Citylife in Lichfield August 2018 by Citylife In Lichfield

Contents

16 Tastes of the Season By Simon Smith

19 Objects of Desire Heirloom pieces to treasure forever 22 Johnson Society Annual Supper By Phil Jones 32 A Window on the Past A bird's-eye view of the city 34 What's On Get out and about in August

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

Win Afternoon Tea for Two at McKenzie's Restaurant

Located in the heart of Lichfield, enjoy all-day dining seven days a week. McKenzie’s Restaurant delivers signature cattle steaks, fish, and poultry dishes alongside a selection of salads, sumptuous vegetarian dishes, and lighter bites, all perfectly complemented by a diverse wine list.

Housed in the old Corn Exchange building it is the ideal place to celebrate any event, whether a small family gathering, a romantic meal for two or a lavish feast for 50. Diners enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with a selection of delectable dishes. With the finest ingredients freshly prepared and served with pride, there is a menu to meet every need, whether business or pleasure, intimate or extravagant.

Traditional Afternoon Tea at McKenzie’s Restaurant is an enduring custom where you can choose from a range of loose-leaf teas, enjoy a variety of finger sandwiches, the cake of the day and warm scones accompanied by strawberry preserve and clotted cream. Priced at £14.50 per person, prepared and served fresh each day from 3pm-

6pm. Why not indulge in one of the finest British traditions.

To win Afternoon Tea for Two, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find a nutty and fruity biscuit named after an Italian city.

FENNALTRIO __________

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 24th August. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy go to citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk. Full competition terms and conditions on page 35.

First Class Technologies

Refreshes the COFEPOW Exhibit

irst Class Technologies (FCT) has been pleased to support and serve the Children of Far Eastern Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) and their exhibit at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas, Staffordshire for over a decade. COFEPOW is a Registered Charity dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Far East Prisoners of War (1941-45).

The NMA is the UK's Centre of Remembrance. It is not a cemetery, but rather a spiritually uplifting location created in recognition of the service and sacrifice of so many. Covering 150 acres, it honours the fallen, represented by the 30,000 trees planted here, where generations can wander and wonder. Flanked by static information boards and

artefacts from the period, the exhibit includes five memorable audio/video stories presented on the latest computer technology advising visitors of what took place during the conflict. There is access via touch screen technology to a database of information on World War II and the Far East. A rolling display of names is projected onto a Wall of Remembrance with a war graves database showing a short history of where and when servicemen were captured, relocated and their place of burial where appropriate. FCT are delighted to be spearheading the current initiative to refresh the exhibit with the very latest technology. COFEPOW Trustee, Vice Chairman and Chief Researcher, Keith Andrews, commented: “Support from FCT has been invaluable over the years, long may it continue.” FCT Managing Director, Richard Hinton, added: “It is rewarding to support the exhibit, making sure that this conflict is never forgotten and that memories of all those who served and the many who made the ultimate sacrifice live on in perpetuity.” https://www.cofepow.org.uk/fepow-memorial-building-virtual-tour Take a step by step trip through the exhibit prior to the refresh. The COFEPOW Exhibit can be found at the NMA, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR. Opening times 9am to 5pm (dusk in winter).

Toast of the Town By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director of Hansons Auctioneers - Lichfield Division

simple toast rack snapped up by local newlyweds more than 80 years ago - just because they liked it - has sold for 10 times its estimate at auction. The Christopher Dresser toast rack, first designed for Hukin and Heath in 1878, was identified as a design classic at Derbyshire’s Hansons Auctioneers - and sparked a bidding war in the Decorative Arts & Design Auction on June 19. We put a modest estimate of £200 to £400 on it as there was some slight damage but, thanks to its rarity and pedigree, it sold for £2,000. It did well because Christopher Dresser, who was born in Glasgow in 1834 and died in 1904, was a pioneer of industrial design based on form and function rather than decoration. Also, it was an original 1878 design embossed on the back with the words ‘Designed by Dr C Dresser’, which added to its value. Dresser’s designs were ahead of their time. The toast rack appears as modern today as it has ever been, with Alessi producing the same design today - angular, clean and simple. Designs like this were made for the forward-thinking Bohemian elite of Victorian Britain. The seller commented: “The toast rack was bought by my wife’s parents when they got married in 1936. They chose it because they liked it - and they used it. I would guess that they didn’t pay much for it. They needed it for their first home.They bought it, along with a few other bits, when the contents of a Church of England vicarage in Hogarth Road, Whitwick, went up for auction. They had no idea it was anything special and, when we acquired it, we didn’t at first. We used it a few times but it’s a bit wobbly and the toast fell out, so we put it away in a box. Later,

