CANNOCK • RUGELEY • HEDNESFORD
APRIL 2014 ISSUE 7
A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE CANNOCK CHASE AREA
Ralvern Limited are an old established family firm of craftsmen that have been passing their upholstery skills down through the generations for 67 years.
Established in 1946 Ralvern have firmly established themselves as master upholsterers, carpenters and frame makers, with the current generation meeting the exacting standards of workmanship that were instilled in them from childhood. Their 'Manufacturer's Promise' is to produce the very best in all aspects of build quality on sofas, corner sofas, settees, leather sofas, chaise lounge, occasional chairs and recliners, with a 'lifetime' frame and six inch coil springs as standard.
The company have made lounge suites and sofas for all sofa retailers including large name stores, but today prefer to offer a direct-to-the-public service from their factory/showroom in Cannock. The experience of creating the perfect living space starts with a visit to the showroom, where the craftsman you speak to will personally make the frame for your sofa, upholster it to your requirements in a fabric of your choice and then deliver to you at no extra charge. Their in-house frame making gives the option of creating a lounge from concept. All frames are made from scratch, using only the best materials, and offer the freedom of sizes to fit individual rooms and taste.
To add to this the company offer an exceptional re-upholstery service that goes above and beyond recovering. For instance customers can choose to have their original furniture re-created, to a higher quality. As standard the company strip your lounge sofas back to the frame and start all over again using superior foams, fillings, springs, cushions and finishing by a highly skilled craftsman. It is a process that ensures high customer satisfaction as upholstered furniture will last longer than expected.
Customers are welcome to view the manufacturing process and see for themselves, the high quality and exacting standards that are applied to their furniture. The meticulous finish quality can be viewed on the gallery page of the company's website www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk
If you cherish your old furniture and would like it to be updated to suit your taste then a visit to Ralvern is a must. The company have a delightful showroom, and offer personal attention, free parking and free delivery as well as a real insight into how your furniture is made.
Why use us? • customer satisfaction in our products • a sofa that will last you longer than expected • free delivery • free parking • see us in the manufacturing process • factory showroom
01543 505539 • www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk
Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffordshire - WS11 7NX
COLLIS Est. 1957
TIMBER DECKING TANALISED TIMBER JOISTS AVAILABLE & BALUSTRADING TANALISED POLES & RAILS FENCE PANELS & TRELLIS NEW LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE POSTS & GRAVEL BOARDS NEW RAILWAY SLEEPERS FROM £18.50 ALSO MET POSTS, AGGREGATES TIMBER CUT TO SIZE FROM OUR OWN SAWMILL. Plywood, Chipboard, MDF, Glass, Hardware, Paint, Fillers, Varnish.
Fencing and gates supplied and fitted. Call in for no obligation quote and site visit
20% OFF SHEDS LIST PRICE and 25% OFF ALL DISPLAY BUILDINGS THOUGHOUT MARCH & APRIL
TEL: 01543 686370
60 ltr Bulrush Compost 3 QUEENS DRIVE, CHASETOWN, BURNTWOOD WS7 4QF Monday-Friday 7.30am-5.30pm. Saturday 8am-5.30pm. Sunday 9.30am-1pm bags for £10 FAX: 01543 675221 email: sales@collissheds.co.uk
www.collissheds.co.uk
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Editor’s Notes
Turning up the Weather
A heat-wave in the second week of March! Are you joking? It seems unlikely, but on the back of perhaps the mildest winter I can ever remember, here we are. Birds are making nests, blossom is on the trees and the daffs are out in abundance. I can only recollect one occasion this winter where I have actually scraped ice off the windscreen of my car. All this clement weather makes me wonder if we are going to pay with a drab, colourless and even insipid summer with only the World Cup football to warm us. It is often said that the funny thing about Britain is that we don’t really have a climate as such, we have weather. The British live in what can only be described as a changeable environment. It is a national pastime and
April 2014
obsession to talk about it! What would it be like if we could control the weather? To be able to dial up the weather through some climate technology, like central-heating to suit our temperament. Playing God would mean rain to appease the farmers and their crops along with dry and sunny in the coastal regions, and in the cities and towns perhaps. During the Beijing Olympics the Chinese came up with the idea of seeding the skies over the city to reduce the smog. But would we want a Ministry of Weather to control our climate? I think not! ‘Walking (or singing) in the rain with the one I love’ would be replaced with a weather calendar that would no doubt be a ‘post code lottery’ that would suit one group and not the other. “Here is the weather…Rain again in Cannock and Rugeley, whilst here in London it’s a lovely sunny day again!” Perhaps the random and unpredictable weather we’ve always complained about isn’t that bad after all. Regards, Paul Oakley 18°c
Chase
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G azette
contents
Win lunch for two people
10 Win karting for two
24 Rugeley Farmers Market
32 Rising Brook, Rugeley 35 Gazette Woman
37 Competition winners 38 What’s on
39 Classified adverts
Cover is Rugeley Market Day by Carl Knibb see story page 28
Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House in Lichfield page 6 Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk
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Chase
contributors • • • • • • •
G azette
Caz Jones Joss M usgrove Knibb Michael Hewitt Derek Davis The Landor Society Trevor McFarlane Anthony Hunt
A limited number of the Chase Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from our office.
ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Chase Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in and around Cannock Chase. Distribution area covers Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. 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. Chase Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other group of publications.
Contact the Gazette see page 39
WIN
LUNCH
FOR TWO PEOPLE AT Netherstowe House
Chase the Dog
Win a Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) 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 ~ £14.95; 3 Courses ~ £19.95 12 midday to 2:30pm (Mon - Fri), 1:00pm to 2:30pm (Sat)
Chase is a naughty little puppy! True to form he has 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 7th April 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 Helen Fisher Lower Birches Way, Rugeley who spotted Chase the Dog on page 26 of the March issue of the magazine.
My Word
Call yourself a logophile?
Test your vocabulary with our quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority. Q: A lentigo is a A: Type of donkey B: A bread eaten during Lent C: A freckle The answer is C: A lentigo is another word for freckle.
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GazetteNews
Cannock Chase Council to fly the flag for the Commonwealth
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annock Chase Councils Chairman, Councillor Doris Grice invited members of the public to the raising of the Commonwealth Flag outside the front of the Civic Building at 10am on 10th March 2014. Commonwealth flags were presented to representatives from Staffordshire’s District and Borough Councils in February at a special ceremony hosted by Mr Ian Dudson, CBNE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant. Fly the Flag for the Commonwealth is a way for people in their local communities to join with others nationwide and become more involved, showing their appreciation for the Commonwealth. This was the first time that the ceremony was held in the UK and at 10am on 10th March, local authorities throughout the United Kingdom simultaneously raised the Commonwealth Flag. Members of the public were invited to attend outside the front of the Civic Building with District and Parish Councillors to see the flag getting raised.
