Chase mGazette May 2014

CANNOCK • RUGELEY • HEDNESFORD

MAY 2014 ISSUE 8

A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE CANNOCK CHASE AREA

COLLIS

Est. 1957 8’ X 4’ 3/4 CDX PLYWOOD £19.99 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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CONTENTS

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

20 Bird’s - eye view of Rugeley Fascinating pictures of Rugeley Town Centre over the past century.

24 Stafford’s final femal hanging

By Anthony Hunt.

28 Animal Zone and Farm Welcome to the Animal Zone and Farm.

34 Win a sweet treat Win a box of Thorntons Truffles.

36 Gazette Woman Maternity fashion.

36

20

Enjoying the heat-lamp

Contact the Gazette see page 38 Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk

28

06 34

CONTRIBUTORS • Caz Jones

• Joss Musgrove Knibb • Michael Hewitt

• The Landor Society

• Anthony Hunt

Letter Editor A

from the

“Dad, what did kids do before the internet?”

It was all so different then, because we did not feel the same compulsion to be constantly up-to-date with the latest fads. When I was a child using a telephone usually meant walking to the nearest telephone box. Television was black and white and there was only about one hour of children's programming per evening. On the other hand, most people watched the same programme which gave us a common basis for a conversation.

There were newspapers, magazines, children's comic books (to read and swap) as well as lots of popular fiction. People sometimes even went to the library once a week!

We played outdoors until it grew dark, even in the winter months. We knew the limits of our territory and parents did not worry about what we were up to. There were still bits of rough ground where they hadn't "put up a parking lot" to coin a phrase. As a teenager we bought the latest 45rpm discs, or if you were poor you saved until Woolworths brought out the poorly re-mastered compilation Long Player.

The Cinema had a thirty-foot flat screen, the Children's Matinee on a Saturday still lingered, but more important were the latest Hollywood or Elstree Studio productions. Britain still had a big film industry.

Young couples valued having somewhere to go of an evening, away from parents and annoying siblings. Few working youngsters had a room to themselves let alone a television set.

Many of the populace got involved in some kind of sporting activity, including lawn bowls for the elderly, to sporting clubs and societies, and youth clubs. Youth clubs were where the vicar and his son kept warring youths from punching each other as we played table tennis.

Dance halls, like the Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford, were another popular entertainment. If you had a little money you could hang out in a café or pub, never a cyber-café.

I can remember when Bing was a crooner, Apache was in the Westerns and a Tweet was strictly for the birds. Oh, and your mother would stand in a Gateway and give her Impression of your new girlfriend.

Unlike so much of modern life it was not about passively watching things, we actually did things and consequently were much more active and fitter than many young people today, allegedly.

Regards, Paul Oakley

David Riley

May 2014 Issue 8 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.

A limited number of the Chase Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from our office.

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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 ~ ÂŁ14.95; 3 Courses ~ ÂŁ19.95 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

Page 6 www.chasegazette.co.uk

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 Monday 5 May 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 P J Williamson of Hillside Close, Brereton who spotted Chase the Dog on page 22 of the April magazine.

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CGMAY14

Sitting Pretty with Ralvern

Ralvern Ltd are manufacturers of high quality custom made bespoke sofas, settees, chairs, chaise longue and rise-and-recliners. Since 1946, the company has been creating upholstered furniture that are true works of art, by methods that ensure not just extraordinary levels of comfort and style, but durability and longevity.

Ralvern Upholstery is run by Simon and Chris Edwards.

Simon commented: “I get a real buzz from seeing the delight on our customer’s faces when their suite is delivered. Our customers are our most important asset and we truly love what we do.”

All Ralvern upholstered furniture is made at their showrooms and atelier workshops in Cannock. When you step through the doors you are surrounded by utterly gorgeous furniture, from traditional country-vintage and high-end glamour to casual-chic and cutting-edgecontemporary pieces, every sofa, chair and chaise longue is a work of art, quite literally.

Ralvern has a selection of styles in its brochures for customers to choose from, that can be covered in your own selection of fabrics. If you see something that you like, but need the design to be adapted to you (maybe you are tall and need a longer seat or maybe you would like a three-seater rather than two) no adaptation is a problem and it all comes in the price. Ralvern furniture combines the convenient delivery time (from 8 – 10 weeks from order) of a bulk-buying high street retailer with the style, panache and quality of a boutique craftsman.

