3
November 2017 12 22
Inside...
12 A Window on the Past
Rugeley on the road
22 Your Image Competition
Calling all photographers and artists
23 Win ‘Despicable Me’ Gift Sets
Courtesy of Arthur Price
31 Happy Hounds in New Homes
News from Rugeley Welfare for Dogs 32 Christmas Gifts for Him
Discover the perfect festive gift
Welcome to CITYLIFE
32
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!
20
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.
5
6
7
Car scheme volunteers needed
O
ne of the many services offered by Support Staffordshire is the Voluntary Car Scheme which covers both the Cannock Chase area and Lichfield and District area. The scheme is co-ordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers and part-time staff and offers transport to people who may otherwise be unable to make essential journeys to and from hospital and other medical appointments or to visit friends or family in hospitals and care homes. Without the huge support of the team of drivers and administrators, the scheme would not exist. New drivers are always welcome with volunteers able to choose how much time they are able to give - even a small amount of time each month can make a huge difference to someone’s life. Drivers are offered a mileage allowance, in line with government recommendations, as a contribution to the running costs of their car. If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer driver please contact the scheme on 01543 303136 or 01543 303030. Office hours are 9am to 12 noon Monday to Friday. For anyone who would like to know more about requesting a journey, please contact 01543 303023.
J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS
FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD & ALREWAS
LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS. SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
24 hours a day
We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and memorials are but a few of the services we offer. Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call 01543 255776
8
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
01283 792923
36 Main Street, Alrewas, Burton Upon Trent. DE13 7AA
A
Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology Society
nyone with an interest in industrial archaeology, be it steam engines (of all sorts), mills, mines, iron works, transport or social history, is invited to join the Staffordshire Industrial Archaeology Society. The new season of talks is now underway and covers a range of related subjects. Monthly meetings take place at 7.30pm at Tixall Village Hall and dates for the 2017/18 programme are as follows: Monday 20th November ‘Water as a mechanical agent’ with Alan Hill; Monday 11th December - Members’ contributions; Monday 8th January 2018 - ‘Chile’ with Jim and Anne Andrews; Monday 5th February 2018 - ‘Cannock Chase, Cradle of the Industrial Revolution?’ with David Robbie; Monday 5th March 2018 - ‘Preservation of internal combustion engines used in Agriculture and Industry’ with Tony Green; Monday 9th April 2018 - ‘A history of British textiles’ with Dr John Wilcock; Monday 23rd April 2018 - AGM with members’ contributions. As well as offering a programme of talks, the society also acts as a forum in which people can indulge and develop their particular interest within this very wide subject. Members undertake their own projects and some of their research is published in the society’s journal. Where appropriate, the society also assists in the preservation of buildings, artefacts and documents relating to industrial archaeology. Measured or photographic surveys are sometimes carried out where sites are threatened by demolition or redevelopment, with opinions offered to the relevant local authorities. Members of the society, which is affiliated to the Association for Industrial Archaeology, do not need to have a serious academic interest in the subject or reside in Staffordshire - anyone who wants to explore the industrial past is very welcome. For more information on becoming a member, please visit www.staffsia.org.uk or contact Jim Andrews (Chair) on 01785 246101 or Roger Francis (Secretary/Treasurer) on 01889 583796.
9
Amethysts
for Sagittarians ÂŁ67.01
Emozioni EC247 Alba e Tramonto Coin pendant. Available at H.S. Johnson
If you were born between November 22nd and December 21st you were born under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Openminded, adventurous and optimistic, Sagittarians like to travel the world and ÂŁ52.11 Emozioni EC252 explore life. The gemstone associated with this Alba e Tramonto optimistic and up-beat sign Coin pendant. is amethyst. We present here Available at a suggestion for the perfect H.S. Johnson gift for the Sagittarian in your life. H.S. Johnson, 8 Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 2BB. Tel. 01889 583141 www.hsjohnson.com
10
Remembrance Sunday in London
T
amworth-based members of the Royal Observer Corps Association are offering people the opportunity to join them on a coach trip to experience the sights and sounds of the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in London. Dave Peace, who served as a volunteer in the Royal Observer Corps for some 30 years, said: “Anyone who has seen the Remembrance Sunday parade, televised live from London, will know what an amazing spectacle it is, with massed ranks of ex-servicemen and women and other organisations proudly marching past, to the stirring music of the military bands. However excellent the television programme can be, in my view it can never be a true substitute to actually being there and experiencing it for yourself. To truly experience at first hand the emotions and wonderful atmosphere of the day, this is your chance to witness the parade at first hand. If any local ex-service folk, friends and their families would like to join us for the day in London, we would offer them a warm welcome on board the coach.” In order to arrive in London in good time to see the parade, the luxury coach will pick up in Tamworth at 6am followed by Fazeley and Dosthill. The cost is £22 per person and more details are available from Dave Peace on 01827 250676.
