Lichfield Gazette Sept 2013

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

September 2013 ISSUE 53

News • Competitions • Gazette Woman • What’s On • Dining Out

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September 2013 Lichfield

G azette contents

6

Netherstowe House Competition

18 Dr William Palmer 22 Gazette Education 44 Heritage 47 Gazette Woman 56 What’s On/Dining Out 62 Small Ads

Editor’s Notes Five Years “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.”

- Robert Browning This month’s magazine marks the anniversary of five swift years since the first issue of the Lichfield Gazette, and as they say ‘time goes fast when you’re having fun’.

Fortunately no one has noticed I was six foot tall with a full head of hair back then!

When we were putting together issue one the world was very much in the doldrums, and I would like to think that the country is now entering a period of financial recovery, if not stability.

In the autumn of 2008 Barack Obama was jockeying for presidency of the US, while Robert Mugabe was once again re-selected as president of Zimbabwe (oh yes he was!).

In the same year Bill Gates announced his retirement and the Summer Olympics in Beijing had just come to a close, whilst Hurricane Gustav was devastating the south of USA, and the Church of England had just voted in favour of the ordination of women bishops.

The phrase “credit crunch” was coined at this time and Northern Rock had gone just upside down. It was the beginning of the recession – a stalling of the economy, which is now, hopefully starting to turn once more.

2008 was an uncertain year and one in which you wouldn’t choose to start a magazine, especially when so many other local newspaper titles were about to close.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people who have helped put the Lichfield Gazette out over the past five years (staff, distributors and advertisers), and together with you dear reader, we look forward to reaching our next milestone. Only another 125 more years and we will have equalled the Lichfield Mercury.

Yours truly, Paul Oakley. Editor

Cover by Paul Oakley

Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House page 6

contributors • • • •

Caz Jones Laura Bowcutt PG Mitchell Kate Gomez

• • • •

Joss Musg rove Knibb Robert Yardley Phil Preece John Crowe

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 18,000 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, Burntwood, Whittington and Little Aston.

A limited number of the Lichfield Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from the Heritage Centre at St Mary’s in the Market Place. All proceeds go to charity.

We do not seek to sensationalise but to inform and entertain our readers.

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. Lichfield Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other publication.

contact the Gazette see page 62 Page 4 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteNews

New Chairman of Lichfield Mysteries appointed

M

r Peter Chell has become the new chairman of Lichfield Mysteries. Peter has been part of the Mysteries over the last few cycles and is looking forward to heading the Council of Management.

The 56-year-old has a degree in Drama and Theatre and his major passion is watching and teaching Shakespeare in performance.

He commented: “I am very committed to community arts and feel honoured and excited by the prospect of chairing the Lichfield Mysteries. Over the next few months I will be working with the committee to prepare the 2014 programme and the events leading up to the 2015 Mysteries.”

During the last eighteen years Peter, along with his partner, has run a thriving amateur theatre company,

Green Flag award for Beacon Park

B

eacon Park is one of the very best parks in the UK – and that’s official!

The park is among a record-breaking 1,447 parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award.

The national award, handed out by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to visitors that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Beacon Park is set in more than 70 acres of beautiful gardens and open space. In addition to historical statues and monuments, it features a large play area, a boating pool, a golf course, football pitches, tennis courts, bowling greens, a community garden, woodland, eateries and a programme of seasonal events and activities.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communications & Tourism, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the third year running. This award recognises and highlights that people in Beacon Park are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”

producing two plays a year and involving themselves in a range of community-based events.

Peter has spent much of his professional career working in Young People's Health as a Public Health and Health Promotion Specialist.

Currently he is managing a Lifestyle Service in Stoke on Trent.

Retiring chair Ros Hallifax, who led the committee for four years, said she was delighted that Peter had been appointed. She added: “His experience in and enthusiasm for community arts make him the ideal person for the job and I wish him every success.”

Mr Peter Chell

Why not pop in to a Macmillan Coffee Morning on 27th and 28th September?

A

cross Lichfield Coffee Mornings in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support will be held on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th September.

These events are part of ‘The World's Biggest Coffee Morning’ which is a nationwide fundraising event.

Donations on the day are made to Macmillan to help in their sterling work. In 2012 115,000 people signed up to coffee mornings, raising a record £15 million.

In Lichfield Coffee Mornings will be held at: • The Plant Pot Garden Nursery (ring for details 01543 262805) Western By-Pass, where in addition to coffee you’ll be able to sample delicious home-made cakes.

• FM & J Wait at 25 Bird Street, whose Coffee Morning will be help to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support (28th September).

• CC Viyella at 45 Bore Street, Lichfield will be holding a Coffee Morning with lovely cakes and pastries made by staff and customers, raffles, and non-stop fun all morning. Boots the Chemist will be joining CC to help entertain visitors (27th September).

• The Pear Tree Creperie at Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Lichfield will run a Coffee Morning from

10.00am to 4.00pm (27th September).. On the day they will also be holding a raffle with prizes donated by Heart of the Country tenants to be drawn at 4.00pm. A selection of homemade cakes will be available, also 'guess the weight' of a special cupcake. They will also have a tombola and book table with all proceeds going to the Macmillan Cancer Support team. The Pear Tree Creperie are aiming, with your help, to beat the total raised in 2012 of £650. For more information call 01543 481 807 • Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd in Lichfield are preparing for their own Macmillan Coffee Morning (27th September).. The team at RWR are opening their doors to the public to come join them and participate in the world’s biggest coffee morning where coffee and cakes will be available for a donation. However it will not just be the case of enjoying a coffee and a cake, the RWR team will be having a fundraising static cycle event where members of the team will compete to see who can really travel the farthest and trying to work off all the cake they will be eating!!! RWR can be found at 3, Lion Court, Wade Street, Lichfield, WS13 6HL.

The RWR Recruitment Team

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GazetteNews

BBC’s Antiques Road Trip visits Lichfield

O

n Friday 26 July 2013 celebrity antique-dealer and auctioneer Paul Laidlaw came to Lichfield Antiques Centre to record a program for BBC's Antiques Road Trip.

Last month the centre hosted a visit by antiques expert, Charlie Ross, for the same series.

Paul fell in love with two Paul Walton, Mike Burke, Paul Laidlaw, Denise antique boxes and a rare and Peters and Madeleine Floyd unusual leather purse (circa 1900) in the form of a chauffeurs cap. After much negotiation he was able to secure a deal for all three items.

Paul's love of militaria is well known and after the recording was over Paul took the opportunity to purchase a number of items for his personal collection.

On the same day, the BBC team also visited antiques dealers trading in the Market Square and James A Jordan Antiques in Conduit Street.

As part of the Road Trip, Paul will be taking his items to auction in a few weeks time. It is anticipated that the recording of Charlie's visit will be shown by the BBC in late 2013 and the visit by Paul will screen early in 2014.

Lichfield businessman to climb Africa’s highest mountain for charity

Andy Connor.

A

ndy Connor, Managing Director of Lichfield company Hellmann Worldwide Logistics UK, has embarked on a charity trek up Mount Kilimanjaro this August to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

After seeing a similar Comic Relief trek, he decided that 2013 would be the year he took action and The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity close to Andy’s heart, as his father suffered from the disease.

He is climbing to the summit of the mountain, which is the highest point in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, standing 18,000 feet above sea level. Before setting out, Andy began training several times a week and also recently conquered Mt Snowden, in preparation for the much bigger climb coming up.

To find out more about Andy’s climb or to donate to the cause, please visit his Just Giving page: https://original.justgiving.com/Andy-Connor1 Andy Connor commented: “I have spoken for years about trying to do something like this, but now I have decided to go for it. I would like to raise awareness for a very special charity that doesn’t get mass coverage and isn’t as well known as it should be. It will be a once in a lifetime experience!”

Pic: www.digitalnewsroom.co.uk Page 6 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

WIN

LUNCH

FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE

FIND MINSTER THE CAT! Win a Lunch for Two (MonThurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience.

A small, family owned and run boutique hotel and restaurant that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this years Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards. Head Chef and his Kitchen Brigade have created a new Express Lunch menu for you to enjoy Monday to Saturday. The emphasis is on creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest seasonal ingredients.

Express Lunch Menu:2 Courses ~ £14.95; 3 Courses ~ £19.95 12 midday to 2:30pm (Mon - Fri), 1:00pm to 2:30pm (Sat) Minster is a little rascal! True to form he has got lost again in this

issue and we need your help to find him. He might be in an advertisement or in a story, can you find him? When you have found him (he looks like the image at the top of the page) simply tell us which page he is on for a chance to win. Write the page number on a card or the back of a sealed envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than 21st September 2013 to ‘Minster The Cat Competition’ PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Or by email to minsterthecat@hotmail.co.uk subject "Minster Comp". One entry only please (or disqualified).

The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next edition of Lichfield Gazette.

Congratulations to Mrs N Suffield of Micklehome Drive, Alrewas who spotted Minster on Page 44 of the August magazine.

Good luck!!

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GazetteNews

Competition Winners Since You’ve Been Gone Competition.

Congratulations to Mrs A M Smith of Norwich Close, Lichfield, winner of the signed copy of Since You’ve been Gone by Anoushka Knight.

Strawberry Skin Competition.

Congratulations to Heather Benham of Cricket Lane, Lichfield, winner of the Body Shop Strawberry Gift Set. Debenhams Swimwear Competition.

Also, congratulations again to Lucy Walker, winner of the Debenhams swimwear competition (announced in the last edition of the Gazette) shown here choosing her prize.

• On Saturday August 10th the Bystander was in the audience at the Fake Festival held in Beacon Park. The good natured crowd of revellers included people of all ages, mums, dads and kids who listened to live music in the marquee or chatted in the outdoor arena where food and festival goods stalls provided plenty of ways to enjoyably spend a few pounds.

The day stared with great music from local bands, and the evening was given over to Stone Roses, Blondie and Kasabian tribute acts, all of stunning quality (with the lead singers looking eerily like their famous counterparts).

Organisers told the Gazette that 1,000 people had turned out for the event.

• Dont miss the Lichfield 10k and fun run on Sunday 8th Sept, go to lichfield10k.co.uk/wordpress for more details.

Touch of Class Competition.

Congratulations to Stacey John of Fradley, winner of the Touch of Class Competition. Stacey is pictured here with Mandy Elton (left), owner of A Touch of Class, Market Street, Lichfield.

My Word

Call yourself a logophile?

Test your vocabulary with our quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority.

Q. What is a yale?

A. A type of gate.

B. A mythological animal used in heraldry.

C. A piece of hard wood or bone used in corsetry.

The answer is B. A yale is a mythological animal.

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Local Author Just Adds Spice!

F

ollowing hard on the heels of her enormously successful book ‘How Not to Murder Your Grumpy’, Rugeley author Carol E Wyer has announced the release of her new novel, ‘Just Add Spice’.

How Not to Murder Your Grumpy was released on June 1st and went to number one in the Amazon charts. Interest in the book was such that Carol was interviewed on fifteen BBC radio stations throughout the UK and on US, Australian and New Zealand stations too.

Just Add Spice, set in Yoxall and Lichfield, seems set to exceed this popularity and is currently the number one read on the Goodreads 2013 Summer Read Chart. It is already getting five star reviews and was released on 25th July for Kindle and eBooks and will be out in paperback in November.

This latest book is another light-hearted novel, published

by London based Safkhet Publishing.

The story follows Dawn Ellis who needs to escape from her painfully dull existence. Her unemployed husband spends all day complaining about life, moping around, or fixing lawnmowers on her kitchen table. The local writing class proves to be an adequate distraction with its eccentric Carol E Wyer collection of wannabe authors and, of course, the enigmatic Jason, who soon shows a romantic interest in her.

Dawn pours her inner frustrations into her first novel about the extraordinary exploits of Cinnamon Knight, an avenging angel, a woman who doesn't believe in following the rules. Cinnamon is ruthless and wanton, inflicting suffering on any man who warrants it. Little does Dawn realise that soon the line between reality and fiction will blur. Her own life will be transformed, and those close to her will pay the price.

Just Add Spice is available with Smashwords, Amazon and most other eBook retailers.

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GazetteFeature

Treasures of the Written Word Photos by Robert Yardley

L

ichfield Cathedral Library, a beautiful space built in 1249, is situated above the Chapter House and accessed by a spiral staircase. The tiles of the library floor form a late 13th century tiled pavement, regarded as one of the treasures of the Cathedral.

One thousand of the books in the present library were bequeathed in 1673 by Frances, Duchess of Somerset and Marchioness of Hertford and these became the basis of the Cathedral’s collection. These volumes belonged to her late husband, William Seymour, the second Duke.

The library has had many benefactors and covers a wide variety of subjects. Not only Theological works but books on geography, maps, history, literature, classics and dictionaries line the shelves. A selection of four new postcards have recently been carefully reproduced from the library’s collection, two from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c 1420) and cartoons from the Justinian Codex Canonici (13th century).

These can be purchased when visiting the library or the Cathedral Shop.

To discover these treasures the library is offering a limited number of public tours which last approximately one hour.

The next available tour dates are 2 and 23 October, and 2, 13 and 23 November 2013. Tours commence at 10.30am, tickets costs £9.00 per person and pre-booking is essential as tour numbers are restricted. Further details can be obtained from the Cathedral website or Cathedral Shop (Tel: 01543 306150).

For more information visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org

Blackbrook Interiors raise £4000 at their St Giles Hospice Summer Garden Party On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August Blackbrook Interiors, at London Road Weeford, held a Summer Garden Party to raise money for St Giles Hospice. It was a tremendous success, with a lot of people giving their time and effort, and a lot of superb prizes donated for the Grand Raffle.

There were traditional afternoon teas, live music and dancing, vintage cars, a BBQ, a Pimms tent, stalls and a craft exhibition.

Blackbrook is an outstanding venue with unique

Page 10 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

furnishings, including antiques, for every home and a wide range of garden ornaments and furnishings too.

After a splendid and well supported event, £4000 was raised, and this is not the first time that Blackbrook has raised money for St Giles Hospice.

Winners in the Grand Raffle included Mrs L Storer (£200 voucher to spend at Blackbrooks), Mrs J Merricks (4 tickets to watch Birmingham City FC v Ipswich Town), Mr Mathews (Luxury Food Hamper) and Ms S Grimwade (Dinner for two at 1709 The Brasserie).

Palais D’or is an independent, family owned business which has been trading in Lichfield for 25 years. They stock a diverse and eclectic selection of silver and gold jewellery. As they are not a ‘brand led’ shop, there is more scope for unusual and individual pieces not repeated anywhere in the region. This is particularly apparent in their previously owned gold jewellery. A delightful array of stylish and individual jewellery can be discovered here, ranging from a bespoke cocktail ring from the 1960’s to an elegant and contemporary pavé set diamond necklet.

There is both a jeweller with 40 years’ experience and a qualified gemmologist within the business so, you can rest assured that all the gold jewellery is carefully checked and verified with the finest of detail.

To celebrate their 25th Anniversary there is 25% off all gold jewellery.

So go along and meet the team to celebrate 25 years of Palais D’Or in Lichfield and pick up a bargain in the process!

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GazetteNews

Lichfield Oxjam 2013

O

xjam is a yearly national music festival that aims to provide a platform for local musicians and artists and to raise money for Oxfam. Each City where the festival takes place is independently organised and run by a team of local volunteers.

Last year saw the launch of Oxjam in Lichfield, which was a massive success with five venues of live music, comedy and art that were full to capacity for the whole day, with the festival raising over £3000 for Oxfam.

This year the take-over festival will be happening on Saturday 19th October, again using five venues to showcase the best of Midlands live music and award-winning comedy. For 2013 the event is expanding to really show what Lichfield can offer, with every penny raised going directly to Oxfam.

On the run up to the festival a series of fundraising events is taking place including on Wednesday 11th September a film screening in the Lichfield Room of Wade Street Hall, on Saturday 14th September Festival Manager Lucy Beth will be abseiling from the roof of the Custard Factory arts centre in Birmingham (Sponsorship donations can be given at justgiving.com/oxjamlichfield), on Sunday 22nd September an Oxjam music quiz at the Earl of Lichfield and on Wednesday 25th September a spoken word and poetry evening at the Oxfam Book and Music Shop.

