Citylife in Rugeley September 2018 by Citylife In Lichfield

Inside... September 2018

Welcome to CITYLIFE

Welcome to CITYLIFE in Rugeley, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the region? We want to hear from you!

8 10,000 Military Men about Town By Harry Thornton 14 A Window on the Past Open all hours

27 Finding a Forever Home By Rugeley Welfare for Dogs

28 Rugeley Art Society Exhibition By Jono Oates 32 Wolseley Bridge By Jono Oates

CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048

josscitylife@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 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.

10,000 Military Men About Town By Harry Thornton

nder the heading of “Metamorphosed” the following article appeared in the Rugeley parish magazine of September 1873:

“It is difficult to exaggerate or describe the change which has taken place in the appearance of the town and neighbourhood, for a time at any rate they would appear to be thoroughly alive. Everywhere in the streets we meet strange faces. Carts and drays and long trains of wagons and vehicles of every description are consistently passing and re-passing. A line of cabs and several omnibuses are to be found awaiting the arrival of every train at our usually sleepy railway station. A huge noisy traction, or as someone happily called it distraction engine goes and comes, puffing, blowing, panting, toiling, with 12 or 15 tons behind her, now stopping to take breath, now in her more skittish moods advancing rapidly by a series of little runs which would be pretty if she were not so hideous; the terror of horses and the astonishment of children. Windows are full of refreshment signs written in large and striking characters, booths for refreshments are to be found in the bye-lanes and out of the way corners of the parish, and one might about suppose that Rugeley was a large eating establishment; on the walls and even on the trees are placards. Strict regulations by a power of which we have no hitherto experience have been laid down for the conduct of civilians whilst the presence of soldiers in uniform is everywhere.” If the above hinted that all the comings and goings amounted to something of an unwanted disturbance of the Queen’s peace, then a follow-up article headed “The March Past” suggested that with the return to a sleepy normality the earlier excitement was being missed: “That grand sight which terminated the Manoeuvres on the Chase – the sun shone brightly on Thursday September 11th and the splendid amphitheatre formed by nature on the hills (a little before Stile Cop on the

right hand side going up from Rugeley) was crowded with spectators of all ranks and classes ranged in order to behold 10,000 of Old England’s soldiers marching past their General in battle array. With the soldiers now gone life seems so dull, no longer do the commands Trot, Gallop and Charge ring up to the sky.” Harry Thornton is a member of the Landor (local history) Society.

Family History Course

The Landor (local history) Society presents a four week short course entitled: Aspects of Family History by Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Archive Service. Tues 2 October, 7.30pm to 9pm: Sources for Catholic History and Ancestry: Joanna Terry. Tues 9 October, 7.30pm to 9pm: Poor Law Records: Liz Street. Tues 16 October, 7.30pm to 9pm: World War One Ancestry in National and Local Sources: Joanna Terry. Tues 23 October, 7.30pm to 9pm: Lichfield Probate Records, 1500 to 1900: Rebecca Jackson. At St. Paul's Methodist/United Reformed Church, Lichfield Street, Rugeley, WS15 2EH. Cost of course £20. For further details or to book a place call Marion Kettle 01889 576674 or Glenys Richards 01889 586040.

Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the region? We want to hear from you! Contact Citylife at josscitylife@gmail.com

Gift vouchers available

A Window on the Past

Open All Hours

In previous issues we have looked at Rugeley’s main shopping area, from Horse Fair to Anson Street, but of equal importance, particularly in the days before fridges and freezers were commonplace, was the local corner shop. Right up until the 1960s and the coming of the supermarkets it was normal for new estates to include a short terrace of shops.

1. The Beehive at the corner of Brereton Road and Wharf Road. For at least 40 years, from the 1890s, this store and off-licence was run by William Sharratt.

2. An advertisement from 1900 for ‘The Working Man’s Store in King Street’. This shop was Thomas Smith’s grocery in 1872, then Harvey’s from about 1896-1924, then Kibbles. Note the 1900 prices!

3. Cheshire’s baker’s delivery van outside their shop in Lion Street. 4. An advertisement for Cheshire’s dating to 1928.

5. The general store run by “Pottery Bill” Evans and his descendants in the building known as “The Tan House” in Bryans Lane, photographed just before it was demolished in 1973. It was also a lodging house for travelling theatrical people and Gracie

Here, the Landor (Local History) Society looks at that mainstay of any community – the corner shop. Fields is reputed to have stayed here when performing at The Palace in Anson Street. 6. Mr Sanders outside his general store in Queen Street.