Families across Staffordshire can now keep up to date with popular pre-school activity sessions thanks to a new dedicated Facebook page. Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has launched a new page for its Nature Tots sessions for under 5's on the social networking site. Parents will be able to view the latest news on the sessions, as well as fun wildlife-themed activities to do at home. Jo Olivant, education manager at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: "Social media is an instant, free and convenient way to keep families informed on the latest news and activities at these popular sessions. As well as being kept up to date on all the latest Nature Tots news, parents will also be able to download special nature-themed activities to do at home." Nature Tots puts an exciting spin on the traditional toddler group, and is specially designed to get under 5's in the natural world around them. Activities include mini beast hunts, scavenger hunts and natural arts and crafts. Nature Tots sessions are delivered in Burton-upon-Trent, Yoxall, Uttoxeter, Wolseley Bridge, Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent. The Nature Tots Facebook page can be viewed at www.facebook.com/swtnaturetots. Details of the Nature Tots sessions can also be found in the What's On section of the Trust's website at www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk. Image www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk
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Personal injury cases are no picnic
t some point in your life, you will probably be involved in an accident where someone is injured. It may be someone else’s fault and you need to claim compensation for personal injuries or loss of earnings, or you may have received notification of a potential claim against you. In both cases, you may need some kind of legal advice and assistance. Sometimes people try to conduct their own personal injury cases, usually because they want to avoid paying legal costs. The irony is that by conducting their own cases, they may unwittingly be increasing the risk of having to pay an expensive costs order in the future. I take dozens of calls each year from people who attempt to deal with their own personal injury cases or are trying to fight what they see as a wholly unjust or unfair claim being made against them. By the time they reach me, these cases are a mess. The individual has reached a point where they simply do not know which way to turn and the frustration is obvious. Quite often, the very same people do not realise that they can get help relatively cheaply. In some cases, particularly where an employer is defending a case brought by an employee, they may already have an insurance policy which covers the employer for any claims. The insurance company will fund a legal representative to deal with the case, leaving the employer to get on with running their business instead of spending their valuable time defending the case. The same applies to individuals with a personal injury claim; if you are injured in an accident you may already have legal cover in your household insurance policy or your motor
insurance policy that will cover your solicitor’s costs. In the past few years, the way personal injury cases are conducted has dramatically changed. There are protocols to follow, web based portals, restrictions on expert evidence and restrictions on legal costs. Cases are subject to strict timetables and documents need to be exchanged on time. Missing any of these time limits may severely jeopardise the outcome of your case. If you think you may have a personal injury claim, speak to a solicitor at the first available opportunity. They will help you establish whether you have existing cover to deal with any case and talk through your options for funding your claim. Whilst the prospect of representing yourself may seem exciting, the reality is that self-represented litigants often come unstuck in the legal process, finding it difficult, frustrating and stressful. An experienced personal injury solicitor can take away the strain and the risk of pursuing or defending your case. Adam Penn Ansons Solicitors
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GazetteNews
Win karting for two worth £70!
Thanks for the memory Dennis Turner By Derek Davis OBE of the Hazel Slade Local History Society.
D
ennis Turner was at one time one of England’s top first class football referees. He was a native of Prospect Village and also lived in Cannock Wood Street, Hazel Slade with his wife June and their two children. Dennis was born to Local Cannock Councillor Frank Turner and his wife Alice (nee Baskeyfield) in 1935 in Longstaff Avenue. He initially attended Rawnsley Board School and when that school closed in 1942 he moved to Hazel Slade’s present school – after passing the scholarship exam at 11 he went to Rugeley Grammar School. It was whilst at the Grammar school that he became interested in Cricket, playing as Cannock and Rugeley’s wicketkeeper for the next 20 years. He is still the club Vice President. At the same time that he started playing Cricket, he began to take an interest in becoming a soccer referee, initially progressing through the Cannock Youth League and by 1966 he was involved in the West Midlands Regional League. In 1968 came his move into the Professional “Football League” where he was to take part in almost 500 games – his proud boast being that he refereed at every ground in the country with the exception of only five venues. When he retired from the Football League in 1979 he had officiated in both International and European competitions and had been honoured by being the referee at the last Amateur Cup Final at Wembley in 1974. Upon retirement he became a senior assessor and after this became a “National Co-ordinator” assessing new referee recruits. In 2004 Dennis was presented with a Silver Salver from the National Referee Association in recognition of 50 years service to refereeing. He was perhaps best remembered as being the referee at the Hereford v Newcastle F.A Cup match in 1972 when Ronnie Radford scored that wonderful long range pile driver – much shown on BBC Television even to this day. This gave Hereford (then a Southern League amateur team) an historic win against, at the time, one of England’s top teams. Page 10 www.chasegazette.co.uk
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Of course referees have always been insulted and Dennis was no exception – on one occasion at Manchester United he ticked off Nobby Stiles for a wild tackle - Nobby had at the time just won a World Cup winners’ medal. Stiles said to Dennis “You must be blind ref”. Dennis’s stern reply was “What did you say Stiles?” and moving away Stiles retorted “Blimey ref, you must be deaf as well.” Needless to say Stiles did not get booked. Besides his interest in Cricket and Football, Dennis worked all his adult life for the National Coal Board, initially with his father at Cannock Wood Colliery. Then after qualifying, he became the Safety Officer at the new Lea Hall Colliery in Rugeley, eventually being promoted to become a senior Safety Officer at NCB headquarters in Doncaster, where he and his wife (a local Chase girl) now live in retirement. Dennis and June regularly come back to the area where they have many friends and family – they will always consider our area as their home base. Derek Davis OBE was born in Hazel Slade and can trace his family history in the village back to 1871. He has been a Staffordshire County Councillor since 1985, representing Chadsmoor. Mr Davis was awarded the OBE three years ago for services to the community. For more information on the society go to www.hazelslade.org.uk
Derek Davis
idland Karting is one of the UK’s premiere karting centres, located just a few miles from (Lichfield or Cannock), and offering one of the best karting experiences available, right here on your doorstep. Midland Karting has two outdoor tracks that are regularly redesigned to give the ultimate adrenalin pumping drive. Karting starts from eight years up, with full safety equipment including race suit, gloves and helmet and video safety briefing included in the ticket price. 10 minute taster sessions start at just £10 for ‘arrive and drive’, and they guarantee that once you try it you’ll be hooked! Midland Karting is ideal for stag and hen celebrations, corporate events, birthday parties or just a day out with friends and family, as our on-site cafe can provide whatever menu you require, from burgers to restaurant quality dining. Our kid’s room has access to a free playstation to keep young children amused, and with free air hockey and on-site party tunes it’s also a great place for a children’s birthday party as it provides a track side view of the action. With karting tuition, adult and junior leagues and regular karting events, it’s always worth taking a look at their website to see what’s on. You can also finish your karting in true F1 style with photos, trophies and champagne on the winner’s podium. Fancy a meal at Frankie and Benny’s to finish your perfect karting session? They can book you in in advance. They’ve also teamed up with local attractions to provide fabulous activity packages that combine karting with archery, rafting, high ropes challenges, abseiling and even helicopter treasure hunts. Midland Karting will be holding a karting event in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance on Sunday 15th June. Go to www.midlandkarting.co.uk for further details or call 01543 418419. Midland Karting can be found on Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8NF. Tel: 01543 418419.
Competition
We’ve teamed up with Midland Karting to offer our readers the chance to win 60 minutes of karting (including all safety equipment and briefing) for two people (8yrs and older) worth £70!* To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question.
Q Where is Midland Karting based? A. Fradley Park B. Sutton Coldfield C. Stoke on Trent
Just send your name, answer and contact details to Midland Karting competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, Ws14 7LE or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of 5th April. One entry per household please, duplicates will be disqualified. Good luck! *If the date required is not possible, others will be suggested. Cannot be exchanged for cash.
20% OFF Finding the Perfect Solution for You
Many of us have missing teeth. Pregnancy, ill health, accidents or just life can lead to the loss of one or two teeth, and if they’re not in a position where they can be seen, more often than not we don’t think about having them replaced. A missing front or side tooth without doubt affects your smile, and affects how often and how openly you smile. Sadly, it also affects how you are perceived by others as it suggests, however wrongly, that the individual is uncaring about their appearance, and possibly even untrustworthy! A missing tooth at the back of the mouth can also have a detrimental effect as teeth are living things that constantly shift their position and rely on the support of each other to stay firm and in position. One missing tooth can allow the others around it to tip and tilt and become less firmly set in the jaw. It can even lead to the shrinkage of bone in the jaw and the successive loss of more and more teeth. If you have a missing tooth in the lower jaw, the corresponding tooth that sits above it in the upper jaw can start to grow down, making chewing and movement difficult. A lost tooth can also mean that you favour one side of the mouth when chewing, leading to an eventual deeping of facial lines on the side that you use less. In short, a lost tooth may be out of sight, but rarely should it be out of mind. Matt Burnell BSc Hons Dip CDT RCS who runs The Smile Centre is a Clinical Technician and is highly expertised in his field of cosmetic dentistry. To many of us, cosmetic dentistry means veneers, or implants, where replica teeth are secured by means of a pin that’s set into the jaw, but how many of us consider a denture as a purely cosmetic procedure? Dentures are cosmetic. In one fell and painless swoop they transform the smile, but
they are also a modern and effective way of correcting all of the problems discussed. When clients first visit The Smile Centre, Matt talks through with them what they would like to achieve, and there’s no rush or hard sales involved. There are many modern denture options, including the metal based denture, this style of denture is held in place by the use of clasps and rests which hold it securely in place. Another bonus with the meal based denture is that the metal plate conducts heat from the food in your mouth, which makes it a totally naturalfeeling experience. Old fashioned dentures would not do this, so it was difficult to ever forget that you had one in, leading to many removing them when they ate. Dentures can also be secured by metal clips to the surrounding teeth for a perfect ‘bite’ or stay in place through an acrylic plate that is perfectly moulded to your palette and gums for suction without the need of adhesives. One of the things that struck me about Matt and his team is that they show great empathy for those who are struggling with a lost tooth, or an ill-fitting denture. They understand that our teeth and our smile are very sensitive subjects, and deal with each customer or enquiry with discretion as well as professionalism. Where necessary, they work with a client’s dentist (or can suggest a dentist who is an expert in any procedure needed) to offer each customer the most stress free and caring experience, and the results are extraordinary. Dentures are now as life-enhancing and appearance-changing as any other form of cosmetic dentistry and so comfortable to wear and discreet that one lady has kept her new denture totally secret, even from her husband. All people know is that she looks great!
