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Inside... May 2018
Welcome to CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Rugeley, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the area’s news, events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Rugeley is delivered to 11,000 businesses and homes in Rugeley, Ravenhill, Etchinghill, Slitting Mill, Armitage, Handsacre, Colton, Hill Ridware and Hamstall Ridware, completely free of charge; bringing you the best that the area 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 region? We want to hear from you!
10 A Battle at High Bridge By Kate Gomez 12 A Window on the Past Exploring Church Street
22 Your Image Beautiful pictures of our area 28 The Changing Scene By Margaret Neal
30 Unearthing History Gary Starkey's metal detecting diaries
CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048
josscitylife@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 Rugeley
Citylife in Rugeley 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 Rugeley or Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
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M.O.T
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Meet the ‘Dulux Dog’ at Decor Supplies
Advertising Feature
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he current Dulux Dog will be in store at Decor Supplies, Britannia Way, Lichfield on Saturday 5th May from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Come along to meet Lewis, the Old English Sheep Dog! Decor Supplies offer an impressive choice of wallcoverings, paints and fabrics and are winners of the Home Decoration Retailers Association, Retailer of the Year Award UK. This family run business has been trading for 34 years, and is open to the public, to trade and retail customers. Decor Supplies stock all the major brands, and you can wander around the enormous showroom/store and find paint names like Dulux, Crown and Farrow & Ball plus many more. There’s also a mixing service available to ensure you get exactly the shade you want. It’s also a great place to browse through an extensive range of wallcoverings and hundreds of designs by manufacturers including Graham & Brown, Arthouse, Holdens and Fine Décor. Wallcoverings are displayed on boards and in an impressive selection of wallcovering and fabric books from Harlequin, Sanderson, Prestigious Textiles, Designers Guild, Casamance, Blendworth and Galerie for lots of inspiration. You can browse in store or loan the books to view at home. With wood finishes, furniture paint, exterior preservative and stains, Décor Supplies is a one stop shop for all your decorating needs. Just drop in to this local decorating specialist for lots of free advice and guidance on colour schemes or decorating challenges – they’re always very happy to help.
Rugeley & District Lions Club
SOS Charity Fashion Show. 13th June 2018 7.30pm St Joseph’s Community Centre, Lichfield St, Rugeley WS15 2EH £5 per person
For more information and tickets, contact Rugeley & District Lions Club on Facebook, phone Lion Deb on 07970 380746 or e-mail randdlions@hotmail.com
Competition
Winners
Congratulations to D Woods and S Kerrison who both won a pair of tickets to see The Importance of being Earnest at the Lichfield Garrick. 8
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A Battle at High Bridge
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By Kate Gomez
n July 1403, two knights who lived on opposite sides of the River Trent set out on the same day to fight on opposite sides at the Battle of Shrewsbury. Sir William Handsacre’s allegiance was to the rebel Sir Henry Percy, whilst Sir Robert Mavesyn was loyal to Henry IV. Inevitably, it was not long before the two men encountered one another en-route and a combination of political differences and an ongoing rivalry between the two men, soon led to violence. The fight took place in a meadow near to the old High Bridge which spanned the River Trent. At the time of this mini battle, the bridge would have been constructed from timber. During the 17th century it was rebuilt in stone and this structure was in turn replaced in 1830, by a cast iron bridge designed by Joseph Potter and constructed by the Coalbrookedale Co. Ltd of Shropshire a little way upstream from the site of the older bridges. Interestingly, the not so neighbourly encounter may not have been the first time High Bridge had been the scene of trouble. When a group of nobles led by the Earl of Lancaster led a revolt against Edward II in 1322, records show that a bridge in this location was destroyed to prevent the King crossing the river. During the skirmish at High Bridge, Sir William Handsacre was killed and although his final resting place is unknown, it may have been his skeleton which was uncovered in a stone coffin in the north wall of St John the Baptist in Armitage when it was rebuilt in the mid 1800s. Although the 17th century tower of the church survived the restoration work, very little remains of the original medieval building. However, there are a number of original stones restored and reused in the south doorway and the font has been described by the Corpus of Romanesque Sculpture in Britain and Ireland as ‘perhaps the finest and certainly the most alienlooking piece of medieval sculpture in the county’. Sir William’s residence was Handsacre Hall, to the south of the River Trent. The hall was a timber framed building constructed in the 14th century and altered in both the 16th and 19th centuries. The hall collapsed in 1972, and the
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Sources www.heritagegateway.org.uk www.crsbi.ac.uk/site/1342/ The Ridware Study Group. 2006. The High Bridges: Crossing The River Trent between Handsacre and Ridware ridwarehistory.yolasite.com following year, what could be salvaged was taken to Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings the following year, where it remains in storage. Although nothing of the hall remains, the moat which surrounded is survives and the site has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Whilst Henry IV and his army were eventually victorious at the Battle of Shrewsbury, it cost Sir Robert Mavesyn his life and his final resting place is marked by a monument in the family chapel at the church of St Nicholas in Mavesyn Ridware, describing him, ‘standing with the king and fighting by his side even unto death’. After his death, his estate passed to his daughters and with Margaret, the younger of the two, marrying the son of Sir William Handsacre it seems the fatal family feud between the two houses eventually became water under the bridge.
