the big freeze

ichfield Canal volunteers overcame the worst the elements could throw at them to move over 230 tonnes of concrete tunnel into position at Darnford Moors recently. The eleven sections of culvert, each weighing 21.3 tonnes, had to be transported from their storage site at Hazel Lane Colliery, Great Wyrley, because of a proposed development. One of the many challenges Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust faces is a crossing under Darnford Lane, so this was an ideal opportunity to put the culvert sections in place, ready for the time when a tunnel will be installed. Many weeks of preparation of the Darnford Moors site, digging out the canal bed to the correct depth and constructing a platform for a huge crane, and clearing the Great Wyrley site for the big lift, meant that all was in place for the move on Friday March 2nd, despite the atrocious conditions produced by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Beast from the Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Unfortunately, the 350 tonne crane heading for Darnford Moors broke down on the M1 and the expected 6am start of the two-hour operation to prepare it was delayed until its arrival at 2pm. Meanwhile, six low-loaders, each carrying a culvert section, were held at Norton Canes service station on the M6 Toll Road, until the crane was set up. They arrived at Darnford Moors at 4pm when Trust volunteers were prepared to work into the night under lights to complete the move, despite the snow and freezing conditions. But then Storm Emma brought very high winds which made it unsafe to continue. The next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s improved conditions meant the first six sections were lifted into place by 9am, with the lowloaders making return journeys to Great Wyrley for the five remaining. Finally, the last section was swung into place at 1pm.

L.S.Lowry

By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers L.S Lowry, or Laurence Stephen Lowry as his mum and dad called him, is known to most of us as plain old Lowry. Born in 1887 in Stretford he died in 1977. He became a household name due in part to a song written about him called ‘Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs’ that was released in 1978 and stayed in the charts for nineteen weeks. But who was he? His painting style for some falls under the heading of ‘naïve’ due to the modern way in which he painted his now famous matchstick men. He painted the world around him - his subjects were not wealthy people and his settings were not glamourous or luxurious, but rather the everyday. He is an artist that people either love or hate but either way he still remains one of the most popular names in the auction world. The world record for a Lowry painting was set in 2011 for an eye watering £5.6 million pounds! Now, that is out of reach for most of us but, there is a way of owning a Lowry for a lot less than that, and that way is to buy a print. Prints by artists generally come in two types of print run, the first is the open edition print - this is

where there is no set limit to how many copies of the original artwork are produced. In some cases that number runs into the tens of thousands. The other way is to buy a limited edition print. This is where the number of prints produced is limited to a set number, the lower the limit the more desirable the print. If the print is also signed by the artist it is even more desirable. The world record for a Lowry print from an edition run of just 300 is £22,000 pounds. Here at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, we are fortunate to have had the opportunity recently to offer three Lowry prints for sale, all bearing his signature. The first titled The Notice Board was estimated at £500-£800 and the hammer came down at £1500. The second offering titled The Football Match, with an edition number of 803 from a run of 850, was estimated at £2500-£3000 and sold at the bottom of the estimate. The third print titled The Beach, Deal, was estimated at £1000£1500 and the hammer came down at £1900. Richard Winterton Auctioneers will shortly be offering another signed Lowry Print for sale so if you fancy owning a genuine Lowry,

come on down. Auction rooms are exciting places to be on auction day and everyone is welcome to attend and view the items for sale before deciding to bid or not. If those recent prices are still out of your reach, it is possible to buy an open edition Lowry print at auction for as little as £10. Come along to the Decorative & Design Sale being held on Wednesday 11th April. For viewings, catalogues and future sales please visit our website for further details. Free Valuations Every Tuesday 9.30am – 4.00pm at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield, WS13 8NF.