11
1
A Window on the Past On The Road Transporting goods and people has always been an important part of the commercial life of a community. This month The Landor Society looks at how the people of Rugeley solved the problem of ‘getting around’. 1. A very smart two-horse carriage outside Manton’s shop in Market Street in the early 1900s.
2. The grade II listed milestone on Brereton Road - almost opposite Briar House. 3. Cheshire’s grocery and bakery moved to 21, Lion Street from Sheep Fair around 1911 and their bread was delivered daily. Cheshire’s have been bakers and grocers at various addresses in Rugeley at least as far back as 1793.
4. A caravan parked (approximately where the Globe Island now is), during the June Fair in the early 1900s. The Elizabethan cottages were demolished in 1912.
5. Rugeley’s first taxi driver, Benny Bufton, with Manton’s taxi outside the Police Station.
12
6. A convoy containing food for the troops, during the First World War, pauses for ‘a breather’ in Horsefair.
7. An AEC Regent bus, belonging to the Green Bus Company, in Taylors Lane in 1943. The driver (in the centre) is Jo Fisher. The Squash Courts’ car park now occupies the site of the Green Bus complex, which included a café. 8. An Armitage Shanks lorry.
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.
Continued on page 14
My Month in Parliament
A
By Amanda Milling MP
s well as attending Parliament, the Conservative Party Conference and also undertaking my constituency work I have recently started the Armed Forced Parliamentary Scheme. This is a programme designed to give Members of Parliament a greater understanding of the Armed Forces. Over the next year I will complete a minimum of fifteen days of service and take part in a range of activities including shadowing frontline personnel, visiting bases, undertaking military training and observing forces on deployment and training. I have long been interested in military matters, and this is an opportunity to learn more about our incredible armed forces and gain a much better understanding of work done by our brave men and women serving across the globe. MPs are given the choice of which service to join for the programme and specialise in, and I will be taking part in the Army scheme this year. Closer to home I attended the Help a Squaddie breakfast a few weeks ago, an event organised by the Rugeley-based charity, which aims to support former service men and women with issues from welfare to housing and everything in between. It was a real pleasure to chat to those present and offer my support. The group is also holding a fundraising dinner on November 25th to raise funds for their various projects, if you are interested you can find out more on their Facebook page. I really hope it is a big success. As always, if you have any issues you need my help with, please get in touch with me on amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or call 01543 877142.
13
2
3
5
4
6
14
7
8
15
T
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers
he diamond is without doubt the best-selling gemstone in the world. Bright, expensive and stunningly beautiful - we just can’t get enough of this gorgeous gemstone.
At auction we have found that diamond jewels far surpass any other gem-set jewellery. Their value is higher and the demand from the general public is great – especially for big, bright single-cut diamonds set on to a plain band creating a timeless design.
It’s not always been the case, as the fashion for wearing a wedding band was started by Prince Albert on his betrothal to our Queen Victoria in the 19th century, when he gave his new bride a gold ring designed as to resemble an entwined serpent, with an emerald set into its head. This led to the public following-suit, and the nation began wearing simple bands. They were usually made of gold, and plain, simple and straightforward… until we discovered Hollywood.
