Rugeley & Chase Gazette December 2015

A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE RUGELEY AND CANNOCK CHASE AREA

DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 24

Christmas Late Night Opening Extravaganza See page 27

See Santa, Fireworks and so much more in Rugeley Town Centre - Friday 27th Nov News • Competitions • Gazette Heritage • What’s On

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CONTENTS

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06 Win Lunch for Two Win Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience.

20 Top Tipples for Christmas Wonderful wines grown right here in Staffordshire

28 We’ve got Christmas all Wrapped Up! Christmas Gifts For Her.

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30 Rugeley Christmases Past Fantastic pictures from The Landor Society.

36 Rugeley Remembers Rugeley Remembrance Commemorations in Pictures.

40 What’s on in Your Area Out and about in your area.

42 Christmas in Rugeley Town Centre Santa goes shopping in Rugeley.

CONTRIBUTORS • Caz Jones

• Rugeley Cats Society • The Landor Society • P J Everall • Tim Jones

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ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE

Rugeley & Chase Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed free to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in and around the Rugeley & Cannock Chase area.

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. The Rugeley & Chase Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other group of publications.

A limited number of the Rugeley & Chase Gazette are available from Rugeley Indoor Market, C Residential and Rugeley Library.

Gazette Contacts

Editor - Paul Oakley 07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@chasegazette.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 07548 682576 Advertising

Traci Calcutt 07999 430383 tracicalcutt@gmail.com Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Diana Gudgeon 01543 253633 diana@lichfieldgazette.co.uk National Sales - David Baker 01889 577891 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Gazette Magazine, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ www.chasegazette.co.uk

Front cover Photo by Paul Oakley

Carry on the conversation on facebook at Rugeley and Chase Gazette Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Letter A

Editor

from the

Nothing is better than Christmas

There is nothing better than that feeling on Christmas Eve of knowing that the shops have closed and there is no more queuing for this, that and the other. You have carried in your last plastic carriers from the car, filled with gifts that people don't want but tell you they do. What hasn't been bought remains un-bought, at least for eighteen hours.

Bring on Christmas! Let the festivities begin! The food-fest starts within hours. Shelves creak and groan under the weight of tonnes of Christmas grub.

We’re set for a siege. More food than an average family can consume in a month. Pies, puds and cakes, cheeses and biscuits, spreads and sauces, jars and packets all piled up. Not to mention drink - wine, beers, spirits, mixers, fizzy pop, still water, cordials, hot beverages and Nan's pack-of-six Snowballs (five of which are emptied down the sink in June). There’s enough food in this kitchen to restock Tesco.

There goes grandad standing on the kiddies’ toys.

Dad’s trying to fathom and construct some complex toy - not once looking at the instructions. Nan’s trying to lip-read the Queen's Speech with the sound turned down on the TV while the perennial “I wish it could be Christmas every day…” blasts out from the rarely used hi-fi.

And what’s Mum’s role in all this? Mum is slaving away, keeping an eye on the oven and tackling a ‘Forth Bridge’ of washing up, whilst scooping up various pieces of discarded packaging and Christmas wrap into the pocket of her ‘Masterchef’ apron.

Never mind, there is always Boxing Day to look forward to. This is your chance to escape the house and join the queues down-town with your receipts and unwanted Christmas presents in plastic carrier bags you brought in from the car the night before. All the time complaining how you ate and drank far too much the day before.

Merry Christmas!

Yours truly Paul Oakley Editor

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Cannock SI International Night

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a n n o c k Soroptimists International held and Australian Annual themed International Night recently.

President Lynne Tuckley welcomed 70 members and guests, including Regional Dianne Mannering, Lynne Tuckley and President Carol Bailey, Carol Bailey attending the last formal engagement of her year. The club received greetings from its friendship link club in Perth,W. Australia: one of their members, Past International President of SI Margaret Lobo visited Cannock in the summer.

After a meal at the Barns Restaurant members enjoyed a very lively and informative presentation from Dianne Mannering. She talked about the lives and adventures of some of the convicted felons - male and female who endured a harsh and dangerous voyage and contributed to the colonisation of Australia, although originally the transportation had been undertaken to relieve overcrowding of prisons in the 18th and early 19th centuries. A raffle held on the evening raised £220 for the SI Emergency Fund which is used to provide instant aid to disaster hit areas all over the world.

More information about SI Cannock & District is available on www.sigbi.org/cannock-and-district or on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SICannock

WIN

LUNCH

FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE

Chase the Dog

Win a Lunch for Two (MonThurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience. As the venue of choice for many milestone celebrations, such as anniversaries, birthdays and weddings, Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant resonates to the sound of laughter throughout the year from guests indulging in a seasonal soiree.

Past well known patrons who have enjoyed doing just that include Sir Roger Moore, Helen Baxindale, Barry Norman CBE, Claire Sweeny and Idris Elba to name but a few. Netherstowe House are incredibly proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food awards, to have received an AA Rosette award for Culinary Excellence and to be recommended by the Michelin Guide. These coveted awards and accolades are testament to the dedication of their team who are incredibly passionate about delighting guests.

Express Lunch Menu: 2 Courses ~ £16; 3 Courses ~ £20 12 midday to 2:30pm (Mon - Fri), 1:00pm to 2:30pm (Sat)

Chase is a naughty little puppy!

True to form he has

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scampered off and got lost again in this issue and we need your help to find him. He might be in an advertisement or a story, can you find him?

When you have found him (he looks like the image at the top of this page) simply tell us which page he is on for a chance to win lunch for two people at Netherstowe House in Lichfield.

Write the page number on a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than Mon 4 Jan 2016 to: Chase the Dog Competition Gazette Magazine P O Box 5414 Lichfield WS14 4EZ One entry per household only please (or disqualified).

The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next issue of the Chase Gazette. Good luck!!

Congratulations to Mrs M Aucote of Catkin Walk, Rugeley who spotted Chase the Dog on page 38 of the November issue of the Rugeley & Chase Gazette.

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£15 Charity Shop find is Elizabethan!

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ring found in a charity shop has turned out to be a rare gold ring dating from around 1580 (during the reign on Queen Elizabeth I). To put it in to context the ring was made around the time of the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the time of William Shakespeare and Walter Raleigh, and seventy years before The Great Fire of London.

Poesy rings were popular in England and France during the 15th to 17th centuries, most commonly as lovers’ gifts, as a token of regard but also as a gift between friends or as a pledge or loyalty. The word “poesy” translates as “short rhyme” and these rings would have inscriptions, usually in Latin, English, Norman French or French, hidden as a secret message on the inner ring.

Izzie Balmer, Auctioneer and jewellery valuer at Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers commented: “We are delighted and honoured to have our very own poesy ring. Although fairly ordinary looking at first glance, it has been a joy to research an object of such sentiment and history.”

The outside of the ring is decorated with a swirling motif.

Its simple clean lines mirror the unassuming hidden inscription: “No cheinge in Vertues Choyse.”

This same message is known to have existed on a ring dated 1674, (during the reign of Charles II).

Discovered by the vendor in a charity shop, this remarkable find has been XRF tested as a high carat gold and the late 16th century poesy ring is to be offered in the Hansons Winter Fine Art Jewellery Showcase Auction on 14th December with a guide of £800 - £1,200.

Jewellery valuations are held at Hanson's Etwall Salerooms on Tuesdays from 10am to 4pm and at valuation offices throughout middle England. Please phone 01283 733988 for further details or visit www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

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Helping our furry friends this winter

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hank you to Rugeley Cats Society for these tips on how to look after our furry friends this winter.

Finding a stray When you find a cat there are specific things you should do to establish whether the cat is a stray or not. Ask around in your area to see if anyone knows where the cat belongs. Ask your postman if they know.

Put up ‘found’ posters and make a paper collar with this message on it ‘If this is your cat please call this number’, so that you can ascertain whether the cat is definitely stray.

