Citylife in Lichfield December 2017 by Citylife In Lichfield

Inside...

Win a Sunday Roast for Two

Courtesy of McKenzie’s

16 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Her...

in our festive gift guide 36 Beacon Park Finds

By Kate Gomez

38 Unearthing History

By Gary Starkey

40 Window on the Past

Clocking off - exploring working life

Welcome to CITYLIFE

December 2017

from Citylife

n just a few weeks, Citylife in Lichfield magazine will be two years old. Our team has doubled this year, and we’ve been delighted to welcome new colleagues who are as in love with our city as we are. I only moved to Lichfield ten years ago. I knew it was pretty, and full of history and charming old buildings, but I didn’t know about the heart of the place. I didn’t know how every corner you turn surprises you with a medieval wall or ancient doorway. I didn’t know how many of you strive, without fuss, to make the city a better place. I had no idea about Christian Fields, or Leomansley Woods, or Pipe Green. Our festivals, plays, orchestras, choirs, charities, clubs, writers, artists, history buffs, entrepreneurs and eccentrics make this the most wonderful place to live, and a place that we rightly cherish. However you’re spending it, everyone at Citylife would like to wish you all a very, very merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year.

See you all in 2018! Joss Editor

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.

Happy Christmas

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com Deputy Editor - Kate Gomez 07742 917708 katecitylife@gmail.com Advertising -

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 a Sunday Roast for Two at McKenzie's Restaurant

cKenzie's Restaurant is set in the beautiful old Corn Exchange building on Conduit Street, Lichfield.

Creating delicious dishes from locally sourced and provenanced suppliers, McKenzie’s is the perfect place for a special occasion or a midweek treat. Combining laid back luxury with a great menu catering to all tastes, McKenzie’s is renowned for its steaks that are truly succulent and sourced from the best local suppliers. Add to that a great bar, friendly staff and beautiful surroundings and you have the recipe for the perfect dining experience.

Win a Sunday Roast for Two Plus a Bottle of House Wine!

McKenzie’s famous Sunday Roast Lunches are available from 12pm to 3pm every Sunday. Choose from slow-roasted beef with succulent vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and homemade gravy; slow roasted lamb with vegetables, roast potatoes and homemade gravy or honey roasted Gammon served with vegetables, roast potatoes and homemade gravy for £10.95, and add a delicious pudding (including Panna Cotta, Tiramisu or chocolate brownie with ice-cream) for just £4 per person. To win a Sunday Roast for two plus a bottle of house wine, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find a sauce often served with steak.

SPRUCERCANEPOPE __________ _____

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to McKenzie’s 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 15th December. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Must be 18 or over to enter. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 58. *McKenzie’s Restaurant will contact the winner to arrange their prize (please note that dates available for booking are subject to restaurant availability) and may contact entrants with information, offers and news. If you do not wish to be contacted please include the words OPT OUT in your entry. Congratulations to Mrs D Harrison who gave the correct answer of 'Beef Wellington' and solved the anagram in the November issue.

Tipper's annual Christmas Market Tipper's annual Christmas Market, in aid of St Giles, took place on 25th November and featured lots of food and craft stalls, plus a demonstration by local chef Simon Smith exploring how to achieve the best Christmas dinner. Visitors also enjoyed free mulled wine, tea, coffee and mince pies at this festive event.

Join the Citylife Team Are you a confident sales-professional with a proven track record, or do have the enthusiasm and personality to transfer your current skills to a sales role? Do you enjoy meeting new people and building long lasting customer relationships? If so, we want to hear from you!

Citylife in Lichfield Ltd is looking for a sales professional to join the team â&#x20AC;&#x201C; selling advertising space across our titles. This is a full time role, but a part time role may be also be possible for the right candidate. Attractive remuneration package plus commission offered. To apply, please email your CV to josscitylife@gmail.com before Friday 29th December.

Sir Stanley Matthews – The Football Legend Lives On By Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers

ans of the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews were given the chance to own a memento from one of the greatest footballers ever known, at an auction that took place at Hansons Auctioneers on Monday 27th November.

His daughter, Jean Matthews-Gough, had decided to auction off several items relating to the England, Stoke and Blackpool football legend and commented: “I want football fans to have the opportunity to own something that belonged to Stanley Matthews. They are gathering dust in drawers and cupboards. Although they mean a lot to me it seems a shame to have them hidden away. Pop was not one for memorabilia. He never lived in the past – he was all for the future. He got his happiness from people, not from things. I am sure he would have approved.” For Jean, who lives in Staffordshire, there is one item above all others up for auction that symbolises what meant the most to her father – a ‘throne’ made for him when he was crowned Football King of Ghana. The ‘throne’, a small carved wooden stool known as an ‘ashanti’ (estimate £1,000-£1,500), was given to Sir Stanley by the people of Ghana, to honour him for his sporting dedication to youngsters in their country. Jean added: “It’s the one thing he always kept in his study so he could see it every day at his home in Stoke.”

His work in Africa became the most important thing in his life – and created a lasting legacy which she has continued since his death in 2000. She is patron of the Sir Stanley Matthews Coaching Foundation which helps thousands of young people. Do you have an unusual item or a slice of history? Be it an item of silver or a vase, bring it to life and find out the value at your local free valuation day with a Hansons Expert (in aid of St Giles Hospice). Valuations take place at Lichfield, every Monday from 10.30am to 12.30pm at The Hedgehog Inn Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JB, and at Sutton Coldfield, once a month on a Tuesday, the next being 12th December from 10am to 1pm at St Chads Church, Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7SN. Free home visits can be arranged by appointment for large/multiple items, estate clearance or downsizing advice. For further information please contact Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director on 01283 733988 or email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

Choosing Your Christmas Tree

By Byron Lewis

asn’t this year flown by! Already Christmas is upon us and with it, the time to decorate your home and garden for the festive season. Garden centres will by now be taking delivery of thousands of real Christmas trees for putting in to your lounge to give pleasure over the festive period – but how do you look after them for the best display?

There are many types of real Christmas trees, ranging from the traditional Norway Spruce through to the more popular Nordman Fir. The Nordman has become so popular because it is one of the best trees for needle-retention (so that your carpet stays carpet-colour and not covered in tree!). It is also soft to the touch, so ideal if you have small children at home – it is also easy to decorate and generally very bushy, so giving good value for money.

Whatever tree you choose, there are a few simple rules to follow: • Keep your tree watered. This is the most important part of the process. Once a tree has been cut, it is no longer able to find water itself – so you will need to water it regularly. There are numerous designs of Christmas tree stand which incorporate a water ‘reservoir’, so keep this full of water at all times. A medium tree can drink up to three pints of water daily! • Select your tree early in December. This should give you the best selection in terms of choice of sizes and shapes. But once you’ve purchased it, keep the tree outdoors until you are ready to decorate – this will keep it looking better for longer. • Keep your tree away from heat – if you can, turn off any radiators or fires that are alongside the tree. Again, this prolongs the life of the tree.

If you want to grow your own tree year after year, garden centres often sell pot-grown and containerised trees. Choose the pot-grown option here, as containerised trees have previously been grown in open ground and are less likely to succeed when planted out as roots will have been cut to make it fit the pot. Another tip with pot-grown trees is to keep them outdoors as long as possible. If you do take them indoors, acclimatise them after Christmas to the lower outdoor temperatures to reduce stress, and as before, water regularly and keep away from direct sources of heat. Lichfield Garden Centre’s Christmas Shop is now open, with a huge selection of Cut and Pot-grown Real Christmas Trees, as well as homemade wreaths and garlands. Santa also pays a visit on Saturdays 2nd/9th/16th December - see the website for full details.

Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre, at Curborough Countryside Centre, Lichfield. 01543 254306, www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter.

