August Lichfield Gazette

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

AUGUST 2012 ISSUE 41

GAZETTE WOMAN • NEWS • COMPETITIONS • WHAT’S ON • ARTS QUARTER

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Lichfield

G azette

August 2012

contents Win - Lunch for two people at

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Netherstowe House 20 Photography Competition 21 Historic Day for Lichfield 27 Arts Quarter 32 Gazette Woman 37 Summer Weddings 43 What’s On 46 Gazette Small Ads

Editor’s Notes Tearoom Talk and Café Conversations You can't help but notice the profusion of great cafés and tearooms throughout the centre of Lichfield these days.

Rude I know, but I overheard a conversion recently in a well known Lichfield tearoom where four uncertain old folk, who were eating treacle tarts, were arguing where treacle came from.

The one lady said it was made from sugar, but this was refuted by one of the old gentlemen opposite, saying that he knew as a fact that it was farmed and that his uncle used to own a treacle farm. He also told her that as a lad in 1943 he had often helped his uncle move the heavy barrels of treacle that were sent away for refining.

So convincing was he that the second man chipped in with the fact that his brother had worked on that same farm before the war and it was one of the most productive in the whole of Staffordshire. He reminded them that the huge horse drawn dray was used every year in the Bower.

The old lady who had started the conversation was by now feeling quite foolish, that she had wrongly been under the impression of treacle being made during the manufacture of sugar.

The old men might have gotten away with it, if it hadn't have been for the second lady correcting the facts, "George? You never had a brother!" Oh how they laughed.

Yours truly Paul Oakley (Editor)

Winner of The Kitchen Shop Teapot competition is: Mrs R Steel from Meadowbrook Rd. Winner of the Tamworth Street competition (June) is: Louise Evans from Foxglove Close.

HUGE CROWD DISPERSES AFTER OLYMPIC TORCH VISITS LICHFIELD FRONT COVER

WIN LUNCH AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE FOR TWO PEOPLE PAGE 6

contributors • • • •

Caz Jones PG Mitchell Robert Yardley Joss Musgrove Knibb

• • • •

Laura Bowcutt Dan Mitchell Ann Mayo Ian Hayter

contact the Gazette see page 47 ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 17,500 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, Whittington, Armitage & Handsacre 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.

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Purestyle also offer an upholstery service for your own furniture.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR FOR LICHFIELD SCHOOL C

hildren from a Lichfield school are celebrating after receiving £1,000 from the Midlands Cooperative Society for raised vegetable beds.

Nether Stowe School on St Chad’s Road, Lichfield caters for almost 800 children between the ages of 11-18.

It has a thriving Eco Group whose aim is to make a real difference to the environment in which they live. Having raised money themselves to fund small eco projects, the students wanted to expand and develop a vegetable patch, where they could grow fresh produce to sell to the school kitchen, staff and parents, thus creating a selfsustaining business. In order to grow the vegetables they

Vietnam Trek for St Giles nurses H elen Robbins and Jade Reberio are are both nurses at St Giles Hospice Walsall. They see every day how the work of St Giles Hospice impact and benefit patients and their families when they are effected by cancer and other serious illnesses. Helen says: “We love our jobs, and we are passionate about providing the best care we can for our patients.”

We offer the best care in order to ensure their quality of life and offer support for their families and carers. All services are free of charge so we rely heavily on fundraising and generous donations. I have set up a blog so people can follow our journey through training, fundraising and the trek itself and we have also set up a just giving page.

To donate please visit :www.justgiving.com/helen-robbins2

needed to construct a 10 meter square raised bed and so approached local businesses for funding with the project. One of the organisations they approached was the Midlands Co-operative Society who were happy to help.

Speaking on behalf of the School, June Evans, Business Manager explained: “Our students are very aware of the environment and social issues which result from lifestyle choices. They are keen to address the issues and this project will allow them to do something practical.

The money provided by Midlands Co-operative will enable

Testing out the raised vegetable beds

the whole school to learn about where food comes from, food miles, sustainability and the joy of gardening as a team.”

Midlands Co-operative donated the money from its ‘Making a Difference Community Dividend’ fund, which guarantees that a percentage of its trading profit is donated to local groups in its trading area.

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GazetteNews

Andy Chapman and Aston Martin - The Engineering of an Illustrious Career

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By Joss Musgrove Knibb

n February 2012 Andy Chapman, Lichfield resident was presented with the Aston Martin Owner’s Club, Viscount Downe Heritage Award by Viscountess Downe. This prestigious award was presented to a remarkable man who has made a ‘major contribution to enhancing the heritage of the Aston Martin marque.’ The trophy is in the shape of a classic Aston Martin and sits on Andy’s sideboard amongst photographs, clippings, family snaps and books on these iconic vehicles.

Involved with engineering all of his adult life, Andy is now a world renowned expert on the Aston Martin. Since the 1970’s, Andy has been using his wealth of knowledge to write technical editorial for the Aston Martin Owners Club Magazine and newsletter, answering readers engineering problems and queries and displaying the wealth of knowledge that fifty years in the business has given him. In fact, whilst I was sitting chatting to Andy, a fax came in from the owner of a DB6 in Germany, desperate for advice from a man who has been influential on many of the engineering and performance breakthroughs that have made Aston Martins a by-word for power, quality and style.

Andy’s love affair with vehicle engineering started at an early age. Now aged 72, Andy remembers racing his dinky toy car on the flat tarmac surface of the playground in his London school. At the age of seven Andy had worked out that by packing the toy car’s body with plastacine at strategic points, and using a particular flick of the wrist to give it more power he could get his car to go faster and so win every race. Later, he swapped his racing car for a larger lorry with bent axles, fixed the metalwork and carried on winning. He also remembers visiting a James Watt steam engine at the Birmingham Science Museum, and wondering why the crank shaft was of such an overcomplicated design when he could see exactly how it should be simplified, later he learnt that Watt had re-engineered that coupling to avoid comparisons with the French version that held the patent. In the evening he listened avidly to motor racing on the radio, with a particular interest in the technical innovations and problem solving of the Aston Martin company.

Andy comes from a long line of engineers, and spent most of his childhood tinkering with engines at his grandfather’s garage. He then moved on to an apprenticeship at AEC, maker of the iconic red London bus, where he spent many hours engrossed in the finer points of engine manufacture, metal work and design. His apprenticeship taught him the tools that became so valuable in his later career, enabling him to create, forge and minutely engineer pieces from scratch and so solve any problem and deliver optimum performance. Andy has an instinctive understanding and infectious love of engineering. During our conversations he would regularly pull out pictures of engine components and explain how they had been changed, or how they had developed problems that had been fixed. He understands metal harmonics, stresses, vibration and abrasion and manages to make you just as engrossed as he is!

After his apprenticeship ended Andy moved on to Aston Martin at Feltham where he worked in the engine building section. After two years he and a small number of other hand-picked staff moved with the company to Newport Pagnell where Andy became foreman of the Engine Department and responsible for the Page 6 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

training of hundreds of apprentices, perhaps this explains his ability to exenthuse others in the sheer beauty of good engineering. In 1975 Andy went solo and along with his business partner John Spooner developed Chapman Spooner Ltd, an Aston Martin dealership in Birmingham that was turning over in excess of £5 m by the 1980’s. When the 1980’s recession occured, the luxury car market took a hit and it was decided to close the business.

Andy then moved on to full time involvement in the great love of his life (apart from wife, Penny and the family of course!) - the fine engineering of Aston Martin engines, by opening Andy Chapman Classics in Kings Bromley. The business was housed within a large agricultural storage building, ideal as there was lots of space and light but no windows at ground level : “If anyone had known the cars we had in through there on a regular basis I think we might have had some security issues”; joked Andy with a wry smile.

Being very down to earth and upbeat, Andy is an approachable man who has real joy in what he does. Andy regularly worked on the Aston Martins owned by rock n’ roll royalty such as Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and many of the members of Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, as committed to and engrossed in each job be it on the vehicles owned by a multi millionaire or an ordinary enthusiast who had scraped together the money to purchase a classic car over many years.

Andy has now retired, although by his work schedule you wouldn’t know it. On asking whether he would recommend engineering to anyone leaving school now, he thought about it for a moment and answered: “Well, it won’t make you into a millionaire but you will have a hell of a lot of fun. It has really enriched my life.”

This is borne out by so many of the stories told to me by this charming man, from looking at a gurnard in a fish shop and recognising that the open mouth and gill system led to a real reduction in drag, and using this design to reengineer the Aston Martin for Mike Ridley, a customer that went on to win many races including the Peter Bell Trophy for the fastest Aston Martin, to being commissioned to adapt the DB5 of a Saudi Prince into an exact replica of the James Bond car. Andy did indeed include spinning number-plates, smoke and water jets, a sat nav system (using a video, sat nav was yet to be invented) plus the famous guns that emerged from the bonnet. Just another day in the life of an engineer.

LUNCH FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE FIND MINSTER THE CAT! Win a two course lunch for two people (Monday to Thursday) at this prestigious boutique hotel and restaurant.

Time has stood still at this beautifully restored Edwardian House, one time home of two Members of Parliament and originally partly used as a working mill. It is full of period charm and elegance. Enjoy Netherstowe House for yourself and see why everyone is raving about it! Or why not enter our competition and win a delightful meal for yourself and a guest?

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. This month he is in twice, once on page 15 and hidden elsewhere in the magazine, 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 Fri 20th August 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.

Good luck!!

Minster was on page 40 in the July issue well done to Mr Tom Proctor, St John Street, Lichfield.