Place the paper collar (please don’t use anything else, it could harm the cat) around the cat's neck and secure the two ends with a small piece of tape (don't put tape right round the whole thing as that can be dangerous if the cat gets caught up anywhere). If nobody calls in 24-48 hours you can be fairly sure he/she is most likely lost or stray. This is then the time to contact rescue centres, local vets or even take the cat to the vets yourself to be scanned for a microchip. If the cat is not chipped, search lost and found sites/pages.

Ask rescue centres and charities to do a ‘found’ post for you. Inform all vets in the area, not just the one you contacted to check for a microchip. We are always happy to offer you advice. Good rescue charities to contact are petsearchers.org, animalsearchuk.co.uk and nationalpetregister.org You can also give the Cats Protections National Helpline a call on 03000 121212 If you find a cat that appears injured or in distress, or has been observed for some time and appears to have lost weight or look unkempt then please do not hesitate to contact us and your local veterinary practice. Out of hours services should be on your vet’s answering machine or you can look them up at vets-now.com If you get enquiries from people claiming the cat then please ask for proof of ownership. This can include vet’s invoices which will include a description of

the cat and photos. You can also ask the enquirer if the cat has any distinguishing characteristics or markings, and see if the cat responds to their suggested name.

Sheltering a stray Once you’ve ascertained that the cat you have found is a stray then you can help that cat whilst waiting for space for him/her at your local rescue. The story of a stray cat called Pesky touched all of our hearts and Sallie has started making ‘pesky cat houses’ for people to order and in preparation for the predicted harsh winter.

These houses will keep strays cosy during the cold months. Prices range from £60-80.

These are fully insulated and have a raised floor area that many other online versions don't feature. To order one of these you can email Sallie via peskykat@mail.com You can make a shelter yourself by insulating old rabbit hutches, sheds, greenhouses, plastic shelters (such as boxes), domed litter trays and/or cat carriers with cardboard, straw and towels. Insulation is the key! Providing warmth, shelter, food and water could be what saves a cats' life this winter and you could be the one to do it. You can make a real difference. If you need any further advice then please don't hesitate to message the Facebook page ‘Rugeley Cats Society’ or email us at rugeleycatssociety@Gmail.com Please remember, if you feel the cold, they will too!

Check your cars Cats who live outdoors seek warm places to shelter and a warm car engine can be quite tempting. By knocking on the bonnet of your car loudly a couple of times before starting the engine you will wake a sleeping cat and make him/her move, preventing serious injury or death.

Keep them safe Chemical ice-melters such as de-icer or rock salt are highly toxic. Pets can develop dryness and irritation on their paws and skin if they walk through ice-melting chemicals. To prevent this wipe all of the product off their paws and fur as soon as they come inside, then, wash carefully to remove any residue. Pets can develop mouth irritation if they eat the chemicals.

They may even swallow enough to poison themselves. Also, antifreeze can kill cats.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a poisoning could make the difference between whether a cat lives or dies.

We love our Rugeley Markets

Why not check out Santa at the Late Night Shopping day 28 November? There will be something going on in the town centre from 10am through to 7pm with the Christmas Lights Switch on and Fireworks Finale.

Rugeley Indoor Market Hall is hosting Santa every Saturday from 28 November until Christmas including Christmas Eve. There is a small fee to visit his Magic Grotto, and this includes a gift.

December 5 is ‘Small Business Saturday’ and the Indoor Market is encouraging shoppers to buy locally in Rugeley – there will be a comedy duo performing to keep the children entertained. If you spend more than £10 at any stall in the Indoor Market, they will refund your £1 parking charge (until end of December). There are new stalls opening in the Market Hall including Holistic Therapy products as well as another with Army Military memorabilia.

There are some great bargains to be had on Rugeley’s popular Outdoor Market. The popularity of this market has not waned and makes a great place to top up on Christmas gifts, fruit & veg and much more. Open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Brewery Street Shopping Arcade has so much to offer with so many shops selling everything you could ever want. From jewellery to cards, clothes to vinyl records. If you haven’t been to this centre recently we suggest you start your Christmas shopping there.

Open six days (half day Wednesday). Free car parking. Disabled access, single level shopping, toilets and baby change facilities and children's rides.

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Treat Yourself to the Perfect Festive Day Out at Buzzards Valley

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uzzards Valley Vineyard, Restaurant, Wines, Shop and Fishery is nestled in a beautiful, sheltered valley, just outside Drayton Basset and just 30 minutes from Rugeley.

The Shop stocks a wonderful selection of English-made and handselected wines, whiskies, fruit wines, spirits, beers, ciders and perrys, plus delightful non-alcoholic cordials and ‘fizz’. You’ll also find delicious chutneys and preserves, sauces, Leon Jones Joint Owner and Wine-maker biscuits and cakes, plus beautifully displayed hand-made chocolates. One of the Shop’s most popular ranges are their olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Buy a re-usable and attractive glass bottle and simply come back to refill it with your latest choice – a tasty way to be kind to the environment!

With cheeses (including the infamous ‘black cheese’), butters, pasties and pies, and all kinds of gifts, this is the kind of shop where you’ll find something for everyone. Many wines and foods can be pre-tasted, and there are gift vouchers available – the perfect Christmas gift for the gourmet in your life!

Buzzards Valley Restaurant and Bar is a light, spacious and cosy bistro-style eatery serving everything from rich venison dishes and full Sunday roasts to light lunches, exquisite cakes and traditional cream teas.The Restaurant is open every day and on Saturday from 9am to 9pm. Buzzards Valley Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible and offers gluten free options. Children are always welcome, and they’ll enjoy a stroll down to the vineyard to see all of the wildlife!

All Buzzards Valley wines are made on site, and tours of the Winery and Vineyard are available. For keen anglers the Fishery consists of six lakes, all well stocked with a selection of species (including carp up to 18lbs in weight!).

Fresh Christmas trees (available to purchase) will be arriving on site soon, making Buzzards Valley the perfect festive day out!

Buzzards Valley Vineyard, Restaurant, Wines, Shop and Fishery can be found at 37 Shirrall Drive, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3EQ and is open 7 days a week. For more information call 0121 308 1951, email buzzardvalley@btconnect.com or go to www.buzzardsvalley.co.uk

On Saturday 12th December a Stable Trail will take place at St. Augustine’s Church, Rugeley.

Come along for a free interactive journey through the Christmas story! There will be refreshments and plenty of Christmas crafts and activities. All ages welcome.

Christmas Fair and Grand Draw

at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Hislop Road, Rugeley, 2pm - 4pm Saturday 28th November. Come and see Santa! Drinks, Chocolate and Teddy Bear Tombolas! Christmas Gifts, Crafts Homemade cakes and much more!

Established 2004

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Rugeley Town Centre Vacancy Rates halved since July

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recent survey of local town centres has shown that vacancy rates across Rugeley, Cannock and Hednesford are currently half that of the national average. The survey, which focuses upon the principal shopping streets in each centre, reveals that the number of empty properties in all three towns has fallen since the start of July. In Cannock there are 10 empty properties compared to 12 in the previous survey in July; Rugeley has just 2 compared to 4 previously, and Hednesford 6 compared to 12 in July. Across the whole District this is a rate of 5.2% compared to a national average of 11%.

An improvement scheme in Rugeley saw £256,000 invested to improve footpaths and cycleways between the Rugeley Tesco Store, Rugeley Town Centre and Towers Business Park, to maximise the opportunity for linked

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trips between the Tesco store and the town centre in order to boost the town centre. Grants of £320,000 were made available to owners of historic buildings through the Rugeley Town Centre Partnership Scheme and £68,000 was allocated to establish a miners’ memorial in Rugeley to commemorate miners who lost their lives in the Lea Hall and Brereton collieries.

The Town Centre Business Rates Discount Scheme also supported 26 businesses that opened up in the three town centres between September 2012 and October 2014. A discretionary business rates policy now operates which continues to provide support for businesses occupying previously empty premises.

The Council has also confirmed that, once again, it will waive car parking charges in Cannock and Rugeley on the two Saturdays prior to Christmas.

