Citylife in Lichfield October 2017 by Citylife In Lichfield

October 2017 20 34

Inside...

Win 'Despicable Me' Gift Sets

Courtesy of Arthur Price 20 City Image Competition

Calling all photographers and artists. 34 Your Garden in October

Jobs in your garden this month 38 Strange Tales for Halloween

A selection of spine-tingling stories 40 Window on the Past

City life revisited

Welcome to CITYLIFE

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

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

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com 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 ‘Despicable Me’ Gift Sets From Arthur Price!

his issue, we’ve teamed up with Lichfield cutlery and gift firm, Arthur Price, who have launched a new, exciting range of cutlery and ceramic Despicable Me gifts featuring Minions! Minions - the loveable mini characters from the Despicable Me film series have been making people laugh and cry for many years now across the world, and now they could be finding their way into your home courtesy of Citylife and Arthur Price. Arthur Price is a family-owned business currently run by Simon Price, a fourthgeneration member of the Price family together with his son James. Started in 1902 and suppliers to Royal families and Heads of State, you will find Arthur Price on the tables of the finest hotels, restaurants, airlines and cruise ships. Also,

classic and contemporary patterns are available at everyday prices from leading department stores plus available online at arthurprice.com If you want to bag a bargain, visit the UK’s largest cutlery shop. The Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield sells all Arthur Price cutlery and gifts at discounts of up to 70% In this issue, we’re offering five lucky readers to the chance to win a Minions Children’s Ceramic Set worth £24.95 each. Featuring Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob, the prizes are perfect gifts for Christmas containing a bone chine mug, plate and bowl. The Minions Children’s Ceramic set is just part of the range

entitled ‘Sea of Minions’. For more information go to www.arthurprice.com

To be in with a chance of winning, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find the names of the of the three daughters of Dr Gru - the lovable anti-hero of the Despicable Me films

SOMETHINGGRA DEA _____ _____ _____

To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Arthur Price Despicable Me Competition, at citylifecompetitions@gail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Monday 29th October 2017. One entry per household, multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 57.

Lichfield Wins Gold in Heart of England in Bloom

ell done to everyone involved in scooping a highly prestigious Small City Gold Award in the Heart of England in Bloom competition. Despite torrential downpours on judging day, the judges thoroughly enjoyed their visits along the judging route, which included venues such as Swinfen Hall Hotel, Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, Beacon Park, Andrews House and the City Centre. The Judges report highlighted many Areas of Achievement including the gardens and grounds of Swinfen Hall Hotel; the new planting at Lichfield City train station; Andrews House which was ‘extremely colourful’ and ‘well stocked with perennials and shrubs’; Beacon Park that ‘shone with bold, block planting of annuals, despite the rain’ and the crown green bowling greens that ‘also looked very well maintained’; Beacon allotments; Tudor Row with its well stocked and colourful baskets; ‘conservation and education in action’ at Kate’s garden; the road side meadows planted by children from Queens Croft School and ‘the amazing Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’ plus many others were also highlighted for special praise. This is Lichfield’s first Gold, and marks a considerable achievement for the city.

Decorative art from one of world’s finest silversmiths discovered By Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers

ork by one of the world’s greatest silversmiths has been unearthed at a Hansons valuation day. An elegant Georg Jensen silver bowl and spoon were brought along to a free antiques valuation day organised by Hansons Auctioneers, much to the delight of their decorative arts expert John Keightley. John commented: “Georg Jensen was a world-renowned silversmith and his work is highly collectable. The bowl has an estimate of £1,500-£2,500 while the spoon, made in 1928, is valued at £100-£200. It’s wonderful to see items like this come into our valuation days.” The son of a Danish knife grinder, Jensen was born in 1866 in Raadvad, near Copenhagen. He went on to make such an impact that, when he died in 1935, the New York Herald saluted him as “the greatest silversmith of the last 300 years”. The items have been consigned to Hansons’ Decorative Art Auction on October 24 decorative art being something that is both beautiful and useful. John added: “This bowl and spoon fall into that category perfectly. The bowl, which is pre1940s, would have been used to hold fruit, a theme picked up in the decorative touches which give a flavour of flowers, leaves and

grapes.” “Jensen began training as a goldsmith at the age of 14 and tried to make a living through sculpture and ceramics before opening a small silversmith business in 1904. His training in metalsmithing along with his education in the fine arts allowed him to combine the two disciplines and revive the tradition of the artist craftsman. “Soon, the beauty and quality of his Art Nouveau creations caught the eye of the public and his success was assured. Before the end of the 1920s, Jensen had outlets in Berlin, London and New York. The business is still going strong today and Georg Jensen items are highly collectable. Plus, believe it or not, it’s still possible to pick up a forgotten piece. I’m told that a Georg Jensen brooch was bought at a Midlands car boot sale for 50p a few years ago. It would now be worth £2,000.” The bowl and spoon will go into a Decorative Art and Pen Auction on October 24 at Hansons Auctioneers, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. Entries invited until October 7. If you think you may be sitting on antiques treasures or collectables of any kind, Hansons holds free valuation days every Monday at the Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13

This Georg Jensen silver bowl and spoon were brought along to a free Hansons valuation day. (Credit: Hansons) Georg Jensen combined all his creative skills to become one of the finest silversmiths the world has ever known. (Wikipedia image)

