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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!
8 A Royal Prisoner By Kate Gomez
12 Window on the Past Exploring Colton
18 Win Tickets to the Photography Show In our Prize Draw
20 New Year, New Home New homes for handsome hounds
22 Your Image Beautiful pictures of our area 32 Love Story Perfect Valentine's Day gifts
CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048
josscitylife@gmail.com Deputy Editor - Kate Gomez 07742 917708 katecitylife@gmail.com Advertising-
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In 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
Cannock and District Ladies Probus
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By Jill Gooch
ur recent New Year and first meeting of 2018 was proclaimed open by our guest speaker Ken Knowles Town Crier of Lichfield. Ken also attracted our attention by ringing his 200-year-old bell, which had been passed from previous Town Criers, along with the outstanding uniform of red coat, tricorn hat, jabot and buttoned gaiters. The traditional Norman greeting ‘oyez’ is used to gain attention for important communications used when many people could neither read nor write. Chairman Pam Clarke followed the talk with a short business meeting, welcoming new member Maureen March, and prospective member Karen Stokes. The next meeting is the A.G.M. and will be held at The Chase Golf and Country Club on the first Thursday of the month at 12 noon. Guests and prospective new members are welcome. For further information contact membership secretary 01543 505107 and www.probusonline.org
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A Royal Prisoner By Kate Gomez
Mary, Queen of Scots spent the majority of the last year of her life under house-arrest here in Staffordshire. Here, Kate Gomez explores how three local houses provided the scenery for one of the most dramatic events in Tudor history.
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ary spent the first six months of 1586 in the custody of Sir Amias Paulet at Chartley Hall. During her time there, encrypted correspondence to and from her supporters were smuggled in and out of the house in beer barrels. However, unbeknown to Mary, the letters were being intercepted by Queen Elizabeth’s ’Spymaster’ Sir Francis Walsingham. In July 1586, Mary received a coded letter from Anthony Babington, a Catholic nobleman from Derbyshire, asking her to approve of a plan to assassinate Elizabeth. Mary responded favourably 11 days later and in
doing so, p ro v i d e d Wa l s i n g h a m with the evidence he’d been waiting for to put Mary on trial as a traitor. On 11th August 1586, Mary was arrested when out riding and Portrait of Mary, Queen of taken to Tixall Scots by François Clouet Hall so that Paulet could search her rooms at Chartley for further evidence. Tixall was the home of Sir Walter Aston, a staunch protestant and loyal subject of Queen Elizabeth, whose father had built the hall 30 years prior. Sir Walter had recently added a gatehouse in the latest Elizabethan style and it was outside here that the Scottish Queen was met by a crowd of poor people who begged her for alms. Mary is said to have wept as she told them: ‘I have nothing for you, I am a beggar as well as you, all is taken from me’. Although the majority of Tixall Hall was demolished in 1927, the gatehouse still stands. It was returned to its former glory by the building conservation charity The Landmark Trust in 1977 and is now available to rent out for holidays. The Babington Plot meant that Elizabeth now considered Staffordshire to be an ‘unsound’ place to hold her rival, and so on 21st September 1586, it was arranged for Mary to be taken from Chartley to be put on trial. The first
stop off on this final journey was the Manor House in Abbots Bromley, and the visit was marked with an inscription scratched into a pane of glass. The glass, now in the William Salt Library in Stafford, reads: ‘Maria R[egi]na Scoti[orum] quondam transibat ista[m] villa[m] 21 Septembris 1586 usq[ue] Burto[n]’ which loosely translates as: ‘Mary, Queen of Scots once passed through this place on 21st September 1586, en-route to Burton’. Some say it was done by the Queen herself, using her diamond ring, but the name ‘Willoughby’ carved below the inscription suggests that it was more likely left by a member of this family. Mary’s journey ended at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, as did her life. On 1st February 1587, several months after Mary had been found guilty of treason, a reluctant Elizabeth signed her cousin’s death warrant and the execution took place in the castle’s great hall 11 days later. Sources: www.landmarktrust.org.uk Catholic Staffordshire 1500-1850 by Michael W. Greenslade http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
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! Contact Citylife at josscitylife@gmail.com
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Roadside Survivors from the Past
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By Harry Thornton
nyone familiar with Staffordshire will know that interesting features of many of the county’s roads are the triangular-shaped white-painted mileposts with the name of the local parish on the top. They were installed from 1893 onwards by the County Council which some 13 years earlier had taken over the roads formerly run by various local Turnpike Trusts.
Many much older milestones had also been installed, under an Act of 1767 requiring the Turnpike Trusts to provide mile markers, but because many of these showed data which conflicted with the County Council’s mileposts the older ones were removed.