Blues and Jazz Festival

Steve Ajao

The fourth Lichfield Arts Blues and Jazz festival will take place between Friday June 1st and Sunday 3rd June.

he Festival features leading names from the worlds of blues and jazz, including Stan Webb’s Chicken Shack, Theo Travis Double Talk, The Annie Whitehead Quartet, Steve Ajao Blues Giants, The Sara Gillespie Quartet, and King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, plus local acts such as Imperial Strut, Blast Off, Robert Jackson, Emma Johnson Boogie Woogie Quartet, and The Shooters. Concerts take place at Lichfield Guildhall, Lichfield Sports Club, and The Cathedral Hotel, and performances happen throughout the weekend. Full festival tickets, single day tickets and tickets for individual concerts are available. Full details of the Festival are available at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, where tickets can also be bought. Alternatively call 01543 262223, or call into the Lichfield Arts Box Office in Donegal House, Bore Street.

Delve into Johnson’s Dictionary

pril 15th 1755 saw the publication of a book that would put Lichfield firmly on the literary map: Samuel Johnson’s ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’. The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum will be marking the anniversary this month with a History Workshop dedicated to the how, when and why of the great work. Sue Bray will be delving into the Dictionary in a relaxed and friendly talk on Sunday 15th April at 2pm. The session will cover quirky questions about the book such as: “Why was a pretty much unknown writer chosen for the task?” and “What Dictionaries came before it and why was it

Theo Travis

King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys

Stan Webb

different?” as well as looking at how Johnson went about putting it together, and some of the wild and wonderful words it contains. There will also be a behind-the-scenes look at some other dictionaries from the museum collection, and the different editions of Johnson’s work. Museum spokesperson Jo Wilson commented: “Johnson’s ‘Dictionary’ is always a talking point for our visitors - the scale of the task was enormous, and it is a remarkable piece of work. Sue Bray’s excellent workshop will give some insight into the great book, but also consider its wide-ranging legacy – from its influence on the dictionaries that followed it through to its appearance in an episode of Blackadder”. Places cost £3.50. For more information or to book call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, visit the Museum on the corner of the Market Square or find the website at www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk.

The Month in Pictures

March

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

Choristers in Cathedral Close, Palm Sunday procession

Lichfield Writers' Group at Devo Tea cafe Breadmarket Street

Michael Fabricant MP attending the opening of the Lichfield Society of Artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibition at Lichfield Library Images by Jonathan Oates www.jonotourism.co.uk

Front runners at the Fradley 10k race

Civic dignitaries at the Mayor and Sheriff's Fashion Show, Lichfield Guildhall

Tree stump on the Beacon Park Wonder Wander tour

Rubbing the lucky Erasmus Darwin shell at the Beacon Park Wonder Wander tour

Lichfield Town Crier meets Sherlock Holmes at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

The cast of the play WikiWords at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Donkey leading the Palm Sunday procession, Dam Street

Lichfield Repair and Share Lichfield’s first Repair and Share event was recently held at the community room at Tesco. The idea behind the initiative is that rather than throw broken or damaged items away, you can take them to a group of volunteers who will show you how to try and mend them for free. As well as reducing waste, Lichfield Repair and Share aims to bring people together to learn new skills. Whilst volunteers can’t guarantee that they will be able to fix something, they do promise to have a very good go at it!

olunteers brought sewing machines, tool boxes and an abundance of knowledge and experience to the first event, and there was even a chance to sing along to music from local group The Redemption Brothers who brought along their junk-based instruments.

During the course of the evening, the idea of craft and DIY workshops was suggested and this is something the group will be looking at incorporating into the event. The next Repair and Share get-together is planned for Friday 18th May between 7pm and 9pm at Tesco Community Room, Church Street, Lichfield. There are also plans for Lichfield Repair and Share to have a stand at the Fuse Festival in July. In the longer term, it would be useful for the group to have a more permanent base and so if anyone is able to offer a space for use, they would be delighted to hear from you.

To find out more information, or to volunteer your skills, please email lichfieldshare@gmail.com or join the group’s Facebook page Lichfield Repair Café. As well as needing people with practical skills, anyone with administration skills would also be very welcome to get involved to help with the running of the group and co-ordinating events.