Armitage Church Font
Creating the Perfect Smile
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By Matt Burnell BSc Hons Dip CDT RCS
ecently, I was delighted to be appointed CEO of The British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT). BACDT is the leading professional association that looks to sustain and advance the ethical practice of clinical dental technology – a term that covers cosmetic dentistry and the creation of dentures etc. Established in 2009, BACDT is a leading voice in Clinical Dental Technology, with members all over the UK. All our members are checked to ensure they meet all General Dental Council Regulations and the BACDT Charter. My own practice, Lichfield Smiles, has been an award winner in the BACDT awards for the last three years, so we know how vital and progressive the work that this brilliant organisation undertakes is. I’m deeply honoured to be offered the role of CEO.
The BACDT Charter, that all members sign up to, holds them to a very high standard. We undertake to provide the highest quality service; clear descriptions of products, services and prices, keep up to date with and within all applicable legislation and technological advancements, and generally make sure that our customers have the best experience, and receive the best service possible. Part of the work undertaken by the BACDT, Matt Burnell BSc Hons is to make people aware that Dip CDT RCS you do not necessarily need to visit a dentist, before you look at replacing an old or poorly fitting denture. If you are unhappy with your denture, or are looking at having your first denture, just give Lichfield Smiles a call on 01543 415 288 for a free no-obligation consultation. We can talk you through your options, helping you to transform your quality of life, and giving you the great smile you deserve. There’s never any pressure to buy, and we make sure that your consultation is an enjoyable experience.
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A Window on the Past Exploring Church Street
Here, The Landor Society takes a look at Church Street, Rugeley, and the part it’s played in the development of a wonderful town.
Church Street (previously known as Church Lane off Church Sty) which runs from Western Springs Road to Wolseley Road, was originally a lane marking the southern boundary of the medieval Churchfield and leading to the Old Chancel. A gateway in the wall separating the Chancel School from the disused church marks the end of the lane. It was mainly developed in the nineteenth century. Church Street is a Conservation Area and numbers. 2, 4, and 20 are listed buildings. 1. The junction with Sheep Fair. The first houses on the left were demolished when Western Springs Road was constructed. 2. Looking towards Wolseley Road.
3. Preparing for a parade (perhaps for the Hospital Carnival?) with Police Sergeant Lawrence in the 1920s or 30s.
4. A little further towards Wolseley Road. A postcard stamped 1905.
5. The Victorian post-box is on the wall of the Primitive Methodist Chapel at the corner of Lion Street.
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6. A 1973 photo of the school built by the Baroness de la Zouche in 1826 for 60 girls. In 1913 the Girls’ School and the Infants’ School in Talbot Street swapped buildings. The Infants moved back to Talbot Street in 1960 and the Church Street building was then used as an Education Committee furniture store. 7. The class in the Infants’ School in September 1946.
8. No. 4 Church Street when it was the Levett Convalescent Home.
The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley and its surrounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and was named in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local and county historian, who became the Society’s first President. More information is available at www.landorlocalhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk Please note that these images may not be reproduced, copied, or used in any way without express permission from Citylife in Lichfield Ltd and The Landor Society.
