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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!
6 Win Theatre Tickets In our Garrick Competition 12 Window on the Past A visit to the Post Office
20 Looking for a Forever Home By Rugeley Welfare for Dogs 22 Your Image Beautiful pictures of our area
28 Beneath the Surface at Blithfield Exploring Beautiful Blithfield 32 Happy Mother’s Day! Perfect gifts for Special Moms
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
Rugeley & District Lions Club By Peter Fielding
HM The Queen has graciously consented to the holding of a Reception at Buckingham Palace later this month in recognition of the contribution made by Lions Clubs International and each individual Lion over the course of the past 100 years. HRH The Countess of Wessex is the Patron of Lions Clubs. Places are, obviously limited, and we are delighted that our President, Jane Stevenson, has been selected to attend. We are sure she will have a marvellous time.
In January we were joined by Rugeley Rotary Club in holding a social event to thank all volunteers who helped out with our Christmas Float. On that evening donations were made to Staffordshire Search and Rescue Team and Rugeley First Responders – both organisations assisted us over the course of the Float.
Win Tickets to The Importance of Being Earnest at The Lichfield Garrick! Citylife has teamed up with the Lichfield Garrick to offer one reader and their plus one the chance to win tickets to this fantastic production!
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he Importance of Being Earnest will play at the Lichfield Garrick from Tuesday 27 March until Saturday 31 March. Oscar Wilde’s much loved comedy The Importance of Being Earnest follows Jack Worthing’s endeavours to marry Algernon’s cousin, the beautiful Gwendolen. But first he must convince the fearsome Lady Bracknell of his respectability. Wilde’s classic play looks at the clash of town and country in a story of romance, identity, perambulators and capacious
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If you would like to 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 email address at randdlions@hotmail.com You are assured a warm welcome. handbags. Hannah Louise Howell will play Gwendolen, and she will be joined by Geoff Aymer, Louise Coulthard, Thomas Howes, Peter SandysClarke and Simon Shackleton, playing Chasuble, Cecily, Algernon, Jack and Lane/Merriman respectively. They join the previously announced Gwen Taylor as Lady Bracknell and Susan Penhaligon as Miss Prism. Hannah Louise Howell’s theatre credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Alastair Whatley earlier this year at South Hill Park Arts Centre. Geoff Aymer’s televsison credits include Guerilla and Eastenders and Louise Coulthard won the Lustrum Award at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe for her play, Cockamamy. Thomas Howes is best known for playing William Mason in ITV’s Downton Abbey. He has since appeared as Yashvin in the 2012 film adaptation of Anna Karenina and played Winston Churchill in Murdoch Mysteries. Peter Sandys-Clarke’s TV work includes The Royals, The Crown and Indian Summers and Simon Shackleton has appeared in EastEnders,
Silk, The Queen, Lewis and Torchwood. Tickets start from £23.50 and are available from the Box Office on 01543 412121 or www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Win, Win, Win!
To be in with a chance of winning a ticket for you and your plus one to see The Importance of Being Earnest on Tuesday 27 March at 7.30pm, just send your name and contact details to Importance of Being Earnest Competition, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS or email citylifecompetitions@gmail.com by the competition closing date of Friday 16th March. For full terms and conditions see page 34.
Congratulations to Katie and Gymophobics Rugeley!
Advertisement Feature
Gymophobics Rugeley has recently been presented with the ‘Team of the Year’ award at the recent Gymophobics annual conference. In addition, they are delighted to announce that Katie Woods, Gymophobics Rugeley member, has also won the Under 50s Slimmer of the Year award. They are immensely proud of Katie and all their members This comes on the heels of last year’s awards, where Gymophobics also won the awards for Best Performing Gym; Midlands Gym of the Year; Team of the Year and National Gym of the Year. Gymophobics is a ladies-only gym that combines brilliant, effective, exercise programmes (tailored to meet each member’s needs) with a team who are quite simply some of the loveliest people you will meet. Gymophobics specialises in low impact exercise. This means that whatever your goals and fitness levels, the professional and caring at team at Gymophobics can design your perfect fitness programme. Noone who walks through the door is ever made to feel uncomfortable, and with monthly memberships starting at just £30, it’s like having your own personal trainer without the high price tag!
gained more and more weight as most of us do when we are comfortable in a relationship. I never realised how much weight I'd gained until I went on holiday in 2013 and saw a photo of myself. That was the moment for me to change, I tried all sorts of exercise and diets but to no avail. I walked into Gymphobics in Rugeley and was given time, advice and a detailed programme to work to. A combination of positive/supportive staff and a tailored programme really started to make a difference. I didn't do any other exercise other than three times a week at the gym, I started at 11st and got down to 8st in just over a year. I of course changed my eating habits, with the support and expertise of the staff.