we heard the name Christopher Dresser crop up on antiques programmes on TV and realised it could be something special. We took it along to a free valuation event run by Hansons and were advised to let their Decorative Arts specialist see it.” Their experience goes to shows why people should always bring things for free valuation. So many items of historical value, left gathering dust for decades, can turn into a substantial windfall. Hansons carry out free valuation days every Monday 10.30am to 12.30pm in Lichfield at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, WS13 8JB in aid of St Giles Hospice. Free home visits are available for large/multiple items, estate clearance and downsizing advice. For further information, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

L2F Art Competition

rtists, photographers, and creative practitioners are invited to submit their work to this year’s L2F Art Competition, which is being sponsored by Dame Oliver’s. Using any 2D media - painting, drawing, photography, textiles, mixed media etc, artists are asked to submit their best work, inspired by the theme of Festivals. The organisers are looking for creative, innovative and eyecatching work taking the theme in any direction that the artist sees fit. Selected work will be hung in the corridor at the Guildhall in Lichfield during the L2F Festival in October, and artists are asked to send in a photograph in electronic format (a Jpeg or Pdf) of the artwork to artcompetition@lichfieldarts.org.uk for consideration. Artists are asked to choose one A3 piece for the competition (excluding the frame). There are two age categories - Under 19s and over 19s. There is a cash prize in each category. The organisers will take every precaution in hanging the work, but it is done at the artists’ own risk. Successful artists will be notified by October 14th, and will be asked to submit work for hanging on October 19th. Full details are available at www.lff.co.uk

Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and Mayor of Lichfield unveil The Spires Care Home

are home staff and guests were delighted when Her Majesty’s LordLieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson, and the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor David Leytham, officially opened Lichfield’s newest care home, The Spires by unveiling a

Hammerwich Hall annual summer fete and dog show

dvinia Healthcare’s Hammerwich Hall in Hammerwich, Burntwood held its annual summer fete & dog show on Saturday 14 July 2018. The ribbon was cut by Councillor Pam Stokes, Chairman of Burntwood Town Council, declaring the fete open at 2:00 pm. The Dog Show, now in its 7th year, commenced at 3pm, with Councillor David Salter, Chairman of Shenstone Parish Council, hosting the proceedings and guest judge, Olivia Pickering of Pool House Vets having the unenviable task of judging each category. Winner of the ‘Asbo’ class was Bullseye, a Staffordshire bull terrier, who then went on to win Best in Show (Judge’s Favourite) and walk away with the trophy. Bullseye’s story is a heartwarming tale of a rescue dog. When Bullseye was very young, he was abandoned, left at a boarding kennels and never collected. Age four, he was attacked by another dog and then placed in foster care. Then along came Ellie Jones and her family, they adopted Bullseye into a loving home and he has gone from strength to strength. Six months after being adopted, Bullseye, was chosen to play ‘Bullseye’ in a production of Oliver at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Ellie says that Bullseye is a loving family dog, with mom Kate adding that he is ‘perfection in a fur coat’. Olivia, of Pool House vets was touched by Bullseye’s story and said: “This is a fantastic success story, of what can happen to a rescue dog when they find a loving forever home.”

plaque at a recent opening ceremony at the home. The Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor greeted residents and guests, and gave speeches before unveiling the plaque, marking the formal opening of the home. During their visit, invited guests were given tours of the purpose built home, and were treated to a selection of refreshments as well as entertainment throughout the home, including performances from a live choir and a harpist. Aptly named after the three spires on Lichfield’s famous Cathedral, The Spires, operated by Barchester Healthcare, and will provide personalised residential and dementia care for 70 people within the Staffordshire community. The new facilities will provide high quality

care for 70 individuals, and provide 100 new jobs within the Lichfield area. The modern, purpose-built setting is open for enquiries seven days a week. www.barchester.com/home/spirescare-home

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Tastes of the Season By Simon Smith