A Window on the Past Gone But Not Forgotten

For more stories, pictures and memories go to the groups Facebook site ‘You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or go along to their next friendly group meetings on Tuesday April 3rd and Tuesday 8th May at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue from 7 pm till 10pm. For more information contact 01543 416393 or 01543 268842. Photos and memorabilia displays can be booked for shows at nursing homes, clubs etc, free of charge.

Lichfield city holds a wonderful collection of listed and important buildings, but even a place as rich in architectural history as our home city changes over the years. This month, we’re looking at some of the buildings that no longer stand, or are now home to a different sort of commercial life. Thank you to the local history society ‘You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for this wonderful selection of images. 1. Lichfield School of Art in Dam Street, demolished in 1954.

2. National Provincial Bank in Bird Street which closed in the 1970s (now Brewhouse & Kitchen).

3. Beacon Place in Beacon Park, demolished in the 60s.

4. The Old Crown in Bore Street, demolished in the 80s (now Boots Opticians).

5. The old Midland Bank in Market Street (now New Look).

6. The old Post Office in Bird Street which later became the Lichfield Arts Centre and closed in 1995. Ego now stands on the same site. 7. The old Regal cinema in Tamworth Street which opened in 1932 and closed in the 1970s. 8. Victoria Hospital which opened in 1933.

9. Levetts Square. Image courtesy of Robert Yardley.

Tourism Guide Launches

ourism providers and representatives assembled at Drayton Manor on Wednesday 28 February to attend the Lichfield & Tamworth Tourism Networking Event. The event, organised by Lichfield District Council and Tamworth Borough Council to enable tourism providers to meet, was the ideal event to unveil 2018s Visit Lichfield guide. Produced by Lichfield District Council, the guide aims to boost visitor numbers by highlighting city and district attractions, events, tours, shops, eateries, visitor accommodation, wedding venues and more. 2018s edition has news of some memorable dates, including the centenary of the 1918 Armistice. This will see events take place at the National Memorial Arboretum and Lichfield Cathedral, including the Imagine Peace art installation featuring 1,918 trees that will be temporarily planted at the cathedral. In a partnership project with Lichfield District Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks team, the trees will then be taken to Beacon Park from November, to create a Peace Woodland. Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park is also celebrating its twentieth anniversary, the Lichfield Garrick its fifteenth and Thomas Land at Drayton Manor its tenth. Both the Visit Lichfield 2018 guides and the Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On brochures are available from Tourist Information at Lichfield Library and can be downloaded online at www.visitlichfield.co.uk/download

Unearthing History

Here, Gary Starkey, local metal detectorist and member of the Tamworth and Lichfield Search Society gives us an update in his ‘detecting diaries’.

fter some ferocious weather in February, we were eager to get out on the fields again, so one morning ventured back to the site where we had started to find some decent Roman finds. Bitterly cold, we made our way near to a hedgerow when I had what I can only describe as a ‘banging signal’. Digging down about 8 inches I was amazed to see a lovely, intact bell – just a slight dent in the side, possibly off a plough share. This was a first for me and made my day. We carried on for a few hours in this area and were rewarded with a small Roman ring and a beautiful Roman brooch. I did research on the bell and it is of 17th century origin and could have been around a bull’s kneck.This is very pleasing as the usual bells found are the ‘Crotal’ type – a sort of round bell with a stone or bit of iron inside for the ring. Three days later, I took ‘Big John’ down to the bottom field on another bitterly cold day. Wrapped up well, off we set. We found three bronze Roman coins in a small area. One of these was a very thick sestertius, and quite scarce being of the Empress Julia Domna. The coin had a piece broken off it so I scanned around the hole and got another good signal - it was the other piece which I glued back on when I got home. John is about 6 feet, 5 inches tall and has to kneel when he digs a hole. I always say he’s praying for something good to come out and this time it did. He found a stunning gold enamelled medieval horse pendant with a design I’d not spotted in any books on the subject. He was ecstatic! Our visit was then cut short by horizontal wind and snow which covered us from head to foot. I looked like a snowman! Next time out, with Paul, he had a very