“I then fell pregnant in May 2017 and continued to work out and eat healthily until I was 35 weeks pregnant. Following the birth of my daughter I got back to the gym when she was 10 weeks old. The support from the staff was incredible and got me through some hard days when Katie Woods Katie Woods you're a new mom! Mentally and Before After physically I started to get back to the old me. I had a goal to get into a ball Many of us have health issues to contend with gown for 30th June - and with perseverance, a when making the step to get fitter, from joint and good programme and staff support I got there! I back pain to post-partum concerns. With the right am now working on maintaining a healthy help, you can achieve your fitness goals, and weight and enjoy working out three times a week Gymophobics will be with you every step of the - sometimes with my daughter in tow!” way. For more information about starting your Katie, winner of the Under 50s Slimmer of the journey to fitness, pop in to Gymophobics Year, commented: “After I got married in 2012, I Rugeley at 3 Market Street or call 01889 570708.
Saturday 17th March Plant Hunters’ Fair at the National Memorial Arboretum
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Alrewas, (DE13 7AR). 10am – 4.00pm FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair and Arboretum (P&D parking.) Popular plant fair featuring many highly-respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees and old heritage varieties. MORE Plant Hunter’s Fairs coming up during April at the Dorothy Clive Garden, Middleton Hall, Sandwell Valley Park, Consall Hall Gardens and Sugnall Walled Garden. Full details at www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
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A Story of Tragedy and Heroism
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By David Derry
round 10.40am on Saturday 12th November, 1938, a flight of nine twin engine Bristol Blenheim Bombers, from the 139th (Bomber) Squadron, based at RAF Wyton in Huntingdonshire, set out for a sports engagement at Aldergrove, in Ireland. The weather was not good with low cloud, drizzle and poor visibility.
On reaching Rugeley, the flight decided to return to RAF Wyton. Suddenly, one of the nine Blenheims was in trouble! It broke away from the formation, its left (port) engine starting to back-fire, with smoke and flames coming from it. Meanwhile, on the ground at 120, Green Lane, Mary Cox saw a dark ‘shadow’ and a loud ‘roaring’ noise coming from over the living room. She pulled her six year old daughter, Pamela, away from the window. A terrific explosion came from across the fields, between Park View Terrace and Fortescue Lane. Mary Cox and others came out of their homes and ran down to the crash site. What met them was a scene of utter devastation. Wreckage of smouldering, twisted metal, strewn over an area of a quarter of a mile. Tragically, nothing could be done for the three crew: (Pilot Officer) Robert Duncan Tate (age 23) from Newcastle on Tyne; (Wireless Operator) Robert Cyril Salter (aged 18) from Ironbridge, Shropshire and (Observer) Headley George Kennet (aged 27) from St Ives, Huntingdonshire. Men of RAF Ternhill, Shropshire turned
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up at the crash site to mount guard until the area was cleared. On the morning of Monday, 14th November, a RAF plane circled over the crash site, taking photographs for the forthcoming enquiry. Eyewitnesses said they saw the bomber breakaway from its flight, the left wing engine was spluttering and making loud noises, its pilot trying to find somewhere to land. Suddenly an explosion was heard! Thanks to the skill and heroism of Pilot Officer Tate, he avoided crashing his plane into the houses in Park View Terrace. He tipped the wing of his aircraft over the roof tops, before crashing. At the funerals of the aircrew, wreaths were sent from Officers and men of RAF Ternhill and the residents of Park View Terrace. There was an air ministry inquiry, but little is known of the outcome. In 1938 the Bristol Blenheim MK1 was a fairly new Bomber in service with the RAF, but it had its ‘teething problems’, especially with the twin Mercury Mk8
Engines. Back in 1938, between Green Lane and Fortescue Lane there were no housing estates and no Western Springs Bypass, only fields!
David Derry is a Member of the Landor (local history) Society
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A Window on the Past A Visit to the Post Office
Many of us remember times before electronic communication, when email, texts and messaging services were a long way in the future. Every generation seems to develop new ways of communicating, and in the 19th century the Royal Mail brought about its own revolution with the creation of the first postage stamp. Here, The Landor Society explores our Post Offices over the last 180 years.