In celebration of our 2nd birthday
Dentures start from as little as £550 and can last for up to 15 years. If you’re struggling with an old or ill fitting denture, or want to explore replacing lost teeth, The Smile Centre would be delighted to talk you through your options. They’re lovely people and their work is second to none.
Come directly to a Clinical Dental Technician - The Smile Centre is the only Clinical Dental Technician’s Practice in Lichfield. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Out of hours appointments by arrangement.
• REPAIRS • DENTURES • FINANCE • RELINES • DENTURE STABILISATION AVAILABLE
CGZ
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GazetteNews
Rugeley Lions Club An open letter from Rugeley Lions Club...
Rugeley Lions Club is 22 years old and is part of the largest International Service Group with 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members worldwide. We try and help where help is needed – in our own community and around the world with unmatched integrity and energy. In Rugeley we organise events to raise the funds we need: Easter Egg Raffle, Duck Race, attending fairs, organising Charity events and who doesn’t know about our joint Christmas Float around the area organised in conjunction with Rugeley Rotary Club? We are happy to work with others to benefit the local area. We helped to form BRACE in 2011 to organise Brereton Carnival, members regularly join Inland Waterways to clean up local canals, assist British Legion with sale of poppies and, last year, we helped with the car parking at the annual Anzac parade on Cannock Chase and are doing so again in April this year. We will consider most requests and Presentation of a cheque for purchasing literature at Rugeley Breastfeeding Support Group. don’t always look at the raising money side of things. Whilst we enjoy ourselves in our activities, it is essential that we have social activities to get together for fun purposes. We try to organise a monthly social whether it be a meal out, a friendly darts match, a walk over the Chase or a trip out – we recently visited the Houses of Parliament and a possible future visit to a brewery is being looked at. Members have to be over 18 years of age, male or female. Clubs do not have any political or religious affiliation – these matters are not discussed at meetings. There are clubs at Rugeley, Cannock, Burntwood, Lichfield and a branch club at Hednesford.
Lions looking to increase Pride
Rugeley Lions Club is preparing its calendar of events for 2014 in order to raise funds to benefit the local community and beyond. We achieved a great deal in 2013, donating around £3000, but we can do so much more with more members. We are hoping to arrange a ‘Meet the Lions’ evening in the near future for people to see exactly what is involved in being a Lion Member. If you would like to come along then please contact us via our website www.rugeleylions.co.uk, e-mail us on rugeleylions@yahoo.co, telephone 08458332904 or go to our Facebook page.
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Lions organise a cream tea at a local Care Home
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GazetteNews
Potholes Bill
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ew figures from Halfords claim that potholed roads in Cannock are leaving motorists with an annual bill of £3.1 million for suspension, steering and wheel repairs. With heavy rain eroding the surface of Britain’s roads figures from Halfords Autocentres reveal that more than 434,000 vehicles in the Staffordshire, Shropshire and West Midlands* region have suffered steering or suspension damage as a result of potholes over the past year, with Cannock accounting for around 5% of these. Halfords state that dangerous potholes reported to councils have increased by 18% over the past 12 months according to motoring and cycling websites monitoring this issue and estimates from the Asphalt Industry Alliance suggest that the UK’s roads are pitted with as many as 2 million craters. Simon Grant, Manager at Halfords Autocentre in Cannock commented that: “The surface of our roads is deteriorating to the point where drivers are now likely to encounter a potentially damaging pothole during most journeys - with rain-filled holes being harder to see and avoid. “In a new car a small pothole can damage wheels, tyres and shock absorbers but with large numbers of drivers keeping their cars for longer and cutting back on routine maintenance older, less well maintained cars are even more vulnerable.” Rectifying the damage caused by potholes can be unexpectedly costly, with an average repair bill of £140, and insurance companies attribute as many as one in five mechanical vehicle failures to pothole-related damage. Halfords Autocentres’ figures state that some regions had far higher incidences of pothole damage than others - with drivers on the south coast collectively being hit hardest with an £85 million repair bill, closely followed by motorists in Kent and the East Midlands who pay around £78 million and £75 million respectively. The Government and local authorities are now spending almost £1 billion a year on highway maintenance but, despite repairing more than 2.2 million potholes a year, experts believe that fixing the backlog could take more than 10 years.
Mistake corrected on Cannock War Memorial
Cannock Chase Council has updated Cannock War Memorial after a local archivist noticed an error on one of the names.