Lichfield Twinning Celebrations

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ecently the Lichfield Twinning Association celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Ring Twinning between Lichfield, Limburg and Sainte Foy, and the 25th Anniversary of the Twinning between Lichfield and Limburg in true English style with a Garden Party!

The 50 members who attended at the home of the Chairman, Peter Barrett, were able to enjoy an afternoon of cream teas and delicious cakes.

The Twinning Association was set up in 1987 and has acted with the support of Lichfield City Council over the years to promote and foster friendship and understanding between the people of Lichfield and District and those of Limburg an der Lahn and Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon.

They have some 150 individual members and have organisations such as the Lichfield Ramblers, the Camera Club, the Lichfield Mysteries and the Table Tennis Club registered with them.

The Twinning Association has been involved in many activities over the year, including hosting participants in the recent Lichfield Mysteries where a group from Sainte Foy performed the Wedding at Canna, and a Limburg group performed

Abraham and Isaac.

They are currently gathering photos, articles and personal memories to prepare a short history of the Twinning Association, showing how much the Association has meant to members, and the contribution it has made to the life of the City. Literally hundreds of Lichfeldians have taken part in visits to Limburg and Sainte Foy and have received and hosted their partner families in turn.

The next visit is to Limburg takes place from 28th September to 1st of October 2012, where a large party from Lichfield will help celebrate the Ring Twinning in style.

The Twinning Association welcomes new members, and offers a varied programme of social events during the year including evenings of skittles, quizzes and an annual supper, with country walks and picnics during the better weather. For further details please contact Barbara Dundas on 01543 417497.

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Nether Stowe school secure slice of £110k from sporting legacy fund

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hree Staffordshire High Schools have secured Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund to the tune of £110,335.

Nether Stowe High School in Lichfield, Wilnecote School and Clayton Business College in Newcastle have all benefited from the Inspired Facilities Fund, part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme.

The funding has been awarded to help schools make improvements to sports facilities including the refurbishment of changing facilities and the creation of a reception/viewing area at the swimming pool and gymnasium at Nether Stowe High School.

The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country. Every sports facility that receives funding will carry the London 2012 Inspire mark – celebrating the link to the Games.

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Lichfield City F.C. Floodlights Unveiled O n Saturday July 14th the floodlights at Lichfield City F.C. at their Brownsfield ground were officially switched on.

Members of the local community, Councillors, The Mayor of Lichfield, The Chairman of Lichfield District Council plus League and Club officials were at this very well attended evening.

The official ceremony got underway with Club Chairman Darren Leaver’s introduction before the lights where switched on and a commemorative

plaque jointly unveiled by the Mayor of Lichfield City, Councillor Mrs Janet Eagland and the Chairman Of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Ken Humphries. Hundreds of people turned out for the occasion that was followed by a friendly between Lichfield City F.C. and a ‘youthful’ Tamworth Reserves side.

Lichfield City F.C. have now launched their new website which can be seen at www.lichfieldcityfc.co.uk.

Floodlight UnveilingFrom left to right, Liam Heath, Janet Eagland, LDC Chairman Ken Humphreys, LCFC Chairman Darren Leaver, LCFC Secretary Mark Swaffar Photograph by Vivienne Bailey

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Local funeral director helps plant a Jubilee legacy

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Lichfield-based funeral directors is calling on community organisations in the area, such as schools, nurseries or care homes, to come forward if they would like to have a tree planted in their grounds as part of The Jubilee Woods project.

As part of the Queen’s drive to plant six millions trees across the UK in her Jubilee year, the team at F M & J Wait on Bird Street have been offering a sapling to local people taking out a pre-paid funeral plan in June. While some customers have opted to plant the sapling in their own garden, a large number have donated their trees to be planted across Lichfield in places where local groups and charity organisations can enjoy them.

A similar tree planting project was run in 1936/7 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI, with schools, communities and individuals all getting involved. The Jubilee Woods project aims to create hundreds of Jubilee Woods and 60 special Diamond Woods across the Jubilee year. With three million trees already planted so far, the initiative is well on the way to hitting its target.

Local organisations, charities or community groups interested in receiving a tree for planting should visit F M & J Wait on Bird Street to register their interest with a member of the team. For further information about the tree planting scheme, please contact 01543 263 138 for further information.

Memorial Book and Cabinet

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ollowing a parish wide appeal. Christ Church in Lichfield has a superb new cabinet in which to house its memorial book.

Brian Tuckley, who was for many years, lecturer in Cabinet Making at the former Lichfield School of Art, came forward and has created this wonderful new home for the book.

The memorial book, which was made by fellow parishioner Roy Fell, is a beautifully finished red leather bound book and is an equally well made piece that will be admired by generations of worshippers for many years to come.

Janet Waterfield - Priest in Charge, John The cabinet is made of 50 year old air dried Sussex oak Fell - Bookbinder and Brian Tuckley so there will be no degradation of colour. Sadly artisans Cabinet Maker with the skills of cabinet making and bookbinding are few and far between these days but it is great to see such talented individuals here in our community.

Brian Tuckley commented: “The churchwardens allowed me to include a plate with ‘Made by Brian Tuckley in memory of his wife Beryl 2nd August 1931 to 5th October 2009’ engraved on it.”

The memorial book and cabinet were dedicated on 3rd June 2012.

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From left, Funeral Directors David Timms and Mark Stevens

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HRH the Prince of Wales Attends Memorial Unveiling

n Friday 20th July, HRH the Prince of Wales attended the unveiling ceremonies for memorials to GCHQ and the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The Prince of Wales is Colonel in Chief of The Parachute Regiment and Royal Patron of the Intelligence Agencies.

The Prince was hosted by the Director of GCHQ, Mr. Iain Lobban, the outgoing Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment, General Jonathan Shaw and the incoming Colonel Commandant of the Parachute Regiment, General Jacko Page.

The GCHQ Memorial is dedicated to the people that have contributed to the work of GCHQ and its forerunners since the First World War. The memorial takes the form of a globe shaped stone sculpture, and commemorates all those involved in Signals Intelligence and Communication Security since 1914, including Commonwealth and foreign allies. It complements the memorial at Bletchley Park, dedicated by HM The Queen in 2011 (to all those that contributed to the wartime work of Bletchley Park) and the Plaque at Westminster Abbey, dedicated by HM The Queen in 2009 (marking the centenary of the Intelligence Services).

This was The Prince of Wales's first official function as Royal Patron of the Intelligence Services, which was announced in May 2012. The event was attended by representatives of the Intelligence community and Foreign and Commonwealth allies.

The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Memorial is dedicated to all soldiers of the Parachute Regiment and associated airborne units who have served since 1940. Two bronze statues in one overall composition were unveiled: a standing paratrooper for the Parachute Regiment; and Bellerophon astride Pegasus, the historic

HRH The Prince of Wales

GCHQ Memorial (HRH with Paul Kennedy, Arboretum curator)

symbol of Airborne Forces. The sculptors are Mark Jackson and Charlie Langton. The event was attended by serving officers and soldiers, veterans and members of the Parachute Regiment Association.

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Wednesday’s get Wacky at Erasmus Darwin House

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very Wednesday throughout August, Erasmus Darwin House will be organising ‘Wacky Wednesdays’ - activity mornings for local parents and their younger children. Each ‘Wacky Wednesday’ will have a different theme for parents and children to enjoy, ranging from the Olympics and the sports Georgian people would have enjoyed to the Diamond Jubilee.

The volunteers at Erasmus Darwin House will be helping children and parents to take part in many fun activities, such as creating crowns for budding young princes and princesses.

The activities at each ‘Wacky Wednesday’ will allow parents and children to share the enjoyment that comes from creating their own crowns, hobby horses and stamps. ‘Wacky Wednesdays’ will not only educate and entertain children, but also both parents and children will have the opportunity to make friends and enjoy lots of

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creativity.

‘Wacky Wednesday’ activities will be available for a small charge to cover the cost of providing materials.

To book a place on one or more of the sessions please call the office on 01543 306260 or for more information please see our website www.erasmusdarwin.org.

Each session costs £2 per child with one accompanying adult free of charge. Sessions run 11.30am1pm and 2pm-3.30pm.

Lichfield in Bloom

he Lichfield Chamber of Trade & Commerce has entered Lichfield into the Heart of England in Bloom competition for 2012. HoEiB is an initiative from the Royal Horticultural Society and is widely recognised as the standard bearer for such competitions. Amongst other Heart of England towns who have entered are Tamworth, Solihull, Stourbridge, Hereford and Burton along with larger cities such as Birmingham and Coventry as well as smaller places such as Ludlow, Bilston and Tutbury.

The District & City Councils and other organisations and businesses have confirmed their support for the entry and made every effort to ensure Lichfield is Bloomin’ Lovely for the Judging day which was held on 24th July.

The Judges were met by the Mayor, Councillor Janet Eagland and then escorted around the city by Chamber President Richard Lewis. The tour which included city centre streets including the Three Spires Shopping Centre all of which was decorated with red, white & blue floral hanging baskets provided as part of the celebrations for the Jubilee, then taking in Beacon Park, Minster Pool and the Remembrance gardens all of which have benefited from the recent Heritage Lottery Funding.

Businesses in Dam Street added extra colour on the route to the Cathedral which putt on stunning floral displays. The judges were be shown around the Darwin House Herb Garden and the impressive work which has been carried out at Monks walk (behind the library). Bromford Housing have made improvements to properties in Friday Acre by introducing floral The Awards are Bronze, Silver, Silver Gilt and Gold, high performing entries from each of the 18 UK regions will participate in the UK finals and from there will have a chance of European glory in the ‘Entente Florale!