In 1818, Rugeley’s Post Mistress was Mrs M. Martin in Market Street and 16 years later the service had moved to Horse Fair. From the 1860s until the early 1900s the Post Office was in Lower Brook Street. It then moved to Market Street until the new Office in Anson Street was built in 1911. There were Sub-post Offices at Horse Fair; Slitting Mill; Main Road, Brereton and Birch Lane, Brereton.
In 1900 the office, under Mr Earl, in Lower Brook Street was open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and for two hours on Sunday morning. There were three deliveries a day and the four wall letter-boxes in the town were cleared six times a day. Postage for letters was 1d (less than 1/2p) for up to 4oz!
1. A letter sent from the National Provincial Bank in Market Square showing the 1845 postmark.
2. A postcard, c.1905, when the Post Office was in Market Street, opposite ‘The Shrew’, in what had been the home of Dr. William ‘the poisoner’ Palmer.
3. Rugeley’s purpose-built Post Office in Anson Street. The postcard probably dates from before the First World War. It is certainly pre-1921, as the War Memorial has not been erected and the oak tree planted for the coronation of Edward VII in 1902 is
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still a sapling.
4. In the 1980s the Post Office acquired the neighbouring Forester’s Hall and erected a link between the two buildings.
5. The Sub-post Office at the corner of Horse Fair and Talbot Street, for many years run by the Frith family.
6. Brereton Antiques Centre on Main Road, which was the Post Office from 1966 till the mid-1970s. 7. Brereton’s Redbrook Lane Post Office in 1998
8. The Post Office Stores at Slitting Mill, now demolished, which was opposite ‘The Horns’.
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.
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My Month in Parliament By Amanda Milling MP
2018 is turning out to be a very busy year! A few weeks ago, I was honoured to be appointed an Assistant Government Whip. This new role means I have a range of new duties to fulfil in Parliament, one of the most challenging of these is ‘telling’. When MPs vote they go through either the ‘Aye’ or ‘No’ lobby and, as they leave, a whip is at the door physically counting them out – no computer, ballot paper or clicker counters. My first telling duties were on some very important Brexit votes – as you can imagine, counting upward of 300 MPs in such a short time, and in a very busy environment, tests your concentration. Once this task is complete, the teller has to announce the results to the Chamber, so you've got to get it right! Closer to home, I was recently delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, to Rugeley. During the visit I was able to discuss with him some of the issues that local rail passengers face and show him some of the improvements that we need to our railway stations, including improving the disabled access at Rugeley Trent Valley station and making the entry to and from the car park safer. These are issues I have raised in Parliament on numerous occasions so it was great for the Secretary of State to be able to see first-hand what I have been campaigning for. After being buried under a soil cap for over 18 months, the waste which has been burning at a farm in Slitting Mill has, at last, reached a point where the Fire Service can finally extinguish it, by pumping water into it through gaps in the stack. I will be pressuring all agencies involved to ensure all waste is removed once it is safe to do so, and that the High Court Injunction conditions are adhered to that prevent any more waste being returned to the site. In conjunction with Rugeley Town Council and Cannock Wood based company ATP I am holding a Jobs Fair at the Rugeley Rose Theatre on Friday 20th April, between 10am - 1pm. This will be a free event where job seekers can talk to businesses looking to recruit new people. If you are a business with jobs to advertise or someone looking for a job please call my office or visit my website for more details. Whilst I now have new duties in Parliament, I am still your Member of Parliament and I will continue to be out and about across the constituency when the House is not sitting. I will still be raising constituents’ concerns and local issues with Government Ministers, Departments and their agencies. As always if you have any issues or problems you need help with, please drop me an email on amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk or call 01543 877142.
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Decorative and Modern Arts Auction Success By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers
2018 got off to a flying start at Richard Winterton Auctioneers with their inaugural auction of Decorative & Modern Arts, where 95% of the goods on offer sold - many above estimate. As the market for antiques versus retro and modern design gathers momentum, this auction was very well received by collectors of second-half 20th and 21st century design. Items in the sale were all privately sourced from Lichfield and local surrounding areas. The first 101 lots of the sale were original paintings and prints, including works by Doug Hyde, Alexander Millar, Sir Terry Frost and Laurence Stephen Lowry, to name but a few. The top selling lot of the auction was achieved by lot 66, a signed, limited-edition print by Laurence Stephen Lowry RA (1887 – 1976) known as The Football Match, which sold for £2500. The second highest price of the auction was achieved by another print, this time the work of Sir Terry Frost RA (1915 – 2003), a limitededition colour screen print number 39 of 70 entitled ‘Life is just a bowl of Cherries’.