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aul Ford, an Archivist for Walsall Council had been researching into the Watson family, after an autograph album was sent to Walsall Local History Centre. The album was discovered in the Sheffield City Archives during a stock audit and bore no relevance to Paul Ford, Cllr Christine Mitchell Sheffield. The book belongs to and Cllr George Adamson Emily Watson, sister of James G Watson and dated back to 1900. After researching in depth into the family history Paul visited the memorial in Cannock and noticed the mistake on the headstone. James E Watson, should actually be James G Watson. Paul contacted Cannock Council, who agreed to update the war memorial to the correct name. Leader of the Council George Adamson said: “The work that Paul has put into researching the Watson family history is fantastic. It is really important that we update the war memorial as this is an important piece of history.” Paul Ford, Archivist said: “My research has brought me very close to the Watson family, so I am really delighted that Cannock Council have agreed to change the memorial. It shows their respect not only for a Cannock man that lost his life in the Great War, but for a family that gave a lot to the local area, albeit a century ago.” Page 14 www.chasegazette.co.uk
GazetteFeature
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Hednesford’s Grand National Winners By Anthony Hunt
othing now remains, save for a tiny stables up Rawnsley Road, of Hednesford’s and Hazel Slade’s once proud horse racing history. Yet in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there were as many as ten racing stables in the area, including the Anglesey Hotel, once the home of Edmund Peel, brother to the Prime Minister Robert Peel. Few of today’s residents would ever have seen horses being trained out at Hednesford Hills daily and even fewer might know of our history concerning the Grand National. Remarkably this area produced four National winners and could have had many more had the owners not suddenly taken their horses away just weeks before the race took place. The National began in the 1830s and it was not long before Hednesford produced its first winner in 1848 – Chandler, ridden by Caption Josie Little, part-owner of the horse along with Captain William Peel, son of Edmund. The horse’s rise to fame came about quite by accident. It was originally owned by Mr Wilkinson of Sutton Coldfield, a chandler, hence the name. The horse was used to pull a cart around the area delivering goods and was then sold to Mr Garnett who used it to pull his gig. The story has it that Captain Peel, a friend of Mr Garnett was due to ride at the local hunt near Bonehill when his horse went lame, and so he persuaded Garnett to lend him is gig horse. Peel was so impressed with the ride that he immediately bought the horse for £20. For the next few seasons Chandler carried Peel brilliantly to hounds. Such was the horse’s prowess that Peel decided in 1847 to see if it could race at meetings, and so asked the trainer, Thomas Eskrett to give it a chance. With some of the season still to go Chandler was entered for four races. In the first he finished third, but won the remaining three races, including the prodigious Leamington Hunt Chase, considered to be one of the best steeplechases of the day. During the closed season Peel sold half-share of the horse to Captain Josie Little, an army friend and a steeplechase jockey, having been trained by Tom Oliver, a legend in the racing world. Little had become an accomplished jockey and for that reason decided to ride Chandler in the Liverpool Spring Cup (the original name for the Grand National). As history records he won the race and reputedly around £7000 from the bookmakers. Ironically, Tom Oliver’s horse The Curate came second in the race. Hednesford had had its first National winner trained by Thomas Eskrett at his stables in Littleworth Road. For that reason Eskrett is remembered with a street name in Hednesford. One may have thought that with such a good early success in the race the area may have produced more winners, but it was not to be until the early twentieth century. (We had missed out on two winners, Emblem in 1860 and Emblematic in 1864, both trained by William Saunders at Hazel Slade, but taken away well before the race.) But more success was to come in the shape of Tom Coulthwaite, probably one of the finest horse trainers of all time, certainly in his day. The key to his prolific success was the fact that he realised every horse was different and so should be given a different training regime. Logical, we might think today, but quite Page 16 www.chasegazette.co.uk
revolutionary in his time. He had begun his sporting career in athletics in the North and so when he began training horses he simply applied the same principles. And it was to prove successful! His horses began to dominate steeplechase meetings and so naturally he turned his attention to the greatest steeplechase of them all. The first few entries fared well, but it was not until 1907 that Coulthwaite broke his duck with Eremon, ridden by Alf Newey. But it so nearly all went wrong for both horse and rider. At the second fence Newey broke a stirrup leather and had to concentrate on just remaining in the saddle for the rest of the race rather than guiding or helping his mount. To add to that pressure, Eremon was persistently hampered by a loose horse, Rathvale, during most of the circuit. Eventually Newey was able to shake off Rathvale and won the race by six lengths. Once racing experts discovered that Newey won the race without having complete control of his mount, some declared it ‘one of the finest feats of horsemanship in the history of race’ and all just wondered by how much the horse might have won if Newey had had full control. In 1910 Coulthwaite followed up that success by winning the race once again with Jenkinstown, ridden by Bob Chadwick. It had been thought that Newey would once again ride, but true to form, Coulthwaite chose whom he wanted and not who was most popular. With two other horses in the race, Jenkinstown was possibly Coulthwaite’s least likely to win (he had shown little form) but nevertheless Chadwick brought home first with three lengths to spare. Incidentally, both horses were owned by the same man, Mr Stanley Howard. Perhaps Coulthwaite’s greatest achievement was to win the race for a third time – a feat never before realised. In 1927 Mr Cecil Taylor purchased Grakle and sent it to Coulthwaite’s stables at Hazel Slade. What may not be known was that Taylor had set his heart on buying a horse called Gregalach, but was beaten at the auction by Mrs Gemmell and so bought Grakle instead. In 1929 his dream of winning the race seemed to collapse when Gregalach won the National, but Coulthwaite persevered with the supposedly inferior horse. In 1931 he was to be proved right when Grakle won the race with the fastest time then recorded; incidentally beating Gegalach into second place. Such was Coulthwaite’s feat that he received letters and telegrams of congratulations from all over the racing fraternity, including the Prince of Wales for whom he trained. That was to be our last victory in the Grand National and over the following decades horse training gradually declined mainly due to the lack of land on which to train, caused by the development of coal mining and the invention of the motor car. Author, Anthony Hunt
A triumphant Tom Coulthwaite leads in the winner Grakle
Painting of Chandler and Captain Josie Little
A signed photograph of Tom Coulthwaite and Eremon
Jenkinstown and Bob Chadwick
More can be discovered about this once proud history in Anthony Hunt’s book Hednesford’s Horse Racing History on sale at W H Smith’s and Waterstones or copies may be purchased from the author on 01543 422891
GazetteFeature
The Colliers Table Table Rugeley, Great meal deals in April
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he Colliers Table Table is a pub restaurant chain serving great value, delicious pub food with a modern twist. Whether meeting up with a group of friends, enjoying a family reunion or sharing an intimate dinner with someone special – the warm and friendly surroundings, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food give you all the ingredients to guarantee a great get together. From mouth-watering Gourmet Burgers and Grills, to Fish, Salads and Starters, from Puddings and Sundaes to hand carved Sunday Roasts, there’s something for everyone at Table Table. Visit www.tabletable.co.uk to find out more. The Colliers offer great value deals. Main meals are available during the day from just £4.99 Monday – Friday, to which guests can add a starter or dessert for £1.99. And now a weekday Evening Deals Menu offers two courses for just £9.99 and three courses for £11.99!
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GazetteFeature RUGELEY FIREPLACES
RUGELEY FIREPLACES Celebrating 25 years
Congratulations to Rugeley Fireplaces on their 25th Anniversary from Dimplex creators of the world’s best-selling, award-winning electric flame effect fires.
For more information, please visit www.dimplex.co.uk or call 0844 879 35 88
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t is unusual for businesses to be trading for one year these days, so it is nice to hear one success story here in the heart of our community. Rugeley Fireplaces opened at 41 Albion Street in February 1989 and Kath still works as part of the team today. Emma and Darren Chadbourne, have ensured that Rugeley Fireplaces has moved with the times. Back in 1989 brick (or briquette) fireplaces were all the rage, but are very much out of vogue these days with a wide choice of natural wood, marble and granite being much more popular. Marble and stone fireplaces are made to measure, and because every home and hearth is different, virtually every fire is made to order. Rugeley Fireplaces deal direct with the manufacturer because it eliminates any problems or delays, and ensures quality and service for the customer. Most manufacturers and suppliers are Staffordshire based. Rugeley Fireplaces supply gas, electric and solid fuel fires. They always use the same tried and trusted team of CORGI and HETAS registered installers. All building work is guaranteed and all work is undertaken to current guidelines and building regulations. Rugeley Fireplaces have assembled a whole network of quality craftsmen including chimney sweeps. This is the reason this business has remained successful with 70% of their work coming from referrals and repeat orders. Here is just one of the many testimonials: “Dear Emma I would like to thank you for the excellent service you have provided from choosing the right stove, to ensuring that I had a trouble free TOP QUALITY installation...I am delighted with the result. You should be very proud of your business and the service you provide. In particular your kind, helpful and efficient attitude to customer service. Thank you SO much! Kind regards, Margaret." Margaret Harvey, October 2013. Emma is very knowledgeable and all planning, flue options and prices are fully explained. For example, Linked-up systems for boiler stoves connected to the central heating in the home offers cost effectiveness and
GazetteFeature RUGELEY FIREPLACES
Faber Fire
Congratulations to Rugeley Fireplaces on their 25th Anniversary
From Montpellier Natural Stone
fuel efficiency. At Rugeley Fireplaces you will find Hunter, Parkray, Trianco or Yeoman boiler stoves all with a backboiler so you can use it to supplement your existing heating system, or to entirely run your heating and hot water. With a wealth of industry knowledge you know that Rugeley Fireplaces will only recommend what they consider to be first class products, so names like Aga, Jotul (main dealer for the area), Burley, Jetmaster, Stovax, Aronolds, BFM Europe and Gazco. There’s nothing quite like a fire to create a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. Dimplex, have a wide choice of solutions - whatever your individual needs. Electric Dimplex fires are highly regarded if electric is your preference. Cleanburn stoves have become so popular over the past eight years providing a cleaner burn and generating up to twice the heat output from the same amount of fuel. Faber are one of the leaders in Gas fireplace design and technology. Any quality branded product always represents good value for money. So if you are thinking about a new fire or fire surround make sure you visit Rugeley Fireplaces first and see a superb choice. No need to trawl the internet when you can get peace of mind and great advice from the local experts. Chimney Sweep Services
SAFEHEAT
Rugeley Fireplaces can be found at Service Area 10. 41 Albion Street, (large car parks opposite front and back), Rugeley, WS15 2BY. Phone:01889 574022. Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm www.facebook. com/rugeleyfireplaces
are pleased to be associated with Rugeley Fireplaces and offer many congratulations.
