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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!
CITYLIFE Contacts
Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb josscitylife@gmail.com Deputy Editor - Kristen Lackajis 07885 380632
kristencitylife@gmail.com Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com Advertising -
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Adele Edwards 07729 590072 adelecitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In Lichfield
www.citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk Citylife in Lichfield Ltd does not endorse any business or organisation appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement, editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an endorsement by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
e n i z a g a M l a c o Your L
Inside...
11 Win Afternoon Tea for Two & Gift Vouchers Courtesy of Cyril’s Tearoom & Vintage Emporium and Piper Nurseries
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14 A Window on the Past This month, we take a look at Great Haywood
............................. 20 Tastes of the Season By Simon Smith
............................. 28 Mossley The canalside location is in the limelight
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30 Perfect Gifts for Mum Spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day
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Become a Volunteer and Give Something Back By Reverend David Evans
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We have started this year at St Augustine’s, Rugeley, by seeking to recruit volunteers from the community to help keep the church open for more hours of the week. Volunteering is a great way to enrich our community. Over the past couple of years we have been trying to open the church up more, to be a place that supports and welcomes people at different times of their lives, and to engage with issues concerning us all, like supporting good mental health. We can become a hub where people receive pastoral support and where they can give something back to the community. We are told by the experts that there are great benefits for volunteers. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. Volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness. If you would like to volunteer at St Augustine’s, or any other church, email bandrparish@gmail.com or visit www.brateamministry.org/work-opportunities. Rev David M A Evans is Team Rector, Brereton, Rugeley and Armitage Team Ministry.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
March ................................ By Piper Nurseries
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By mid-March spring is, more often than not, well on its way. The increase in bright, sunny days provides the perfect opportunity to step up your time in the garden. It’s a busy time of year, with seed-sowing to be done, the cutting back of winter shrubs and generally tidying for the summer months ahead. Now is the time to move deciduous trees and shrubs, provided that your soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged of course. You should also lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials. If your plants need supports then get these in the ground now so they have chance to grow up and through them. Putting supports in at a later date is always a trickier task and can end up looking unsightly. Fertilise your beds by working a layer of compost or well-rotted manure into the soil. You can also use pelleted chicken manure, or fish bone and blood. Don’t forget to top dress your containers with fresh compost as well.
Cannock Women’s Institute
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By Jill Gooch
ur meeting fell on Valentine’s Day, but instead of red hearts, members wore green heart badges to acknowledge the “Show the Love Campaign” and raise awareness of the effects of climate change. President Helen shared details of the programme that is being planned by the committee for the next Presidential year, starting in April 2019, which will contain some interesting speakers. These will be interspersed with interactive craft events as we are trying to encourage communication, the sharing of personal skills and knowledge. Testing our knowledge - two teams have entered the SFWI (Staffordshire County) Quiz which will see some 90 teams competing on general knowledge questions to win the County Cup. Wish us luck! The speaker this month, Janis Lomas (pictured), a local historian and author, bought to life some of the lesser known characters of the suffragette movement entitled “Scandalous Women: 19th Century Women who Helped Change British Society”. Meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at 10.30am at St Luke’s Church Centre, Cannock. Visitors are welcome to come and join us for refreshments and a chat.
Get on top of your weeds early by hoeing and mulching where needed to keep them under control. Seedlings and new growth on herbaceous plants in spring are most at risk from the onslaught of slugs so ensure you adequately protect new shoots. Plant summer-flowering bulbs now and, if you have a vegetable patch, plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes. Spring grass growth tends to begin in March so pick a nice, dry day and mow your lawn if needed. As this will most likely be your first mow of the year, set your blades on a slightly higher cut setting. Cut Cornus (dogwood) and Salix (willow), grown for colourful winter stems, right back to their bases. Prune bush and climbing roses to encourage strong new growth. Visit Piper Nurseries and Plant Centre for all your gardening needs at The Nurseries, Watling Street, Gailey, ST19 5PR.
The Ridwares W.I.
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By Dot Boulton
he January meeting welcomed a large audience with speaker Joanne Massey, former maid to Patrick Anson, better known as Lord Lichfield, of Shugborough Hall. Joanne regaled the meeting with tales of life at the estate but also emphasised how staff were made to feel part of the family. Her position involved working Friday to Sunday when Lord Lichfield entertained house guests and duties included unpacking suitcases, assisting the cook and serving dinner, tidying the reception rooms and turning down the beds. Many well-known people enjoyed weekends at Shugborough, such as the King of Greece, Frederick Forsyth and Jackie Stewart. The W.I. competition, ‘A Favourite Apron’, was won by Helen’s beautiful embroidered example. The next Community Coffee Morning will be held on Tuesday 5th March, 10.30am to 12 noon at the village hall. As it is Shrove Tuesday there will be pancake races, although participation is not mandatory! The next meeting of The Ridwares W.I. will be held on Tuesday 19th March, where Cas Bailey will be speaking on ‘Handcuffs to Hot Glass’. New members always welcome. Just come along or telephone 01543 492136 for details.
J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD
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
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
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Happy Ever After
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By Rugeley Welfare for Dogs
his month, Ruth and Pauline of Rugeley Welfare for Dogs share some success stories with us about pooches they have happily rehomed.