8JB, from 10.30am until 12.30pm and Kate Bliss will be valuing Jewellery and silver at St Chads Parish Church, Hollyfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7SN on Tuesday 10th October from 10.00am until 3.00pm along with Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director of Hansons valuing Paintings and Fine Art. Free home visits can be arranged for large/multiple items, estate clearance or downsizing advice. To find out more, call 01283 733988 or email service@hansonsauctioneer.co.uk.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

new adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde will appear at the Garrick Theatre from Monday 13th to Tuesday 14th November. Doctor Henry Jekyll is a good man. Successful within his field and respected by his peers, he’s close to a neurological discovery that will change the face of medical science forever. However, his methods are less than ethical and when a close friend and colleague threatens to expose and destroy his work, Jekyll is forced to experiment on himself,

whereupon something goes very wrong… or very right. Suddenly Jekyll has a new friend, the brutal Edward Hyde. Combining ensemble story-telling, physical theatre, movement and a razor-sharp script, alongside a new musical score by Tristan Parkes, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde remains true to the spirit and themes of the original novella while offering modern audiences one or two surprises, including a major female character, Eleanor, who drives Jekyll on in the same way Stevenson’s wife urged her husband to complete the novel.

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Local athlete competes on a world stage

mateur athlete, Jon Read, who lives in Lichfield, represented Great Britain at the ITU World Championships, which took place in Penticton, Canada in August this year.

The multi-sport festival featured six World Championship events over ten days, including the sprint and standard duathlon events. Around 42 countries sent athletes to the festival, with GB having more than 300 across multiple disciplines. Jon competed in the standard distance duathlon in the age group 30 to 34. This race includes a 10km run, followed by a 40km bike ride, and a 5km run to finish. Jon was delighted to finish in ninth place for his category and to be the third GB athlete across the finishing line. He also placed 47th overall out of more than 600 athletes. Jon commented: “Forming part of the GB Parade of Nations during the opening event was such an honour. On race day, things couldn’t have gone any more to plan. All the training in the previous months throughout the summer season meant I performed as well, and perhaps better, than I could have hoped. Pacing myself was difficult, as my legs felt good and could easily have pushed on for a very quick 10km time. “Heading out on to the bike, the course was two-laps of an out and back course along the side of Okanagan Lake. The Wattbike session training at Friary Grange Leisure Centre taught me to hold good strong power figures consistently, and this was invaluable on a course like this and my performance was a strong one as a result. “The final run was excruciating - it was simply a case of giving it everything I had. It was a great feeling, passing many athletes, and then on the final 1km having a race to the line with one of the Brazilian competitors in my event category. “In Canada, I had the support of my soon-tobe-wife and the many hundreds of Team GB fans and families who made the trip. Every cheer around the course created a spine-tingling moment! The best thing of all, is that I now get to repeat the race at next year’s World Championships in Denmark, as I should have pre-qualified with this result. This means I can focus on the areas of improvement from this race, and come back stronger and faster next year.”

Friary Grange Leisure Centre is part of Team GB Gold Club, which offers athletes exclusive discounts and benefits. To help Jon prepare for the World Championships, the leisure centre offered him a free membership.

10th Anniversary Operation Trenton South Sudan

he Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Lichfield, has started a ‘shoebox campaign’ for the lads in 2 Mercian - 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who currently have four companies serving overseas. One company is serving in South Sudan on Operation Trenton and three companies are serving in Iraq as part of Operation Shader.

A small token of appreciation for the lads of 2 Mercian

Operation Shader

The museum are looking for donations which can be sent in shoeboxsized parcels to show the lads that they are being thought of back home whilst serving away from their families and loved ones, in some challenging parts of the world. Donations can be dropped off at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, Defence Medical Services, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY. If you would like to you can also add a personal note or letter as the lads love to hear from back home. The museum will be collecting until the end of October 2017. You can bring loose items or pack your own shoe box sized boxes and bring them complete but they must weigh no more than 2kg. Travel or individual packs are ideal rather than family or bulk packs. The following is a list of suggestions for contents (but this is by no means exhaustive so please feel free to add anything else you think appropriate): Pringles, biscuits, chocolate bars, shower gel, puzzle books, fruit/cereal bars, paperback books, noodles, small cakes, mints, pencils and pens, messages of support, savoury rice packets, custard, energy sweets, lip salve, tissues, nuts, shortbread, talc powder, crisps, dried fruit, fruit pastilles, shaving foam and razors, crackers, toffee and fudge, shampoo, travel games, oatcakes, lollipops, chewing gum, Imodium, toothbrushes and toothpaste, magazines, roll-on deodorant, plasters and sunscreen. Please note that liquids, aerosols, flammables and alcohol can’t be sent. The boxes that have already arrived are being received warmly, the Officer commanding A Company 2 Mercian commented: "I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for the welfare boxes that you have sent out to us in South Sudan. They were very warmly received by the soldiers who shared out the contents between them. Life is quite bleak out here and the mail only comes through once or twice a month at the moment so your parcels meant a lot. Your actions have made a bunch of soldiers in a remote part of Africa feel like they have a big regimental family out there looking out for them and you cannot buy that feeling. Thank you again"

You can follow the campaign and see updates from the lads in 2 Mercian on the Staffordshire Regiment Museum Facebook page.