As I write this I’m working in St Tropez and spoilt for choice with all the wonderful ingredients I have to play with. The markets here are bursting with colour and the smells of Provence, plus artisan products that would inspire anyone to cook. One of the delicious local specialities that caught my eye this week is Fougasse. This is a Provençale bread which comes in many guises and can have all sorts of ingredients added. The first of this month’s recipes is a Goat’s Cheese and Garlic Fougasse, but if you don’t like goat’s cheese try it with something that’s more to your taste – Roquefort works equally well. Our second recipe is an easy pudding that takes minutes to prepare and is ideal for a buffet as it can be eaten hot or cold. This Fruit and Nut Filo is inspired by the flavours of Oman and it’s completely delicious. Fougasse Ingredients: 15g fresh yeast or 2 packets of dried yeast 15g sugar or honey 15g salt 315ml tepid water

500g strong bread flour plus extra for dusting 3 tbsp parmesan cheese 2 sprigs rosemary 1 red onion (sliced and caramelised) 200g goat’s cheese 50g parsley chopped 4 ripe tomatoes 1 clove garlic Method Crumble the yeast into the water and add the sugar. Stir in using your fingers. Mix the salt with the flour in a mixing bowl. Add the water/yeast mix to the flour and mix using one hand. Once the dough starts to come together, empty on to the work surface and knead. Once the dough has come together knead for five minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a bowl and cover with clingfilm. Leave the dough to prove for 40 minutes somewhere warm. When the dough has doubled in size, turn out on to a floured surface to ‘knock back’. Work the dough gently for five minutes and then add half your herbs and onion. Roll out the dough and place into an oiled tin. Cover the dough and leave to prove for a second time. When the dough has risen to twice its height, remove the cover and roll into a large circle. On one side cut three holes (as you can see in the photo). Lay the tomatoes, goat’s cheese, chopped garlic, chopped parsley and rosemary on the complete half and fold over so the holed side is on the top. Bake in a preheated oven set at 160 for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with olive oil before serving.

Fruit and Nut Filo Ingredients: 4 sheets filo pastry 8ozs chopped walnuts 4ozs sultanas 4ozs soft dates 4ozs dried apricots 1/2tsp cinnamon 2tbsp honey 1 pomegranate, seeded 8ozs Mascarpone 4ozs chopped pistachios Zest of 1 orange Method Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Mix the dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon and honey together in a bowl. Lay the filo sheets out on a table and spread the fruit and nut mixture down the centre of the sheets. Fold over like a large sausage roll and place on a baking sheet. Put into the pre-heated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Mix the pomegranate seeds with the Mascarpone. Slice the filo, lay on a dish and dust with icing sugar. Serve the Mascarpone cream on the side. Sprinkle with orange zest and chopped pistachios. Simon Smith (who many Lichfeldians may know from his much-missed restaurant Thrales) runs a catering business from his production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event catering. Simon also undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers. If you are looking for catering or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmith-chef.com Please take extra care when preparing foods and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details. Food preparation is undertaken at your own risk.

Lichfield Police Cadets ‘Superb performance’

uick-thinking Staffordshire Police Cadets from Lichfield came to the rescue when two children got lost during the recent Cars In The Park show.

The weekend festival of classic cars attracted huge crowds at Beacon Park, and was supported by 15 cadets, and four leaders from Lichfield and Burton units.

When two children got separated from their respective parents during the event on Sunday, both youngsters were found within minutes, thanks to the swift and coordinated actions of the police cadets – without the need for further assistance.

Graham Smout, Staffordshire Police Cadets coordinator, revealed the cadets had only recently been trained on how to deal with such situations: “The cadets conducted a similar training exercise two weeks before – but on this occasion it was no staged exercise, this was a real and unplanned situation. Their quick-thinking and coordinated

response was very impressive. Both children were quickly found unharmed and duly reunited with their parents.” The Staffordshire Police Cadets were introduced by Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, back in 2013.The cadets also helped with marshalling and stewarding at Cars in the Park.

Keith Eagland, a member of the management

Icon School opens working studio in Lichfield Cathedral this summer

committee for Cars In The Park, added: “I wanted to express the most sincere thanks from all members of The Rotary Club of Lichfield St. Chad including myself on a personal note for the superb performance of the Staffordshire Police Cadets. Their performance was magnificent. Whether they were managing the parking of cars or patrolling round the showground showing a presence they were brilliant. Every single one of them are a credit to the Police and probably just as important they are a credit to themselves.”