Rosey is a gentle old girl who came to the attention of Rugeley Welfare after one of her owners sadly passed away. The rest of the family worked long hours so were unable to dedicate the time needed to caring for a dog. Rosey is now living with a lovely couple and has settled in very well. Sammy is another older lady whose owners’ circumstances changed forcing them to give her up. Pauline and Ruth found a couple who are very active and enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. They already had three other dogs, a donkey, a pony, chickens and many more animals on their small holding. Sammy settled in immediately - she loves playing football and going with Sue to feed the other animals. Buddy is a young spaniel who now lives with Bill. He is a very lively character and needed a bit of training at first, but after three weeks Buddy was walking off the lead and by Bill’s side. They make a great team and enjoy walking for miles every day.
Sammy
Rosey
Holly
Buddy
Holly is now living with new owners Christine and Ray. She has had her vet check and has been going out on lots of walks which have helped her to lose weight. Holly is very happy in her new home.
Looking for Homes
Millie Millie is a nine-year-old female Sharpei. She is currently living with two other dogs and is great with children. Millie is not spayed or microchipped but she is up to date with all her vaccinations. Dixie A six-year-old female Sharpei cross, Dixie currently lives with other dogs and loves to be around people. She is not spayed but she is microchipped and fully up to date with vaccinations.
Rani
Dixie
Rani Rani is a pedigree Staffordshire Bull Terrier. She is five years old and currently living with two other dogs. Rani is fine with children and, although she is not spayed or microchipped, she is up to date with current vaccinations.
For more information on Rugeley Welfare for Dogs, or if you think you could offer a home to a dog in need, then please call Ruth on 07900 090993 or Pauline on 07971 817877. Alternatively, visit facebook.com/rugeleydogswelfare. Please note that a home visit and a donation will be required.
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Millie
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Watch out! That vintage gem ‘worn down the garden’ could be worth a fortune By Adrian Rathbone, Associate Director of Hansons Auctioneers If a spring clean beckons and an old watch is discovered in a dusty drawer, never dismiss it because it might be worth a life-changing sum. Hansons Auctioneers, which holds free valuation events at Lichfield’s Hedgehog Inn every Monday, witnessed this at its recent Fine Art Auction at Staffordshire’s Bishton Hall where a vintage watch sold for a record £51,100. The Tudor Rolex steel Oysterdate watch had been ‘worn down the garden’ by the owner and at work in the construction industry. Bought for around £300 in the early 1970s, it sparked an international auction room bidding battle eventually selling for more than 17 times its low estimate. We’d love to see more vintage and luxury watches like this as they are highly collectable right now. Our quarterly auctions specialising in watches such as Rolex, Cartier, Patek and Jaeger le Coultre are witnessing record prices. Such was the battle to own the Tudor watch, which is related to superstar brand Rolex, six phone bidders from the UK and around the world, including Hong Kong, competed against internet and advance bidders to secure the item. The watch was finally sold to a French internet bidder competing against a UK phone bidder. Though the hammer price was £51,100, the This rare Tudor watch buyer’s premium took the total price to an eye sold for a record watering £63,364. £51,100 at auction.
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Desirable watches are likened to rare cars and wealthy collectors will stop at nothing to acquire the best examples for their collection. The watch belonged to the late husband of a 74-year old retired office worker. Naturally, she was over the moon. Never in her wildest dreams did she expect it to fetch that kind of money. Her husband was a keen collector of watches. The Tudor watch soared at auction because it was a rare and early example in exceptional condition. Omega, Cartier or Longines watches are also keenly Hansons jewellery valuer Isabel Murtough with the watch which sought after. she auctioned. Hansons offers free jewellery, Image courtesy of Hansons watches and general antiques and collectables valuations every Monday from 10.30am-12.30pm at The Hedgehog Inn, Stafford Road, Lichfield, WS13 8JB which is held in aid of St Giles Hospice. Entries are now invited for Hansons’ March 28-April 4 Spring Jewellery, Watches, Fine Art & Library Auction. To find out more, email arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
Win
Afternoon Tea for Two plus Gift Vouchers .........................
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tep back in time at Cyril’s Tearoom & Vintage Emporium, and get green fingered at Piper Nurseries and Plant Centre… the perfect way to treat your Mum this Mother’s Day! Inspired by afternoon tea ‘how it should be’, you’ll find a selection of homemade treats, including sandwiches, cakes and scones, as well as family favourites like the full English breakfast, on offer at Cyril’s. What’s more, it’s all served on traditional vintage-style crockery to really add to the ambience. Piper Nurseries, a family-run business now in its fourth generation, prides itself on being an independent grower of quality produce. From humble beginnings in 1947, Piper Nurseries has grown to become a bustling retail establishment, providing everything the discernible gardener could need, while still offering a friendly and personal service. Would you like to treat your Mum this Mother’s Day? Cyril's and Piper's have joined forces to offer you the chance to win an afternoon tea for two at Cyril’s Tearoom, plus you’ll also receive a £10 gift voucher each to spend in Piper Nurseries retail outlet! Question: This year, what day does Mother’s Day fall on? a) Thursday b) Saturday c) Sunday
To enter, just send your name, contact details and answer to Cyril’s and Piper’s Competition* at competitioncitylife@gmail.com or post your entry to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS by the competition closing date of Friday 8th March 2019. One entry per household. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will not be offered a cash equivalent. Please note you must be 18 or over to enter. All entrants’ information is processed in line with GDPR Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy go to citylifeinlichfieldltd.co.uk. Full competition terms and conditions on page 34.