16
The rise of the Movie industry in America in the 1940s and 50s saw an endless parade of beautiful publicity-seeking starlets, adorned in exquisite furs, shoes, accessories and diamonds. Along with them came the rise of the high-end jewellery designers such as Harry Winston, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany and Cartier. Consumer demand increased for these beautiful stones, replacing the traditional gold wedding bands set with emeralds and pearls. Helping to grasp the public imagination even further, diamonds increasingly featured in the plots of movies, where both women and men aspired to gain these glittering objects.
Whether it is an engagement ring, a pair of earrings or a simple necklace with a single diamond, at the auction centre in Lichfield we see excellent prices achieved for this timeless, classic gemstone.
A fabulous sale is coming up for fine jewellery and silver on Wednesday 6th December with entries now being invited.
17
H
Apple Cake for Autumn
ere, Annamarie from Woodhouse Farm and Garden shares another of her favourite seasonal recipes with us. This is a simple cake that does not need a lot of preparing and is very forgiving if you are in a rush and butter or margarine is not quite at room temperature. For the cake mixture you will need: 170g (6oz) self-raising flour 170g (6oz) softened margarine or butter 170g (6oz) sugar 2 eggs 1tsp vanilla essence Also, select and put aside for use later in the recipe one large apple (cooking apple or dessert apples are both fine, just use whichever you prefer).
Method Combine all the cake mixture ingredients and put into an 18cm or 7” tin which has been lined with baking parchment. Prepare the apple by peeling and cutting into four quarters, removing the section of core from the middle of each piece, and then thinly slice. Lay thin slices of apple on top of the cake mixture and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until the cake is firm. You can
use a skewer to test but with the moisture from the fruit this can still sometimes not come out clear. Remove the cake from the oven, dust with a little sugar and leave in the tin to cool. A friend of mine shared this delicious recipe with me, and if you’d like a larger cake than the ingredients listed here will make, just increase the amounts but keep to the same proportions. For a gluten free version, normal self-raising flour can be replaced with a gluten free variety. The choice of fruit on the top can also be changed and in the past, I have made the cake using strawberries, raspberries, figs, pears and blackberries. Combinations of fruits also work well, including fig and raspberry and my own personal favourite at this time of year, blackberry and apple.
Woodhouse Farm and Garden is open to the public between 11am and 4pm every Friday and Saturday and is located just off Fisherwick Wood Lane, on the outskirts of Whittington.
For more information, please visit www.woodhousefarmandgardencic.org.uk or contact Annamarie on 01543 432005 or annamarie@woodhousefarmandgardencic.org. uk.
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
18
19
War Bride
F
ollowing a successful bid to Arts Council England, the Great War Project Officer is working with Imagineer Productions to bring War Bride (a visual arts and theatre performance by Anna Lewis) to six locations in Staffordshire. Imagineer Productions, a Coventrybased arts organisation who organise the Godiva Festival, will provide young people across the county with the opportunity to engage with local World War 1 stories through performance and costume workshops.
On Sunday 17th September the War Bride project was hosted by the Landor Society at the Cannock Chase Visitor Centre at Marquis Drive. The actors and costume designer worked with 30 young people from the Seasons Theatre Company of Cannock. At the start of the session they visited the Great War hut to understand the context of the piece, then viewed a performance of War Bride along with other visitors to the Chase. They then divided into two groups to concentrate on either a drama workshop or wearable art creation. The second performance of the day - which incorporated performances by the young people took place at the squash courts at Rugeley Leisure Centre. It was a wonderful performance enjoyed by both the participants and the audience.