The road from London to the north-west where it passes through Lichfield, Rugeley and Stone was turnpiked under an Act of 1729 and along the whole of this 22 mile route, surprisingly, one of the old milestones has survived near Rugeley where it is now an item of special interest along the Brereton Road near the entrance to Newman Grove. Its cast-iron inscription plate shows miles to London as 126, to Lichfield 7 and to Stone 15. It was found buried and broken into two pieces during major roadworks in April 1965. The County Surveyor, after considering various options, decided to have the two pieces cemented together and the stone erected near to where it was found. Unfortunately, in 1997 the stone was broken again, during grass cutting, but this time the two pieces were cemented together using dowels. The
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Ancient milestone at Bishton with no inscription plate
Old milestone at Brereton Road after second repaint in 2004
stone is now ‘Grade II listed’ and maintained by the County Council with added local care by the Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council.
However, it seems the milestone is still shorter than it was originally when compared with similar stones father north along the A51 which have survived but with their cast-iron plates removed. One is built into the brick wall of a barn near the road to Bishton, another is by a wall nearly opposite Little Haywood post office, another one between Burston and Stone shows that, although it has lost its inscription plate, underneath is earlier wording chiselled in the stone which strongly suggests the plate was added later and that the other stones also predate their inscription plates. A similar milestone in Stone High Street is fitted with a modern inscription plate.
It is known that the first stage coaches in Staffordshire were running from London to Chester by 1659 along this route, showing its then national importance. It is also the route shown by John Ogilby on his large scale pictorial linear map of 1675 from London to Chester and to Holyhead. This map, surprisingly, shows 125 miles to London at the same point where the Brereton Road milestone shows 126. It also shows a tree at a point next to today’s Ravenhill Park entrance with the words “Hangmans oake in ye Road”. Highwaymen beware! Harry Thornton is a member of The Landor (Local History) Society.
Armitage Road mile post (made by Charles Lathe & Co., Tipton)
Ancient milestone at High Street, Stone, with modern inscription plate
Ancient milestone at Little Haywood with no inscription plate
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For a truly personal service please call 01543 255776
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A Window on the Past Exploring Colton
Here, The Landor Society explores the beautiful village of Colton from the 11th century to the present day
From the Domesday Book Colton’s population can be estimated at 150 – a much larger settlement than adjoining Rugeley in the 11th century. It was a thriving Anglo-Saxon community with a priest, and therefore probably a church. By 1900 the village had grown to a population of 760 and is now home to around 850 people.
For most of its history Colton has been a close-knit rural community, which won the ‘Best Kept Village’ competition in 1985.
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The High Street in around 1888.
2. A postcard of Colton Rectory postmarked 1905.
3. Colton Bridge. This coloured postcard published by Pascoe & Son, Rugeley is postmarked August 1909. 4. Building ‘Fog Cottages’ in Colton Road for railway employees in about 1911. Trent Valley Station was rebuilt at the same time.
5. The interior of Colton Post Office in the late 1940s or early 1950s. image shows postman Len Beck with post-lady Nellie Rotchell and Connie Deacon on the right.
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6. One of the steam festivals at Bellamour Hall.
7. St. Mary’s Church in 1999.
8. Can you help with any information about this postcard? “Colton, Rugeley” is printed on the front and it is postmarked Notting Hill 11 Aug 1905 when it was sent to a Mrs Peaterson of Brereton Collieries by her niece Lou. Where is it? Who are the people? What was the occasion? Please phone Margaret Neal on 01889 582709 if you can help.
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.landor-localhistorysociety-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.
Continued on page 14
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My Month in Parliament By Amanda Milling MP
would like to start by wishing everyone a very happy 2018. Before looking forward, I wanted to start by congratulating the winners of my annual best independent retailers competition. After weeks of the public voting for their favourites, I announced the winners as part of Small Business Saturday. Made With Love Tea Rooms won the best café/restaurant, Meat To Please You defended their market stall title for the fourth consecutive year and Lachmere won best shop. Well done to all the winners, and a special congratulations must go to Lachmere who were also crowned the overall winner, beating all the other category winners across Cannock Chase by securing the most votes in total. At the end of last year, I continued to raise in Parliament the issues that affect residents in and around Rugeley. This included the need to tackle the long-standing issue of HGV fly-parking. Local residential streets and business parks in Rugeley often find themselves used as makeshift lorry parks, causing serious nuisance and disruption. However, it’s not always the drivers fault - often it’s a case that they arrive early or late for their delivery slots or they run out of hours on their tachometer, so have little choice but to park in the area. We unquestionably need more HGV parking and facilities in the area, as well as more effective enforcement. I have also met with representatives from Amazon to discuss the issue and they have created additional HGV parking on their site and spoken to drivers about the impact that HGV flyparking has on the area. I would like to thank them for trying to help solve this problem. Turning to this year, my first duty of 2018 was to visit the troops who are currently serving in Estonia. I am currently taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and I joined a group of MPs on the visit to see the Battlegroup in action and meet with our incredibly talented soldiers. As ever, it was a real honour to get this opportunity to join the troops on their operation. On a similar theme, I also had the privilege of attending the Laying up of the Colours of 3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Staffords) at Lichfield Cathedral. This marks the end of the Battalion and it was my pleasure to attend the ceremony and see the parade through Lichfield. It was also brilliant to see our favourite, recently promoted local mascot, Colour Sergeant Watchman V on parade leading the proud Staffordshire Regiment Veterans. As always, if you have any issue that you need my help with, please get in touch with me. You can call me on 01543 877142 or email amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk.