rough hammered coin and a very good Roman Republican denarius – his second. This site is now throwing up quite a bit of Roman material, plus other bits to keep us interested. On the following visit, another two large Roman coins came up and a small ring. After a Club dig one Sunday (the first since January!) Paul and myself went on to a long standing stubble field which produced two Crotal bells and a nice little belt mount, but no coins. The last dig we did was back on the ‘Roman site’. I found a large key (probably from an early tinplate train or a big clock), then an oval lead item which I think may be from a

Roman sling-shot bullet. I have to check this with the Finds Liaison Officer though. I also decided to try a new detector I had bought from a lady in Whittington. It’s quite an old model but I liked its weight so I thought I’d give it a go. There were no signals for about 15 minutes then ‘ping!’ off it went. I dug down about 9 inches and saw silver. I was surprised to see a lovely George I shilling from 1723 very nice and a good start with this new machine. Mick, who was with me, found a tidy little William III sixpence from 1697. A good day all round. If you’d like myself or our Club to have a Dig on your land, ring myself, Gary, on 07779 06427.

WIN a voucher to try new spring menu at The Strawberry Cabin Set in the heart of the picturesque Staffordshire countryside, The Strawberry Cabin is surrounded by the fruit fields of Manor Farm at Hints. With a delicious range of food on offer and a warm welcome guaranteed from the Cabin Crew, it’s a great place to enjoy ‘a little taste of the countryside’, all year round.

Head Chef, Simon Doveston has created a range of signature dishes and specials for our new spring menu. Simon is a well known and wellrespected local chef, with a vast wealth of culinary experience from his time at the Dog Inn at Whittington, The Plough and Harrow at Shenstone and The Red Lion at Longdon, and of course, Doveston’s in Lichfield.

Breakfast is served until 11.30, followed by lunch between 12pm and 3pm, with a traditional roast on Sundays. A wide range of hot and cold drinks, tempting cakes and scrumptious snacks are served throughout the day. For a real indulgence, take Afternoon Tea at the Strawberry Cabin, and enjoy a selection of both savoury and sweet treats, served together with ‘bottomless’ tea or coffee.

The Strawberry Cabin is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and 4.30pm and between 9.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays (closed

Mondays). For more information, visit www.strawberrycabin.co.uk or call 01543 483680.

The Strawberry Cabin are offering readers the chance for themselves and a loved one to try out the new spring menu. To be in with the chance on winning a £30 voucher to spend at The Strawberry Cabin, just answer the following question: Who is Head Chef of The Strawberry Cabin?

A Simon Doveston B Philip Doveston C James Doveston

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to ‘The Strawberry Cabin Competition’, at citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Friday 20th April 2018. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winner will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 50. The Strawberry Cabin will contact the winner to arrange their prize, and may contact entrants with offers and news on special promotions. If you do not wish to be contacted please include the words ‘OPT OUT’ in your entry. Please note that you must be 18 or over to enter.

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18ct white gold diamond set bubble ring set with nine brilliant cut diamonds totalling 2ct. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield

£3,950 18ct white gold line bracelet, set with over 6ct of diamonds. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield Stockist: City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. Arthur Price, Britannia Way, Lichfield. WS14 9UY.

Friary School Creates Dinner in Aid of We Love Lichfield

n Wednesday 21st March students at The Friary School, Lichfield held an exclusive dinner in aid of ‘We Love Lichfield’ and the Friary School PTA. Year 10 and 11 Hospitality and Catering students prepared, cooked and served a three course dinner under the close supervision of Chef Simon Smith. Simon has a wealth of experience as a personal chef, both in the UK and abroad, as well as making numerous appearances on television demonstrating his craft. He has been working closely with The Friary School to put together a three course dinner that was enjoyed by all. During the day, students prepared from ‘scratch’ every element of the three course menu under Simon’s instruction. Later in the day, Alison Smith helped students to prepare the dining room and trained students in how to be effective waiting staff.