City Art Fund

ichfield District Council, in partnership with Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, has launched the Lichfield City Art Fund, which offers £134,000 to fund public art across the city. In 2008 Lichfield District Council sold the statue Donna Che Trattiene il Tempo, known locally as ‘Old Father Time’, after an unsuccessful appeal for an appropriate long term home for the piece. The statue had been bequeathed to the people of the City of Lichfield by Colonel Swinfen Broun. The Lichfield City Art Fund has brought together Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust and Lichfield District Council with the aim to reinvest the proceeds of the sale into supporting new art projects that will benefit and celebrate the people of Lichfield, and also contribute to ensuring Lichfield remains a vibrant place. The aim of the fund is to support a variety of public art commissions that will provide a lasting legacy for the people of Lichfield City and reflect the historic and local distinctiveness of the area. In particular, the council and trust are keen to fund commissions that focus on creating art space, or result in three dimensional visual art. Find out more about the Lichfield City Art Fund and the application process in the funding prospectus, which is available, along with the application form, at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/artfund. The deadline to apply is by 4.30pm on Friday 22 December 2017.

and January Events at Vesta Space December Erasmus Darwin House V E Advertisement Feature

esta Space are sliding wardrobe doors and fitted wardrobes specialists, providing made-to-measure, sliding wardrobe doors that are the perfect fit for your home, plus storage solutions that maximise space in your bedroom and home. Available in a wide range of colours and finishes, and with a variety of internal storage options, your wardrobe can be tailor-made to suit your requirements. Looking to add sliding doors to your walk-in wardrobe or section a part of your home office for storage? Whatever your aims, Vesta Space have the knowledge, experience and diverse product range to suit your style and budget. As well as dealing directly with home-owners, Vesta Space provide a comprehensive supply, of supply and fit service for contractors, developers and the trade. Their product range covers a vast array of sliding door wardrobes, in colours and finishes to suit a range of price brackets and specifications, and all installed by the same, highly experienced and qualified fitting team. Vesta Space offer a comprehensive range of services, including: Sliding Wardrobes; Interior Solutions; Installation Service; Design Visits; In-House Surveys and Retail and Domestic solutions. For an informal, no-obligation chat call Vesta Space on 01922 324 050 or pop in to their showroom at Unit 5, Westgate Trading Estate, Westgate, Aldridge, WS9 8EX. www.vestaspace.co.uk

rasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, has a very special month coming up as December is the month of Dr Erasmus Darwin’s Birthday. They will be holding a ‘Birthday Bash’ for him on the 9th December. This free and drop in event will run from 11am to 4pm and includes a variety of events including a festive choir and fun Christmas themed activities for families. If you’re part of the Dr D’s Science Club then don’t forget to pop along to get your next stamp for your passport. There will also be a chance to share some of Darwin’s Birthday Cake plus a popup tearoom. There’ll also be a cellar tour at 2.30pm, (£2 per person and booking is recommended). On the 20th December Erasmus Darwin House is holding a special day to take part in Visit Lichfield’s Twelve Days of Christmas. Visitors can pop in to collect a Sugar Mouse stocking filler and a voucher, and can take part in making a special bauble for your Christmas tree. This is a free event but donations are welcome (please check opening times on the website). The new year sees the launch of the next instalment of the ‘Lunar Legacy Programme’. The Lectures take place on the night of the full moon (or as close to this as possible). The first lecture takes place on 31st January at 7.30pm, when Ruth Richardson will be speaking about ‘The Body Snatcher’. She will discuss how, during the 18th century and continuing into the 1830s, body snatchers robbed fresh graves of their contents to supply dissection rooms. The Lecture costs £5 and booking is required. Erasmus Darwin House can be found at Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD www.erasmusdarwin.org Tel: 01543 306260

McKenzie’s Restaurant

Advertisement Feature

ark McKenzie Maltby launched McKenzie’s Restaurant three years ago. This family restaurant is committed to creating a menu that uses the best ingredients in the best way possible bringing out the flavour and delicacy of locally grown and sourced produce. Their menu mixes a selection of dishes from the traditional to high-end cuisine. What McKenzie’s is passionate about it is creating dishes where the most flavoursome produce is used, and they have built this passion into a menu that incorporates the most succulent steaks and flavours from around the world. There’s also a good selection of dishes to suit those with special dietary requirements that don’t compromise on flavour or quality. McKenzie’s Restaurant is the perfect place for laidback, everyday dining or an elegant special occasion. Set in the stunning Corn Exchange building, the restaurant’s vaulted ceiling and gallery means that McKenzie’s delivers real wow-factor, at an affordable price. Over the last few years, the kitchens have been completely re-built and the menu refined, and all dishes are created by a team of chefs that McKenzie’s can be rightly proud of. McKenzie’s Restaurant can be found at The Corn Exchange, Conduit Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JU www.mckenziesrestaurant.com 01543 417371

£5,995

A stunning 18ct white gold dress ring set with three carats of diamonds. Available at City Jewellers

From £2.75 to £12.50

From £5

A range of gifts, available at The Knitting Corner

£3,995

18ct white gold wide dress ring, pave set with two carats of diamonds. Available at City Jewellers

No fuss and no watering amaryllis £14.99. Traditional amaryllis £9.99. Available at Lichfield Garden Centre Unique handmade candles in a variety of colours, (large £13, small £10). Available at Beyond Candles

A range of candles and gifts (candles £8.50, money box £9.99). Available at Village Hall Events & Gift Shop

Craft sessions, kits, gift vouchers and original handmade gifts. Available at Foxglass & Lime Sky

Perfect Christmas Gifts ‘for her’ Our area is home to so many great, independent shops, and we’ve been out exploring so we can bring you our selection of perfect Christmas gifts.

Shaun Leane tusk earrings, available in silver or gold vermeil in three sizes. Available at City Jewellers

Collection of contemporary and individual vibrant paintings and fused glassware by Michelle Luter. Available at Home of Colours (Candleglass)

From £5 to £600

Victorian bedroom chair refurbished and upholstered in Designers Guild fabric (£350); Velvet art cushion by Wild Rice Designs (£75). Available at Jackdaw Rooms

From £24

£60

Giant gin hamper. Available at The Cheese, Gin & Ale Barn

From £165

Unique traditional stained-glass pieces inspired by nature, (two ladybirds £38, single ladybird £35, large flower £30, dragonfly £18.50). Available at Foxglass & Lime Sky

Afternoon tea for two voucher £24. Celebration afternoon tea for two voucher £32. Available at The George Hotel

£10

£25

£14.79 Shoulder Bag. Available from AJ’s Closet

Boxed China Teapot. Available from Keeren’s Kardz

£10 Chocolate Wreath. Available from Sweet Box

£29 Sterling silver and amber 'shell' earrings £90 and pendent £45. Available from Dame Oliver's

Acer Iconia Tab 8W. Available from Click IT

£95

Jewellery Box. Available from Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic

French Art Nouveau wall plaque. Available from Decodance

Arthur Price Kitchen pair of Cheese Knives. Sale Price £4.95 (was £25). Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen Valentina set of Cake and Pastry Forks. Sale Price £7.50 (was £37.50). Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop

£24.95 Sterling silver 'tree of life' pendent set with peridot and garnet. Available from Dame Oliver's

Reconstituted opal and cubic zirconia sterling silver ring (other styles available). Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs Sirdar Colour Wheel. A yarn 'cake' which will knit or crochet a scarf. All nine colours in the Colour Wheel range. Available from Knitique

£9.95 £50

£45

Gift Vouchers for Furniture Painting Workshop with French Chic paint. Available from Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic

A range of magical gifts (From £5). Available from The Cottage Shop Hidden Gems

Christmas Hamper. Available from Sweet Box

£10 17

Range of bespoke designer hand-knitted wares and unusual gifts (prices range from £10 to £95). Available from Entangled

£17.50

from £9.99

Satzuma Gold Bar Mouse. Available from Click IT Cherubs ornament. Available from Odonata Studios

Ladies Christmas gift Box filled with contents of your choice. Available from The Little Wool Shop