7. Deakin’s General Store in Sheep Fair in the mid 1980s, which later became Chase Builders with Elmore Kitchens & Interiors. During the second half of the 19th century it was Hawkin’s butchery. By 1928 it had become Mrs Harriet Hitchen’s general store. Mrs Maud Deakin was running it by the 1930s.

8. A terrace of shops which was included on the Springfield Estate (in Holyoake Place), built in 1962.

The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley and its surrounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and was named in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local and county historian, who became the Society’s first President. More information is available at www.landorlocalhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk

A correction and apology. The Landor (local history) Society would like to apologise to the family of Lord and Lady Lichfield and the family of the late Sir Charles Wolseley and Lady Imogene Wolseley for incorrect information that appeared in the August issue. Information in caption 6 of the feature on St Joseph and St Etheldreda that appeared in the August issue on page 14 was incorrect. This should have read ‘The carved oak Altar, designed by Welby Pugin, is in the Confessional Chapel. Originally in the family chapel at Wolseley Hall, it was the gift of the late Sir Charles Wolseley and Lady Imogene Wolseley.’

Continued on page 16

The Ridwares W.I. By Dot Boulton

recent meeting of The Ridwares W.I. opened with a report from Kate, delegate, on the National Federation Annual General Meeting held in Cardiff.The Women's Institute had been started in Wales 103 years ago and to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage the W.I. Officers all wore purple, green and white corsages. The previous year had seen 63 new W.I.s starting up, the organisation proving ever more popular. The Resolution 'Mental Health Matters as Much as Physical Health' was discussed and passed with a large majority. The first speaker was Dame Stella Rimington, former Director General of M.I.5. and the afternoon speaker was Huw Edwards, Journalist, Presenter and Newsreader. The Ridwares W.I. President, Karen Wakefield, was presented with the Huxley Cup, a magnificent trophy, for winning the national competition in flower arranging. Yvonne Vigers, was welcomed to the monthly meeting. Together with her brother, Yvonne

Karen Wakefield

owns and manages Buzzards Valley Vineyard and Fishery. There is also a Bistro on site. Yvonne's father applied to the Council for a farm in the early sixties after his grandparents left him money for a deposit. Her father worked extremely hard but after the first outbreak of ‘foot and mouth’ he gave up the dairy business to grow potatoes. After giving up nursing, Yvonne worked in a fruit and vegetable shop and eventually owned her own flower shop. She added a delicatessen to the shop and made her own chutneys and quiches. Her father asked her to move back to the farm, where she nursed him when he became terminally ill. She has stayed there since, developing the business with her brother. Yvonne brought wine for the ladies to taste and beautiful flowers for a raffle prize. She then judged the monthly competition 'Decorate a Wine Bottle' which was won by Karen. New members are always welcome. Just come along or telephone 01543 492136 for details.

Parish Family Day

On Saturday 8th September St Augustine's Church are having a second Parish Family Day. Amanda Milling MP will be opening the event at 10.30am. The event brings the community together. There will be games, activities, performances by local school children, the 'Big Community Tent', a beer tent, a pamper tent and much more! St Augustine’s, Station Road, Rugeley, WS15 2HG.

Holy Spirit Monday Group

The group meets on Mondays 11am to 12.30pm in the hall. £2 a session. They have a variety of gentle activities including chair exercises, coffee mornings, quizzes, sharing stories/experiences, craft, murder mysteries and more. See www.brateamministry.org/ community-engagement for the latest programme. Holy Spirit, Mount Road, Etchinghill, WS15 2TL.