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Although numbered, titled and signed in pencil it was unmounted and unframed and sold for £2300. The auction also featured glass, ceramics, metalware, jewellery and bronzes. Items of note included lot 119 - a Lalique opalescent poissons bowl selling for £240 and lot 128 - a pair of Lalique ‘Two Flower’ perfume bottles realising £320. The furniture section of the sale was equally buoyant and saw lot 182 a handmade infinity cabinet on stand from the workshop of the late Andrew Varah (1944 – 2012) and dating from 2005, sell for £800. Three lots of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson were battled over, comprising two cheeseboards, ashtray and bookends, the collective total being £400. In this profession you never stop learning, and as the market changes and modern design becomes ever more popular, it is important to keep abreast of new areas of collecting. The flourishing market for certain furniture dating from the second-half 20th and 21st century by designers is a prime example of a very popular collecting area, and lots from this period sold
extremely well. Ercol is ever popular in the blond elm range of vintage pieces. The brand was represented by several lots in the sale and included an extending dining table with four chairs at £580 and a dressing table which took £320. Overall, this was a fantastic sale with lots of bidders attending in person, but many more viewing and buying from the sale via the online option. The next Decorative and Modern Arts sale will be held on Wednesday 11th April, entries are currently invited with a closing date of 12th March. For further information contact the office on 01543 251081
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The Hart School to consult on plans to unite upper and lower schools
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he Hart School in Rugeley has announced a consultation in respect of a proposal to unite its upper and lower schools on a single site. The Hart School was created two years ago with the merger of Hagley Park and Fair Oak schools. In its first year, the Hart School was ranked second of 25 schools in the area, and in 2016/17 it achieved pupil progress scores that placed it in the top 20% of all schools in the country.
The school’s leadership team has unveiled plans to create a new learning environment for its 1,200 pupils on the lower school site in Penkridge Bank Road. Additional investment
into the site will see the creation of a bespoke sixth form centre; additional classrooms; rooms for interventions and small group work; larger teaching spaces for ‘lecture style’ teaching delivery; improved dining facilities, including more outdoor eating areas and recreational space; and the redesign of the unused swimming pool building. In a letter to parents, carers and students, Chris Keen, the school’s Principal, said: “Whilst acknowledging the benefit of running both upper and lower schools, the cost of operating two sites is financially challenging. Our resources need to be focused on helping our pupils to succeed, providing more and better resources for their learning, rather than maintaining underused buildings and grounds across two sites.” The proposal aims to create a flexible school environment, enabling The Hart School to continue meeting the needs of the growing, local community; eliminate the ‘wear and tear’ on staff, who currently commute between the two sites, and reduce the school’s overall environmental footprint. Chris Keen added: “Our sixth form has enjoyed year-on-year improvements, resulting in increased attainment, with more students now being accepted into the top universities in the country. This year we are also delighted to announce applications to Cambridge University
for the first time. “With equal importance to these academic advancements, The Hart School has provided more fantastic opportunities for pupils to participate in both sporting and performing arts than ever before. Overall, The Hart School has stretching goals for its pupils and we believe that the proposal to move onto one site will continue to support all our ambitions.” All parents and interested members of the local community are being urged to take part in the consultation, which will include Q&A sessions, to help shape the next phase of the school's development. People wishing to make a comment or to register interest for the forthcoming events should email feedback@hartschool.org.uk.