Afternoon Tea for Two Experience. Available from Bake180 Coffee Shop

£120

Freshwater cultured pearls with art glass in sterling silver. Available from Odonata Studios

£59.95

£110

14ct gold earrings. Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs

£5.49 £7.49

Garmin 935xt watch £469.99, Merino Wool Long Sleeve Base Layer £44.99, Pearl Izumi Pro Barrier Light Weight Jacket £89.99, Pearl Izumi Winter Cycling Leggings £179.99 and Ogio Endurance Sports Bag £89.99. Available from The Pedal Station

Lavender Jug: £5.49 and Tulip Jug: £7.49. Available from Keeren’s Kardz

Artist Kara Strachan works and exhibits from her gallery studio, The Art Loft. Original paintings of woodlands, historical gardens and the English coastline. Prices start from £45. Work shown is Woodland Path, original acrylic painting, framed 16"x12" £160

Framed, limited edition print by Aaminah Snowdon entitled 'Hedgie and the Hoglets' Available from Eden Gallery

£24

£195

£12.95

£99

Arthur Price Kitchen Carving Set and Board. Sale Price £12.95 (was £49.95). Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop

Arthur Price Dubarry 58 piece box Cutlery Set. Sale price £99 (was £280). Available from Arthur Price Factory Shop

£50

£45

Klimt Clutch Bag: Made from silk, the bag features a satin lining, zip pocket, magnetic closure and hidden shoulder chain. Available from The Shop at No.9.

Sterling silver and pearl bracelet. Available from Dame Oliver's

Winter Village Luxury soaps and candles: Small soap: £3, candle: £10.50, large soap: £6.50 and soap gift box: £12. Available from The Shop at No.9.

£30

Sophie Oliver Jewellery: Sterling silver necklaces with gift box. Available from The Shop at No.9.

£10

£125

Sterling silver and amber ring. Available from Dame Oliver's

£400 A range of Moroccan Oil products, (from £13.75 to £40). Available from The Style Lounge

Gift cards. Available from The Style Lounge

Stockists The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR. 01543 414822 The Shop at No.9, 9 The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD. 01543 306150 City Jewellers, 39 Market Street, Market Square, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. 01543 416412 MW Jewellery and Repairs, Unit 1B, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Decodance, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Click IT, Unit 26, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Keeren’s Kardz, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY The Little Wool Shop, Unit 1B, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Village Hall Events & Gifts, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES Beyond Candles, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES Jackdaw Rooms, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES The Cheese, Gin & Ale Barn Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES Lichfield Garden Centre, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES Foxglass & Lime Sky, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES The Knitting Corner, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES The Pedal Station, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield,

Cream tea for two voucher. Available from Bake180 Coffee Shop

Original, framed, painting (60cm by 50cm) by Carl Knibb ARBSA entitled 'The Shopping Trip’ Available from Carl's gallery and studio Lion House Art. WS13 7ES Home of Colours (Candleglass), Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES Odonata Studios, Unit 8, Middleton Hall Courtyard B78 2AE Sweet Box, Middleton Hall Courtyard B78 2AE Entangled, Middleton Hall Courtyard B78 2AE Bake180, Coffee Shop, Middleton Hall Courtyard B78 2AE The Cottage Shop Hidden Gems, 116 Lichfield Street, Tamworth B79 7QB Dame Oliver's, 19 Dam Street, Lichfield, WS13 6AE. 01543 256600 Arthur Price Factory Shop, 1 Britannia Way, Lichfield, WS14 9UY. 01543 267324. The Arthur Price Sale takes place between 2nd and 16th December. The Art Loft artist Kara Strachan Gallery and Workshops, (above Mabel's Tea Rooms) Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES. 07970 609098 www.karastrachan.com Eden Gallery, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 8ES. 01543 268393 www.edenartandframing.co.uk Knitique, 7 Tudor Row, Lichfield, WS13 6HH. 01543 417700 Carl Knibb ARBSA, Lion House Art, The Arches, Curborough Hall Farm Countryside Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield, WS13 7ES. Tel: 07833 735048, email lionhouseart@gmail.com www.lionhouseart.co.uk The Style Lounge, 5-7 Greenhill, Lichfield WS13 6DY Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY AJ's Closet, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Serentity Healing (Body Beautiful) 20 Dam Street, Lichfield WS13 6AA

Announcing the Winner of City Image The many hundreds of images sent in to this competition truly gave us a wonderful panorama of the sights of our city and also of its life and seasons. It has been a privilege to share the work of the very talented artists who have taken the time to submit their artworks to our City Image competition. The competition closed on 30th October, after which entries were submitted to our independent judge - Emporium gallery, Bird Street, Lichfield.

City Image Winner, Chris Day.

We are delighted to announce that the winner of our City Image competition is Chris Day with his photograph of Stowe Pool. Chris wins a City Image trophy and £200 cash prize.

In addition, our judges selected 12 ‘Highly Commended’ works…

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

WINNER - Chris Day with his photograph of Stowe Pool

Stowe Pool by Rob Ings

The National Memorial Arboretum by Phil Sutcliffe

St Michael’s on Greenhill by Martin Gässl

Hidden beauty at the Cathedral, painting by Shelley Collett

Citylife in Lichfieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

City Image Cont...

Drawing of Lichfield Cathedral by John May

Lichfield Trent Valley by Neale Hayes

By Phil Massey

Cygnet by Martha Shepherd

The Erasmus Darwin Sculpture with the Cathedral in the distance, by Paul Hough

View of the City from Claypits Lane by Clive Read

Cathedral Sunset by Ian Hayter

J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD & ALREWAS

LICHFIELDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS. SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 24 hours a day

We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and memorials are but a few of the services we offer. Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.

For a truly personal service please call

01543 255776

Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS

01283 792923

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

Get festive in the City!

ichfield BID, with support from Visit Lichfield, has produced ‘Lichfield’s Wonderful Christmas’ brochure, which brings together a month of festive events and activities for all the family.

A highlight of this year’s festive calendar are the two Christmas festival weekends, taking place across the city on 2nd and 3rd and 9th and 10th December. The festival weekends will feature a range of markets selling beautiful gifts and artisan food and drink, as well as events, such as The Johnson Family Christmas and Erasmus Darwin’s 286th Birthday Bash!

The brochure also has news of Three Spires Shopping Centre’s ice skating rink, which is near Sports Direct, on Thursdays and weekends until 23rd December. It also promotes Lichfield BID’s Nutcracker Trail that sees 12, eight-foothigh nutcracker dolls dotted around the city centre for intrepid explorers to track down.

The Lichfield Garrick too has plenty on offer with its pantomime, Aladdin, the children’s show, Home for Christmas, and the festive show for grown-ups, Crime on the Christmas Express.

Around 40,000 brochures are going out to local homes and copies are also available from Tourist Information at Lichfield Library on The Friary and in other city venues.

For online festive listings, www.visitlichfield.co.uk/christmas

Another highlight is the eagerly anticipated, Cathedral Illuminated: Star of Wonder, Star of Light, as well as its series of carol services and the Christmas Tree Festival.

18ct yellow gold ruby necklace. Available at Salloways

£730

for Capricorns £2,800

18ct yellow and white gold ruby and diamond eternity ring. Available at Salloways

18ct yellow gold ruby earrings. Available at Salloways

David Tomalin - Lichfield BID and Aileen Beesley

Rubys £885

If you were born between December 23rd and January 20th you were born under the Zodiac sign of Capricorn. Intelligent, tenacious and determined, Capricorns are highachievers with an admirable ability to see the ‘whole picture’ and a true love of family. The gemstone associated with Capricorn is ruby – and its deep, sumptuous colour reflects the depth of this complex sign.