More information is available on Facebook OxjamLichfield and organisers are always keen for new volunteers to join the team, and anyone interested can contact fundraisingoxjamlichfield@gmail.com

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A

Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition at Hammerwich

s part of the Mercian Trail Staffordshire County Council are organising a mobile exhibition of replicas of the Staffordshire Hoard that will visit centres, schools and libraries around Staffordshire over the next three years.

The first venue for the exhibition is Hammerwich Community Centre (the exhibition opened on 31 August and will run to 15 September. Opening times are 10am to 4pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 1pm to 4pm on the Sundays). The exhibition includes replicas of all the best pieces together with hands-on projects for the whole family to enjoy. Also on display will be archaeological finds from Hammerwich, including items from the recent dig to find Hammerwich Hall. Hammerwich Community Centre can be found at Hall Lane, Hammerwich WS7 0JP Also at the Community Centre on Friday 6th September at 19.30 there will be held a talk on the “Staffordshire Hoard: an insider’s view” by Dr David Symons from Birmingham Museum, and on Saturday 14 September at 19:30 there will be an informal talk given by Terry Herbert who found the hoard. Both events are free, but donations will be requested for refreshments.

As part of the Staffordshire Hoard Mercian Trail, Lichfield Cathedral has benefited from a grant of £50,000 awarded to the trail by the Arts Council

England. The aim of the funding is to boost the trail by making it even easier for more people to find out about the thrilling story of the Staffordshire Hoard.

The Staffordshire Hoard exhibition is manned entirely by volunteers and Lichfield Cathedral is always keen to hear from people who can spare an hour or two each week, to help this fantastic exhibition remain open to the public.

If you are interested in the Staffordshire Hoard and would like to help keep the display of the Hoard at Lichfield Cathedral open to visitors by becoming a Chapter House & Staffordshire Hoard Host, please contact Lichfield and District Community & Voluntary Sector Support (LDCVS) on 01543 303030, email info@ldcvs.org.uk or call www.ldcvs.org.uk.

You can also visit the LDCVS team at Mansell House, 22 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6LL, Mondays to Fridays 9am - 4.30pm.

To find out more about the Staffordshire Hoard and the Mercian Trail, visit www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk or to find out more about Lichfield Cathedral, visit www.lichfieldcathedral.org

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GazetteNews

You are invited to Samuel Johnson’s 304th Birthday party!

T

he Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is celebrating the birthday of Lichfield’s most famous son with a free slice of cake for all visitors and activities throughout the day on Saturday 21st September.

The Museum on Breadmarket Street will be open from 10.30am – 4.30pm and admission, as always, is free of charge. A slice of Birthday cake supplied by local bakery Hindleys will be available for all visitors, while stocks last! The historic house will also be looking its best with beautiful flower displays by local florist ‘Flower Design by Kate’. In addition all are invited to assemble on the Market Square for 12 noon when the civic party and Johnson Society members will gather to watch the Mayor lay a wreath on the statue of Johnson, accompanied by traditional hymns.

Johnson’s birthday celebrations are part of Lichfield Heritage Weekend and this year’s theme is ’Tales Through Time.’ Visitors to the Museum can experience ‘Johnson’s Georgian Jungle,’ where they can hear animal tales inspired by the weird and wonderful creatures found in Johnson’s Dictionary. They can also follow an amazing animals trail through the house and use their imaginations to make unusual animal story puppets.

Elsewhere in the city, the Old Prison Cells at Lichfield Guildhall will be open on Saturday 10am – 4pm and Sunday 11am – 3pm. Also at the Guildhall on Saturday between 1pm – 2.30pm in the Guild Room, there’s an opportunity to ‘Meet the Macebearers’, view the historic city mace close-up and find out more about Lichfield’s civic customs.

The Johnson Society will also be marking Johnson’s Birthday with their traditional supper at Lichfield Guildhall in the evening, where current President John Chapple will hand over his badge to President elect, author Peter Martin.

Earlier in the week at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17th September, the Birthplace will also be holding a special birthday version of their monthly Art Workshops to link in with sculptures of Johnson. The sessions, run by award winning local artist Carole Collier, are ideal for experienced artists or beginners alike and cost £10. To book into the small, friendly workshop please call or visit the Museum.

For more information please call 01543 264 972, visit the Museum or email website at www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk

Johnson’s magnificent birthday cake Page 16 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Lichfield Rocks raises over £2,500 for St Giles

T

he first ever Lichfield Rocks festival has raised over £2,500 for St Giles Hospice in Whittington.

Lichfield Rocks was held at the Bowling Green pub on June 29th and was organised by local art rockers Stubblemelt. The event showcased a host of talented local artists alongside family fun activities such as a penalty shootout, face painting and a barbecue. Funds were raised from visitors who were asked to make a donation towards St Giles Hospice upon entry. The final amount handed over to the charity was a total of £2,921.51.

St Giles Hospice works to provide much needed care to sufferers of serious illnesses and their families. The charity is close to the heart of band members at Stubblemelt and was an obvious choice to benefit from the fundraiser. Drummer Dave Ashford’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 20 years ago, a condition that has worsened over the past five years. With help and support from St Giles, she has been able to live with the condition and remains positive. She even turned up at the event herself as a surprise guest to receive a round of applause from everyone in attendance which reduced her to tears before Stubblemelt’s headline set.

Dave Ashford told the Gazette: “St Giles Hospice has really helped my mum to manage her condition with regular exercise classes and social activities. It was a real honour for us to be able to organise and host Lichfield Rocks Festival and we were delighted to raise so much money to say our own personal thank you to St Giles for the great work they do.”

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GazetteFeature

Dr William Palmer - The Prince of Poisoners?

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

T

he infamous ‘Rugeley Poisoner’, also known during the 19th century as the ‘Prince of Poisoners’ was born plain William Palmer in Rugeley on the 6th August 1824 to Sarah and Joseph Palmer. One of eight children, William seemed to have an unremarkable childhood until the age of 12 when his father died, leaving his mother a considerable legacy.

In light of William’s alleged murderous career that has seen him implicated in at least 14 deaths, it’s tempting to speculate that this death and the inheritance money it subsequently showered on the family provided a template for all the murders to come.

At just 17 William was already proving to be a ‘chancer’ and was dismissed from his position as a dispenser’s assistant in Liverpool after being accused of stealing from the till. Despite this setback, in 1847 William returned to Rugeley a qualified doctor.

His first murder?

For a few months in 1846, before returning home, William worked as a ‘walking doctor’ at Stafford Infirmary. At that time he would regularly drink at The Lamb and Flag pub in Little Haywood. One night he met there George Abley and his good-looking wife and regulars at The Lamb noticed that William seemed very taken with her. Some reports claim that William had previously met her when she attended the Infirmary and had tried to seduce her but she had refused his advances. During the evening he challenged George to a drinking competition, but just a short while into the contest George felt ill and wandered outside to get some fresh air. When he was found later that night he had collapsed on to some old sacking in the yard. He was carried to bed where he died later that night. Was this in fact William’s first murder? It’s thought that this incident may be the origin of the phrase “What’s your poison?”

In 1847, William married a young woman called Ann Thornton in St Nicholas’ Church, Abbots Bromley. At first glance this might seem a strange match for an ambitious man as it was well known that Ann’s mother, Mary, had been the housekeeper and suspected mistress of a Colonel Brookes for many years. William’s new wife had also sometimes gone by the surname Brookes, strongly suggesting her illegitimacy. In the Victorian period illegitimacy was a terrible stigma, its taint would make a woman Page 18 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

all but unmarriageable. If I was being uncharitable I would say that the mystery surrounding the match lessens however when you consider the legacy of £8,000 Ann’s mother had received on the death by suicide of Col Brookes in 1834, from which she gave Ann £250 a year, and the monies and several houses Ann herself received on the death of her father.

Sadly, Mary was an alcoholic and Ann spent her childhood under the care of a guardian at Miss Bond’s School in Haywood, where she met William Palmer on one of his trips to see an unwell pupil. They fell in love and married, despite her guardian’s mistrust of William and there are touching love letters between the two still in existence. On an unrelated by very sad point, Colonel Brookes was one of five brothers, all but one of whom committed suicide. What on earth had gone on in that family?

It has been speculated that William knew his mother-in-law had money, but not how much. This may have proved the death-knell for Mary as two weeks after coming to stay with the new couple (and lending William money) Mary Thornton died. Dr Bamford, an elderly fellow doctor of over 80 years who also practiced in Rugeley recorded the cause of death as ‘apoplexy’. This was a cover-all and unspecific term that referred to many causes of sudden death. In other words, the cause of death, was death. Not the most precise of diagnoses.

However, at the time of her death Mary had been living a life of squalor and alcohol dependency in her house behind St Mary’s Church in Stafford. It seems that she was only in the Palmer house after she had been discovered insensible through drink and in a bad way. Was her death a result of years of heavy drinking, and a sudden cessation in her alcohol intake?

William Palmer was an inveterate gambler, with a love of horse racing (maybe inspired by the famous Rugeley Horse Fair?) that got him further and further into debt. In 1850 William borrowed £400 from Leonard Bladen, a man he had met at the races.

William and Leonard must have been on friendly terms as Leonard came to stay at the Palmer’s

Dr William Palmer drawing by Joseph Simpson

house after the ‘meet’ had finished. Shortly after arriving, Leonard died a terribly painful death whilst under the care of William. Bladen’s widow remarked at the time that she was mystified by the fact that her husband had only £15 in his possession, as he had just won a substantial amount at the races and had written to her to state that he was going to Rugeley to collect his debts, and should have about £1,000 to bring home with him. Leonard’s betting books had also disappeared, so she couldn’t prove any outstanding debts, William’s included. Once again, nothing was proved with the death attributed to an abscess in the pelvis and it is true that some days before Leonard had been hit by a cart and advised not to go to the races. He went anyway. Leonard’s death certificate states that William was ‘present at the death’.

Death of four children One of the most utterly incomprehensible aspects of William Palmer’s alleged murderous nature is the successive deaths of four of his five children. On 6th January 1851 Elizabeth Palmer died aged 10 weeks, in 1852 on the 19th December Frank died after just seven hours, on the 6th January 1852 Henry died aged 1 month, and in 1854 on the 27th January he was followed by John who survived just three days.

At the time, with infant mortality so high the deaths were generally unremarked, but surely the coincidences in the dates of death, all either on the same day or a few days apart must have stirred some terrible suspicions in the mind of their mother?

The Palmer’s cleaning lady Mrs Matilda Bradshaw is on record as being convinced of their father’s guilt, but she had no evidence and had seen nothing. Only one child survived. William Brookes Palmer, a London solicitor who died on 29th April 1926 aged at

continued on page 20

Tanzotique have gone from strength to strength since opening in August 2002 and are pleased to be celebrating their 11th anniversary this year.

Progressing from a tanning salon in the early days, Tanzotique has now become one of the most well-known and favoured beauty salons in the area offering treatments using premium brands that are right on trend.

2012 welcomed the arrival of Stephanie Davis who introduced the Beau Cheveux Hair Salon, a little gem which gives clients a personal and tailored service, ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident with their stylist. The

salon offers new intensive hair treatments and services.

Tanzotique owner Lyndsey Kibble and salon manager

Jodie Green are a team which brings a unique, friendly and personal service, staying ahead of the game by refreshing their training every year with Bio Sculpture Gel. The salon stocks over 100 coloured gels and the staff are proud of their professional techniques and customer service.

Over the last year the salon has really made a name for itself by taking eyelash extensions to the next level and introducing Let’s Go Lashes, a new and exciting celebrity favourite that are very quick to do. There is a huge range of looks that are very gentle and caring to natural lashes.

By popular demand, the latest trend introduced by Tanzotique is HD Brows, one of the beauty ‘must haves’ which was made popular in the hit TV shows The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea. High definition eyebrows do not always have to be dramatic; they can be quite subtle but will always frame the face beautifully enhancing a natural look.

The team can offer tips to their clients and have mastered the art of beautiful lash and brow treatments.

If luxury treatment, including state of the art techniques are what you are looking for, then Tanzotique really is the salon for you, offering a laid back, personal and friendly atmosphere.

Tanzotique is pleased to invite all clients, past and present, to their open evening on Wednesday 11 September from 5.30pm to 9.00pm.

For one night only, take advantage of some fantastic

offers when paying in advance for treatments. You can book a course of five HD Brows treatments for just £75 (normal cost £125) during which you will receive tips about how to enhance your eye area. The team can help to restyle your brows and also help to grow brows that have been damaged by over plucking or waxing in the past. This seven step HD Brows treatment is fantastic.

On a first-come first-served basis there will also be a range of offers on products such as Bio Sculpture Gel nails, Fake Bake tanning products, HD make-up and Millie Macintosh lashes. Come along to the open evening and enjoy demonstrations from highly trained Tanzotique team – and of course a glass or two of bubbly! This September also introducing a range of muscle relaxants for wrinkles. All aesthetic treatments are administered by a registered prescribing doctor or nurse.

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GazetteFeature continued from page 18 least 76 years old. Strangely, he was asphyxiated started to point firmly at Dr Palmer. but a well-loved (if fast-living) young man of means. after a gas tap was left on. Were the other children In November 1855 William went to the races in As soon as the family heard the sad news John’s killed to save their father money?

Shrewsbury with a friend named John Parsons Cook, stepfather William Cook arrived in Rugeley.

During all of this time, William was having affairs with whom Palmer part-owned several race-horses.

When Palmer informed him that John’s betting with his housemaid and the daughter of a John was never of particularly robust health, but he books had again gone missing, and that John owed Staffordshire policeman to name but two. He had had an eye for the horses and won £3,000 over the £4,000 (no doubt to be paid to Palmer) William Cook several illegitimate children and is thought to have two day meet. Palmer, predictably enough, lost became suspicious and demanded an inquest. He been blackmailed by at least one of the women. heavily after betting on a horse named ‘the chicken’. was not satisfied with the death certificate, once To stave off his increasingly anxious creditors to After each race day, the two would celebrate at a again filled out by Dr Bamford, giving the cause of whom he now owed tens of thousands of pounds (to pub called ‘The Raven’. It was here that Mrs Anne death as ‘apoplexy’. give you an idea of the The post mortem on Dr William Palmer's diary showing entry for Cook's death half way down left hand page seriousness of his debts, the John’s body took place average yearly wage of a at the Talbot Arms on shop-keeper in 1850 was 24th November. It was under £50. Even bankers carried out by two and industrialists could only medical students and a hope to make £1,000 a Dr Newton, who arrived year) in 1854, William took drunk. It was a out a life insurance policy on shambles, the public his 27 year old wife Ann with crowded into the room the Prince of Wales and William Palmer Insurance Company. He ‘helped’ during the paid out a premium of £750 procedure, knocking to insure her life for £13,000.

Newton’s arm and As Ann was in good health reportedly trying to bribe and a young woman the ‘pot boy’ to drop the (although surely the jar containing the vital successive deaths of her stomach contents etc. children must have had a When the samples were terrible effect on her mental sent to a specialist, they health), he had no problem proved too damaged to arranging the cover. On the asses.

29th September that same In an odd little story year Ann died. The cause of related at the time, death was listed as Palmer also sent the ‘cholera’, and in fact during coroner a letter asking that year 23,000 people in the UK died of this Brookes saw Palmer pour something from a small him to return a verdict of death by natural causes, disease. Although William was said to be distraught bottle into Cook’s glass, mix it, and hold it up to the and included a tenner! light presumably to check its clarity. She had also at her death, was she one of his victims?

On the 15th December the jury at the inquest Shortly after this windfall, William was threatened witnessed John complaining that his brandy was returned their verdict, that: “The deceased died of by two of his creditors to whom he owed just short of burning his throat, and William making a scene, poison wilfully administered to him by William £23,000. He had for some time been forging his theatrically declaring that there was nothing wrong Palmer.”