con school students from Bethlehem have set up a working studio in Lichfield Cathedral this summer - the first of its kind outside the Holy Land. The Bethlehem Icon School has brought six students to spend two months reviving the sacred art of religious icon painting, to create a twelve by eight feet crucifix of Jesus, to hang above the nave. Rooted in sixth century Christian tradition, this new icon of the cross, has been commissioned by Lichfield Cathedral as part of a series of events in the Cathedral’s yearlong Imagine Peace campaign to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. Local company, Midlands Conservation Ltd, has spent early June constructing a studio in the east end of the Cathedral in preparation for the Bethlehem School’s arrival. From July 3, visitors will be able to watch the icon students at work every day until September, under the tutelage of the School’s director, Nichola Juha and visiting tutors, as they recreate this ancient Christian art form alleged to “open doors to heaven”. The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Revd Adrian Dorber, discovered the Bethlehem Icon School during a sabbatical to the Holy Land in 2012, when he found nuns saying Friday prayers in front of an icon painting called ‘Our Lady Who Brings Down Walls’ at the Israeli built wall that divides Jerusalem from Bethlehem. He commented: “Icons are said to be gateways through which heaven meets earth, and I am proud to support this ancient art form to create an image of Christ who fills all things with new life. I want this new icon to be a message: a message of hope and creativity: a message that says here at Lichfield Cathedral, you can explore deep things in life, you are welcome, irrespective of your background or beliefs.” The technique uses natural minerals from the earth, including agate, plaster of Paris, and gold leaf, and dates back over 1,500 years. The wood for the cross was made and prepared by Dylan Hartley in his studio in nearby Telford. The cross will be dedicated at a service on Holy Cross Day, September 14.

Objects

of Desire

Beautiful, desirable and destined to become heirloom pieces, treasured for years to come - objects of desire are the kind of investment pieces that are a sheer joy to behold... Rubilite cluster

cocktail ring in 18 carat white gold, 2.30 ct diamonds. £16,995. Available from Salloways Jewellers

18ct white gold Alyssum bangle by Fei Liu, set with Dubarry pattern, 46 diamonds, motherpiece canteen in of-pearl and cultured Sovereign Silver Plate pearls. £1,5000. £1,150. Available from Available from Arthur Price City Jewellers of Lichfield Stockist: City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. Salloways Jewellers, 23-25 Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6NA. Athur Price, 1 Britannia Way, Lichfield WS14 9UY.

Gift vouchers available

New Weekly Lichfield Memory Cafe

very week on Thursdays, Home Instead hosts a Memory Café at the Lichfield Methodist Church from 10am till 12pm.The café is designed for people living with dementia and their loved ones. Sally Clough, owner of Home Instead Lichfield commented: “Volunteers from churches in Lichfield support the group each week and there are monthly visits from the Alzheimer’s Society and NHS Dementia Service to provide help and support to people living with Dementia.” Staff from Tesco also come along and supply the group with tea, coffee and biscuits. The Memory Cafe is for anyone who is experiencing memory problems and the relative, friend or carer who supports them. For a person with memory loss and those that support them it is a non-threatening environment where they meet others with similar difficulties. For more information please contact Karen Wilkinson 01543625002 or Karen.wilkinson@homeinstead.co.uk

Johnson Society Annual Supper

By Phil Jones

or those of you who are not aware of the Johnson Society, we are one of the oldest literary societies in the world, dedicated to celebrating the life and works of Samuel Johnson, the author of the celebrated Dictionary. Every year we hold an Annual Supper to celebrate Johnson’s birth as part of a weekend of celebrations. This year it takes place on the 22nd September and as usual it will be a sumptuous candle-lit supper in the splendour of the Guildhall. Anyone is very welcome to attend, you don’t need to be a Johnson Society member, and you will be made to feel very welcome. Tickets are £42 per person. Contact me on p.jones201010@yahoo.co.uk if you are interested in attending.

Shoppers Donate 1,000 Meals

hoppers in Lichfield donated enough food in just one day to create 1,000 meals for people in need as part of a special collection event. Members of Lichfield Food Bank recently spent the day appealing for donations at Central England Co-operative’s Food Store, in Boley Park. Kind-hearted customers and members handed over the equivalent of 422kg of food during the day, as well as £360 to go towards the ongoing running costs of the vital resource. Ian Coxon, from Lichfield Food Bank, commented: "Once again the generous customers of Boley Park Central England Co-op have done us proud. We are so grateful for the continued kindness of the people of Lichfield without which the food bank could not operate."