£3695 18ct white gold ruby and diamond bracelet. Available at City Jewellers

£4,440

18ct yellow and white gold ruby and diamond cluster ring. Available at Salloways

Stockist: City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6LA. www.cityjewellers.co.uk Salloways Jewellers, 23-25 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA. www.marketing@salloways.co.uk

£2,995 18ct ruby and diamond necklace. Available at City Jewellers

£2,995 18ct white gold ruby and diamond set dress ring. Available at City Jewellers

Advertisement Feature

Beautiful Dam Street Quercus of Quonians Antiques & Collectables

Quality Antiques at Sensible Prices

2 Quonians, (off Dam Street) Lichfield WS13 7LB 07971 051042

Dam Street is in the heart of the old city, and has been witness to many of the greatest events in the city’s history. Now, it is a charming centre for unique boutique shopping and relaxation.

Take a walk down Dam Street and you’ll find Dame Oliver’s, who offer ‘affordable individuality’ in womenswear (created from natural fibres), plus hats, fascinators, bags, scarves, accessories and a great range of jewellery; Body Beautiful Day Spa and Salon, where you can treat yourself to one, or several, of their many treatments (see what's newly available in their advertisement within this feature); Keelys LLP Solicitors who are an established law firm providing high quality legal advice to businesses and individuals; Silks, a long established, professional hair and beauty salon in the heart of Dam Street and the fascinating Quercus of Quonians that offers a range of antiques, collectables and unique items, not to be found elsewhere.

Everyone at Silks wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Beautiful Dam Street

Collecting Silver

By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers

ollecting antique and modern silver objects is an area enjoyed by both the novice and seasoned professional - the breadth, depth and price range on offer makes it enjoyable for all. Some focus on one theme, for example, Charles Horner hat pins; Nathaniel Mills castle top card cases; Victorian and Edwardian pin cushions in the shape of animals or anything related to wine such as corkscrews, wine funnels, claret jugs or decanter labels. The joy of silver is partly in the fact that it is such a tactile material. It does require a little work to keep it shining brightly but modern-day cleaners are often enhanced with an ingredient to prevent re-tarnishing, something our ancestors would have greatly appreciated. One benefit of collecting British silver is the fact that it carries hallmarks - a series of marks punched on to the piece which may well be the oldest forms of consumer protection still in existence. This system came about back in medieval England in the reign of Henry II. Due to the softness of silver in its purest form it needs to be mixed with an alloy to give it strength. A mix of 92.5% silver to 7.5% copper gave an excellent alloy and the king made a law

to say this was the legal standard and hence sterling silver was born. Hallmarks have varied over time and city assay offices have come and gone but fortunately records have been kept and it is generally easy to identify marks. Collecting silver need not break the bank and a Charles Horner silver thimble might cost you around £10 at auction; a hatpin by the same maker around £30 - £40 and an enamel and silver pendant by him around £200. At the other end of the spectrum Georgian and Regency silver by some of the most famous British silversmiths can sell for over £100,000. The forthcoming Fine Silver sale takes place on Monday 21st March 2018 (entries are now being invited with the closing date Tuesday 20th February 2018). Free Valuations take place every Tuesday from 9.30am till 4pm at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF.

Lichfield Remembers

n Sunday 12th November Lichfield gathered to commemorate the fallen of the last two world wars and all conflicts. A service at Lichfield Cathedral was followed by a ceremony at the War Memorial in Lichfield Remembrance Gardens.

Lichfield Cathedral this Christmas

eople of all ages are invited to attend services and concerts in the lead-up to Christmas in the magnificent surroundings of the cathedral. Services and events include: The Entrust Carol Concert which will feature a popular programme of Christmas favourites and take place on Friday 8th December from 7.30pm, tickets are available from Entrust via www.entrust-ed.co.uk; On Saturday 9th December, the Cathedral Chorus sings Handel’s Messiah, the concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets from £10 are available from www.lichfieldgarrick.com; St Giles Hospice Light up a Life is an outdoor service by the Christmas tree to remember loved ones, taking place on Sunday 10th December from 6.30pm; the Cathedral Chorus and Salvation Army Christmas Carols event takes place on Thursday 14th December from 8pm (and doors open at 6.30pm); On Friday 15th December at 7.30pm, the cathedral welcomes the Friends of

the Holy Land carol service, tickets are £10 and available from www.lichfield-cathedral.org; the BBC Radio WM Carol Service takes place at the cathedral on Saturday 16th December at 2pm and Christmas by Candlelight (with festive favourites from Lichfield Cathedral Choir) takes place on Saturday 16th December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 from The Shop at No.9. Other festive services include the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 17th and 24th December at 6pm; Midnight Mass on Sunday 24th December at 11.30pm (with carols sung from 11pm); a Choral Eucharist for Christmas Day on Monday 25th December at 11am; Evening Prayer and Hymns on Monday 25th December at 3pm and Cloth for the Cradle - a congregational service for Boxing Day with the ceremony of the Light of the Nativity and traditional carols on Tuesday 26th December at 3pm. In addition, there’s a host of free childfriendly festive events and services for the youngest members of the family including: The Christmas Tree Festival, featuring an array of real Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities on Saturday 2nd December to Wednesday 3rd January; To be a Light - hymns, readings, prayers and the lighting of the Christmas tree on Sunday 10th

December at 4pm; Storytelling at the Crib – the story of the birth of Jesus Christ on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th and Saturday 23rd December all at 10.30am (booking essential); a Shoppers Carol Service (an hour of peace and reflection with readings and carols) on Saturday 23rd December at 2pm and the Family Crib Service (a celebration of Christmas in drama and song, with participants dressed as Nativity characters - Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, wise men and lambs welcome!) on Sunday 24th December from 3pm. To find out more about this year’s Christmas journey at Lichfield Cathedral, visit the website at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.

Lichfield Literature Launch

he Lichfield Literature 2018 programme was launched at The George Hotel last month, by the Festival's Executive Director Jennifer Mears. The theme is landscapes, inspired by the 200th anniversary of the birth of Emily BrontĂŤ next year and there are lots of lectures, performances and workshops to look forward to. For more information, visit www.lichfieldfestival.org.

Lichfield Arts in December

ednesday 13th December will see the debut Lichfield performance from The Moulettes. The talented musicians have worked with the likes of Mick Jagger; Nick Cave; Mumford and Sons; Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour and The Levellers. They will be playing their own unique blend of folk, pop and experimental sound-scapes. Tickets are £16, £14.60 for Friends of Lichfield Arts and £8 for under 16s.

Making a return to the Guildhall on Sunday December 17th will be The Dylan Project who play some of the best known songs by Bob Dylan. Tickets are £16, £14.60 for Friends of Lichfield Arts, and £8 for under 16s. The Sleaze Brothers will perform on Saturday 23rd December. Now more than thirty years old, The Sleaze Brothers have become something of an institution, playing blues, rock and soul songs. Some special guests will add to the festivities. Tickets are £12, £10.80 for Friends of Lichfield Arts or £6 for under 16s. All concerts take place at Lichfield Guildhall. Doors open at 7.15pm, with music starting at 8pm. Tickets and further details are available from www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, phoning the Lichfield Arts Box Office on (01543) 262223, or calling into the Lichfield Arts Box Office in Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield.

The Dylan Project

The Sleaze Brothers

The Moulettes

Festive Stories at Johnson’s Birthplace

here’s lots of festive events taking place at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum this December. When the weather outside is damp and dreary, come and be warmed by traditional fables sparkling with frost, delightfully creepy ghost stories and a sprinkling of beautifully haunting wintry songs. Professional storyteller Cath Edwards is delighted to be returning to the museum to share some of her favourite seasonal tales: the journey of a valiant Russian grandmother, eerie happenings on a Scottish farm, a village facing cold and hunger, a

strange and mysterious child, and more. ‘Midwinter Tales’ is on Friday 8th December at 7pm, tickets are £9 and include a hot cup of mulled wine. The historic house on the market square is also providing the setting for ‘Christmas Crafternoons’ on Thursday 7th December and again on Sunday 10th December at 3pm. Join a relaxing craft session and create exquisite costumed peg dolls, perfect to give as gifts or to use as unique decorations. Crafters will be guided through the making by Sarah Dale and

LHCRT in TSB Partnership

no experience is necessary, just bring your imagination. All materials will be provided, along with a festive drink and mince pie, and sessions last two hours. Tickets are £10 (for 16 years and over) and booking is essential. To book your place or for more details call 01543 264972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk or pop into the Museum on the corner of the Market Square from 11am to 3.30pm daily.

ichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has been given a fundraising boost after being chosen by the city’s TSB branch as its local charity partner for 2017/18. TSB has given more than £1.7 million to local causes across Britain since its local charity partnerships launched in 2015.