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Travelling to Rugeley

By Tim Jones

any of us catch a train along what we now call the Chase Line that runs from Rugeley Trent Valley railway station (in fact in the parish of Colton) though Rugeley Town station (half in Rugeley Town parish and half in Brereton and Ravenhill parish) across The Chase to Hednesford, Cannock, Walsall and Birmingham.

But what is its history?

The Birmingham end is part of one of Britain and the world’s earliest railways. The Grand Junction Railway opened in 1837 and joined Birmingham to the world’s first mainline passenger-carrying railway - the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. If you travel into Birmingham from the Aston direction, look to your left and you will see its terminus, the elegant porticoed Curzon Street station, now a Grade 1 listed building and proposed for incorporation into Birmingham’s high-speed station.

The section between Walsall and Cannock was originally part of the South Staffordshire railway. The section through our area between Cannock and Rugeley Trent Valley station was originally called the Cannock Mineral Railway. It was built in the late 1850s with the first train running on 7th November 1859. It’s worth pausing and looking at the impressive engineering work that nowadays carries far heavier trains than those of the mid 19th century - the brickwork under the arches of the Bridges (especially the skewed section that leads into Armitage Road), the bridges over Arch Street and the Canal, the embankment as it approaches the River Trent and the viaduct that crosses the River Trent at an angle.

The line between Rugeley Trent Valley and Walsall was closed to passengers in 1965. It was reopened in stages: between Walsall and Hednesford in 1989, between Hednesford and Rugeley Town in 1997 and finally between Rugeley Town and Rugeley Trent Valley in 1998. It is now well used, not least by local residents commuting to Walsall and Birmingham and by workers travelling in the opposite direction to Amazon. Some of the stations, including Rugeley Town, have had their positions moved.

Here’s a picture of the old Rugeley Town station, which used to be next to the Bridges.

Tim Jones, Chair, Brereton and Ravenhill Heritage Committee

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Will you see your grandchildren this Christmas?

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ith Christmas approaching a n d arrangements to see family and friends in progress, if your children have separated or divorced, you may be concerned about whether you will get to spend time with your grandchildren over this holiday period.

The question of where the children will spend Christmas day is always a difficult one for families that separate. If you have strong traditions or religious beliefs it may be important to you how Christmas is celebrated and you may want your grandchildren with you at specific family events.

Cheryl Haywood, specialist family lawyer at Ansons Solicitors advises: “Whilst the arrangements between the children and their parents may still be in dispute, there should be no reason for grandparents to feel they have to wait for the dust to settle before asking to see their grandchildren in their own right.”

Although grandparents are not automatically entitled to contact, the family courts increasingly recognise the important role grandparents play in the lives of children, providing a source of comfort and stability at a difficult time in the child’s life.

The family court system exists to assist families, including wider family members such as grandparents and resolve disputes about the care and upbringing of children. There is a greater emphasis on families to try and resolve the dispute themselves in the event of a divorce or separation.

As children often stay with their mother after a divorce or separation, paternal grandparents may face harder obstacles to gaining contact especially if there is a new partner on the scene. A parent who has sole care may have moved away without informing you, leaving you unsure about how to get Christmas cards and presents to the children.

Problems can also arise for grandparents where one parent wants to set conditions on the contact arrangements, for example preventing your son or daughter from spending time alone with the children or in your presence. This can cause difficulties, but the only binding conditions are those set out by a court. Where there is a court order in place, grandparents should exercise care to keep to the terms set. In all other situations, the reasonableness and practicality of contact arrangements should be regularly reviewed.

In some cases grandparents are expected to bear the burden of increased travel costs, which can prove difficult for pensioners especially over winter. With fragile relationships at stake, grandparents might be wary about rocking the boat.

This is where a solicitor can be useful. In the first instance, a simple letter can break the ice and set out your wishes to maintain contact with your grandchildren. Your solicitor can also advise you on your rights and the appropriateness of any conditions on the contact and initiate negotiations for change.

Alternatively, a mediator can provide a neutral setting for discussion with the parents and could be an opportunity to review the arrangements for seeing your grandchildren and overcome any obstacles.

As a last resort you might consider a court application.

Grandparents are not automatically allowed to apply for a ‘child arrangements order’ (previously called a contact or residence order); they have to ask the court for permission to apply first.

If you are a grandparent and you are concerned about arrangements with your grandchildren, you should seek specialist legal advice from an experienced family solicitor.

For advice on any family law matter contact Cheryl Haywood, family law solicitor at Ansons Solicitors, contact her on 01543 431 996 or email chaywood@ansonsllp.com . Ansons Solicitors have offices in Lichfield and Cannock.

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The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.

A Very Merry Christmas from Lichfield Smiles - The Denture Professionals Are you looking forward to Christmas and all of the delicious foods and treats this season brings?

Or do your dentures make you worry about eating in public?

Are you embarrassed about the difficulty of eating out or with family, due to your poorly fitting dentures?

Just talk to the lovely people at Lichfield Smiles about ways to enjoy your Christmas to the full.

Book your appointment by 4th December to have your new dentures in time for Christmas!* *please note that your denture may take longer to complete subject to availability of appointment

www.smiles.uk.com lichfield@smiles.uk.com

“Matt we would like to wish you all the very best for the future. Keep up the excellent work. In your profession you are the best.

Also, thank you to Julie for always making you feel comfortable and welcome while you are waiting to be seen. Good cup of tea too!”

R.B.

For a no-obligation chat or free consultation, just ring Matt’s clinic on 01543 415288 Lichfield Smiles can be found at 46 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DX. www.smiles.uk.com Matthew Burnell BSc (Hons) Dip CDT RCS (Eng) GDC Reg No: 123633

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Time for Tea!

An afternoon tea and Charity Bake Off competition took place at St Joseph’s Community Centre on 21 October, organised by Rugeley Town Council, Tesco Rugeley, Tesco Stafford and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue. Local people and Rugeley Tesco staff baked some wonderful cakes that were judged on the day in the Bake Off Competition, and visitors enjoyed entertainment (courtesy of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue) that included bingo, raffles, ‘play your cards right’ and music.

Sandwiches and cakes were all provided by Tesco Stafford and Tesco Rugeley.

On Monday 7th December at 7.30pm, St Michael's Church Brereton presents Rock for

Christmas with Phil and Bruce of Blue Serge.

Tickets £3 (including light refreshments) available in church, at the door or by calling 07870 147069

Free Team Tennis Coaching

There are free Team Tennis Coaching Session on offer at Etching Hill Tennis Club, East Butts Road, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Sessions will be run by Steve Powers and George Pratt. If you are interested in playing team tennis next season, these are the coaching sessions for you! Contact the Club on 01889 576894 for further details.

On Wednesday 2nd September at 7.30pm, St Paul’s Methodist/United Reformed Church Lichfield Street, Rugeley presents the Salvation Army -

Cannock Citadel Band Christmas Concert.

£5 payable on the door. Proceeds to charity. Light refreshments available Coffee Morning and raffle at St. John’s Church, Slitting Mill on the first Wednesday of each month at 10.30 am. £2.50 including tea/coffee and home-made cake/biscuits. Pop along for a chat - you will be very welcome.

Christmas Coffee Morning 2nd December with seasonal refreshments and stalls.

St Michael's Church, Brereton, Christmas Market Saturday 28th November 12 noon till 3pm Father Christmas, Grand Draw, Tombola, Refreshments, Book Stall, Craft Stall, Toy Stall, Bottle Stall and much more!

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Wish granted for Bronwyn

n October, Bronwyn, a seriously ill teenager from Rugeley was invited to enter the Big Brother house for a special behind the scenes tour, in a trip organised by Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity.

Bronwyn is living with SLE Lupus, autoimmune disease. an Bronwyn loves acting and anything to do with television and drama.

Bronwyn was amongst a group of young people invited along to the world famous Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, for a behind the scenes tour. After a lunch in the Rushes Bar, Bronwyn was given a tour of the studios which included a visit to Lifecast, which creates body doubles, body parts and props for film and television. The climax of the tour was a visit to the Big Brother house where she got the chance to sit in the Diary Room chair.