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My Month in Parliament By Amanda Milling MP
This month, I held my second Jobs Fair in Rugeley, in conjunction with Rugeley Town Council and ATP Industries Ltd. The event was very successful and put many local jobseekers and businesses in touch with each other. I hope that this can become a regular event, taking place at least once a year, and that we can help more local jobseekers find work. If you couldn’t get to the event but need help finding a job, there is a weekly Jobs Club organised by Rugeley Town Council. It takes place at the Rugeley Rose Theatre every Tuesday at 10am until 12 noon. As readers of this column will be aware, one of the many issues that I have been trying to deal with is access at Rugeley Trent Valley Station, with a visit from the Transport Secretary, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP earlier this year. I recently held a very productive on-site meeting with West Midlands Trains, Staffordshire County Council and Network Rail where we discussed access to the car park as well as disabled access to the Northbound platform. Anyone who uses the station will know how dangerous it can be leaving the station. This is something that was clear to everyone at the meeting as we watched drivers make this dangerous move. During the meeting we discussed various options which are now being investigated further in the hope of finding a solution. Access to the Northbound platform is a real problem to the elderly, the disabled and those with limited mobility given the footbridge. This is an issue that needs an immediate remedy and the station must be modernised in order to ensure that everyone can access the platform both going to and from Rugeley. I will continue to update readers as and when I have updates on progress. Anyone who knows Etching Hill, will know it is a beautiful spot where you can get fabulous views of Staffordshire and the Chase, and the Friends of Etching Hill work incredibly hard to keep it clear of litter and well maintained. You can imagine that I was deeply concerned when I heard about a dispute between the Friends of Etching Hill and the Forestry Commission about whether or not they had the authority and licence to remove some trees as part of their management programme. I was very pleased to be able to support the group and I am pleased to report that after much to-ing and fro-ing, and many letters, the issue has finally been resolved.
As always, if you have any issue you need my help with, please drop me an email on amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or call me on 01543 877142.
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Looking back to the future with Vintage Hi-Fi By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers
The Popularity of vintage HiFi and Audio equipment is growing at quite a rate. Collectors are looking back towards the warmer tones of valve amplifiers and good quality turntables from an age gone by. Although access to music now comes at the click of a button, the sound quality, for some, doesn’t lend itself to some types of music hence the retrospective step into the warmer tones of the valve amp, vintage speakers and turntables.
Manufactures are also recognising the need to reintroduce this equipment, at quite a price, plus vinyl records to play on them. This is quite likely the reason why the vintage market
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has picked up at quite a rate, forcing prices higher and higher at auction. At one of our recent auctions a Garrard 401 raised nearly £800 for a Deceased Estate and from the same House Clearance our team uncovered a H.W.Leak 12.1 Mono Block Valve Amplifier buried in the back of the garage of the same property. This attained the heady price of £2200 after buyer’s premium. It isn’t just Component (seperates) or early to mid 20th century HIFi equipment that are attaining good prices. High quality equipment such as the 1990s Bang and Olufsen Overture with speakers and Beogram 3300 turntable with speakers sold very well also in our Collectors Sale attaining over £600 for the two lots . Our recent General Sales offered an unnamed Valve Amplifier for £300, a group of Sony HiFi equipment reached £310, a Monarch Valve Gramaphone got to over £100 and two distressed Dynatron Radiograms made over £50. It isn’t just the rare and expensive that can be consigned to Auction, we cater for all tastes and pockets. Other equipment including Bose, Dynatron, Bowers and Wilkins, Dansette etc were
discovered at a few of our Valuation Days at our Fradley Saleroom, and at Sutton Coldfield and Stafford . If you have some vintage Audio e q u i p m e n t shuffled away in a dusty corner, unloved and unused, bring it along to one of our Valuation Days. You may be sitting on a small fortune, or just a meal out for family and friends. You never know!
AG Autos Rugeley OPEN DAY
AG Autos are holding an open day at their new premises on Lea Hall Enterprise Park on Sunday 27th May. The event is taking place between 10am and 4pm and everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun. Owner Tony Gofton will be showing people around the new workshop whilst outside there will be food and a disco. Tony also hopes the day will help to raise money for local good causes with both the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes having stalls. There will also be a raffle with all proceeds split between these two organisations.
Wheelhouse Road, Rugeley WS15 1LH and opening times are 8.30am until 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8am until 1pm on Saturdays. To book in your car or motorbike, or to make an enquiry, give Tony a call on 01889 577952. You can also find AG Autos on Facebook.
Specialising in repair, maintenance and tyre replacement, AG Autos caters for all makes of bike at competitive prices. AG Autos also offers car servicing, maintenance and repairs, and MOTs can be arranged for customers. AG Autos’ new premises are located at Unit 23, Lea Hall Enterprise Park,
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Should I Upgrade or Buy a New Computer? By Neil Fletcher
Well, it depends – mostly on who you’re asking! A department store salesman will always recommend a new one, but when you get down to the nitty gritty with a trained technician, you’ll often discover you have more (and cheaper) options than you thought.