This year a record 27,000 nominations were received from local charities across the country to join the programme which sees TSB Partners from 550 branches and eight office sites volunteer and raise money on behalf of the chosen charities.

The Trust is currently campaigning to raise £1million to build a tunnel under the Cross-City railway line. To date the appeal has raised £400,000. The Trust also has many volunteering opportunities, particularly at its Tamworth Road, Summerhill and Fosseway sites. To see more details of the Tunnel Vision appeal and volunteering opportunities, visit www.lhcrt.org.uk.

Beacon Park Finds

Jettons and tokens

Lead musket-balls

By Kate Gomez

ack in 2010 and 2011, Beacon Park, Minster Pool and Walk, and the Garden of Remembrance were renovated thanks to a ‘Parks for People’ grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.

The restoration work at Beacon Park led to a number of artefacts being unearthed, and with these fascinating finds being revealed to the public by Lichfield District Council for the first time recently, Citylife went along with local historian and tour guide Jonathan Oates to take a closer look at the eclectic collection of items discovered.

Amongst the finds was a variety of coinage ranging from a plastic money-bag containing two-pence pieces, to hammered silver coins and even counterfeit guineas! A medieval French jetton and lead tokens were also discovered. Jettons were used for accountancy purposes and tokens were used by traders as an alternative form of currency. A selection of pottery and glassware including clay pipe fragments and a blacking bottle (which would have contained paste to clean and polish boots and shoes or stoves and grates) was also dug up.

Military badges

Some of the personal items found were military badges, including what appears to be a shoulder title from a member of the Durham Light Infantry Regiment, a cap badge from the Cheshire Regiment and an RAF sweetheart brooch, which would have been given by a serviceman to a loved one when leaving home. Continuing the military theme, it was especially interesting to learn that spent and unspent musket balls had been found in abundance in several locations across the park. Howard Clayton’s book ‘Loyal and Ancient City’, describes how during the Civil War, parliamentarian leader Sir William Brereton erected a mount (a raised defensive position), in the Sandford Street area and suggests that its location could be the mound known as Bunkers Hill. It would be fascinating to learn more about how the area now known as Beacon Park fits in to Lichfield’s Civil War story.

It is hoped that all of the finds will eventually be placed on display in Beacon Park’s Discovery Hub so that visitors can see for themselves these intriguing items which give a glimpse into the lives of those who lost them and add to the rich history of one of Lichfield’s most treasured places.

Unearthing History By Gary Starkey

Masonic fob seal 'T P' Lead token

Lead vesica seal 'Chessmen' medieval seals

Gold posy ring with inscription

Gold fob seal

Robinson Cutler Oxford

Gold intaglio fob seal

Here, Gary Starkey, local metal detectorist and member of the Tamworth and Lichfield Search Society shares some of his incredible discoveries with us. In this issue, Gary shows us some of the more personal items he’s found, centuries after they were originally lost. I always find it particularly fascinating when an item is unearthed that has a name on it. It can be coins or tokens that have been stamped and these would have been used like a modern business card. One such token was from my village of Elford. The initials on it are ‘T P’ and so it could possibly be from the Paget family of Elford Hall or from a worker in the fields. The token is double-sided which makes it quite unusual, but hard to date. I found a large coin with ‘Robinson - Cutler - Oxford’ and research suggested that it dates to the early 1800s and was the token of a travelling cutlery salesman and repairer. A few of these have been found all around the country. In Kings Bromley, I found six coins from around 1770 and one had the name ‘Moore’ stamped on. He was probably working on the farm and lost his purse and would have been well peeved as six halfpennies was a lot of money back then! Another fascinating named item was a small plaque I found in a field near Elford Train Station (now long gone). It had the words M. de Aristides on it and it appears this may have belonged to the wife of French artist and sculpture, ‘Aristide Maillol’ in about 1861. What was she doing in Elford? The best item I ever found was a lovely gold posy ring with the legend ‘Mens Immota Manet’ near to a local hall. This motto was attributed to the Meldrum family who lived up in Scotland. I wonder if they were visiting the hall and someone lost it whilst riding? The Potteries Museum in Stoke has this in their collection now. Those who couldn’t afford to give a ring as a love token would bend coins into an ‘S’ shape. Coins with holes pierced in them often come up as well, and again, were given to loved ones to hang around their necks. Other items with personal names on include seals made of lead or bronze which were people’s personal stamps. Medieval ones are very decorative and informative - I have one for ‘Richard of Rugeley’ and a full one from Aldwincle in Northants. Some are like chess pieces and again, are decorative. In later years, seals could be very ornate and often had the owners’ bust in profile on them, sometimes gold or silver. Bag seals are a common find but some can be very decorative. They can go back many centuries and all have the owners’ monogram or name on them. I have a large Russian type and a very early Dutch one. They would have sealed the grain sacks so it was known who owned them. Lead tokens are also common and again there are many different types, sizes and designs and so I always enjoy finding them. Next time, I’ll show some good coin finds from the area. If you have lost an item of jewellery, Gary and his metal detecting club will come and hunt for it for you, free of charge. Also, if you have any land you would like Gary or the club to undertake a search of for you, then do get in touch. Gary can be contacted on 07779 064271.

A Window on the Past

Many of us will be looking forward to a little time off over the Christmas period from our various jobs, occupations and trades. Lichfield is a bustling city and still home to hundreds of independent businesses, but what many visitors might be surprised to learn is how much heavy engineering and manufacturing used to take place here. From iron and brass founding to bolt making and brewing, these industries all took place within the sound of the cathedral bells.

Clocking-off

Thank you to the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for these pictures of workplaces now gone.

For more stories, pictures and memories, visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if’ or go along to their next meetings on Tuesday 6th February, 7pm till 10pm, at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 7PH. For more information call 01543 416393 or 01543 268842. The group’s great displays of local photographs and memorabilia can be booked free of charge to appear at shows, nursing homes and clubs etc. 1. Pensan Jams Ltd on Eastern Avenue. Image is courtesy of Mandy Hodson and shows her mother Doreen Lunn.

2. Ketch Plastic Mouldings in 1958 on Trent Valley. Image courtesy of Alan Deane

3. Ketch Plastic Moulding’s new factory on Eastern Avenue in the 1970s. Image courtesy of Mick Tyler.

4. Chamberlin & Hill Ltd iron and brass founders (closed 1986) on Beacon Street.

5. Safeway - originally set up on the old Chamberlin & Hill site (now Morrison's).

6. Enots on Eastern Avenue, soon to be a housing and retail development. 7. Enots now demolished, picture courtesy of Darren Tennant.

8. Davenports Brewery on Sandford Street.

Lichfield gin arrives at Selfridges

new gin that is handmade in Lichfield, and which wowed judges in an international competition just five months after launching, is now available exclusively in Selfridges Birmingham.

Fifth Spire, which won a gold medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in April this year, is made by Greywood Distillery.

Best friends Tom Lindsey and Rory McKerrell registered the business in late 2015 after a few months of making gin as a hobby and set up one of the UK’s smallest micro-distilleries, eventually launching their gin in November last year.