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Diamonds and Pearls
By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers
he diamond is the best selling gemstone in the world - bright, expensive and beautiful, we just can’t get enough of this gorgeous jewel. At auction we have found that the value of diamond jewels far surpasses any other gem-set jewellery and sees a greater demand from the general public. The pearl, another highly prized gem is unique as it is manufactured within the oyster shell. The most desired pearls are large with good lustre, minimal skin defects and nearly spherical. The most perfect specimens were completely spherical and with so many elements that could alter the outcome, this perfect sphere was the rarest shape that nature could achieve. These of course are natural pearls, long before man started to help the process along by ‘culturing’ them. Only the rich could afford to purchase pearls and for a moderately wealthy person a sizeable pearl could have been out of reach. So there was only one thing for it, people started to imitate the pearl. In the early 20th Century with the stock market crash, looming war in Europe and a
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luxury tax introduced in France, cut steel, marcasite, chrome and diamante were all popular and cheaper alternatives to the real gems. Any jewellery found from this period in good condition is fairly special, having survived nearly 100 years. Later on during the 1950s, Bakelite reached its heyday thanks to the Second World War and financial depression. Inexpensive and easy to wear, the plastic could be moulded and cut into bright and colourful designs. The interest in early costume jewellery is a robust area of collecting, and good quality costume jewellery can be scarce. At auction we see many collections and many individual items and the auction centre has a strong lead in selling both Fine and Costume Jewellery. Whether it’s collectable costume jewellery or a six figure diamond ring, we have our valuation team on hand to tell you what it’s worth. Free General Jewellery Valuation Every Tuesday 9.30am to 4pm, or with our Specialist Jewellery Expert Heather Callaway (FIRV FGA DGA) Monday 12th February 9.30am to 12 noon.
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WIN
Tickets to the Photography Show!
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he Photography Show is an event for everyone passionate about photography and the moving image. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 17th to 20th March the show features the latest kit from big brands and a jam-packed speaker line-up. Get hands-on with new products from Canon, Epson, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Manfrotto, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma and Sony to name a few, plus tripods, albums and accessories you didn’t even know existed from over 220 exhibitors. The Great Outdoors, a new stage for 2018, will feature live demos and expert advice on image capture outside, including dramatic landscapes, getting close to nature and special occasions whatever the weather. The enhanced
Mobile & Social Stage will offer the opportunity to explore mobile imaging technologies and how social media can make (or break) a photographer, and the dedicated Video Stage will showcase cutting-edge products alongside technical and creative help on how to get the best out of moving image production skills. Plus, catch live action tutorials on the Live Stage, find out about intriguing photography projects and techniques in Behind the Lens, discover how drones can enhance your projects in the Drone Zone and hear insights into the journeys of world-renowned photographers at the Super Stage and more. You can buy tickets to the show by visiting photographyshow.com Tickets to Super Stage sessions, masterclasses and for the VIP package are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information, please visit: photographyshow.com
Win, Win, Win!
Citylife has teamed up with The Photography Show to offer five readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend The Photography Show absolutely free!*
To be in with a chance of winning, email your name and contact details to citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post your entry to PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS, please clearly mark your entries ‘Citylife Photography Show Prize Draw’. If you are selected, you will receive a free pair of tickets. The closing date for this prize draw is Friday 2nd March 2018. For terms and conditions see page 34. Tickets are limited to one pair per winner and are valid for one day only.
*Free tickets are for entry to the show plus a selection of theatre and stage programmes. Additional tickets must be purchased for the Masterclasses, Super Stage sessions and VIP upgrades.