At each Annual Supper we invest a new President. This year I am delighted as Chairman of the Johnson Society that our President-elect for 2018 is Henry Hitchings who will succeed Michael Bundock, the 2017 incumbent. Henry is an author and journalist who has written extensively about language and cultural history, but more particularly has published two books on Samuel Johnson. He is a very entertaining and amusing speaker and will give a short after-dinner speech at the Supper. In May 2009 Henry became the theatre critic on the London Evening Standard, and he has also written for the Financial Times, the New Statesman, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal and the Times Literary Supplement. He has also made radio, television and festival appearances. Henry was the writer and presenter of the documentary Birth of the British Novel which was broadcast on BBC 4 in 2011. He had previously been a featured contributor to the documentary Samuel Johnson: The Dictionary Man in 2006. In 2005 Henry published Dr Johnson's Dictionary: The Extraordinary Story of the Book that Defined the World. In March 2009, on the strength of The Secret Life of Words, a later book. Hitchings was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the year award. In June 2009 he received a Somerset Maugham Award. Henry became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2015

Henry has written a variety of other books, including The Language Wars. His latest book, The World in 38 Chapters, or Dr Johnson’s Guide to Life was published in June 2018, conveniently in time for Henry to assume the Presidency of our Society.

Phil Jones is Chairman of The Johnson Society.

The Great Exhibition Advertising Feature

ery few places outside of major cities can create large scale immersive experiences like Lichfield Cathedral’s “The Great Exhibition”.

Now an annual event the Great Exhibition started in 2016 and is now entering its third year with its most ambitious event yet. In 2016 the Archbishop of Canterbury described Lichfield Cathedral as “the most imaginative Cathedral” and the Cathedral team are determined to maintain this exciting and innovative approach. Thousands of people flock each year to see this remarkable and breathtaking event when the Cathedral is transformed with sound, light and installations, and where the Cathedral is transformed in new and exciting ways. Previous years have been described as “absorbing”, “mesmerising” and “unmissable”. The Great Exhibition 2018 is surely one of the events of the year and not to be missed. 2018 sees the creative team behind the multi award winning Christmas light show ‘The Cathedral Illuminated’ produce ’Imagine Peace’, between the 17th-27th August, and this promises to be the biggest and most adventurous event of its kind so far, with visitors taken through a series of, moving, beautiful and striking artworks and installations. Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral said: “The exhibition is a poignant depiction of peace, an exhibition which encourages reflection and allows beauty to inspire, to give wonder and entice imagination of what is possible.” The Great exhibition comes alive in the evenings with ticketed entry between 7-10pm. ‘Imagine Peace’ is a profound and reflective installation from the Cathedral’s Artist in Residence Peter Walker alongside the creative team at Luxmuralis, which will be both outside and inside the Cathedral. The project includes artworks which have been contributed to by hundreds of people. “Art is for everyone, not just for the few, and involving our community is essential so that everyone’s creative ability can have a fingerprint on our work and people can really feel a part of the these significant projects in their Cathedral” said Peter Walker, Lichfield Cathedral’s Artist in Residence. Peter is asking people to bring a handful of buttons to the cathedral either in the daytime or in the evening as part of the event, and these will be added to the ‘Button’ installation.

There is still time to help with the project and you can find out more by visiting the Cathedral’s website or by contacting reception@lichfieldcathedral.org Tickets for the Great Exhibition 2018: Imagine Peace are on sale now via the Cathedral Shop and online via the Cathedral website www.lichfieldcathedral.org/peace/the-great-exhibition-2018

Record-Beating Fine Art Sale

By Sarah Leedham, Senior Valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers Richard Winterton Auctioneers are delighted to report a record sale at The Lichfield Auction Centre. With 496 lots on offer, the majority of which had been consigned from several local vendors, the sale attracted buyers from all over the world, bidding strongly both in the room, over the phone and via the internet. Jewellery was the first section to be offered under the hammer with diamonds dominating the top selling lots. The star lot was an impressive early 20th Century bar brooch with an estimated total diamond weight of 5ct. Despite strong interest from a phone bidder it was eventually sold in the room at £4,900. The front cover of the sale catalogue featured an early, high-quality fountain pen with Japanese lacquered decoration, known as a ‘pre-Dunhill Namiki lake and hillside takamaki-e’. It featured scenes of landscapes and sailing vessels and with an 18ct nib, proved a real rarity. Two phone bidders took it to a final selling price of £7,000. Wrist-watches and pocket watches were one of the most keenly contested sections of the auction and provided the second highest price of the sale with a Gent’s Omega Speedmaster Professional wrist-watch taking £9,000. Almost 100 lots of silver went under the hammer next with 97% of the lots sold. Top price