Email: info@safeheatchimneysweeps.co.uk Tel: 01283 760 992 Mob: 07775 674 531
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GazetteFeature
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Florabella Collection, elegant feminine jewellery for Spring 2014
ward winning jewellery designer, Sarah Ho, has an elegant feminine charm that is reflected in her jewellery. Her latest Florabella Collection is now available at City Jewellers, Lichfield.
designs that will stand the test of time. The vision is to create fine jewellery that will be as stylish and cherished today as it will be treasured for years to come.
Each collection Sarah designs has a story to tell and City Jewellers has carefully selected beautiful pieces from the latest Florabella Collection.
Florabella Bluebell Pearl Set
Celebrities are loving the Florabella collection with Kimberley Walsh, Jacqueline Jossa & Shone McGarty (Eastenders) and actress Michelle Collins all recently seen wearing pieces from the Florabella Collection.
Sarah also has 18 carat gold collections that have been a celebrity hit on the red carpet with Jourdan Dunn, Nicole Scherzinger and Portia Freeman to name a few.
Sarah also offers a bespoke design service where she works closely with clients to develop and design the perfect piece of jewellery that is individually handmade by expert craftsmen to the highest standards. Here Sarah can empathise with the customers’ own life chapters, taking elements to paint a portrait so each piece is significant and personal to them.
Information on Sarah Ho and her other collections is available at www.shojewellery.com.
Sarah Ho designing
Fascinated by the passion for jewellery worn by her stylish grandmother and iconic 70’s fashion model mother, along with her eminent family heritage, Sarah has created a beautiful fine jewellery portfolio that reflects the different milestones in her life. Each collection is a new chapter, a story told through beautiful gemstones and precious metals creating stylish jewellery designs with an everlasting elegance. Delicate fine lines and intricate lacework are Sarah’s signature features.
Visit City Jewellers to see the beautiful display of the Florabella Collection.
Florabella Large Necklace, smoky quartz, white topaz, rhodolite, pink pearls
Florabella prices range from £100 - £850.
The inspiration for this collection comes from the English country garden and the freedom of the countryside which were memorable for Sarah when she moved to the UK from Macau as a child. Memories of
“Writers have words to express themselves, my story is told through my jewellery.” explains Sarah Ho. The brand takes a modern approach to create
Florabella Bella Rings, silver and rose vermeil
bluebells, daisies and buttercups reflect happy childhood days. Daisies symbolise childhood innocence, bluebells humility and buttercups childishness. The name Florabella has links to the Roman Goddess of Flowers too.
Florabella Bella Necklace rose vermeil Page 20 www.chasegazette.co.uk
The Florabella Collection is made in silver and silver with 18ct rose vermeil in line with current trends. Added colour comes from the beautiful gemstones - smoky quartz, rhodolite, white topaz and pink pearls.
Florabella Cuff, rose gold vermeil smoky quartz, white topaz, rhodolite, pink pearls
Florabella jewellery collection inspired by the English country garden by:-
GazetteNews
Museums at Night 2014 Events in Staffordshire M
useums at Night, the annual night-time festival of arts, heritage and culture, will take place this year over the weekend of Thursday May 15 – Saturday May 17, 2014. Over three nights, hundreds of museums, galleries and historic spaces all over the UK will open up late and put on a dazzling array of special night-time events: from unique literary talks in castles to star gazing in historic houses; sleepovers in palaces to city-wide culture crawls; bands playing in amongst museum exhibits to science fiction life drawing in galleries. The Museums at Night festival offers the chance to experience culture and heritage in a totally unexpected way. Museums at Night events include: Museum of Cannock Chase, Cannock: Treasure! Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard. Listen to stories, create Anglo-Saxon crafts and discover the hoard found here in Staffordshire. The Staffordshire Hoard exhibition will be open to view, whilst there are themed activities for all of the family to join in with throughout the evening. Events are being added on a daily basis but full listings for Museums at Night can be found at www.museumsatnight.org.uk. For up to the minute news on Twitter follow @MuseumsatNight #MatN2014
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County-wide campaign to help protect the vulnerable
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j o i n t initiative between Staffordshire Police and N H S pharmacies has been rolled out across the county to help deliver crime prevention advice to the most vulnerable. The partnership was initially piloted last December as officers from Stoke-on-Trent South Local Policing Team (LPT) teamed up with Co op Pharmacies to deliver the crime prevention message.But the scheme has proved so successful it’s recently been rolled out to all pharmacies (approximately 250) across Staffordshire thanks to the support of NHS England. PC Russ Elliott, based at Longton, spearheaded the initiative after coming up with the innovative idea to ask the Co op Pharmacy to distribute warning leaflets about ‘bogus officials and distraction burglars’ with their prescription deliveries. At a time of year when the nights are darker and longer, those living alone can often be isolated and more vulnerable of falling victim to distraction-type incidents and bogus officials who will trick their way into their victim’s homes. Now PC Elliott is supporting the campaign as it has been delivered by all pharmacies from March 3. He said: “I’m delighted that this is now taking off across the rest of Staffordshire and together with our NHS partners we are able to get the crime prevention message out there to our most vulnerable and hard-toreach communities. “Sadly, criminals will target those who are vulnerable through disability, or illness, and as they are often unable to leave their home it is really hard for us to get our warning messages to them. “Through partnership working we are able to offer appropriate help and advice to even more people than before.” Brigid Stacey, Director of Nursing & Quality for NHS England in Shropshire and Staffordshire, said: “We were really pleased to be approached by Staffordshire Police about this campaign. If vulnerable people are victims of crime, it can have an adverse effect on their health. “Pharmacies play a vital and trusted role in our local communities. It’s really valuable that as well as providing lifestyle advice and prescriptions, they can help Staffordshire Police to get the message out about crime prevention.”
GazetteFeature
DURING 2013 a clear trend emerged within the bathroom industry as more and more customers chose to remove their bath in favour of a large shower enclosure.
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or some customers this decision is made purely for aesthetic reasons. For many though, the decision to install a shower enclosure is made with safety and security firmly in mind. When asked to comment, Paul Clowes, Senior Design/Sales Consultant at Norton Bathrooms told us: “We understand that for many of our elderly, disabled or limited mobility customers, the refurbishment of their bathroom can be particularly stressful, as the decision to carry out the changes to their bathroom is often made out of necessity rather than through choice.” The biggest concern for most customers in this situation is that they will be replacing their luxurious and stylish bathroom with a drab and clinical one, as is seen in many public toilets and NHS bathrooms. Quite frankly, this need not be the case. In February, Norton Bathrooms, established 40 years ago, based in Norton Canes near Cannock,
unveiled its new ‘Limited Mobility’ display bay. The bay, one of 90 within the Midland’s largest independent showroom will feature high quality products from luxury and contemporary manufacturers such as Keuco. Although stylish and design led, the ‘Limited Mobility’ bay does not compromise when it comes to security and safety. Steve Mottram, the Senior Design/Sales Consultant who designed the suite commented: “Although each product within the bay adds to the style and design of the overall look, the main reason for their inclusion is obviously to provide extra support and assistance. This suite is about making life more comfortable and most importantly, safer.”
Buyers beware - sadly, it seems that the biggest danger for those looking to install a safe and secure bathroom is the potential to run into a less than reputable company. Alison Mennell, Managing Director at Norton Bathrooms, has been shocked at the number of customers coming to her having had
a bad experience. “We’ve now had several customers visit us after bad experiences with companies advertising in the national press. One customer, Mr Lilley, required the help of his son to evict a high pressure sales-person from his house. Luckily, we were able to assist them in installing a safe, secure and accessible bathroom for his wife.” Commenting on his experience at Norton Bathrooms Mr Lilley said: “Great service from the start to the end of the job. I enquired about products and within nine days the bath was removed and replaced with a brand new shower unit. Paul, Terry and Alison were most helpful in selecting the right product. They could not have been more helpful and were a delight to liaise with and work through the various options with.”