A step forward for Sandfields Pumping Station

he Lichfield Waterworks Trust’s campaign to secure Sandfields Pumping Station, the Grade II* listed Victorian Waterworks in Lichfield, has taken another step forward with the award of a Project Viability Grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund. Sandfields is one of Lichfield’s hidden historic gems, and one of the regions’ most important Industrial Heritage sites. It played a significant part in the growth of the Industrial Revolution, and added twenty years to the average life expectancy of everyday working people, by supplying the Black Country with clean, fresh water. Trust Secretary Gill Bellenie said: “The award of this grant is a significant achievement and places the trust in a position to really move forward with its quest to save this iconic building for the benefit of the community.” A volunteer work party takes place on-site every Friday morning between 10am and 12pm, for anyone who would like to get

involved in helping with the restoration of the building and there are also a number of other volunteer roles available, including an Events Coordinator and Fundraiser. The Trust’s monthly Trust Secretary Gill Bellenie, Architectural meetings are open to all Heritage Fund Support Officer Elizabeth and are held at the Perkins and Trust Chairman David Moore Bowling Green Pub on the second Monday of each month, starting at 7.30pm and followed by a talk on a related subject. If you would like to get involved, or would like further information, then please visit www.lichfieldwaterworkstrust.com

Finding a Forever Home for Bella & Jess

ats Protection Lichfield and Tamworth Branch is made up entirely of volunteers, all of whom do a wonderful job in helping to care for cats in need of new owners. Here, they introduce us to beautiful Bella and Jess who are looking for their forever home together…

Bella and Jess are friendly, easy to look after and love fuss. Bella is a lap cat whilst Jess prefers to snuggle near you and have her ears tickled. They are very easy going, tidy cats who are litter trained. Bella is a black, five year old cat and Jess is black and white, four year old cat. They would like use of a cat flap to have the freedom to come and go during the daytime so they can explore a quiet garden, but they have been used to being safely indoors at night. They have lived together for the last four years, and if you can offer them a caring new home together, they will offer you lots of love in return.

Jess

Bella

Bella and Jess are neutered, micro-chipped and fully vaccinated. If you would like to offer them their new forever home please call us on 0345 371 2741 or email lichtamcats@gmail.com. An adoption fee will apply. The Lichfield and Tamworth branch have a small number of fosterers who look after cats and kittens that come into their care until they are found their new forever homes. Bella and Jess will hopefully be re-homed soon but there are other several cats and kittens also available for adoption here www.cats.org.uk/lichfield/adopt-a-cat

Graham Cole OBE to start The Santa Dash!

raham Cole OBE, who is best-known as PC Tony Stamp in the ITV serial drama The Bill, will start the Lichfield Dash at 10.30am on Sunday December 10th at Stowe Pool. KP Events who are hosting this run solely for the charity are this year expecting in excess of 300 people to enter ‘The Santa Dash’ around Lichfield on December 10th. Each runner is given a Santa outfit as part of their entry fee. Funds raised will be used to develop a gym with specially adapted equipment in order to start Boot Camp Exercise Classes for children and young people with disabilities and disadvantages. This is the first of its kind in the country. Children with physical and mental difficulties and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are unable to attend out of school gym clubs, mainstream dance classes, or sports activities like other children can, which limits their social skills, stamina and physical development. The equipment would enable the children to develop a whole range of skills and provide experiences of exercise that they are currently denied due to their difficulties. Graham is president of the National Holiday Fund, which takes sick and disabled children to Disney World in Florida. He has been patron to Child Line for over 30 years, and has supported numerous other charities which saw him awarded the OBE in 2010 for his charitable work. The event starts and finishes on Stowe Pool and takes a 2.5k scenic route around Lichfield Cathedral city and the market square. To enrol go online at http://regevent.co.uk/kp-events

First Class Technologies in Garrick Partnership

he partnership between the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and IT and cloud specialist First Class Technologies is saving the theatre a considerable amount of time and money thanks to a new, partially cloud based computer system installed by the firm. An added spin-off from the association enabled the Garrick to put on a modern media production from October 3-7 using social media for the first time. Letters to Emma, a new play based on the life of 18th century Lichfield poet Anna Seward, featured a wireless rig supplied by First Class Technologies for a contemporary scene. The actors used a laptop as part of the show and the audience was able to see their tweets and messages. Garrick executive director Karen Foster commented that the partnership is in its early days but is already reaping benefits by allowing staff to work more efficiently and flexibly using the newly installed SharePoint system: “We have had a 52 per cent cut in our funding and like every other arts organisation under pressure financially, we are

trying very hard to be efficient in the way we do things. FCT came highly recommended and have helped us to make significant cost savings as well as saving us a massive amount of time. The new computer equipment connects incredibly quickly, has little internet downtime and thus we have a much more robust system which gives us more business assurance. “This has brought us into the 21st century and we can look towards more modern ways of working behind the scenes and on stage. It’s definitely making a big difference and is helping the public facing team welcome our patrons in with the knowledge that they can rely on our new technology to process their bookings quickly and efficiently. This is really important to us, as we were named Most Welcoming Theatre in the West Midlands last year and this enables us to live up to our ideals. We’re all happy! It’s important for us to contribute to the local economy and partner with Lichfield businesses where we possibly can. We know from an economic impact survey we carried out that we have put about £2.2m per year into the local economy.” The theatre also has the reassurance that if it were to have a computer crash, it can quickly call on local experts for help. First Class Technologies, based in Britannia Way, will be on standby before and during performances virtually every day of the year to ensure the show goes on. Richard Hinton, managing director of the company, which was named Lichfield Business of the Year in the Chamber of Commerce awards in January, added: “In crude terms, we’ve helped the

Garrick move from the computer equivalent of a giant room full of hundreds of files to being able to press a single button and have everything at their fingertips. This doesn’t just include making the box office booking system much slicker, it covers all the financial documents for shows plus all the diaries and scheduling. We’re delighted to have established this relationship with the Garrick and we aim to help our local theatre on an ongoing basis with productions that relate to technology and involve cyber activity. “Through our expertise in IT solutions we get involved in some very interesting areas of work. We’ve handled educational projects at Birmingham International Airport and the National Memorial Arboretum. We also work with around 70 schools and colleges. This is our 20th anniversary year. We started it by winning the business of the year award and now we’re partnering with the Garrick which has really put the icing on the cake.”

Richard Hinton and Karen Foster. Image courtesy of Enigma Communications

Bringing the history of Lichfield to Life

fter nine years working with the team at Visit Lichfield as a tourism officer, Jonathan Oates set-up his new tourism company, Jono’s Tourism in October 2016. Providing independent tourism services for Lichfield including tours and talks, Jono loves any and every aspect of Lichfield’s rich and varied history! Jono can provide any kind of historical

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walking tour around Lichfield City and from any period of Lichfield’s history, from its early development at the time of St Chad, the first Bishop of Lichfield, through to the time of the Second World War and expansion of the city due to the railway lines and the tourism trade.

This year Jono led four walking tours on four varying themes at the Lichfield Festival in July and has another two tours scheduled for the Lichfield Literature Festival in March 2018. He also conducted two guided tours of Lichfield Library on the Friary this summer, describing the history of the Lichfield Friary School and the old Friary building and will lead two more Library tours, again in March 2018.

Public tours that anyone can book on to are available throughout the year but Jono is happy to take smaller groups, from 2 to 20 people, tailored for the customer, who can name the date, time and subject matter

Details of all of his public tours and talks appear on his website www.jonotourism.co.uk and Jono also has Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

If you would like to organise a private tour for you, your friends, family, work colleagues or perhaps for friends visiting you who have never been to Lichfield before then please get in touch with Jono – his tours are informative, educational, inspiring, great fun! So go on and a great idea for a Christmas present with a difference!