How to Search Google Safely By Neil Fletcher
We all love Google, quickly finding everything we need on the Internet. It’s replaced dictionaries, encyclopedias, instruction manuals, newspapers and in some cases, even doctors! However, sometimes your search results aren’t the real thing and can be downright malicious. Here’s how to search safely:
Pay attention to the URL in Google Below every result title there’s a URL in green. No matter what the title says, this URL is where your click will take you. Unfortunately, cyber-criminals will often list their site with a familiar and trusted title but link you to their scam/malware pages. For example, the title could be your bank name which seems legitimate, but the URL could be www.baabpjhg.com which is obviously not your bank! Sometimes they’ll attempt to
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trick you by putting the real site into the link too, eg www.baabpjhg.com/examplebank.com which makes it even more likely to catch you out when skimming through results quickly. When you visit the page, it might look exactly like your bank’s site and ask for your login details, which are then harvested for attack. Whilst gibberish in the link is pretty easy to spot, sometimes they’ll take advantage of a small typo that you can easily miss. For example, www.exampebank.com (missing the letter L). Notice Google search results vs paid ads Google does a pretty good job at making sure the most relevant and legitimate sites are at the top of the list. However paid ads will usually appear above them. Most of the time, these paid ads are also legitimate (and you can quickly check the URL to verify), but occasionally cyber-criminals are able to promote their malicious site to the top and catch thousands of victims before being removed. Believe Google’s malicious site alerts Sometimes Google knows when something is wrong with a site. It could be a legitimate site
that was recently hacked, a security setting that’s malfunctioned, or the site was reported to them as compromised. When this happens, Google stops you clicking through with a message saying “this website may be harmful” or “this site may harm your computer”. Stop immediately, and trust that Google has detected something you don’t want in your house. Turn on safe search You can filter out explicit results by turning on Google Safe Search. While not strictly a cybersecurity issue, it can still provide a safer Google experience. Safe Search is normally suggested as a way to protect browsing children, but it also helps adults who aren’t interested in having their search results cluttered with inappropriate links, many of which lead to high-risk sites. Switch Safe Search on/off by clicking Settings > Safe Search. Need some help securing your system? Give Click IT a call on 01889 579990.
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Canines in need of companions Here, Ruth and Pauline from Rugeley Welfare for Dogs introduce us to four handsome young chaps who are looking for new owners and their forever homes.
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hief is a two year old Malamute cross who walks well on the lead. He is best suited to a home with no young children and an owner that is confident and competent in handling him. With boundaries, routine and love, Chief will thrive. Are you an experienced dog owner that can offer a permanent home to this cheeky chappy with bags of character?
Jet is a 22 month old Sharpei who loves to walk. He behaves well on the lead, although he isn’t good with cats. It takes a while for Jet to trust people and potential owners would need to visit a few times to build up a relationship. Once Jet does bond with someone he will reward them with love and affection. He’s a sweet boy who deserves a forever home – can you give him a chance? 20
Tyson is a two year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who needs a new home due to a change in his previous owner’s circumstances. Tyson is good with other dogs although he’s not yet been tested with cats (but this can be arranged if necessary). Tyson is a very relaxed boy and a joy to be around. He knows his basic commands and is house-trained. Staffies are sociable dogs and adore people and Tyson is seeking a new owner who will love him as much as he will love them. Caramel is a young Husky cross Collie who is only a year old. He is a really sociable and friendly boy who walks well on the lead and loves to play. Caramel has settled well into his foster home and is now ready for a firm and confident owner who
will establish boundaries. Caramel would be a great dog for someone who is active and loves the outdoors as he’s really enjoyed long walks with his foster family on the Chase.
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.
New premises, same great service at AG Autos
Since opening five years ago, AG Autos has gone from strength to strength with owner Tony Gofton consistently earning five star reviews and recommendations from customers, and building on his reputation as the go-to man for motorbike services and repairs in the local area. A recent move to larger premises on the Lea Hall Enterprise Park means that Tony can continue offering customers the friendly and first class service he is known and respected for in a well-equipped, modern and spacious workshop.
Specialising in repair, maintenance and tyre replacement, AG Autos caters for all makes of bike at competitive prices. Tony has always been passionate about bikes and knows how important it is for owners to feel confident that their pride and joy is in expert hands. Potential customers are welcome to call in for a no-obligation chat and to take a look at the premises, to make sure that AG Autos is the right place for them and their bike. Tony carries out all work to the highest standard and is always happy to go the extra mile for all his customers, no matter how big or small the job. In addition to motorcycles, AG Autos also offers car servicing, maintenance and
repairs, and MOTs can be arranged for customers. Anyone wishing to wait whilst work is carried out is welcome to stay and enjoy free refreshments in the reception area. AG Autos’ new premises are located at Unit 23, Lea Hall Enterprise Park, Wheelhouse Road, Rugeley WS15 1LH. Opening times are 8.30am until 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8am until 1pm on Saturdays. To book in your car or motorbike, or to make an enquiry, give Tony a call on 01889 577952. You can also find AG Autos on Facebook.
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Your Image Competition calling all photographers and artists!