Alternatively, if you have an idea of the kind of sofa, chair or window seat that you need, but can’t find exactly the right piece to fit, just come in and chat to Simon who will create a sketch from your description to exactly suit your home.

All Ralvern furniture frames are made of a hard wood, laminated and veneered to give it high tensile strength.

This beautiful wood is shaped, planed and crafted in the on-site woodworking shop.

Sitting on a Ralvern sofa or chair is like floating on air, seriously reducing pressure on the back. How do they achieve this? In the base of the chair each Ralvern piece has a set of sturdy traditional springs set into the frame.

This is what the padded seat sits on, which distributes your weight down into the base of the sofa, providing serious comfort with excellent support (there’s no wallowing about or difficulty getting up).

Everywhere you look there are signs of bespoke ateliermade quality. Buttoning, piping and folding are all finished by hand. These are heirloom pieces at a fraction of the cost of other similar items.

There are many different fabrics to choose from, and the colour ranges have the kind of subtlety that means that

you can match that exact duck egg or forgetme-not blue that you’ve been looking for. From brocades to silks, fine-grain leathers and linens to velvets and much more, the Ralvern ranges are as beautiful as they are hardwearing.

Upholstery routinely lasts 15 years of hard wear, and when you’re ready to replace your upholstery, just drop in and your sofa can be remade as new, using your original frame. Buying Ralvern gives you the extraordinary craftsmanship of the past combined with contemporary materials and eye for design. This company was established in 1946 by Simon and Chris Edwards’ great-grandfather and has always been ahead of the crowd. In 1981 they adopted the use of only the highest standard of fire retardant materials, eight years before their use came into law.

One of the things that you notice as soon as you enter the shop is the subtle smell of freshly cut hardwood that hangs in the air.

There’s no odour of chemical foams and dyes that you get in most high-street furniture retailers.

In addition, Ralvern offer a complete reupholstery service on any item, not just their own. Got a Victorian chair that needs a new horsehair filling? No problem, from traditional methods to contemporary innovation, Ralvern can handle the lot.

For an informal chat about your new suite, or just for a look around drop in to their showroom at Unit 19, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock WS11 7XN. For more information call 01543 505539 or go to www.ralvernupholstery.co.uk where you can take a virtual tour of the showroom and workshops.

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 Page 8 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Hednesford Market Place looking North in early 1900’s (Image courtesy of The Museum of Cannock Chase)

Transformed gallery opens doors to visitors

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ining Memories, at The Museum of Cannock Chase, provides a new, permanent coal mining gallery for the local community, allowing people to experience a ‘day in the life’ of a miner and explore features of the mines. At the gallery, visitors can try out interactive displays including a crawl-through tunnel.

The project, which received a £97,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has also created an education package to make sure people of all ages get the maximum benefit from their experience at the museum.

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of leisure and culture provider WLCT which manages the museum, said: “Mining Memories is a spectacular exhibition which brings the history of the Cannock Chase coalfield to life, providing a place for local people to go to reminisce and for young people in particular to learn about this important part of the district’s heritage. I’m delighted that we have been able to bring this project to fruition.”

Councillors were invited to visit the gallery in April for a sneak preview of the gallery.

Councillor Christine Mitchell, Leader of Culture and Sport commented: “The newly transformed gallery is a wonderful exhibition which captures the mining history of our District and brings it to life. I would encourage everyone to visit the Museum and find out about the District’s heritage.”

A special event celebrating the opening of the new gallery is being planned for June 28. The museum is open from Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm (last admission 3.30pm) until Good Friday. From Easter Saturday until the end of September it is open daily, 11am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm). For full details of opening hours, visit www.wlct.org/museumofcannockchase

Changing Markets

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By Michael Hewitt of the Cannock Conduit Trust

ne of the earliest colour images of Hednesford shows Market Place (formally known as Station Street) looking North with the railway station entrance just left of centre, behind the boy with the bicycle. The entrance enabled people travelling by train to work in Rugeley, Cannock and district to store their bicycles in safety, at a charge of one penny per day. It was also a departure and pick up point for pigeon fanciers entering their precious birds in the racing season across the country.

The orange building in the centre is the Market Hall. Around 1959 it was purchased by Woolworths from the Ricketts family for £17,500 and though it did have the Woolworths sign on its frontage it never actually opened. There was a lot of controversy between Hednesford and Cannock Councillors who argued over the purchase and the site chosen by Woolworths. Eventually the decision was overturned and Woolworths re-sited to Cannock.