My Month in Parliament By Amanda Milling MP

It has been a busy few weeks since my last update. Parliament is in recess which means I can spend more time in Cannock Chase visiting local groups, businesses, organisations, and helping residents with their issues. During the summer I will be out and about in the constituency as well as holding regular surgeries. The summer recess started by spending the morning with our local postman, Phil Gibbons, delivering the post in Rugeley Town Centre. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the work of Royal Mail and its hardworking staff who deliver post to 45,200 households across Cannock Chase. My morning started by visiting the Rugeley Depot where I found out how our post is sorted, processed and made ready for delivery. Whilst I have visited the depot before, I have never had the chance to go out on delivery with the staff, so this was a new experience. Our postal workers have to brave the elements, whatever the weather they are out delivering the post - the current challenge is to cope with the heat and sunburn. I want to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks and admiration for the work that our postal workers do across Cannock Chase in getting our post delivered. I have also visited the weekly Workclub at the Rose Theatre in Rugeley. The Workclub is a fantastic chance for local residents to receive expert advice in terms of employment opportunities and career advice. The dedicated Talent Match team welcome anybody who attends and work tirelessly to support each and every individual. The Club is a great opportunity to create a CV, build confidence, practice interview techniques and advance a job search. Whilst at the Club, I had the opportunity to meet once of their successful beneficiaries who confidently recited his personal experience. He explained how he is now a mentor committed to helping and guiding others who find themselves in similar situations. He couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak highly enough of Talent Match and the excellent support that they had provided. The Workclub is supported by Rugeley Town Council and runs every Tuesday between 10am and 12 noon at the Rose Theatre, Rugeley WS15 2AA. New members are very warmly welcomed. I am also aware of a number of problems surrounding Rugeley Skate Park, particularly with regards to anti-social behaviour and littering. This is a real issue locally and the area is quickly becoming an eyesore. I understand that the Council were eager to reopen the Skate Park, particularly given that we are now in the school holidays. However, it was unfortunately damaged during the Flood Alleviation work and is therefore still under the control of the Environment Agency. I am assured by the Council that work is ongoing to resolve the issue. Another hot topic is the run-down state of Elmore Park toilets. One of the local councillors for the area in which the park is situated, Olivia Lyons, is petitioning to get the dated and unhygienic facilities refurbished. The petition has already gained over 600 signatures and I am sure that it will continue to gather support. If I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see you while I am out and about over the summer and you need my help with any issues or problems, please contact me on 01543 877142 or email amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk

Centuries of life on Cannock Chase Retold in new exhibition P

eople interested in learning more about Cannock Chase’s fascinating history can now do so in a new pop-up exhibition set to tour the county’s libraries, and available to view in Rugeley Library in September. Using the latest LIDAR and Aerial photography technology, the Chase through Time project has helped unravel over 2000 years of human activity across Cannock Chase. Amongst the discoveries are over 430 new archaeological sites, many of which form part of the remains of the two Great War training camps where over 500,000 men were trained. These include practice trenches, assault courses, weapons pits, and an extensive replica ‘battlefield’, which were constructed in the area in the early months of the war. In addition to this military heritage, the project has also shone a light on the Chase’s long and varied history by revealing prehistoric monuments, evidence for the medieval management and division of the landscape, and the area’s significant industrial heritage. The discoveries, along with images and aerial photography will now be used to retell the story of life on the Chase in the exhibition which has launched at Cannock Chase library. The project was made possible through the use of LIDAR and aerial photography which allowed the team of experts and volunteers to see beneath the trees and bushes without having to dig anything up. The project, which recently concluded with a celebration event for volunteers and project partners, was delivered by Staffordshire County Council and Historic England with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Helen Winton, Aerial Investigation and Mapping Manager at Historic England, commented: “Cannock Chase has some of the best preserved archaeological remains relating to First World War army training in England. Thanks to volunteer-led research, expert insight and by exploring the landscape from above we’ve learned so much more about the area’s rich past. To be able to match trenches and huts in 100-year-old postcards, drawings and diaries

to features on the ground, and in turn make connections to the people who trained there, was fantastic and really brings the history of the Chase to life.” More information about the Project and exhibition can be found at

Gill Heath at the Chase Through Time Exhibition www.chasethroughtime.info People interested in reviewing the research and project report can do so via the online tool https://services.historicengland.org.uk/cannock -chase-map/

WWI Practice Trenches

LIDAR image - Round Hill

LIDAR image - Tar Hill

Welcoming ‘The Real Life Lovejoy’ By Richard Winterton of Richard Winterton Auctioneers

We see more than our fair share of ‘bobby dazzlers’ here at Richard Winterton Auctioneers so we were really spoiled when the much-loved antique expert and TV presenter David Dickinson dropped in for filming. ‘The Duke’, who was also once dubbed ‘The Real-Life Lovejoy’, visited us at Fradley Park recently to film an auction segment of ‘Dickinson’s Real Deal’ following a valuation event at Wolverhampton Racecourse. During this latest visit in July, David was kind enough to pose for photos and even gave us a very special shout-out on video. In fact, the Duke kindly said: “Richard Winterton is a good friend of mine and I can tell you this: this is one hell of a great auction house.” David is a great friend and a pleasure to welcome to Richard Winterton Auctioneers. He pops in relatively regularly with his crew, but it’s always an event, and very

enjoyable to play host to and feature in one of the most popular daytime shows on ITV. Now back for a 15th series, Dickinson’s Real Deal is regularly watched by over a million people. An album of pictures taken by our photographer Damian Briden during David’s visit can be viewed over on our Facebook page @RichardWintertonAuctioneers. We’ve been involved with Dickinson’s Real Deal for many years and it’s always great fun to welcome David to Lichfield. If you missed seeing

David this time, don’t despair – he will be bringing Dickinson’s Real Deal back here again on September 26, which will be in the middle of our second Three Day Home & Interior Sale of that month, taking place from Tuesday to Thursday September 25-27.