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e’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 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
View over Rugeley Football playing fields - sky on fire by Angela Salisbury
Tree at the Meadows near Etchinghill by Marita Deeley
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The beautiful wildlife on our doorstep Image taken on Cannock Chase by Amy Lowbridge
The Chase Pub by Angela Salisbury
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Your Image Competition
Continued View next to Etchinghill cricket club by Geoff Salisbury
The Chase by Leslie Grindey
The Chase by Sue Hughes Sunrise over the power station in Rugeley by Petra Kuzmikova
The cold follower by James Austin
Sunset in January on the A5 near Gailey by Gaynor Tunnicliffe
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Chasewater by Poppy Frost
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.
New Job Club Comes To Rugeley
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
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new Job Club offering friendly support and guidance regarding employment issues is being piloted in Rugeley. Free sessions takes place every Tuesday at the Rose Theatre between 10am and 12 noon for anyone looking for advice and practical assistance to help them into work. The club is open to jobseekers of all ages and operates on a drop-in basis, so there is no need to book. The initiative is supported by Talent Match Staffordshire, Bromford Housing Association, Rugeley Town Council and Cannock Jobcentre and a range of help and advice is on offer, from interview techniques to writing CVs and completing application forms. There is also internet access to enable people to search for up to date employment opportunities. For young people aged between 18 and 24, who have been out of education, employment or training for over 12 months, additional support is on offer from Talent Match. A dedicated coach will work with young adults on their journey to employment, by offering a tailor made programme of mentoring, work experience placements and training opportunities and this holistic approach has helped many young people overcome the barriers they face. One of the coaches Citylife spoke to had recently worked with a young man who initially found it difficult to engage. Within a year, he had taken part in a range of activities, including community work and a team building residential course, all of which gave him the experience and the confidence he needed to start applying for apprenticeships. If you would like to find out more about Talent Match either call in at one of the Tuesday Job Club sessions at the Rugeley Rose Theatre, contact Jason Wright, Talent Match Team Leader, on 01543 301148, or visit www.talentmatchstaffs.org.uk Talent Match would also like to hear from you if you have some time to spare and have an interest in supporting the programme as a volunteer mentor.
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
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
01283 792923
36 Main Street, Alrewas, Burton Upon Trent. DE13 7AA
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An Immersive Experience £1,350
By Clive Marchant
Step inside a virtual world full of possibilities without leaving your living room. Our top 'treat yourself' pick for this month is a complete VR (Virtual Reality) Set Up with Gaming PC, Oculus Rift Headset and Oculus Touch Controllers £1,350. All available from Click It, Unit 26 Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
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DRY EYES? GET SOME RELIEF
Gift vouchers available
Here, Clive Marchant, dry eye specialist and managing director of Colin Lee Opticians talks about dry eye syndrome, and how to tackle it. Do your eyes often feel dry or irritated? Do certain activities, like reading or working on the computer make your eyes feel scratchy? Are you wearing your contact lenses less because they feel uncomfortable? If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may have what eye-care practitioners and doctors call dry eye syndrome. It’s a common problem but you don’t have to live with it. What is dry eye? Dry eye means that you might not be making enough tears, that the tears which are being produced are poor quality or that the tears that are produced evaporate away faster than they should. The normal function of the tears is to keep the surface of the eye wet and lubricated, so any shortage of tears or reduction in their quality can produce a gritty, burning sensation of the eyes and can also disturb vision. There are many symptoms of dry eye syndrome. They include: Dryness; burning, stinging or itching; a gritty feeling; irritation from wind or smoke; blurred or smeary vision; ‘tired eyes’; red eyes; excessive eye watering; photophobia (sensitivity to light) and contact lens discomfort. If you think you have dry eyes come and talk to us at Colin Lee Opticians. We run a specialist dry eye clinic where our opticians will assess your tears and look for possible causes of dryness. With the right advice and products we can often help you to experience a big reduction in dry eye symptoms. Our bespoke three month program will give you the best chance of getting rid of dry eyes forever.
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Beneath the surface at Blithfield
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By Kate Gomez
lithfield Reservoir was opened by the Queen Mother in October 1953. Work had commenced in 1947 after being delayed by the Second World War and in the six years it took to complete, almost 500 people were employed in its construction. Around one third of the labour force came from a unit of the Polish Re-Settlement Corp who were based at a nearby camp. Others lived on-site and each day buses would arrive with labourers from Rugeley, Lichfield and the Potteries.