Arrest and trial wealthy mother’s signature to keep them off his back. with it. Later that evening Cook was spectacularly Palmer was arrested and taken to Stafford Gaol. In The creditors had had enough and threatened to tell sick, perhaps purging himself of any contaminants in her if he didn’t cough up. William responded by going the drink. He also told two friends he thought: “That 1856, an act of Parliament was passed to allow the to the races, where he lost. damn Palmer has been dosing me.” It seems trial to take place at the Old Bailey, as local Murder of his brother? probable to assume that Cook was either joking, or newspaper coverage of the case had made finding William’s attention then fell on his brother Walter, thought that William had done it as a practical joke. an impartial Staffordshire jury an impossibility. once a successful businessman but now an alcoholic As we know from the case of Dr Harold Shipley, noShortly afterwards, William’s wife Ann was who William brought under his protection, supplying one tends to be suspicious of a doctor. exhumed, and her body was found to contain traces him with bottles of spirits every day. It must have On the 15th November, the pair returned to of the poison antimony, but was it administered as a been obvious to William that Walter’s life would not Rugeley and John Cook booked into room 10 of the medicine or in a large enough dose to kill? be a long one if given this much booze, and he cast Talbot Arms, a pub that faced the Palmer’s house.

The evidence against Palmer was circumstantial. about for several insurance companies that would On the 17th, the friends met for coffee, and John Dispensers came forward to say that they had sold jointly insure his brother’s life for the staggering sum was taken seriously ill. Left alone in his hotel room Palmer strychnine, his bank manager confirmed that of £84,000. Unsurprisingly there were no takers apart with Palmer, John Cook got progressively worse. At he had just £9 in the bank and his terrible debts were from the Prince of Wales Insurance Company who one point, Cook’s solicitor sent over a bowl of soup revealed. Despite the fact that there was no hard insured Walter for £14,000 (one company offered to for the patient. Palmer got hold of it first and had it evidence, the jury returned the verdict of guilty. cover Walter for a higher sum on the understanding sent down to the kitchens to be warmed up. When a Palmer took the news serenely. that they would not pay out of he died within 5 years, chambermaid tried a couple of mouthfuls to make The prosecutor in the case Alexander Cockburn William refused the policy). Walter died on 10th sure it was hot enough, she was violently sick. was even congratulated by Palmer after the verdict August 1855 in terrible pain, and this time the Tragically after John was given all of the soup he was handed down. William told him that: “It was the insurers refused to pay out. After sending a couple of went rapidly downhill. riding that did it”, a racing term referring to investigators down they recommended an enquiry In the meantime Palmer was coolly collecting Cockburn’s skilful handing. into the death, especially after they learnt that William Cook’s debts, coining in £1,200 and allegedly openly At 8am on the 14th June 1856 a crowd of over Palmer had also tried to take out a life insurance purchasing strychnine from the local dispenser. On 30,000 people, many of whom had walked from policy on a chap called George Bale who had worked the 21st November John Cook died a terrible death.

Rugeley, gathered in the rain at Stafford Gaol to for him on a casual basis for a brief period.

This time however the deceased was not a watch the hanging. He apparently showed no fear It was at this time that the finger of local suspicion stranger of lower social status, a child or a relative, approaching the gallows, even taking care to avoid Page 20 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteNews the puddles. Some reports state that he indulged in a little gallows humour asking: “Are you sure this damn thing’s safe?” as he stood over the trap door though which he was about to drop. He had repeatedly been asked to admit his guilt, and made a strange answer, neither confirming nor denying. He made no speech from the gallows and died quickly.

He was buried next to the gaol church. On hearing the news of his death his mother cried: “They have killed my saintly Billy.”

Over the years it’s been suggested that William Palmer may have been falsely accused, and it’s true that a modern jury would be unlikely to convict on such circumstantial evidence. If William was not guilty, then he was prey to the most remarkable set of co-incidences. If he was indeed guilty, then he is perhaps the most perfect example of a sociopath that I’ve ever come across, a man utterly without empathy.

Years after his execution another strange twist in the story came to light when in 1946 The Sentinel newspaper published a note discovered by the wife of a London coroner and not submitted in Palmer’s trial. The note was a prescription in Palmer’s handwriting that had been presented to a local chemist to be filled out, presumably by Palmer himself. The prescription was made out for 10d (ten old pence) worth of strychnine and opium. The question has be asked, what did Palmer want with such a large quantity?

We’ll never know, but his story has repelled and fascinated in equal measure for 157 years, and I suspect will continue to do so for decades to come.

References: palmer.staffscc.net, executedtoday.com, williampalmer.co.uk, staffspasttrack.org.uk, murderpedia.org, census-helper.co.uk, wikipedia.org, Barker, G. F. R. (2004) Shee, Sir William (1804–1868), Rev. Hugh Mooney, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Davenport-Hines, R. (2004) The Rugeley Poisoner (1824–1856), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Knott, G. H. (1912). The Trial of William Palmer. Edinburgh: William Hodge & Co. The Trial of William Palmer for the Alleged Rugeley Poisonings. London: James Gilbert. 1856.

Dr Palmer's Medicine Chest copyright Joss Musgrove Knibb Page 21

GazetteEducation

Secondary education for your child

By Caz Jones If your child is moving up to Year 6 in September you would be forgiven for thinking that you now have 12 months to dwell about their secondary school education - but you would be wrong.

Although September 2014 might seem a long time away, many parents/carers of Year 6 students will have already planned which school their child should attend in the next school year. Year 7 in secondary school brings whole new challenges to both parents/carers and children, not least the emotional challenge of acknowledging change, as children take their next momentous step towards adulthood.

If you put off the decision-making process for your child’s secondary education you might find that your preferences, if you have any, are no longer available.

It’s not always safe to assume that the secondary school of your choice will accept your child; they may have reached their maximum intake by the time you approach them or you might simply be too far outside their catchment area.

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What to consider Before choosing a secondary school you should investigate the options that might be available to you as there are an astonishing number of questions you need to consider. Are you familiar with the school’s reputation? Have you looked at their most recent Ofsted report? What percentage of pupils goes on to further education? If your child is particularly interested in sport, music, science or languages, what are the facilities in school to support this interest? Do they offer any after school clubs?

You should also find out what benefits the school can provide for your child; for instance do they have local business links or ties to universities?

What are the school’s admission criteria? Your child may not meet the school’s criteria on grounds of distance, academic ability (in the case of grammar and selective schools) or religion. The criteria will be found in the school's own prospectus, as well as in your Local Authority's website.

School Open days Secondary schools open days for the September 2014 intake will be taking place very soon after the school year resumes in September. If you are unable to attend an open day you might be able to make an appointment to look around a school during normal "working hours".

Head teachers tend to agree that there is no substitute for actually visiting a school so that you get the ‘feel’ for the place. It also gives you the opportunity to scrutinise everything from the standards of the bathroom facilities to the number of extra-curricular events pinned up on the school notice-boards.

Where to get help Go to www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk and click on ‘S’ to find all the relevant schools information services or go to www.staffordshire.gov.uk and click on the ‘Parents and Families’ link, and then go to ‘Schools’.

You will find that the online secondary school application process will be open from the 9th September 2013 for all Staffordshire residents and that the closing date for all secondary school applications to be submitted to the Schools Admissions and Transport Service is 31 October 2013.

This is the national closing date and if you miss the Local Authority deadline your child will be an official late entry and you may find it much more difficult to have any influence over which school your child attends.

GazetteEducation

Education in the Cannock Chase area is the responsibility of Staffordshire County Council.

The admissions section contains all the information you will need to help you get a school place for your child/children, including an online submission.

Staffordshire County Council Contact details: Email: contactus@staffordshire.gov.uk Tel: 0300 111 8000 Fax: 01785 215153 Visit: http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk Write: Staffordshire County Council, St Chad's Place, Stafford, Staffordshire ST16 2LR School Choice Advice Service Following application to the school of your choice, you then have to wait until 3rd March 2014 to know if your application has been successful.

At this point you should remember that if you are not happy with the decision you have the right to appeal against the decision. The School Choice Adviser may be able to provide you with further help regarding the appeals process.

This service provides support to parents/carers with the appeals process, offering independent, impartial and free advice. However the School Choice Adviser cannot make decisions for you or guarantee a place at a particular school.

Based at Tipping Street in Stafford, you can contact the School Choice Adviser for Staffordshire County Council on 01785 278992, by email on choiceadvice@staffordshire.gov.uk or visit the website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/schoolchoice You might also find the following websites useful: www.gov.uk www.dcsf.gov.uk www.mumsnet.com www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk www.parentdish.co.uk www.autism.org.uk www.schoolsnet.com www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk www.educationlawspecialists.co.uk www.parentpartnership.org.uk

OPEN DAY SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2013 11AM TO 3PM

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GazetteEducation

Women leaders of the future Learning, Living, Leading E

very day is an open day at Abbots Bromley School, where everyone is an individual and girls from 3-18 are nurtured and encouraged to learn the skills they need for life, whilst being given limitless opportunities to develop and succeed.

Founded in 1874 Abbots Bromley School was the very first Woodard School for girls and since then has continued to evolve and develop to become one of the leading girls’ schools, whilst still retaining many traditional values.

Pupils who attend Abbots Bromley need to be prepared to get involved in the all round nature of the School, to engage with the wide array of activities and opportunities that makes the School distinctive. At the same time high academic standards are expected and girls need to demonstrate appropriate intellectual ability and independence that will allow them to flourish in the classroom

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and aspire to become leaders of the future.

As a boarding school, our flexible boarding packages afford a high degree of pastoral care. We offer an interesting and exciting range of activities for pupils to take advantage of whether it is dance, music, sport or equestrian.

With specially trained teachers, high academic standards, swimming pool, on site equestrian centre, music wing, refurbished theatre, ICT suite, fabulous modern dance facilities, science laboratories and an extensive range of sports facilities within the preparatory and senior school, we offer an unrivalled range of opportunities to inspire and enjoy.

Our ambition is to offer more and ensure our girls become poised, articulate, confident, and self assured in order to learn, live and lead our global society of the future.

Highclare School Awarded an Active Community Award The Summer Term has seen the conclusion of a fantastic 80th Birthday year for Highclare School, based on three sites in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington.

Highclare School been celebrating its long tradition of providing education for young people in North Birmingham, whilst at the same time giving pupils the skills and confidence they need to equip them for life in today’s busy world.

Changes over recent years see Highclare School now catering for children from 18 months in the Nursery, through Pre-School, Infants, Juniors and Seniors to 18 years in the Sixth Form. Girls and boys will be accepted into all areas of the school from September 2013, with the exception of Years 10 and 11 which will remain girls-only this year, the Senior School being fully co-educational by 2015.

The school ethos is to achieve individual excellence for each pupil and to inspire all pupils to aim for the very best results they can. This term’s activities have included a celebration of the many different cultures and talents within the school community in our Festival of Cultures Day, and especially our Talent Show and Old Time Music Hall productions, all of which were enjoyed by pupils, parents and friends.

The Olympics have continued to help inspire pupils in many sporting and activities Sports Days were held on all sites and in all age groups, from PrePhoto shows Mrs Viles (Head) and Mrs Booker (Head of Highclare St Paul’s) School to Seniors, receiving the Active Community Award together with 3 pupils. highlighting some of the fantastic Enquiries and applications from parents of boys talents within the school and giving opportunities for and girls for Year 7 in September 2014 are currently everyone in a variety of events.

The highlight of the term came when Highclare being taken and the Senior School is holding a was awarded an Active Community Award for its special Open Evening on Tuesday 24th September work in raising £17,900 over the last year for (from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm) for all parents and pupils considering application. Some Scholarships and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Highclare holds regular open days on all three Bursaries offering financial assistance may be sites enabling prospective parents and pupils to available so please speak directly to the admissions meet staff and tour the facilities, as well as becoming office for further information or look at the website: involved in sampling activities and the excellent on www.highclareschool.co.uk where you will also see a site catering. Class sizes are kept small to copy of our latest Newsletter ‘The Achiever’ and encourage the individual attention that the school details of our most recent GCSE and A level results. prides itself on and waiting lists may therefore be in place for some year groups.

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Ladies and gents who relish the very best salon experience need look no further than Lichfield’s newest and most exciting hair salon on Bird Street.

ELEVEN, owned and managed by Denise Heslington, blends an air of vibrancy with a professionalism focused on delivering the ultimate in client relaxation - leaving clients looking and feeling fabulous. Whether sophisticated haircuts or the latest in colouring and styling techniques, ELEVEN is the place to visit if you are seeking something extra from your salon.

Says Denise, who has many years’ experience in hairdressing: “When a client comes to us, we work with them to create the perfect style to reflect their personality and the image they want to project whilst also taking into account busy lifestyles. Our aim is to ensure that every client that walks out of the door is smiling and feeling confident about themselves.”

The team at ELEVEN consists of Denise as head stylist, Claire Ward, stylist, Emily Betts, junior stylist, Aine Osborne, beauty therapist and Emily Lawley on reception who collectively offer the full menu of services including colours, perms and cuts for men, women and children. Using the very best in Redken professional hair care products, MOROCCANOIL®, and stocking a comprehensive range of ghd straighteners, hair dryers and brushes as well as Crystal Clear and Dermalogica beauty treatments, if you want to treat yourself, ELEVEN has something for everyone.

Denise comments: “I am passionate about creating the best image for every client and helping transform the way a person can look, but I’m also realistic

about how much time people have on a day to day basis. That’s why in October we will be launching a programme to teach clients styling techniques that they can apply themselves.” With both a teaching qualification and an Assessors Award to her name, Denise’s sessions are sure to be imaginative and fun.

For your chance to win a prize in the

monthly draw, drop off your business card or call into ELEVEN. Watch out too for monthly offers.

Find ELEVEN at 11 Bird Street, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 257230.

Appointments not always necessary.

Hours of trading: 9am – 5pm Monday & Tuesday 9am – 6pm Wednesday & Friday 9am – 8pm Thursday 8.30am – 4pm Saturday

Artists’ Statement:

It has been a heart-warming journey fulfiling the brief proposed last October. Much of the work on display is bespoke to the National Memorial Arboretum as I charted this beautiful park through the seasons.

My paintings try to reflect the deep sentiments of this park and also pay homage to the arboretum as a living entity in its own right. So, true to the symbolic nature of everything on the site, nothing in my paintings are depicted by accident.

Cultures throughout time have developed a visual vocabulary associated with the flora and fauna around us. I’ve incorporated some of them within my paintings. Welcome to my exhibition and enjoy discovering the story behind the imagery.

Lichfield Gazette says: This is an evocative and thought provoking collection of paintings. The depth and technique has encapsulated the subject matter so well. All of the works are inspired by the poetic prayer “We remember them” by an unknown author.

The Prayer starts “In the rising of the sun, and in its going down, we remember them” Very many months of creative thought has brought together an exhibition well worth a visit.”

For further details call 07972 370072.

Music is for everyone!

I

Discover your hidden talent with an experienced music teacher

rene Rawe is a private music teacher with over 30 years’ experience. Her pupils span across all age ranges and abilities, and share a common desire to progress in their musical tuition. She is based in Lichfield.

Irene guides her pupils in instrumental tuition, basic singing coaching and in musical theory. Her current pupils learn piano, keyboard, flute, clarinet, saxophone and recorder. She takes a variety of ages, from children who are just starting, to adults who may have never learnt or are taking music back up again.

As an experienced teacher, Irene is keen that pupils aspire to become accomplished in their chosen instrument. She is also keen to discuss individual objectives with each pupil so that they get the most out of their lessons. At present, many of her pupils are being prepared for exam grades, whilst others are setting their own goals as they learn.

Page 28 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Currently Irene teaches to the ABRSM and Guildhall School of Music exam boards, and she has experience in accompanying pupils in their exams. In addition, pupils are given the opportunity to perform in a twice-yearly recital.

This provides them with the chance to play in front of others at a level that they feel comfortable with.

Irene is a qualified musician who holds a music degree from Manchester University. She is also an associate of The London College of Music. Her experience includes working in schools and she holds a PGCE diploma. At present she remains an active participant in musical organisations across Lichfield, including the Lichfield Cathedral Chorus.

Lessons are arranged following a discussion based on individual needs. This includes those who are gifted and talented, and those with specific educational needs. Pupils attend weekly or fortnightly at a mutually convenient time.