3 New Year’s Tech Resolutions You Should Actually Keep
By Neil Fletcher
If your typical New Year’s resolutions lasted about 30 seconds, you’re not alone. Pledges to eat better, start running and learn how to juggle can be rebooted again next year easy enough. This year, we challenge you to think about your tech health with some resolutions you’ll want to keep. 1. No More Junk Mail Whether you checked a box agreeing to get newsletters, or you have no idea how you got on that list, it’s time to say goodbye. Start by emptying your mailbox to zero unread messages – no you don’t have to read all that spam – you have permission to delete it unread. Let’s face it, if you were going to read it, you would have done so already. Away it goes. Now that you’re starting with a clean slate and a huge feeling of accomplishment, resolve this: Each day, unsubscribe from 5-10 lists. Keep an
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eagle eye out for that gorgeous ‘unsubscribe’ link and click it with confidence. You don’t even need to give a reason if it redirects to a survey page. Before too long, your inbox will be a refreshing place filled only with people and businesses you look forward to hearing from. 2. Go Password Pro With all these password leaks from LinkedIn, Myspace, and goodness knows who hasn’t come forward, now’s the time to get smart with your passwords. Because most people use the same passwords on every site, a single breach can be the hack that keeps on giving. You know how important it is to use different passwords for each site, but let’s be real, that’s a LOT of passwords to remember! Instead of writing them down, we recommend using a password manager like LastPass. It remembers all your various passwords for you, so all you need to know is the super-protected master password. Master passwords are kept encrypted on your system, not theirs, and 2factor authentication checks with you via text
for all big changes. 3. Backup. No Really, Backup. I’ve been meaning to backup is the cry of someone who just lost all their photos. Good intentions don’t count AT ALL in data security, because once the data is gone, it’s gone. With new cloud backup options, there’s no reason to put this off, because backup apps are now easier and more accessible than ever before. You can also backup to local drives, but this will take a little extra remembering on your part, as you’ll want to have at least one drive that stays disconnected in case of viruses. There you have it. Three New Year’s resolutions you can easily keep, and that will make a real difference to your year. Opening your email will be a pleasure, you’ll be a spectator only in any future password leaks, and your precious files will be safe against all manner of disaster. Feels better than any diet, doesn’t it? Stuck with any of this? Let us help by calling click IT on 01889 579990
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New year, new home?
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Ruth and Pauline from Rugeley Welfare for Dogs introduce us to three handsome hounds who are looking for love. Could Oscar, Dexter or Buster be your perfect match?
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scar is an 18 month old German Shepherd cross. He is friendly with everyone he meets and walks well on the lead. Although he needs some training he is intelligent and keen to learn. As we don’t know how much contact he has had with children, Oscar would be best in a home where any children are aged 12 and above. He interacted well with our ‘dog tester’ Karma on a walk and showed no reactive behaviour making a home shared with another dog a possibility (although he has not been cat tested). Oscar is a lovely boy and has so much to give. Hopefully he isn’t waiting for his forever home for too long!
Dexter is an eight year old Staffie. He is a lovely boy, and as is typical of the breed, is very friendly with people. As he has lived with children previously, Dexter would make a great family dog although as he hasn’t had much socialisation with other dogs or cats, he would be best placed in a home where he is the only pet. Let’s find this lovely chap a loving home where he can live out his twilight years. Buster is a dinky five year old Staffie, brought into our kennels on a temporary basis due to accommodation issues. After a while, it became clear that Buster would be remaining in our care until we were able to find him a new home. Given his background, Buster has some trust issues and is wary of fast movements and
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new people. He needs an adult only home and to be given his own space. Once Buster feels safe, he is a lovely boy. He walks well on the lead without pulling but hates getting wet! He has previously lived with two other dogs and is very comfortable around our calm female dog tester Karma. However, he does have some issues around reactive dogs especially other males. Buster is a low maintenance boy and if you can offer him the time and space to unwind
and feel secure, he’ll fit right in. For more information on Rugeley Welfare for Dogs, or if you could think you could offer a new home to a dog in need of re-homing, then please call Ruth on 07900 090993 or Pauline on 07971 817877. Alternatively visit facebook.com/rugeleydogswelfare. Please note that a home check and a donation will be required.
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Your Image Competition
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calling all photographers and artists!
ocal artists and photographers have been out and about over Christmas and the New Year, creating beautiful images that capture the spirit of our area. We’re always amazed by the sheer talent of our readers and we hope that you enjoy this latest selection of images submitted to our Your Image Competition. The Competition will close on Thursday 12th April 2018, when all images will be submitted to our independent judges. Those images selected as ‘Highly Commended’, and the final winner will be announced in the June 2018 issue. The winner of the Your Image Competition will receive a £100 prize and a trophy. The competition is open to all ages. Photographs, paintings and
Robin on the Heritage Trail by Keith Marriott
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drawings should be of Cannock Chase and the surrounding area and countryside. Please note that you should own the copyright to any image that you send in and the image should be your own work. If sending in a photograph, please make sure that you have permission to submit the image from any individual who may be pictured in your work, and also appropriate permissions if the image was taken on private property. To enter, email your images to citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post them to Your Image Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. Apologies but we cannot return images posted to us. For terms and conditions see page 34
Hagley Field near the Brook – by Marita Deeley
Sunrise, Etchinghill by Nicola Rowles
“Looking along Chaseley Road, Rugeley on a snowy night, whilst walking the dog.” by Darren Bussler
“Peace’s” of Silver – and original painting by Julie Wilkes
Rugeley & District Lions Club
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By Peter Fielding
ere, Peter Fielding in Rugeley & District Lions Club looks back at a busy and successful end to 2017.