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The Chase Parkinson’s ................................. Support S Group .......................... Everyone Health Teams Up with the Council
Advertising Feature
taffordshire County Council has teamed up with the leading health provider, Everyone Health, to provide 12 weeks’ worth of friendship and activity across the district for its older citizens.
Fancy a chat, some information or just a coffee?
Run on a weekly basis, the groups give men and women over the age of 50 the opportunity to get together, make new friends and join in with a range of crafts and activities, such as painting bird boxes, picture quizzes, cooking demonstrations and health walks.
Please join members of The Chase Parkinson’s Support Group at their Rugeley Coffee Mornings at The Red Lion Pub, Brereton.
10.30am – 12.30pm
Coffee Mornings are held on the third Thursday of every month, starting from Thursday 21st March 2019. Don’t forget our monthly meetings at The Aquarius, Hednesford at 7.30pm on the last Monday of every month. Everyone is very welcome. Contact Harry at harry.wilkes46@gmail.com or on 07817 743196.
Cannock and District Ladies Probus
The groups are currently held at the following venues: • Wesley Court, Cannock, on Wednesdays from 10.30am-12pm • The Avon Business and Leisure Centre, Cannock, on Wednesdays from 5.30pm-6.30pm • Saint Barbara House, Rugeley, on Mondays from 10.30am-12pm • Bethany Church, Chadsmoor, on Fridays from 10.00am-12pm • The Roundhouse Room, Stafford, on Thursdays from 5.30pm-7pm • Salvation Army, Stafford, on Fridays from 11.30am-1pm The groups are free for local residents and all resources, as well as tea and coffee, are provided. For more information, or to book a place, call Everyone Health on 03330 050095.
By Jill Gooch
personal life with her interests of caravanning and her organisation of many charity events. Meetings for Cannock and District Ladies Probus are held on the first Thursday of each month at The Chase Golf and Country Club. New members are warmly welcomed. For further information, contact the secretary on 01543 505578, or visit www.probusonline.org.
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utgoing Chairman, Sheila Burrows, hosted the A.G.M. of Cannock Ladies Probus at The Chase Golf and Country Club, Pottal Pool where she thanked all the officers who had helped ensure she had a successful and enjoyable year of office.
Members had enjoyed a variety of speakers, trips and holidays during the year, and are looking forward to a similarly varied programme planned by Chrissy Whereat and the new Chairman, Margaret Thompson, who was welcomed in to office with a change of insignia. Margaret gave us a little insight into her 12
Outgoing Chairman Sheila Burrows welcomes new Chairman Margaret Thompson.
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A Window on the Past This month, the Landor Society ends the excursion along the old London road at the village of Great Haywood.
Great Haywood
The house on the corner of Tolldish Lane, known as the Old Toll House, replaced an earlier Toll House which was situated nearer the Fox and Hounds. The baby born there on 1st January 1817, and baptised at Colwich Church, grew up to be the renowned artist Thomas Peploe Wood. 1. The square c.1900, with the Clifford Arms on the extreme right. 2. The Clifford Arms in the 1920s, after the 19th century façade had been replaced with a mock-Tudor frontage. The original structure was built around 1650 as a posting inn. 3. A pre-1914 postcard of Trent Lane, which led to Shugborough. The houses on the left were built in 1806 as accommodation for Shugborough Hall staff. 4. The Essex Bridge over the River Trent, showing the triangular pedestrian refuges. Carts and carriages would have crossed using the shallow ford alongside. There has been a bridge here since the 16th century. 5. The canal lock (off Trent Lane) on the Trent and Mersey Canal. The lock keeper’s house is on the right, with a warehouse beyond. 6. On the 5th March 1905 there was a fatal motor accident at
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Haywood Mill. A car drove through the bridge parapet, when its steering failed, and plunged into the river. The chauffeur and one passenger survived. The body of the second passenger was thought to be trapped in a deep pool. It was decided to divert the river and the postcard shows fire-engines pumping the pool dry. The body was eventually recovered three weeks later, half a mile downstream. 7. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, originally built as a family chapel for the Clifford family at Tixall Hall. When the Cliffords left Tixall the church was dismantled and rebuilt on its present site in Great Haywood. 8. The interior of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church. The Landor (local history) 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
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St Paul’s Methodist and United Reformed Church
Exciting Outreach Opportunity
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e are seeking to appoint a full time Church & Community Worker for two churches within the Cannock Chase circuit of the Methodist Church - St Paul’s, Rugeley and Handsacre Methodist. We are looking for a self-motivated person to work with families, groups and individuals in our communities in order to build Kingdom growth and encourage mission and outreach. The appointment will initially be for three years. The salary will be £20,000 - £23,000 dependent on experience and qualifications. The normal working pattern will be 35 hours per week. For more information, or an application form, please contact Mrs. Elaine Croft on telephone number 01889 881487 or by email at elaine@croftsmail.com. The closing date for applications is 26th February 2019 with an interview date of 8th March 2019.