Left to right, Ken Webb, Friends of Beacon Park; Lyn Hammant, Parks manager for LDC; Ruth Witczak,Community & Education Officer for LDC; Nicola Clarke, Judge, Heart of England in Bloom; ME!; Angela Pendlebury, Judge, HoEiB Page 14 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

High Sheriff Beats a Path Through Staffordshire in Aid of SSAFA Forces Help Sheriff’s Drive Beating of the Bounds 25th – 27th August 2012

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n the 25th, 26th and 27th August this year Staffordshire residents can rest assured that the boundaries of the entire county have been secured (at least according to tradition) in a way that has not been seen for many years.

‘Beating the bounds’ of a parish is an ancient practice dating back to at least the medieval period. Each year the parish priest, and many of his congregation, would walk the borders of the parish in order to physically confirm the boundary, as landslides, fallen trees, collapsed walls etc might have brought some areas in to dispute.

High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Sarah Elsom has been involved with documenting and preserving the history of our county for almost three decades as curator of the Bass Museum of Brewing, Staffordshire Regiment Museum and Staffordshire Yeomanry Museum.

Recently Sarah has announced that she will be reviving the ancient practice of beating the bounds, but this time of the entire county* in order to raise funds for SSAFA Forces Help, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and families Association. SSAFA Forces Help does remarkable work and is the oldest Armed Forces Charity.

SSAFA Forces Help offers all kinds of practical and timely help, not only to both veteran and, serving personnel but to their spouses and families. Last year, nationally, SSAFA Forces Help supported over 50,000 members of the Armed Services community.

They are a remarkable organisation who don’t just help with the practicalities of everyday life, but also offer helplines, counseling and mentoring support plus specialist services including care for children with special needs.

Their work has proved vital to so many families, offering help when and where it’s needed.

Over 3 days Sarah Elsom, High Sheriff of Staffordshire will be driving her 1928 Austin Seven ‘Chummy’ around the borders of Staffordshire, a journey of 227 miles in total.

She will be joined by around a dozen other Austin Sevens and their owners, all hoping to raise as much money as possible for SSAFA Forces Help. This event will also to mark the 90th birthday of the Austin Seven, a classic car that first rolled off the production line in 1922!

They will be stopping at many different venues along the way where there will be the opportunity to donate as much or as little as you can spare to help SSAFA carry out its vital work. Sarah would also love to hear from any other Austin Seven owners who might wish to join in for all or part of the way.

On Saturday August 25th, the Beating of the Bounds Sheriff’s Drive will start at 8am at the Harvester public house, Bassets Pole (B75 5SA) site of a historic ‘Stafford Knot’ signpost.

It will then move on to Drayton Manor Park at 9.30am, Barton Marina at 1pm, the National Brewery Centre, Burton on Trent at 2.15pm and

High Sheriff, Sarah Elsom will Beat the Bounds of the county.

Uttoxeter Market Place at 4pm (via Elford Scarecrow Festival, Rolleston on Dove, Tutbury and Marchington).

On Sunday 26th August the Sheriff’s Drive will commence at Uttoxeter Market Place at 8.30am and move on to arrive at Manifold Valley, Hartington at 11.30am, Rudyard Lake, Rudyard at 1pm and Biddulph Grange Gardens at 3.20pm, (via Ilam, Alstonefield, Longnor, Hollinsclough, Flash, Mow Cop, Knighton and Muckleston).

On Monday 27th the Drive will stop at Halfpenny Green Vineyard at 10.40pm, the wonderful Enville Village Show, Enville at 12.45pm and Chasewater Railway & Country Park at 3.15pm (via Loggerheads, Forton, Weston Park, Boscobel, Pattingham, Kinver Edge, Stourton, Codsall, Coven Heath, Essington, Muckley Corner and Streetly). This beating of the bounds of the entire county will be rounded off at 17.10pm, back at the Harvester pub, Bassets Pole.

Why not treat yourself and the family to a day out at one of these wonderful venues, villages, or towns and help support the work of SSAFA Forces Help?

For more information contact Lucy Leigh at lucy.leigh@ci-bcp.com or go to www.highsheriffofstaffordshire.co.uk . You can also email staffordshire@ssafa.org.uk For general information on the work that SSAFA Forces Help do visit www.ssafa.org.uk To make a donation to the vital work of SSAFA go to www.justgiving.com/7s-4-SSAFA *The Sheriff’s Drive will follow as closely as practicable the boundaries of the county.

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Caring in Our Community – A Closer Look at Shenstone Cares

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henstoneCares is a registered charity that provides advice and information, home support schemes and transport services for elderly members who live in Shenstone and the surrounding communities. The charity was formed in 2002, taking over the activities of the Shenstone Live at Home Scheme.

Transport is the most used service provided by ShenstoneCares and the charity owns and runs an equipped minibus (and a team of volunteer drivers) to transport the members safely & securely.

Protest at the disbanding of the ‘Staffords’

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he Lichfield Gazette was in attendance at the very moving ceremony on 24th July to support the protest at the disbanding of the ‘Staffords’ – the 3rd Battalion of the Mercian Regiment.

The ceremony had been organised by the Lichfield branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association, who led the crowds in attendance in a minutes silence at 11am, following the recital of those famous and evocative words ‘At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them.’

Veterans and the public then processed down to the King’s Head in Bird Street, where a wreath was placed on the wall of the pub that saw the foundation of the regiment in 1705.

Petitions were circulated amongst the crowd and many ex servicemen and women who were not part of the Regimental Association, both from the Staffords and other regiments quietly joined the ceremony.

Tom Mason (74) secretary of the Lichfield branch of the Staffordshire Regimental Association commented: “ It’s vital that we don’t lose the tradition, the ‘backbone’ that the Staffords along with other regiments represent.”

Tom’s father, and grandfather were both in the Staffords, and Tom celebrated his third birthday with his Dad at Whittington Barracks. Tom joined the regiment in 1955 at 17.5 years of age, and served in Cyprus for 12 months, after which he was badly injured in a bomb blast and spent the next 13 months in hospital. When he awoke after six days unconsciousness his mother was sitting by his bed as hopes for his recovery were very slim. Tom only found out two years ago what had happened when a fellow veteran and eye witness was able to fill in the gaps.

The Staffords are just one of 17 units to be axed, in severe cuts that are due to be completed by the end of the decade.

Feeling is, quite rightly, running very high on the loss of the Staffords. One can only hope that this damaging policy will be reviewed in the very near future.

The minibus provides specialised transport and volunteer escort to hospital, doctor and dentist appointments plus transports members to various organised activities including pub lunches, coffee mornings, afternoon teas, shopping trips, and concert visits.

The day-to-day activities of ShenstoneCares are organized by a single part-time co-ordinator with the support of members of the Trustees and a dedicated team of volunteers.

The charity is overseen by a board of Trustees who are elected at the Annual General Meeting in May and are responsible for the finances and overall policy.

ShenstoneCares is totally reliant on grant aid and are grateful to the organisations who have provided financial support in the past.

These include Staffordshire County Council • • Shenstone Parish Council • Shenstone Relief in Need Charity ShenstoneCares could not exist without the dedication of a team of volunteers and drivers whose (unpaid) work on behalf of the community means that the quality of life of our elderly people is improved.

Letter signed by all local MPs

Page 16 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Page 17

GazetteNews

Does where you were born define your life prospects?

Art Box Festival, F

ecent research has indicated that no matter who you are, where you live is now the key to your chances of a successful life.

The report also shows that where you live affects your chance of being unemployed and not taking up studying or training.

The best places to live in terms of prospects include the most affluent boroughs of London and middle-class areas of Kent and Essex.

The worst include deprived inner city areas of Liverpool, Birmingham, London, Hull and the North East.

The research was commissioned by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies and carried out by the universities of Sheffield and Brighton. It demonstrates that there are huge inequalities between young people’s life chances based on their place of birth and the bad news is that the inequalities are on the increase.

For example young people in the Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate are seven times more likely to go to an elite university than their counterparts in Bradford, only 20 miles away.

So, how does Lichfield measure up against the national average? There were 12 measures which were investigated by the researchers looking at the prospects of 18 year olds.

Prospect for an 18 year old Lichfield Be studying for a basic literacy or vocational qualification 0% Be studying at a college of further education 5% Be studying at an elite university 1% Be unemployed 4% Be studying for GCSEs 7% Be studying at a new university 16% 42% Be working full-time Not be working, studying or training 3% 4% Be studying for AS/A level Be studying at a red 10% brick university Be working part-time 6% Be a carer for a family member 2% Page 18 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

National Average 1% 2% 2% 7% 6% 13% 38% 4% 4% 12% 6% 3%

Celebrating and Cultivating Contemporary Arts in Lichfield

or one week in August Lichfield will be inhabited by the first ever Art Box Festival, a small scale festival celebrating new talent emerging in the contemporary arts. The festival will open on 13th August at MALT with a group exhibition, which will set the tone for a week full of events. The schedule for the week includes two pop up exhibitions, an art social, and a celebration of UpCycling.

Art Box is the brainchild of local fine art graduate Robyn Lawrence, who hopes to cultivate a more contemporary art scene in the city and create the opportunity for a creative dialogue that lasts beyond Art Box. Local businesses hosting events and art during Art Box include George IV, MALT, The Lounge, Pig & Truffle and Spark!

Lichfield residents can stay up to date with Art Box by visiting the website, artboxfestival.com or by following Art Box on Twitter (@artboxfestival).