The trip was arranged by Rays of Sunshine and Red Rock Entertainment, a film investment company based at Elstree Studios.

After the tour Bronwyn commented: “I had a really fantastic time and was so grateful to be given this opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes.”

Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity brightens up the lives of seriously ill children in the UK aged three to 18 years old by granting wishes, granting hospital ward wishes and organising outings and large scale events for seriously ill children, including The Rays of Sunshine Concert.

For more information about Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity or to apply for a wish to be granted, visit www.raysofsunshine.org.uk.

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Lyric - 100% invisible - extended wear hearing aid - no one will ever see how well you can hear available on 30 days free trial!

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yric is completely invisible and is the world’s first hearing aid which can be worn for extended periods of time.

No one can see how well you can hear 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s the future of hearing!

The Lyric device from Swiss hearing aid manufacturer Phonak is placed completely in your ear canal by a trained professional, is just 12mm long and sits just 4mm from your eardrum. It offers exceptional sound quality and is the ultimate invisible hearing aid.

Rebecca Cross of Dove Hearing Centre in Lichfield said: “As a Lyric approved partner, we are excited to welcome Lyric as part of our range of products. Lyric takes your hearing loss results and creates the optimum listening for you. This digitally programmable hearing device gives a natural sound because it sits so close to your eardum. Your go to sleep hearing and awaken hearing! We have been chosen by Lyric because of our specialist technology and skilled training.”

Lyric uses the natural properties of your ears anatomy so you are hearing the way your ears are designed to! Lyric gives you

exceptional hearing and lets you live your life without constraints. It is chosen by all people who like the fact that Lyric sits completely in the ear canal so it is 100% invisible, and is the most cosmetic hearing aid on the market.

Among the celebrities wearing Lyric is Karen Hardy from Strictly Come Dancing.

Constant use

You can wear Lyric for all your daily activities, including showering, exercising and sleeping. No daily insertion or removal, battery changes or maintenance.

You are using the natural properties of your outer ear to improve localisation.

Lyric has been available in the USA since 2007, where there are thousands of people successfully wearing the instrument. It is only available to 38 hearing centres in the UK and in many other countries across the world. It is exclusive in this area to Dove Hearing Centres.

Lyric is completely different to any other hearing aid on the market due to the fact that it can be worn continuously for two months at a time. You will have no daily reminder of your hearing loss and people who currently wear Lyric say that they no longer feel like a hearing aid user.

Tel 01543 262670 21 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LZ To book your free 30 day Lyric trial call 01543 262670

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Top Tipples for Christmas

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ne of the great things about English wines is that they are truly flavourful but lighter on the system. Some avoid an excessive tannin content (although we offer here a truly dry red for those who like their reds to pack a punch), which many believe reduces the likelihood of a headache the next day!

Looking for the perfect wine for a Christmas get together or truly special New Year celebration? We recommend these wonderful wines grown right here in Staffordshire:

Drinks and nibbles

Delicious and ideal for a relaxed celebration.

1. Buzzards Valley First Light 2010, Seyval Medium Ripe peach, pear and apple aromas with a hint of clementine. 10% vol. £7.50.

2. Buzzards Valley Lady Madeleine, Madeleine Angevine Medium 2011 - Clean, warm, with layers of soft quince, apple and lemon. 10.5% vol. £7.50.

3. Buzzards Valley Sly Fox Rondo Medium 2012 Clean, smooth with black cherries, plums and spicy vanilla. 11% vol. £7.50.

Christmas Lunch

Treat your family and friends by putting a few of these beauties on the table.

4. Buzzards Valley Millstone Rondo 2011 - Clean, deep with soft damsons and cranberry. 11.5% vol. £7.50.

5. Buzzards Valley Dark Horse 2011 Regent Dry Dry with refreshing acidity, cherry, blackcurrant and bitter chocolate. 11% vol. £7.50.

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6. Buzzards Valley The Joust Regent Light 2013 Medium - Flavours of cranberry, apple and redcurrant. 11.5% vol. £7.50.

New Year

Looking for a change to Prosecco or Champagne?

Buzzards Valley sparkling wines are a revelation.

7.Buzzards Valley English Red Sparkling Medium sweet 2006. - Made with the Rondo and Regent grape. Sweeter than you would expect. 12% vol. £15 8. Buzzards Valley English Pink Sparkling Medium 2006 - Made from the Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc grape. 13% vol. £19.95 9. Buzzards Valley Sparkling Baby Blush Medium Made from the Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc grape.

9.5% vol. £15 10. Buzzards Valley Sparkling White Medium 2013.

Made with the Seyval Blanc grape. 10% vol. £15.

In additional, Buzzard Valley Vineyard sells an

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excellent selection of English fruit wines, fine whiskies, micro-brewery beers and ales, ciders, perrys and non-alcoholic beverages including sparkling alcohol free wines. Most are available to taste pre-purchase. For the next six months, buy three bottles of Buzzards Valley still or sparkling wine and get a fourth bottle free.

Buzzards Valley Vineyard can be found at 37 Shirrall Drive, Drayton Bassett, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3EQ. Tel 0121 308 1951 or go to buzzardsvalley.co.uk for more information.

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The Little Pet Shop Independent Pet Product Specialist.

dward Hunter first set up The Little Pet Shop as an on-line business back in 2008. After an extremely successful few years he has recently expanded his business and opened his first retail store on the Pear Tree Estate in Rugeley.

With over 1079 square feet, Edward has the capacity to stock a wide range of products catering for all your animal needs. Stockists of all major brands there is no doubt that you will find what you need. However, if there is a specialist brand that you require, Edward and his staff are happy to purchase that for you using their network of over 25 wholesalers and distributors.

As the founders of The Little Pet Shop, they have over 35 years experience within the pet industry. Staff have the latest health and nutritionist certificates and are happy to advise you in any way possible. With communication with some of the top vets and nutritionists in the country, they can also offer free, friendly advice for those in need.

The Little Pet Shop is very excited to be launching its very own branded pet food. The range includes: •Dog Food - Puppy/Adult/Light/Senior/Small bite •Working Dog Food - VAT Free (20% cheaper) •Dog & Cat treats •Cat Food •Rabbit Pellets •Ferret Food •Fish & Koi Sticks

Free samples are available upon request.

We also offer:• Canine & Feline Food • Raw Frozen Meats • Bird Seeds & accessories •Fish Food & accessories • Hygiene Products • Small Animal accessories •Toys & Gifts • Friendly Advice

Frozen & Live Reptile foods Weekly orders being taken

Coming Soon...

Our very own pet grooming salon with full hydrobath and spa facilities including fluff dry. Ask for details.

New loyalty card scheme.

Sign up now and receive a £5 bonus!

Call into the shop for an application form.

Local & National Delivery Service Available Telephone orders welcome The Little Pet Shop, The Pear Tree Estate, 8 Queensway, Rugeley WS15 1NN www.thelittlepetshop.biz 01889 358110

10%OFF EVERYTHING IN STORE offer ends 23/12/15

15% OFF

OUR OWN BRANDED FOOD AND TREATS. offer ends 23/12/15 Free samples available Page 23

Dennis and Dave test ride the Italjet DiablOne

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wo of our regular readers Dennis Goodwin and David Baker took delivery recently of a demonstration model of this stylish ebike, one of the Italjet range supplied by local distributor Edwin Ferneyhough in Rugeley.

Dennis is a lifelong motorcycle owner and Dave an off road mountain bike rider so it was interesting to glean their views on this hard to categorise hybrid machine. Being of Italian origin ‘style’ is taken as a prerequisite and the Italjet range certainly deliver in this respect.

The style is in fact very retro with great attention to detail and finish. For example high grade leather is used to enhance some features. The bikes are fitted with the renowned Brookes leather saddles (made here in the West Midlands) which can take time to mould to rider contours but are highly rated when they are broken in! The classic style

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hides a lot of current high tech and responsive features to make for a pleasurable riding experience. For a parallel think Morgan Cars incorporating modern technology.

was on some of the main tracks on Cannock Chase where the bike performed well although it would not be suitable for more demanding narrow twisty terrain.