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Tastes of the Season Treat your Mum for Mother’s Day By Simon Smith
Many restaurants are offering a Mother’s Day menu but nothing quite beats a home cooked meal to show Mum how special she is.
This doesn’t need to be complicated and should be something that can be prepared in advance so you can spend the maximum time with your Mum on her special day. This month I’m going for an easy two-course meal, starting with surf and turf with a garlic butter followed by a rum and sultana cheesecake, which can be made a couple of days in advance.
Surf and Turf with Gratin Potatoes
in their skins until cooked. Leave to cool overnight in the fridge. Peel the potatoes and slice thickly. Lay in an ovenproof dish and season with grated nutmeg, salt and pepper. Top with double cream and grated cheddar. These will need 25 minutes in a preheated oven at 180 degrees to cook and brown off. Skewer the king prawns and brush with olive oil. These can be cooked in the oven or under the grill. Peel and finely chop the garlic. To cook the steak, heat a frying pan with a dash of olive oil until it starts smoking. Season the steak just before it goes into the pan and then place into the hot oil. Cook to your liking and then take it out, but keep it warm and rest it for two minutes while you make the sauce. In the pan you used for the steak, pour the wine, add the garlic and reduce by half. Whisk the butter in and add the parsley. Serve the king prawn skewer on the fillet steak and top with the garlic butter. Serve the potatoes on the side.
Rum and Sultana Cheesecake
2ozs sugar 4x chocolate Hob Nobs 1oz butter
Method
Put the sultanas in a small dish with the rum, orange juice and zest and cook in the microwave for 1 minute so the juice becomes hot and the sultanas become soft. Allow to cool. Mix together the Philadelphia, mascarpone and sugar. Add the sultanas and stir together to create the cheesecake mix. Crush the Hob Nobs and add the melted butter, stir together until blended. Pipe the cheesecake mix into a cocktail glass and sprinkle with the biscuit crumb. This can be done the day before and kept in the fridge. For the chocoholics amongst you, a good portion of chocolate sauce on the bottom makes a lovely addition. Garnish with a few edible flower petals for a professional flourish.
Chocolate Sauce
4ozs dark chocolate 74% 2ozs full milk 2ozs double cream
Method
Melt together gently in the microwave and stir until fully blended.
4 x 3ozs beef fillet medallions 8 x king prawns 1x clove garlic ½ glass white wine 4ozs butter 2x tbsp. chopped parsley (it keeps the breath fresh, in theory!) 2x large Maris Piper potatoes 4ozs double cream 2ozs grated cheddar Grated nutmeg Olive oil
Method
The day before you need them, boil the potatoes
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Simon Smith runs a catering business from his production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event catering. Simon also undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers. During the summer months Simon works for private clients both on superyachts and in villas in St Tropez and Europe. If you are looking for catering or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmith-chef.com *All recipes serve four people
1x shot of rum 1x orange zest and juice 3ozs sultanas 5ozs Philadelphia cream cheese 5ozs mascarpone
**Please take extra care when preparing and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details.
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Rugeley & District Lions News By Peter Fielding
Due to a somewhat hectic December, we have been resting a little this month. However, ideas have been raised to consider for the coming year and more details will be available soon. This month, the Club has made donations to Asthma Relief for the provision of a nebuliser and maintenance which lasts for around five years; Cruse Bereavement Care South Staffordshire who provide help to bereaved families; Citizens Advice in Rugeley to assist in the updating of
Members of Rugeley & District Lions Club presenting a cheque to Rugeley Citizens Advice.
their computer systems; and Activity Alliance (formerly English Federation of Disability Sport) which is an organisation dedicated to ensuring that disabled people can be active in life. There was also a social event were members attended a band night
fundraiser for students going to Ecuador. If you wish to find out more about us and what we do, please contact us at randdlions@hotmail.com or via our Facebook page.
SSD: Make Your Old Computer Your New Computer
Advertising Feature
Running the Best Security Software - By Neil Fletcher
The solid-state drive (SSD) has swiftly become the go-to upgrade to breathe new life into an ageing computer, and for good reason too. An SSD swiftly brings an old laptop or desktop up to date with modern machines in just a single step. The price of solid-state memory has fallen dramatically in recent years. As costs have dropped, the popularity of the technology has increased exponentially. At one time an SSD was a rare treat for serious PC enthusiasts, now it's cheaper and more readily available than ever. No other single solution is as cost-effective, quick to swap, and impressively effective as swapping out an old hard drive in favor of the faster and more modern SSD. Out with the Old The hard disk drive (HDD) is a technology that dates back as far as the 1950s. They became the default solution all PCs would use for decades to come. Most old laptop and desktop machines still contain their original, worn hard drives they left the factory with. The HDD was a mostly mechanical device. Inside a solid outer casing was a series of spinning disks arranged in a delicate stack known as a platter. Each disk could read and save data using a tiny needle moving across the disk's surface.