Call Norton Bathrooms today on 01543 270 800 to discuss how they can help you with your bathroom project.
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Rugeley Arts, Crafts and Farmer’s Market
he Chase Gazette was out and about in Rugeley town centre on Saturday 22nd February. Lots of shoppers were taking advantage of the sunny weather to browse around the new Rugeley Arts, Crafts and Farmers Market. Susan Pettit is a Rugeley resident who organises the market and also runs www.selltoearn.com a website that specialises in offering support to local market traders. She commented: “This is the start of exciting times for Rugeley. The Market bought many people into the town, both locals and new faces. Aidan Burley MP also came along to show his support to the Market.
“The Market needs time to grow, hopefully with everybody's support we can create a really special day for Rugeley. Next market day, I will have children’s rides and face painting in Brook Square. There will be a few more traders joining us, and a few more Narrow Boats on the canal.
“I have listened to the locals and they all want more traders, more boats and more signs leading people into the town and also to the canal. I am doing my very best to ensure this happens. Now we have the first market day in the bag, visitors and traders alike can see that this market could really help with the town’s growth.
“The Traders who took that leap of faith and came to a new market, not knowing if it would a profitable day, I thank you one and all. They all did really well, with many selling out by midday. They have promised to bring more stock for the 22nd March.” The market takes place every fourth Saturday of the month from 9am, and the next market will be on the 22nd March. For further details go to www.selltoearn.com or visit their Facebook page Sell to Earn.
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GazetteFeature
Aidan Burley MPat the Market
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GazetteNews
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A new era begins with the arrival of the bicycle A
GazetteNews
By Michael Hewitt of the Cannock Conduit Trust
s roads improved under the ‘Local Board’ it had the effect of encouraging people to do a lot of cycling. In 1891 solid rubber tyres, known as 'bone shakers' were replaced with inflatable ones. This, combined with more affordable bicycle prices also increased its popularity. Unlike horses (that had to be fed, groomed and stabled) the upkeep of the bicycle was less expensive. Though the first cycle club, named 'The Cannock Rovers', was formed in May 1879, it only allowed male membership and they had to have lessons to reach the required riding standard. A few years later, on the evening of Tuesday 24th May 1892, a newly formed cycle club (which allowed lady members as well as men) set out on its first run. Pictured from left to right are, Bernard Gilpin jnr. (of Longford House) Kitty Vernon, Staveley Hill, Mabel Simpson and Mary Vernon all of whom were typical examples of the type of member involved. The local Advertiser reported that under the supervision of volunteer fireman Mr. Harvey, who was also a keen gymnast, nearly 40 cyclists, on their 'iron steeds', left their headquarters at The Crown Hotel in Market Place, Cannock and headed for the village of Penkridge. The report of their journey stated: ‘After a brief halt they set back in the direction of the Watling Street and visited the Spread Eagle, the Four Crosses and Longford. From then they proceeded up the Wolverhampton Road to home. The effect was very nice as they wheeled into Cannock, but the cyclists were very dusty (due to a dry spring). During their return at the Four Crosses they were reminded by the locals of a poem about the district said to have been scratched on one of the windows by the witty Dean Swift.' There are various versions of what was written and this is just one of them: ‘Thou fool! to hang four crosses at thy door – hang up thou wife – thee needs not any more.’ Though this poem cannot be ratified, if it was written by ‘Dean Swift’, he is better known to us as Jonathon Swift (1667 to 1745) who wrote 'Gulliver's Travels' in 1726 and was Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. The dress code used by the cyclists, particularly the ladies, was a symbol of the times. They were known as 'The New Women' because they wore what men called a shirt front with headgear called boaters and jackets accompanied by long skirts containing weighted hems 'to avoid the embarrassment of showing an ankle on windy days!' By 1893 a favourite cycle shop was that of Mr LeCourteur of Hednesford. His business was so successful that he decided to design and manufacture his own models, bringing more employment to the town from as far afield as Shropshire. In December 1893 he exhibited his new models at The Stanley Exhibition at The Crystal Palace in London under the name of ‘The Cannock Chase Cycle Company’. He continued with his business until the beginning of 1900.
Ladies and Gentlemen prepare to take to the road on their ‘Iron Steeds’ Mathew Davis, Neil Deakin.
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Clare's Law
GazetteNews
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comes to Staffordshire Helping you stay safe
scheme that will give people the right to ask and the right to know about a partner’s previous history of domestic abuse or violent
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acts has been rolled out to Staffordshire and came into effect on Saturday 8th March 2014. The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also
known as ‘Clare’s Law’, has been piloted by four forces. The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend George Appleton at her Salford home in February 2009. She was unaware of his domestic abuse history with other women. Following her death her family campaigned for a change in the law to support actual, and potential, victims of domestic violence. A disclosure about someone’s previous domestic abuse offending is aimed at preventing and protecting potential victims. It will help people make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship, and provides further help and support to assist people making that choice. A panel, made up of police, probation services and other agencies, will thoroughly check requests to ensure information is only passed on where it is lawful, proportionate and necessary. People who have concerns about being harmed by their partner can make an application by ringing 101. The scheme also allows a third party, such as a parent, neighbour or friend, to apply if they have concerns about someone’s welfare. A third party would not directly be told but the person at risk would be. Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said: “Domestic abuse shatters lives. It can not only affect the victim but any children living with them and the wider family. “Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off and tends to escalate in frequency and severity over time. Victims often blame themselves and can make excuses about the offender’s behaviour. This new scheme allows people the choice to get out of a potential abusive situation.” Mr Cunningham continued: “Staffordshire Police takes every reported incident of domestic abuse extremely seriously. We are determined to ensure that victims, and those affected by abuse, are supported and safeguarded and that offenders face the consequences of their actions. “This initiative can help people who are concerned about this type of crime to feel reassured that they don’t have to suffer and help is available. “Nationally up to one in four women and one in six men are affected by one of the many forms of domestic abuse during their lifetime. It is often a hidden crime because victims are so fearful of reporting what is happening to them and may not confide to family or friends. “Domestic abuse is never OK. Men and women can be victims but it is an offence that affects more than those direct victims. It affects children, wider families and friends. Offenders should challenge their own behaviour, understand it and seek help and support to stop a cycle of abuse that is totally unacceptable. There is no excuse that is acceptable. “We know that domestic abuse is significantly under-reported and so we want to encourage victims to have the confidence to come forward and report it so we can help.”
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GazetteFeature
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Rising Brook, Rugeley
hanks again to the Landor Society for these photographs of Rising Brook and the accompanying story of the flood of 1845. Rising Brook (which flows from Cannock Chase through Rugeley under the canal, joining the Trent near Five Arches) was very important to Rugeley’s industrial past. It fed at least seven watermills used for the iron industry, corn grinding and the old leather-mill. It has on many occasions flooded the centre of Rugeley. One such incident was on 5th August 1845 when the dam of Furnace Pool gave way, followed successively by the dams of five other pools. As it passed through Hagley Park it presented a truly terrific appearance: “the torrent pursued its impetuous course down the principal street, spreading dismay among the inhabitants and doing a great amount of damage.” The water reached four to six feet deep in the street and hundreds took refuge around the Maypole (near the present Globe Island) which was on higher ground. The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley and its surrounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and was named in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local and county historian, who became the Society’s first President. More information is available at www.landorlocalhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk
Horns Pool at Slitting Mill
Sants Brook (the section near the Pumping Station) in 1985
One of the bridges over the brook in the grounds of Hagley Hall in the mid 1980’s The Waterfall C1900 Page 32 www.chasegazette.co.uk
N.B. These photos follow Rising Brook downstream.
GazetteFeature
Elmore Park
Brook Square in 2008 showing the culvert which had been damaged by a heavy vehicle.
The rear of Brook House in the 1980’s, before the current board walk was built.