The recently refurbished school canteen was transformed into an elegant dining space for the evening. Guests were greeted with Prosecco and canapes produced by the students themselves.

£8,795

Comedy musical coming to the Lichfield Garrick

he ‘rudest’ puppets in showbiz are headed for Lichfield as musical comedy hit ‘Avenue Q’ comes to the Lichfield Garrick this May.

Anil Patel and Lucy Follows who play Princeton and Kate Monster

Winner of the Tony ‘Triple Crown’ for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, this ‘part flesh, part felt’ musical is set in New York City where we are introduced to fresh-faced Princeton, a recent college graduate, and his outlandish new neighbours on Avenue Q as they all try to find their way in the world. Inspired by the beloved children’s show Sesame Street, this adult-only production creates a puppet-filled world where Puppets and Humans are friends, Monsters are good and life lessons are learned as our characters face the difficult and X-Rated realities of modern day life. Director, James Pugh said: “It is safe to say that if you are an adult with a good sense of humour, then Avenue Q will be right up your street.” Filled with gut-busting humour and a catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has become a favourite for audiences everywhere. You can book your tickets via the Lichfield Garrick website or call the box office on 01543 412121. Due to adult themes this production is not suitable for under 16s. Avenue Q runs from 8th-12th May 2018.

Kate Pinell and Adam Lacey who play Christmas Eve and Brian

Our month on the farm

Here, Annamarie Stone of Woodhouse Farm and Gardens talks about life down on the farm.

nfortunately, last month’s cold weather has slowed down production on the farm. However, despite this, the first of this year’s salads is ready. We are also trying some new leaves out this year - turnip tops can be used in the same way as other spring greens to help get us through the hungry gap.

In past years, we’ve had more success when we grow plants in module trays in the greenhouse or poly tunnel and then transfer them into the garden, rather than sowing seeds directly in the ground. The ground has been ploughed ready by Alan and so it’s a case of waiting for those longer, warmer days to come along! To give a taste of the sort of scale we plant on, in March we placed an order which included 5,000 carrot seeds, 500 cabbages, 250 sweetcorn, 100 courgettes and 50 pumpkins.

Other preparation this month included digging a trench ready to plant runner beans and also getting the rhubarb bed ready for the new crowns we’ve bought. Until now, our rhubarb has been supplied from plants that were already in the farmhouse garden when we arrived. However, this year we have decided to add two known varieties, Champagne and Victoria, which should begin to produce next year. We’re delighted to have a student from South Staffordshire College’s Rodbaston campus helping out and as a result we have exciting plans for two of our Irish Moiled Cattle! For the first time ever, Woodhouse will be entering animals in a show. Woodhouse Luna has shown great promise during halter training and we also think that our bull calf Woodhouse Stuart has a good chance of winning our first ever rosette! Another exciting development is that thanks

to funding from various sources and help from more of our wonderful volunteers, we have been able to enhance both our indoor and outdoor community areas. We are just about to put a new roof on the extended indoor room and we have also installed wheelchair ramps and a seating area to make the garden more accessible to people. The outdoor community area will soon have lighting and an electricity supply, meaning we can use it for a wider range of activities and events. Why not come along and visit us in person and see how it’s all getting on?

Woodhouse Farm and Garden is open to the public between 11am and 4pm every Friday and Saturday and is located just off Fisherwick Wood Lane, on the outskirts of Whittington. For more information, please visit www.woodhousefarmandgardencic.org.uk or contact Annamarie on 01543 432005 or annamarie@woodhousefarmandgardencic.org.uk.

A quiet life for Phoebe T his month the volunteers at Greyhound Trust Hall Green are looking for a new home for the lovely Phoebe.