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The technology looked and worked much like a miniature record player. Like a record player, widely in use at the time that hard drives were developed, the hard drive had some serious drawbacks in their use. The series of tiny disks and needles that made up the HDD were incredibly fragile. Vulnerable to dust or movement, computers commonly succumbed to hard drive failures that rendered the machine and its stored data unusable. Occasionally, simply moving a laptop while reading or writing data can damage a hard drive's spinning disk. In with the New The primary reason to switch to a more modern SSD, on top of their impressive durability, is the incredible increase in speed. The SSD has no moving parts at all, working more like a digital camera memory card than a vinyl record player. An SSD simply makes the process of retrieving and saving data to storage many times faster. Eliminating the mechanical component, removing the need to move a physical disk, and not needing to physically pick up the data means a much faster and smoother operation. Computer startup, where the operating system loads all its data from storage, can take as little as one-quarter of the time of a comparable HDD. Additionally, loading regular applications and data from an SSD takes a fraction of time of an HDD. An SSD completely breathes new life into an old machine. Computers with an SSD replacement for the hard drive feel like using an entirely new machine for a fraction of the cost.
Replacing the main mechanical component additionally eliminates wear and tear working to break down your machine. While an HDD slows over time, degrades, and can eventually suffer mechanical failure; an SSD remains as durable as the day it was purchased. Ideal Laptop Upgrade In a laptop setting, the SSD makes complete sense. They require less power than older hard drives, making the most of your battery charge. In addition, not needing a large disk platter, mechanical parts, or protective outer case means they are about half the weight of a mechanical drive. Making an old machine lightweight brings it another step closer to a modern machine. They run almost silently too. The familiar clickclack of the hard drive inside a laptop is a thing of the past. Many users comment on the noise their laptop used to make starting up and loading programs. Noisy laptops are a tech throwback we're happy to leave behind. For many who feel like their old laptop or desktop is showing its age, the prohibitive cost of purchasing a whole new machine keeps them invested in their old one. A simple, fast SSD upgrade can make your old machine new again at a much smaller price. If swapping long startups, and slow load times sounds right for you, consider upgrading to an SSD. You won't look back. Give us a call at 01889 579990, and we can give your machine a new lease of life.
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AG Autos Rugeley AG Autos Rugeley offers a fast, friendly and professional service in a clean and modern workshop. Specialising in motorcycle MOTs, repair, maintenance and tyre replacement, AG Autos caters for all makes of motorbike at competitive prices. AG Autos also offers car servicing, maintenance and repairs, and MOTs can also be arranged for customers. AG Autos is located at Unit 23, Lea Hall Enterprise Park, Wheelhouse Road, Rugeley, WS15 1LH. Opening times are Monday-Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, and Saturday 8am - 1pm. To book in your car, motorbike, or to make an enquiry, please call Tony on 01889 577952. You can also find us on Facebook! What our customers say... “Thanks again to Tony and the chaps. Great service, trust worthy and value for money by guys who are passionate about their job. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.” Andrew
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“Amazing service, great chaps and did a amazing job on my carbs bike now runs sweet, be back for balancing, cheers lads.” Kurt “Absolutely brilliant, so glad to have found this place. Tony is a top guy and very helpful, thanks!” Alan
Rugeley Probus Club
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ugeley Probus Club is a small friendly group for retired and semi-retired men and women to meet others with similar interests and make new friends.
The club meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at St Paul’s Community Hall, Lichfield Street, Rugeley, from 10am-12pm.
The next meeting is to be held on 13th March and will feature newspaper editor, John Butterworth MBE, speaking about his “Off the Beaten Track” journey that he and seven friends made across Europe, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to deliver a Land Rover to a leprosy hospital in Pokhara, Nepal. For further information please contact Neil Gardner on 01952 691411.
Please mention Citylife in Rugeley when responding to advertisements
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GEM Carpets and Beds
From humble beginnings in Heath Hayes, GEM now has four branches within the local area, with the latest showroom opening in Lichfield. GEM offers an enormous range of carpets and other flooring types to suit any budget or specification, featuring anything from 100% wool for that luxurious feel to 100% manmade fibres for unbeatable stain resistance. Whether it’s a plain, patterned, flecked or textured carpet you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it here. GEM supplies any carpets from all the big brand names in the carpet industry, and also
Advertising Feature
carries an extensive range of its own brand stock and roll-ends ready to take away. With a professional and highly experienced team of fitters, GEM not only supplies your new flooring but can install it too. With fitters trained in all areas, from carpets and vinyl to specialised flooring (such as luxury vinyl tiles from Moduleo, Polyfloor and Distinctive, or laminates, woods and commercial flooring) there is no job too big or too small. The GEM showroom in Rugeley has recently been refurbished to offer an even wider range of beds and mattresses. From
Advertising Feature
Established in 1984, GEM Carpets and Beds is a family run business with more than 30 years’ worth of experience within the industry. single to super king size, there are over 80 display models and many more available, from top-name brands such as Silentnight, Slumberland, Myers, Reylon and Dunlopillo. Be it a divan, metal or wooden frame, an ottoman-style or a bed with drawer storage, GEM’s vast range makes it easy to find the perfect bed for you. Find GEM Carpets and Beds at Unit 7, Trent Business Park, Power Station Road, Rugeley, WS15 2HS.
Leamore Windows
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eamore Windows has been trading for 36 years and is still run by brothers Martin and Gary Hackett.