Rugeley and District Lions are now relaxing after an extremely busy December.
Our Christmas Toy Appeal for new or unused toys once again was a roaring success. Authorised drop off points at St Josephs Community Centre, Lichfield Street; Tesco, Power Station Road, Rugeley; Gymophobics, Market Street, Rugeley and Morrisons collected over 750 toys which were passed on to the Salvation Army to go to needy children. We would like to thank those drop off points, and to the staff who added to the collections, for their work and also to the public who rallied around and made the collection this year a resounding success.
Santa and his elves were present at Wyevale Garden Centre on the run up to Christmas and were kept busy by the many children visiting him. All went away with smiling faces.
The Christmas Float, run in conjunction with Rugeley Rotary Club, was, once again, a huge success apart from one evening when the bad weather caused us to cancel due to slippy conditions. Another evening the run was cut short due to deteriorating conditions after we had started. We apologise to those people who missed us.
We would like to thank Waymax for the donation of the lorry, 50-50 for allowing us to park Santa’s sleigh for the duration and to Performing Rights Society for donating the licence to play music in public. Also, to the many people and organisations who happily volunteered to join us in the evenings to tour the areas in the cold and snowy weather.
However the main thanks go to you, the public, who came out to see us and enjoy the music. Thank you all. The Clubs collected just
under £6,000 which will be split between the two club’s charity accounts for use in 2018.
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Your Image Competition
Continued Room with a View – Etchinghill, by Sharon Jenkins
Hagley Field Sunrise by Barry Deeley
The stepping stones near Birches Valley by Rob Standley Cannock Chase Toad by Robert Bott
Wolseley Park by Sheila Sabell
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Milford Common Pool, Cannock Chase by Robert Bott
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.
Happy New Year!
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ell, here we are in a brand new year. The mornings are still dark, but the snowdrops are just starting to come out and spring is just around the corner.
I often think how lucky we are to live in this part of the world - Rugeley and the surrounding villages are, in my opinion, smack bang in the centre of some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. The fact that you can be shopping in the centre of Rugeley and within five minutes be surrounded by rolling green hills is just remarkable, and something that we rightly cherish.
I'd like to thank you all for your support of Citylife over the last 12 months. Thank you for sharing with us your stories and events, and thank you to our fantastic advertisers who make each issue of Citylife possible.
It's an honour to be part of your community. You really are the most friendly, hard-working and inspiring group of people to know and work with. Here's to a fantastic 2018! Joss Editor
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Rugeley Flood Scheme Officially Opened
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ugeley’s new £5.2 million flood scheme was officially opened on Monday 18th December.
Members of the Environment Agency, Cannock Chase District Council, the Stoke-onTrent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Rugeley Town Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Trent Regional Flood & Coastal Committee visited Rugeley to mark the completion of the project.
The newly completed Rugeley flood scheme, which was delivered by the Environment Agency, aims to help reduce the risk of flooding
from the Rising Brook for 114 residential and 159 commercial properties. It also forms an integral part of Cannock Chase District Council’s plans to regenerate parts of the town centre.
Work on the project, which started in December 2016, saw construction of a 350m
The Changing Room
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A Counselling Service at St Augustine’s Church
professional counselling service for people going through bereavement, suffering with anxiety and/or depression. Call 07591 257737 to arrange an appointment. Up to six sessions provided free of charge. Appointments must be booked in advance. Sessions take place at St Augustine’s Church, Station Road, Rugeley. This service is supervised by a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor. Counsellors are qualified and registered with the Professional Standards Authority.
Competion Winner
Congratulations to Mrs J Foster who gave the correct answer of 'Anson Street' and wins a Caravelle New York Crystal Wrist-watch courtesy of H.S. Johnson.
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long embankment, which is 4m high at its highest point, on Hagley playing fields. This embankment has created a flood storage area which will store water from the Rising Brook during times of heavy rainfall and then slowly release it back into the watercourse when levels no longer pose a flood risk.
Adams Return
A Group for Men Seeking to Make Sense of Life. 8.30am to 10.30am February 10th. Starts with a cooked breakfast!
henever the big stuff happens in life, like when we fall in love, when we become fathers, when we get married, when a loved on dies, or when we suffer unexpected setbacks, something stirs deep within us and we struggle for the words: questions arise, questions about hope, meaning and purpose stir within us, but we rarely have the words or time to figure things out. Adam’s Return is a group set up to help us men to explore this stuff. This is not a group for talking about “religion”; it’s a group seeking to make sense of life. Adam’s Return is a group for men who are ‘doers’. The group will be led by Fr David Evans from St Augustine’s Church in Rugeley with help from some willing volunteers. We will meet monthly for a cooked breakfast at 8.30am on the second Saturday of the month, starting Febuary 10th 2018. We’ll be done by 10.30am at the latest (a donation of £3 towards the cost of breakfast would be appreciated). For further information contact Fr David on 07919416900 davidmaevans1@gmail.com
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Memories of Mr Joyner?