Lichfield’s Green team L

ichfield District Council’s grounds maintenance team works hard throughout the year mowing grass, planting and maintaining flower beds, trimming hedges, pruning shrubs, along with maintaining fine turf areas, such as Beacon Park’s golf course, four bowling greens in Lichfield and Burntwood, and numerous football pitches throughout the district. Altogether, the team looks after thousands of hectares of parkland and open spaces, hundreds of miles of highway verges, eighteen roundabouts and three churchyards. It also creates formal bedding displays across the district, along with helping to maintain biodiverse areas. Councillor Iain Eadie, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Leisure & Waste, commented: “We’re really proud of our grounds maintenance team and the work they do. We thought it was important to shine a spotlight on them as we often get compliments about how well parks and green spaces are maintained, and we wanted to highlight their work to everyone. I’d like to thank all the team for their commitment to making the district look as attractive as possible – keep up the good work! “We must also mention our fantastic Countryside & Parks Conservation Group volunteers, who spend up to two days each month carrying out important conservation work at a range of parks and open spaces. We’re always looking for more people to get involved, so if you are over 18 and available during the day on Wednesdays, please contact us to find out more.” To find out more about the council’s Countryside & Parks Conservation Group, email parks@lichfielddc.gov.uk or visit www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk/volunteers-friends

City Image Competition calling all photographers and artists!

ver the next few weeks, we’d like to see your photographs, drawings and paintings of Lichfield and the surrounding area. The final winning image (announced in the December 2017 issue) will receive a £200 prize and ‘City Image’ Trophy. The competition closing date is Monday 30th October 2017. For terms and conditions see page 57. The competition is open to all ages. Photographs, paintings and drawings should be of Lichfield city or the surrounding area and countryside. Please note that you should own the copyright to any image that you send in and the image should be your own work. If sending in a photograph, please make sure that you have permission to submit the image from any individual who may be

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

The Cathedral from Stowe Pool by Jacqueline Theodosi

Blue Skies by Steve Martin

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.

Cathedral spires by Michael Williams

The Close by Neale Hayes

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

City Image Cont...

Winter by Tracey Gibson

Erasmus by Richard Haggett

By Michael Williams

Original drawing of Lichfield Cathedral by John May

Lichfield Guildhall by night by Andrew Ullah

Winter in the Park by Tracey Gibson

Topaz

for Scorpios

If you were born between October 23rd and November 21st, you were born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio. Scorpios’ passionate and charismatic nature, allied with a cool capability gives them a special allure. The gemstone associated with Scorpio is topaz, and we present to you here a selection of stunning pieces that reflect the mystery and charm of this fascinating sign.

9ct white gold, diamond & blue topaz ring - £395, available from Salloways

9ct yellow gold, diamond & blue topaz bracelet £110, available from Salloways

9ct yellow gold & blue topaz earrings - £120, available from Salloways

Prices start from £130 - available from City Jewellers

9ct yellow gold & blue topaz necklace - £160, available from Salloways

9ct white gold, diamond & blue topaz ring £395, available from Salloways 9ct white gold & blue topaz ring - £250, available from Salloways

Large shooting star choker - £650, available from City Jewellers

Stockist: Salloways Jewellers, Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA. Tel: 01543 262244 www.salloways.co.uk City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield WS13 6LA. Tel: 01543 416412 www.cityjewellers.co.uk

Huddlesford Heritage Gathering Success!

Blue skies and sunshine greeted the crowds visiting the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September. This bi-annual event featured historic boats, floating traders, private boats, classic vehicles, exhibitors and displays and Citylife was there to capture the action. Very well-done to Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, The Lichfield Cruising Club and everyone involved in this fantastic event.

Local teenager releases single to help combat bullying

ichfield resident, Andrea Victoria was signed by a leading London recording studio at the age of 15 to record two singles. Having experienced bullying after a significant brain infection, Andrea chose to use her singing talent to highlight bullying, releasing a single entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am just an ordinary girl trying to make a difference.â&#x20AC;?

Andrea spends her spare time visiting middle schools and senior schools, presenting to assemblies of children from ages 8 to 16 on the importance of anti-bullying. Andrea aims to donate an amount of her first single profits to an anti-bullying charity.

Angel Croft railings removed for restoration

s part of the renovation and refurbishment project currently being carried out by Friel Homes at the Angel Croft Hotel on Beacon Street, the gate and railings outside have been removed and taken to be restored by a specialist firm. Along with the rest of the property, the wrought ironwork is Grade II* Listed but has been a permanent fixture on the Heritage at Risk register since the property fell into a state of decay after becoming vacant several years ago. Built in around 1750, Angel Croft is a well loved local landmark and many Lichfeldians will be following developments at the site with interest. For more information, please visit www.friels.co.uk or email info@friels.co.uk.

Looking for a Forever Home

ere, Cats Protection Lichfield and Tamworth Branch tells us a little more about what they do to help and support our feline friends, and introduces us to Twiglet who is looking for her forever home… 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. There are several cats and kittens available for adoption at the moment including Twiglet. Twiglet is a young, all black female who was found in a garden shed after giving birth to a litter of kittens. By the time we were called the kittens would have been four weeks old. Sadly three kittens had died and only one was alive. Twiglet and her kitten were dehydrated and in urgent need of veterinary treatment. They were taken by our volunteers to a vet in Lichfield where they were kept in overnight for urgent rehydration. The kitten, who we called Coco, needed treatment for an eye infection also.