R

The likelihood of a teenager getting a full-time job or going to a leading university varies dramatically according to his or her postcode. This is according to research by university analysts who have compiled a huge amount of social data and published their results on the internet at www.comparefutures.org. It provides statistics for what 18 year olds are most likely to be doing in major postcode areas.

13 -18 August

L

Green Flag Award for Beacon Park

ichfield District Council is celebrating the Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said: “We are thrilled to announce yet news that it has been awarded Green Flag another record-breaking year for Green Flag status for Beacon Park.

Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag The winners were announced on Tuesday 17 Award provides national recognition for the July, and Beacon Park is now one of 1,424 UK achievements of all those whose hard work and sites to receive a Green Flag Award. dedication has helped to create these fantastic This national award for public and community places for all to enjoy.” parks was created to recognise well-managed, Information on the winners is available at high-quality green spaces.

Award-winning sites across the UK raised their www.greenflagaward.org.uk, where you will find a wealth of fascinating stories behind the awardflags and celebrated their success during Love winning green spaces.

Parks Week (21 to 29 July 2012).

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Services, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have achieved a Green Flag Award for Beacon Park and will fly our flag with pride.

“We all know how much local people and visitors love our city centre park, but it is always good to hear independent inspectors tell you that it is a great resource for leisure, education and wildlife.

“Well done to all the parks team and the many volunteers who work hard to make Beacon Park a Council's parks team (management, rangers, gardeners) joined lovely place to visit.”

by Cllr Val Richards (Cabinet Member for Leisure Services).

I

Chairman’s Charity Cheques

n his year as Chairman for Lichfield District Council, Councillor Bernard Derrick has helped to raise £2,049 for charity.

In July, the former chairman was on hand in the Council Chamber to present cheques of £1,024 to St Giles Hospice and the Pathway Project.

Councillor Derrick, Chairman of Lichfield District Council from May 2011 to May 2012, said: “It was my pleasure in my role as Chairman to help raise money for charity. I only wish it could have been more.

“I chose St Giles Hospice and the Pathway Project because they hold a special place in my heart and work so hard to support the people of Lichfield District when they are

facing difficult times in their lives.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me in my year as Chairman and to everyone who gave so generously to my chosen charities.”

Hayley Cliff, Kathy Coe, Cllr Derrick, Judith Derrick, Helen Relihan

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GazetteNews

T

The George celebrates British Food Fortnight

he George in Bird Street, Lichfield is inviting customers to join in a celebration of British food and drink as part of British Food Fortnight which runs from Fri 27 July to Sun 12 August.

Now in its 11th year, British Food Fortnight is a national event which aims to raise awareness of the diversity of delicious home-grown, locally sourced British food and drink which makes our country great.

The menus at The George’s welcoming carvery restaurant and lounge bar change every day, but over the fortnight they will feature British inspired seasonal dishes such as award winning Black Country Faggots with bubble and squeak cake with a Hereford cider and Bramley apple cream sauce and minced Shropshire beef, red onion and Burton Bridge ale pie with mash and gravy. Desserts are not forgotten, with featured puddings including Eve’s pudding and custard, treacle tart with clotted cream and warm Braeburn apple pie and cinnamon custard.

Mark Santy, General Manager explained: “There is a sad tendency to think of British food as plain and uninteresting, but that is just not the case. At The George we always use the best produce from local suppliers, such as Packington Pork and Needwood ice cream, which our customers really enjoy. We hope that the imaginative dishes on offer in the restaurant during British Food Fortnight will open people’s eyes to the fantastic produce available right on our doorstep in Lichfield.”

The George Team

Photography Competition

Win £50

C

alling all photographers – amateurs, keen enthusiasts or professionals. You are invited to enter our competition to win one of twelve places in our 2013 ‘We Love Lichfield’ charity calendar. Proceeds will go to local causes.

We are looking for creative and imaginative photo images of our lovely city. The theme is ‘We Love

Page 20 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Lichfield’, so we are looking for images to reflect Lichfield (or district).

The Winner of each quarter throughout the year will receive a £50 gift voucher.

Entries should be ideally emailed as jpegs to paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk or posted on cd (see address page 47) and with us by 19th September. Please enclose your name and address.

Professional photographers and your editor will judge the entries. We will take in to consideration ability and age when judging, so it will be fair to all. Best of luck! Bruce & Summer Jackson win the Summer quarter prize with ‘Paddy & The Cathedral’

GazetteNews

Another historic day for Lichfield Photos by Robert Yardley and John Crowe

E

stimates have suggested that between 25,000 and 30,000 people took to the streets of Lichfield City on Saturday 30 Jun to cheer on the lucky people who took part in the Olympic Torch Relay.

This magnificent day began at 8.30am with Corporal Johnson Beharry VC carrying the torch at the National Memorial Arboretum. It was then taken to Streethay where a further 3,000 people watched as Adrian Thompson, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Samuel Johnson Community Hospital, became the first of fifteen people to carry the Olympic Torch on its journey through Lichfield.

The torch made its way to Lichfield City around 9.00am and then travelled along Trent Valley Road, down Church Street, Greenhill and Tamworth Street, then onto Conduit Street, Market Square, Dam Street, and round The Close where more than 3,000 people had gathered to cheer on the torchbearers and witness an historic spectacle. It then passed along Beacon Street, down Bird Street, St John Street, Upper St John Street, and Tamworth Road before continuing its journey through Hopwas and on to Tamworth.

Despite gloomy weather predictions, the rain stayed away long enough for the Olympic Torch to light its way through Lichfield, carried proudly by five other local torchbearers.

Fifteen-year-old Nether Stowe High School pupil Ben Kenyon brought the flame up Church Street and along Greenhill. Ben has Asperger syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder and was nominated to carry the flame by his mum, Becky, for the work he has done for the National Autistic Society.

300 metres later the torch passed to seventy-year-old John May MBE in Tamworth Street.

The longest standing governor of Rocklands School, John is also the founder and organiser of Lichfield Talking Newspaper and a volunteer driver for Lichfield Live at Home and Arthritis Care.

Other local torchbearers included fourteen-year-old Jack Pritchard, also from Lichfield, how is an avid fund raiser having donated over ÂŁ1,500 to three local charities through his involvement in a charity rock concert and nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Archer, a young sports ambassador and thirty nine-year-old James Whitford both from Rugeley.

They were joined on the route through Lichfield by torchbearers Karen Cresswell, Jane Hance, Walter Anthuenis, Molly-Rose Jackson, Rosie Rudin, James Coke, James Thomas, Andrew Wotton and Sultunti Asnath.

Festivities were staged throughout the city to celebrate the torch relay, including a vintage car parade, the Lichfield Dash featuring Roger Black, and Cars In The Park.

There was music, comedy and drama on Market Square headlined by Alvin Stardust and his band, a floating origami candlelit display on Minster Pool and a sports day for younger children.

"The atmosphere was brilliant and we're delighted so many people stayed on in Lichfield city to enjoy the events to celebrate this historic day� said Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's cabinet member for leisure services.

"Our thanks to the 200-plus volunteers who helped to make sure the event ran smoothly and safely, and to all the organisations and groups that worked so hard to make this a day to remember."

Photo by Pink'd Up Design & Photography

Coming out of The Close Page 21

GazetteNews

City Jewllers

ley ck with Gill and Jodie Kee Olympic athlete Roger Bla

Coca Cola vehicle

Page 22 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteNews

oliced Well P The time is right fo r danci

ng in the st

reet

Tempest

Family fun Page 23

GazetteNews

Molly’s Pet Subject Advertisement Feature

W

hen local schoolgirl Molly Beard was commissioned by national publishers United Press to illustrate a children’s book, it was the start of a potential career path to become a serious illustrator.

Local Author Lynn Marshall came by Molly’s work by accident through a family friend. She asked Molly to submit some drawings and eight of them were used in a book entitled ‘Sammy, the puppy who thought she was human.’ One of the drawings was used on the front cover. “It was really nice to see my work in print and equally nice to know that some of the proceeds of the sales of the book went to the Air Ambulance;” Said Molly.

Molly’s unique style has lead her to move on to other book drawings, her unique style is earning a small but growing reputation and the eightteen year old Chase Terrace schoolgirl has got her future all sketched out.

Another United Press book ‘A Royal Day’ features one of Molly’s pictures where the subjects are ‘Kate and Wills’. The books are a collection of Royal Wedding poems by new and young authors. Molly admitted: “I am very fond of pets and I have done quite a few for friends and family as well as drawings of friends and various other people I know.”

Molly favours pen and ink with watercolour pencil and fine liner. She also works in acrylics. Her next move is to go to college to develop her style and technique further. If you like Molly’s work and her characteristic style, maybe you can commission your very own portrait or even one of her now famous pet portraits at a very competitive rate.

Molly can work from your photographs and they make great surprise gifts for family and loved ones.

Why not get a Molly Beard illustration today and who knows in years to come….

Page 26 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

ArtsQuarter

GazetteAdvertisement Feature

Wibbly-wobblies are walking off the wall!

“I must have been doing too much looking in the backs of spoons or subconsciously trapped in a hall of mirrors;” said artist Peter Valentine as he wiped two brushes on a turps soaked rag. This is how he started to explain the surreal paintings that are very much in demand at Studio Valentine.

Move over Dali! The style he first adopted in the 1960s, and developed since 2003, is suddenly attracting great interest today. He has sold 22 of these creations within the past six months and he has now got his colourful paintings hanging in homes in Spain, New Zealand and most recently in Switzerland, where a gentleman bought one of these ‘Wibbly-Wobblies’ from Peter’s website.