Start by taking stock of what you’ve got. Sometimes an upgrade simply isn’t worth the trouble. If your computer does need to be replaced, chances are you already know this. But if you’re not sure and some days it could go either way, this will help. We’ve put together a walkthrough of the most common upgrades and the impact they’ll have:
Video card upgrade: It might not be your computer that’s getting old. Instead, games are
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getting more and more demanding. The days of stick-figure animations are gone and lifelike 3D is the new normal. With that improved experience comes a huge strain on your computer’s resources. If you have a gamer in the house, you can often super-power your computer with a single component – a new video card. For hardcore gamers, it’s actually a necessity, as some new games refuse to install if the video requirements aren’t met. Love smooth animations and responsive gameplay? We know all the best games out now (and in the works) and can match you with the right video card.
Hard drive upgrade: New hard drives are a popular option, both in size and speed. Running out of space is less of a problem now, but speed is a major concern. You’ve no doubt sat there twiddling your thumbs and urging a file to hurry up and copy. Many upgrades are to an SSD (Solid State Drive) that has zero moving parts and can find/transfer data in a flash. They even make booting up lightning fast! And you’ll have the choice of keeping your old drive for general
storage, complete with all your existing data. Memory/RAM upgrade: Some cheaper computers are underpowered from day one. In truth, most of the ones in the department store could use at least an extra 4GB of oomph! Sometimes though, even a great computer falls behind as new applications come out and need more resources. Adding extra memory can revive your existing computer and set it up for a couple more years of happiness.
Where to draw the line: There are other upgrades such as the CPU, which is basically the brains of the computer; and the motherboard that all the parts plug into… but once you’re in that territory, it really is time to go for a full replacement. You’ll save money by getting a computer that meets your needs and can grow with you. Is your computer letting you down? Give us a call at 01889 579990 to help you with upgrading or selecting a new computer
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Celebration of Song
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tudents from Staffordshire showcased their vocal skills recently after being coached by an acclaimed British tenor. High school pupils from Rugeley and Stoke-onTrent took to the stage to show off their singing in a concert which was the climax of a two-year project. The event, entitled a Day of Song, saw young people from The Hart School, Rugeley, sing alongside their peers at Thistley Hough, Stoke. Both academies are part of Creative Education Trust and the choral project has seen teachers and students coached by Charles MacDougall in conducting, repertoire and vocal technique. The project, conceived by the Voices Foundation to raise the level of musicianship in
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schools and to encourage more people to sing, has travelled the country since June last year with the final concert in Stoke celebrating the culmination of many hours of commitment and hard work from all involved. Emily Campbell, Director of Programmes for Creative Education Trust, a charity and multiacademy trust, said: “Teachers and students had reason to be very proud with their performances which were accomplished, engaging and moving. “The Hart School Senior Singers’ polished rendition of The Lake Isle of Innisfree; Eleanor
Impacts Day for Rugeley students
wo hundred year nine students from the Hart Academy recently attended an Impacts Day at the Rugeley Rose Theatre. The annual event is designed to raise awareness in young people of the effect that their behaviour can have both on their own lives and also in relation to the wider community. Over the course of the day, six presentations covered a range of issues including alcohol, antisocial behaviour, self-defence, fire safety and first aid. Students also had the opportunity to take part in activities such as learning how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) unit, wearing ‘beer goggles’ designed to mimic the effect of alcohol and learning self-defence moves. The day was organised by local charity Community Engagement Support Services (CESS) and was supported by Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Cannock Chase Council Environmental Health department, Rugeley Council and martial arts instructor, Rob Trow. Also in attendance were Councillors Dave Hancock and Ray Jones who listened to students views regarding their vision for the future of Rugeley.
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Dayley’s challenging setting of a poem by WB Yeats; and their two solo s i n g i n g ambassadors, Abbie and E l l i e H o l l o w a y, added a thrilling virtuosity to the event.” The pupils who took part in the concert were: Keira Carter, Aleesha Pathak, Erica Francis, Hannah Haynes, Madison Perrin, Abbie Holloway, Tiegan Flint, Elle Mae Taundry, Ellie Laird, Ellie Holloway, Zoe Bilson, Anya Tregay and Lewis Kent. The Chorus Project will now continue with a special focus on boys’ singing in Creative Education Trust schools.