ecently, Citylife was contacted by Mr John Joyner who was brought up in Rugeley but now lives out of the area. John told us that… “A contact has been sending me occasional copies of your excellent magazine which has been of great interest having been born, and brought up, in Rugeley. “I am nearing completion of the vast task of tracing our family history from the early 1600s. My current area of interest is in my father – also named Mr John Joyner, who arrived in 1935 to open Boots in the Market Square - taking over from a private chemist named Averill I believe. My father was an officer in the Home Guard during WWII, Captain of the bell-ringers at St Augustine's, a keen beekeeper who seemed to be first port of call when swarms affected people and was in the Rotary Club for many years. “I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has any recollections of my father - the shop, his activities in the town, etc. I wondered if a mention in your magazine might produce a few leads that would add to my existing record?” Could you help? Do you have any memories of Mr Joyner and his shop – perhaps stories passed down through your own family? If so, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact the editor – Joss on 07833 735048 or email her at josscitylife@gmail.com
Gift vouchers available
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Rugeley Company awarded second grant
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4J Ltd, constructors of precast concrete buildings in Armitage have recently been awarded a Business Development Programme grant of £20,000, the second grant in 12 months. The Business Development Grant is part of the Business Growth Programme (BGP), managed by Birmingham City Council.
The grant has enabled them to purchase to MEWPs (Mobile elevating work platforms) which will help to make their work more efficient and mean they will no longer need to plan work around hired equipment. It has also made it possible for them to employ a further two members of staff.
S4J Ltd were also awarded a grant of £5,000 as part of the Let’s Grow Programme 12 months ago. This grant was used to expand their training arm and purchase a new vehicle to transport students to Sites where they are able to get hands on experience. They also employed
Etching Hill WI
Here, Etching Hill WI reports on their latest group meeting
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t the January meeting, Guest Speaker, Julie Ashford spoke about her role as a Street Pastor for Stafford, at the very well attended meeting, which included several new visitors.
The Stafford Street Pastors started in 2009 and are part of the international Street Pastors organisation which began in London in 2003. Volunteers are recruited from interdenominational Churches and following
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a new Training Manager who has increased the amount of training courses available and has brought with them a vast amount of knowledge and contacts to help S4J Ltd grow and prosper.
The Let’s Grow Programme awards capital/revenue grants of up to £5,000 (50% match funded) to existing businesses who are looking to expand and grow and create or safeguard at least one full time job in the Cannock Chase District.
The Business Growth Programme (BGP) programme offers a comprehensive package of business support to B2B Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) based in the Greater Birmingham & Solihull, Stoke-on-Trent and extensive training, spend one evening a month, generally at weekends, from 10.30pm until 4am on the streets. Wearing a distinctive uniform and in teams of three they will care, listen and help anyone feeling vulnerable and in need. They are radio linked to CCTV cameras and the Police if assistance is ever required.
Once the night clubs start to close there can be as many as 3000 people on the streets of Stafford, many in their 20s and 30s. The Pastors carry various aids including water for rehydration, emergency blankets, waterproof ponchos, flip flops for when those six inch heels become either painful to wear or when the wearer struggles to maintain balance, and lollies to raise sugar levels. ‘Spikeys’ are handed out for use to prevent bottled drinks from being contaminated. They will assist people in getting home safely, be it walking them around until they are sober enough to take a taxi or just waiting with a person until a taxi arrives to take them home. In conjunction with the Police and Local Government the Street Pastors are helping to keep Stafford town safe.
Staffordshire, and The Marches Enterprise Partnership (LEP) areas.
Local
There are four aspects of the BGP programme; Business Development Programme, Business Innovation Programme, Green Bridge Supply Chain and HS2 Supply Chain. Each grant specialises in its own area of growth and they offer between £10,000 to £167,000 to businesses who are looking to expand and create new employment roles.
If your business is looking to expand and take on new staff, get in touch with the Economic Development team on 01543 464272 or email econdev@cannockchasedc.gov.uk to see what support is available to you. In keeping with the tradition for January, the WI Members brought along any unwanted Christmas gifts or used items such as books and ornaments. An auction of these donated items took place and following some very competitive, but good humoured bidding, a grand total of £96.10 was raised towards funds.
Forthcoming social events include the Lunch Club ladies dining at the Bank House, Hixon and a team of four entering the WI County Quiz.
The Meeting on 14th February 2018 known as ‘Members’ Night’ is being organised by a small group of members, the content of which remains a closely guarded secret and will only be revealed on the night. Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month at Etching Hill Village Hall, East Butts Road, Etching Hill from 7.45pm and new members are always made most welcome. For more information please visit our web site at www.wi-etching-hill.org.uk.