Tuition in piano, keyboard, flute, clarinet, saxophone, recorder and singing.

BA, ALCM,PGCE and CRB checked.

Mobile: 07432 709 470

Our stylish and spacious Lichfield gallery is now open every week W

hitewall Galleries in Lichfield is now open to the public every Thursday to Sunday offering a new experience in contemporary fine art. Beautifully designed and with a definite aura of luxury about it, Whitewall Galleries is the perfect environment in which to select the artwork of your choice, whether you are buying your first ever collectable Limited Edition or expanding an existing collection of Original Paintings.

Whitewall represents a phenomenal portfolio of fine artists, ranging from top international names and award winners such as Rolf Harris CBE, IZAAK Gossip Column

Sherree Valentine Daines and Fabian Perez to the most exceptional new talents including Hayley Goodhead, Gary Benfield and Dylan Izaak. We are continually sourcing new artists from around the world to ensure that our gallery walls remain fresh, cutting edge and exciting.

Register with the gallery to receive invitations to celebrity artist appearances, exhibitions, champagne receptions, private views, and launch parties.

DAINES Ascot Celebration

www.whitewallgalleries.com www.facebook.com/whitewallgalleries GOODHEAD P.S.I Love You Too

PEREZ At the Door VI

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GazetteNews

Call for volunteers to join Barnardo’s Photo from - www.barnardos.org.uk

Organisers announce Lichfield Proms sponsors

L

ichfield District Council is busy putting the finishing touches to this year’s Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park.

B

arnardo’s is looking to recruit new volunteers in Staffordshire in a bid to help the charity continue its life changing work across the county.

The children’s charity desperately needs more volunteers to fund raise in the community by organising local quiz nights, coffee mornings, or sponsored events.

It’s hoped that local fund raisers might go on to set up their own community fund raising groups in Staffordshire to support vulnerable children and young people.

Last year, Barnardo’s fundraising groups across the country raised more than £360,000 which was used to help children who have been abused, who live in poverty or who have disabilities.

Alison Knott, community fundraising volunteer manager for Staffordshire commented: “Our community fundraisers are a vital part of Barnardo’s. Put simply, we’d be lost without them.”

Community fundraising groups organise and run a diverse range of events and collections and support the charity’s appeals and campaign.

Being part of a fundraising group offers an opportunity to meet new people, have fun and learn new skills at the same time as making a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable children.

To find out more, please contact Alison on 01584 841 632 or 07827 880501 or email alison.knott@barnardos.org.uk. For more information visit www.barnardos.org.uk/fundraising-barnardosfundraisingguide.pdf

Garrick calls for accommodation needed The Lichfield Garrick is calling all Image courtesy www.lichfieldgarrick.com hotels, bed and breakfasts and landlords to come forward to be added to the theatre’s list of approved accommodation for visiting artists.

Chris Moore, Lichfield Garrick’s Director of Operations and Marketing, said: “Throughout the year, we play host to actors, comedians, dancers, singers, producers and directors, all looking for good local accommodation.

This is why we need a list of preferred providers, to make sure our artists have a good choice of local places to stay. This could be for one night or, in the case of the Christmas pantomime, up to two months.”

If you own a hotel, a B&B or have accommodation to let, and would like to be considered, contact the Lichfield Garrick on 01543 412121 or email garrick@lichfieldgarrick.com Please state what space you have, your location, the price of each room and what else is included, for example, breakfast.

Staff from the Lichfield Garrick will visit all potential accommodation before adding it to the approved list.

For more information on the Lichfield Garrick, please visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

Page 32 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

This end-of-summer outdoor concert is taking place on Saturday 7 September 2013, and it could not happen without the support of local businesses and individuals who continue to back the ever popular event.

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Communications & Tourism, said: “Lichfield Proms is always the event to end the summer in style, and it can only happen with the kind support of our sponsors. Now in its fifteenth year, the much-loved family event brings thousands of people together from across the region to enjoy an evening of wonderful music, picnicking and fireworks. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the local businesses that have backed this year’s concert.”

Sponsors of Lichfield Proms 2013 include: Staffordshire County Councillors - David Smith, Caroline Wood, Janet Eagland, and Terry Finn - through Staffordshire Local Community Fund, Midlands Co-operative, Swinfen Broun Charitable Trust, Brownhill Hayward Brown, Go Mobile, The Boss Partnership, Secret Garden, Thornton Claverley IFA Ltd, Faurecia, Moseleys Solicitors, PJS Autos, Beacon Street Garage, Lichfield Gazette, Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce, Wilcox Refinishers and Lichfield City Council.

This year’s free concert is set to feature music from the City of Lichfield Concert Band and The British Police Symphony Orchestra. There will also be solos from the soprano Sarah Ryan and the tenor Matthew Kimble. The night will be brought to an end with a fireworks display and a rousing sing-song of Land of Hope and Glory.

The event will also feature activities for children, food and drink stalls and a proms shop, where concert-goers can stock up on their patriotic flags and hats. To make sure everyone can enjoy proms safely, barbeques and Chinese lanterns are not permitted.

While Lichfield Proms is a free event, and everyone is welcome to bring their own seating, picnic baskets and blankets, for just £10 music lovers can book a seat at a VIP table in front of the stage.

VIP seats cost £10 each and can be bought in fours or sixes. To reserve a VIP table, please call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308775 or email proms@lichfielddc.gov.uk.

There will be parking on Beacon Park for the event for a donation of £5 which includes a Lichfield Proms programme.

GazetteNews

Supporting Staffordshire’s armed forces and their families

O

rganisations that work with Staffordshire’s armed forces and their families are being encouraged to apply for a grant to support their work.

Staffordshire County Council is helping organisations to make an application for the MOD’s £30m armed forces community covenant grant scheme.

The Scheme offers financial support to local projects which strengthen ties or understanding between members of the armed forces and the wider community in which they live.

Applications need to show that members of the armed forces and their families will benefit from the proposed project, service or event. The funding might be used to support an event that brings service families or veterans together with local civilians.

Alternatively it could be spent on a local playground used by the children of service personnel and the wider community.

Three local organisations have already been awarded grants. The Community Council for Staffordshire received funding to deliver activities in their local community, while The Forrest of Mercia received funding to deliver survival workshops for school children. Sandon Baptist Church in Stafford will use their funding to refurbish and extend their buildings.

Most organisations are eligible to apply for funding including, volunteer groups, charities, social enterprises, private businesses and public bodies such as the NHS, DWP and schools.

Applications for funding need to be with Staffordshire County Council by December 2013.

For more information visithttp://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/armed -forces/Armed-Forces.aspx.

W

Chess for all

hether you’re under 10 years old or over 70, there is one sport in which young and old can compete on equal terms and that’s chess.

Lichfield Chess Club has started the new season with a near record membership nudging the 70 mark, the highest for almost 20 years. The youngest member is six years old, the eldest is 80.

The club meets every Thursday evening at 7-15pm in the Guild Room at the Guildhall during a season which lasts from August to the end of April.

If you’re interested in joining the club and would like more details please contact either David Short on 01543 304212 or Brian Homewood on 01543 255909.

State of Art Technology

For Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Bone Fracture, Spinal Discs and Rapid Sports Injury Recovery

Nicky Snazell’s Pain Relief Clinic at Wolseley Bridge has increased its MBST technology for the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, bone fractures, spinal discs and sports injuries to tendons and ligaments. It now has two of the three latest Open 700 systems available in the UK. MBST is a proven, safe derivative of MRI scanning technology. Developed in Germany, it has been highly successful across Germany and Austria with over 290 treatment centres and over 150 Orthopaedic Consultants trusting and using MBST on a daily basis. Over 150,000 patients have been treated and there have been zero reported side effects, making it risk free.

MBST is unique in its ability to regrow cartilage, bone and heal spinal discs, tendons and ligaments. This highly complex technology is able to saturate targeted body tissue with energy, stimulating the cells to grow. A recent 10 year study of over 4,500 patients has proven its ability to reduce pain, reduce frequency of pain and improve mobility. It not only treats the symptoms, but also gets to the very heart of the problem, by treating the cause itself.

We previously reported on Pip, the dog, who was able

to walk for the first time in a year following just three MBST treatments. Pip continues to improve.

Motorbike racing may not be your thing, but the ability to heal bones quickly could be. Michael Van Der Mark, a Dutch World Supersport racer, crashed in Italy in May and broke 4 bones in his foot. The specialists in Holland told him to rest for 8 weeks. Instead, Michael flew to England to be treated by us and within three treatments he was pain free and went on to race again the following weekend. Michael has since won the most important motorbike race of the year at Suzuka in Japan.

01889 881488 www.painreliefclinc.co.uk Cromwell House, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford ST17 0XS painreliefclinic.co.uk

painreliefclinic

Mercia Forest has received a grant.

Image www.communityforest.co.uk Page 33

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GazetteNews

Transformation of Christian Fields

T

he partners involved in the Creating Lichfield’s Community Local Nature Reserve project are celebrating the end results.

The £100,000 project to transform Christian Fields, Lichfield District’s first Local Nature Reserve, has been completed.

The improvement work, which started in October 2012, included creating new footpaths, an outdoor classroom, a pond, a dipping platform and a boardwalk. It also included installing carved wooden sculptures, information boards, picnic benches, as well as creating wetland and woodland areas, wildflower meadows, information boards and more.

Volunteers have been working hard on many elements of the project, including members of Lichfield District Countryside & Parks Group, that have been working on the site over the year, and six Brownies who braved the cold weather in March to help create two wildflower meadows.

Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Development Services, commented: “We are absolutely delighted with the finished result. Christian Fields is a fantastic haven for wildlife and visitors, and it is all thanks to the partners and volunteers who funded and worked so hard on this project. We’ve already noticed more people are visiting the Local Nature Reserve, and would encourage everyone who hasn’t been, to come and discover this hidden gem.”

Creating Lichfield’s Community Local Nature Reserve project was led

by Lichfield District Council, with support from the Forest of Mercia, GrowWell, Lichfield City Council, North Lichfield Initiative, Staffordshire Environmental Trust, Countryside and Parks Conservation Group, Natural England and Lichfield Wildlife Trust.

The £100,000 project was funded with £45,000 section 106 funding (developers’ contributions that have been negotiated by Lichfield District Council to support local infrastructure), £20,000 from Staffordshire Environmental Fund, £25,000 from Lichfield District Council and the Countryside & Parks Conservation Group (the amount represents the hours spent by CPCG volunteers working at the site combined with match funding provided by the council’s countryside team), and £10,000 in a number of small grants.

The site is managed by Lichfield District Council.

Page 36 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteNews

Big break in Nashville for Lichfield beauty therapist

W

hen you think of country singers, you don’t normally expect them to be British – but a Lichfield beauty therapist is hoping to change all that, and become the UK’s ambassador for country music.

Fiona Culley has enjoyed country music from a very young age, listening to her dad’s country and western collection and singing along whilst he played guitar.

However, it was a freak fall that resulted in a severely broken leg that led her to discover her talent for song writing, and since then, the songs haven’t stopped flowing.

Like most wannabe artists, 25 year old Fiona has tried her hand at everything to get her big break, working in beauty therapy during the day, then singing in pubs, clubs and music venues around the country at night. She even worked for a while making tea at a small independent record label, just to get access to some free recording time. It was when she was spotted

by American country singer Darius Rucker, lead singer of Grammy Award-winning band Hootie & the Blowfish

in a London restaurant that she saw a chance for her big break, deciding the way to get noticed was to sing to him in front of the rest of the diners. She seized her chance and her version of Strangers and Angels by Kara DioGardi did the trick, resulting in him taking her details and flying her out to the home of country music, Nashville, Tennessee to record a duet with him the following week.

Fiona has since recorded an EP called Country ‘til Monday which will be out in September, and has landed a record deal with New York’s Marro Music.

There’s also talk of her accompanying Hootie & the Blowfish on their tour next year.

Fiona commented: “I’d love to be the first recognised country singer from the UK. Country music has evolved so much now – it’s much less ‘trucks and beer’ and more about storytelling. So many US country artists come over and do sell-out shows in Britain. It’d be great if I could perform for country fans at home, and over the water.”

Fiona Culley

She’s recently been described as the UK’s answer to Taylor Swift – which is all a long way from her music lessons at Abbots Bromley Girls School, where she left after finishing her GCSE’s to concentrate on her musical dream. Despite singing being a passion at school, she never joined the choir, and has had no formal voice training. Everything you hear is just raw natural talent.

She’s now adding to her musical armoury, learning guitar and also the mandolin and banjo to contribute to her own unique sound.

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MADE IN LICHFIELD

By Regal Carpentry It is so nice these days to know you can still get good old-fashioned service and a quality product ‘Made in Lichfield’.

Windows are finished German precision multi-point locking system (that you might find on the better UPVC windows) and sealed double glazed window units. Regal offer free design service and use their experience to design and create the perfect finish. * windows * conservatories * orangeries * building extensions We do not employ salesmen.

Contact Chris or Lisa on 01543 300893 or arrange to see them at Unit 6, Greenhough Road, Lichfield or Chris will visit your home by appointment.

What a Picture!

Thank you to Mrs Stella Bailey who sent in this wonderful image.

Stella told us: "These three young swallows are half of the second brood raised this year in our garden at Pipehill. They are sitting in our pear tree having practiced their flying techniques and are having a well earned rest. Soon they will be gone. The photograph was taken by my husband Michael Bailey last weekend."

If you've taken a photograph that you're proud of, and would like to have published here, just send it in to gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk

Multi-point window

Lichfield Garden Centre

By Byron Lewis

As the end of the summer approaches, it’s time to look ahead and plan for a colourful display next spring – one of the easiest and best value ways to do this is by using Spring flowering bulbs. Many people know what a Daffodil and a Tulip both look like, but by choosing the right varieties, you can make the best of your beds, borders, pots and even hanging baskets.

Daffodils – The traditional variety ‘King Alfred’ is still very popular but is best used in a border that has protection from strong winds. The stem length on these all-yellow blooms is long, making them ideal for use as cut. For window boxes & patio pots, use ‘Tete-a’Tete’, a variety with multiple flower heads on short sturdy stems. These flower from February to April. Other options include ‘Jetfire’, yellow with a red/orange centre and ‘Winston Churchill’, with lovely scented flowers.

Tulips – Again, it’s a similar rule of thumb with these. Longer stem varieties are better in sheltered spots and ideal for using as cut flowers.

For shorter varieties in pots, use ‘Red Riding Hood’, with sturdy stems and striped leaves, or ‘Lollipop, a bright orange and red flower which reaches around 8” inches tall. The 2013 Bulb of the Year is a Tulip called ‘Hot Pants’! The flowers on these are a striking purple and white combination and will flower in April and May – these are well worth a try.

The stems reach around 18” so plant them in a sheltered spot or give the stems support in the spring.

Hints and Tips for a Great Bulb Display • Always plant bulbs in small groups rather than individually as the massed effect looks more natural, plus the bulbs will protect each other from the worst of the weather. Avoid planting bulbs in straight lines for the same reason.

• Use different varieties of bulbs in your display to extend the period of interest. For example, start the display in February with Snowdrops, through to Crocus and Daffodils in March, and finish in April with Hyacinths and Tulips.

• If you are an impatient gardener (and who isn’t!) try planting your bulbs into mesh baskets, similar to those used when planting aquatic plants, then plant the basket in the ground. Then after flowering, you only have to lift out the basket and you’ll have room in the border to plant up your summer plants.

• Add some Bonemeal to the soil when planting bulbs – it’s a root fertiliser, and as a bulb is essentially a swollen root this is the perfect feed. It will bulk up the bulbs to give a better show year on year.

• When your bulbs have finished flowering, resist the temptation to cut off the old stems – these put food back into the bulb as they turn brown.

Its worth feeding again with bonemeal at this point to give the bulbs a final boost ready for the following autumn.

Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at Curborough Craft Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield. Tel : 01543 254306 or visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk.

Page 38 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Charity Event raises over £700 for Midland Air Ambulance O

n Thursday 25th July 2013 Garry Mitchell of Midland Karting was delighted to hand over a cheque for more than £700 to Jo Bailey, Fundraising Manager for Midland Air Ambulance.