Cannock Women’s Institute
A
20
By Jill Gooch
t a recent meeting, when our speaker had to cancel at the last minute, singer Holly Reynolds stepped in and captivated us with her interpretation of popular songs from the 1950s and 1960s. Wearing an authentic 1960s dress she performed songs by Dusty Springfield, Helen Shapiro and Petula Clarke amongst others. Holly kindly had taken time out from her tour with ‘Diddy’ David Hamilton in Rock ‘n’ Roll Back the Years. On a sad note two of our valued and long standing members passed away recently: Agnes Overton and Joyce Roby. Many members attended their funerals. The competition at this month’s meeting was entitled “an old remedy” and the winner, for the second month running, was Janis Lomas. We were also delighted to welcome new member Ann Haycock. Our W.I. meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30am at St Luke’s Church Centre, Cannock. Visitors are always welcome to come and join us for refreshments and a chat. Further information is available from The President on 01543 271617, at www.thewi.org.uk/staffordshire and via Facebook at www.facebook.com/oakleafstlukes
Rugeley Remembrance Sunday Commemorations and Parade
O
n Sunday 12th November, Rugeley’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations start with a 9.15am church service (arrive at 9am) at St Augustine’s Church, Station Road. The parade will consist of members of the Royal British Legion, Regimental Associations, local cadets, scouts and guides with their standard banners, together with representatives of many other organisations. The public are also welcome to be part of the parade. The Remembrance Parade will form up at 10.30am on the car park of the Rugeley Progressive Working Men’s Club, Mansfield House and will march off at 10.45am, led by the Stafford Boys’ Brigade. The parade processes to the Market Square and the Centotaph and will arrive a few minutes before 11am. Waiting at the Cenotaph will be local dignitaries, plus members of local businesses and community groups. On arrival, a service will take place and will include two minutes silence observed from 11am, and the laying of wreaths. After the service, parade goers will be meeting at Olly’s Bar on Bow Street for refreshments and members of the public are also welcome to join them. Armistice Day Commemoration Saturday 11th November Commemorations at the Cenotaph on Saturday 11th November include a two minute silence at 11am, and the reading out of the names of the fallen by local school pupils. The children will also be placing crosses at the base of the Cenotaph.
21
Your Image Competition
O
calling all photographers and artists!
ver the coming months, we’d like to see your photographs, drawings and paintings of Cannock Chase and the surrounding area. Each month we’ll publish a new selection of the work received, and the final winning image (announced in the June 2018 issue) will receive a £100 prize and ‘Your Image’ Trophy. For terms and conditions see page 34. The competition is open to all ages. Photographs, paintings and drawings should be of Cannock Chase and the surrounding area and countryside. Please note that you should own the copyright to
Janet walking through snow in Slitting Mill by George Nowikowski
any image that you send in and the image should be your own work. If sending in a photograph, please make sure that you have permission to submit the image from any individual who may be pictured in your work, and also appropriate permissions if the photograph was taken on private property. To enter, email your images to citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post them to Your Image Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. Apologies but we cannot return images sent to us, so if submitting a drawing or painting you may want to send us photographs of your work rather than original artwork.
Butterfly on Buddleia by Sue Smialowski
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 Henry Maj
22
The Wolseley Centre in November by Phil Sutcliffe
Win ‘Despicable Me’ Gift Sets From Arthur Price!
T
his issue, we’ve teamed up with Lichfield cutlery and gift firm, Arthur Price, who have launched a new, exciting range of cutlery and ceramic Despicable Me gifts featuring Minions! Minions - the loveable mini characters from the Despicable Me film series have been making people laugh and cry for many years now across the world, and now they could be finding their way into your home courtesy of Citylife and Arthur Price. Arthur Price is a family-owned business currently run by Simon Price, a fourthgeneration member of the Price family together with his son James. Started in 1902 and suppliers to Royal families and Heads of State, you will find Arthur Price on the tables of the finest hotels, restaurants, airlines and cruise ships. Also,
N
classic and contemporary patterns are available at everyday prices from leading department stores plus available online at arthurprice.com If you want to bag a bargain, visit the UK’s largest cutlery shop. The Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield sells all Arthur Price cutlery and gifts at discounts of up to 70%. In this issue, we’re offering five lucky readers to the chance to win a Minions Children’s Ceramic Set worth £24.95 each. Featuring Minions Kevin, Stuart and Bob, the prizes are perfect gifts for Christmas containing a bone chine mug, plate and bowl. The Minions Children’s Ceramic set is just part of the range
A Month of Remembering By Revd David Evans
ovember is a month of remembering. There is Remembrance Sunday on 12th November, with the associated services around the Centotaphs and war memorials in our town centres. But before that, there is All Souls which takes place on the previous Sunday, this year, November 5th. All Souls is a lovely moment of remembering and giving thanks for loved ones who have passed away either recently or many years past. Remembering loved ones who have died is always moving. Remembering is an important aspect of moving through the process of bereavement. Our culture doesn’t like dwelling on the past at the best of times, but would rather we move through the process of bereavement as quickly as possible. This can cause many of us real problems, hindering us from finding a sense of closure and adjustment to the loss of a person who may have been part of our lives for many, many years. I always advise anyone finding it difficult to grieve, to get some bereavement counselling. A really good place to turn to access such support is Cruse Bereavement Care. To access information about local provision go to: www.cruse.org.uk/south-staffordshire-area-map As you can imagine, in my role as a Church of England priest, I do a lot of funerals. You might be surprised to learn that it is one of the
entitled ‘Sea of Minions’. For more information go to www.arthurprice.com
To be in with a chance of winning, just unscramble the anagram, and rearrange the letters to find the names of the of the three daughters of Dr Gru - the lovable anti-hero of the Despicable Me films
SOMETHINGGRA DEA _____ _____ _____
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Arthur Price Despicable Me Competition, at citylifecompetitions@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Thursday 9th November 2017. One entry per household, multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Full terms and conditions on page 34.