Linda who is a fosterer carer took over the following day and has nursed them back to health with lots of love and reassurance. On the 16th September, Coco was adopted and has gone to his new home. We now need a loving home for Twiglet who, after everything, is a very sweet little lady who will make someone's home complete. Twiglet is neutered, micro-chipped and fully vaccinated. If you would like to offer Twiglet her new forever home please call us on 0345 371 2741 or email lichtamcats@gmail.com. An adoption fee will apply. Twiglet may well go quickly, but there are plenty more cats looking for their forever home here: www.cats.org.uk/lichfield/adopt-a-cat Also during October Cats Protection Lichfield and Tamworth Branch will be appealing for people with a variety of skills and a love of cats to volunteer for the charity. People from all walks of life are encouraged to contact Cats Protection to find out how they can help unwanted and

abandoned cats in their area. Volunteers are desperately needed including various opportunities within our fundraising team; helping trap, neuter and return; fostering; events co-ordinator; home visitors and educational speakers. If you have time to spare and would love to get involved please get in touch via our email address at lichtamcats@gmail.com, by phone on 0345 371 2741 or visit our stall in St Editha’s Community Room, Tamworth, 31st October 12 noon till 4pm.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers

he diamond is without doubt the best-selling gemstone in the world. Bright, expensive and stunningly beautiful - we just can’t get enough of this gorgeous gemstone.

At auction we have found that diamond jewels far surpass any other gem-set jewellery. Their value is higher and the demand from the general public is great – especially for big, bright single-cut diamonds set on to a plain band creating a timeless design.

It’s not always been the case, as the fashion for wearing a wedding band was started by Prince Albert on his betrothal to our Queen Victoria in the 19th century, when he gave his new bride a gold ring designed as to resemble an entwined serpent, with an emerald set into its head. This led to the public following-suit, and the nation began wearing simple bands. They were usually made of gold, and plain, simple and straightforward… until we discovered Hollywood.

The rise of the Movie industry in America in the 1940s and 50s saw an endless parade of beautiful publicity-seeking starlets, adorned in exquisite furs, shoes, accessories and diamonds. Along with them came the rise of the high-end jewellery designers such as Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany and Cartier. Consumer demand increased for these beautiful stones, replacing the traditional gold wedding bands set with emeralds and pearls. Helping to grasp the public imagination even further, diamonds increasingly featured in the plots of movies, where both women and men aspired to gain these glittering objects.

Whether it is an engagement ring, a pair of earrings or a simple necklace with a single diamond, at the auction centre in Lichfield we see excellent prices achieved for this timeless, classic gemstone.

A fabulous sale is coming up for fine jewellery and silver on Wednesday 6th December with entries now being invited – the closing date is 13th November.

Apple Cake for Autumn

ere, Annamarie from Woodhouse Farm and Garden shares another of her favourite seasonal recipes with us. This is a simple cake that does not need a lot of preparing and is very forgiving if you are in a rush and butter or margarine is not quite at room temperature. For the cake mixture you will need: 170g (6oz) self-raising flour 170g (6oz) softened margarine or butter 170g (6oz) sugar 2 eggs 1tsp vanilla essence Also, select and put aside for use later in the recipe one large apple (cooking apple or dessert apples are both fine, just use whichever you prefer).

Method Combine all the cake mixture ingredients and put into an 18cm or 7” tin which has been lined with baking parchment. Prepare the apple by peeling and cutting into four quarters, removing the section of core from the middle of each piece, and then thinly slice. Lay thin slices of apple on top of the cake mixture and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until the cake is firm. You can

use a skewer to test but with the moisture from the fruit this can still sometimes not come out clear. Remove the cake from the oven, dust with a little sugar and leave in the tin to cool. A friend of mine shared this delicious recipe with me, and if you’d like a larger cake than the ingredients listed here will make, just increase the amounts but keep to the same proportions. For a gluten free version, normal self-raising flour can be replaced with a gluten free variety. The choice of fruit on the top can also be changed and in the past, I have made the cake using strawberries, raspberries, figs, pears and blackberries. Combinations of fruits also work well, including fig and raspberry and my own personal favourite at this time of year, blackberry and apple.

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.

Staffordshire offers hope for threatened birds

ight species of threatened wading birds have been seen breeding across Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s reserves in 2017. Wading birds are ground-nesting species that live in a range of open habitats, including moorland, fens and marshes, wet meadows, farmland and gravel pits. This reliance on open habitat does make them very vulnerable to habitat loss, predators and disturbance. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is committed to improving the fortunes of these birds across the county. This year, the Trust’s Monitoring Officer, Jonathan Groom, has been able to assess the fortunes of curlew, snipe, lapwing, ringed plover, little ringed plover, woodcock, oystercatcher and common sandpiper. Jonathan commented: “It has been a really pleasing year for breeding wader numbers across our reserves. Our reserves offer such variety, with many offering suitable habitats for waders like open moorlands and wetlands. Some species are more difficult to monitor than others, but I have certainly been delighted to see that many including oystercatcher, lapwing, common sandpiper and little ringed plover were able to hatch young successfully.”

Curlew - image by Jon Hawkins

A Special Christmas Journey P

eople of all ages are invited to attend Lichfield Cathedral’s services, where they can reflect and pray in the magnificent surroundings of the cathedral. These include the Advent Carol Services on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 17th and 24th December, and Midnight Mass on Sunday 24th December, as well as Choral Eucharist on Christmas Day and Cloth for the Cradle on Boxing Day.

In the week leading up to Christmas, Cathedral Illuminated takes ‘Star of Wonder, Star of Light’ as its theme. On the back of last year’s illuminated event and this summer’s Great Exhibition, this display takes place at various times between Monday 18th and Saturday 23rd December. This will be a ticket only event. Please check the website for more details.

Shoppers can take a break from their Christmas shopping at the Shoppers’ Carol Service on Saturday 23rd December and have an hour of peace and reflection with some popular readings and Christmas Carols from 2pm. At the Family Crib Service on Christmas Eve, everyone is welcome to come dressed as a Nativity character. This celebration of Christmas in drama and song starts at 3pm.