The slight humming sound and the digital display tells you when you are in the 'power on' mode and the assistance it provides when required is instant. The hill you are climbing quickly falls away behind you. This e-bike has a decent range and can cover approx. 50 miles on a four hour battery charge. Part of the test

This is an assisted bike that could appeal to a variety of people and a test ride is a must to determine how it might suit your needs. For more information visit www.italjet.co.uk or call Edwin Ferneyhough Vehicle Sales on 01889 577990 or 07939 207232

RugeleyTimesNewsletter Art Class

at the Rugeley Rose Theatre and Community Hall:

Local Artist Derek Powell Jones has organised free art classes for the local people of Rugeley in association with the Rugeley Town Council and Rugeley Rose Theatre and Community Hall.

The classes are open to all. See What’s On for details.

Grant Aid:

Rugeley Town Council is inviting funding requests from Groups and Charities based in the Rugeley Parish. If you would like to get in contact for a form please contact the Town Council Offices on 01889 574074 or email finance@rugeleytowncouncil.gov.uk

DECEMBER MEETINGS FOR RUGELEY TOWN COUNCIL:

Full Council is Wednesday 02 December 2015 at 8pm Planning Committee Meeting is Wednesday 02 December 2015 at 7pm Rose Committee Meeting is Wednesday 16 December at 7pm Finance and Management Committee Meeting is Wednesday 16 December at 8pm RUGELEY TOWN COUNCILLORS, 2015 - 2019 NAME

ALEXANDER, R

ANSELL, Mrs P BOWATER, J COONEY, A DIPPLE, B

GAYE, D

GRANT, G GREEN, C GROCOTT, M HANCOCK, D HANCOCK, Mrs P HODGSON, I JONES, R PANTER-HOOD, Mrs C STANLEY, N TURNER, G

WHITEHOUSE, Ms S WILLIAMS, Mrs. P

ADDRESS

44 Hagley Road, Rugeley, WS15 2AW TEL: 01889 586869 (home), 07745 155300 (mobile) richard-alexander@sky.com 6 Uplands Close, Cannock Wood, Rugeley, WS15 4RH TEL;01543 685262 (home) 07811 592282 (mobile) patriciaansell@btinternet.com 14 Averill Drive, Rugeley, WS15 2RR TEL: 01899 574170 (home), 07970 255638 (mobile) jlbowater@hotmail.co.uk Globe House, Upper Brook Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DN TEL: 01889 583377 (home), 07866 610894 (mobile) angi@cresidentialco.uk 33 Somerset Ave, Rugeley, WS15 1LE TEL: robert.dipple@ntlworld.com 34 Cambrian Lane, Rugeley, WS15 2XH TEL: 07866 750139 boon.gaye@ntlworld.com 15 Watson Close, Rugeley, WS15 2PE TEL: 01889 803822 (home) 07734 322929 (mobile) gary.grant4@ntlworld.com 86 New Road, Armitage, WS15 4BJ TEL: 01889 800644 (work) 07817081821 (mobile) chris@blueprint-designs.co.uk 7 Upton Place, WS15 2PS TEL: 01889 570670 (home phone/fax), 07779 179347 (mobile) councillormick@yahoo.co.uk 21 Grindcobbe Grove, Rugeley, WS15 2NJ TEL: 01889 586640 (home) 07710 868748 (mobile) davehancock64@yahoo.com 21 Grindcobbe Grove, Rugeley, WS15 2NJ TEL: 01889 586640 (home) 07808 254496 (mobile) pat.threewishes@yahoo.co.uk 86 New Road, Armitage, WS15 4BJ TEL: 01889 800644 (work) 07778280816 (mobile) blueprint.designs@btinternet.com 11 Rutherglen Close, Rugeley, WS15 2TA TEL: (home), (mobile) rjones26@sky.com 2 The Dell, Rawnsley, Cannock, WS12 1JB TEL: (home), (mobile) 13 Deacon Way, WS15 3JZ TEL: 01889 570783 (home), 07875 359115 (mobile) neilatmese@aol.com Laburnum Cottage, Blithbury Rd, Hamstall Ridware, WS15 3RR Tel: glenisturner@hotmail.co.uk 1 Norwood House, Peakes Road, Rugeley, WS15 2ND TEL 07816 444000 (mobile) Swhitehouse103@gmail.com 63 Somerset Avenue, WS15 1LF TEL: 01889 576203 (home) cllrpat@hotmail.co.uk

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WARD

EH Con WSs LibDem WS n Con EH Trader H Traders

EH Indep

H LibDem WS n Trader Co-Opted

WS n Indep H Indep Co-Opted

H Indep

WSsTrader EH LibDem WSn Indep

H Indep

WSn Indep

EH UKIP H Indep

Charter Fair Queen, Prince and Princess 2016:

This Year Rugeley Town Council in association with TESCO Rugeley wishes to have a Charter Fair Queen as well as a Prince and Princess.

Closing date for applications will be on Monday 28 March 2016, judging will then take place on Saturday 9 April 2016 at Rugeley Rose Theatre and Community Hall, Taylors Lane, Rugeley, WS15 2AA at 7pm.

Applicants for the Charter Fair Queen must be 16+ and the Prince and Princess are to be aged between 07-11 years old. All applicants must be residents of Rugeley Parish. A list of postcodes that are within the Rugeley Parish can be obtained from the Town Council.

The successful candidates will be expected to lead the Rugeley Charter Fair parade around the parade route as well as be present at the Charter Fair field in the afternoon.

Completed forms should be left or posted to the Rugeley Town Council Offices by Monday 28 March 2016.

Please note that we will not accept any applications on the day of the judging.

For all enquiries regarding the entry of applications please contact Rebecca Mason (Assistant Town Clerk) or Claire Dillow (Town Clerk) on the following details.

Phone: 01889 574074 Rebecca Email: finance@rugeleytowncouncil.gov.uk Claire Email: clerk@rugeleytowncouncil.gov.uk

Charter Fair 2016:

The organisation of Charter Fair 2016 is in full swing. Forms for the Parade, Charity Stalls and the Market Stalls are ready for those who want to take part.The theme this year is OPEN - however you want to decorate your Float or Walking Party is up to you!

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Rugeley Christmases Past

nce again, the Landor Society shares with us here items from their wonderful collection.

Concerts, pantomimes, parties, cards, presents, food, crackers… all of the traditional accompaniments to the festive season are recalled by these glimpses of Christmases in Rugeley in the last century and a half.

1.In the 1880s Rugeley residents could purchase their Christmas cards from Thomas James. James was a jobbing printer in Brook Square.

His firm was taken over by Pascoe’s and later by Benhill Press.

2.An advertising handbill from the 1880s for Biddle’s, a grocer and provision merchant. Their premises were in Brook Square, where WHSmith now is.

3.Decorations at Ravenhill Auxiliary Hospital from 1915/16. Ravenhill House, on Main Road, Brereton, became a V.A.D. (Voluntary Aid Detachment) hospital in WW1, run by the Red Cross for military convalescents.

4.A personalised Christmas card from about 1920.

5.George Mason’s, grocers in Market Square, issued special Christmas price lists. The booklet for 1931 includes tins of chocolate biscuits from 1/6 to 3/4, crackers from 8d to 6/- a box, iced Christmas cakes at 4/- each and cooked English hams at 2/6 per lb.

6.The programme for Rugeley Grammar School’s Girl Guide and Sea Scout groups 1959 production.

7.Christmas party at St Joseph’s Primary School, probably in 1962.

8.Entertainment at the Red Rose Theatre, later renamed the Rose Theatre.