Next door to the Market Hall with the glass canopy can be seen C.Bayley’s Outfitters followed by Evans Shop and the Advertiser office.

Listed in the local directory, known as ‘The Red Book’, was cycle manufacturer Mr LeCourteur. It stated that his warehouse was in Station Street though the exact location is unknown. He was married to the daughter of Mr Daniel Wheelwright and Sara Clarke, owners of the famous Cannock store, D.W.Clarkes.

Sadly, in 1895, his wife died as a result of influenza, at the early age of 29. The local paper wrote; ‘She had a good business brain like her husband and as a well respected man he continued to run his Hednesford business still in shock and had the sympathy of all in the district’.

Mrs LeCourtier’s funeral took place at Hatherton Church on Tuesday 7th May 1895 and her grave can be found in Hatherton Churchyard. By 1900 Mr LeCoutier’s busines was no longer listed in the directory.

Local shopkeepers in Cannock and Hednesford were struggling in their Markets on Saturday evenings due to sparse attendance of purchasers. A report read; 'This of course is due to the small purchasing power brought about by the short spells of work that the miners are now called upon to perform but chiefly from the fact that the reckoning taking place on Friday evenings the public proceed to other towns to make their purchases. It is felt they get better service elsewhere. The local tradesmen deny this but if they are to compete they must not 'rest on their oars' and complain'.

It seems that as well as problems trying to attract customers into the towns on Saturday evenings Hednesford got a slap in the face from Mother Nature. In the vicinity of the Uxbridge corner quite a whirlwind raged and large pieces of corrugated iron which were on view near Blagg's shop, were lifted ‘like a piece of paper’ and blown across the road missing the large window of Dr O'Kelly's surgery and eventually finishing in the middle of the road.

Michael Hewitt

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My Word

Call yourself a logophile? Test your vocabulary with our quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority.

Q: An abature is a...

A: Path through the woods that has been beaten down by a stag.

B: Entrance to an abattoir.

C: Nook for displaying the image of a saint.

The answer is A

CGZ

Quote code:

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T

Do you have authority to take your child on holiday?

he recent government decision to refuse parents permission from taking children out of school to go on holiday has caused a furore amongst parents, who will no longer be able to take advantage of cheaper term-time holiday deals. However, for un-married or divorced parents taking your child on holiday also often requires careful negotiation with the other parent especially if you do not have parental responsibility.

Parental responsibility (PR) consists of "all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property". Having PR means that you can make decisions about the child’s welfare and property. This includes, but is not limited to decisions about where they live, their education and religious upbringing, and medical treatment.

A mother automatically has parental responsibility for her child from birth. A father usually has parental responsibility if he is married to the child’s mother or named on the birth certificate (if the child was born after December 2003). If a father does not automatically have parental responsibility, he can get it by signing an agreement with the mother or applying to the court.

If both parents have parental responsibility and there are no residence orders, or any other restrictions in place, then if you wish to take your child on holiday you should obtain the written consent of the other parent with parental

responsibility. If consent is refused, then you could apply to court for permission, usually by applying for a specific issue order under The Children Act. In most cases the court is likely to give permission for a child to go abroad on holiday but often will require the parent to provide the other parent with details of where the child will be staying, including details of flights and contact telephone numbers.

The situation is different if one parent has a residence order in force. If the parent with the residence order wishes to take a child abroad then they can do so for up to one month without the written consent of the other parent.

However, it is good to endeavour to agree the arrangements in advance.

My advice would be to consult and reach agreement with the other parent first. This can avoid misunderstandings and allegations of abduction. A neutral third party, such as a mediator or collaborative lawyer can often be very useful in helping parents to come to an agreement over arrangements for children.

Laura Lambert Family and Collaborative lawyer Ansons

O

ver £500,000 will be invested in sports facilities in the District after a long-running dispute between Cannock Chase Council and Asda was resolved.

The dispute centred on the use of £527,500 Section 106 funding received by the Council from Asda in May 2005 as part of the construction of their Avon Road store in Cannock.

Fresh negotiations between the Council and Asda have now resulted in an agreement. The Council will retain the £527,500 for investment in a sports and recreation hub at the former Cannock Stadium site and return to Asda the interest accrued on this amount.

These funds will be used in conjunction with other funds and grant funding bids to establish new sports and recreation facilities on this site following an extensive public consultation last year.