The reservoir was created by damming the River Blithe and forcing the water into the adjacent valley, flooding around 790 acres of farmland. Trees, walls and other structures were submerged including Kitty Fisher’s Bridge which, according to local folklore, takes its name from a local woman who met with a tragic end. During periods of drought, such as the summer of 1976 when the reservoir was only 37% full, the water level is sometimes low enough to reveal surviving tree stumps and stonework, including the foundations of Blithfield Mill. The South Staffordshire Waterworks Company, as it was previously known, purchased the majority of the land for the reservoir from the Bagot family, along with their ancestral home Blithfield Hall which had fallen into disrepair. The hall, dating back to the 14th century, was later bought back by the 6th Baron, Caryl Bagot, who renovated it along with his wife Nancy. In 1961, Lady Bagot was able to buy the freehold from the family trust, to ensure that she could continue to restore Blithfield, even after her husband had died, something she continued to do until her own death in February 2014. The hall and the Bagot family have a long standing connection with the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance and each year, it is performed on the lawn in front of the house. Alongside the hall is the church of St Leonard which was originally constructed in the 13th century and contains the tombs and monuments of several members of the Bagot family. Outside, in a niche on the south wall of the church, is an effigy of a priest. Although
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Blithfield Church
Blithfield Reservoir
Horn Dance Blithfield Hall well worn by the elements, there are still traces of paint which once decorated the tomb, along with some interesting graffiti carved into the stonework. The churchyard also has the remains of a medieval cross, with a Victorian shaft and head sitting on top of the original steps and socket stone. Somewhere in the vicinity of the hall and church, there was once a medieval village too, believed to have been deserted by the 1500s. There are no above ground remains, but just as at the reservoir, traces of the past may lie hidden beneath the surface.
Medieval cross at Blithfield Church
Blithfield Reservoir
Priest effigy at Blithfield Church Sources: www.lichfieldcivicsociety.org.uk/reports/9 506_Reservoir_Visit.htm www.south-staffswater.co.uk/media/2070/the-history-ofblithfield-reservoir.pdf www.crsbi.ac.uk www.heritagegateway.org.uk
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Cannock Women’s Institute
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By Jill Gooch
ur recent meeting started with a talk by Audrey Hall on a ‘Slow Boat to London’ - her humorous tale of travelling by canal barge. After the talk, the meeting was extremely busy on the bookings front, with many events in the diary including: two holidays, two events run by S.F.W.I. at the County Showground and a W.I. Heathside Group meeting on March 1st with speaker and ‘Dialector’ Derek Poulson. Cannock W.I. are also running a coach trip to the Women’s History Group Jamboree at the Black Country Museum on 13th April 2018. This is a celebration to mark the centenary of some
women achieving the vote for the first time in 1918, and those women who contributed to the First World War effort. Member Janis Lomas has been collating Women’s Suffrage material to put on display at the conference.
We are delighted to welcome three new members: Elaine Moseley, Susan Green, and Dorothy Green, who have already got involved with events. A Bring and Buy stall was organised by Helen; who also supplied every member with a green heart badge to acknowledge the “Share the Love Campaign” which works to enlighten people about ways to care for the environment. Our Hearts theme continued with the competition this month being “a Valentine’s card”, and the winner, with a home-made card, was Win Gardiner. The raffle was won by Janet Cotton. Our W.I. meetings are on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am at St Luke’s Church Centre, Cannock. Visitors are always welcome to come and join us for refreshments and a chat. For further information on Cannock Women’s Institute contact the President on 01543 271617 or go to thewi.org.uk/staffordshire facebook.com/oakleafstlukes
New heathy living app needs volunteers
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eople in Staffordshire are being encouraged to help shape and design a healthy living app. The My Kin wellbeing mobile phone application is being developed by technology company Sentimoto, with help from Staffordshire County Council. The app helps people to ‘self-assess’ their health and well-being, using trusted NHS tools, and signpost them to appropriate local activities and organisations. People will also be able to create their own support network to help motivate them into leading a healthier lifestyle. The latest version of the app now includes a location feature which will let users know about wellbeing activities going on in their local area. Two small trials of the app were carried out last year, with the feedback gathered from more than 100 users directly influencing changes. Now, more people are being sought to use the app and feedback on how it should work. Volunteers should be aged over 40, live in Staffordshire and have a mobile phone that runs Android applications. For more information on the app, visit www.sentimoto.com/staffordshire-pilot
St. John’s Coffee Morning
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At St John's, Slitting Mill. First Wednesday of each month: 10.30am to 12 noon. All are welcome at this social, community event which is proving very popular and is well supported. £2.50 including tea/coffee and homemade cake. There is usually a bric-a-brac stall and raffle.
Lichfield Cathedral’s ‘Imagine Peace’
Lichfield Cathedral’s ambitious programme ‘Imagine Peace’ will bring together themed services, events and exhibitions to commemorate the end of the first world war.