An event for the whole family is the screening of The Snowman film on Thursday 21st December at 1.30pm, 3.45pm and 7pm. The film will be brought to life by a live professional orchestra.

The cathedral’s annual Christmas Tree Festival will once again take place in the Quire aisles of the Cathedral, with local schools, charities and businesses being invited to participate. From £50, £75 and £200 they will receive a beautiful fivefoot high Nordmann fir tree, a set of LED lights to adorn it, and a stand for their own publicity. Funds raised will go to The Friends of Lichfield Cathedral, a charitable organisation which supports the ongoing work of the cathedral. Visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite tree with trophies awarded to the winners. In 2016 more than 40,000 people attended the festival, which this year is being held between Saturday 2nd December and Wednesday 3rd January.

For any shoppers looking for that perfect Christmas gift for a loved one, the cathedral’s Shop at No.9 is the ideal place to browse through a great range of locally produced and unique handpicked items, including books, stationery, prints and candles.

To find out more about this year’s Christmas journey at Lichfield Cathedral, visit the website at www.lichfield-cathedral.org. Any businesses interested in taking part in the Christmas Tree Festival should call Oliver Birch on 01543 622460 or email oliver.birch@lichfieldcathedral.org.

Your garden D in October

ays are getting noticeably shorter, with the clocks going back at the end of the month, and the changing colours on the trees are a clear sign that autumn is now here. Although much of the year’s harvest is drawing to a close, it’s time to start planting and planning for next year. Let’s hope this year we are lucky enough to have a St Luke’s summer (traditionally this is a period of sunny weather around the saint’s feast day on the 18th October) to make those busy days in the garden this month even more pleasurable!

Jobs for October Plant winter hanging baskets now to provide some much needed colour through those grey winter days. Classic choices include frost hardy flowers such as winter pansies and viola blended with evergreens and hardy herbs. Ensure all tender plants have been brought inside the conservatory or greenhouse. Continue planting spring bulbs while the soil is still warm, giving roots time to establish before the weather turns cold. Edible alliums such as garlic, onions and shallots can also be planted now for an early summer crop. Bare-root bushes and trees can be planted or moved now whilst they are dormant and before the soil gets too hard or water-logged. Finish harvesting root crops, pumpkins and other squashes before the first frosts appear. Bring any unripe tomatoes indoor to ripen in a paper bag along with a banana or apple. These fruits produce a gas called ethylene which helps to speed up the ripening process! Enjoy the glorious displays of colour from autumn leaves and once they’ve fallen from the tree, add them to your compost heap or allow them to rot down separately to create leaf mould full of nutrients. Start putting out bird feeders and think about giving a hedgehog a home this autumn, either by providing a purpose built box in a sheltered position or by leaving piles of leaf litter and logs in a quiet part of the garden.

Our month on the farm

By Annamarie Stone

utumn has arrived at Woodhouse the temperature has turned cooler and so we have started to see the garden become less productive. This has given us time to concentrate on other jobs. Allan has finished pruning our fruit trees and is now working on the soft fruit bushes, leaving the Walled Garden looking nice and tidy. At this time of year, we are always looking for ways of preserving surplus produce from the garden and so we are using up the last of the soft fruits to make cordials. Andrew has been having trouble containing piglets who seem to want to be truly free range! Even Penelope can’t control her month-old piglets. At one stage they disappeared from the pen and were discovered playing hide and seek with one of the young cows! Some work on the fencing seems to have prevented their escape attempts for now at least and they are all safely enclosed again with their mum. It’s been another busy month for visitors. We took part in the Heritage Open Days festival,

inviting people to come and explore the Capability Brown landscape features we have here at the farm. Woodhouse was once part of the Fisherwick Estate, owned by Lord Donegall in the 18th century. The Walled Garden supplied the Hall with produce and our farmhouse was the gardener’s accommodation. There are also the remains of the Orangery (which has survived being used as a cow shed and being struck by lightning), part of a Ha-Ha (an ‘invisible’ wall designed to keep livestock off more formal gardens without spoiling the view from the house) and some of the original trees planted by Brown. We’ve also welcomed a variety of groups including a group of guide leaders (who came along to have a go at making sausages), the Staffordshire Small Holders Association (who held their AGM at the farm) and a local Brownie pack who joined us for an evening of pizza making. Last month we attended two fantastic local events - the Whittington Countryside and Craft Fair and also the Huddlesford Heritage Gathering organised by the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust. Although attending events takes us away from our day to day work at the farm, it’s a great opportunity to showcase our produce and to tell people about the work we do at Woodhouse. Recently, we have been very lucky to have been granted £25,000 from the Cory Environmental Trust. This will fund much needed work on our community building which we will close after this month’s Halloween Celebrations, with work taking place over the winter. As part of this, we need to raise £2,500 ourselves and so we are hoping that this year’s annual apple harvesting day, where we’ll be picking and pressing fruit from our orchard, will be a fun afternoon that will also help us raise some funds! 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.

New season line-up at the Garrick

unning from September 2017 to January 2018, the autumn/winter season at the Lichfield Garrick offers drama, family entertainment, comedy, music and variety.

This year’s family pantomime is the mystical and magical tale of Aladdin, starring CBeebies’ Cat Sandion alongside the comedy duo of dame, Sam Rabone, and Ben Thornton. Aladdin runs from Thursday 30 November 2017 to Saturday 6 January 2018 with tickets from £14 for children and £23.50 for adults.

For younger audiences, Home for Christmas is a fun-filled adventure following a mother’s quest to make it home in time for Christmas. For adults, Crimes on the Christmas Express is an alternative Christmas comedy inspired by Agatha Christie, 39 Steps and Jason Bourne.