HS2 and The Border Collie Trust By The Border Collie Trust
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n October 1997, Border Collie Trust opened its rescue centre at Colton, near Rugeley in Staffordshire. The Trust purchased an established boarding kennels set in a serene 4.5 acres, an ideal setting for caring for Border Collies, a breed often seen as noise sensitive. There were many improvements to be made, but the premises offered that first step. Following a period of hard work by Trustees, volunteers and supporters those improvements began to take shape. Between 1999 and 2006 an incredible effort saw the construction of a 40 kennel rescue block, a 14 kennel boarding kennel block, a 7 kennel special needs block and an admin office. Subsequently further improvements to the car park, driveway, the kennels and the grounds saw a rescue centre of which everyone involved can be proud. In January 2013 the first plans of the HS2, High Speed Railway were published, and it became apparent that there would be a major impact during construction and subsequently to the area around the rescue centre although at that stage there seemed little loss of BCT property to the project. However, the impact of the construction and subsequent use was recognised and discussions began between HS2 and BCTGB. In early 2017 it became apparent that the scheme had been amended to have a significant impact on BCTGB. The latest plans revealed that it was proposed to divert Moor Lane through our property, meaning that we stand to lose more than a third our land. The construction phase, of at least three years, would make the use of our exercise area impossible due to the disturbance to construct and subsequently operate HS2. The impact upon the property and the dogs in our care makes the location no longer suitable for our work. Trustees have come to the difficult decision that our only alternative is to seek a new site where we can start again. In view of the situation we will be seeking an advance sale of the property to HS2 and negotiate suitable terms and compensation. There is no guarantee at this stage of that outcome, the process will incur expenses and costs to rebuild and replicate facilities at a new location which meets the needs of BCTGB in the long term. We hope that all those who support our work are able to donate towards this HS2 Rebuild Fund. Full details can be found on our website www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk, by emailing info@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk or calling us on 01889 577058
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Your Image Competition
We present to you here the last selection of images entered into our Your Image Competition. As I look back over the last 12 months, your images give me such a wonderful overview of life in our area. Your extraordinary photographs and artworks give such a clear snapshot of just what a great place to live Rugeley and our surrounding villages are. We have one foot in the town, and one foot in the country and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hidden Stag on Cannock Chase by Molly Grant
Bird’s-eye view of Rugeley by Simon Wilberforce
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In the next (June) issue, we’ll announce the winner of the Your Image Competition, plus the 12 ‘highly commended images’. The competition is now closed to new entries, but I’d like to thank everyone who has taken part. Your imagination and eye for beauty have made this one of the most popular competitions I have ever been involved in. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Joss, Editor.
Tree Sap by Greg Maxwell
Slitting Mill Road, by Noah Hyde
‘The cold never bothered me anyway’ by Joanne Hill
A dusting at Longdon by Simon Wilberforce
Original painting of the Cathedral Close, Lichfield by John Hewitt By Keith Marriott
Damselfly near the River Trent, Mavesyn Ridware by Bryon Edwards
Hoo Mill along the Trent and Mersey Canal, near Great Haywood by Marilyn Jellyman
Rugeley Power Station by Andy Dixon
Bridge 68 (changeover bridge) Trent & Mersey Canal by Barry Lloyd
Hoo Mill at bridge No.76. (and our dog Spike) by Marilyn Jellyman
Cannock Chase Dawn by Nigel Ogram
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By Bob Southall
Water Rail spotted at Wolesley Staffordshire Wildife Trust on a cold Sunday morning’ by Andy Pointon
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. Cannock Chase by Laura Barnes
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Cannock Chase by Laura Barnes
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Beautiful Bluebells
Advertising Feature
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ave and Charlotte Garner, owners of Lodge Hill Bluebells, Yoxall, are inviting the public to the enchanting spectacle of the bluebell carpeted woodland of Lodge Hill from Friday 20th April to Sunday 13th May.* Visitors to the woods this spring will find a pop-up café selling tea, coffee and cakes, which will be sited right next to the bluebell woods, providing an accessible place to view the bluebells and enjoy a nice cake! In addition to the 5km of stunning woodland and field paths there will be family-friendly lawn games, den building and a fairy trail! The bluebell woods form part of the family owned farm, which includes 35 acres of ancient woodland with carpets of beautiful British bluebells. The farm itself was originally a hunting lodge in Needwood Forest in the late Middle Ages and was bought by Charlotte’s great-grandfather, Henry Featherstone. The farm has remained in the family, and Dave and Charlotte are the latest generation to
manage this important piece of Staffordshire countryside. The woods were re-opened last year, with almost 7000 visitors enjoying beautiful walks and lovely cakes. Dave and Charlotte are committed to achieving long term sustainable management of the land and to this end have been working closely with the National Forest. To date they have done a significant amount of re-planting and managing woodland which has been left relatively unmanaged since WW2, when many large oaks were felled for the war effort. 412 trees have already been planted and other trees felled or coppiced to create new sustainable wildlife habitats and to improve the longevity of the ancient woodlands. Dave and Charlotte are committed to diversifying the business in the future whilst respecting and sustaining the environment.