Creative, unique and inventive, Peter has no problem coming up with new ideas and has incorporated local scenes of streets in Nottingham, Chester, Birmingham and even Lichfield. He explained, “You have to be knowledgeable about the laws of perspective to be able to distort Peter Valentine in St Ives them effectively.” He

humour and when mixed with his undoubted creative ability, he has the chemistry required to produce artwork of superb variety and originality.

Peter Valentine is a full Member of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. You can admire a permanent display of his work at his studios at the address below from Tuesday-Sunday (Tuesday ring first).

Studio Valentine, Curborough Craft Centre, Watery Lane, off Eastern Avenue, Lichfield WS13 8ES

has even been able to take people’s dreams and fantasies and transpose them on to canvass. Peter is a prolific artist and a skilled art teacher and regularly passes his vast knowledge on to keen enthusiastic artists of varying ages.

Much of Peter’s work comes from commissions and can produce a portrait in a conventional style from a sitting or from photographs. And it doesn’t stop at people; he will paint your favourite pet (“not literally” Peter quipped). Paintings are produced at a surprisingly competitive rate.

Born in Chester and going to Liverpool’s John Moores College of Art, he has that wicked Scouse sense of

Sunny’s Nature S

unny Eades invites you to her latest art exhibition - ‘EARTH and WATER’ that will be held in the Lichfield Library Gallery from 15th to 25th September 2012. She has chosen this subject because of the images that have inspired her through her global travels to Venice, Cambodia, Morocco, and the French Alps, amongst others. She is a contemporary artist whose paintings consist of ‘Landscapes’ and ‘Forms’ of colour and light - natural or manmade that captivated her on her travels; from the ‘confined heat’ of north Morocco to the cool

clear vastness of lake Annecy in the French Alps.

This exhibition of work is in acrylics. She says: “I absolutely love its adaptability. I like to push the boundaries of this medium; to 'work' it like an oil painting and watercolour together”. Sunny uses her own or her clients’ images and creates multiple layers or merges them and sometimes incorporates ‘Symbolisms of Art’ to tell a story. This adds another level of interest for her and others as there’s more to a painting than just what first meets the eye. She then builds up her canvas and sculpts it with acrylic modelling paste using pallet knives and other improvised tools, either to intensify the sense of three-dimensionality or to create a hidden image or meaning.

Sunny is a local artist and a trained Industrial Designer with a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University in Long Beach who came to England to work as an Automotive designer with Peugeot Citroen Talbot in 1980. Since 2008 she has been painting with Acrylics and works on a wide range subjects and sizes.

You can meet with the artist from 10 am 4pm, who will be intrigued to hear your reactions to her pieces and why.

Afsaneh Eades Atri Eades Paintings www.atrieadespainting.com The Old Hall, Mavesyn Ridware, Staffordshire, WS15 3QE T: 01543 490 312

Page 27

GazetteHeritage

Bakers Lane Precinct

Talk about new shopping centres! Do you remember the old Bakers Lane Precinct constructed in 1964? Here are some images, although very grainy, they may jog your memory. Let us know your memories of the businesses who were there in the precinct, and please send us any photographs you might have for the next issue to share with our readers (see details and addresses on page 47).

Lichfield Heritage Collection holds over 10,000 photographs of Lichfield past and present. If you are researching your family tree, one of these photographs may relate to you. Copies can be purchased. The collection is free to view and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am – 12.30pm at The Lichfield Heritage Centre, St Mary's Church, Market Street, Lichfield Tel 01543 256611.

If you or your family have old photos of places and events in Lichfield or old artefacts referring to the town, The Heritage Centre would be happy to receive them to make them available to Lichfeldians for generations to come.

Page 28 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Maple Hayes Dyslexia School smash another fundraising target P

upils from Maple Hayes Dyslexia School seriously exceeded their fundraising target after raising over £1,000 in a charity swimathon for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Thirty Year 7 pupils took part in the national fundraising event, swimming for half an hour at Lichfield’s Friary Grange Leisure Centre with each length being sponsored. Some of the swimmers handed over a cheque to Marie Curie’s community fundraiser, Stacey Smalley, in a special assembly at the school.

The school has consistently raised money through a series of extra-curricular

activities this year and has donated the funds to several charities including Macmillan Cancer Trust and Berkshirebased Down Syndrome Support Group, Stepping Stones. The £1,000 raised at the swimathon takes its annual fundraising total to a staggering £6,000.

Miss Hume, teacher at Maple Hayes Dyslexia School, entered the pupils into the swimathon after seeing them thrive in the school’s swimming lessons. She said: “The pupils have done a fantastic job this year and the school is completely in awe of how much money they have managed to raise.”

Teacher Miss Hume, community fundraiser for Marie Curie Stacey Smalley and some of the participating pupils

Page 29

GazetteNews

The Lichfield Pageant Summer 1972 A

Gardening Column

By John Gallagher

s anniversaries come and go the city normally celebrates in its own unique way. This spring we had the Titanic and Captain Smith commemoration in the recreation grounds, and just recently the Queen’s Jubilee and Greenhill Bower on the same weekend.

In June 1972 it was the 1300th anniversary of the death of St Chad, the first Bishop of Lichfield, that was celebrated with the organisation of a pageant and the streets became medieval once again.

The principal of the School of Art John Sanders was instrumental in arranging the details and the scale, scope and range of activities made the day successful. BBC Radio Birmingham presented a 45 minute programme about the pageant and tournament and highlighted the many months of planning that went in to the organisation as well as the activities. Helpers who had made some of the costumes were also interviewed, listeners were invited to celebrate the weekend by dressing in medieval costumes while background music was provided by the Michaelmas singers formed by Lichfield and Hammerwich inhabitants.

The official programme, as illustrated,was designed by the students of the School of Art and featured articles about the Sealed Knot and British Jousting Society who renacted the battle of the cathedral.

The pageantry began on the Friday evening with a Sealed Knot encampment and a procession of the teams of Knights, but the main events were on the following day when it began with a service at St Chad’s Church followed by a procession to the city centre where many of the shops and businesses were festooned, and the workers dressed to complement the event.

In the afternoon the tournament was held on the grounds of the Theological College next to the Windings and Stowe Pool. The scene had a number of sideshows with Knights in combat, falconry displays, whippet racing and the re-enactment of a civil war battle between Cavaliers and Roundheads and Stowe Pool played host to a Royal Barge alongside Johnson's Willow where there was a ducking stool and water jousting.

A medieval banuquet was provided and washed down with cider alongside performances of old English folk songs and dances in the field. A fitting end to the day’s spectacle was a torchlight procession to the field to watch a firework display.

This was the first modern event when the loyal and ancient city appreciated and celebrated in true style. Unfortunately the weather was a let down, but more than 400 people attended and the success of the weekend led to a further one in 1975 which celebrated the return to the city of the 1st Marquis of Anglesey after the Battle of Waterloo and the origins of the annual Lichfield Festival which now are an integral part of the calendar each July.

Page 30 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

with Byron Lewis from G Scapes Plant Centre in Lichfield

A

ugust is traditionally the month when many of us enjoy a week or two away (preferably in the sun – at home or away!) But while you enjoy yourself and top up the tan, don’t forget about all the plants in your borders, the lawn, and the colourful summer pots and baskets.

Let’s start with the most important first – your hanging baskets, wall planters, pots and window boxes. These normally need watering once a day when the weather is warm and sunny, but unless you have very friendly neighbours who love watering, they are going to dry out! To try and reduce this problem as much as possible, there are a number of things you can do : Include water retention gel in your compost – these special granules swell up and absorb up to 400 times their own weight in water, releasing it gradually as the baskets and pots dry out. You normally mix this into the compost when you initially plant them up, but if you forgot to do this earlier in the summer fear not – by making a few holes in the soil of your baskets and pots with a pencil, you can pour the granules in and they will have the same effect.

Remove all the flowers from your pots & baskets – this sounds a bit silly but by removing the flowers, less energy is used by the plants for seed production – using up less water. The other side benefit of this is that when you return from your wellearned break there will be a flush of new buds waiting to burst into colour.

Group pots and window boxes together – doing this means the pots will give each other shade and therefore slow down the rate at which they dry out. Another useful tip is to try and use stone or clay pots instead of plastic – the heat generated by the sun quickly dries out the root systems of plants in plastic pots, whereas clay and stone pots stay cooler for longer.

Lawns & Borders – Don’t forget to cut the lawn a day or two before you leave for the airport, This ensures the lawn won’t be too long to cut when you get back – it’s also worth giving the lawn a liquid feed and a good water before you go. With your borders, follow the same principle of removing flowers to make sure that you have bushy plants with plenty of buds by the time you return from your break.

By all means enjoy your holidays this summer, but don’t forget about your plants!!

Next month, as we head into autumn, we’ll take a look at the world of spring flowering bulbs and shrubs for the autumn months.

Byron Lewis is Retail Manager at G-Scapes Plant Centre at Curborough Craft Centre, Lichfield. 01543 256401. www.g-scapes.co.uk or find us on Facebook.

Globe Theatre comes Tudor Row Barbers Established 15 years to Traditional & Modern Tutbury Hairdressing for men & boys Castle • Mens - £11.50

A scene from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre production of As You Like It. Picture by Fiona Moorhead

T

he Lichfield Festival is bringing the worldrenowned Globe Theatre and their touring production of As You Like It to the stunning setting of Tutbury Castle, near Burton-on-Trent, on 26 and 27 August 2012.

Over the August Bank Holiday, this small troupe of travelling players will breathe new life into one of Shakespeare's best loved comedies.