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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

Etching Hill WI By Karen O’Brien

t was a sunny day for the Members’ recent visit to the Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre in Bishop’s Tachbrook, Warwickshire. En-route, they had free time for refreshments and shopping in Royal Leamington Spa.

Upon arrival at the centre, an introductory talk was given by one of the volunteers. The cost of building the new centre had been funded by sponsors and donations made to the charity and was officially opened in 2011 by its patron, HRH Princess Alexandra. The main objective of the Centre was to increase the breeding numbers of Guide Dogs in order to help more visually impaired persons.

The Members were taken, in groups, on a guided tour along glass fronted walkways which gave a bird’s eye view of the puppies. Together with informative videos, the guide provided an insight into how they select the

Lichfield Operatic Society present My Fair Lady

parents of puppies using genetic technology. The ‘mums to be’ return home for delivery of their puppies. If this is not possible or a problem arises there is a quiet whelping room at the centre. Assessments are made of the puppies at a very young age to determine whether they meet the criteria to become a Guide Dog and some are chosen as future parents to new Guide Dogs - never both. After the usual immunisations and microchipping the puppies go to ‘puppy walkers’ for approximately 13 months during which time they are socialised to the sights, sounds and smells of everyday life in readiness for their future as a Guide Dog. They then begin their Guide Dog training in earnest at a training centre, costing approximately £50,000 per Guide Dog.

The Members were invited to walk through a sensory tunnel where, with a blind-fold, it was possible to experience some of sensations of blindness. Various canes were also demonstrated, particularly the new cane with a roller at the end. Dog harnesses were shown that demonstrate how modernisation with Velcro, as opposed to buckles, has improved the ease of fitting them on the dog.

At the end of the two hour tour, refreshments

with cake were made available. There was also the opportunity to purchase various gifts, cards and canine products, the proceeds of which went to the charity. The Members returned home all agreeing how much they had enjoyed the trip having learned so much about the early years of Guide Dogs.

Meetings take place on the second Wednesday of the month at Etching Hill Village Hall, East Butts Road, Etching Hill from 7.45pm and new members are always made most welcome. For more information about the WI and the meetings planned for the year, please visit the website at www.wi-etching-hill.org.uk

ichfield Operatic Society’s production of My Fair Lady from September 25 to 29 is a real family affair. Emma Hill, who makes her directorial debut with the company, actually played Eliza 15 years ago. Emma’s maiden name was Rainsford and parents Martin and Pauline are both in the show. Her husband Ed Hill is working backstage, brother Stephen Rainsford is lighting designer and brother-in-law James Pugh is playing Colonel Pickering. Emma commented: “I was really excited when LOS asked me to direct, especially on a show that means so much to me! We have an incredibly talented cast who have been working hard to put on a great show and I can’t wait for

our audiences to see it.” Lichfield Operatic’s production features Vickie Beck as Eliza, Richard Poynton as Henry, Chris Stanley as Dolittle and James Pugh as Pickering. Hailed by critics and audiences for its heart and its wit, Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady is a poignant and timeless musical sure to make audiences laugh and cry. Set in 1912 London and featuring classic

show tunes such as Wouldn't It Be Loverly, I Could Have Danced All Night and On The Street Where You Live, this is a production for all the family. My Fair Lady runs at the Lichfield Garrick from September 25 to 29, at 7.30pm, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets from the Garrick on 01543 412121 or online: www.lichfieldgarrick.com.

The Smart Home is here with Smart Home Solutions

Advertising Feature

mart heating, CCTV security, door locks, door bells, lighting and more can be controlled from remote devices – Smartphone, Tablet or PC anywhere in the world. Providing you with peace of mind and the convenience of controlling an increasing number of home devices - allowing you to reduce your heating costs by managing the temperature of radiators in individual rooms; monitor your valuables and pets; answer your door and even open it for friends or family from your armchair or hotel. Here at our new showroom and real-life experience centre in Rugeley we can demonstrate how these Smart Home devices work together and operate in the real world. Smart Home Solutions can advise, develop and install a solution which meets your requirements and budget. Most devices can be retro fitted - some need a little programming to make them do exactly what you want. We can make you and your Home Smarter - call us today on 01889 359857 or visit our showroom at Unit 20, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Rugeley, WS15 2DY.