most satisfying aspects of my vocation. The depth of the conversations that take place with and between family members is always significant. People are having to hold the pain of loss and starting to contemplate navigating life without a loved one alongside them. I have become convinced that there is such a thing as a ‘good’ funeral and that it is possible to grieve well. What I mean by that is that by living with the pain of loss and getting appropriate support, people can become stronger, gaining strength through remembering and by taking the time to reflect on those lessons that can always be learned. I was at a funeral recently at which the person who had died, knowing that the end of her life was close, prepared and wrote a poem that was read out at her funeral service. The poem spoke of the importance of recognising what has real value in our lives. She wrote that material ‘things’ and wealth are of little or no lasting value, but that time, moments being aware of the world around us, being with friends, being ‘in the moment’ are of huge and lasting value. Things that are seemingly insignificant, the small things turn out to be more important than we imagine. The poem affected many of those present at the funeral deeply. The lady who had died had reached back into our lives and reminded each of us at the funeral that so much of our rushing around, is often at the expense of moments of deep stillness and peace. Time spent being with a loved one creates memories that can comfort, inspire and give us hope in the future. So this November, the month of remembering, make some space ‘to be’ rather than ‘to do’; to rush less and perhaps discover the ‘still, small voice’ at the heart of all things.
Revd David M A Evans is Team Rector, Brereton, Rugeley and Armitage Team Ministry.
23
Your Image Competition
Cont...
Wolseley Wildlife by Samantha Richards
Etching Hill looking towards Bower Lane by Darren Bussler
24
Power Station by Steve Martin
Great Tit by Graham Halliday
Nut Hatch by Graham Halliday
An original oil painting of Cannock Chase by Dawn Pickering
25
Advertising feature
Opticians can do so much more than just eye tests and glasses…
…says Clive Marchant, managing director of Colin Lee Opticians.
All our practices provide a full range of additional NHS and private services. These include a new Minor Eye Conditions service funded by the NHS and available on demand at participating practices.
X
The introduction of this service means that people with red, sore eyes, eye injuries or sudden loss of vision can now be seen locally instead of going to the doctor or hospital. Children’s eye care is essential for development and attainment at school, the supply of spectacles can only be carried out or supervised by a registered dispensing optician, always check you are getting this essential professional service. Why wear spectacles when you could wear contact lenses? Almost everyone is suitable, from young to old, even if you need varifocals! Dry Eyes? Don’t suffer in silence or spend a fortune on drops that may not work. All
Xmas 4 Kids By Pat Moore
mas 4 Kids is once again planning to offer a little help to families this Christmas. Here, Pat Moore gives us information on this fantastic project that provides low cost children’s toys, games and clothes at a time when family budgets can be pushed to the limits.
I volunteer at Rugeley Foodbank and had a long career with DWP, dealing with State Benefits. I have a lot of experience of people's financial problems. Christmas is a real financial challenge for many of us, and we all want our children to have the same joy that their friends have.