• Boys £10.50 • O.A.P’s - £8.50

Open 6 days a week No appointment needed Open late night Thursday evening.

Tudor Row, Off Wade Street, Lichfield.

Tel:

01543 263351

Founded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe is a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare's work.

Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Dating back to 1071, the castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots.

There will be three performances of As You Like It – Sunday 27 August at 2.30pm and 7pm, and Monday 27 August at 2.30pm. Tickets are £17.50 for adults and £12.50 for under-18s. You can also book online at www.lichfieldfestival.org by phone on 01543 306270 or in person at 7 The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD (Mon-Fri 10am – 4pm).

Information & ticket office: 01543 306270 www.lichfieldfestival.org Facebook: facebook.com/lichfieldfestival Twitter: @lichfieldfest #LichFest12 Page 31

Teddy Bears Picnic for ‘Make a Wish’ O

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ULTIMATE BEAUTY AT TONI&GUY 57 Wade Street, Lichfield WS13 6HL Tel: 01543 411066 Page 32 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

n Wednesday 18th July, the 10th Lichfield Brownies group held a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Flamingo, Lichfield.

The picnic was organised in order to raise funds for the Make a Wish charity, a cause specially chosen by the Brownies themselves.

During the evening the group of 31 children (and their bears) ranging in age from 7 to 11 years enjoyed a slap up picnic, played games, made origami teddies and took part in activities to raise funds including a teddy bear themed raffle.

The Brownies and their parents also organised a bake sale and the cup cakes and sponges sold like the proverbial ‘hot cakes’.

The 10th Lichfield Brownie group is looking for new volunteers to help with the day to day running of the group, and during their many trips and activities. Volunteering with the Brownies is very rewarding in itself and can lead to a professional qualification.* If you are interested in volunteering please call ‘Brown Owl’ Mae Funnell on 07807 488542 or email maefunnell@gmail.com *Please note. All volunteers will need to pass the appropriate checks and these are done by the group before volunteering begins.

Page 33

Page 34

GazetteWoman

Bridal Hair Trends 2013

“On Your Marks, Get Set, Go”... at Boyd’s

So, have you decided how to style your tresses on the big day? Need a little inspiration? Here are the top five bridal hair trends for 2013.

Boyd’s Hair Design & Beauty Salon offers a wide range of hair and beauty treatments with their specialists and technicians providing everything you need to look and feel great. This includes hair, eye lash and nail extensions, Dermalogica skin treatments and the all important St Tropez tan for those who haven’t been able to escape to the sun.

The ‘messed up’ beehive There’s a real 1960’s feel here with hair piled up high on the crown of the head. This is a much looser, softer look than the traditional ‘up do’. It’s flattering and adds real drama.

With so many high profile sporting events taking place this summer, Boyd has decided, if you can’t beat them, join them! He would like to invite readers of the Lichfield Gazette to take part in their race to win one of three fantastic prizes on offer in their sporting themed competition.

The side chignon If you have your heart set on a traditional ‘up do’, why not consider a side chignon? They are infinitely more flattering and can be as softly or formally styled as you wish.

Gold Prize - The winner will receive a hair cut and blow dry as well as a full colour, half colour or highlights depending on your preference.

Silver Prize – The winner will receive either a full set of nail extensions or a manicure and pedicure depending on your preference.

Bronze Prize – The winner will receive a £20 gift voucher.

To be in with a chance to win, all you need to do is answer the question in the advertisement panel and send your answer (along with a recent photograph) to: Boyd’s Hair & Beauty Competition, Lichfield Gazette, P O Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ.

The headband The headband, embellished with crystals, flowers or whatever you fancy has taken over from the more traditional ‘tiara’ or headpiece. This has filtered through from the fashion for headbands that has been with us on the high street for a while now. It’s actually a great look, fresh, modern but somehow rather romantic. If you really don’t fancy a headband.

Simple fresh flowers or embellished hair clips are very big in 2013.

Au natural If you have shoulder or long length hair, why not wear it loose and slightly waved for an informal, pretty and laid back look. Interest comes from shine and movement so you will need hair in reasonable condition (or invest in a few good salon nourishing treatments) to make it work.

Vintage pretty The 1930’s and 1940’s have inspired a raft of vintage styles with sleek waves and glossy shine. These suit pretty much everyone and add real old school glamour and elegance.

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GazetteWoman

a d n a c i h C r o i r r Wa t s a E e h t f o r u o v Fla

Autumn Trends 2012 D

uring most years spotting the first autumn ranges appearing on the high street can be a bit of a shock, like seeing geese flying south for winter it’s one of the first signs that summer is coming to a close. This year however I suspect we’ll all be ready to move on to the new season and put this soggy summer behind us.

So what trends can you expect to see referenced in high street retailer collections over the next few weeks?

Autumn fashion is often quite opulent, and this season is no different. Gold is the colour de jour, with shimmering fabrics in block colour, or baroque prints embellished with metallics, sequins, even chain mail (a nod to the success of the sky TV serial ‘A Game of Thrones’ perhaps?) used in pieces that are designed to be worn during the day. Of course, they also translate brilliantly into evening wear but for night time the trend hardens up somewhat with padded, embellished and distressed leather jackets, dresses and separates that have a distinctly S&M vibe.

For most of us these pieces need softening up and there are a raft of accessories that reference medieval design that do just that.

Black is also a main colour for autumn with the colour being worn from head to toe with interest coming from texture and shape. Two piece dressing has gone all 1950’s, with clever design accentuating shape. For this to work you need to play with proportion, a cape style shirt with slim cigarette trousers for instance.

High street retailers are also referencing the equestrian vibe seen on the catwalk.

Jodhpurs and jackets are very on trend this autumn with a twist of brocade and clever tailoring. There’s also an Asian influence that filtering through with kimono shaped jackets and shirts and fabrics that reference Japanese and Chinese art.

Finally, we’ll be seeing many coats, trousers and shirts that have an oversized, masculine feel. Great for snuggling up in as the weather gets colder.

On a personal note, all of the above sounds interesting but I don’t yet think that many of us are feeling bombastic enough to wear ‘warrior chic’ leather or too many

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Long sleeve peplum sequin dress House of Fraser £65

Ombre Floral Kimono Jacket £55

Topshop Crystal Army jacket £90

Topshop Crystal Army jacket £90

embellished prints. Heading off piste for a moment this is what I would like to see.....

Long elegant fitted coats in berry colours, charcoal grey, deep moss greens with a touch of copper or gold.

Fitted, well cut trousers with long knitted jackets, silk satin shirts in cafe au lait and long strings of pearls or chains, understated and oh so sexy.

Beautifully worked leather bags, belts and gloves in classic shapes with a twist. Add a killer heel or knee length boot and you’ve got a grown up look that makes everyone look a million dollars.

What do you think? Drop me a line at gazetteeditorial@hotmail.com and let me know what you’ll be wearing this autumn.

Summer Weddings GazetteFeature

Date of Wedding: 4th July 2012 Name of Bride: Ursula Thomas Name of Groom: Ian Minshall Wedding Venue: Lichfield Register Office Photography by Robert Yardley

Emma Gilmour married Chris Harvey on Saturday 26th May on a glorious sunny day at St Chads Church in Lichfield. A red double decker bus took their guests to the reception at the Guild Hall whilst the newly married couple arrived in a London Black cab. Needless to say their arrival attracted some attention! The couples vintage theme only added to what was a wonderful day. Congratulations to you both and I was so happy to be your wedding photographer!

Photos by Pink'd Up

Date of Wedding: 2nd June 2012 Name of Bride: Hayleigh Mason Name of Groom: Michael Ballard Wedding Venue: St Augustine, Rugeley Reception venue: The Belfry Photography by vivienne bailey photography

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Summer Weddings

GazetteFeature

Date of Wedding: 23rd June 2012 Name of Bride: Kate Jackson Name of Groom: John Webbster Wedding Venue: Elford Church Reception venue: Elford Village Hall Photography by vivienne bailey photography

Date of Wedding: 2nd June 2012 Name of Bride: Lauren Cornish Name of Groom: Chris Ramsey.

Wedding Venue: Holy Cross Church, Lichfield.

Reception venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield Honeymoon destination: Croatia Photography by Robert Yardley

Date of Wedding: 5th May 2012 Name of Bride: Claire Young Name of Groom: Dean Taylor Wedding Venue: Lichfield Register Office Reception venue: The George Hotel, Lichfield.

Honeymoon: Rhodes, Greece.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Date of Wedding: 29th June 2012 Name of Bride: Deborah Lowe Name of Groom: Gareth Woodward.

Wedding Venue: St. Michael's Church, Lichfield.

Reception venue: The Belfry.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Date of Wedding: 11th May 2012 Name of Bride: Elizabeth McIver Name of Groom: Luke Shorney Wedding Venue: Lichfield Register Office Reception venue: Ramada Sutton Coldfield Photography by Robert Yardley

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Page 41

GazetteDining Out

IN LICHFIELD Inviting children to a summer of fun

A

s schools prepare for the long summer break, Lichfield District Council is reminding families that it has a packed programme of activities to keep children and young people busy over the holidays.

As well as daily playschemes at venues across the district for children aged from 5 to 11, the council is running play activities weeks for 7 to 13 year olds.

Places are available on all the playschemes - including Burntwood, Longdon, Whittington, Shenstone, Fradley, Lichfield and more.

Some of the play activity weeks are fully booked, but there are some places still up for grabs on the ‘Wet ‘n’ Wild’ week running at Beacon Park from 13 to 17 August, and the art Hayden Smith (aged 11) week and skateboarding sessions at King Edward VI Leisure from Fadley Centre.