Brewery Street Shopping Centre – Everything you’re looking for under one roof

Advertising Feature

rewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley is an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of everything from gifts and jewellery to hardware and Art Deco collectables – all under one roof. The centre is a great place to browse and shop for jewellery; menswear; ladies’ accessories and fashions; cards and gifts; Art Deco collectables; hardware; computers, games, accessories and IT advice; smart home technology; hoovers and accessories; mobile phones and accessories; records and all things vinyl; hair design and styling; sewing, knitting and craft supplies; expert clothing alterations; costumes and ‘fancy dress’; perfumes and fragrances; vintage shabby chic and much more. Why not finish your trip with a visit to the on-site café serving everything from cakes and light bites to lunches? Brewery Street Shopping Centre is proud to be approaching its second decade of serving the community of Rugeley and The Chase, and is a truly vibrant and friendly place to shop. Brewery Street Shopping Centre can be found at Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY and is open Monday, Tuesday 8.30am to 5pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 2pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 8.30am to 5pm (closed Sunday). Go to their Facebook page for more information.

Winner of 'The Pet Show' Competition

Congratulations to L Sutton who gave the correct answer of Staffordshire County Showground and won a family ticket to The Pet Show.

Volunteers needed at Wildlife Trust’s shop

he county’s largest nature conservation charity is asking for volunteers to come forward to help with the running of its Rugeley shop. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust wants people to lend a hand to help with the day-to-day running of the charity shop, situated along Lower Brook Street. Typical roles for volunteers could include till duties, sorting through and preparing stock, customer services, displays and promoting donations and Gift Aid. The Rugeley shop opened its doors for the first time last year and helps to support the Trust’s work across Staffordshire, including running its 27 nature reserves, its conservation work and environmental education. The shop became the Trust’s second charity shop, following on from the success of the Leek store which opened in 2015. Becky Hatton, Assistant Manager at the shop, commented: “The volunteer roles would really suit a student who is looking at gaining some work experience or perhaps someone who wants to boost their CV. It’s mostly Saturdays when they would be required and they would be needed for a minimum of four hours each week – although they can do as many hours as they would like.” Volunteers must be aged over 16 years. For more information call into the shop on Lower Brook Street, call 01889 584293 or email rugeleyshop@staffswildlife.org.uk

Finding a Forever Home

By Rugeley Welfare

Josie is currently living in kennels. She likes to go for a steady walk and would love to find her forever home. We are not sure if she has ever lived with another dog, but she doesn’t seem to be bothered about them when she and her walker pass other dogs in their kennels.

for Dogs

This is Sam. She’s a collie cross and around nine years old. She’s chipped and spayed, and is currently living with a six year old ere, Ruth and Pauline of child. She can be excitable around Rugeley Welfare for Dogs other dogs but does like to go for introduce us to Willow, Sam walks. and Josie, three four legged friends who are looking for their forever home.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone that has been in contact with us and offered donations, including bedding, food, prizes for raffles and bric a brac to help raise money to go towards vets’ bills and food. We’d like to say a special thanks to a group of students from the National Citizenship Scheme. They got in touch and asked if they could do some fundraising for us. They spent two days doing bag packs in Morrisons, Hednesford, raising just under £500. This was spent on food from the store

Willow is a collie cross and seven to eight years old. She’s happy to live with other dogs and enjoys a walk.

and will also go to help other dogs in rescue. 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.

Rugeley Art Society Exhibition By Jono Oates

he third annual exhibition of art by the Rugeley Art Society took place on Friday 3 August at the Rose Theatre, Rugeley.

Twenty members of the group, who meet weekly at the theatre, contributed to the exhibition, providing a diverse and varied selection of art, from portraits and caricatures to landscapes, and from local heritage buildings to still life.

Although the quality of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entries were very high there are no awards or commendations as the organiser of the society, Derek Jones, believes that each of the pieces of art should be taken on its own merits and that every one of the pieces submitted to the exhibition is significant in itself.

The society has over thirty participating members, of varying ages and abilities, some have been painting for many years whereas others have only been painting for a few months. Derek tells the group that there are no laws when it comes to painting, that freedom of expression is

very important and that everyone is encouraged to paint what they feel is right for them, rather than keeping to a formula.