Letters to Emma is a modern day ghost story based on the life of Anna Seward and the national tour of Frederick Knott’s Wait Until Dark arrives in Lichfield this October. Vamos Theatre return with Finding Joy, a show that approaches the subject of dementia and there will be thrills galore in Blackeyed Theatre’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Well-loved names will be appearing, from ‘Silver Screen’ with Robert Powell and Liza Goddard to ‘War Stories’ with Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan. America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin will be bringing his (in)famous puppets while Jai McDowall and Michael Courtney present the best of the West End in Mad About The Musicals. Later in the season, Pam Ayres makes a welcome appearance.

Music treats include Jimmy Osmond, The Syd Lawrence Orchestra and two classical concerts - Vivaldi by Candlelight and the Richter Ensemble performing Beethoven Quartets. Local acoustic duo Chris Buckle and Dan Anketell return in Music Through the Decades. Irish comedian Ed Byrne heads up the comedy with Spoiler Alert, while Comedy 42 introduces some of the finest up and coming comedians on the circuit and Dirty Dusting stars Benidorm’s Crissy Rock.

The new season brochure is available from the Box Office or online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com. To book tickets, call 01543 412121 or visit the website.

Strange Tales for Halloween

ith Halloween approaching, Kate Gomez takes a look at some of the strange and spooky tales to be found in and around our ancient city. Snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy with us some spine-tingling stories. Friary Phantoms

Since the 1970s, the Friary School has been located on Eastern Avenue but has had associations with several other sites in the city. The school’s name derives from when it was based at the buildings which are currently Lichfield Library and the new Chapter House development. The site incorporates several buildings and features from the former Franciscan Friary which became a private residence following the Reformation and many former pupils recall stories of a spectral hooded figure walking the corridors and grounds of the school. It has also been widely rumoured that the network of tunnels, said to run beneath the city and to connect several historic sites, can be accessed via one of the cellars beneath the Bishop’s Lodgings, the oldest part of the

building.

The Lady of Leomansley

Those wandering around the lanes and woods of Leomansley after dark sometimes report catching sight of a woman in white nightdress. On approaching to offer assistance, the lady disappears. In recent years, a series of mysterious objects have appeared in Leomansley Wood, with feathers, stones, pottery, jewellery, toys and a range of other items turning up in the trunks and branches of the trees. Spirits at the Kings Head

A flickering light is sometimes seen at one of the upper windows of what is possibly Lichfield’s oldest pub and is said to be the spectral candle of a maid who lived in the pub centuries ago. Outside in the street, a laughing cavalier is said to have appeared to passers-by on many occasions. The Ghost of Nun’s Well

Hidden beneath the gnarled roots of a tree, at Cannock Wood, is a rock cut chamber. A brick

work arch incorporated in the structure suggests it dates to at least Tudor times but it is possible that this is a truly ancient site. A spring flows from the chamber and its water is believed to have healing powers, in particular for ailments relating to eyes. According to local folklore, this curious site became known as Nun’s Well after two farm labourers discovered the last resting place of a nun here. The nun’s ghost appeared to the labourers, and she is said to have haunted the area ever since. The Black Dog of Brereton

Tales of hell hounds are found all across the country and our area is no exception with numerous sightings of a fearsome beast reported in the area near Coalpit Lane. Traditionally, black dogs are associated with stretches of road where criminals were dispatched from this world. Interestingly, a map created by John Ogilby in 1675 shows ‘a hangman’s oake on ye road’ between Brereton and Rugeley. Sources

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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.

A Window on the Past

Following on from last month’s fascinating images of local businesses that became landmarks in their own right, this month we further explore much-loved buildings and businesses that may be gone but are in no way forgotten by many Lichfeldians. Thank you to the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for sharing their knowledge and pictures with us here.

City Life Revisited… 1. Victoria Hospital (opened 1933)

2. The font cover of the official programme commemorating the opening of Victoria Hospital

3. The Regal Cinema, Tamworth Street (opened 1932)

4. Regal staff in the 1930s (image courtesy of Sandra Inglis) 5. The official programme commemorating the opening of the Regal Cinema

6. Did you nip over the road to Mullarkey's after the film for fish and chips?

7. The old Trent Valley Station in 1890

8. Garrett's bakery, Bore Street, in the 1950s 40

9. The Old Crown pub (did you go to their folk music nights in the 1970s?) 10. The Country Girl Snack Bar in Bird Street 1950s

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 3rd October and Tuesday 7th November, 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.

Do you have some snaps of Lichfield looking for a home? You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if… are always looking for images and memorabilia to add to the group archives.

10 9

Image by Rob Ings

Lichfield Autumn Beer Festival

ichfield Arts have ordered over 30 beers and traditional ciders for their Autumn Beer Festival, taking place over Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October, from 12 noon to 11pm, at the Guildhall

A great range of real ales will be available at the festival including many from local and regional breweries. Also available will be a fine selection of traditional ciders and perrys, the Lichfield Arts’ regular bar and Famous Pork Pies plus a selection of cold snacks. In addition, there’s live music on both evenings:

On Friday live entertainment will be provided by ‘Back in Time’ playing all the hits from Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones and Elvis plus many more

On Saturday ‘Downshift’ will provide the music with a great mix of classic rock covers and modern pop and rock ‘n’ roll.

Tickets for the festival are now available and can be booked via www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or by calling 01543-262223. Tickets are just £2 on both days before 6pm and £3 after.