26
In 2016 when the project first took off, I used social media and people responded very positively. My team collected and stored donated children's toys, books and games. We had a mountain of stock, and were able to run a pop-up stall in Rugeley Indoor Market, by the bus station for the month before Christmas. Items that were not suitable for us were passed on to charity shops. Our unique feature is that we don't have price tickets. People pay what they can afford and what is fair. We didn't expect to make much money and decided to pass the proceeds to Food Bank. We actually donated £2000! On Christmas Eve we gave things away, although we still had donations of £40. And when we finally left to go home and peel our sprouts we left the shutters up for people to help themselves. We still had lots of toys and books left over, and after Christmas we gave the lot to charity shops. We also generated a lot of footfall in the market. In fact, when Santa ran out of presents, due to the unexpected volume, we provided him
our practices offer specialist dry eye assessment and treatment programmes. Other services include: Diabetic Eye Screening Cataract co-management Specialist glaucoma care Hearing Tests Orthoptic assessments and treatment In some areas optical practices are offering blood pressure monitoring, weight loss advice and smoking cessation services. Opticians are more than just spectacle sellers, we are a vital part of the local health community.
with presents. Charities which we helped were MIND, DEBRA, British Heart Foundation and Autistic Children. The market traders donated £500 of new toys which we passed on to Social Services who were able to give them directly to children in the most need. We identified a homeless family and were able to direct them to the Foodbank where they received intensive support until they were rehomed. The success of this community project was entirely down to the support of the community and Foodbank.
This year the bar has been set very high. We really wanted to have some brand new toys too. Some children don’t get new. So to raise money my sister and I decided to make cake. Who doesn't like cake! We had our kitchens inspected by Environmental Health and were awarded five stars. Since May we have had a pop-up cafe at the market, offering homemade cake for £1. Tea and coffee was provided by the market cafe for £1, and free squash and biscuits for children. We also took a stall at Charter Fair and Brereton Carnival, had two sessions at Rugeley Leisure Centre, and a coffee morning at a village pub. We have again exceeded our expectations and have raised £1000 with two events still to go.
I have launched an appeal for toys etc for this year. I am hoping that we have kept a certain momentum during the year and that we can improve on last year. We can't have too many toys, and we have several garages between us for storage. This year all proceeds will go to Rugeley First Responders.
You can help by bringing donations to us at the stall and while you’re there you could do a bit of Christmas shopping.
For more information go to the Facebook page or contact Pat Moore on 07711 778470.
27
Volunteers needed for Brereton Community Library
T
he library currently has a small team of wonderful volunteers who would welcome anyone who wishes to join them. Library volunteering is very flexible and designed to match your interests. For just two hours a week, it offers the chance to develop new skills, meet new people and learn new things. All roles come with comprehensive support and training. Community Libraries offer an innovative approach to keeping library services in the local community. They are a free service available to all, giving access to a diverse range of books, computers and printing facilities at very reasonable prices. They offer a place for people to socialise, gain skills, join in activities and develop hobbies and interests. Brereton Library is located in Redbrook Hayes Community Primary School in Talbot Road, Brereton and is accessible via a separate entrance. If you feel you could help, please pop in to the Library and pick up an application form or contact Helen on 07773 791115 or e-mail helen.farr@staffordshire.gov.uk
L
It’s Panto Season at Horse Fair Care Home!
adies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! ‘Tis the season the residents at Horse Fair Care Home in Rugeley have decided to join in the festive fun and put on their very own Panto! Oh yes, they have!
28
Written by residents themselves, the pantomime ‘Christmas Chaos On Cannock Chase’ is based on several fairy-tale characters we all know and love and their Christmas Day adventure in search for a missing present. It follows them on their journey to retrieve a present that the wicked old witch has taken, and along their way they meet trouble, find love and face their fears! The residents have split themselves into teams helping with the writing and directing, costumes, set design and the acting. Many staff members have also been getting on board and signing up for parts.