For more information go to www.jonotourism.co.uk , call 01543 268249 or 07785 757201 or email jonathan@jonotourism.co.uk

Bradley Scott Windows offers Excellence as Standard

radley Scott Windows Ltd is an independent family run business specialising in the installation of PVCu doors, windows and conservatories, in and around the Tamworth area since 1999. As a local firm, Bradley Scott Windows is proud to support the community, and is a long-time sponsor of a number of organisations including Tamworth Football Club and Coleshill Town Football Club. In addition to traditional conservatories, Bradley Scott Windows are now also able to offer ‘Skyrooms’, elegant and contemporary living spaces which combine the light of a conventional conservatory with the external and internal aesthetics of an orangery. Skyrooms can be built from scratch or built on the foundations of an existing conservatory and their minimalist modern design is an ideal way to bring the outside indoors. Now in its eighteenth year of trading, the company has always prided itself on offering a professional and friendly service and are delighted to be the first company in Tamworth to sign up to the ‘Excellence as Standard’ charter. Managing Director Andy Farrington believes this will give even more confidence to customers as it highlights Bradley Scott Windows’ on-going commitment to raising standards across the industry and demonstrates that the business is dedicated to delivering the best possible service at every stage of their customers’ journey. Being an Excellence as Standard authorised installer provides customers with the assurance that the company has been independently checked through on-site inspections and has agreed to on-going independent inspections of the quality of their installations.

of the tour and Jono will do his best to accommodate them.

There is also a code of practice for businesses who are part of the charter scheme, which requires customer care to be of a high standard and this re-emphasises the company’s existing belief that clients should not be subjected to any form of hard selling and should instead be provided with all the information necessary to allow them to make a decision in their own time. All doors, windows and conservatory installation work is carried out by Bradley Scott’s own team of fitters, all of whom are directly employed by the company. Every fitter holds an NVQ Level 2 in Window Fenestration, and is currently working towards obtaining a Level 3 qualification. Employees are DBS checked, hold Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Minimum Technical Competency cards, and are required to adhere to the company’s Health and Safety guidelines. All of this confirms to clients that they will be dealing with skilled and trustworthy fitters who respect their home and carry out installations to the highest possible standards. More information on the Excellence as Standard Scheme can be found at www.excellenceas.co.uk/homeowners/faq. Examples of Bradley Scott Window’s work, including the new Skyroom, are on display at the company’s showroom at 440 Watling Street, Two Gates in Tamworth or can be found online at www.bradleyscottwindows.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bradleyscottwindowsltd. For more information, or to obtain a free no obligation quote, please call 01827 288688.

A Guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney

By Richard Wells, Managing Partner at Philips Legal Solicitors

ccessing someone’s finances if they become incapacitated or ill is a complex and protracted process, which could make things very difficult for a spouse, partner or children. Bills could go unpaid and if cash is needed for any purpose, it would be inaccessible. Setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows someone that you trust to act on your behalf should the need arise. Your chosen person can then manage your affairs in your best interests. This could be in the long term or until such time that you are able to take up the reins again yourself. There are two types of LPA, both of which Philips Legal Solicitors can help you with. A Property and Affairs LPA This allows your nominated person to: • Manage your finances and property • Make sure your bills are paid • Make decisions about your assets

A Health and Welfare LPA This allows your nominated person to: • Make decisions about your medical treatment • Decide whether it’s best for you to continue to live at home or whether residential care would be more appropriate If you haven’t set up an LPA, your loved ones may have to pay out a lot of money on your behalf. The Court of Protection would have to appoint a deputy to manage your affairs, which is both time-consuming and costly. An LPA will avoid the distress of a delay and also preserve your assets to pay for the care you may need in the future. With Philips Legal Solicitors, setting up an LPA is a pretty straightforward process. Simply call us free on 0800 228 9988 and we will happily give you more details or arrange a meeting.

Our month on the farm

ere, Annamarie Stone of Woodhouse Farm and Garden talks about life down on the farm… As autumn turns into winter, much of the work on the farm at the moment involves clearing and tidying in the Walled Garden. We are also preparing a space for our new greenhouse which will allow us to extend our growing season next year. As well as scaling-up food production in the garden, we are also working on developing the community side of things and I have been busy submitting funding applications to allow us to make much needed improvements to our facilities. Whilst some grants have already been secured, news of whether others have been successful is eagerly awaited, with work on the indoor community area set to begin in January. Money has also been raised through the

By Annamarie Stone generosity of people attending the the events we hold throughout the year. The most recent of these was our Halloween Celebration and we were delighted to have lots of families come along and join us for spooky games in the garden and spinetingling tales around the warmth of the fire. Now that the festive season is in full flow, we are enjoying attending lots of Christmas markets and other events with our produce, including Santa’s Special Sausage, packed with apricots, chestnuts and sage. Our new arrivals, three Shropshire ewes whose names have now been decided as Eliza, Angelica and Peggy thanks to our daughter Rhiannon, have settled in well, and we are hoping for lambs in the spring. I’m also looking forward to putting their fleeces to good use, as they can be spun to produce high

Pathway Project Funding Award T

amworth Borough Council and Lichfield District Council, have secured more than £90,000 in Government funding to provide more tailored support to the growing numbers of domestic abuse victims who have additional or complex needs. A total of £92,600 has been awarded by the Department for Communities and Local Government to improve services to victims of domestic abuse who need extra help with issues such as substance misuse, mental health problems or disabilities. To be delivered through the Pathway Project (which operates across Lichfield and Tamworth supporting adults, young people and children affected by domestic abuse) the funding will pay for four parttime members of staff with specialist skills

and training in the more complex need areas. This will allow Pathway to allocate more places to women with additional vulnerabilities and needs across its 20 refuge units and one three-bedroomed house. Pathway Project director, Kathy Coe, commented: “Refuge is sometimes the only way to safeguard a family from domestic abuse. Thanks to the funding from the DCLG we can now sustain our refuges and ensure they are able to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable women and children in our communities. We are delighted that this vital life-saving and lifechanging work can continue making a difference.”

quality wool. In addition to the sheep, the farm has also had another new animal arrive at the farm this month, albeit an unexpected and somewhat unusual one! After attending a farming fair, Andrew and I received a phone call to tell us that we had won the raffle. Our prize was a new litter bin, in the form of a giant penguin! It’s currently residing in the community area and giving the farm a very festive feel. I wonder what Rhiannon will call it? On behalf of all of us at Woodhouse (sheep, cows, pigs and penguins included!) I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, and to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy and prosperous new year. We look forward to seeing you down on the farm in 2018! 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.

Tudor Row A Browse Around Tudor Row… Advertisement Feature

Tudor Row is surely one of the prettiest places to shop and relax in the area. In connects Bore Street to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre and Three Spires Shopping Centre, and is a great place to spend an enjoyable afternoon browsing its many independent stores. Tudor Row features The Tudor of Lichfield, which is set in a magnificent building that dates back to 1510 – and is a great place to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea; Tudor Barbers, who are celebrating their 20th anniversary, providing hairdressing of the

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Tudor Row Barbers Celebrating 20 years

Traditional & Modern Hairdressing for men & boys • Men’s - £11.50 • Boys’ - £10.50 • O.A.P’s - £8.50

Call for appointment for Thurs late night. No appointment needed any other time.

Open 6 days a week NOW OPEN TILL 6PM MON & TUES, THURS & FRI.

Tudor Row, Off Wade Street, Lichfield. Tel:

01543 263351

Christmas gift vouchers now available

Tudor Row

GHAesthetics

HAesthetics, based at 10a,Tudor Row (above Tudor Row Barber Shop) is a nurse-led aesthetics clinic offering a variety of anti-ageing, skincare and skin rejuvenation treatments. Gill Hunt is a Registered General Nurse with over 30 years of medical experience who has been an Aesthetics Practitioner for 10 years and holds advanced qualifications in this field. She is also an Independent Nurse Prescriber and has won accolades from the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses for her outstanding contributions within the field of Aesthetics. Gill has a strong

reputation for providing a professional and ethical approach in all treatments. She is fully insured and maintains her practices by attending annual updates to ensure she provides her clients with the most up to date aesthetic practices. She also gives back to the local community by supporting newly qualified aesthetic nurses, via her mentorship scheme, in order that, they too, will provide ethical and professional services. Aesthetics is the area of wrinkle relaxing treatments; treatments to enhance facial features (such as cheekbone augmentation and lip volume enhancements) and skin boosting treatments (such as chemical peels to reduce acne and acne scarring or needling treatments that promote collagen regrowth to reveal younger looking skin). She is also one of the few aesthetic nurses who is fully trained in the latest technological advancement to hit the aesthetics field â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Profhilo, which tightens the skin, promotes collagen regrowth and is known as the most advanced non-surgical facelift to come to the fore recently.