The £527,500 has to be spent within six years and Asda will be given proper recognition as being the co-funder of any sports facilities delivered by the funding.

Cllr George Adamson, Cannock Chase Council Leader, said: "I am pleased that this longstanding dispute has been resolved and that the funds are now protected for investment in sports facilities in the District."

A free new start for Spring!

S

pring is with us, and there’s never been a better time for us to do a bit of a personal spring clean and take the chance to look at our diet, exercise and wellbeing. Eat Well Staffordshire has a Spring campaign to encourage older people to Eat better...and Feel better!

Eating well is one of key secrets to enjoying a better quality of life, helping to ward off infection and injury, avoiding falls and keeping good mental health. It can mean that you enjoy a few more years of life, and the years you do have are more comfortable. Eating less than your body needs of the right sorts of food can impact on lots of aspects of your life. Getting thinner and frailer is not a normal part of getting older and unexpected weight loss when you are not trying to diet is something to guard against, and try and get help if you find it happening to you or someone you know.

Eat Well Staffordshire can provide a free nutritional and lifestyle assessment from a professional dietitian and trained volunteers with free follow ups and access to a wide range of information, advice and support. With your permission we can refer you to other organisations that can help – we have links to a huge range of organisations. If you are seeking help to lose weight, we can put you in touch with Waistlines a local NHS weight management service.

Page 12 www.chasegazette.co.uk

If you would like to get a bit fitter and do some gentle exercise, we can advise you about free local group walks, and low cost exercise classes.

We can even provide a bit of support with cookery workshops and demonstrations, help with finding a meal provider or delivered groceries, or where you can get some help with your shopping.

Funding dispute settled

The Eat W e l l Staffordshire team can be contacted on 01785 788 496. If you would like further information about walks and seated exercise groups, telephone 01785 788 472. www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs.

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Staffordshire Showjumper takes Haygain Hay Final

he 23rd year of the Blue Chip Showjumping Winter Championships was held on the 2nd to the 6th of April at Hartpury Arena in Gloucestershire.

Rugeley based Lydia Parrott headed the Haygain Hay Steamers Dimond Final with Pipsqueek T, her 9 year-old bay roan gelding bought five years ago. Lydia commented: “He’s amazing and helps me out all the time.” Lydia (18) is currently taking ‘A’ levels with the aim of joining a veterinary course at Nottingham University.

Running from October to March eligable horse and rider combinations competed for the chance to qualify for the Blue Chip Showjumping Winter Campionships at shows all over the country.

Further information and results can be found by visiting www.bluechipchamps.co.uk.

Shugborough offers chance to be ‘Lord or Lady for the day’

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eople interested in volunteering are being invited to discover more about a fun-filled role at one of Britain’s best 'upstairs downstairs' experiences.

Winner of Pumpkin Patrol competition

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annock Chase Council has joined forces with Staffordshire Police to announce the winner of a recent Pumpkin Patrol competition.

Local schools were asked to take part in a competition which involved youngsters designing the next Pumpkin Patrol vehicle that will be rolled out later this year. The Council received over 60 entries from across the District.

Josef Mayores, aged 11 from Hagley Park Academy was chosen as the winner and was presented with a certificate and an Ipod Nano.

This design will be produced professionally by the Council’s Graphic Designer and will be applied to this years Pumpkin Patrol vehicle.

This competition formed part of a wider campaign ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ - delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue and Staffordshire County Council.

The campaign will be rolled out again this year over the Halloween and Bonfire period. To find out more about what was delivered last year visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/takecare

Councillor George Adamson, Leader of Cannock Chase Council, Josef Mayores, aged 11 and Inspector Paul Cooke, present the winner with his prize!

Page 14 www.chasegazette.co.uk

The Shugborough Estate, near Stafford is offering people the chance to be a Lord or a Lady, a dairy or scullery maid, a Victorian gardener, or even a pixie helper as part of its drive to recruit more volunteers.

New skills, new friends and a peek behind-the-scenes along hidden passages and through secret doors are just some of the benefits of becoming a volunteer at The Estate, managed by Staffordshire County Council.

Staffordshire County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure said: “Shugborough is one of our most treasured locations in the county and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.

Looking after the 900 acre estate is no mean feat though, and without the help of our dedicated army of volunteers it wouldn’t be the wonderful place it is today.