Creating the Perfect Smile
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By Matt Burnell BSc Hons Dip CDT RCS
t Lichfield Smiles we recognise that taking the first steps to having a denture created, and finding your perfect smile can be a little daunting, so I thought I’d explore here the steps to creating a denture, from first enquiry to final fitting. When we first meet a client, we spend as much time as they wish chatting about the process of creating a denture, and how that denture will fit in to their lifestyle. There’s no pressure to make a quick decision. Should the client decide to look at having a denture created, we make a note of the size, length, shape and colour of the client’s teeth, plus the shape of the client’s face, nose, and jaw. This allows a denture to be created that beautifully emulates the original teeth. We make sure that details such as the tiny ridges on the palette are reproduced so that the dentures feel natural in the mouth. In addition, tiny blood capillaries in the gums are hand-painted and teeth are individually placed so that each set is perfect for each client – we make sure that your new smile is perfect for you. Dentures are initially made from a mould that is carefully taken
of the client’s mouth. The teeth in the denture are then individually positioned to create a natural look. If the client needs more time then the prototype version can be taken home to experience the feel and appearance of the teeth before the final stage. This prototype is then processed in the desired final material. The process is not completed until the customer is entirely happy. You can be confident that your finished denture can last 15 years or Matt Burnell, British Association of Clinical Dental Technology award more. winner 2015, 2016 and 2017 There really is no reason for anyone to struggle with ill-fitting, uncomfortable or unflattering dentures. The right denture not only massively improves the quality of life of each customer, it can transform your appearance and confidence, and even improve health as food can be properly chewed to release nutrients. Dentures from the award winning Lichfield Smiles start at just £550. So, for a free, informal chat with our lovely, friendly team, just give us a call on 01543 415 288. We’re looking forward to meeting you.
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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...
£1,500
£1,335
18ct yellow gold citrine and diamond earrings, bespoke piece from designer Fei Liu. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield
£7,100
U-Boat. Classico wristwatch. Available at H.S. Johnson
Citizen. Men's Promaster 1000M Professional Diver wristwatch. Available at H.S. Johnson
£4,840
18ct white gold amethyst and diamond set chandelier earrings, bespoke piece from designer Fei Liu. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield
£3,000 A pair of 18ct yellow gold diamond and black onyx dropper earrings. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield
18ct gold green-amethyst and diamond set dropper earrings, bespoke piece from designer Fei Liu. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield
Stockist: City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. H.S. Johnson, 8 Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 2BB. Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves, 41 Albion Street, Rugeley WS15 2BY.
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£3,000
Objects of desire come in all shapes and sizes and a feature fire and fireplace is a stunning way to add a beautiful centrepiece to your home...
£2,849
M9 Gas Fireplace - fireplace, fire and fitting on chimney for £2,849. Available at Rugeley Fireplaces & Stoves
February Highlights at The Garrick The Lichfield Garrick Theatre has some fantastic shows lined up for February.
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he Bob Dylan Story features some of the most memorable songs ever written. Bob Dylan created the soundtrack for 1960s America, amassing a huge and enduring fan-base that even extended across the Atlantic, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones also counting themselves as fans.
Now Bob and 'The Band' transport you back to the Nobel Prize winner's glory days with a truly authentic and affectionate show, complete with stunningly evocative visuals and authoritative insights into the stories behind the songs Featuring 25 of Dylan’s best loved hits including ‘Blowin In The Wind’, ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ and ‘Like A Rolling Stone’, this is a truly authentic and affectionate celebration of rock music’s greatest icon. The Bob Dylan Story plays from Saturday 10th February, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50 are available by calling 01543 412121 or at www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ stars Milkshake! favourites; Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam, Shimmer & Shine, Pip from Pip Ahoy!, Winnie and Wilbur, Wissper, Milkshake’s very own Milkshake! Monkey and two Milkshake! presenters, in this all singing, all dancing,
Crooners
musical masterpiece, which will take audiences on a journey through the world’s favourite fairy tales.
Set amongst Milkshake’s magical bookcase, this brand new live show is sure to amaze and delight! The Milkshake! cast will be singing songs and sharing stories that audience members, young and old, will know and love. Milkshake! Live ‘The Magic Story Book’ plays from Thursday 22nd February at 12pm & 3.30pm. Tickets cost £17, £15 (child) Tickets are selling fast and are available on 01543 412121 or at www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Crooners brings parody to a genre symbolised by the ‘crooner’ and exemplified by the music of the Rat Pack and the American Songbook in a manner that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. This riproaring comedy is fronted by three of the finest Crooners of today and backed by the outstanding and uncompromising live musicianship of the nine-piece Mini Big Band.
The Bob Dylan Story
The show plays homage to some of the greatest Crooners of all time, featuring some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin and more.