Callum Mitchell (2) accompanied his Dad Garry, Circuit Manager at Midland Karting to see the helicopters in situ at Air Ambulance HQ in Needwood, Burton-Upon-Trent and to help present the cheque.

Callum, who loves aircraft, was also given a guided tour of the interior of a helicopter from paramedic Tom Waters.

The money was raised during an Endurance Karting event held at Midland Karting (Lichfield) on June 8th.

Local teams raced to win prizes and also bid in a charity auction for items donated by local businesses.

Garry Mitchell commented: “It was a great day and we are so pleased to be able to hand the cheque over. I’d also like to thank Jo, the pilots and paramedics we met on the day for making us feel so welcome.

This really is a special charity Jo Bailey- Fundraising Manager filled with Midland Air Ambulance, Garry Mitchell - Circuit Manager Midland Karting and dedicated people Callum Mitchell - Garry's son. who save lives every day.”

From left: Tom Waters - Paramedic, James Benson - Pilot, Rob Till - Paramedic, Jo Bailey - Fundraising Manager Midland Air Ambulance, Garry Mitchell - Circuit Manager Midland Karting and Callum Mitchell.

Page 39

GazetteNews

City People Jo Wilson – Museums and Heritage Officer

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

J

Southwell Mott Solicitors Southwell Mott offer a full range of legal services which include conveyancing, wills and probate trusts, employment, civil and family matters.

We offer a free initial consultation and Stuart Smallman our specialist Family Solicitor offers Fixed Fees for certain family matters. For all other matters we will offer an estimate of costs at the earliest opportunity. In November we will take part in Will Aid (last year we raised nearly £4,500.00 for charity).

Southwell Mott 25 Lombard Street, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6DP Tel: 01543 256098 Email: ssmallman@southwellmott.co.uk jmott@southwellmott.co.uk

Authorised and Regulated by SRA (75589)

Page 40 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

o Wilson’s office is tucked away on one of the upper floors of the Johnson Birthplace Museum. From her desk Jo can look over Market Square to the statue of the great man himself. Her office is lined with books on the eighteenth century, reflecting Jo’s great love of the ‘Age of Enlightenment’.

Jo is Museums and Heritage Officer for Lichfield City Council, and is responsible for curating the Johson Birthplace Museum and the Guildhall Cells. She also works alongside the Council’s partners on historical research projects.

Jo was born in Leicester, but soon moved to Birmingham where she spent her early childhood before moving to Lichfield with her family. Here, Jo attended King Edward VI School, where Samuel Johnson was educated over 250 years earlier.

Jo took her degree at the University of Birmingham, then worked at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts before moving to London to complete her Masters in the History of Print Making at UCL. Jo commented that it was here that she: “Fell in love with the 18th century.”

After her Masters Jo worked at the British Museum as a British Print Cataloguer, where she worked mostly with 18th and 19th century prints.

“The British Museum is an amazing space. Walking through the Great Court every day you definitely get the feeling you’re somewhere special.”

After four years of daily commuting from Birmingham to London, Jo saw the position of Museums and Heritage Officer advertised and applied for it immediately. She had in fact seen the same job advertised some years before, but felt that she hadn’t gathered the necessary experience at that point.

Happily, in 2008, Jo was appointed and has been helping to promote the history of this great City ever since, bringing the life of the extraordinary Sam Johnson to over 15,000 museum visitors each year.

Jo told the Gazette: “I am so lucky to be able to work with such a fantastic team; they are a joy to be with every day. Lichfield is such a great city, the thousands of visitors I meet are always so positive about it.”

Jo’s fascination with the brilliant and curmudgeonly Doctor Johnson began in unusual circumstances. Whilst Jo was researching caricatures at the Royal Academy, she kept coming across comical and satirical images of him: “I grew to love him through jokes about him. He’s a fascinating character. We feel like we know him through Boswell’s writings but your view on his character is often dependant on how and what you read.

“Even if you don’t have an interest in Johnson the museum is a great place to visit and explore. It has a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere, it still feels like a home.”

The museum also contains an intriguing bookshop housed in the beautiful panelled room where Samuel would (rather begrudgingly) help his father who was also a bookseller.

Jo’s enthusiasm for the history of Lichfield is infectious. She has that happy knack of making history pertinent and real, interpreting the past, its humanity and peculiarities in a way that is immediately relatable. Jo and her husband (a Lecturer in Philosophy) will soon be moving from Birmingham to the area and are greatly looking forward to it. She is a keen amateur baker who bakes a mean lemon drizzle and also enjoys knitting, a skill taught to her by her Grandmother.

Putting Watches on a whole new level City Jewellers have opened a NEW first floor ‘Watch Gallery’ which is now home to some of the leading watch brands on the market.

Due to their recent refurbishment, City Jewellers have moved there superb collection of watches into a whole new first floor department, Which must be one of the finest displays and most comprehensive collections in the area. With over 500 watches to choose from, ranging in price from £20 to well over £2000, there will be something to suit all budgets and tastes.

The Watch Gallery now displays many leading brands, such as Seiko, Rotary, Citizen, Raymond Weil, Sekonda, Accurist and Project D. With City Jewellers own highly experienced and qualified watchmaker and repair workshop onsite, they can take care of any adjustments and necessary corrections for you. In addition to their new range of watches they also carry an extensive range of pre- loved watches from leading brands such as Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer and Gucci – all at extremely competitive prices and fully serviced.

City Jewellers’ ground floor showroom is now completely devoted to a wonderful selection of fine diamond jewellery in gold and platinum, and in

both modern and traditional designs, to suit all tastes and budgets. Their ranges also include many rare and exciting gemstones from fine Rubies and Emeralds to coloured Sapphires, Tanzanite and Tourmalines.

They also have a “designer room”which houses ranges of jewellery from leading names like Babette Wasserman, Missoma, The Real Effect, SHO, London Road Jewellery, Seven, Shaun Leane and Trollbeads, not to mention the new addition CARAT who are sponsors of the Baffta awards.

Excellent Jewellery City Jewellers’ ground floor showroom is devoted to a wonderful selection of fine diamond jewellery in gold and platinum, and in both modern and traditional designs, to suit all tastes and budgets. Their ranges also include many rare and exciting gemstones from fine rubies and emeralds to coloured sapphires, tanzanite and tourmalines.

They always offer design-led jewellery from leading names like Babette Wasserman, Missoma, The Real Effect London, SHO London, London Road Jewellery, Seven of London, Shaunleane and Trollbeads. They carry an extensive range of silver jewellery. And just in case you’re unable to find that special gift, you can rely on City Jewellers’ bespoke design service.

City Jewellers also carry out remodeling and repairs to existing jewellery, even recreating lost items from your description.

Page 41

Cathedral Lodge Hotel One of the largest function venues in Lichfield, and much more!

Extensively refurbished, the Cathedral Lodge Hotel has the facilities to make your special occasion just that, special. They have a wealth of experience in organising events from weddings, corporate events and seminars. The hotel has 36 high quality en-suite rooms as well as a comfortable licensed bar and a delightful Huge function suite up to 180 delegates restaurant.

This many faceted hotel is ideally suited for wedding receptions seating up to an unrivalled 140 covers. The spacious function room is available for hire for many events from small breakfast club meetings to full multi-day conferences including in-house catering for up to 180 delegates. Selected dates still available for 2013/2014. The hotel is also ideal for coach parties visiting the National Memorial Arboretum.

The hotel has free wi-fi, all rooms have LCD flat-screen TV with Freeview and only a short walk from the town centre, the Cathedral and of course the register office.

WEDDINGS & FUNCTIONS : Cathedral Lodge Hotel have a choice of packages including their Gold Wedding package starting at £3000 which includes 3 course sitdown meal for 36 guests, evening buffet and disco event for 80 guests. Other packages are available ask for full details to find a reception to suit your budget.

CHRISTMAS : Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Party’s throughout December and for New Years Eve includes entertainment tickets at reception from £29.95.

GazetteNews

Raising funds in memory of 'a beautiful little girl with a big character'.

Here, Debbie Masters of Animal Crackers Day Nursery tells us about some of the fund raising charity events taking place in memory of Violet Mornington.

Violet was five on June 3rd the day she became ill. She got admitted to Birmingham Childrens Hospital and was eventually diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. She then developed a very rare and fatal blood disorder known as HLH unfortunately Violet passed away in ward 15 on July 21st this year.

Violet attended Animal Crackers Day Nursery from the aged of one and was a beautiful little girl with a big character. We at Animal Crackers along with Violet's friends and family want to give something back to the hospital, we couldn't help Vi but we can help the next child.

Our initial aim was to raise £5000 - £1000 for each precious year of her life. We decided that we wanted to walk up Snowdon in Wales to raise funds. Violet's uncles and aunties, brother and sisters wanted to join us and to date there are 25 of us going on September 14th, leaving Fradley at 5.30am... We have set up a donations page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/violetmornington and as you can see we are nearly at our target already, with other ideas in the pipeline. During the walk we will be wearing tee-shirts that we have had designed.

Violet's classmates (25 of them) are running in the 2km part of the Lichfield 10k on September 8th. They have tee-shirts with a specially designed 'Super V' logo on it designed by her uncle.

On October 31st we are holding a Craft Fayre (see facebook page Super V Craft Fayre) at Animal Crackers from 3pm till 8pm. Hansons Valuers will be there from 3pm till 5pm, valuing your precious items for a suggested donation of £3. We also have over 25 stalls including a bottle tombola and a raffle with over 30 prizes.

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GazetteNews

Huddlesford Heritage Gathering 21st and 22nd September

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ll roads and canals will be leading to Lichfield Cruising Club next month for the bi-annual Huddlesford Heritage Gathering.

2013 is the 25th anniversary of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and to celebrate this milestone the Huddlesford Boat Gathering will now be held over 2 days on September 21st and 22nd.

Open from 10.00am – 5pm on both days, the event is family-friendly and will feature a gathering of both historic and modern narrowboats plus some trade boats. In the grounds of Lichfield Cruising Club there will be childrens entertainment, agility dog displays and birds of prey displays, trade and craft stalls and much more. Tea, coffee, snacks, an all day barbeque and a special real-ale from Blythe Brewery have also been laid on especially for the event.

Why not also treat yourself to a boat-ride on the canal?

This 25th anniversary event will enable Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust to highlight the work that they have done in restoring the Lichfield Canal, especially the works done on the short watered section of the canal in Tamworth Road (hopefully to be extended towards the A38 next year) plus the major work they have carried out in Darnford Park.

St Giles Charity Quiz Night 26th September

I

nspired Accountants are asking the people of Lichfield and district to join them for a charity quiz night that aims to raise as much money as possibly for St Giles Hospice.

The quiz will be taking place on Thursday 26th September at Darnford Moors Golf Club, Darnford Lane, Lichfield, WS14 9JG. A licensed bar will be available from 6.30pm and the quiz will start at 7.00pm.

A complementary drink will be available upon arrival and there will be a break midway for a buffet.

Inspired Accountants are asking for an entry donation of £50 per team, but you are welcome to pay more if you feel it appropriate.

Teams can be made up from colleagues, family members and friends. A maximum of four people per team is permitted but you can enter as many teams as you wish.

The evening will be light-hearted with an opportunity to network with other local businesses. The first three teams will win prizes with the winners also receiving the Inspired Accountants Quiz Trophy!

The dress code is smart-casual and places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

To enter simply email paul@inspiredaccountants.com. Last year they raised £2,245 for St Giles Hospice and are hoping to beat that in 2013.

Inspired Accountants raised £2,245 for St Giles Hospice in 2012.

Nicky Snazell A Name You Can Trust A Unique Clinic in the UK

Life takes all of us on different journeys and for most of us, it includes the occasional injury and the inevitable wear and tear of living. Who you choose to partner you along this journey, to help you maintain the best level of health and keep you enjoying life to the full is an important long term decision.

At Nicky’s clinic you will soon feel comfortable that you have made the right decision. The specialist team is there to help for all your needs, whether it be physiotherapy, spinal pain relief, arthritis treatment, sports injury recovery, or nutritional advice. The team will soon make you feel relaxed within its embrace.

Nicky Snazell has an enviable international reputation for helping patients with severe and long term pain. She also presents internationally on health. That’s why patients regularly travel from abroad and all across the UK to seek help. It’s a name they trust.

Not only has Nicky brought together a team of specialists to work alongside her, but has also backed this up with the latest technology – providing a unique facility in the UK.

Spinal Pain Sciatica Physiotherapy Orthotics Sports Injury Broken Bones Osteoporosis Osteoarthritis Nutrition Massage

01889 881488 www.painreliefclinc.co.uk Cromwell House, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford ST17 0XS Huddlesford Heritage Gathering 2011

painreliefclinic.co.uk

painreliefclinic

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GazetteHeritage

Sheriffs and Lepers

By Kate Gomez

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very September, on the Saturday nearest to the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8th September), the Sheriff of Lichfield and riders meet at the Guildhall to perambulate the boundaries of the city. The tradition of the Sheriff’s Ride is thought to date back to 1553, when Queen Mary gave Lichfield the privilege of being a county with its own Sheriff, apparently as a reward for the city’s support during the rebellion of the Duke of Northumberland. This historic charter is available to view at Lichfield Heritage Centre.

Over the years, there have been subtle changes to the tradition. The ride used to begin a sixteen mile circuit at Cross in Hand Lane but in the 1930s the boundary was expanded to include Lichfield Trent Valley Station and today measures around twenty miles. One element of the tradition that appears to have remained unchanged over the centuries is its association with Freeford Manor, home to the Dyott family. Lunch was traditionally held at Pool Tail in the grounds at Freeford, and in 1894, this was where George Dyott told the gathered riders that, ‘As long as there was a Dyott at Freeford, the Sheriff would always be welcome there’.

Many will recognise the name ‘Dyott’ from the well known story dating back to the Civil War. On the 2nd March 1643, the commander of the parliamentarian troops, Lord Brooke, was shot through the eye and killed instantly. Tradition has it that the man who fired the shot was John Dyott, positioned in the Cathedral’s central spire. Some consider the shot skilful, others miraculous (attributing significance to the fact that the event took place on the feast of St Chad), whilst other believe it to have been an impossible feat, disputing the ‘facts’ of the story. One version of this Lichfield legend has been immortalised by a plaque on Dam Street, erected at the place where Lord Brooke fell by Richard Greene, owner

of Lichfield’s Museum in the Out in the field late eighteenth century. It reads: 'MARCH 2ND 1643 LORD BROOKE A GENERAL OF THE PARLIAMENT FORCES, PREPARING TO BESIEGE THE CLOSE OF LICHFIELD, THEN GARRISONED FOR KING CHARLES THE FIRST, RECEIVED HIS DEATH WOUND ON THE SPOT BENEATH THIS INSCRIPTION BY A SHOT IN THE FOREHEAD, FROM MR DYOTT A GENTLEMAN WHO HAD PLACED HIMSELF ON THE BATTLEMENTS OF THE GREAT STEEPLE TO ANNOY THE BESIEGERS' The weapon has been described as a punt gun used for shooting ducks, loaded with bullets made from the lead covering the Cathedral roof and is still thought to be in the possession of the Dyott family at Freeford. The armour which failed to protect Brooke on that fateful day is on display at his former home, Warwick Castle.

The Dyotts were also known for their unusual burial custom, the origins of which are unknown. Members of the family were laid to rest in the family vault at St Mary’s Church at night. Tradition dictated that the funeral should not be attended by surviving members of the family, supposedly for fear of following the dead to the grave. Instead the cortege would be accompanied on its torch lit journey from Freeford by servants and workers from the estate. Newspaper reports tell how these occasions attracted great interest within Lichfield, not only from those wishing to pay their respects but no doubt also from those keen to witness this unusual and eerie spectacle. As the funeral procession made its way to St Mary’s, crowds would gather at the Shoulder of Mutton and the railway bridge on St John St, and people would line the streets along the route. The last burial at

ag Herit

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Sheriff's Ride passing the Little Barrow cafe in Beacon Street (Now Cathedral Lodge) about 70 years ago.