The Rugeley Rose theatre is owned and managed by Rugeley Town Council and they provide the theatre for the exhibition, and the room for the weekly art classes, free of charge. Councillor Bob Dipple, the chair of Rugeley Town Council for 201819, explained that the Art Society was a great community facility and encouraged local people of all backgrounds and ability levels to have a go at painting in a friendly, supportive environment and that Rugeley Town Council was delighted to support the project by providing the facilities free of charge. For more information on the Rugeley Art Society and weekly art classes please see the website: rugeley-rose-theatre.co.uk/rugeley-artsociety

Derek Jones and Councillor Bob Dipple

Support the flying vicar! By Rev David Evans

hat would make a reasonably intelligent, well-adjusted adult want to jump out of an aeroplane 2.5 miles up in the sky? The thrill of it? Well maybe that is a small part of it, but the real reason I’m doing a sponsored skydive is that I have a deep-down conviction that people suffering from anxiety and depression or who are struggling with bereavement need support. The right kind of support is not available in Rugeley on an adequate scale. In the Team Ministry of Brereton, Rugeley and Armitage we are doing our bit to help and we are inviting local people to play their part in supporting us. In the last six months we’ve started a counselling service, in partnership with professional Counsellors who practice locally. It’s called the Changing Room (07591 257737). We have also started some very informal befriending groups. People get together, have a cup of tea, a piece of cake and a chat, often while doing an activity that has a calming effect - mindfulness colouring, playing Jenga or doing a craft activity for example. We want to start gardening, art and other activities as well. Our main befriending group meets at St Augustine’s Church on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7pm to 8.30pm. You can find out more by visiting www.brateamministry.org/community-engagement The challenge of working to support people in this area is not helped by the level of stigma attached to poor mental health. We are committed to fighting such stigma which is fuelled by three things: fear, ignorance and silence. Together we can combat stigma by talking about the issues. As church leaders my colleagues and I see our role as affirming the strengths that exist in local people, and helping to bring people together in support of one another. You can do your bit by supporting ‘the flying vicar’! You can do so by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-evans152 Thank you!

Rev David Evans is Team Rector of the Brereton, Rugeley and Armitage Team Ministry

Cannock Women’s Institute W.I. By Jill Gooch

hat did we do 70 years ago before medicines were available through the NHS? What does ‘an apple a day’ do? Why would you have ‘a spoonful of sugar’? These questions were answered during a recent talk on grandma’s remedies from Kath Reynolds entitled ‘Goose Grease and Brown Paper’. Sayings and nursery rhymes were often based on family medicinal remedies that were easily affordable and accessible from the kitchen cupboard as an alternative to going to a Doctor. Kath shared her knowledge of recipes that included the use of cider vinegar for leg cramps, onions to ward off colds, salt gargles for sore throats, and bread poultices for boils, within an interactive talk which encouraged members to share their own memories of home remedies. We all agreed that mother’s ‘kiss it better’ was often the favoured treatment for a fall. However, we also all agreed that passing water on your chilblains might be a step too far! Kath’s talk was a very enjoyable journey down memory lane. Janis gave the vote of thanks. Nadia thanked President Helen for hosting two Friendship Coffee mornings at her home. We will be sad to lose member Dorothy, who is going to leave the area; but also pleased to welcome new member Hayley, who found us through Facebook. 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, to see if they would like to join the W.I. Further information on Cannock Women’s Institute is available from The President on 01889 582632, at www.thewi.org.uk/staffordshire and www.facebook.com/oakleafstlukes

Rugeley & District Lions Club By Peter Fielding

ugeley and District Lions Club recently attended an event held at Tixall Farm House in aid of the Ingestre Orangery Restoration. Work has already started on the Orangery at Ingestre Hall which is to become a community ‘hub’. Members decided to enjoy a social by having a picnic during the day of the event and we took the opportunity to officially hand over the Presidency from Jane Stevenson to Debra Coburn. Our Charity of the Year for 2017/18 - MASE - is shortly to receive a cheque from us following the end of our year. As we have not been able to attend one of their meetings yet to officially hand over the cheque the amount has to remain a ‘secret’ but will be announced next month. We are also voting on a new Charity of the Year for 2018/2019 - again, we shall announce this later. We supported Brereton Carnival but, unfortunately, were unable to replicate our Walking Party Prize that we won at Rugeley Charter Fair. Our first meeting has been held to prepare for the Christmas Float. As a Social, the Club will be taking a picnic along to Lichfield Proms in the Park in September subject to the weather. Look out for our Lions flag! If you would like to help us on our Christmas Float or learn more of what we do please get in touch via Facebook or e-mail us at randdlions@hotmail.com