was for a finely decorated mid-19th Century Chinese silver snuff box which flew past the estimate of £200-300 before selling at £1,150. Ceramics and glass were much in demand, particularly Oriental pieces, but the highest selling lot in this section at £900 was a small Royal Worcester plaque dating to 1922, hand painted by H. Ayrton with a copy of Fragonard’s The FairHaired Child. Investing in high quality wine, whisky and spirits is a continuing trend and two lots showed that this buoyant market continues with 92% of lots sold. The top price paid was £420 for a bottle of Martell Corden Bleu cognac in a Baccarat crystal decanter and presentation case. Two stand-out lots from the works of art section of the sale were a 19th Century copy of a 17th Century gilt metal square table clock with a striking and repeating mechanism (even copies are rare to come to the market) and this example made £3,600. The stand out lot amongst the furniture and pictures was a seven-piece Anglo-Chinese rosewood suite of chairs and settee. With five telephone bids booked and interest in the room and on the internet, it was no surprise when it took top hammer price of the sale at £10,000. The next Fine Art sale is to be held at The

Lichfield Auction Centre on 19th S e p t e m b e r commencing at 10am. It will include sections of items relating to pursuits country and modern design. Entries close on 10th August. For further details call the office on 01543 251081.

Join Mischief Makers at your library

hildren from across Staffordshire are invited to sign up to read six books this summer as part of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer Reading Challenge. The scheme asks 4 to 11 year olds to borrow and read any six library books over the summer holidays. The theme for the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers, inspired by the much-loved children's title Beano, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Children will explore a map of Beanotown to find a hidden treasure chest full of pranks and become ultimate mischief makers! As children read their books, they will receive special stickers, some with mysterious smells. By adding these stickers to their map, young readers will help Dennis, Gnasher and friends solve clues and discover the treasure, having lots of fun and adventures along the way. To take part in Mischief Makers, all children need to do is sign up at their nearest library where they will be given a colourful collectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s map of Beanotown to keep a record of their Summer Reading Challenge journey. The scheme is running at all Staffordshire libraries throughout the summer. Find out more at your local library, at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries or at www.readingagency.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge

Alrewas Arts Festival

his free, week-long festival takes place in the picturesque village of Alrewas, near Lichfield. It launches on Saturday August 25, with a vibrant, craft street market and concludes on September 1 with an outdoor Party in the Park, described as a musical extravaganza with fireworks. Throughout the week, there are dozens of workshops and performances, including a variety of classical, choral and folk concerts, drama, dance and comedy (direct from the Edinburgh Fringe), art and photographic exhibitions, a festival kitchen, trails for children and adults and some not-so-classical rumbustious evenings. If you want to test your Crystal Maze skills, there is also an exciting ‘Escape Room’. The theme this year revolves around the imagined tribal history of the area and beyond. On Bank Holiday Monday, the Alderways Fair will feature Vikings and coracles, tepees and totem poles, mud ovens and camels - all created by local artists and craftspeople. There will be demonstrations of ancient crafts like greenwood working, whittling, apple pressing, stone balancing, gum boot dancing as well as a variety of oldfashioned games and activities for children to try and grandparents to excel at. The Party in the Park takes place from 6pm on the village’s Walkfield. The entire festival has been devised and is run by volunteers. Everyone from workshop leaders to actors, musicians, artists, poets and the people who bake innumerable cakes to stock the arts café give their services free. Join them for a unique experience – and watch out for the clog-dancing camel! For more information, go to the festival website: www.alrewas-artsfest.co.uk

Explore the countryside with Lichfield City Cycling Club this summer! By Neil Lawford

ichfield CCC is a vibrant cycling club with around 150 members aged from 8 to 80. The Club has developed much talent over the years; elite level cyclists who learned their skills at Lichfield CCC now living in Manchester as part of the Great Britain Cycling team as well as World and National title winners of all ages.