The showroom is one of the largest in the area and features the firm’s brand new collection of doors and windows, with all products being upto-date with the latest technical specifications. Being a manufacturer of its own double-glazed units, Leamore Windows abides by the stringent demands of FENSA to ensure that all products are A rated for energy efficiency, and meet the needs of current building regulations.
Having invested heavily in new machinery to ensure high quality in all areas of manufacture, the company is expanding further still and has recently built a new unit to employ more staff due to increased demand of both the new build market and to meet the needs of the trade supply.
At Leamore Windows, there are no high-pressure sales people driven by commission. Instead you are greeted with a friendly smile and given space to browse through the vast collection in the showroom. Should you choose to make a purchase, you will be handled by the same person from start to finish, giving you reassurance that you’re a valued customer. Leamore Windows Ltd is located at Leamore Lane, Bloxwich, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 7QZ.
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Mossley Through the Ages ......................
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his month, The Landor Society remembers the canalside dwelling of Mossley with the help of a born and bred resident of the area. In medieval times, Rugeley had three common open fields - Upfield, Churchfield and Hodgley. Hodgley lay to the east of the town. Its western boundary ran from Mossley to Lichfield Street, along Forge Road and Leathermill Lane to the River Trent. In Elizabethan times, Forge Road and Leathermill Lane were known as “Ryverline” (River Lane) and according to W.N.Landor there were, by this time, two or three cottages known as Mossley on Lee Lane (now Armitage Road). The Trent and Mersey Canal was put through the area in the 1770s, with the bridge over the canal, now more than 240 years old, still standing today. A lime kiln about 50 yards past Mossley Bridge was in existence before 1820 and no doubt made use of the canal. Traces of the lime works were still visible in the late 1940s. The first mention in directories of the Mossley Inn is in 1834 when John Aldritt had a beer house “at the canalside.” A year later the address is specified as Mossley. From about 1860 to the late 1890s it was kept by various members of the Willis family, then by George Clements, William Craddock and, by the 1920s, was run by John Henney.
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Local resident, Neville Cordon, has poignant memories of Mossley Field.
“An ancient hedge and ditch guards the eastern end. The hedge gives a sense of time and place, being made up of blackthorn, hazel, thorn, ash, holly, oak, with honeysuckle clinging and weaving its own way. The hedge stands just back from the cottage it protects. In spring, birds nest in the thickest parts, in the peaty leaf mould in the bottom a pair of partridge could be sitting on eggs.
Photos 1. Derelict houses near the canal in 1985 2. The sad state of Mossley in June 1999 3. The canal from Mossley Bridge 4. Mossley Inn, Armitage Road (sign taken down in 1992)
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“Beyond, the field is just rough grass but is a home to skylarks, and hares show their love for it. Yet, in the distant past, men had worked the land. Raised mounds of field strips still show clearly – about 14 yards wide.Then one day, engineer James Brindley and his navigation men, severed these strips like a surgeon’s knife operating on a patient. The strips faded away, but in part the field continued for another 200 years. “Brindley left the town with the Trent and Mersey Canal, a well-worn friend that runs round the edge of the town. But, over the years, the land that Brindley took away has given a home to ducks, water hens, bank voles… In winter kingfishers will flash along a length, or, fish from a favourite perch. At night the grey herons will stand at the edge of the water, like ghostly sentinels, fishing for frogs and small fish. “The townsfolk walk the towpath where once, horses pulled long barges loaded with coal and flint and pottery from the Five Towns. The cut opened the town for trade, from a water pumping station to leather and eight tin boxes moved coal from the old pits and clay to Armitage pot bank. “And now the offshoots of industry carve the field again.The hedge is ripped out and a huge hole dug. The hedge is set fire to and buried – almost a ritual. The field it built over. Nothing is left except clay. Land drains put in deep down to help drain the field strips. Now they lie end to end like bodies in mourning for the old place.”
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My Month in Parliament By Amanda Milling MP
So far, 2019 is turning out to be a very busy year, especially with the packed schedule in Parliament as we look to leave the EU next month. Please be reassured this won’t stop me working hard on behalf of residents in Rugeley and Brereton – as ever, please do get in touch if there is anything that I can help you with. One such issue which many people contacted me about was the possibility of school crossing patrols being removed. Over the last few months I have made multiple representations to Staffordshire County Council on behalf of parents, grandparents and carers about the importance of maintaining school crossing patrols to ensure the safety of our local school children. So I was very pleased to hear that the County Council have committed to retain the budget to operate school crossing patrols so that we can ensure children can cross the road safely on their way to and from school. In other good news, I was also pleased to see that Staffordshire County Councillors have been granted access to a pot of £1.24 million to fund road repairs. This pot represents £20,000 for each County Councillor in Rugeley to spend on the priorities in their area – this can be anything from getting potholes fixed to drainage problems resolved. Having lobbied the County Council heavily over the last few years, I look forward to working with our County Councillors here in Rugeley and Brereton to ensure we get more road defects fixed. I am sure many readers will remember the fire a couple of years ago at Oak Tree Farm, Slitting Mill. It was a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal waste. Since the fire, I have been working with organisations locally, as well as with Ministers in Parliament, to really understand what more can be done to prevent illegal waste fires and what additional powers organisations need. I was, therefore, particularly pleased to recently join representatives from the Environment Agency, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the two local councils to talk about the measures that have been taken to clear an illegal waste site at a business unit in Brereton. This really has been a huge success and removed a significant risk, one which could have had a devastating impact on local residents and businesses had it caught fire. I would like to place on record my thanks to all the organisations who have worked so hard to get this issue resolved. Finally, over recent weeks further public meetings have been held to seek input into the plans for the redevelopment of the Rugeley Power Station site. Further meetings are planned, including an exhibition of the proposals for the site in March, ahead of a planning submission late in the spring. I would urge anyone interested in having their say on these plans to get involved in the forthcoming public events. I am always here to help with any issues or concerns – you can contact me on 01543 877142 or email amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk.