In February the Cathedral has commissioned a bespoke two-year project of the Stations of the Cross ‘Imagining the Crucifixion’ by the Cathedral’s Artist in Residence Peter Walker (14th February – 2nd April). This will be followed by a free exhibition ‘Consequence of War’ (24th April – 28th June), drawing attention to the effect of World War One and the continued quest for peace in the subsequent century. Over the summer a new Icon will be painted in the Cathedral’s North Transept by the students of the Bethlehem Icon School. A special dedication service will take place in September as the Icon will be a permanent addition symbolising Christ’s sacrifice for the salvation of the world. Following the success of Jungle Book and Wall-E in 2017, the astro-turf in the Nave will be back and the Cathedral will be having its outdoor cinema experience indoors with a selection of war themed classics and family friendly films (6th – 11th August). The Great Exhibition ‘Imagine Peace’ (17th – 27th August) will be both inside and outside the Cathedral with a centre piece of 1,918 trees around the Cathedral. The trees will be planted in November to form a new Peace Woodland in Beacon Park. In September and October (17th September – 31st October) there will be a free display of Denis May prints which were inspired by the famous war poet Wilfred Owen. As we head into November there will be a series of special services and concerts of commemoration which will include the return of the poppies display from Before Action (8th – 11th November). As the end of the year quickly comes around Advent and Christmas will be brought together through a theme of ‘Peace on Earth’ with the usual services, events and illuminations. For more information visiting the website at www.lichfield-cathedral.org/peace.
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Gift cards in £5 denominations Available from The Little Wool Shop Photo frame £9.99 and jewellery dish £6.99 – Available from Keeren’s Kardz
Hannah’s Secret eau de parfum, mini perfume and body scrub £9.99 – Available from Lipstick, Powder and Paint
Laghmani’s Strawberry eau de parfum £4.99 and The High Life eau de parfum £6.99 – Available from Lipstick, Powder and Paint
Large boxed card £3.50 and medium boxed card £2.50 – Available from Kereen’s Kardz Sterling silver, opal and CZ pendant £29.95 – Available at MW Jewellery and Repairs Sterling silver and CZ drop earrings £35 – Available from MW Jewellery and Repairs
Cream and grey with metallic handle bag £15 – Available from AJ’s Closet
Silver drop earrings by Carat London £240 Available from City Jewellers
Sterling silver, blue and pink CZ bracelet £39.95 – Available at MW Jewellery and Repairs
Small vanity case £11.99 and Large vanity case £15.99 – Available from Lipstick, Powder and Paint
Happy Mother’s Day!
Silver heart bracelet by Shaune Leane available in three colour ways £210 - Available from City Jewellers
Cream quilted bag £25 – Available from AJ’s Closet
St. Tropez salon tanning treatment gives you a flawless, professional finish. Available in Classic Mist for a sun-kissed glow, Dark Mist for a deep bronze and Sensitive Mist for sensitive skin. Full Body £22, Half Body £15, Legs only £10. Available at Erase. Gift vouchers available.
A range of homemade cupcakes starting at £1 per cake – Available from Angela’s Cupcakes and Gifts
Perfect gifts for special Mums…
Stockists: The Little Wool Shop, Unit 16, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, 14 16 Brewery Street Rugeley WS15 2DY City Jewellers of Lichfield, 39 Market Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LA. Kereen’s Kardz, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Angela’s Cupcakes and Gifts, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
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Crochet set in fabric case £8.50 and 24 piece crochet set plus case £10.50 Available from The Little Wool Shop
Mother's Day Gift Box - choose your own contents to the price of your choice - Available from The Little Wool Shop
Raspberry tote £15 – Available from AJ’s Closet
Mumjii nail paint pots £2, Everything a Girl Needs Cosmetic Brush Set £5, Yardley gift set £2.50 and makeup bags £2 – Available from Angela’s Cupcakes and Gifts
MW Jewellery and Repairs, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Lipstick, Powder and Paint, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY Erase UK, 1 Tudor Row, Lichfield, WS13 6HH AJ’s Closet, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY
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Are You a Coin Collector?
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
If you’re a coin collector, visit Gary Starkey's coin cabinet in Lichfield Antique Centre (next to Minster Pool), Lichfield for coins and artefacts from early to modern. For more information call 07779 064271
Earn extra money delivering magazines in various areas. Must be over 16
Call Marie 07548 682576
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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