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2003 St Mary’s took place in 1891, when Richard Dyott, MP for Lichfield between 1865 and 1874, took his place in the family vault. Newspapers across the country reported, ‘Disgraceful scenes at a midnight interment’, describing how there was ‘wild excitement’ at the ceremony, with ‘a rush of some thousands to gain admission to the church’. The church doors were apparently closed to prevent the building being stormed and forty members of the county police force were said to have been in attendance, one of whom was said to have nearly had his fingers bitten off in the fracas! The Mercury denied these accounts, stating that the citizens of Lichfield knew full well that no such scene of disorder had taken place and described the reports in the London and provincial newspapers as malicious gossip. The Mercury maintained that though there was disappointment from the crowds that they were unable to gain admittance to the church, there was nothing to mar the reverent and orderly character of the proceedings.

Subsequent generations of Dyotts have been buried at the church of St Giles in Whittington. Interestingly, St Giles is the patron saint of lepers and perhaps the name of this church recalls a time long before the Dyotts came to Freeford. By the middle of the thirteenth century, a hospital for lepers dedicated to St Leonard was established here, on or near to the site where Freeford House now stands. Parts of the building are are thought to incorporate masonry from the old chapel, but the most conclusive evidence determining the site of the hospital was the discovery of its cemetery. In the 19th century, city historian Thomas Harwood commented that ‘a corner of the field, north-east of the present house yet bears the name ‘Chapel Yard’ and human bones are frequently cast up in this spot by the plough’. During a road widening scheme in 1917, some eighty human skeletons were discovered here, including one holding a chalice and paten, identifying it as that of a priest.

Further human remains were discovered in 1969.

Records show that during the thirteenth century, the hospital received donations including fifteen carcasses of salt pork from Henry III’s stores at Nottingham Castle and the salted carcass of a buck killed by wolves in Cannock Forest. By the later fourteenth century, the hospital seemed to have fallen into disuse and its chapel was used by local people.

The name Freeford is thought to refer to an accessible crossing point over the Darnford Brook, appearing as ‘Fraiforde’ in the Domesday book.

Centuries later, travellers would have to pass through a toll gate, erected between the canal bridge and Whittington Heath. In 1881, it was let out together with the gate at Hopwas Hill for an annual sum of £150.

However, the following year the tollgates were abolished, and the Tamworth Turnpike Trust auctioned continued on page 46

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GazetteHeritage

continued from page 44

off their assets. The Hopwas Hill Gate consisting of a seven barred gate and two posts was sold for 17s 6d, but the Freeford Gate consisting of an iron gate, posts, fence, rails, a large lamp and an iron standard failed to attract a buyer. It was once again free to travel through Freeford!

This year, an alternative Sheriff’s Ride has been planned, with a ten mile journey by bike starting at Cross in Hand Lane at 10.30am on Saturday 7th September. For more information, see the website lichwheeld.wordpress.com. Details of the traditional Sheriff’s Ride can be found on the Visit Lichfield website (www.visitlichfield.co.uk).

Sources: Lichfield Mercury Archive Tamworth Herald Archive A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 14: Lichfield (1990) Loyal and Ancient City: The Civil War in Lichfield, Howard Clayton http://www.pmsa.org.uk/national-recording-project/

a Herit

on llecti o C ge

A valliant effort fro Sheriff Cllr Dorothy Godfrey 1982 The Lichfield Heritage Collection holds 12,000 items, photographs old and new, maps, books, documents etc. all relating to Lichfield past and present - copies of which can be purchased.

The Heritage Collection is housed in the Lichfield Heritage Centre, St Mary’s Church, Market Square, Lichfield, Tel: 01543 256 611.

The collection is free to view, opening times Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am to 12.30pm.

If you have any photographs etc. relating to Lichfield, the Heritage Collection would be very grateful to receive these items for everyone to enjoy seeing them.

Come and see our wonderful collection.

All photographs copyright of Lichfield Heritage Centre Page 46 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Gazette Woman Yarns and Accessories for knitting and crochet. Specialising in Bergere De France, Patons and Debbie Bliss. We have a good selection of patterns, books and knitting kits. Hand knitted baby gifts are in stock. Knitting and crochet tuition is available - booking is essential. Our social knit and crochet group “Knitters at Heart� meets twice weekly on Tuesday afternoons and Sunday mornings.

Knitique, Heart of the Country Shopping Village, Swinfen, Staffs WS14 9QR 01543 480979 knitique@btinternet.com

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GazetteWoman

Highlighting

colour for Autumn B

Beauty Advisor Elaine Pearse with some of the range.

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

y the time you read this issue of the Chase Gazette, you’ll probably have seen the latest Boots advert on TV and online. The ad shows real women in No7 make-up shades that they wouldn’t usually try, and in which they look fabulous. Ali wears red, Ade is in blue, Katie shimmers in gold and Yasmin looks fantastic in Coral.

The new No7 Autumn season ranges come in four colour palettes reds, golds, blues and corals. They’re all easy to wear and apply but perhaps more vibrant than many of us have experimented with before.

The ads, and the gorgeous displays in store are designed to inspire us to try them (and be delighted by the results). If you’re unsure of how to wear these new shades, the lovely Beauty Advisers in Boots are on hand for advice and guidance, without any pressure being put on you to buy. There’s also a masterclass on how to get the look online at www.boots.com Achieving a flawless look starts with cleansed, toned, moisturised and primed skin, and Boots stock a comprehensive selection of products to do just that. I am a personal devotee of Protect and Perfect products. I use them every day and can honestly say that this is one of the few anti-ageing ranges in my experience that actually, genuinely works.

On a different point, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve parted with hard earned cash for a foundation that seemed the right shade in the shop, only to find it went instantly orange when applied to my face! Many of us are unsure as to what colour foundation suits us; often going either too pale or too dark (a look that instantly ages skin).

A rather nifty innovation from Boots is the No7 Foundation Match Made Service that will be available all over the country from September.

The Match Made Service uses a hand-held monitor that looks rather like a light-meter, this is held up to the skin where it ‘reads’ your natural skin tone, allowing you to take the guess-work and unnecessary expense out of finding a foundation.

No7 foundations also come in a large range of textures

that are suitable for any skin-type. Essentially Natural is great for people who like a light consistency and feel, Protect and Perfect contains magical Protect and Perfect anti-ageing technology, Lift and Liminate is great for skin aged 45 years plus and Restore and Renew is designed for customers who are in their 60’s and above and contains a nurturing and nourishing formula. Beautifully Matte foundation is great for oilier skins and Instant Radiance adds light and luminosity.

Boots also of course stock many other make-up ranges making this one of the best places to find and buy cosmetics in the UK. If you would like to take advantage of the No7 Foundation Match Made Service go online to find your nearest store at www.boots.com

To enter, just send your name, answer and contact details to Boots No7 Competition. PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk Closing date for entries 19th September 2013. One entry per household please. Duplicates will be disqualified.

Images: www.boots.com

WIN WIN WIN! Competition

We’ve got together with the lovely people at Boots Lichfield to offer one of our readers the chance to win a gift bag containing No7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser (200ml) No7 Essential Moisture Night Cream (50ml) No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream (50ml) and a No7 Ballerina Beauty Purse containing Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream, Extreme Length Mascara (Black), Moisture Drench Lipstick in Mulberry and Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio in Forest Fruits.

To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question...

Q. What is the name of the lady wearing red shown in the new Boots advert and mentioned in this feature?

A. Ali B. Amanda C. Abby Page 48 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

WIN this great gift pack

GazetteWoman

Lichfield’s Own Designer Label shortlisted for prestigious award

G

emma Ramage and Nikki Neal have their fingers crossed for success as Gemma has been nominated as one of only six finalists at the Midlands Fashion Awards in October in the Independent Designer of the Year category.

Bijou at no.15, co-owned by Gemma and Nikki, is based in Tamworth Street and offers a unique clothing range that you won’t find on the High Street.

With her distinctive designs already being worn by celebrities such as EastEnders actress Louisa Lytton, TOWIE’s Lauren Pope and film, television, and stage actress Mischa Barton, 28-year-old Gemma is both excited and nervous about the prospect of being able to showcase her work at the event: “It’s a great honour to have been nominated as this is the first time I have entered and to be picked as a finalist in incredible.”

It’s 12 months since Gemma and Nikki began their collaboration and opened Bijou at no.15. Gemma has loved designing since she was very young, helping her seamstress mum to create stylish clothes. She went to Leeds College of Art & Design after studying at Lichfield School of Art. Her business partner, Nikki, uses her organisational skills and enthusiasm to help Gemma forge many different ideas into reality.

The Midlands Fashion Awards takes place on Friday 11 October at The Penthouse in Birmingham and (l to r) Bijou at no. 15, will be hosted by TV presenter Lucy co-owners Nikki Neal and Kite. Good luck Gemma!

Gemma Ramage.

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Gazette Brides

Russell Fleetwood and Barbara McLoughlin were married on 12th July.

It was a close romantic wedding at Lichfield Registry office with a reception at Ego. After a short family break in Paris, Barbara and Russell enjoyed a honeymoon in the Indian Ocean area.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Samantha Hill and Matthew Nash were married on 13th July at Lichfield Registry Office.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Griff Roberts and Jane O'Rourke were married on Friday 2nd August at Lichfield Reistry Office, and held their reception at the Old Schoolhouse Restaurant, Weeford.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Hannah Ross and John Williamson were married on Friday 2nd August at Lichfield Registry Office.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Page 50 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteWoman

Charity Fashion Show, Wednesday, 23 October, 7.30pm Guildhall, Lichfield For the 4th consecutive year the ladies from Country Casuals will be showcasing their Autumn into Winter collections at a Charity Fashion Show. This season’s hottest look is a modern take on the country theme; featuring boucle textured checks, bobble knits and feminine bow detailing to create a contemporary feel in black, silver, crimson and plum. Come along for a sneak preview of what will be seen on the high street this winter.

Also showcasing their seasons looks will be Boots No 7 with colours to complement the range, plus Francesco Hair Salon with lots of great hints and tips on achieving the latest styles. The ladies from Waitrose will also be presenting wines and cheeses to tempt the pallet on the run up to the Christmas season.

Tickets are on sale from Country Casuals, or Lichfield City Council priced at £10.

All profits from the evening will go to the Mayor and Sheriff’s Charities - The Friends of the Samuel Johnson Community Hospital and St Giles Hospice.

P.S. Don’t forget to visit CC for their Macmillan Big coffee morning Friday, September 27, from 10.00am.

Jenny Brown and Carole Bird

To advertise in the Lichfield Gazette please contact Paul Oakley on 07875 475540 Page 51

3

2

By Joss Mosgrove Knibb

1

3. 1970’s silhouettes The 1970’s continue to inspire designers, bringing us a raft of utterly gorgeous, romantic and timeless gowns in natural fabrics. Gauzes, muslins and silks are used to great effect in full ‘A’ line skirts, and ultra sleek unembellished satins and silks give an achingly chic edge to long lean dresses and capes.

5

1. Asymmetry – Asymmetrical skirts and veils are updating the vintage looks that were so in vogue in 2013. Although vintage is still big next year, asymmetry is for the bride who likes a haute couture touch.

2. 1920’s romance One of my favourite trends for 2013, the roaring 20’s is still inspiring vintage gowns, giving them a lingerie-esque feel. Long, sleek satins with cap sleeves and inset with lace panels and tiny appliqué flowers make every bride into a screen idol. Interestingly, full veils are also making a comeback.

7

4. The Princess If understated isn’t for you, why not consider a ‘grown up’ pretty full on princess gown? Happily, acres of tulle, deep layered underskirts, crystal embellishment and sweetheart necklines are all back, and looking as on trend as ever.

4

7. Lace Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge is still having an effect on bridal couture as long lace sleeves, lace capes, veils and full gowns are all here to stay. A classic and elegant look that also manages to remain contemporary.

6

5. Coloured gowns.

Rather than going for an all over shade, colour blocking is in evidence in most couture collections for 2014. Vera Wang has fallen for monochrome, with black bodices, gloves or simply accessories adding an edgy feel to her stunning designs. Rather not go for black, why not try a pastel accent?

6. Short and sweet There are more short hemlines in evidence in couture bridal collections 2014 than for many years, with knee length and mini all to the fore.

Necklines tend to be high with these designs, so why not show off those long, sleek, perfectly exfoliated pins on your big day?

Pics: www.verawang.com www.weddinginspirasi.com www.webfashionfix.com www.onewed.com

Page 52 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteWoman

Swinfen Hall Hotel W

a beautiful wedding venue whatever the weather

hen planning your wedding your first thought may be the quintessential English Summer wedding with fabulous frocks, large hats and over-excited bridesmaids chasing each other around beautiful gardens. Swinfen Hall Hotel, a magnificent Georgian mansion set in 100 acres, certainly fits this scenario. With the sun shining in a cobalt-blue sky, a Champagne reception on the cocktail terrace, with its fabulous view overlooking the ornamental ponds and sweeping down to the deer park and lake beyond, is hard to beat. But with the vagaries of British weather, clear blue skies and wall-to-wall sunshine are by no means certain.

A winter wedding can be just as spectacular with perhaps a firework display to launch the evening party. Log fires, twinkling chandeliers and soft candlight create a very romantic backdrop and the stunning interiors at Swinfen guarantee a fabulous wedding album. Spring is a lovely time of year with crisp, clear light and a carpet of daffodils gradually giving way to the magnificent rhododendron displays in May. You are also far more likely to have your pick of dates as well as lower pricing outside the peak wedding season.

Perhaps December gives you the most opportunity to really WOW your guests. At Swinfen, the building is wreathed with glittering garlands and a stunning 20-foot real Christmas tree takes pride of place in the oakpanelled ballroom. How’s that for a memorable setting for your marriage service.

If you would like to know more about Swinfen weddings, please contact Ruth on 01543 481494 Swinfen Hall Hotel, Swinfen, Near Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9RE.

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GazetteWoman

TIARA’S Summer Beauty By Joss Musgrove Knibb

Freshwater pearl and diamante sterling silver stud earrings £23.50 (available from Julia Usher Jewellery)

Vintage Edwardian pearl and crystal diamante tiara £35 (available from Julia Usher Jewellery)

Vintage Floral aurora borealis diamante comb £15 (available from Julia Usher Jewellery).

Art Deco crystal diamante bow sideheadpiece by Charlotte Balbier £45 (available from Kiss)

Delicate crystal diamante floral and pearl tiara by Amanda Wyatt (available from Kiss)

Vintage pearl and crystal diamante floral cluster in silver and cream side-headpiece by Richard Designs £110 (available from Kiss)

Gold Art Deco inspired crystal diamante and pearl sunburst tiara £25 (available from Julia Usher Jewellery)

Silver and sapphire starburst side-headpiece by Richard designs £55 (available in a range of colours from Kiss)

Silver and cream crystal diamante side-headpiece £89 (available from Kiss)

Richard Designs floral, crystal diamante, net and feather side-headpiece in ivory and silver £165 (available from Kiss)

Page 54 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Amanda Wyatt crystal and pearl floral sweep comb £65 (available from Kiss)

Julia Usher Jewellery Julia Usher is a talented and highly regarded jeweller who lives in Lichfield, and opened her shop at 2 City Arcade two years ago. This fabulous boutique has the kind of jewellery that makes you want to seriously shop, and prices are very affordable despite the high quality of the merchandise. Julia Usher Jewellery sells an extensive range of costume and silver jewellery set with semiprecious stones such as pearls, garnets and amber. Her bridal tiara, diadem and headpiece collection is extensive, and covers modern, contemporary headpieces plus traditional and vintage inspired pieces. The range also covers combs, bridal jewellery and bridesmaid headpieces and jewellery. This is also the ideal place to shop for bridesmaid, Mother and Father-of-the bride and Best Man/Usher presents as they also stock a stylish and good-looking range of bags, watches, cufflinks and scarves. If you haven’t ever popped in, Julia Usher jewellery is well worth a browse (but be warned, you are bound to see several things that you love!) If you need any help the lovely ladies in the shop are glad to help, or you can simply take your time looking around without any hard sales pressure. For brides, grooms, or anyone looking for the perfect gift, this is the ideal place to shop. Tiara prices start at around £25 and bridal combs start at just £4.