Four Ways to Avoid IT Downtime By Neil Fletcher

Technology is a wonderful addition to every business, but what happens when the IT goes down? All those things you do now that were completely unthinkable 30 years ago have become part of your day-to-day processes. It lets you compete with big business and connect with customers from far away, boost productivity and efficiency like never before, and even adds multiple zeros to your bottom line. IT is a necessity. Unfortunately, this means when downtime inevitably hits, you’ve got a BIG problem. Maybe it’s from a virus attack, a bug in the system, hardware failure or something else... whatever the cause, the impact is real and measurable. Gartner (an IT research company) reports that 43% of small businesses close their doors right after a major data loss, and only a tiny 6% survive long term. The financial cost of each hour can be in the thousands, and the damage to your brand could be ruinous. Fortunately, while downtime will occasionally strike every business, there are things you can do to minimize the duration and frequency. Taking a few simple actions now may result in your business staying open while your competitor gives up. Use monitored antivirus and firewalls While most businesses have these protections, not all have embraced the idea of monitored antivirus and

firewalls. Instead, the default setup has more in common with a home setup than a robust professional system. Given that SMB are a primary target for malware and cyber-attack, you should seriously consider moving to the monitored versions. Our experts set up custom protection to block all attacks, both known and emerging. All updates are taken care of, plus company-wide protections applied so users can’t accidentally infect the network. When something doesn’t look quite right, our monitors take immediate action to protect your business. Have backups you can count on A great backup can not only protect you from digital threats like viruses and ransomware, they protect against physical threats like robbery, fire or natural disasters. The last thing you want is for your business to be crippled by data loss. A robust backup system can be as simple as asking our Managed Services team to take care of it, or if you have an on-site technician, using the rule of 3: one backup on the server, one unplugged from the server, and one off-site. If anything ever goes wrong, you’ll be able to pull up the most recent backup and continue as normal. Businesses without good backups tend to be down or limping along for days, if not weeks. Plan for disaster Nobody likes to think about their business flooding or being hit with ransomware, but would your employees know what to do if something happened? Having a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan helps

you get up and running quicker, minimizing downtime. Everyone knows what steps to take, who to tell, who should be doing what, and which systems take priority. Monitor hardware for early signs Computer hardware is like any piece of equipment when it’s getting old or cranky, it will let you know! This could be anything from making noises, being louder or slower than normal, or even system crashes. Each symptom is your early warning system that allows you to take action before a crash that sends everything into downtime. Our hardware monitoring service runs in the background and tracks various metrics to predict time until failure. If the signs point to imminent failure, we’ll let you know and can often repair/replace the affected hardware with little or no downtime. Downtime is an unavoidable part of any techenabled business, but your preparation can dictate whether it goes for one minute or one week and how often it happens. According to one study, most firms experience 43 hours average downtime per year, a number much too high for comfort. While scheduled downtime can sometimes be unavoidable, your business will appreciate being able to skip the panic of surprise downtime events. Reducing your risk is the best action you can take, making downtime a truly rare occasion. Even better, our Managed Services can take care of this for you, stopping many downtime-events before they occur. To talk to us about minimizing your downtime call 01889 579990.

Wolseley Bridge: from the English Civil War to the Rugeley Road Cycle Races!

By Jono Oates

wo and a half miles from Rugeley Town Centre, Wolseley Bridge sits at the junction of the A513 Stafford and A51 Stone roads, one of the most noted, picturesque and historical junctions in Staffordshire.

Now home to a garden centre; the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust; an antiques, arts and crafts centre; restaurant, shops and a pub, it was once fields and farms on the family estate owned by the Wolseley family, whose ancestry can be dated back to Norman times. In the English Civil War Cromwell’s Parliamentarian army marched past the bridge on their way to battle the Royalists and in the early 1900s battling road cyclists charged over it! The bridge has also been home to two pubs, The Wolseley Arms and The Roebuck Inn (one still in place and one long gone), and was an important staging post for the coach and horses that were travelling from London, Birmingham, Lichfield, Stafford and Liverpool.

In March 1643 the Parliamentarian army of Oliver Cromwell marched past the bridge on their way to fight the Royalist army of King Charles I at the Battle of Hopton Heath, close to Stafford. In the 1930s the wife of a farmer opened up a café at the farmhouse, in a building which is now an Indian restaurant, and called it the Cromwell House Cafe after the leader of the Parliamentarian forces.

The general meeting of the newly formed Trent and Mersey Canal Company took place in December 1765, under the chairmanship of Lord Gower, at the Wolseley Arms pub when the famous ‘canal man’ James Brindley outlined his plans for developing the canal system across the country.

The bridge was nearly destroyed in March 1795 when sections of it were damaged by torrential floods that swept through the country following a severe frost and thaw that winter.