The Elmore Lane Bridge in 1981. The Mill Pond was behind the brick wall. Page 33
GazetteNews
Youngsters encouraged to take part in Easter Art competition Bescot Promotions has joined forces with Cannock Chase Council to launch an Easter art competition for youngsters living in the Cannock area.
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welve lucky youngsters will have the chance to win a very special Easter egg or an Easter goody bag to share with their family and friends. To be in with a chance of winning, children simply need to draw a picture based on what Easter means to them. Entries should be posted to: Market Office, Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, PO Box 28, Beecroft Road, Cannock, WS11 1BG. The deadline for entries is Friday 4 April 2014. The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. The artwork of both winners and runners up will be displayed in Cannock Town Centre in the lead up to Easter. For a full copy of the competition rules, visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk Tony Griffiths, Steve Evans, Councillor Diane Todd and Steve Cox.
Funding available for Cannock Groups from Conduit Trust
The Cannock Conduit Trust will be holding a meeting in early May to discuss applications for funding from organisations within the area of Cannock. The Trust has funds available for groups, and anyone wishing to apply can get further information from the Trust Secretary Mrs Sue Edgington on Cannock (01543 505752) or by writing to Mrs Edgington at 146 Hednesford Road, Cannock, WS11 5BS.
St Paul’s Methodist/United Reformed Church Lichfield Street, Rugeley
A LENT COURSE FOR 2014 - FINDING A VOICE BASED ON THE FILM ‘THE KING’S SPEECH’
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS IN ST. PAUL’S CHURCH 2.30—4PM ON MARCH 19, 26 & APRIL 2, 9, 16 Sign up to book your place or call 01889 579453
Reproduced by kind permission of the Brereton and Rugeley Links Newsletter. Page 34 www.chasegazette.co.uk
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Monument for miners in Rugeley commissioned
annock Chase Council has commissioned an artist to produce four sculptured figures to commemorate miners who were killed underground at Brereton and Lea Hall Collieries. The Rugeley memorial will consist of four nine foot high sculptures made from concrete resin weighing between 1500kg to 2000kg, of miners in various positions, which will be located on the Globe Island. It will take at least eighteen months to create the figures at a cost of £55,000. Councillor Diane Todd, Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration said: “The scheme is a public sculpture to commemorate approximately 80 miners who lost their lives down the pits. The Memorial Society have engaged sculptor Andy De Comyn who also produced the ’Shot at Dawn’ memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. This memorial is an important part of Rugeley’s heritage and I am looking forward to seeing the final results.” Funding was requested from the Council by Lea Hall and Brereton Collieries Memorial Society who presented proposals to erect a monument for miners at a meeting of the Town Centre Regeneration Committee back in December 2011. Recommendations for funding were submitted to Cabinet in January 2012 for consideration and £68,000 was approved in June 2012 as part of the Town Centre Improvement Fund. The Memorial Society undertook an extensive consultation during 2012 where overall the public response was strongly in favour of the memorial and the Globe Island as its location. Andy De Comyn, Artist Sculptor commented: “It is an honour and a privilege to be able to design and build a sculpture that commemorates such a fundamental part of Rugeley’s heritage.”
Get Beautiful in time for your Big Day this 2014
GazetteWoman
Here, highly experienced facial therapist Amanda Elias gives us her tops tips for radiant bridal skin.
• If you suffer with blackheads or hormonal spots on your chin, try using a salicylic acid product daily. This will help to exfoliating the skin and clear out the pores, salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect so it’s great for spots that can also become inflamed.
many people swear by its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties that helps to brighten the skin and reduce acne.
• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about redness left over from acne; a short course of hydrocortisone can dramatically help to reduce discolouration.
• Make-up sits better on exfoliated skin, using a cleanser that contains AHA’s daily can help to remove the dead skin so that your foundation lasts longer on the big day.
• Do you suffer with red spots accompanied by rough skin on your upper arms and thighs? This is a condition called Keratosis Pallaris and although not curable, it can be kept under control by using a moisturiser containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid daily.
• There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands on your big day, to keep your hands and nails in peak condition, massage sweet almond oil in to your hands and nails daily, a month before the wedding. By your big day your nails will be stronger and your hands will be supper soft. If your hands tend to be flaky, mix a little olive oil and sugar, gently massage in to your hands, wash away and then apply your sweet almond oil.
• Don’t forget your lips, wear a good quality lip balm and re-apply regularly throughout the day, especially before bed. Do this for at least a week before your wedding and your lips will be super soft and ready to kiss!
• Stress can cause breakouts and the run up to your wedding can be an extremely stressful time. Download a meditation app or get a CD and meditate daily to try and keep your stress levels under control. Yoga can also help to calm the mind and balance the body, as well as improve the figure!
• Want to lose a few pounds before your wedding? Ensure that you use a nourishing moisturiser all over your body daily; weight fluctuations can cause stretch marks so it’s important to keep the skin well nourishedlook out for ingredients such as Vitamin E.
• If you are dieting remember to take a good multivitamin supplement. You may well have lost weight, but if you aren’t having the correct amount of nutrients that your body needs, your hair, skin and nails will be compromised. Omega oils are also great for your skin and body.
• Drink Green Tea daily, not only can this help with weight loss alongside a good diet and exercise, but Page 35
Classics& History GazetteWoman
The trench has been with us now, in one incarnation or another for over 100 years. Both Aquascutum and Burberry claim to have come up with the original design, and Thomas Burberry definitely invented ‘gabardine’, the light but warm tartan like material often used to line a trench.
In 1901 Aquascutum submitted a patent to the UK War Office for an officer’s coat, and between the two the trench was born. It was worn exclusively by officers during WWI who had to purchase it from their own funds. The shoulder straps on a trench coat were originally designed to hold epaulettes or insignia, and the D rings found on straps were for suspending equipment, even possibly hand grenades!
When veterans returned from the front, they brought back their trench coats. Their less military worth was immediately spotted by both men and women, and they’ve been with us ever since. As perennial as the umbrella, a good trench coat is a real thing of beauty.
The trench coat is a staple of the English summertime wardrobe. They’re not showy or ostentatious, but add panache to business suits, tea dresses and jeans. When the weather forecast predicts sunshine and showers, it’s time to reach for a trench.
M&S Collection Pure Cotton Trench £245 – available from Marks and Spencer Warehouse AB Clean Trench £65 – available from Debenhams
Here’s a selection of some of the best available on the High Street.
M&S Collection Cotton Rich Belted Trench £95 – available from Marks and Spencer Barbour Tartan Trench Coat £230 – available from ASOS
Page 36 www.chasegazette.co.uk
Hobbs Abby Trench Coat in bronze £199 – available from John Lewis
Stockists www.asos.com www.marksandspencer.com www.johnlewis.com www.debenhams.com
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Race for Life
GazetteWoman
n Tuesday 8th July at 7.30pm a 5k ‘Race for Life’ will be taking place at Stafford County Showground in aid of Cancer Research UK. Walk or dance your way through the course and say "cancer we're coming to get you." Adult entry (16+ women-only) - £14.99 Child entry (6-15 girls and boys under 13) - £10 Under 6 entry (boys and girls) - free and no registration needed
You and your friends can also take part by volunteering. Events can't take place without the hundreds of people who give up their time for a few hours to set up the courses and get everyone in the Race for Life mood.
The course runs around the showground, past the parade rings and the buildings at the venue. The route takes in the grassed areas to the side of the showground. The course is on a mixture of terrains, and is fairly flat. The event is wheelchair friendly however assistance will be needed due to the grassed areas on the course. The start line is next to Bingley Hall, close to the pedestrian entrance to the venue.
Don’t forget to bring your family and friends along to support you. There will be a spectator cheering point on the course, face painters and other activities within the event.
Stafford County Showground can be found at Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire. ST18 0BD
For more information go to raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org. Image raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
Competition winners Boots Mother’s Day Competition
Congratulations to Mrs Lynette Knight of Winchester Close, Handsacre, winner of the Soap and Glory Gift Set.