The script is now written and plans are in full flow to stage the production on Thursday December 21st and Friday December 22nd. Keep an eye on the Horse Fair Facebook page for more information. Ticket receipts raised will be going to the Friends of Horsefair Charity. Horsefair Care Home place great value on supporting residents to be proactive about managing their well-being through being able to do those things that bring them pleasure and contentment. Social events are considered important to keep connected to past and present, so the Well-being Activity Coordinator plans a full calendar of fêtes and musical events for residents to enjoy with family and friends. For tickets or more information when the curtains go up please call 01889 721300.
Town Talk
News from Rugeley Town Council
Rugeley Christmas Lights Switch On Friday 24th November 2017 2pm onwards Bucking reindeer in Brook Square Ice skating rink in Market Square Snow machines throughout the town Musical Ruth on her motorised piano Costumed characters 5pm Arrival of Santa in Market Square and lights switch on. Afterwards, children can visit Santa in his grotto on Brewery Street for a little gift
8pm Fireworks display
29
Rugeley in the 1920s… continued By Canon John Lawley Brown MBE
T
Upper Brook Street
his month Canon John Lawley Brown, who was born in Etching Hill in 1907, continues his reminiscences of Rugeley in the 1920s.
At the corner of Brook Square and Upper Brook Street was Pascoe’s the stationers. Mr Pascoe was a slight, little man who always seemed to be in a hurry. He always wore dark clothes and a bowler hat. His son, Ernest, was a breeder of smooth-haired fox terriers, and so was a great friend of my father. Frisby’s shoe shop was next door, under the management of Mr Simonds. His son went to the Grammar School with my brother, Charlie. His name was Bert, and he had two sisters, May and Phyllis. Next came Will Stevens, tobacconist and hairdresser. He employed two men - Mr Williams and a Mr Tooth. I always preferred the latter to cut my hair. Mr Williams used to terrify me, threatening that if I did not keep my head perfectly still he would cut off one of my ears, or both. He always wore a dark suit, and had a pomaded black moustache and rather piercing eyes, so I can be forgiven if I was afraid. Needless to say he never carried out his threat, and I still have quite good hearing. Will Stevens’ son-in-law, Stan Woodman, eventually took over the business when Will retired and went to live in Etching Hill. Will’s only son, Frank had a garage up Bees Lane. I believe Stan Woodman was chief of the Rugeley Fire Brigade. The next shop was a popular one with me. It was Haywood’s toy shop. The place was always full of toys. I used to love to look at the lead soldiers, especially the Guards and the Highland Pipers. I think there were ten in a box for 1/6. Next-door was Harry Upton, the butcher. He was succeeded by Reg Saunders, and next to their two-doored entry was Mr C. M.
30
Bass’s chemist shop. They were opposite us in the street, and I was firm friends with their younger son, Douglas. In fact, I think you could say that Douglas, Dan Leadbetter and I were the Brook Street ‘Three Musketeers’. We were very close, and spent most of our free time together. Wilfred was Douglas’s elder brother, and eventually succeeded his father in the business. My family and the Bass family were great walkers and country-lovers, and invariably used to meet in the Common Lanes or Slitting Mill or on the Chase on Sunday afternoons. Very early in my boyhood there was a saddler’s shop next door to Bass’s and I think the name of the owner was a Mr Mason. I am not quite sure if I am right here. I could be mistaken. Whoever he was, he was succeeded by Messrs Matthews, the furniture dealers. The greengrocer’s shop next-door was run by Mr. Eastwood. He was a huge man. After he left the Houldeys took over the business. In this part of the street there were some rather small houses. The Caswells lived in one, and further up were the Caddicks. Bill Caddick was a shoe-repairer and there were two children, Ronald and Eunice. At the top of the street, opposite the Globe Hotel, was Johnson’s grocery shop.
Thank you to The Landor Society for sharing these reminiscences with us.
A large vehicle caught the sunblinds – a hazard when all traffic travelled along Rugeley’s narrow main street.
Freddy, surrounded by fur, flowers and fun
Happy hounds in new homes
A
fter re-homing dogs, the team at Rugeley Welfare for Dogs keep in touch with new owners to offer them support and advice, and to find out how they are getting on with their canine companions. Ruth and Pauline are always delighted to see how well the dogs they’ve rescued have settled into their forever homes, and wanted to share a selection of their recent success stories with readers.