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£13.99
£29.95
Handpainted vanity mirror – available from Poppies Shabby Chic
Opal and cubic zirconia sterling silver necklace – available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
£55
£12.95 pp
Selection of bedding plants in a decorative tub – available from Piper Nurseries
Perfect Gifts for Mum
£35
Treat the lady in your life to something special this Mother’s Day.
£4 Treat Mum to afternoon tea with a selection of fresh finger sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones, and a pot of tea or coffee – available from Cyril’s Tearoom & Vintage Emporium
Crystal necklace – available from Lipstick, Powder & Paint
£9.99
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Freshwater pearl bracelet – available from Gifts from the H rt
£11.99
Butterfly brooch – available from Gifts from the H rt
Pre-owned rose gold and cubic zirconia butterfly Pandora charm – available from MW Jewellery & Repairs
From £4.99
Vintage milk jug and churn garden ornaments – available from Piper Nurseries
£80
£5.99
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Grey owl ornaments – available from Poppies Shabby Chic
£30
Printed t-shirts – available from Instaprint
Into the Wild leather grab bag available from Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop
Treat Mum to a gift voucher for a St.Tropez Spray Tan or a Skin Rejuvenation treatment – available from Erase UK Tree of Love earrings in sterling silver, comes with gift box - available from Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop
£70 Refurbished Hetty Hoover – available from Dyson Revivers
£3.99 each Colourful scarves – available from Lipstick, Powder & Paint
Stockists:
Gifts from the H rt - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. MW Jewellery & Repairs - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Lipstick, Powder & Paint - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Piper Nurseries - The Nurseries, Watling Street, Gailey, ST19 5PR.
Staffordshire Carpet Binding
Carpet binding now available at Staffordshire Carpet Binding, found inside Sewtastik, Brewery Street, WS15 2DY. Cyril’s Tearoom & Vintage Emporium - The Nurseries, Watling Street, Gailey, ST19 5PR. Sewtastik - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Poppies Shabby Chic - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Lichfield Cathedral Gift Shop - 11 Bakers Lane, Lichfield, WS13 6NF. Erase UK - 1 Tudor Row, Lichfield, WS13 6HH. Dyson Revivers - Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Instaprint - 21-23 Albion Street, Rugeley, WS15 2BY.
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The Life and Times of Percy Venables
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few months ago we ran a feature on Wolseley Bridge which mentioned the blue RAC telephone box that still stands on the Wolseley corner and which was, for a short period, painted green instead of the more traditional blue! We were contacted by relatives of the man who, under instruction, painted the box green originally and who, it turned out, was a noted Rugeley figure: a town councillor; sportsman and a committee member of many local organisations. Here, our feature writer, Jono Oates, tells the story of the life and times of Francis Percival ‘Percy’ Venables. Francis Percival Venables was born in 1897 in the village of Wall, just outside Lichfield. Educated at St Chad’s School in Lichfield he became a chorister at Lichfield Cathedral. He served as a soldier during World War One, having enlisted with the Durham Light Infantry, one of the regiments that had a base at the Whittington Barracks. Although christened as Francis Percival everyone knew him as Percy and after the war had finished Percy became a touring guide with the Royal Automobile
Old Pubs of Rugeley
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n our last issue we looked at the brewing trade and the old breweries of Rugeley. This month, feature writer Jono Oates looks at three of the old pubs of Rugeley, which have since been converted into another use. The Prince of Wales, on Church Street, stopped trading as a pub and is now a private house, but the pub sign and etched windows still tell the story of its former use. In September 1898 it was described as a beer house, a type of public house licensed to sell beer to be consumed on the premises, as opposed to an ‘off-house’ or off-licence, where beer was purchased to consume at home. In that year, the landlord, Charles Bailey, moved to have temporary authority of an off-licence on Lion Street, previously owned by a Miss Willett.William Brown, landlord of the Talbot Inn at Brereton, moved to the Prince of Wales and James Walker became landlord at the Talbot, thereby creating a pub landlord ‘merrygo-round’! Robert Myatt was the landlord when he applied for a renewal of his music licence although, as this was in 1905, it would be for piano and violin music rather than for a disco on a Saturday evening! The pub continued to trade until 2015 when it was converted into a private dwelling. A vet’s practice is now on the site of another one of Rugeley’s former pubs, The Britannia Inn. Often, pubs were used as the location for an inquest and, in 1887, one was held at the Britannia Inn looking into the death of William Saunders. He had been an ‘additional constable’ (the Victorian equivalent of today’s police community support officer) and in July of that year he and Police Constable George Rockett had gone to the home of a gamekeeper called Littler. As they approached the house they were met by another constable, Constable O’Leary, who was holding Littler’s shotgun, which O’Leary believed to be unloaded as there were children playing