They are already hosting weddings within the stunning settings through their field & forest weddings business, and have plans for forest schools, outdoor cinema events and workshops to teach the creation of hazel-wood products. Lodge Hill Bluebells can be found at Lodge Lane, Yoxall, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 8PJ. Tel: 07534163861. Entrance is £3 for adults and £1.50 for children aged 5 to 16 years (entrance for children under 5 years is free). Opening hours are 10am to 4pm. For more information see www.lodgehillbluebells.co.uk and www.fieldandforestweddings.co.uk *The woods are open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday between these dates. Please check the Lodge Hill Bluebell’s Facebook page for updates and photos of bluebell blooming times.
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The Changing Scene
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By Margret Neal of The Landor Society
century and a quarter ago, in 1892, Alfred Williams, a journalist living in Church Street published his ‘Sketches in and around Lichfield and Rugeley’. He started the chapter on Rugeley by describing the scene from the point of view of a visitor arriving in Trent Valley Station:
“The visitor as he places his foot upon the platform and turns his face towards the town cannot but admire the view which meets his gaze. Straight before him, as he casts a glance over the smiling valley beneath, his eyes rest upon the long ridge of hills - the famous Cannock Chase – with the beacon-like Etching Hill in the foreground, with its flagstaff and grassy slopes. Behind is the level line of the Chase, while to the left is to be discerned the lofty and more wooded summit of Stile Cop. Further to the left the view becomes more picturesque, the high hills in the vicinity of Brereton Colliery, and on towards Longdon, being gradually hidden by the woods which finally close in the prospect. Then the eye turns to the valley, the wide sweep of pasture land in each direction, and the winding Trent flowing from right to left, increasing the fertility of the country around and the beauty of the view. If the visitor, however, be in a hurry, and anxiously looks about for the town itself, he can see but little of it, so hidden is it by the luxuriant growth of foliage, and the tall trees which protect it from the vulgar gaze. The fact, however, that the town actually lies in that direction is rendered apparent by the presence of the two square towers belonging to the old and new parish churches, and the elegant and
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Station Road bridge can just be discerned in the centre of this postcard.
The “leafy screen” hiding the Old Chancel graceful spire of the Roman Catholic Church. The old church tower is almost hidden behind the leafy screen, while the more modern tower, being loftier, becomes a more prominent object. The tower of the Town Hall is also just discernible, but beyond a few houses on the outskirt of the town there is nothing more to show that Rugeley lies in that direction. A winding roadway from the railway station leads by a new bridge over the river and past a mill, passing between green hedges, until it reaches
the canal and the parish church. If the visitor looks to the right, he perceives that the country becomes more thickly wooded in the direction of Stafford, and that the line of railway at last becomes lost in the distance. The view is, altogether, one of the prettiest to be imagined, and the visitor must be very indifferent to the charms of nature if he fails to bestow upon it befitting admiration.”
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Unearthing History
Here, Gary Starkey, local metal detectorist, gives us an update in his ‘detecting diaries’.
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fter some ferocious weather in February, we were eager to get out on the fields again, so one morning ventured back to the site where we had started to find some decent Roman finds. Bitterly cold, we made our way near to a hedgerow when I had what I can only describe as a ‘banging signal’. Digging down about 8 inches I was amazed to see a lovely, intact bell – just a slight dent in the side, possibly off a plough share. This was a first for me and made my day. We carried on for a few hours in this area and were rewarded with a small Roman ring and a beautiful Roman brooch. I did research on the bell and it is of 17th century origin and could have been around a bull’s kneck.This is very pleasing as the usual bells found are the ‘Crotal’ type – a sort of round bell with a stone or bit of iron inside for the ring. Three days later, I took ‘Big John’ down to the bottom field on another bitterly cold day. Wrapped up well, off we set. We found three bronze Roman coins in a small area. One of these was a very thick sestertius, and quite scarce being of the Empress Julia Domna. The coin had a piece broken off it so I scanned around the hole and got another good signal - it was the other piece which I glued back on when I got home. John is about 6 feet, 5 inches tall and has to kneel when he digs a hole. I always say he’s praying for something good to come out and this time it did. He found a stunning gold enamelled medieval horse pendant with a design I’d not spotted in any books on the subject. He was ecstatic! Our visit was then cut short by horizontal wind and snow which covered us from head to foot. I looked like a snowman! Next time out, with Paul, he had a very
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rough hammered coin and a very good Roman Republican denarius – his second. This site is now throwing up quite a bit of Roman material, plus other bits to keep us interested. On the following visit, another two large Roman coins came up and a small ring. After a Club dig one Sunday (the first since January!) Paul and myself went on to a long standing stubble field which produced two Crotal bells and a nice little belt mount, but no coins. The last dig we did was back on the ‘Roman site’. I found a large key (probably from an early tinplate train or a big clock), then an oval lead item which I think may be from a
Roman sling-shot bullet. I have to check this with the Finds Liaison Officer though. I also decided to try a new detector I had bought from a lady in Whittington. It’s quite an old model but I liked its weight so I thought I’d give it a go. There were no signals for about 15 minutes then ‘ping!’ off it went. I dug down about 9 inches and saw silver. I was surprised to see a lovely George I shilling from 1723 very nice and a good start with this new machine. Mick, who was with me, found a tidy little William III sixpence from 1697. A good day all round. If you’d like myself or our Club to have a Dig on your land, ring myself, Gary, on 07779 06427.