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

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Chicken & Fresh Meat Stall

Tina's Haberdashery

The Rug Stall

S J Cosmetics

Smoke Emporium

Ann Tranter Wool

2Bee Inspired

Jones' Home Brew

Linda's Bargains

The Slipper Stall

G A Fabrics

Dave's Fashion

It's a Woman's world

Choice Bags

Bal's Watch/Clock Repairs & Key Cutting Service

We Wish you a Merry Christmas at Carols in the Trenches

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ne of the most uplifting and poignant WW1 events in the country takes place at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum on Saturday 12th December Carols in the Trenches is a yearly commemoration of the 1914 Christmas Truce, which saw fighting men leave their trenches to share songs, stories and family photographs. In the evocative surroundings of the Museum’s large and complex WW1 trench system, a choir leads the audience through carols popular in 1914, and uniformed members of the Museum’s Education Team read original letters and firsthand accounts of the 1914 Christmas Truce.

Danielle Pritchard, Curator of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum commented: “It is always a night to remember, last year visitors sang ‘Silent Night’ and ‘It Came upon the Midnight Clear’, but perhaps one of the most evocative moments was when the audience was leaving the trench, and they and the choir broke into a spontaneous rendition of ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ and ‘Pack up your Troubles’.”

The evening concludes with a re-enactment of the truce, as German, British and Allied soldiers meet in No-Man’sLand to shake hands.

Carols in the Trenches tickets sell out quickly, so visitors are advised to book their tickets well in advance.

The event starts at 6.30pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £5 for children under 16, senior citizens and full-time students. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 01543 434394 for further details.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is planning a packed and varied programme of events for 2016 to be announced soon. For more information on the Museum including opening times and prices go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

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Cannock Chase Top Council

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annock Chase Council has become the top performing District Council in Staffordshire and the West Midlands after winning a fifth Green Flag award. The latest award was for Stile Cop Cemetery which has recently undergone improvements and extension works. As well as retaining Green Flags at Cannock Park, Ravenhill Park, Castle Ring (plus Green Heritage Award) and Elmore Park.

Cannock Chase Council manages more than 1,000 hectares of parks and green spaces across the District, which is the size of about 1,600 adult football pitches.The Green Flag Award is applied for annually and each site is judged by two Green Flag judges. As part of the judging exercise feedback is provided on the sites to the Council. The Council then acts on the main recommendations of the feedback as a way of continuously improving the sites for the benefit of all users.

Affordable Luxury at Netherstowe House this December

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etherstowe House is a unique retreat offering affordable luxury to locals and visitors alike. This intriguing Grade II Listed Hotel and Restaurant is steeped in history and is considered the place to meet in Lichfield. Cappuccinos after the school run, filled croissants for breakfast, speciality tea and a homemade scone for elevenses, and ladies meeting for lunch. Business discussed over brunch, sumptuous afternoon teas, sizzling steaks in the brasserie, romantic candlelit dinners in the fine dining restaurant, or special celebrations in the private dining room. People of all ages and backgrounds come together at Netherstowe House throughout the year and whatever the occasion they always provide sincere five-star hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings.

Now, this award-winning restaurant is giving food fans another reason to celebrate this December with its hugely popular Festive Lunch Menu starting at just £25.00. The emphasis is on creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest seasonal ingredients.

Throughout this December you can also enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Netherstowe House. Their festive afternoon tea is a real treat after a busy day spent in a whirl of Christmas present shopping. Take a couple of hours out to just stop, relax and share an indulgent treat with friends. Priced at just £19.95 Netherstowe House’s full afternoon teas are a beautifully presented selection of festive fancies, sandwiches, cakes and scones. Why not add a glass of champagne or mulled wine to really get you in the Christmas spirit.

Put your feet up, banish the winter chill and tuck in and remember – Christmas calories don’t count!

To treat someone special to a supremely comfortable, vibrant, and unique experience this December simply call a member of Netherstowe House’s friendly Hospitality Team on 01543 254 270 or email hospitality@netherstowehouse.com For more information visit www.netherstowehouse.com

Christmas comes to Hamley Heath House

Hamley Heath House Creative Courses

Christmas Cookery, Friday 27th November: 'Exciting & Easy Entertaining for Christmas' Demonstration by renowned chef Simon Smith.

We are promised a full day with lots of tastings, demonstrations and recipes. Chef will prepare lunch and complimentary wine will be served. This day will be great fun; come with friends and share in the Christmas atmosphere.

Chef Simon Smith is back from his world travels cooking for the rich and famous so we are promised a very entertaining day. He will show us a number of different ways to cook and serve the humble turkey; plus how to get prepared in advance for Christmas and how to take all the pressure off the big day.

Also included in chef’s programme is a demonstration of a variety of canapé ideas with a selection of easy and impressive Puds too!

Goody bags to take home. Day starts 10am finishes around 4-4.30pm. £75 pp.

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Eyes Right!

ocal business Colin Lee Opticians celebrated this season’s Open Event by supporting The Royal British Legion in time for Armistice Day, a charity close to Rugeley’s heart, raising awareness as well as funds.

The staff all dressed in army uniforms to help get into the spirit. The Market Square practice donated £100 as well as collecting for the general poppy sales.

Shop Manager Laura Nicholls said: “I’m proud to be part of such a special event and thank my team for all their hard work.”

Floristry School Christmas Flowers: Thursday 10th and Friday 11th December are Full.

By popular demand a NEW DATE has been added - Saturday 12th December.

Come and join me, Diana Gudgeon, Florist and Author and learn how to create your very own door-ring to welcome your guests. Also design a splendid table centre-piece for your home to grace your Christmas table. Choose from an array of candles, fabulous ribbons and decorations to enhance your designs. Full day includes all materials, lunch and complimentary wine. These days are always popular and buzzing with excitement. Day starts around 10.30am and finishes around 4.30pm. £80 pp.

Friday 4th December: Take the stress out of Christmas.

Charlie our Master Baker is back in the morning to help you create your own beautiful fully-iced and stylishly decorated Christmas cake (your fruit cakes will be provided using Charlie's delicious secret recipe.) Join us for this really fun halfday and learn some incredible new icing techniques to use in your decorations. £59pp.

Friday 4th December: Christmas Decorated Biscuits and Sweet Treats. Why not join us for the afternoon? You will be decorating your own fun, and stylish Christmas biscuits, mini cake, truffles and a selection of tempting Christmas sweet treats. Learn a variety of icing techniques followed by the gift wrapping of all your creations. £49 pp. If you wish to stay for the day a light lunch can be provided.

All materials for each course are provided just come along, relax and enjoy the day.

Hamley Heath House, Hamley Heath, near Rugeley. WS15 3LS T: 01889 577887 M: 07710 043741 www.hamleyheathhouse.co.uk Chef Simon Smith

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Mr and Miss Burns

By P J Everall

Could you be a Sally Army Helper this Christmas?

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ould you be a Sally Army Helper? That’s the question from The Salvation Army’s Rugeley charity shop as they launch an appeal for extra volunteers this Christmas. December is an incredibly busy month for Salvation Army shops, increasing the need for lots of extra helpers to support with sales and donations.

Christine Westwood, Area Manager, said: “There’s no time like Christmas to help out at a Salvation Army shop.

It’s one of the best times of year, but also one of the busiest. That’s why we’re appealing for a band of Sally Army Helpers who can donate as much time as they can to our Rugeley shop during the festive period. Volunteers often don’t realise how valuable they are; a couple of hours or even a few days a week make a huge difference to us.”

Salvation Army shops offer training in essential volunteer skills but there are a number of key traits required of a Sally Army Helper; these include: Willingness to help sort through sacks of donations to spot great toys, pristine party-wear and cosy winter warmers that will fill our customers with glee; A liking for Christmas decorations and an ability to decorate a tree; The ability to be jolly, even under pressure and the desire to help customers find second-hand treasure; No matter your experience there are a number of jobs that the Rugeley Salvation Army shop needs help with at Christmas time. Jayne added: “We’d like to encourage anybody interested in being one of our Sally Army Helpers to pop in to talk to our friendly staff. There are lots of tasks to get involved with, including sorting through donations, creating window displays, steaming and hanging clothes, assisting customers and generally helping us spread Christmas cheer! If you think you can spare any time at all, please do get in touch.”