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Association (RAC). Percy would drive round the local area on a motorbike, helping stranded motorists, repairing their vehicles and getting them back on the road again. Percy and his family lived in a small cottage on the Wolseley estate, close to where the Wolseley Centre is now, and used to maintain and access the telephone box which stood by the road junction, responding to phone calls from RAC members. It was this RAC box that he was asked to paint green on the instructions of Sir Eric Wolseley as the colour was seen to be more in keeping with the wooded, countryside surroundings! In 1939, when the Second World War broke out Percy signed up for service immediately, joining the Royal Air Force, although he was invalided out in 1941 due to a medical issue. For the duration of the war he worked as a clerk at the Rugeley Post Office and, in 1946, he started work with the Staffordshire Education Committee. He was elected as an urban councillor in 1946, representing the Ravenhill Ward, a position he held until his death in 1962, and served on a number of council committees. He frequently wrote letters to the local newspapers on council, as well as local community, issues. He was married with four children and, as well as Wolseley, the family lived at The Gables on Wolseley Road and on Armitage Road. Percy was also a committee member of a number of local societies, many of them with sporting connections, including the Rugeley and District Junior Football League, Darts League and Snooker League. He was also a member of the Rugeley British Legion and of the Alexander Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. He worked with local youth clubs and organisations such as the Rugeley Old Scholars and the Rugeley Youth Leader’s Council. Percy was featured in the local ‘Personalities’ column of The Rugeley Times in January 1971. The photograph listed here of him sitting at his desk is the one which appeared in the newspaper at the time, and which has been kindly provided by a member of the family, who still lives in the Rugeley area. Councillor Francis Percival ‘Percy’ Venables was undoubtedly a local celebrity of the Rugeley area, a veteran of two world wars, a councillor and public servant, a sports and youth club leader and the man who had the honour of painting the famous Wolseley RAC box green… albeit temporarily!
in the house. As his fellow officers approached, O’Leary raised the gun in the air and it went off, the bullet striking Saunders and killing him instantaneously, much to O’Leary’s horror. The jury heard that O’Leary firmly believed the gun to be unloaded and had no idea how it had been discharged. The jury recorded a verdict of ‘death by misadventure’ and offered their sincere condolences to the constable’s family. In 1925 the landlord of The Britannia was Alfred Mountford and he was fined 11 shillings and sixpence at the Rugeley Petty Sessions in February – not for selling beer after hours or over-charging customers, but for allowing five cows to stray in Peakes Road at Etching Hill! The veterinary practice, Number 1 Vets, opened in 2011 after the pub closed down. Two hundred metres from the Britannia Inn, on the Horsefair, was the Station Hotel. In 1922, pigeon fanciers gathered in the hotel for the presentation of prizes at the Rugeley Homing Society’s annual event. Club president, Mr I. Bostock, awarded a special prize to Mr C. Elson for having the ‘best old bird’s average’ of a handsome silver medal with a gold pigeon centrepiece emblem. A large tree stood outside the hotel and it was often called ‘the Tree’ as a nickname. In more recent times it was called The Tree public house but the pub closed down and, since 2011, it has been home to hairdressers, Rachel Lamey Hair and Beauty. These are just three of the old pubs in Rugeley and we’ll be featuring more of them in future issues. If you have any suggestions or stories about the old pubs or buildings of Rugeley, please contact feature writer, Jono Oates, via email at jonocitylife@gmail.com. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
The Prince of Wales
The Britannia Inn
Station Hotel
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What’s On at your Local Church
March 2019 ................................
World Prayer Day at St. Paul’s, Rugeley on Friday 1st March, 2pm. All welcome. Deanery Confirmation Service at St. Augustine’s on Saturday 3rd March, 4pm. Monday Club at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Etching Hill. Every Monday 11am-12.30pm. Coffee ’n’ Craft at St. Augustine’s. Every Tuesday 9.30am-12.30 pm. St. John’s Coffee Morning held on the first Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 12 noon. All welcome to this popular social community event. Cost is £2.50 including tea/coffee and a variety of homemade cakes. There is usually a bric-a-brac stall, raffle and card stall. Books are always on sale.
Lunch Bunch meets on the third Wednesday of every month at St. Michael's Church Room from 12 noon to 1:30pm. For anyone who would appreciate some company and a hot meal. Come on your own, as a couple or with your family. Donations always welcome. If you would like to come along, please let Sue know on 01889 582641 or Rev George. Lunch Bunch looks forward to welcoming you with a traditional homemade hot dinner and pudding. St. Augustine’s will be keeping the church open for visitors on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am-2pm. ‘Quiet Mind, Joyful Spirit’ Lent Course held on Wednesday 13th, 20th and 27th March and 3rd and 10th April. Various venues around the parish. Both evening and daytime sessions available. Lent Lunches will be served in the parish during Lent in support of Christian Aid, so donations are most welcome. Please check the website for more dates and times as they become available. For more information on any of the above events, please visit the website at www.brateamministry.org.
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