It’s always sad when a dog who has known home comforts comes back into kennels but the Trust will always take dogs back into their care, whatever the reason, to try and find them another loving home. In Phoebe’s case it turned out that her previous owners weren’t the right match for her although everyone tried their best. Phoebe was living in a busy household with lots of trips out and visits to cafes and pubs which didn’t suit her.

Phoebe is a bright girl who enjoys her walks followed by long naps. She loves to play with her toys, tossing them into the air and catching them. This lovely girl just needs a second chance and with the right family she will make a loving companion. Phoebe is ready to make a long term commitment with a family who like

the quiet life just like her. If anyone has a space on their sofa and in their hearts for her, then give the Trust a call on 0121 426 4810 or email them at hallgreen@greyhoundtrust.org.uk to visit her or one of the other 25 hounds at their kennels in Little Hay. They’re open every day between 10am-3pm by appointment.

Greyhound Trust Hall Green is a branch of the Greyhound Trust charity which was founded in 1975 with the vision of a day when all racing greyhounds can retire to a loving home and be treated with compassion and kindness. Each year, the Greyhound Trust find homes for approximately 4,000 retired racing greyhounds, with the Hall Green Branch homing 197 greyhounds last year. However, there are many more that still need help just like Phoebe and her kennel mates.

The branch is run entirely by volunteers and new helpers are always welcome to walk and

socialise the hounds. With the closure of Hall Green Stadium in August 2017, the branch suffered a significant loss in income and would also welcome volunteers who are interested in fundraising to help raise much needed funds so they can continue to find loving homes for the hounds in their care.

To find out more about the Trust of how to become a volunteer, please visit their website www.greyhoundtrusthallgreen.org.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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 Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 josscitylife@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 April

Friday 30th March – Sunday 15th April Sam’s Spy Trail The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, daily 10.30am – 4.30pm £1 for trail pack Easter trail and free drop-in activities available daily throughout the school holidays.

Thursday 5th April Spy School The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, 11am and 2pm, £3.50 Have you got what it takes to become a top secret agent? Find out in the return of this fun codebreaking word workshop for the Easter holidays. Ages 7+ call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk

Sunday 8th April Plant Hunters’ Fair at Middleton Hall Nr Tamworth. B78 2AE 10am – 4.00pm. A wonderful plant fair at this Staffordshire gem with entry to the Gardens, Grounds, Hall and Plant Fair all for just £2, so why not bring your friends and family to make a day of it. Plant fair featuring 18 highly-respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs and trees. See the full calendar of fairs at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Monday 9th April Lichfield Wildlife Group Annual General Meeting followed by a talk: ‘Flowers & Landscapes of the Canadian Rockies’ by Dr Peter Coxhead. Starts 7:45. At Wade Street Church, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6HL. The meeting will be held in the church itself, entry on Frog Lane. Cost £3.

Wednesday 11th April U3A Showcase Event Lichfield U3A would like to invite anyone who is retired or semi retired and with time on their hands, to come to our free Showcase Event at the Guildhall on Wed April 11th, from 1pm - 4pm. This is the perfect opportunity to discover what U3A is all about and what it could offer you. The event is free and all 50

activity groups will have displays to show you what they are all about. Are there activities you would like to try? Come along, and if you would like to join on the day, we are offering 2 months free membership.

Saturday 14th April Cellar Tour Erasmus Darwin House. 1.30pm – 2.30pm. £2 per person. To book call 01543 306260. Sunday 15th April Delve into the Dictionary The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, 2pm, £3.50. Find out how Johnson created his greatest work and explore the Museum’s Dictionary collection in this fascinating talk and workshop session. Call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk

Term-time Saturdays (April 21st & 28th) Words Alive! The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, 10.30am, £3 per session, discounts for family groups. A weekly club for 7-11 year olds who love words! Read, write, create, act, and illustrate in an inspiring setting call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk

Saturday 21st April Violets in Bloom Baby Sale Fradley Village Hall, Church Lane, Fradley. 10am until 1pm. Entry £2 (includes free entry into raffle). Book a space for £2.50 (bring your own table or hire one for £5). To book your table, email info@violetsinbloom.org. Additional craft stalls and refreshments available.