“We have a real family atmosphere here on the Estate and when you volunteer here you are part of that family. Not only do you get the chance to meet like minded people, learn new skills and have a lot of fun, you’ll also get to see parts of the estate that the public don’t get to see.”

Roles include everything from car parking duties and restoring the walled garden to bringing history to life as a costumed character in the Mansion house.

In addition to an annual pass and membership of the National Trust, volunteers’ benefits also include travel expenses, social activities and skills workshops, ranging from interview techniques to conservation.

For more details about how to become a volunteer at Shugborough visit www.shugborough.org.uk or call 01889 881 388.

In aid of The Alzheimer’s Society Music is in the Air A concert by The Stafford Grammar School Concert Band and The Rugeley Academies Vocal Ensemble Friday 2nd May at 7.00 pm Lea Hall Social Club, Sandy Lane, Rugeley Pay on the door £3 - All welcome For more information contact 01889 578680 Reproduced by kind permission from the Brereton and Rugeley Links Newsletter The Church of the Good Shepherd DEDICATION DANCE 8.00 pm Saturday 3rd May £3 including buffet. Raffle.

Tickets available in advance from Mollie Robinson 01889 801494 The Church of the Good Shepherd, Hislop Rd, Pear Tree Estate, Rugeley, WS15 ILS. Reproduced by kind permission from the Brereton and Rugeley Links Newsletter

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Appeal to get young actor a life changing wheelchair

A

n appeal has been launched to help an aspiring actor reach university after a lack of accessibility delayed his dream.

Ben Gilbert from Burntwood, Staffordshire was set to attend university last September, but was forced to delay his application until he gets the powered wheelchair he needs to get around freely. Now the young thespian has teamed up with national children’s charity, Caudwell Children, to raise the £7000 needed to help him achieve his dream.

Caudwell Children work to provide practical and emotional support to families living with disabled children. Through their Equipment Services, they have provided children and young people with life changing equipment nationwide.

Ben described how having the powered wheelchair will enable him to reclaim his independence and help him achieve his dream of acting: “Having to postpone university for a year was hard. Having a powered chair will help me reclaim my independence. Right now I use a manual chair which means I have to rely on my friends and family pushing me up hills.

“I’m a bit of a showman, so acting has always appealed to me and I can’t wait to get started at University in September. I have my auditions coming up soon so it’s a nervous time. Having the powered chair will be life changing.”

Ben was born with Quadraplegic Cerebral Palsy, a condition that affects the development of his muscles and makes him a full time wheelchair user. However the young Walsall fan doesn’t let his condition impact his life and values his independence and spending time with friends.

Lesley Gilbert, Ben’s mother, described her son’s disappointment at having to postpone his university education and how much the new chair will benefit her son at this pivotal time in his life: “Ben was knocked back when he wasn’t able to go to University last year. He’s like any other eighteen year old and he certainly doesn’t want his mum pushing him around all the time.

“Being able to have a powered wheelchair will be huge for him. It’ll give him his independence and mean he can go on to pursue his dreams, so as a family we’re all very excited for him to get the chair.”

To donate to Ben’s appeal visit www.justgiving.com/Ben-Gilbert. To find out more contact Stacey Smalley on 07812 988905 or emailStacey.smalley@caudwellchildren.com

Could you steer the future of canals and rivers in Staffordshire?

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eople living in Staffordshire are being called on to help guide the future development of the waterways at the very heart of the nation’s historic canal and river network.

The Canal and River Trust are calling for people in Staffordshire to come forward and help shape the future of their local waterways. The Trust is recruiting three new members for its Central Shires Waterway Partnership, which plays a key role in getting more people involved in these vital green spaces and ensuring they boost tourism and employment.

Nine people currently sit on the Partnership, drawn from different interests such as boating, canoeing and angling, as well as wider regeneration, media and community engagement backgrounds.

The three new members being sought will ideally have experience and expertise in the areas of health and well-being, local authority, social enterprise, volunteering and the natural environment.

The roles are voluntary with agreed expenses reimbursed, and will involve approximately two days a month. Appointments are for three years.

For more information please go to canalrivertrust.org.uk Page 17

New Museum for Staffordshire Announced

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n Wednesday 26th March veterans, VIP’s, volunteers and schoolchildren gathered at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum to celebrate the official re-opening of the Museum’s WW1 ‘Coltman’ Trench.