There are many more skilled young riders on the roads these days thanks to the excellent coaching which takes place on the Curborough sprint circuit on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during the spring/summer for various ages and abilities. In the winter months, offroad coaching for children and adults takes place at other Lichfieldbased venues. Earlier this year, a series of very successful women-only coaching session at Curborough was fantastically received by those who enjoyed the chance to hone skills in a safe traffic free environment among friends. In addition, the Club organises Saturday café rides from Lichfield which are a popular way to catch up with fellow club members of all ages. For the faster cyclist, the highlight of the week is the Wednesday night chain gang, where ability groups set off on a high-paced ride. Many disciplines are catered for within the club including road cycling, mountain biking, track and cyclocross. Cyclocross is a fantastic family sport with courses combining parkland, gravel trails, and a few obstacles along the way. LCCC has a good reputation in cyclocross from success at local level in the Sunday West Midland Cyclocross League right through to members past and present representing GB on the World scene.

LCCC is a very friendly club, open to all, currently annual membership is £15 for children, £25 adult and £45 family, which includes coaching at Curborough. A group of dedicated coaches and committee members put a great deal into the Club organising races, rides and the popular Christmas curry night! Club members have also taken part in the Silverstone team time trial and the Ride London event. With so many great places to ride on our doorstep such as Cannock Chase, Sutton Park, local roads and canals, no excuse… get on your bike and enjoy the local environment and maybe find a café and a Lichfield CCC member along the way! Neil Lawford, Treasurer of Lichfield City Cycling Club

Advertising Feature

appy Healthy Cycling is the programme created by Fleur Green of Cycling 2000. Fleur is a qualified British Cycling Breeze Champion and voluntary organiser of the inclusive cycling sessions for adults and families for health and enjoyment. Fleur’s sessions run from April to October and aim to encourage as many people and families as possible to get into or have a go at cycling. No matter the age or circumstance cycling can be for everyone and Fleur takes great pleasure in seeing people riding their bikes and actively gets involved with the community by supporting cycling projects. Cycling can be very beneficial to our health from that of our mind right down to our toes, for adults and children. In a safe, traffic free environment, Fleur’s sessions offer the opportunity for people to gain confidence and enjoy riding their bikes in a beautiful, rural location without traffic. There’s a special evening of cycling coming up on Monday 30th July from 6.30pm, for more information please contact Fleur.

Cycling 2000 aim to work closely with their local community and give back where they can, they are pleased to announce that by acquiring the Studio hairdressers at 52 Wheel Lane they will soon be able to offer even more quality products and services and look forward to welcoming customers to see the newly fitted out store in the near future. They are currently working with the local community and have

recently become part of the St Giles Promise Card scheme with all holders of the cards entitled to discounts and savings in store. They are also working Ladies group on installing a Community Defibrillator with the support of AED Donate and CRYALEX (Cardiac Risk in the Young). As well as fundraising options Fleur and David are encouraging the local community to come and find out more about the charities and be part of the Community Defibrillator Programme. Free training will also be available once the unit is fitted, a list of interested people is currently being compiled. For more information please get in touch: fleur@happyhealthycycling.co.uk 07773 912161 or pop into Cycling 2000, 50-52 Wheel Lane, just up from Morrisons.

A Window on the Past

Ever wondered what our city would look like if you could see it from above? These aerial photographs, part of the collection of the local history group You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if… are fascinating, and give a real bird’s-eye view.

A Bird’s Eye View

1. Showing the Bison Factory, Birmingham Road. Opened in 1947, this factory initially made pre-cast floors to repair buildings bombed during the war.

4. Showing Kennings Garage, St John Street.

5. Showing the old Victoria Hospital. Image courtesy of Robert Yardley.

2. Bloomfield Crescent in the 1960s, showing Willows School, and three tower blocks Ashmole, 6. Lichfield Cathedral. Boswell and Garrick. 7. St Michael’s Hospital, Trent Valley Road. Image 3. Showing the old Lichfield swimming baths courtesy of Robert Yardley. (bottom left hand corner) and the old gas tower in Sandford Street. 32

For more memories, stories and photographs visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or go along to one of their friendly meetings. The next meetings take place on Tuesday 7th August and Tuesday 4th September at the Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue, WS13 7HP from 7pm till 10pm. For more information call 01543 416393 or 01543 268842. The group’s exhibitions of photographs and memorabilia can be booked for shows at nursing homes, clubs etc comletely free of charge. 7

What’s on in August

Until Friday 31st August Blazing Words, Glitt’ring Gold: Illuminating art from Lichfield CalligraphersBeautiful word-based art, inspired by alchemy, metals, treasure and more exhibited around the historic house. Calligraphy by group members from Lichfield, Barton and the Mercian Scribes. Daily 10.30am - 4.30pm. At Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Thursday 2nd August Book Folded Fairy House 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Join Sarah from Olliebobs to make a beautiful book folded fairy house. Suitable for adults and children, booking essential. £5 per person. At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street.