Saturday 21st April We are thrilled to welcome back 'Jive Krazy' to The Ashmole. This Rock & Roll Band played last year and were an absolute hit and complete sell out! Feel free to dress in 50s style and come and join us here at The Ashmole Club, Meerash Lane, Hammerwich. Tickets priced at £7.50 and available from the bar. Doors open 7.30 pm. Call 01543 684057 for further details.

Monday 23rd April Paint Party – Vincent’s Starry Night

7.30pm at 55 Wade St Bar, Lichfield. Relax and lose yourself in Vincent’s beautiful swirling colours as you recreate his masterpiece. (Freestyling also encouraged.) No previous art experience is necessary, full tuition and lots of reassurance is given. A fun night out! All materials, two hours tuition and the first drink is on us! £20. Tickets available via Maria Credali Arts or contact 07989 857277. Booking essential.

Tuesday 24th April Lichfield Civic Society Meeting 7.45pm. Speaker Patrick Comerford on The Wyatt Family of Weeford. The Lichfield Room, Wade Street Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6HS. Admission is free to members and students. Nonmembers are always welcome, £3 at the door.

Tuesday 24th April Spring Flower Arranging Demonstration at The George £24 pp to include coffee on arrival, a floral demonstration and a three course lunch. Tel: 01543 414822 The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR.

Tuesday 24th April Lichfield Branch of Arthritis Care Are you living with Arthritis? If so, why not come along to the monthly meetings of the Lichfield Branch of Arthritis Care. We usually meet at The Community Room in the new Lichfield Fire Station on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except August & December) from 7pm to 9pm, and offer support, signposting and social activities. Transport is provided for a small contribution. Our next Meeting is on Tuesday 24th April 2018. For further information please contact 01543 263347 or 255698.

Wednesday 25th April Stonnall Conservation Society Memorabilia Evening Personal memories are often triggered by objects we hold dear and can be in many forms such as toys, books, photographs etc. We are asking our members to talk about their special possessions and what they mean to them. Do please come along and join us at the Youth and Community Centre Main Street Stonnall WS9 9EE at 7.30pm.

www.shenstone-staffs.gov.uk/scs/ Wednesday 25th April Spring Flower Arranging Demonstration at The George £24 pp to include coffee on arrival, a floral demonstration and a three course lunch. Tel: 01543 414822. The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR.

Saturday 28th April The Black Country Boys We welcome back once again the fabulous Black Country Boys to The Ashmole Club, Meerash Lane, Hammerwich on Saturday 28th April for their final year performing together! This is a fund raising event in aid of St Giles Hospice. Tickets are priced at £10 each and are available from the Club. Doors open 7.30 pm. For further details please call the Club on 01543 684057 .

Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May Plant Hunters Fair at Weston Park On A5, Weston-under-Lizard TF11 8LE. 10am - 5pm. Great event with special low price entry of just £3 for the plant fair, gardens and parkland. With miles of woodland walks planted with spring bulbs, bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons, lakes and beautiful formal gardens to explore. Brilliant line up of nurseries with something, new, different and unusual for every plant lover. Details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Sunday 20th May The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc Described as one of the finest sounds in Scandinavian folk music, this is a Live & Local event. Alrewas Village Hall at 8pm. Doors 7.15pmTickets £9.50 from Lorna Lewis on 01283 790799 or Alrewas Pharmacy.

Saturday April 21st Lichfield Methodist Church Grand Auction Sale 10am to 1pm doors open 9am. (Viewing Friday 7-8pm). Auctioneer Mr Richard Winterton (Proceeds in Aid of Phakamisa a church-based humanitarian project in Durban South Africa).

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Are You a Coin Collector?

If you’re a coin collector, visit Gary Starkey's coin cabinet in Lichfield Antique Centre (next to Minster Pool), Lichfield for coins and artefacts from early to modern. For more information call 07779 064271

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

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