Two years ago, a team of dedicated Museum volunteers decided to redesign and update the onsite trench system that has been a favourite with visitors for the last twelve years. Years of hard work, dedication and inspiration have now created a remarkable new 500ft trench system that truly evokes life for soldiers ‘at the Front’ in 1916.

Graham Stow This extraordinary trench system is dedicated to the memory of William Coltman.

William Harold Coltman, VC, DCM and Bar, MM and Bar was awarded many commendations including the Victoria Cross, the highest possible commendation for gallantry. He is the most highly decorated soldier of the First World War. William served as a stretcher bearer and showed extraordinary courage, saving many lives.

The Museum was also honoured to have present on the day 18 members of the Coltman family.

At the ceremony VIPs and students from King Edward VI School, Lichfield were given tours of the trench, before the ribbon was cut

by Graham Stow, one of Staffordshire’s Deputy Lieutenants.

Brigadier Jim Tanner OBE, Chairman of the Trustees of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum commented: “The Museum is also delighted to announce its future plan. The intention is to entirely rebuild the Museum on the current site. But in an exciting new development this new museum will encompass the museums of the Staffordshire Regiment, the Staffordshire Yeomanry and the Mercian Regiment to create the Museum of the Soldiers of Staffordshire and Mercia. In addition, the Army Medical Services Museum will move their fantastic collection in alongside us to create the National Museum of Military Medicine. This partnership will be called Front Line.

“Detailed planning and work are now underway. The effort required is considerable, not least the raising of the estimated £11 million required, but we are hoping to complete the Front Line project sometime in 2018.”

The Museum is holding a series of fantastic events in 2014, including a Trench Tour and Discovery Day on Easter Bank Holiday Monday April 21st, and an Edwardian Fete and Fair on August 3rd.

For details of these and their many other events go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com or call 01543 434394.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at Whittington Barracks, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9PY. Opening times are Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm, and from Easter the Museum will be open on Saturday and Sunday 12.30pm – 4pm.

Adults £3, children under 16, senior citizens and full-time students £2. Family ticket (two adults and up to 3 children) £6.

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Adventure this Easter at Drayton Manor Theme Park D

rayton Manor Theme Park has something far more exciting than chocolate eggs for their visitors this Easter holiday, with some familiar CBeebies characters heading to the park to entertain your little ones.

Postman Pat® and his faithful black and white cat, Jess, will be delivering a whole host of fun this Easter. A long way from his home in Greendale, youngsters visiting the theme park on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th April can say hello, with opportunities to have their photos taken with the nation’s favourite postman.

Characters will be meeting and greeting their young fans at intervals between 12pm – 4.30pm on each day, on a specially created stage by the carousel this Easter holiday (12th – 27th April), but that’s not all that the park, near Tamworth, Staffordshire, has in store.

For a full list of appearances throughout the season, check the park’s website before you visit, www.draytonmanor.co.uk.

To book tickets, or for more information about the park, visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1960. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought in advance. For regular updates and news about Drayton Manor Theme Park join us on Twitter www.twitter.com/Draytonmanor and Facebook www.facebook.com/DraytonManorPark

The Lichfield Prize Win £500 and a Solo Exhibition Emporium art gallery in partnership with Lichfield Festival has launched a new art competition; The Lichfield Prize. This is open to all amateur and professional artists of 18 years and over living in the UK. To coincide with the WW1 Centenary the theme of “The Light of Other Days” invites artists to present fresh contemporary works for the occasion.

Drawings, paintings, prints, textiles, digital art, photographs, mixed media and sculptures are welcome.

First Prize: £500 and an opportunity for a solo exhibition in Emporium art gallery in Lichfield.

Selected artists: Inclusion in “The Light of Other Days” exhibition at Lichfield Cathedral during the Lichfield Festival 4th to 13th July 2014.

Deadline to enter: Tuesday 10th June 2014, by 4.00pm.

Entry Forms and details can be found at: www.emporium-gallery.co.uk or by visiting: Emporium, 32 Bird Street, Lichfield, WS13 6PR T: 01543 256624 E: emporiumartgallery@gmail.com

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A Bird’s-Eye View of Rugeley O

ur thanks to the Landor Society for sharing with us these fascinating pictures of Rugeley Town Centre over the past century. 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

The earliest photograph here was taken from the tower of St Augustine’s Church in around 1904. On the extreme left is the spire of St Jospeph’s Church.