Lichfield Arts in October

etween Friday 15th and Sunday 17th October, Lichfield Arts presents its widely popular L2F Festival. Opening at Lichfield Cathedral on 15th with Wildfire Folk and Jon Boden, the rest of the festival at the Guildhall features star names such as Faustus, Philip Henry and Hannah Martin, Merry Hell Acoustic, Sheelanagig, Julie Felix, Sean Lakeman and Katherine Roberts, plus local performers, a series of workshops, and a street procession. Ticket prices range from £65 for the whole weekend to £15 for individual events. The weekend of October 20th and 21st sees Lichfield Arts Autumn Beerfest and on October 22nd, Meat-Loud will make their Guildhall debut. In the forty years since Meat-Loaf released the record-breaking album Bat out of Hell, it has become an iconic title in rock and popular music. Meat-Loud is the UKs premier tribute to the music and sounds of MeatLoaf and Jim Steinen. Tickets are £14, £12.60 for Friends of Lichfield Arts and £7 for under 16s. The October programme will close on Sunday 29th October with an evening of music from Southern Rock band Skinny Molly. Formed from members of Lynrd Sknryd, Blackfoot, and Molly Hatchet they play hard-rocking, virtuoso rock with an easygoing charm, and stand by the motto ‘never let a single fan go home dissapointed’. Tickets are £16, £14.60 for Friends of Lichfield Arts and £8 for under 16s. For tickets and further details go to www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, call 01543 262223, or call into the Lichfield Arts Box Office in Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield.

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Work starts on new library

ork on the new £1.2m library in Lichfield started in September. The new library project will see the opening up of the ground floor at St. Mary’s Church in Market Square to accommodate the library and tourist information service. The first floor will include a permanent museum, exhibition and performance space, as well as an access point for digitised archive collections. The new library will be modelled on Stafford Library which opened in 2015, which includes wifi, touchscreen tables, computer tablets and 3D printing facilities.

Work will include exposing the church’s original features including the 19th century columns, and will incorporate etched glass screens into the new layout whilst retaining

Artist's impressions of Lichfield library. exhibition space.

the altar, choir stalls and pews at the east end as a study area and IT suite. One end of the first floor will have a balcony overlooking the level below and its central space will be occupied by a flexible performance and

A £250,000 fund-raising campaign was launched by The Guild of St. Mary’s to reinvigorate the first floor. Caroline Kerr from St. Mary’s said: “Our vision for St Mary’s is to become an arts and learning venue that is affordable and accessible to all. We want to provide on the first floor a vibrant and engaging heritage and arts experience alongside the relocated library. We will work with Lichfield Library to create a holistic offer that benefits all and knits together our already creative offering in the city.”

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LOCAL NEWS Silent Auction to Support MASE and St Giles

Local artist Denis Harper is putting up one of his paintings for silent auction to raise funds for MASE (a monthly support group for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and their carers and family) and St Giles Hospice, who support those with Dementia. Denis commented: “I plan to offer this painting for a silent bid and donations, the painting will first be shown at Darwin Court Residential Nursing Home in Wissage Road Lichfield until the 9th of October. It will then move to St Giles Hospice in Whittington until the 18th of October. From the 21st of October my Solo Exhibition will open at Shenstone Community Library where the painting will be on display. Bids can be made at Darwin Court, St Giles Hospice and at Shenstone Library. I can be contacted online at dfh.art@icloud.com or by calling 01543 480404.”

Lichfield Society of Artists’ Awards

Doris English, former Mayor of Lichfield, and long-standing member of the Lichfield Society of Artists was guest of honour at the Society’s awards in September. Awards presented included ‘The Michael Fabricant Cup for Best Landscape Painting’ and this year it was won by the Society’s Chair: Christine Taylor.

Michael Fabricant, Patron of the Society, commented: “The creative talent pool in Lichfield and beyond in the wider West Midlands runs very deep and the Lichfield Society of Artists has members from over the whole region. I was delighted to award the Cup for best Landscape Painting to Christine whose work was very evocative.”

Community Doodle Project lands at Chasewater

At the beginning of September, Saxon Hill Craft Barn celebrated the unveiling of their biggest project to date. The Community Doodle Project was a seven month project focusing on the importance of good mental health and how getting creative can be used as a coping mechanism. The project asked members of the public and community groups to submit doodles which were then collected and transformed into the feathers of Colin, a 10 foot sculpture of an owl! More than 600 doodle artists, from individuals, schools, colleges and groups across Staffordshire and beyond, created in excess of 2,500 doodles with responses including a letter from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Colin the Owl was unveiled by Cllr Doug Pullen, and will remain on display at Chasewater Innovation Centre until Saturday 21st October 2017. Lucy Wood, Marketing and PR Manager at Saxon Hill Craft Barn said: “It has been wonderful to witness the sense of community throughout the duration of this project, with members of the public who have attended our workshops talking about their current stresses, big or small. We have seen strangers becoming friends, offering a listening ear to each other, all whilst they were doodling away, finding time for each other despite the incredibly hectic lives we all live.” Saxon Hill Craft Barn is a community project based at Chasewater Country Park, and is an arts and craft store which provides young disabled people with supported training and assisted work placements. For more information, please visit saxonhillcraftbarn.co.uk