Saturday August 4th ,11th, 18th & 25th Cellar Tour 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street,

Promote your event in our What’s On guide and reach over 18,000 homes and businesses for only £15 for businesses and £5 for charities. Entries must be 50 words maximum. To book contact Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 josscitylife@gmail.com (businesses who are already advertising in the relevant issue may place additional what’s on listings free-of-charge). Please clearly mark your email ‘What’s On Lichfield'. Lichfield, WS13 7AD. Our Cellars are extremely interesting as they can only be accessed by a guided tour, these offer an insight into other aspects of the house from medieval times up to the life of Erasmus Darwin himself, and it is believed it may have been where bodies were stored in readiness for dissection-so there is the spooky factor rolled in too. Friday 17th August Prosecco Tasting Dinner at The George Enjoy an evening of great food and premium Prosecco in Darwin’s restaurant at The George. Featuring a glass of Prosecco on arrival followed by four delicious courses, each one accompanied by a specially selected Prosecco introduced and described by an expert and enthusiast. £35 per person or £139 for two with an overnight stay in a double room. Saturday August 18th Olliebobs – Felting workshop 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Join Sarah from Olliebobs to make a felted

picture or brooch. Suitable for adults. £20 per person, booking essential. At Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street.

Saturday 1st September Gin Masterclass at The George 2pm to 3.30pm. Join this new Gin Masterclass and enjoy a perfectly made G&T, a talk through the history of gin and a tutored tasting of 6 gins from small independent producers. £25 per person

Saturday 25th Aug 2018 to Monday 27th Aug 2018 Lichfield Food Festival The centre of Lichfield will play host to over 300 food and drink stalls with something for everyone, selling everything from chutney to chillies, jams to jerk chicken, fudge to fajitas and tipples to treats. Wednesday 26th September Stonnall Conservation Society Stonnall Conservation Society will not be holding a meeting during July and August but we will look forward to seeing you on the 26th

Blue plaque to commemorate ‘Father of Piano’

blue plaque commemorating the 18th century composer Muzio Clementi, has been unveiled at his former home, the Hedgehog pub. Around 150 guests gathered at the pub in July to watch the official unveiling and celebrate Clementi’s connection to the town. The plaque was unveiled by chairman of the Swedish Clementi Society, Bengt Hultman, who travelled from Sweden especially for the event after being invited by the Lichfield Civic Society. The Hedgehog was formerly known as Lyncroft House when it was originally built in the late 18th century. Born in Rome in 1752, Clementi was a celebrated composer, musician and conductor. He spent much of his life in England and moved to Lyncroft House in 1830. The installation of the blue plaque at the Hedgehog was proposed by the Lichfield Civic Society following research into the composer’s time in the area. Frank Horsfall, member of the Lichfield Civic Society, commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to celebrate Clementi’s association with Lichfield with the installation of a plaque at his former home. It’s a befitting honour for such a distinguished former Lichfield resident whose contributions to music, especially the development of piano music, have led him to being remembered as the Father of the Piano.”

September when the inimitable John White holder of an Honours Degree in History and War Studies and a Performance Historian will be performing ‘The Privateer’ at Stonnall Youth & Community Centre, Main Street, Stonnall WS9 9EE at 7.30pm. www.shenstonestaffs.gov.uk/scs/ Non Members Welcome.

Competition Winners

Congratulations to L Christian who gave the answer 'Strawberry Fool' and answered the anagram in the Manor Farm Fruits competition in the July issue.

Congratulations to J Crane who correctly stated that The Pet Show is being held at The Stafford County Showground and wins tickets to this great event.

Whittington Countryside and Craft Fair

This year’s Whittington Countryside and Craft Fair takes place on Saturday September 1st, at Bit End Field, Whittington, WS14 9LQ - opening at 10am and finishing at 4.30pm. All the usual attractions will be there, including Punch and Judy, the amazing Jez Avery’s Stunt Vehicles, Trampoline Displays, Falconry and the Dog and Duck Show. Over 50 Classic and Vintage vehicles will be on view, countryside crafts, cakes, flowers and much more, including the return of the Climbing Wall and Farrier. Food and Drink is available all day and there’s free parking. Tickets are available on the gate and are £12 family, £5 adult and £3 concessions. All profits are ploughed back into local community ventures and charities.

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

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