Etching Hill WI
Here, Etching Hill WI reports on their latest group meeting.
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t a recent meeting of Etching Hill WI, President Ann Ingleby welcomed several new guests.
Guest speaker, Dr Janis Lomas quoted from J.M. Barrie’s 1902 satirical play, The Admirable Crichton, commenting: “How shall we ever know if it is morning if there is no servant to pull up the blind?” Dr Lomas spoke about her research into the class issues of country house servants during the Victorian/Edwardian era.
The larger Country Houses had up to 300 servants governed by butlers and housekeepers. Housemaids worked extraordinarily long hours from 5am and remained ‘invisible’ at all times, having to avert their eyes should a member of the household pass by. The maids were given material as a Christmas gift, for them to make their own uniforms. The female staff often shared narrow beds in unheated attics, whilst the men slept in the basement. Grooms and stable boys slept in the stables. Gardeners slept near to the heated greenhouses in order to stoke up the fires in the winter. Extravagant ten course dinners would cost the equivalent of a servant’s annual wage.
Janis also spoke about her research into Arthur Munby (born 1828), a barrister/solicitor who was fascinated with working class women and would wander around the streets of London to approach and discuss with them their lives and work. He thus met Hannah Cullwick, (born 1833) from Shifnal, Shropshire, who due to financial misfortune in her family, had to start working in service at the age of eight. They fell in love but due to their social class differences, married in secret and outwardly maintained their master and servant status. Their
relationship was fiery, with Hannah not wishing to relinquish her independence and eventually after 36 years she returned to Shropshire to work. They remained in contact until her death.
Ann Ingleby thanked members who had kindly brought in toiletries and homemade cakes for donation to St Giles Hospice. She announced that, sadly, Brereton WI had closed and would therefore not be attending the Group Meeting being hosted by Etching Hill WI.
Members were invited to purchase tickets at £5 for the forthcoming Fashion Show being held on 19th April 2018 at St Joseph’s Community Hall, Rugeley. Members of the public are also invited to this event and can purchase tickets by telephoning 01889 586040.
Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month at Etching Hill Village Hall, East Butts Road, Etching Hill from 7.45pm and members are always made most welcome. For more information please visit www.wi-etching-hill.org.uk.
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Exploring the Peace Woodland
Lichfield Cathedral is working in partnership with Lichfield District Council’s parks team to create a new Peace Woodland in Beacon Park. The Peace Woodland will be a permanent living artwork created by Lichfield Cathedral’s artist-in-residence Peter Walker. 1,918 local trees, including ash, oak and hazel, that would otherwise have been felled due to routine forest maintenance have been potted up by volunteers ready to be transported to the Cathedral Close later this year. The woodland will be temporarily installed around the cathedral for eleven days between the 17th and 27th August (as part of The Great Exhibition 2018: Imagine Peace), as a mesmerising, living artwork which forms part of the cathedral’s commemorations of the end of WW1. The trees, ranging in size from knee-level to approximately eight feet tall, will then be planted in Beacon Park as a permanent Peace Woodland. As a poignant and fitting tribute to those we have loved and lost, or as a personal dedication to peace, members of the public can have a name inscribed on a bronze commemorative plaque that will be placed within the Peace Woodland at Beacon Park. Costing £25 per dedication, more information is available in the Peace Woodland leaflet which can be picked up from Lichfield Cathedral, or via www.lichfield-cathedral.org/peace
Citylife recently spoke to Peter Walker about this intriguing work of living art. Peter commented: “The Peace Woodland is a living memorial – it’s about rebirth and regrowth. At the end of the war the Western Front had been decimated. Over the years nature comes back in, and a lot of what we see now has been created naturally over the last 100 years. I wanted to look at the landscape itself as an artwork that would last, essentially, forever.”