The Lunar Legacy 2017

Erasmus Darwin House is hosting two special events this month to celebrate the Legacy of the Lunar Society. Both take place on 5th October where during the day they will be be hosting a seminar day entitled: Collectors, Collections and Collaborations in the 18th Century. The day features leading speakers in the field. Dr Patricia Fara from Cambridge University, will give a talk on the botanist Sir Joseph Banks; Jonathan Wallis - Head of Museums in Derby will speak about John Whitehurst and the geology of Derbyshire and Dr Stephen Leach from Keele University will give a presentation on the relationships of Sir Brooke Boothy, JeanJaques Rousseau and Joseph Wright. Lunch, with a glass of wine is included and refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Tickets cost £35 per person and the event runs from 9.30am to 4pm. In the evening of 5th October, there will be the opportunity to dine at the former home of Lunar Society member William Withering, now Edgbaston Golf Club. Dr Peter Sheldon will give a talk on The Life and Times of William Withering, a pioneering 18th century doctor based at Birmingham General Hospital and Stafford General Infirmary. There will be a silent auction run by Bid-In and the former athlete Jamie Baulch, featuring items such as golf memorabilia, luxury hotel stays and music and film ephemera. Tickets cost just £35 per person and include a three-course meal and a drink but places must be booked by 2nd October. The event starts at 7.30pm. Erasmus Darwin House’s Lunar Legacy programme is proving very popular and every event so far, this year has been sold out. Organisers recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. All proceeds go towards helping the museum (a registered charity) to share the story of the work of Dr Erasmus Darwin and preserve his home in Lichfield. Tickets for both events can purchased from the museum reception or contact enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org or 01543 306260.

Autumn Leaves Competition winner

Congratulation to Ann Sanders who found all ten autumn leaves on pages 18, 20, 24, 32, 34, 36, 63 and 64 of the September issue of Citylife in Lichfield and wins £50 to spend with any of the businesses advertising in this issue.

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’.

Your Citylife What’s on in October

Every Wednesday Lichfield Overeaters Anonymous Do you have a problem with food? Lichfield Overeaters Anonymous is a 12 step fellowship for anyone with a problem with food. Wednesday 10am at Lichfield Methodist Church & Centre, Backcester Lane, WS13 6JH. Use Green Back Door. Tel Gill on 07850516167 or Rugeley Meeting Monday 2pm Victory Christian Church opposite police station.

Saturday 7th October and Saturday 21st October Cellar Tours at Erasmus Darwin House 2.30pm. Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD. Explore Dr Darwin’s spooky cellars and see a hidden part of the 13th century Lichfield. £2 01543 306260 enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org www.erasmusdarwin.org

Saturday 7th October Retro Party Night 7pm at The Cathedral Hotel, 62 Beacon Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414500 Enjoy a hot & cold buffet and then dance the night away to some of the greatest disco tracks of the 70s, 80s and 90s! £15 per person or from £89 for 2 with an overnight stay

Saturday 7th October and Saturday 21st October Cellar Tours at Erasmus Darwin House 2.30pm. Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, Ws13 7AD Explore Dr Darwin’s Spooky cellars and see a hidden part of the 13th century Lichfield. £2 01543 306260

enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org www.erasmusdarwin.org

Sunday 8th October Wedding Open Day At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Come along between 11am and 3pm and see just how lovely your wedding day could be at Moor Hall! Admission free, register on our website

Sunday 8th October Wedding Open Day 12pm – 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 See the magnificent Garrick Suite dressed for a wedding and meet our friendly team. Admission free, register on our website

Wednesday 11th October 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/groups/burntwoodf olk

Wednesday 18th October South East Staffordshire Association of National Trust Meeting Meetings held at The Guildhall, Bore Street, Lichfield at 7.30 pm: Hagley Hall: Past, Present and Future, talk by Viscount Cobham. Members £2, non-members £4. For more info call 01543 416144.

Thursday 19th October Lichfield Civic Society Meeting and Talk At 7.45pm. The Story of Map Making, speaker: Richard Stone. The meeting, in conjunction with the Royal Geographical Society, will take place 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.

Saturday 21st October Hidden Gems of Wall Settlement 2pm - 4.15pm. Meet at Wall Village Car Park, WS14 0AW. Investigate Wall with Dr Mike Hodder - how historians and archaeologists have proven the importance of Letocetum. Find out what happened there before, during and after the Roman conquest. What's there today? £5 to include refreshments 01543 418464 or www.wallromansitefriendsofletoc etum.co.uk Tuesday October 24th Meeting of the 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 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 24 October 2017. For further information please contact 01543 263347 or 255698. Thursdays 26th October Half Term Fun At The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. 11am and 12pm, £2. Hands-on arts and craft activities for the school holidays. Call 01543 264 972 to book Friday 27th October History... is magic! At The Samuel Johnson

Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. 10.30am & 1.00pm, £3.50. A fun-filled session for the half term holidays. Discover Samuel Johnson's time in a magical interactive show, and make your own magic trick to take home! Call 01543 264 972 to book

Saturday 28th October Creepy Cellars and Ghoulish Games At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD. 11am till 4pm. For one day only the museum becomes a haunted house on Beacon Street, Apple bobbing, ghoulish Georgian games, eerie antics and ghostly trails. Join us for a spooky storytelling in our cellars if you dare! Tearoom with ghoulish treats, sausages, burgers. Dressing up encouraged! £2.50 per child, free entry for adults. 01543 306260 enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org www.erasmusdarwin.org Saturday 28th October The Big Draw At The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and other venues. 10.30am - 4.30pm, Free, just drop-in! Join in activities for all ages at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and other venues across the city centre. Saturday 4th November History Workshop: Celebrations, Clowns and Cricket At The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Market Square, Lichfield. 2pm, £4. Explore commemorations and public events from Lichfield's past in this informal talk and workshop session based on archives, including a behind-thescenes library visit and archive display. Call 01543 264 972 to book

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