The white building in the centre is the present Nat West Bank, with the Clock Tower nearby. It can be dated fairly accurately as just visible are the railings around the oak sapling planted on the 9th August 1902 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. The building of the Police Station at the corner of Anson Street began on 1st June 1906 but there is no sign of that here.

Taken from the top of St Joseph’s Church in 1987, showing Lichfield Street with Wellington Drive car park.

The tall brick building is the Plaza.

Taken from the top of St Joseph’s Church in 1987. St Joseph’s churchyard is in the foreground, with Heron Court (the Billiards Club) beyond. The adjoining building was once the stables of Heron Court.

Horse Fair from the railway bridge in the mid 1980s.

Page 20 www.chasegazette.co.uk

An aerial photograph taken around 1930 has Market Square at the top left and Brook Square bottom right.

Thank you to the Landor Society for images and text supplied in this feature.

An aerial photograph taken around 1930 that shows Taylors Lane at the bottom, Albion Street at the top and is joined by the curving Bow Street. The white building on the left near the top is the present Nat West Bank.

An aerial photograph taken around 1930 that shows Anson Street, with the Police Station bottom left, the Palace Theatre (the white building where the Library now is), and the prominent white roof of the Town Hall and Market Hall.

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Bloodbike’s ‘Route 999’ fundraising ride around Staffordshire

olicitor, Julie Tomasik of Ansons was so inspired by the launch of the Staffordshire Blood Bikes service earlier this year that she was determined to do something to help.

So, on Wednesday 9 April, Julie who had never been on a motorbike before donned biker gear and helmet and embarked on ‘route 999’ riding pillion on a Honda ST1100 Pan European motorbike to raise money for the newly launched blood bikes charity.

Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes is an emergency volunteer service which aims to provide urgent and emergency transportation of life saving medical supplies to hospitals across our region. Through the dedication of their volunteer staff, they soon hope to be operational every night of the year. When a patient’s life is at risk, a blood bike can respond quickly, saving those vital minutes which can make the difference between life and death.

The recently formed Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes already have over 100 volunteer riders and supporters, with two specially equipped motorcycles. Six bikes are needed to provide cover for the whole of Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Julie was transformed from lawyer to biker by the generous donation of biker gear purchased at a discounted price by Ansons Solicitors from Stafford Triumph before she rode the 70 plus miles collecting donations from supporting estate agents and solicitors around Staffordshire.

Julie’s fundraising efforts will fund anything from fuel and equipment to the purchase of a new bike. To support the blood bikes visit their website for a wish list of donations towards operational costs: www.shropshireandstaffordshirebloodbikes.wordpress.com/

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Public services students excel at RAF Cosford

ublic Services students from South Staffordshire College are making sure they equip themselves well for their chosen careers.

The students, studying at the College’s Cannock Campus, have undertaken a series of educational visits during the year to gain insights into successful careers.

As part of their course unit, a group of 20 Public Service students visited RAF Cosford to take part in a Disaster Management exercise, focused around a table top scenario involving a plane crash.

The students took on the role of numerous agencies such as the Police, Fire, Ambulance, Mountain Rescue, Flight Operations, Media & Communications, Personnnel and Contingency Planning. They were tasked with dealing with the aftermath, finding out the location of the pilot and aircraft, ensuring medical supplies reached them, deploying the correct resources and evacuating the public.

The incident was constantly developing and students received different bulletins of information during the day. They had to radio through locations and information using the radio systems and called upon the skills they had learnt on their course involving teamwork, leadership and communication in order to complete the task.

The students excelled on the exercise and RAF staff involved were very impressed with the maturity and focus they showed during the day.

Breath-taking Tower Tours are back at Lichfield Cathedral

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ave you got a head for heights? Would you like to be one of the first members of the public since 2010 to make the steep climb up the steps of the Great Central Tower at Lichfield Cathedral? If so, the Cathedral’s famous Tower Tours are back from Monday 21st April 2014 (Easter Monday).

Bring along the family for an amazing experience and once you make it to the top you can enjoy a spectacular birds-eye view of the city of Lichfield and beyond! As you make your ascent you can marvel at the internal architecture of the Cathedral, and participate in the interactive ‘Tower Education Zone’ located high above the floor of the Cathedral, half way up the Central Tower.