Places need to be booked in advance. To download a booking form, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/summerfun The council’s leisure centres are also hosting a wide range of activities, such as sport, art, swimming and much more.

On top of lots of coaching courses, Burntwood Leisure Centre is running its popular holiday club. Taking place on weekdays from 20 August to 31 August, the day-long sessions will offer 5 to 11 year-olds the chance to take part in games, sports, swimming, art and more.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre has a varied programme of activities including getting fit and having fun on the dance mat and sports wall sessions, swimming lessons, pool parties, badminton coaching and more.

Over at King Edward VI Leisure Centre, there are coaching courses in activities including badminton, basketball and gymnastics. There is also a Sports Days course, which includes hockey, rounders, football and more, running from 13 to 17 August from 9am to 4pm.

There are plenty of outdoor activities running at Beacon Park. On top of fairy walks and a sandcastle competition, they include the park’s Fun Day. Taking place on Thursday 9 August from 11am to 3pm, the day will feature sports, games and a Teddy Bear Games – so children are invited to bring along their teddies.

Summer activities at Chasewater Country Park feature natural art, races, bug hunting, and more.

Leisure centre activities can be booked by calling the leisure centre direct. For Burntwood call 01543 308810, for Friary Grange call 01543 308842, and for King Edward VI call 01543 308782.

The full Summer of Fun brochure is available online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/summerfun.

What’s On at The Flamingo Sunday Jazz Brunch 12.00 – 2.30pm - Listen to some great musicians and enjoy a Sunday Jazz Brunch platter that includes French toast, mini muffins, waffles with maple syrup, bacon bagel and a selection of fresh fruit. Tel: 01543 255588 for enquiries and table reservations.

Sunday August 5th - Freddie Pirotta (piano) and Alan Garwood Duo. A varied programme including works by Monk, Ellington, Silver and Garner.

Sunday August 12th - Carte Blanche Trio - play the Great American Songbook.

Sunday August 19th - To be confirmed.

Sunday August 26th - Midnight Blue is an exemplary trio led by tenor saxophonist John Watson making a welcome return to the Flamingo – hard bop, jazz ballads and a lively mix of latin jazz numbers.

Saturday Afternoon Free Acoustic Sessions 3.30 – 5.00pm.

Saturday August 4th.

Paul Francis : folkinfluenced singer and guitarist with a rich repertoire of classic material.

Saturday August 11th.

The Mourning Suns.

Fast rising acoustic duo featuring Rosemary Wilkes and Anthony Williams.

Saturday August 18th Page 42 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

11am -2pm – Family Fun at The Flamingo with magic show, music, face-painting, magical food and mysterious cakes!

Saturday August 18th 3.30 – 5pm. An attractive double header featuring Keshia and Easy Company.

Saturday August 25th. We present Katie Williams who will be making one of her first public appearances as a singer/guitarist. An emerging talent with a well chosen library of songs. Also featured are the duo Chris Buckle & Tom Alderson who have performed regularly since these sessions began in February.

Saturday September 1st. A fantastic double header featuring the Roy Sainsbury Quartet and Alt Country duo Grievous Angel.

Plus lots more, go to theflamingolichfield.wordpress.com for more information.

IN LICHFIELD AUGUST 2012 Wed 1 Aug Wacky Wednesdays!

11.30am to 1.00pm or 200pm to 3.30pm at Erasmus Darwin House.

Themed fun summer crafts for children of all ages. Every Wednesday throughout August, with something different every week! £2 Booking advisable.

Finest Kind

identifying all the moths that have been caught in traps left overnight.

Before setting off to the park, anyone who wants to come to the recording events can check that enough moths have been caught overnight by telephoning 07931 891 086 from 8am on the day. All the moths will be released after the events. To find out more, please contact Ruth Witczak, Beacon Park’s Community and Education Officer on 01543 308869.

Fri 3 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Nigel Argust (organ).

Free entry.

The Lichfield Garrick Comedy Club 8.00pm at Lichfield Garrick (Studio).

Featuring David Ward and Simon Clayton. Enjoy a drink with friends at your own table in the Garrick Studio; the perfect setting for a night of stand up comedy.

8.00pm at Flamingo Tea Room.

Canada’s foremost vocal harmony band in concert as part of their 4th UK Festival Tour. Tickets are £10, £9 concessions, £8 members, £5 students Friendly Faces 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Lichfield Library. A new group set up to help you meet new people & make new friends in a friendly open atmosphere. Meeting every first Monday of the month. So if you would like to enjoy a FREE cup of tea & enjoy a chat why not 'pop' along to this very friendly group. Tel: 01543 510700 Thu 2 Aug Summer fun at Sam's House 10.30am to 1.30pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Drop-in arts and crafts fun throughout the holiday, a different activity every week! £2 - No need to book, just drop-in.

Moth Recording Mornings 8.00am at The Discovery Hub next to the bowling greens in Beacon Park.

The morning events will involve

Sat 4 Aug Great British Afternoon Tea From 2.45 until 6pm at The George Hotel. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Garrick Suite with music from our pianist. There’s a glass of wine on arrival followed by a selection of finger sandwiches and delicious cakes, supplied by Coco Meli Bakery. £18 per person.

Tue 7 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Rosie Mosley (soprano) and Gabrielle Toy (piano).

Free entry.

Wed 8th Aug Wacky Wednesdays!

See Wed 1 Aug for details.

Behind Close Doors 2.00pm at The Close. Find out about the people who live and have lived in Lichfield Cathedral Close. £2 – Booking essential.

Thu 9 Aug Summer fun at Sam's House See Thu 2 Aug for details.

Beacon Park Fun Day and Teddy

Bear Olympics 11.00am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park.

Join in the fun with many exciting games, sports and outdoor activities for all ages. Free event.

Fri 10 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Keith Hearnshaw (organ). Free entry.

The Lichfield Garrick Comedy Club Featuring Tim Clark. See Fri 3 Aug for details.

Sat 11 Aug Craft, Gift and Food Fair/Market 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Guildhall.

Come visit this beautiful, iconic and historic building is that has been part of Lichfield since around 1387.

Handmade delights with 30 stalls; crafts, gifts, and foods available including jewellery, cakes, handbags, greetings cards, candles. jam/preserves, tarot card and crystal ball reading. There is something to suit all. Admission is free. Call Jane on 07878 565 699 for details Sun 12 Aug Chasewater Railway Annual Charity Day 10.00am to 5.00pm at Chasewater Railway. Charity and local community groups brings stalls including gifts, crafts, bric a brac, tombolas, steam trains and tea room.

Go to www.chasewaterrailway.org for more details.

Tue 14 Aug Dare to Dream! 7pm-9:30pm. The Spark Cafe,Tamworth Street.

Spend an evening dreaming your vision of the future into reality learning the power of manifesting using the law of attraction, focusing on the rest of 2012 and beyond and getting fully aligned in mind, body and soul ...... all for only £10!

Payment on the evening but please reserve your place by contacting Dawn Petherick at dawn@appearingday.co.uk or calling 07525 461354.

Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Andrew Kirk (organ)

St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. Free entry.

Blood Thirsty Lichfield 2.00pm at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre. Children's tour back by popular demand. All children must be accompanied by an adult. £1.65 – Booking essential.

Wed 15 Aug Library Tour 2: Bible focus 10.30am at Lichfield Cathedral. Join the team for the Turning the Pages of History library tours - new for 2012.

Explore the hidden treasures of the historical building, built in 1249. £9 Wacky Wednesdays!

See Wed 1 Aug for details.

Tavern Tales 7.00pm at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre. This tour will amaze you with tales of the pubs of yesterday and the changes today. £3 – Booking essential.

Heritage Trail 7.00pm at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre. Enjoy Lichfield's rich and varied history on this heritage tour of the city. £3 – Booking essential.

Thu 16 Aug Summer fun at Sam's House See Thu 2 Aug for details.

Inside Cathedral Tours: Blood on the Stones - a Civil War tour 2.00pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

Experience the devastation and restoration of Lichfield Cathedral during the sieges of 1643 and 1646. £5.40 Fri 17 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Kristina Shakeshaft (soprano), Cathy Lamb (soprano), Benjamin Lamb (piano). Free entry.

The Lichfield Garrick Comedy Club Featuring Jamie Sutherland and Greg Cook. See Fri 3 Aug for details.

Sat 18 Aug Library Tour 2: Bible focus See Wed 15 Aug for details.

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GazetteWhat’s on Heritage Trail 2.00pm. See Wed 15 Aug for details.

Outside Cathedral Tours: The Cathedral Close 2.00pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Visit the Medieval Close surrounding Lichfield Cathedral and discover its past and present. £5.40.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

5.00pm to 10.30pm at Shugborough Estate. The setting will be pure magic, the ambience spectacular ... and the crowd will be jumping! The piano maestro Mr Jools Holland is heading out on the road to Shugborough this summer with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for a sumptuous night of pure boogiewoogie. He will be on stage with his 17-piece Orchestra and special guests. Pack a picnic and join in the fun! For more information go to www.emsconcerts.co.uk Sun 19 Aug Fairy Walk in Beacon Park 11.00am (under 5s) and 1.00pm (over 5s) at Beacon Park. Hear the story of the park fairies then wander through the woodland. Fancy dress encouraged. £1 per child.

Alrewas Village Tour 2.00pm at Alrewas Village. This tour is a must for history lovers and guides you around this pretty and historic village. Take in the canal-side views and visit the church to 'look for the mole'. £6, includes a cup of tea or coffee and scone at the George and Dragon public house. Booking essential.