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In addition to Consequence of War from 16th April to 24th June – a major exhibition exploring themes of war and peace through art and history and featuring works by world-renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and Paul Nash – the cathedral’s Imagine Peace season commemorating the centenary of the Armistice continues with a range of events throughout the year.
An Evening of Wonderful Music at Lichfield Cathedral
One of the UK’s leading trumpet players, Mike Lovatt, is running a morning workshop for young musicians at Foremarke Hall before he and they go to the historic Lichfield Cathedral to perform a gala concert together.
Mike is a recording artist, educator and a professor of trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music. He has performed and recorded a wide range of musical styles with artists including Eric Clapton, Michael Ball, Michael Buble, Oasis, Quincy Jones, Robbie Williams, Shirley Bassey, The Glen Miller Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Tony Bennett. As Principle Trumpet in London’s West End, Mike is currently first trumpet in 42nd Street and has performed in musicals such as Evita, The Producers and Billy Elliot. Mike is also principal trumpet of the Grammy nominated John Wilson Orchestra. He is lead trumpet of the BBC Big Band and has played on
a vast range of movie soundtracks including Tomorrow Never Dies, Die Another Day and Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince. In the morning of May 15th, he will be working with Concert Band musicians at Foremarke Hall, Repton’s prep school. He will then go to Lichfield with members of Foremarke’s Jazz Band, Orchestra, String Octet, Flute Ensemble, Girls’ Choir, Boys’ Choir and Chamber Choir. The musicians will present a gala concert in the evening at Lichfield Cathedral. The concert will support the ongoing work and fabric of Lichfield cathedral. The concert commences at 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm) and a reception with champagne and canapes will follow at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £25 per adult. They are available from Foremarke Hall, tel: 01283 707100, email office@foremarke.org.uk or Lichfield Cathedral tel: 01543 306121, email development@lichfield-cathedral.org
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Cannock and District Ladies Probus
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By Jill Gooch
ollowing the AGM in April, new Chairman Sheila Burrows opened her first meeting of the year recently: welcoming members and four prospective members. Following an enjoyable meal with time to chat, our speaker Trevor Poxon regaled us with tales from his time as a Police Motorway Patrol Driver. On one occasion he was called to rescue a lady driver who could not escape ‘spaghetti
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in him encouraging all people to young participate in ‘Pass Plus’ following passing their driving test, as this helps with further instruction on motorway driving, night driving, all weather conditions and confidence building; and can then be used to obtain a discount on car insurance. Flower presentations were made with gratitude to our two retiring Attendance Secretaries who had Sheila Burrows and Trevor Poxon held this position for the last five years: Gill Hackett and Ann Legg. Meetings are held at junction’ as she was trying to find the exit to the M1. On another memorable occasion he was The Chase Golf and Country Club on the first called to transfer Princess Diana and her Thursday of the month at 12 noon. Guests and bodyguard from an unscheduled stop at prospective new members are welcome. For further information contact membership Birmingham (due to adverse weather 01543 505107 and conditions), to her appointment in Worcester. secretary Trevor’s light-hearted storytelling culminated www.probusonline.org Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions 1. By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and condition stated. 2.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition. 3.Where stated in the competition that a clearly stated competition partner will contact the entrants after the competition with news, stories and offers, entrant’s contact details will be passed to this competition partner for these marketing purposes only. As stated in the competition/prize draw, if you do not wish to receive marketing information from the competition partner stated, please add the words OPT OUT to your entry. For a copy of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s privacy policy please write to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 4.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants in any of their publications and online. 5.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or breach of any other legislation entailed by entrants in their creation or submission of materials. 6.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader. 7.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. 8.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions. 9.No purchase necessary. 10.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated). 11.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee or individual associated with any employee, agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd. 12.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an independent judge in the case of photographic/art/applicable competitions from all entries received. 13.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd up to 28 days after the closing date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by the entrant. 14.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after the competition closing date. 15.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 16.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality of the prize provided. 17.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 18.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s publications and online. 19.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 20. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, information, service or product provided in connection with a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition. 21.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition. 22.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral and legal.
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