Fragile Boundaries Competition
Congratulations to Ms Michelle Quinlivan of Main Street, Alrewas, Mrs Sarah Phelps of Hillside, Lichfield and Mr Peter Ross of Shirehall Place, Cannock, all winners of a signed copy of Fragile Boundaries by Johhny Leavesley.
Body Shop Competition
Congratulations to Ms Kelly Neville of Melrose Drive, Hednesford, winner of a Body Shop Vitamin E gift set.
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GazetteWhats on
The MASE Group
Monthly Alzheimer’s Support Evening
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he MASE is an opportunity for people with Alzheimer's / Dementia, their Carers, families and friends, to meet and socialise with others in a similar situation.
New MASE Drop in 1:30 - 3:00 St Luke Church Hall, Cannock WS11 1DE. 1st Monday afternoon of the month Great Wyrley - Old Wyrley Hall WS15 2EH. 1st Monday of the month from 7pm - 9pm Haughton Village Hall ST18 9EZ 2nd Thursday of the month 7pm 9pm Rugeley - St Joseph's Church Hall WS15 2EH
3rd Wednesday of the month 7pm 9pm. The evenings are free of charge, and include drinks, buffet, raffle, & musical entertainment. For more information please contact:Daphne (01785) 211140 or Elaine (01785) 823110 Registered Charity No: 1137193 www.themasegroup.com Reproduced by kind permission of the Brereton and Rugeley Links Newsletter.
You are invited to a concert by Breeze & Wilson
Thursday 20th March at 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm Mansefield House, Market Street, Rugeley. Tickets £5. All proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support Reproduced by kind permission of the Brereton and Rugeley Links Newsletter.
Local lads bring Superbowl to Staffordshire
Image www.breezeandwilson.com
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wo Staffordshire teenagers are flying high in the rough, tough world of American football. The pair of wouldbe Superbowlers have been picked to play for the Great Britain under-19 team and have come away with victory from their first game. Best friends Alistair Willcox, 19, from Brereton and Leo Chuck, also 19 from Whittington, who is now living in Bloxwich, went through a long and gruelling selection process including multiple trials and a Alistair Willcox and selection camp before making the national Leo Chuck. team. In their first national game at the Gateshead Stadium in Newcastle against The Netherlands under-19s, Great Britain Lions ran out 28 – 14 winners. Both youngsters played rugby for Lichfield, starting as under-10s and progressing to the adult game. They both developed an interest in American football and play for Tamworth Phoenix. “We both love American football. It probably stems from our love of rugby, from which American football originally developed. It’s a great honour to be picked for the Great Britain team and we hope to progress further in the game,” said Alistair, a former pupil of Hagley Park Sports College in Rugeley and King Edward VI School in Lichfield. Alistair now studies broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University. Leo works for Rugeley-based Kribensis Leisure Contracts, a specialist hotel, restaurant and bar construction company. Page 38 www.chasegazette.co.uk
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What’s On at your Local Library
elow you’ll find a selection of events on at your local library in March, please contact your library for a full events schedule.
What’s On at Cannock Library Thursday 13th, 20th, 27th March, 10:30am—11am. Baby Bounce and Rhyme Free Event,Saturday 22nd March, 10am—12 noon. Lego Stay and Play. Free event. Saturday 22nd March, 10am—12 noon or 1pm –3pm. Paper Craft Taster for Adults. Free event suitable for ages 19+. Booking is essential. Please contact Jane Rodd for more information. 01543 370737. Thursday 27th March, 5:45pm-6:45pm (meets the last Thursday of every month). Mammoth Cheese Cannock Library Reading Group. Free. Contact Cannock Library on 01543 510367 for further details. What’s On at Brereton Library Thursday 13th and 20th March, 9am –12 noon. Coffee Morning. Free event, drop in. Monday 17th and 31st March, 2:15pm—2:45pm, Story time for under 5’s. Free event, drop in. Contact Brereton Library on 01889 256605 for further details. What’s On at Heath Hayes Library Thursday 13th, 20th, 27th March, 10am-1pm. Knit and Natter. Free event. Thursday 13th, 20th, 27th March, 2:30pm – 4pm. Play and Stay Suitable for children aged 0-5, drop in no booking necessary £1 first child, 50p siblings. Monday 17th, 24th, 31st March 11:30am -12:50pm. Chatter Box. Play and stay type event suitable for 2-4 year olds. Drop in, no booking necessary £1 first child, 50p siblings. Monday 17th March 11am—3pm (meets monthly, 3rd Monday of every month) Blind Association Meeting Free event. Monday 17th, 24th, 31st March 7pm-9pm, Heath Hayes Arts Society .Please contact the library for more information. Saturday 22nd March 10am –12 noon Decoupage Craft Workshop .Free event. Saturday 29th March 10:30—11:30 Councillors Surgery Free event. Drop in Contact Heath Hayes Library on 01543 279765 for further details. What’s On at Hednesford Library Saturday March 1st 10am –11am Councillors Surgery. Free Event. Drop in. Monday 3rd March, 2pm - 3pm, Reading Group (meets once monthly). Free event, Friday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th March 10:45am—11:15am. Baby Bounce and Rhyme. Free event, drop in, suitable for under 5’s. Wednesday 12th March 1:30 –3:30pm Adult Decoupage Craft. Free event. What’s On at Norton Canes Thursday 13th March 11am –12 noon. Health Coffee Morning Drop in Free event. Try a healthy drink and a snack. Use a library computer to complete the NHS Choices Module for a chance to win a £50 Waitrose Hamper. Thursday 13th, 20th, 27th March 1pm—3pm Card Club (run by Norton Canes Partnership, please contact the group re charges). Thursday 13th, 20th, 27th March 3:30pm—6pm Youth Service Homework Club Free Event, drop in suitable for 11– 16 year olds. Friday 14th, 21st, 28th March 9:30am –10am Baby Bounce and Rhyme Free event, drop in, suitable for under 4s. Saturday 15th March 9:30—12:30 Warhammer Group. Free event. drop in (aged 12+). Tuesday 18th March 10am—12 noon or 1pm—3pm Paper Craft Taster Free event suitable for ages 19+ . Booking is essential. Please contact Jane Rodd for more information on 01543 370737. Tuesday 18th, 25th March 1pm—4pm, Knit and Natter. Free. Thursday 20th March, 10am –12 noon, Historical Society Coffee Morning. Free event Saturday 29th March 11am—12 noon Reading Group Free event Contact Norton Canes Library on 01543 279592 for further details. What’s On at Rugeley Library Friday 14th, 21st, 28th March 10am—10:45am Craft Caterpillars Tots Group. Free Craft session for 2-5 year olds (younger siblings welcome). Drop in, no booking required. Friday 14th, 21st March 1pm– 3pm Rebecca Peach Knitting Workshop. Free, but booking is required. Monday 17th, 24th, 31st March 10am—10:30am. Baby Bounce and Rhyme. Free event suitable for babies and toddlers under 5. Tuesday 18th, 25th March 11am-1pm. ACL Online Basics Course. Free 6 week course. Booking is essential, please contact the library to book a place. Friday 21st March 11am –12 noon Health Coffee Morning Drop in free event. Try a healthy drink and a snack. Use a library computer to complete the NHS Choices Module for a chance to win a £50 Waitrose Hamper. Thursday 27th March 10:30 –12 noon. Coffee Morning. Free Event. Feel free to drop in. Friday 28th March 10:30 –12 noon. Reading Café one week forward. Free event. New members welcome please contact the library for more information. Contact Rugeley Library on 01889 256010 for further details. If you have any What’s On please send it to the editor at gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk
GazetteClassified
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Calling all domestic tradespeople and service providers! Do you have gaps in your diary that need to be filled? Would you prefer to work for clients on your doorstep rather than travelling all over the county?
Are you looking for advertising opportunities to grow your business? If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions then maybe the Chase Gazette is just what you’re looking for?
Covering 15,000 homes in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford, the Chase Gazette can provide you with affordable advertising to your local domestic market – and we’ll even design your advert at no extra cost!
Contact one of our sales team to discuss your advertising requirements or check out our website at www.chasegazette.co.uk to find out more. Page 39