The money raised through the Rugeley shop contributes to The Salvation Army’s valuable work with people who are vulnerable and in need across the UK, including homelessness and addiction services, care for older people, help at emergency incidents, support for adult victims of human trafficking in England and Wales and a Family Tracing Service. Over the last five years alone the Salvation Army Trading Company’s shops and recycling initiatives have donated over £35 million to The Salvation Army.

The Rugeley Salvation Army shop can be found at 29 Market Street.

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n the early 1960s on the Colton Road a small lodge stood (since converted into a house) at whose gate, given suitable weather, an elderly woman would stand and nod neutrally should I smile while cycling by.

Came the day when J C Price, the Bellamour farmer, corralled willing hands to organize steam rallies and other events in the adjoining field. We dragged an old caravan to the site, parked it near her cottage, and thus did I come to know Miss Burns and her brother who lived with her. Within days of our meeting she had revealed herself as the quiet, kind soul she truly was.

“You can use that” she said, pointing to a well-insulated tap outside her door, “but be careful - it’s our water supply.” Their cottage had not plumbing nor gas nor electricity. A Tilley lamp lit the living room; otherwise it was candles, and the coal range for cooking. Mr Burns used carbide lamps on his sturdy old roadster bicycle the last man I ever knew so to do. One could say they lived frugally. But they were not puritans. Mr Burns liked his ale, and it may have been a contributing cause, when, in his seventies, he fell into the fire and was fatally injured. Miss Burns’ tipple was stout. She might often be seen, armed with her American cloth bag, fetching Guinness from the Greyhound.

Years later, when she could not cope alone, she went into a retirement home at Stretton, near Burton-on-Trent. I had reason to visit her there, finding her (and she’d not mind me saying this) sprucer than I ever remembered her. Her dress was crisply fresh, her attractive white hair washed and combed, her smile untarnished. We sat in her bedroom, which was in effect a one-room en-suite flat, and talked. And talked.

“We come and go as we please” she said, as she saw me off at the gate, “I’m not going to ask you about the cottage… there’s an off-licence down the bank, so I know where to go for the needful!” On which happy note we parted.

Mr and Miss Burns merited a column in the chronicles of this old town and now they’ve got it.

Written by P J Everall a member of the Landor (Local History) Society

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Rugeley Remembers

Despite the cold, blustery weather on the morning of Sunday 8th November, crowds gathered in their hundreds to pay their respects to fallen servicemen and women at the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service.

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Photographs by Carl Knibb Page 37

Staying Safe, Healthy and Warm this Winter

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inter isn’t everyone’s favourite season and there’s no doubt that the cold weather can be a worry for those of us in later life. There are things we can do to make life a bit easier which help keep us healthy, safe, and as comfortable as possible.

Keep moving – Staying active is important for many reasons including its ability to generate heat and help keep you warm. When indoors try not to sit still for more than an hour – get up and make yourself a drink, spread any chores throughout the day. You could do some chair based exercises if walking is difficult, Age UK South Staffordshire run seated exercise classes across Southern Staffordshire – the first class is free www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs or phone 01785 788 472. The classes also encourage flexibility and develop falls awareness, a key issue in

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keeping well all year round. You could also take part in a free guided group walk in many locations across the area.

Eat well – Hot meals and drinks help to keep you warm, and the advice from Age UK is to eat one hot meal per day (and have hot drinks during the day) including a good range of foods and aim for five portions of fruit and veg per day. It is very important to eat enough, especially in winter. The Eat Well Staffordshire project is a free service, led by Age UK South Staffordshire. It can support older people who may be a risk from under-nutrition. For information about Eat Well telephone 01785 788 483 or www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs. If you would like some recipes for winter, please phone and leave a message on 01785 788 496.

Have a seasonal flu jab - If you are over 65 the Government recommends that

you have a seasonal flu jab – ideally every year.

Flu can develop into pneumonia which can be serious.

Check you have had a ‘pneumo jab’ - This jab is a one off injection that helps protect against pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. Ask your GP if you are over 65 and haven’t had one.

Keep Warm - Cold weather can make you vulnerable to some illnesses so it’s vital for your health that you stay warm during the cold winter months.

70F (21C) is the ideal temperature for your living room, check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature.

64F (18C) is the ideal temperature for your bedroom - cold thickens blood and increases blood pressure, which is bad for your health.

Phone us on 01785 788 477 for your free copy of our ‘Winter Wrapped Up’ guide with free thermometer.

Extra money you may be entitled to - Many of us worry about rising fuel costs so it is important to make sure you’re not missing out on any benefits or discounts you are entitled to that will help you keep your home warm. You could get help to check your entitlement by phoning the Information and Advice service at Age UK South Staffordshire on 01785 788 499 or use the online benefits checker www.ageuk.org.uk/benefitscheck.

Try and connect with people - Loneliness threatens the health of 1 in 10 older people and 1 in 4 older people have no-one to turn to.

If you are lonely and isolated and in need of support, we may be able to help you with a telephone or face to face befriender or care navigator. Contact the Eat Well Staffordshire team on 01785 788 483 or Care Navigation on 01785 788 498.

If you feel you could support an older person as a volunteer befriender or care navigator, please get in touch, there is information on www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs 01785 788 483 or 498. We have lots of great volunteering opportunities, many of which include training and all include ongoing support - opportunities can be found on the ‘jobs and volunteering’ section of our website www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs Need help in the home? - We provide a wide range of flexible services to help you stay in your own home designed around your specific needs.

This can include housework, companionship, food preparation and lots more besides. We can provide an escort for social trips and also night-sitting support. If you need help to get up, washed and dressed, we can also provide personal care. Phone 01785 788 477.

Day care support - Age UK South Staffordshire has four centres to support older people with dementia and complex needs.

Centres are in Penkridge, Cannock, Tamworth and Wombourne. If you would like to visit and see the facilities or find out more phone 01785 788 481.

Help a Squaddie Find a Home in Rugeley

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e wrote about a new campaign to ‘Help a Squaddie find a Home in Rugeley’ in our November issue, and I’m glad to report that through the hard work of those involved and the generosity of the people and businesses of Rugeley the campaign has got off to a good start. The campaign is fundraising to help rehouse a homeless ex-serviceperson in Rugeley (this will include payment of a deposit, six month’s rent and the provision of furniture and white goods), and will be officially launched at the turning on of the Christmas Lights and Christmas Market event in Rugeley on 27th November.

The aim of the launch is to raise as much money as possible to move the campaign forward. ‘Help a Squaddie Find a Home in Rugeley’ is asking for help from local businesses to reach their fundraising target of £10,000.

Donations of a gift or voucher would be used as a prize in a raffle or tombola at the launch event.

It is estimated that there are currently 3,000 ex-service personnel who are homeless. These brave men and women serve their country in some truly terrifying environments, and often come back suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Many struggle to integrate back into civilian life and through no fault of their own find themselves homeless.

The campaign is organising events through the year to help raise funds including a Christmas Fayre at Rugeley Academy on 18th December, a Gala in spring 2016 and a Charity Fun Day at The Chase pub on 29th May. Campaign member Kerry Urquhart commented: “We have had lots of help from local teens and businesses who are working hard helping us raise the funds we need. Thank you all for your help.”

For more information go the the group’s Facebook page Help a Squaddie Find a Home in Rugeley, Staffs. We’ll print details of the group’s Just Giving page as soon as we have them.

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What’s On in Your Area – December*

Please note, it’s advisable to contact venue for event confirmation.