For more information go to juliausherjewellery.com where you can also browse more of the ranges on offer including the wedding ring collection.

Kiss XX Bridal Boutique Kiss XX Bridal Boutique is the kind of place where a bride-to-be could spend several hours in wedding dress heaven. As you enter the boutique (housed in a Georgian building) you find yourself a room filled with the most spectacular dresses. The Kiss collections cover everything from sleek, understated elegance to highly intricate traditional gorgeousness and everything in between.

The boutique has also managed to put together a range of dresses that have that extra touch of beauty. This may be an excellence of cut or tailoring, or an added attention to detail in crystal or beading work that adds up to stunning and subtly individual collections. The boutique is one of those tardis-like buildings that goes back and up to the prom and occasion dresses collection.

Kiss also stocks an exquisite collection of bridal tiaras, combs, head pieces and diadems for both brides and bridesmaids made with the highest level of craftsmanship.

They also offer a bridal shoe dying service to match your footwear exactly to your dress.

Headpieces start from around £55. Kiss Bridal Boutique can be found at 4 Bird Street Lichfield. For more information go to www.kissxx.co.uk

Wedding Fayre at The George Hotel If you are involved in the planning of a wedding you should make a date to visit The George Hotel’s Bridal Fayre on Sunday 15th September 2013.

From 11am until 3pm you’ll be able to meet the experts from a wide range of businesses all ready to inspire you with ideas for flowers, photographs, stationery, music, wedding dresses, menswear, chair covers, cakes, jewellery, cars, beauty treatments and honeymoons - all essential to the perfect wedding. The George’s experienced wedding co-ordinators will be on hand at the Wedding Fayre to show you around the rooms and advise you on menu selections, costs and availability. Plus, every bride who attends the Fayre will be entered into a draw to win £100 to spend with one of the exhibitors!

The George is set in the heart of Lichfield and offers an elegant and relaxed setting for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies of up to 90 guests (evening receptions of up to 110 guests). The hotel’s all inclusive wedding package is now available on selected dates in 2013 and 2014 and includes a 3 course meal with coffee, evening buffet and lots more for 50 day guests and 80 evening guests; at just £3,500 in 2013 and £3,700 in 2014 it’s really great value, and in the words of a recent TripAdvisor reviewer: “Looking for a wedding venue? The George Hotel is the place to have it!” Please call The George on 01543 414822 if you’d like to know more.

Page 55

What’s on

Dining Ou

t

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Monthly Theatre preview September

“Proper Panto”

The autumn season is one we theatre lovers always look forward to and this year promises a bumper crop of great productions.

The first week of October sees the ever-popular Middle Ground Theatre Company bringing Ellis Peters’ medieval sleuth Cadfael to the Lichfield Garrick, with a tale of passion and murder, The Virgin in the Ice. On the youth front the Garrick hosts the Shakespeare Schools Festival, the UK’s largest Youth Drama event, featuring performances of the bard’s plays by students from local schools including Lichfield Cathedral School on 14th and 15th October at 7pm.

The big news in the amateur world is that starting in the week of 15th October the Lichfield Players are revisiting past successes to celebrate their 70th anniversary with what promises to be an intriguing production of J.B. Priestley’s hard-hitting social drama An Inspector Calls. The play was first performed by them in 1970 and is now to be directed at the Garrick by Carol Lawford.

By Phil Preece

Vienna Festival Ballet visit the Garrick from Thursday 17th October to Saturday 19th – their excellent Coppelia last year is sure to guarantee them a loyal following.

This season’s performance of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty, the pinnacle of classical ballet, is not to be missed.

There’s just time to mention the Garrick’s new Christmas show, this year what I call “a proper panto” and already taking bookings, Snow White and the Magic Mirror starring Ian Adams as Dame Fraulein Strudel and popular local newsreader Joanne Malin as Queen Eviline.

See you there!

Phil Preece

The only Chinese Restaurant with alfresco dining!

Enjoy the finest Cantonese and Chinese cuisine in Lichfield To book or to discuss your requirements, please telephone 01543 251144.

See our comprehensive website www.rubychineserestaurant.co.uk

Page 56 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD If you have a community or fund raising event that you’d like to have included in the monthly What’s On pages, please send an email to caz@lichfieldgazette.co.uk quoting the date, event title, times, venue and brief description.

Sat 31 Aug & Sun 1 Sep Lichfield Food Festival At Lichfield Garrick and venues across Lichfield City. An annual celebration of great local food and drink with something to suit all tastes and budgets. Entry is free.

For more information visit www.lichfieldfood.co.uk Sat 31 Aug City 'Art'cade and FREE arts workshops At Lichfield City Arcade between Market Street and Bore Street. . An exhibition of contemporary art installations is on display in empty shop units this summer at Lichfield’s City Arcade. A free arts activity for people of all ages will be taking place. The City 'Art'cade is funded by Lichfield Town Team with High Street Innovation funding.

Sun 1 Sep Cycle Rides for All 10.00am at Freedom Cycles, Lichfield Bus station. Join in the 23 mile led cycle ride for all members of the family to Barton Marina for lunch and back again. A lunch stop is included in the ride so bring along a picnic lunch and some water.

Free entry.

Tue 3 Sep Neaten and Natter 11.00am to 1.00pm at Beacon Park.

Monthly volunteer event. Make friends and help to keep Beacon Park beautiful. Tasks include litter picking and weeding.

Live Music at The Doghouse 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at the Crown Inn, Alrewas. Guess who’s back following the summer break?

Martin Ryan and Stef Dziuba, along with assorted guests, will be raising the rafters again at their inimitable sing-along music session. Get there early for one of the best free nights out in the region but make sure you buy a raffle ticket! No live music in October due to renovations at the pub but watch this space for November announcement.

Wed 4 Sep Heather Seeding and Grassland Cutting 10.30am to 3.00pm at Pipehill Common. Our Countryside & Parks Conservation Group plays an important role in local nature conservation and we're always looking for volunteers to help out.

Heathland is a globally important habitat that is disappearing at a frightening rate. Spend a day among the heather as we cut and clear the overgrown grasslands on Pipehill Common, then seed the bare patches of ground with heather seeds collected on-site to

encourage the heathland to grow.

To book your free place, call 01543 308183. Directions: Turn off Lichfield Rd (A5190) and park in front on the gates by the ‘Pipehill Common sign’.

Thu 5 Sep Moth Recording Morning 8.30am to 10.00am at Beacon Park.

Join us first thing to try and ID moths caught in the trap from the night before. The presence of moths cannot be guaranteed, therefore please ring 07931 891086 from 8am to confirm.

Lichfield Farmers' Market At Lichfield Market Square. A delightful Farmers' Market takes place on the first Thursday of every month (except January), between 9am & 3pm. The markets boast a fantastic range of beautiful stalls, selling wholesome locally-produced food and other goods, including an excellent choice of hand-made arts and crafts.

Sat 7 Sep Whittington Country & Craft Fair 10.00am to 4.30pm at Whittington.

Now in its 10th year - a celebration of the countryside for all the family.

There will again be a host of popular arena attractions, traditional arts and crafts stalls, classic vehicles, licensed bar, animal attractions (including dog show), tractor trailer rides, food and much more! Free admission and parking.

For more information go to www.whittingtonandfisherwick.org.uk The Sheriff's Ride Traditional circuit of the bounds of the city on horseback. 10am assembly in the Guildhall. 10.30am Sheriff's Lead Party outside the Guildhall (main ride at South Staffordshire College Campus). All riders must register in advance with Lichfield City Council. The ride dates from Queen Mary's Charter of 1553 in which Lichfield was separated from Staffordshire and made a separate County with a right to appoint its own Sheriff. The Charter commanded the Sheriff to "perambulate the new County and City annually on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 8th September". Holding true to custom, the Sheriff commences the ride at Guildhall at 10.30.am, and followed by a retinue of about 50 riders commence the 20 mile perambulation of the city boundary.

The northern and eastern boundaries are covered in the morning, arriving in the grounds of Freeford Manor for lunch. The ride then resumes to complete the circuit of the boundary, stopping for tea at Pipe Hall. Returning into the City, the Sheriff and riders are met by the Sword and Mace Bearers at approximately 6.15pm to be escorted down Beacon Street to the Close where they are greeted by the Dean, before returning to the Guildhall at about 6.30pm.

Boobies and Blockheads 2.00pm at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre. Find out who or what a Boobie is! This tour describes the life and times of one of Lichfield's most famous sons, Dr Samuel Johnson, the creator of the world famous 'Dictionary of the English Language'. £3 per person.

Lichfield Proms in Beacon Park From 5.00pm at Beacon Park.

Lichfield District Council's free annual outdoor concert for the whole family. Now in its fifteenth year, the event is an opportunity to enjoy a late summer evening of al fresco dining, live classical music and fireworks. Children's activities are available from 5pm, and then a brass band will take to the stage to warm up the crowd from 6pm. This leads to the main concert at 7.30pm, which features a symphony orchestra and classically trained singers including local soprano Sarah Ryan. The evening culminates with a rousing sing-song and a firework finale. Refreshments available, no barbecues please.

The Alternative Sheriff's Ride 10.30am - meet at the Stafford Road Pinfold (where Stafford Road meets Pinfold Road). Join us for a 10 mile bike ride round the streets of Lichfield on a route following some of the ancient names of the city. Bring your metal steeds and participate in a modern version of a piece of centuries old Lichfield tradition. No entry fee or dress code, just bring a sense of fun.

More details from lichwheeld@hotmail.co.uk

We invite you to experience our brand of Indian cuisine and promise you a feast for your senses!

For a fresh approach to Indian Cuisine - come to Qmin, Lichfield’s leading Indian Restaurant.

Sample Qmin’s wide ranging Indian and fusion cuisine, served in perfect surroundings and by the most attentive staff.

Established in Lichfield for eleven years, Qmin caters for the most discerning diners. Qmin has been established as one of Lichfield’s leading Indian restaurants for several years. It offers a relaxed, modern and clean dining space and continues to introduce a range of new concepts in its offerings. We feature the popular and traditional Indian dishes alongside some contemporary and creative menu items. Many of our customers and food critics view Qmin as ‘one of the finest Indian restaurants in Lichfield’.

Qmin captures India's diversity, sampling more than 120 authentic recipes from across the country. The recipes are made new for the modern cook, with a contemporary twist, but always remain true to India's ancient culinary wisdom.

Call Qmin on 01543 255000 www.qmin.co.uk A treat for your taste buds

Sun 8 Sep Lichfield 10k and Family Fun Run 10.30am at King Edward VI Leisure Centre. The Lichfield Running Club is now planning the 18th Lichfield 10k and family Fun Run for 2013.

The event is one of the biggest and best sporting events in the area Lichfield's version of the London marathon, attracting over 1000 entries each year, encouraging people to take up a more active lifestyle and raise funds for many local causes. The event is organised by runners for runners of all abilities, from complete beginners to Olympic athletes. Be inspired - get your trainers on and put this event in your diary! 10K Race £15, Family Fun Run £3. For details call 01543 417 733 or email 10klichfield@gmail.com or go to www.lichfield-running-club.co.uk Access All Arias 7.30pm at Buxton Opera House.

From the team behind the immensely popular Beyond The Barricade, Access All Arias is a unique blend of the classical stage and famous musicals, exquisitely sung by sensational West End stars, Helen Hobson (Mamma Mia, Cats, Blood Brothers), Sarah Ryan (Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty & The Beast) and Sarah Eyden of The Swingle Page 57

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Singers. Singing their own arrangements of popular arias from Puccini to Boublil and Schoenberg, and breaking the boundaries of the classical crossover world with their own unique sound, Access All Arias is high class entertainment with plenty of personality during a totally live show. Previously appearing with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Concert Orchestra, Access All Arias is embarking on its first nationwide tour which will delight music lovers everywhere. If you loved Barricade … then Access All Arias is definitely the show for you! To book go to www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk or call Box Office: 0845 127 2190

Ian Buxton, a national and internationally renowned flower arranger who has a witty repartee and the display will fill the entire cathedral stage, each section of the display raffled on the night. The sparkling and alluring display will be accompanied by music from the Cathedral musicians. Tickets £15 (includes wine & canapés). All proceeds to the cathedral’s East End Appeal, now in the final stages of the conservation of the 16th century glass in the Lady Chapel.

For tickets and further information, contact the shop on 01543 306150 or call in to No.9 The Close to purchase. For more information visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org

Fri 13 Sep – Fri 20 Dec Little Chicks @ Henhouse Art School 9.30am to 10.15am at St Michael's Church Hall. A Friday morning, art activity for parents/carers and preschoolers (18months - 4-5yrs). A fun, creative, busy, messy, arty time for parents/carers and their 'little chicks'. The class is run by two artists; Celia and Henrietta who have a wealth of experience (and a passion) for teaching and practicing art. Term time only. £5.75 For ages 18 months to 4 years. £5.75 (aprons and materials provided) Fri 13 Sep Floreatissimo!

7.30pm to 9.00pm (finishing time is approximate) in the Cathedral Nave at Lichfield Cathedral. An evening of flowers and music in the cathedral with national and international flower demonstrator

Sat 14 Sep We Are One At Emporium Art Gallery.

Emporium celebrates its first birthday with special events and appearances by guest artists.

Vocal Workshop for female voices 11.00am to 5.00pm at College Hall, The Close, Lichfield. You are invited to join a Vocal Workshop for female voices on the subject of 'Useful Skills for a Choir Member'.

This will be led by Cathy Lamb, the joint musical Director of Lichfield Cathedral. Places are £12 per person and can be reserved by contacting Marilyn on 01543 300176 or e-mail to tickets@kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk.

Fri 13 Sep Music from the West End and Broadway At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa. A spectacular evening of fine food with classic songs from the shows performed by Emporio Opera. £30 per person or £119 for 2 to include an overnight stay. T: 0121 308 3751 Wildfire Folk CD Launch Night 8.00pm at the Guildhall. Formed

by Lichfield Arts as a Youth Ensemble to play music as it should be played – with enthusiasm, energy and style!

Created as part of the Lichfield Arts Folk Arts project, Wildfire started off as a one-off workshop and was so immensely popular that it quickly developed into a band in its own right with regular rehearsals and performances all over the country.

They have spent the summer performing at many festivals and have been received with tremendous acclaim. An evening of youthful verve and enthusiasm for all ages.

Sun 15 Sep Wedding Fayre At The George Hotel. Come and meet a wide range of exhibitors, who will be on hand to help you organise your very special day.

Free admission & £100 worth of vouchers to be won! Flowers, stationery, honeymoons, photographs, wedding dresses, menswear, favours, wedding cars, chair covers, jewellery, entertainment, balloons, wedding videos, bridal beauty, cakes and

much more!

Tue 17 Sep Art Workshop 6.30pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Create striking paintings and drawings in the monthly mixed media workshops led by award winning artist Carole Collier. Individual attention in small, friendly sessions with a different theme each month.

Workshops take place on the third Tuesday of each month. Advance booking essential. £10 per session including all materials and refreshments.

Lichfield Civic Society Meeting 7.45pm at Lichfield Heritage Centre. THE CANAL AND RIVER TRUST. Speaker Darren Green, Waterway Manager, Central Shires Waterways. Non-members welcome (£3 at the door) Tue 17 to Sat 21 Sep The Elephant Man 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Studio.

This Tony Award-winning play tells the tragic and moving story of Joseph Merrick and his rise from Victorian side-show curiosity to toast of London society. Under the care of a famous young doctor, Merrick changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favourite of the aristocracy.

The Elephant Man marks Different Animal's 4th production at the Lichfield Garrick Studio Thu 19 Sep Preschool Dance Classes 10.15am at Fradley Village Hall, Church Lane, Fradley WS13 8NL. Children from walking age can have lots of fun whilst learning the basics of dance, rhythm, movement, co-ordination and confidence. Thursday weekly.

Please contact Katie on 07875129692 or Katie_twinkletoes@hotmail.co.uk to confirm your attendance and get those toes twinkling!