Autumn relaxing after a busy day
Harley, a brindle Staffie, wants to be woken up when it’s teatime Ty the white Staffie, smiling like a Cheshire cat!
Maisey the brown Cocker Spaniel loves a belly rub
Of course, none of the work that the charity does would be possible without people’s generosity. Volunteers raise funds in all kinds of ways from raffles to giving talks. One lady saved all of her five pence pieces to donate to the charity, and another supporter called Susan raised £36 by saving all of her loose change in a tin.
For more information on Rugeley Welfare for Dogs, or if you 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.
Jake the Lurcher
Jess the Westie
31
Perfect Christmas Gifts
for Him
£71.25
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present for the man in your life? Take a look at our gift guide for perfect festive gifts available right here in the heart of Rugeley…
Wolf 458306 Windsor 5 Piece Wristwatch Box. Available at H.S. Johnson.
£65 £240.99 £126.65
Tommy Hilfiger 1791348 Men's Decker Wristwatch. Available at H.S. Johnson.
Calvin Klein K2G276G3 Men's City Chronograph Wristwatch. Available at H.S. Johnson.
£22
£100
32
ASUS ZenPad10. Available from Click IT
£4.99 each
A large range of hardware, DIY and gardening supplies. Available from Webb’s Hardware
E-Blue Cobra EHS902 Advanced Gaming Headset. Available from Click IT
Guv’nors Jumper. Available from Nib Nab’s Menswear
Leonardo Collection Fine China ‘Tractor’ Mugs. Available from Keeren's Kardz
£4.99 each
Leonardo Collection Fine China ‘Angling’ and ‘Aviation’ Mugs. Available from Keeren's Kardz
£6.99
A selection of vintage tools. Available from Webb’s Hardware
Tom Franks men’s caps. Available from Nib Nab’s Menswear
£29.50
1950s Cocktail Set. Available from Decodance
£45
£20
Bistec WR30M Wristwatch. Available in a range of different styles from MW Jewellery & Repairs
Gold Plated Silver Bracelet (30.3 grams) Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
£40 Sterling Silver Bracelet (22 grams) Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
Hoop Dancer Art Deco Style Figure. Available from Decodance
£20 French 1930s Modernist Art Deco Clock in Walnut and Chrome. Available from Decodance
£125
Sekonda Gold Plated Watch. Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
£29.95 (RRP £59.95)
Sekonda Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. Available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
Stockists: H.S. Johnson, 8 Anson Street, Rugeley, Staffordshire. WS15 2BB. Tel. 01889 583141 www.hsjohnson.com MW Jewellry and Repairs, Unit 1B, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Decodance, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Webb’s Hardware, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Nib Nab’s Menswear, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Click IT, Unit 26, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Keeren’s Kardz, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
£29.95 (RRP £59.95)
33
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
Earn extra money delivering magazines in various areas. Must be over 16
Call Marie 07548 682576
Rugeley & District Lions Club
W
hilst preparing for our Lion Hunt on the Cannock Chase with our colleagues from Staffordshire Search and Rescue Team it has become obvious that the increased paperwork required means that we do not have enough time to organise the event within the prescribed time. Accordingly we have agreed to postpone this until the New Year – further details regarding date and venue will be issued in due course. Rugeley
Lions
are
preparing
to
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
34
By Peter Fielding
welcome two members from Weschnitzal Lions Club in Germany who are part of a Twinning Association visit to the Haywood’s and Colwich but have also expressed an interest in contacting the local Lions Clubs. Finally, we are now stepping up a gear as we approach our busiest time of the year. Our Christmas Float (organised alongside our friends from Rugeley Rotary Club) is in full course of preparation and next month we will be publishing our Route. We are also preparing for our Toy Collection which
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
again will be presenting new toys to The Salvation Army just before Christmas. Further details will be announced soon but if you wish to contact us on this please get in touch with us on Facebook or direct to Lion Deb on 07970 380746.
If you would like to contact us or come along and join in with us to see exactly what we do (and how we do it!) we can be contacted via Facebook or our e-mail address at randdlions@hotmail.com. 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.
35