Crooners plays from Saturday 24th February at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £25 and are available on 01543 412121 or via www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Milkshake!
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£25
£65
From £175
T shirt. Available at Instaprint
ChloBo MR2733 Women's Inner Love Set of two rings. Available at H.S. Johnson.
Art Deco ‘Waiter’ figure. Available from Decodance
£150 Range of gifts from £2; bouquets from £10. Available from Bonsall's Florists
Two colour twist 9ct gold bangle. Aavailable from MW Jewellery & Repairs
£70 £58
French Art Deco Piece by Thomas Cartier c 1927. Available from Decodance
£29.95 Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Heart pendant. Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
Love Story
£127.50 Hot Diamonds, Turning Heart Rose Gold pendant Available at H.S. Johnson.
Rare French Art Deco clock c1928 (full working order). Available from Decodance
Range of Valentine’s Day cards from 99p upwards. Available from Keeren’s Kardz
Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts for the one you love
Range of Dyson vacuum cleaners (prices from £50 £160) and accessories. Available from Dyson Revivers
£6.50
£3.99
‘Love’ decorative plaque. Available from Keeren’s Kardz
Fine China ‘Love’ Mug. Available from Keeren‘s Kardz
Stockists: H.S. Johnson, 8 Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 2BB. Tel. 01889 583141 www.hsjohnson.com City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. Instaprint 21-23 Albion Street, Rugeley WS15 2BY Tel: 01889 583472 MW Jewellery and Repairs, Unit 1B, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Decodance, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
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Shaun Leane Talon earrings available in silver or silver with yellow gold vermeil or rose gold vermeil. Available to view at City Jewellers of Lichfield
Rustic floral heart. Available from Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic
£40 ChloBo, Women's Mini Rice Open Heart ring. Available at H.S. Johnson.
Sekonda ladies’ watch with diamonds on the dial £29.95 (RRP £59.95). Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
£35
£25
Jewellery Box. Available from Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic
Keeren’s Kardz, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Poppies Vintage Shabby Chic Unit 18 Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Dyson Revivers, Unit 27, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2DY Bonsall's Florists, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
Unearthing History
Here, Gary Starkey, local detectorist, shares some of the wonderful coins he has found over two decades of detecting.
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s detectorists, coins are always high on the ‘want list’, and I have been fortunate in nearly 20 years of detecting to have found some lovely items.The earliest coins in the country are the Iron Age (800BC to 43AD) types and in 2013, myself and two friends found a hoard of Corieltauvi Tribe gold Staters (Image 1) from a couple of miles from my home. These are on display in The Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent. They are miniature works of art and had significant meaning to the people that owned them. Were they deposited to retrieve later when the Romans were advancing? We’ll never really know. Roman coins are to be found everywhere really but they are very nice to dig up occasionally. Image 2 shows a nice silver Denarius of Emperor Hadrian. After the Romans left there was a time when the creation of new coinage ceased for a while, and people probably just continued to use old Roman coinage until after the Anglo Saxons arrived and brought their own coinage - Sceats and Stycas mainly. Image 3 shows a silver continental issue called a Porcupine Sceat. These are not too common around this area but occasionally come to light. The Normans invaded next and brought their new coins with them. Image 4 is a very nice William the Conqueror penny. The quality of coinage is particularly good around these times and deteriorated after when silver was debased.
Image 5 is a late Norman coin of Richard the Lionheart and is a short cross example, found in the Lichfield area. The cutting of coins into halves and quarters was
commonplace (to create ‘small change’) and coins in Edward’s reign were refigured into long cross types to regulate this better. Image 6 is a penny of Edward I, the commonest pennies.
Coins remained very similar for many years and only really changed style significantly in Tudor times. Image 7 is a very nice reverse of Henry VIII. Image 8 is a beautiful example of an Elizabeth I shilling – these are hard to find with a good portrait as a lot were defaced for religious reasons, along with Mary, Edward VI and James coins.
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‘Hammered’ type coins faded out after Charles II was reinstated and new ‘milled’ types appeared, these can be very ornate and Image 9 is a good example of William III coin of 1696. Shortages of silver sometimes led to more copper and bronze ‘token’ type coins being produced, Image 10 being a lovely 18th century token from Coventry featuring Lady Godiva on one side and an elephant on the other. Gold coins are obviously the ultimate finds ‘want’. I found this gorgeous Victoria sovereign from 1853 a few years ago and the photo doesn’t do the design justice (image 11) and Image 12 is a gold half sovereign of George V. These are just a few examples of coins that come out of the ground.
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MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
Earn extra money delivering magazines in various areas. Must be over 16 St. John’s Church, Slitting Mill
Call Marie 07548 682576
COFFEE MORNING First Wednesday of each month at 10.30 am
£2.50 including tea/coffee and home-made cake/biscuits Raffle
Pop along for a chat you will be very welcome. 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
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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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