Spitfire Summer Proms Picnic Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra 5.00pm to 10.00pm at Shugborough Page 44 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Estate. The popular Proms night at Shugborough Estate near Stafford is set to return this summer with the evening commencing with an aerial display by a Spitfire that saw action in WWII. For more information go to www.lichfieldgarrick.com Tue 21 Aug Music For Reflection

1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Mark Swinton (organ) St. Mary’s, Warwick. Free entry.

Wed 22 Aug Wacky Wednesdays!

See Wed 1 Aug for details.

Thu 23 Aug Summer fun at Sam's House See Thu 2 Aug for details.

Suppertime Jazz 7.30pm to 10.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. Music is by criticallyacclaimed guitarist Roy Sainsbury who has graced venues like Ronnie Scott’s, Birmingham Symphony Hall and Dorchester Hotel. The Suppertime Jazz experience is enriched further by a delicious three course menu featuring a vegetarian option from the best in contemporary cuisine. Pre-booking is essential.

Bring a bottle. £18.50.

Fri 24 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Harriet Hunter (soprano), Martyn Rawles (piano).

Free entry.

The Lichfield Garrick Comedy Club Featuring Karen Bayley and Anthony J Brown. See Fri 3 Aug for details.

Sat 25 Aug to Thu 27 Sep A Year in the Life of Lichfield Cathedral At Lichfield Cathedral during normal opening hours. An exhibition of diverse Cathedral photography by Lichfield Camera Club. Photographs will be available for sale. Free event.

Sat 25 Aug - Sat 1 Sep Alrewas Arts Festival At Alrewas Village. An eight day free village arts festival featuring exhibitions, workshops, events and performances including drama, dance, film, poetry, storytelling and music, plus community art activities and an Arts Cafe. The festival starts with a street craft market and finishes with a twilight lantern parade and open air concert on Walkfield. For more information go to www.alrewasartsfest.co.uk or call Tel: 01283 790054.

Sun 26 Aug Lichfield City Centre Races 9.30am to 4.00pm Lichfield City Centre. Hosted by Lichfield District Council and Lichfield City Cycling Club. The organisers expect a good prize list to be on offer in each race.

Now in its third year, the event on the day will feature races for all Youth riders. There will also be Urban mountain bike and 5k running races for the first time. Organisers have agreed to include a women’s only race into the programme subject to there being 15 advance entries. For more information about times, entry fees, routes etc go to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/citycyclerace Sun 26 & Mon 27 Aug Lichfield Festival in association with Tutbury Castle presents: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - As You Like It The Lichfield Festival is spreading its wings - and bringing you three performances by this legendary theatre company in a magical outdoor setting for the perfect summer evening experience. As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love-notes; poetry and brilliant conversation; gentle satire, slapstick and passion. For venue details, ticket prices and more information go to www.lichfieldfestival.org Mon 27 - Thu 30 Aug Edges

7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick (Studio).

Produced, directed and performed by some of the young people from Lichfield, Edges is a perfect production to kick-start the 'back-toschool' season.

With contemporary songs about Facebook as well as more traditional pieces, you are bound to laugh at and be touched by Edges. A perfect summer night out for all the family. £10.

Tue 28 Aug Music For Reflection 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Lichfield Cathedral School Music Department, Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet. Free entry.

Wed 29 Aug Wacky Wednesdays!

See Wed 1 Aug for more details.

Thu 30 Aug Summer fun at Sam's House See Thu 2 Aug for more details.

Fri 31 Aug Music For Reflection 2012 - Gary Desmond 1.00pm to 1.35pm at Lichfield Cathedral. With Gary Desmond (organ), Bath Abbey. Free entry.

The Lichfield Garrick Comedy Club Featuring Phil Ellis, Sean Percival and Sam Gore. See Fri 3 Aug for details.

Listed Venues Beacon Park - Lichfield WS13 6JN Chasewater Railway - Pool Rd, BrownhillsWS8 7NL. Tel: 01543 452623/01543 682854 Erasmus Darwin House - Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD. Tel: 01543 306260 Flamingo Tea Room - 29 Tamworth St, Lichfield WS13 6JP George Hotel – Bird St, Lichfield The George Hotel. Tel: 01543 414822 Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6NE Lichfield Cathedral – The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD. Tel: 01543 306150 Lichfield Garrick Theatre - Castle Dyke, Lichfield. Tel: 01543 412121 Lichfield Library - The Friary Lichfield WS13 6QG Lichfield Tourist Information Centre – See Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Tel: 01543 412112 Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 264972 Shugborough Estate – Milford, Stafford ST17 0XB Tel: 01603 660444 Spark Café Bar – 29 Tamworth St, Lichfield WS13 6JP

GazetteWhat’s on

T

Celebrity Chef Nick Nairn joins the lineup at the Lichfield Food Festival

op chef, Nick Nairn, is gearing up to join celebrity chefs John Torode and Antony Worrall Thompson at Lichfield Food Festival, Staffordshire's newest food and drinks festival, which is taking place at the Lichfield Garrick and across Lichfield City on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September 2012.

John Torode and Antony Worrall Thompson will be presenting cookery demonstrations in the Lichfield Garrick’s Food Theatre, followed by book signings. Nick Nairn will host two free cookery demonstrations on Saturday 1 September at 10am and 12noon at Tippers in Britannia Business Park, Lichfield.

On top of appearances on Ready Steady Cook, Nick took part in the BBC’s Great British Menu, and cooked the main course for The Queen’s official 80th birthday celebration.

Nick Nairn said: “I am really excited to be part of such a prestigious festival. I will be cooking some of my favourite dishes, including a delicious hot raspberry soufflé. One of my passions is sharing the food that I cook and how I cook it and this gives me the perfect opportunity.”

Tickets for John Torode and Antony Worrall Thompson are £25 each or £45 for both. Tickets to see Nick Nairn are free and will be issued on a first come first served basis. To book any of the celebrity chef cookery demonstrations, please call the Lichfield Garrick Box Office on 01543 412121.

Another exciting addition to the weekend festival is a free cookery demonstration in the Lichfield Garrick’s Food Theatre by Adam Bennett, head chef at Simpsons in Birmingham, at 3pm on Sunday 2 September.

Adam will join a number of top local and regional chefs who will be cooking up a storm over the course of the weekend, including the Historical Cookery duo, Simon Smith and Professor Roland Rotherham.

Chef Paul Gilmore of Restaurant Gilmore, master bread maker Duncan Hindley from Hindleys bakery, chef Tommy Ho from the Ruby Chinese Restaurant, and chefs from Ristorante Sorrento, will also take to the stage over the weekend to present cookery demonstrations. The free demonstrations are open to all – just make sure you arrive in good time to secure your free seat.

Foodies are also invited to the Garrick’s Food Studio, where producers will be showcasing regional produce and offering food tastings on Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. Scott O’Hara will also be displaying a selection of his centerpiece sugar sculptures.

The theatre’s Vineyard in the Sky, featuring local wine merchants, Worth Brothers, will offer wine connoisseurs the chance to sample and buy drinks from across the world over the weekend.

The Guildroom in Lichfield’s Guildhall will get everyone in the party spirit with Lichfield Arts’ Best of British Brewing festival, between 11am and 6pm over the festival weekend.

A special Sunday Farmers’ Market will also take place from 10am to 4pm on Lichfield’s Market Square.

Adrian Jackson, Lichfield Garrick's Artistic and Executive Director, commented: “Lichfield’s first ever food festival is set to overtake the city with mouth-watering flavours and aromas. We’re looking forward to all the gorgeous fine dining and drink sampling in what will be a celebration

of our fantastic local food and produce.”

The festival will involve venues across the city that will offer a range of delicious fixed price menus for just £10 a person, and tasting notes and offers on drinks as part of an Ale and Wine Trail.

“The weekend is such a celebration of food that it seemed only right to invite Lichfield’s wealth of restaurants and bars to get involved,” added Adrian.

Lichfield Food Festival is organised by the Lichfield Garrick and Lichfield District Council - with the help of

local chef, Simon Smith, Lichfield City Council and Lichfield Arts.

To find out more about Lichfield Food Festival, please visit www.lichfieldfood.co.uk

Nick Nairn

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Advertise in this space for only £20 plus vat MRF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE •Bathrooms & Kitchens Fitted •Carpentry •Plastering •Plumbing •Tiling etc.

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Public Notice I Lee Leslie Whipps am applying for a new premises licence at The Coffee House, 7 Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LG. My application is made to Lichfield District Council, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6YU. I am applying for the following licensable activities Sale of Alcohol (10am till 11pm), Regulated Entertainment (5.30pm till 9pm).

Should you wish to make representations to the council it must be in writing and/or you can view my application by contacting the council on 01543 308066 by 10th August 2012.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £5,000.

Gold

Lichfield Gazette are looking for an additional

Advertising Salesperson If you think you have got what it takes and would like to join our sales team, we will shortly have a PART TIME vacancy (with potential to become Full Time). The position requires you to deal face to face with business people at all levels and will also involve tele-sales.

Previous sales experience would be an advantage when selling advertising for this local and well respected publication together with other potential future products.

The role will require you to travel around the area, so the use of a car and a full driving licence is necessary.

In the first instance please write to us and let us know what relevant experience you have and what you might be able to offer.

Please send an email for the attention of Paul Oakley marked ‘Advertising Salesperson’ to: paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Editor

Gazettecontacts

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

Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk Production

Helen Smith 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk

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

LICHFIELD GAZETTE PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ

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