Fri 20 Sep Preschool Dance Classes 10.15am at Brereton & Ravenhill Community Centre, Main Rd, Rugeley WS15 1DY. Children from walking age can have lots of fun whilst learning the basics of dance, rhythm, movement, co-ordination and confidence. Thursday weekly.

Please contact Katie on 07875129692 or Katie_twinkletoes@hotmail.co.uk to confirm your attendance.

Fri 20 Sep Summer Dreaming & Dirty Dancing At Moor Hall Hotel & Spa. A 3 course dinner with an energetic and fun musical tribute to the 50s plus iconic songs and dance routines from Dirty Dancing. £39 per person or £142 for two to include an overnight stay. T: 0121 308 3751 The Young 'Uns

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At the Guildhall. A welcome return by this charismatic and captivating Teesside trio – Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes. It’s almost ten years since they first started out as eighteen year olds at Stockton Folk Club but their nickname ‘The Young ‘Uns’ has stuck ever since. Known for their spontaneity and great audience rapport expect a truly entertaining evening of tight harmonies and fine instrumentation. Traditional sea and working songs are interwoven with original material, all with great humour.

Sat 21 & Sun 22 Sep Lichfield Heritage Weekend 2013 - Tales Through Time At Lichfield City centre and heritage attractions. The much loved Heritage Weekend is back! This year's theme is 'Tales Through Time' so visitors and locals can be entertained by fascinating stories of Lichfield's history. Free admission, but there may be a small charge for tours.

The Huddlesford Heritage Gathering 10.00am to 5.00pm at Huddlesford Junction on the Coventry Canal (WS13 8PX) An event organised jointly by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Lichfield Cruising Club. Historic Narrowboats, classic and vintage vehicles, music, dance, birds of prey, dogs agility, Diocesan Mobile Belfry, stalls, real ale, children`s entertainment, displays, boat trips, BBQ and more. A great family event! Come by boat, car or on foot. Evening hot supper and entertainment in the marquee on Saturday evening (by prior booking). Proceeds to aid the watering of another section of the Lichfield Canal. Contact: For boat, exhibitor forms and evening tickets (and of course donations!) E.mail info@lhcrt.org.uk or call 01543 671427.

Sat 21 Sep Dr Johnson's Birthday Celebrations 12 noon at Market Square. Lichfield civic ceremony around the Johnson statue in the Market Square, includes live performances by local school musicians and choristers.

Free event for spectators An evening with Elizabeth I 6.30pm at Boley Park Community Centre. Lesley Smith, curator at Tutbury Castle, is returning to Lichfield but this time as Queen Elizabeth I to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Tickets are £12 which includes the entrance fee, a glass of wine and a small selection of cheese and biscuits. All money raised from the event will go directly to Cancer Research UK. Sat 21 Sep to Sun 6 Oct British Food Fortnight At The George Hotel & Moor Hall Hotel & Spa. During the fortnight the menus in the restaurants will

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Welcome to the all new Ruby Express in Lichfield City Centre We are part of the Ruby Cantonese & Chinese family here in Lichfield and our food is prepared by the very same chefs! Based in Lichfield City Centre, our mission is to provide restaurant quality food at high speed and low prices. All food comes in our awesome noodle boxes as seen on TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory!

The Ruby Express was founded by Wai-Lee Ho 3rd Generation Restaurateur, whose family have been serving Lichfield with the highest quality oriental food for over 27 years.

Due to popular demand, we are developing a pre-order system.

Soon you will be able to place your order the day before, ready to collect at your chosen time between 11.30am - 3.30pm Mon - Fri, and Sat 11.30am - 5pm Choose from some of your favourite Chinese dishes:- sweet & sour chicken, beef with green peppers & black bean sauce, chicken curry - and many more. The Ruby Express menu changes every week so there are plenty of alternatives to appeal to everyone.

You have probably seen the American style Noodle Boxes around the city - they are from The Ruby Express.

Just pop in with your Lichfield Gazette when you call in for your order and get a bag of prawn crackers FREE! “Our food is cooked by the same chefs found at the Ruby Cantonese & Chinese Restaurant, on St John Street Lichfield.

Restaurant quality food at take out prices!”

Find out more from our website:www.ruby-express.com

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

An alternative Sheriff's Ride This year Lichfieldians are being invited to take part in a twowheeled version of the Sheriff’s Ride on Saturday 7th September.

The Sheriff’s Ride is an ancient tradition that usually takes the whole day to complete, the alternative ride however is planned to cover a ten miles route around the City, and can be completed in just a couple of hours, including a break for a drink and a piece of cake!

The alternative ride will start from Stafford Road Pinfold (where Stafford Road meets Pinfold Road) at 10.30am, travelling anticlockwise through the estates of Lichfield before returning to our start point. Why not dust off your metal steed and join them for part or all of the ride, or line the streets to cheer them on!

More details are available from lichwheeld@hotmail.co.uk

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Cathedral Patrons’ Dinner 2013 to feature celebrity comedian and broadcaster

T

he Patrons’ of L i c h f i e l d Cathedral are delighted to welcome Don Maclean as the after-dinner speaker at the 10th Annual Patrons’ Dinner. An invitation to this event, which this year takes place on Friday 27th September (7pm), is open to all and gives guests an opportunity to dine in the splendid medieval surroundings of Lichfield Cathedral.

The dinner is a prestigious, black-tie event that begins with a drinks reception in the cathedral transepts. A delicious four course dinner is then served in the Nave and afterwards guests can sit back to enjoy the afterdinner speaker.

Don Maclean was born in Birmingham and educated at St Philip’s Grammar School. He then studied drama at Birmingham Theatre School & modern history at the University of Warwick. In 1997, The University of Birmingham saw fit to confer upon him an honorary M.A. A comedian by trade, Don has appeared regularly on TV, in cabaret & theatre all over GB including two London Palladium seasons, six Royal Command Performances & forty pantomimes.

During the 70s and early 80s he was never off television, he fronted the ever popular ‘Crackerjack’ and was a regular on ‘Celebrity Squares.’ In 1990, BBC Religious Broadcasting invited him to present their ‘flagship’ programme, ‘Good Morning Sunday’ on Radio 2. His light-hearted approach to religion obviously worked and by the time Don left the show early in 2006 two and a half million people regularly tuned in. He also presented ‘Faith in the Nation Week’ for Radio 2 which aimed to give listeners an insight into religions other than Christianity. He has acted as ‘frontman’ for BBC TV’s ‘Songs of Praise’ on several occasions.

Don was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2001 for services to religion and inter-faith relations and, in June 2003, he was invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre at Southwark Cathedral. In May 2012, Pope Benedict saw fit to invest Don with a Papal Knighthood, the highest honour that can be given by the Catholic Church to a layman.

During a career spanning 48 years Don has tried to prove that comedy and religion can sit comfortably side by side; there’s no need to be ‘po faced’ if you’re a Christian!

Ticket Bookings The dinner is a key event in the annual cathedral calendar.

Feasting in the Nave is a reversion to a medieval tradition of feasting on Saints’ days. The event is open to non- Patrons and everyone is welcome to enjoy this unique event.

Tickets are £60 and can be requested by contacting the Patrons’ office: Telephone: 01543 306100 Email: patrons@lichfield-cathedral.org For more information about the Patrons of Lichfield Cathedral: www.lichfieldcathedral/org/Patrons

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD feature traditional British dishes and all diners will be entered into a draw to win an overnight stay for two with dinner! T: 0121 308 3751 Sun 22 Sep Jazz Sunday Lunch At The George Hotel. Join us for a delicious three course lunch with coffee in the Garrick Suite, with music from The Three Spires Jazz Band (formerly the Antique Six) who play an eclectic mix of old favourites, modern numbers and party jazz—the perfect accompaniment to a leisurely Sunday lunch with the whole family. £20.95 per adult, £12 per child (up to 12 years).

Kieran Goss At the Guildhall. One of Ireland’s eminent performers and songwriters with a successful career spanning two decades and eight albums. His songs have been recorded by some of Ireland’s finest recording artists, including Mary Black and Christy Moore. He has toured worldwide and won acclaim from Don Williams when they toured together in 2007.

Wed 25 Sep The Reduced Shakespeare Company 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard's plays, this was London's longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London's West End at the Criterion Theatre! Now revised for 2013, join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

Thu 26 Sep Wedding Open Evening 5.30pm to 8.00pm at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Come along and see exactly how lovely your wedding day could be at Moor Hall. You will be able to see the magnificent Charter Suite fully dressed for a wedding breakfast, view the four poster bedrooms and suites and chat to our experienced wedding co–ordinators who can advise on every aspect of your special day. Admission free, by ticket only For your two free tickets please call the wedding co-ordinators on 0121 308 3751 (option 5). Extra tickets can be purchased at the door for £1 per person; the proceeds will be donated to The Donkey Sanctuary.

The Vagina Monologues 8.00pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Eve Ensler's hilarious Broadway and West End smash hit is back with an all new all-star cast! Featuring the feisty Hollie-Jay Bowes (Hollyoaks), TV favourite Terri Dwyer (Hollyoaks, Grange Hill, LooseWomen) and national treasure Diane Keen (Doctors, Ruth Rendell Mysteries). An unmissable show for every generation - bring your mum, your best friend, your sister or even your gran - this is the ultimate girls' night out... trust us!

Fri 27 Sep Legends of Swing - Access All Areas 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. A celebration of the world’s finest crooners performed by Tommy Warren and Jonny Gray. Featuring many well-known standards from the Swing era, including a wide selection of songs from the 50s to present day. Everything from Bing to Bublé, all accompanied by a fantastic 7 piece band.

Autumn Beer Festival 12.00 noon to 11.00pm at the Guildhall.

Featuring more than 30 real ales- many of which will be local or regional. Also wines, traditional ciders and perry, specialist bottled beers, the ‘famous’ pork pies, quality food, teas, coffees and soft drinks. There will be superb live music each evening (details TBC). Come along and enjoy fine tastes, great music and meet friends old and new, all in a welcoming atmosphere in the wonderful surroundings of historic Lichfield Guildhall.

We’ll see you there!

When was the last time you visited the ‘Mucky Duck’ at Fradley Junction?

Sat 28 Sep Gypsy Fire 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Since forming in 2010 Gypsy Fire have pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with a pure acoustic line up. Featuring tracks from their latest album released in August 2012 at The Royal Albert Hall, each piece is performed with passion and flair. Expect beauty, excitement and boundless energy in this musical white knuckle ride!

Tue 1 Oct. Neaten and Natter See Tue 3 Sept for details.

Tue 1 to Sat 5 Oct Cadfael: The Virgin In The Ice 7.30pm (and 2.30pm Thu & Sat) at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. The world stage premier of Ellis Peters’ classic medieval murder mystery.

Wed 2 Oct Hedge laying, Dead Hedging and Scrub Clearance At Ironstone Heath. Our Countryside & Parks Conservation Group plays an important role in local nature conservation and we're always looking for volunteers to help out. Using the traditional countryside practice of hedge laying, learn to make a living fence out of plants whilst at the same time improving this beautiful site for both public and wildlife. To book your free place, call 01543 308183.Directions: Off Stables Way, directly opposite Fair Lady Drive WS7 1ZZ, park either in Fair Lady Drive or on the grass verge next to the site.

Contact details for listed venues: Beacon Park – Lichfield WS13 6QZ. Tel: 01543 308869 Boley Park Community Centre - 7 Ryknild St, Lichfield WS14 9XU Buxton Opera House - Water St, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6XN The Crown Inn - Post Office Rd, Alrewas DE13 7BS Darwin Community Hall – Darwin Park, Burntwood, Lichfield WS13 6RQ Emporium Art Gallery - 32-34 Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR The George Hotel - Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 414822 The Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU. Tel: 01543 262223 King Edward VI Leisure Centre - Kings Hill Rd, Lichfield WS14 9DE Lichfield Cathedral - The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD. Tel: 01543 306100 Lichfield Garrick Theatre - Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412121 Lichfield Heritage Centre - St Mary's Centre, Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 255423 Lichfield Tourist Information Centre - St Mary's Heritage Centre, Market Square, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 412112 Moor Hall Hotel & Spa - Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN St Michael’s Church Hall - St Michael's Rd, Lichfield WS13 6SN Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 264972

Do you think the people of Paris are up the Eiffel Tower every weekend, or those who live in Athens take time to admire the Acropolis close up? It’s a bit like us living so close to Fradley Junction…we know it’s marvelous, but rarely go to visit. And what better time to do so than early summer when the scenery is at it’s very best.

The Swan, known to all far and wide as the ‘Mucky Duck’, is a friendly, family style pub in a beautiful setting on the crossroads of the Coventry/Trent and Derby canal, which is Fradley Junction. You really ought to rediscover Fradley Junction, ideal for a relaxing day out for dog walkers, ramblers, cyclists and canal boat enthusiasts.

Something for everyone It’s easy to enjoy Fradley Junction with all its colour and tranquility and its nearby nature reserve, which features in a couple of published British Waterways trails, or just sit with a beer (or a cup of tea) and watch the world float by. It’s like Venice off the A38!

Over the past six years Rick & Tracey have resisted the urge to make The Swan into a trendy ‘gastro pub’ and kept it as a traditional canalside-socialising pub that folk have loved for well over two hundred years. Open 7 days a week, The Swan has something for everybody – it’s a retreat from the hurly burly of everyday life. It has a Sunday Carvery every week 12 noon - 3pm with five meats and fresh vegetables for £10 inc. sweet and coffee. Lunch is served Mon-Sat 12 noon 2.30pm with a full menu available every evening 5.30pm - 9pm.

If your fancy is for traditional and homemade foods then The Swan is the place to enjoy a mixed grill, sirloin steak, beer battered cod, pork-belly & black pepper plus homemade curries and pies. Plus freshly made sandwiches, snacks and much more.

Beer and entertainment The Swan has a superb selection of beers on draught such as Abbot, Pedigree, Black Sheep, and guest ales such as Timothy Taylor, Sarah Hughes ‘Dark Ruby’, Woody’s Shropshire Lass and Holden’s Black Country Special. And of course all your popular ciders and lagers.

And talking of something for everybody – why not call and enjoy the evening entertainment. Every Thursday evening is Folk Night, with Open Mic on Sunday evenings together with other events on throughout the summer months. And something unique is the Curiosity Shop, now open at the rear of the Mucky Duck selling all manner of things where you are welcome to have a mooch-around.

Rick & Tracey extend a warm welcome and suggest you rediscover Fradley Junction and The Swan this weekend.

The Swan at Fradley Junction Canalside eating at its best DE13 7DN Telephone 01283 790330 We are a dog friendly pub

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Paul Oakley 07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Deputy Editor

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Distributors wanted contact Marie 07548 682576 Advertising

Vic McClure 07872 165695 vic@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca.lichfieldgazette@gmail.com National Sales David Baker 07818 686015 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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Pretty Nails & Beauty Tanning

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SPECIAL OFFER, SEPT, OCT & NOV WITH EVERY FULL SET OF NAILS AT £15 YOU GET A FULL BODY SPRAY TAN FOR £15!!!

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Please contact KIM : 07792 837767 5 St John Street, Lichfield WS13 6NU Open Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm (Late night Wed, Thur, Fri until 8.30pm by appointment)

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Why not ask about our leaflet distribution, leaflet design and print services.

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Enquiries to paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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Sales Vacancy Did you enjoy our magazine?

Do you think you have what it takes to sell advertising for us?

We currently have two well-loved publications, Chase Gazette and Lichfield Gazette, and we are looking to receive applications from candidates who would like to join us.

Are you the sort of person who can easily converse with our potential and regular advertisers, and demonstrate a mature, creative and honest attitude?

The role requires the ability to communicate with business people at all levels as well as work to given deadlines.

Hours and salary are negotiable and an immediate start is available. Some newspaper ad sales or similar previous experience would be an advantage, but some training on the job can be arranged.

The successful candidate should be a car owner with a clean driving licence as the role calls for constant access to retailers and services throughout this area. Some telephone sales will be involved in the sales process.

If this sounds like the kind of sales position you are looking for, why not let us know a little about yourself by sending an email in the first instance with a short summary of your career to date.

Contact by email: paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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