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finest standard; Secret Garden Florists, who are under new ownership and continue to create the most beautiful floral design and Tudor Sew, who offer excellent clothing alterations and repairs for ladies and gents. Also based on Tudor Row are Knitique, offering Christmas yarns, gifts and patterns; Erase UK (who in addition to their usual beauty and cosmetic treatments, have recently joined with Cathedral Cosmetics, see details in their advertisement) and Hunt and Gather who are a family run business offering unique gifts and homewares where 50% of their stock is handmade and designed in-house.

Tudor Row

Christmas Lights Switch On

Image by Jonoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tourism

n impressive crowd gathered in the Market Square on Sunday 26th November to celebrate the switching on of the Christmas Lights. The crowds enjoyed free entertainment and a Christmas market.

Image by Jonoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tourism

Christmas wreath workshops

eacon Park is hosting two days of Christmas wreath workshops on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December, running each day from 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. Taking place in the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Discovery Hub, participants will use a variety of locally sourced greenery to make a wreath, including adding festive embellishments, including pine cones, cinnamon sticks and slices of dried orange for that extra Christmassy feel. Mince pies and hot drinks will be served at the workshops, making this a truly festive event. Places cost ÂŁ15 each and need to be booked in advance by calling Beacon Park on 01543 308869 or by emailing parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

Home welcome

• Buying • Selling • Renting • Letting

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

What’s on in December

Every Wednesday Over 50s Singles Social Group We meet at 8.45pm at the George Hotel, Lichfield for a chat and to arrange meals out. There is no charge to attend the group. For more information, call Andi on 01284 790356 or Kay on 01543 250537.

Sunday 3rd, Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th December Christmas Voices 7:30pm at The Cathedral Hotel, 62 Beacon Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414500. Intimate Theatre presents an entertaining compilation of lighthearted poetry, music and drama for the festive season. £10.50 per person, includes a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Tuesday 5th December Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 7pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 Join us for a two hour workshop and learn how to create a beautiful Christmas wreath for your front door. £35 per person. Wednesday 6th December Burntwood Folk Club Open Mic Night If you play, sing, tell folk stories or just like to listen, you are welcome at The Ashmole Club, Meerash Lane, Hammerwich from 8pm to 10.30pm. Admission to this acoustic event is free. For more information visit facebook.com/burntwoodfolk

Thursday 7th December and Sunday 10th December Christmas Crafternoons At The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. 3pm. A relaxing craft session with Sarah Dale to create exquisite costumed peg dolls, perfect to give as gifts or to use as unique decorations. No experience necessary, all materials provided. Tickets are £10 (16 years old and over). Booking essential – call 01543 264972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or pop into the Museum between 11am - 3.30pm daily.

Friday 8th December Christmas Carols & Afternoon Tea 2pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 Enjoy a festive afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes and pastries, with

carols and Christmas songs, performed by the Garrick Community Choir. £17.50 per person. Friday 8th December Midwinter Tales At The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. 7pm. Professional storyteller Cath Edwards returns to the museum to share some of her favourite seasonal tales. Tickets £9 to include a hot cup of mulled wine. To book, or for more information, call 01543 264972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or pop into the Museum between 11am – 3.30pm daily. Saturday 9th December Darwin’s Birthday Bash Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD. Join us between 11am & 4pm to celebrate Erasmus Darwin's 286th birthday and help us raise vital funds for the upkeep of the only place in the world dedicated to his fascinating life and boundless achievements. Birthday cake, carol singing, a Christmas Pudding trail and more! Free entry. For more information, call 01543 306260. Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December Lichfield Christmas Food & Drink Festival Throughout Lichfield City Centre Over 160 food, drink and gift stalls, live music, Lichfield BID Nutcracker Trail and charity Santa Dash on Sunday. Market opening times: Sat - 9am to 5pm & Sun - 10am to 4pm. Free entry.

Friday 15th & Saturday 16th December Christmas Party Nights 7:30pm at The Cathedral Hotel, 62 Beacon Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414500. Put some sparkle into your Christmas with a delicious 3 course buffet and a disco until 1am. £19.95 per person or £105 for 2 with an overnight stay.

Saturday 16th December Meet Santa Day Bradley Scott Windows, 440 Watling St, Tamworth, B77 1EJ are holding a family fun day out between 10am and 3pm, where children can come and receive a free gift from Santa. Admission free but donations to chosen charity Home Start Tamworth appreciated. For more information, please call

01827 288688 or find the on Facebook @Bradleyscottwindowsltd

Saturday 16th December and Sunday 17th December Lichfield Camera Club Winter Exhibition At The Guildroom, Lichfield. Free admission. Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm. For further details, contact Tim Wayne on 01543 255240 or 07720 700958.

Saturday 16th December Cellar Tours at Erasmus Darwin House 2.30pm. Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD Explore Dr Darwin’s cellars and see a hidden part of 13th century Lichfield. £2pp, to book call 01543 306260.

Tuesday 19th December Lichfield Civic Society The Staffordshire Regiment and its Museum, speaker: Major Ted Green The meeting commences at 7.45pm in The Lichfield Room, Wade St Church Community Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6HS. Admission is free to members and school students. Non-members are always welcome £3 at the door.

Wednesday 20th December 12 days of Christmas at Erasmus Darwin House Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon St Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 7AD. For more information, contact 01543 306260.

Exhibition of Festive Treasure 2017 Until 24th December 2017

At Emporium, 32 Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR. The Exhibition of Festive Treasure 2017 showcases truly unique and inspirational Christmas ideas designed and created by artists countrywide. This annual exhibition of original artwork includes ceramics, glassware, jewellery, wall art, sculpture, and contemporary festive decorations. Originality, quality and quirkiness are important factors when the gallery selects work and as the number of pieces exhibited by each artist is limited. This ensures that gift choices are extra special and guaranteed to delight. For more information, please call 01543 256624 or visit www.emporium-gallery.co.uk

Lichfield Charity Calendar

Lichfield entrepreneur, Jane DayusHinch has created, in collaboration with talented Lichfield photographers, a new charity calendar. The calendar is out now and features beautiful images of the city through the seasons. Priced at £5, and raising money for the Pathway Project, the calendars are on sale at The Shop at No.9, The Close; The George Hotel, Bird Street and the calendar shop in Three Spires Shopping Centre. It can also be purchased by calling Jane on 07702 967919.

CLASSIFIED To Advertise please contact our classified team on

07970 513144 This ad... £38 plus VAT

Platters Continental Cafe & Tapas Bar

Authentic Spanish Tapas SPECIAL - on Tue 12th Dec a choice of 2 Tapas plus 2 cocktails ONLY £18 Booking required. Visit our website for great offers! Partys Catered For.

www.platterstapas.uk

Tel: 01543 300442. Friars Alley Car Park, opp Premier Inn, Lichfield WS13 6QB Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions 1. By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and condition stated. 2.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition. 3.Where stated in the competition that a clearly stated competition partner will contact the entrants after the competition with news, stories and offers, entrant’s contact details will be passed to this competition partner for these marketing purposes only. As stated in the competition/prize draw, if you do not wish to receive marketing information from the competition partner stated, please add the words OPT OUT to your entry. For a copy of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s privacy policy please write to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 4.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants in any of their publications and online. 5.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. 6.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader. 7.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and

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

16.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. 17.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 18.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 Ltd’s publications and online. 19.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 20. 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. 21.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. 22.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.