Saturday 28th November Tippers Christmas Market From 10am to 4pm. Featuring ‘A 3 Course Lunch to Impress’ Live Cookery Demonstration by Simon Smith: 11am – Special Christmas Starters, 1pm – Top Tips for Christmas Lunch, 3pm – Indulgent Christmas Desserts. Plus enter your own mince pies in the Mince Pie Contest at 2pm and win a fantastic prize! Also craft, food and drink stalls, free mince pies and mulled wine, choir singing Christmas carols and day-only deals and prize draws. All takes place at Tippers Luxury Kitchens and Bathrooms, Europa Way, Lichfield, WS14 9TZ. Tel: 01543 440020 www.tippers-showrooms.co.uk Monday 30th November Every Monday at the Rugeley Rose Theatre Slimmer’s World 5.15pm-9.15pm Weightwatchers 6.00pm-8.30pm Rugeley Musical Society 8.00pm-10.00pm

Vulnerable Young Adults Group (in assoc with CESS) 5pm-7pm and 7pm - 9pm Wednesday 2nd December Crafty Christmas Fair At The Museum of Cannock Chase. Stock up on unusual handmade gifts for Christmas at our late night shopping event. 5-8pm.

Every Wednesday at the Rugeley Rose Theatre Weightwatchers 5.00pm-8.00pm Aerobics 6.00pm-7.00pm Rugeley Art Society (Free Group) 7.30 9.00pm

Friday 4th December Every Thursday at the Rugeley Rose Theatre Stars Dance Academy 5.00pm-8.00pm Weightwatchers 9.00am-12.00pm

Christmas Fete From 12pm onwards. Santa is coming, and there will be a raffle tombola and many more exciting activities. Takes place at Funstart Childcare, St. Barnabas Church, Hampton Street WS11 OAW Saturday 5th December Christmas Crafts at The Wolseley Centre From 1pm - 4pm. A chance for children to explore winter and make unique seasonal decorations using natural materials.

An opportunity for all the family to get stuck into a range of Christmas crafts (using locally sourced natural materials such as holly and ivy) as well as Christmas cards.

This is a drop-in session, so feel free to join us at any time between 1pm and 4pm.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Come dressed for the weather to enjoy the whole site!

Carols by Lantern Light

By Lichfield author From 4:30pm - 6pm. Come and join us singing carols Joss Musgrove Knibb around the grounds of The Wolseley Centre followed by R.R.P. £9.99 mince pies and drinks to Available from good bookshops including warm you up.

We will remember them.

WH Smith and on amazon.co.uk

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Sunday 6th December Christmas Family Fun Day At the Museum of Cannock Chase. Come and meet Santa in our coal mine grotto, find out about wartime Christmas with our costumed 1940s characters, enjoy a story with our storyteller, watch a fascinating puppet show, do some Christmas shopping in our gift shop or simply relax with a nice hot drink in our coffee shop. 12 noon till 4pm.

Free entry. Small charges for some activities.

Monday 7th December Santa's on his way!

Dates and times for the Rugeley and District Lions and the Rotary Club of Rugeley’s annual Santa Sleigh tour of the town and surrounding villages is available at www.rugeleylions.co.uk Santa is dusting off his suit and checking his santa-nav for the two week fly-by. He will be starting on Monday 7th. December.

Learn Shotokan Karate Every Monday night 7- 8.30pm. Takes place at Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall. Call 01889 583480 Tuesday 8th – Sunday 13th December Cinderella A fantastic all singing, all dancing pantomime for the whole family at the Rugeley Rose Theatre. Tues 8th Dec 10am and 1pm, Wed 9th Dec 10am and 1pm, Thurs 10th Dec 10am and 1pm, Friday 11th 10am, 1pm and 7pm, Sat 12th Dec 2pm and 7pm, Sun 13th Dec 2pm. Tickets from £5. Box office 01889 584036 Wednesday 9th Pilates for over 55s Every Wednesday morning. Tone muscle and improve posture. £2.50 plus £5 membership.

Takes place at Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall. Call 01543 682186 for details Friday December 11th Learn Shotokan Karate Every Friday night 6- 7.30pm. Takes place at Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall. Call 01889 583480 Venues Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Hall, Ravenhill Park, Main Rd, Brereton, WS15 1DS Rugeley Rose Theatre, Taylor's Ln, Rugeley,WS15 2AA The Wolseley Centre, nr Rugeley, ST17 0WT Mansfield House, Market Street, Rugeley St Barnabas’ Church, Hampton Street, Cannock Museum of Cannock Chase, Valley Rd, Cannock, WS12 1TD Tippers Luxury Kitchens and Bathrooms, Europa Way, Lichfield, WS14 9TZ.

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Christmas in Rugeley Town Centre

Pat and Dave from Three Wishes with Santa

Santa visits Rugeley Town Centre Well, what a surprise! Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to visit the shops in Rugeley Town centre to make sure everybody was getting ready for a lovely Christmas. All the tradespeople are preparing for the coming season with new stock and extra special deals to tempt the folks of the area into the great shops and markets.

Santa choosing a Christmas card

Father Christmas with Craig at Craig's Carpets

But don't worry if you didn't catch Santa this week because he is making a celebrity appearance at the Late Night Shopping Extravaganza on Friday 27th Amanda from Fairway Curtains having a visit from November (see page 27 for details).

Father Christmas

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Santa aboard the Brewery Street train

Christmas in Rugeley

Father Christmas with Paul at Viking e-cigs

Santa outside Brewery Street Shopping Centre

Santa visiting Tammy at Pretty on the Inside

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Christmas in Rugeley

Award winning, internationally renowned The Floral Studio is opening its doors for an evening of celebration to formally ‘cut the ribbon ‘of the extended premises and to say thank you to our valued customers.

Proprietor and Head Creative Designer, Emma Cooper states “Space is paramount to the success of producing our wonderfully unique artistic creations. Our new premises enables us to be able to work with a full 360 degree view and to offer extended services to the people of Rugeley and surrounding area - including exquisite and superior quality flowers sourced daily directly from Holland for all occasions such weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and funerals. We also offer a range of floral workshops for our budding hobby-florists, corporate interior design and dressing, homeware and a limited selection of bespoke, locally-produced hand-made furniture.”

"It’s such a pleasure to serve our customers and we plan to enhance the customer experience and extend the range and depth of our services.”

Join us at 11 Bow Street on November 27th between 4pm - 7pm

to raise a glass to celebrate and a chance to meet the design team, who will be happy to answer your questions and provide hints and tips.

We look forward to seeing you.

Exclusive new opening offer 10% on all Christmas stock quote code XMAS15

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Christmas in Rugeley

WIN WIN WIN £50

Rugeley Christmas Competition Identify the following businesses correctly:

1. Which new e-cigs shop opened in Brook Square?

Name:..........................................................................................................

Address:...................................................................................................... ....................................................................................................................... ....................................................Post Code:...............................................

Tel No:.........................................................................................................

Email address:............................................................................................

All the answers to the questions can be found within this 8 page feature. Win £50 to be spent at any of the businesses within the Rugeley feature. Please either complete and cut out this entry form or write your answers on a postcard or on the back of a sealed envelope and send to Gazette Magazines, Rugeley Christmas Competition, P O Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Don’t forget to include your name, full postal address, telephone number and email address. Entries must be received by Mon 21 December 2015. The editor’s decision is final and the winner will be announced in the Jan/Feb 2016 issue of the magazine.

2. Where can you see Santa for £1.50, including present?

3. Fast delivery quality pizzas here?

4. The finest hair stylists, where?

5. Printing etc of the highest quality. Where?

6. Where can you buy sugarcraft materials?

7. What date are The Floral Studio asking you to join them to celebrate their official opening?

8. Who can guarantee new flooring to be fitted before Christmas?

9. What discount will you receive at Fairway Curtains throughout December?

10. Where will you find an Aladdin's cave of gifts and treats?

11. Where can you buy your Christmas cards and gifts?

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Christmas in Rugeley

Santa visiting Instaprint

Father Christmas at Brewery Street Shopping Centre CafĂŠ

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Christmas in Rugeley

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Christmas in Rugeley

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Christmas in Rugeley

The Rugeley Late Night Shopping Extravaganza takes place on Friday 27 November.

Also on the 27th Rugeley Christmas Lights Switch On takes place at 6pm led by Dora in the Market Square.

Coming down the chimney at Rugeley Fireplaces

Santa enjoying a pizza

Father Christmas with Margaret at Rugeley Cake Emporium

Santa with Eddie and the Francesco team

Santa visiting Emma and Abbey at The Floral Studio

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Family Announcements

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