In October 1832, the 13-year-old Princess Alexandrina Victoria, the future Queen of England, accompanied her mother, Victoria the Duchess of Kent, on a visit to Lichfield

Outside one of the units at the crafts centre stands an iconic blue RAC telephone box, used by passing motorists to summon help to their broken down vehicles before the days of mobile phones. Although a tiny hamlet Wolseley Bridge has certainly played an important role in the history of Rugeley and the county of Staffordshire.

Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Staffordshire Past Track; Weale’s Quarterly Papers on Engineering.

following a trip to see the Earl of Lichfield at Shugborough and they travelled past Wolseley Bridge, where waving crowds lined the route, on their way to Rugeley and on to Lichfield.

A mysterious visitor was discovered in December 1846 when a large silk hot air balloon was discovered in a field close to the bridge, it was attached to a passenger basket but the only occupant was a gentleman’s cape! The balloon’s owner was never traced and the reason for the balloon trip remained a mystery.

In the 1890s several road bike races by the Rugeley Cycling Club took place, which started, and finished, outside the Roebuck Inn, which was an earlier name of the Wolseley Arms pub. The races took place in the early evening, the machines they rode were very rudimentary and the road surfaces were treacherous which resulted in many of the riders failing to finish the races or finishing with injuries, although all finishers appeared to enjoy a refreshing post-race pint in the Roebuck!

First Class Technologies

Advertising Feature

Refreshes the COFEPOW Exhibit

irst Class Technologies (FCT) has been pleased to support and serve the Children of Far Eastern Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) and their exhibit at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas, Staffordshire for over a decade. COFEPOW is a Registered Charity dedicated to perpetuating the memory of the Far East Prisoners of War (1941-45).

The NMA is the UK's Centre of Remembrance. It is not a cemetery, but rather a spiritually uplifting location created in recognition of the service and sacrifice of so many. Covering 150 acres, it honours the fallen, represented by the 30,000 trees planted here, where generations can wander and wonder. Flanked by static information boards and

artefacts from the period, the exhibit includes five memorable audio/video stories presented on the latest computer technology advising visitors of what took place during the conflict. There is access via touch screen technology to a database of information on World War II and the Far East. A rolling display of names is projected onto a Wall of Remembrance with a war graves database showing a short history of where and when servicemen were captured, relocated and their place of burial where appropriate. FCT are delighted to be spearheading the current initiative to refresh the exhibit with the very latest technology. COFEPOW Trustee, Vice Chairman and Chief Researcher, Keith Andrews, commented: “Support from FCT has been invaluable over the years, long may it continue.” FCT Managing Director, Richard Hinton, added: “It is rewarding to support the exhibit, making sure that this conflict is never forgotten and that memories of all those who served and the many who made the ultimate sacrifice live on in perpetuity.” https://www.cofepow.org.uk/fepow-memorial-building-virtual-tour Take a step by step trip through the exhibit prior to the refresh. The COFEPOW Exhibit can be found at the NMA, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR. Opening times 9am to 5pm (dusk in winter).

Hagley Bowls Club

By Pete Freeman

ith the assistance of County Councillors’ Alan Dudson and Mike Sutherland, Hagley Bowls Club, Rugeley has recently applied for and received a

grant from The Staffordshire Local Community Fund, this has assisted the bowls club with the purchase of a ‘Short Mat’ for short mat bowling. Ron Crawford from Hagley Bowls Club said: “We are a Crown Green Bowling Club and have now been able to set up a Short Mat Bowling Section within the club as well. Our members will now be able to bowl indoors all year round, and already we are planning to join the local Short Mat Bowls League.” Hagley Bowls Club is situated just off the Western Springs Road, Rugeley near to Globe Island and will welcome any new members who wish to play Short Mat or Crown Green Bowls. For further information on the club please

contact Club Secretary (Pete Freeman) on 01889 882550 or visit the club website www.hagleybowlsclub.moonfruit.com

Rugeley and Armitage Camera Club

he new season of Rugeley and Armitage Camera Club begins on Monday 10th September. The club was formed in 2009 with only six members but has since grown into one of the largest photography clubs in the Midlands with around 100 members. It caters for everyone, from beginners to enthusiasts, from phone cameras to professional models.Throughout the year the club has a varied programme of competitions, guest speakers and practical evenings. If you have an interest in photography, would like to learn more, or simply like to take pictures, then please pop along to one of their meetings. You will be made very welcome. They meet on Monday evenings at 7.30pm in 'The Restaurant', Lea Hall Miners Welfare Centre, Sandy Lane, Rugeley. For more information please call Dave Hanmer on 07707 997564 or visit the clubs website at rugeleyandarmitagecameraclub.com

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