The ‘Tower Education Zone’ provides an opportunity for learning about the design and architecture of the building, its location, geography and history from Anglo-Saxon times, through the Middle Ages right up to the present day. Of Page 22 www.chasegazette.co.uk

particular interest will be the information describing the Cathedral’s role during the English Civil War, Lichfield is unique in being the only Cathedral in the country to have had a moat. The outline of this and other fortifications can be best seen from the top of the tower. Activity tables and displays will help children and adults to identify fascinating and sometimes hidden aspects of the Cathedral building and its life.

Each Tower Tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, tickets are priced at adults £6.50 and a family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children is £20.00. Ticket price also includes a free tea or coffee at Chapters ‘the Café in the Close’ plus a 10% discount on purchases at the Cathedral Shop on the day of the Tour** Towers Tours launch on Easter Monday 21st April. Tours will take place every Saturday from 26th April to 25th October at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00. To book your ticket please visit the Shop No.9 The Close, Lichfield, or call 01543 306150

Copyright Lichfield Cathedral Photographers

**Due to the nature of this Tour, it is only suitable for adults and children aged 8 years old and over, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. It is important to note that you should only participate in this Tour if you are in good health and are not suffering from any medical conditions (including pregnancy). The Tower Tour passes through restricted and narrow spaces, baggage must be left at ground level and sensible footwear must be worn. You will be asked to complete a disclaimer form by your Tour Leader in advance of your climb.

For more information please visit www.lichfield-cathedral.org

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Stafford’s Final Female Hanging

By Anthony Hunt

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he sudden death of John Westwood, a seemingly healthy man, caused quite a stir in the small hamlet of Burntwood on Thursday November 9th, 1843 and his wife’s behaviour the following day only added to the village gossip. She, Sarah Westwood, had been seen racing round the various doctors in the area trying to get a death certificate but to no avail. The local constabulary had become aware of the rumours and had stopped the issue of the certificate. Instead they had insisted on a post mortem being carried out on John’s corpse.

At the initial inquest held at the Star Inn, Burntwood Green, on the following Monday, November 13th, neighbours and the Westwood’s lodgers would tell of the dreadful manner in which John died racked with abdominal pains. Strangely, however, Mary Dawson, the neighbour, and Thomas Hall and Samuel Phillips, the lodgers, would insist that they knew nothing of the quarrels between Sarah and John and certainly nothing of Sarah’s supposed affair with a younger man. Samuel Phillips would obviously deny that as he was the “supposed man”. To add to the confusion even John’s children would testify that their parent’s marriage was a happy one.

It was in that state of uncertainty that the first inquest had been closed, but by the time of the second inquest a week later much more would become clear. At last the post mortem results were ready and they revealed that John had died from arsenic poisoning. What was even more damning was that evidence had come to light of the numerous quarrels between John and Sarah concerning Samuel Phillips. Mary Dawson’s husband and his brother would tell of

Author Anthony Hunt

The Star Inn, Burntwood C1900 where the two inquests were held

fights in the local lanes between Samuel and John and Sarah’s apparent siding with Samuel even to the point of wishing that he would kill her husband.

John’s own brother, Robin, told of arguments at his house between the two and in the presence of their son, Charles. One such argument had been about an evening out at the Blue Ball Inn. John had secured tickets for a tea drinking evening, a rare event in those days for working class people, but Sarah had refused to go. John’s immediate response had been that she would go if Phillips had bought the tickets. An unholy row had broken out and Robin, fearful for Sarah’s safety, had made her and the son, Charles, stay at his house for the night.

As for the poison itself it must be said that arsenic was common in those days and most doctors carried it with them in their bags and households had some as a pest control. But the quantity found in John’s body was too great for just an accident to have occurred. It must have been administered in his food, but how? Eliza Westwood, their ten year old daughter, told the inquest that she had

Arsenic poisoning

The Blue Bell Inn, Burntwood C1910 Page 24 www.chasegazette.co.uk

helped her mother with the preparation of the meal on the fatal day and they had all sat down to eat it, except for her brother, Charles, who had yesterday’s left-overs, and her mother who just had a cup of tea. No one else was ill; however, she did remember her father asking what the white stuff was in his meal. Unwittingly so far as Eliza was concerned it was probably that piece of evidence which made up the jury’s mind and Sarah was sent to Stafford Gaol to await trial.

Justice was quick in early Victorian England and Sarah’s trial began at the Stafford Assizes on January 2nd, 1844. By the time the trail opened further evidence had come to light, especially concerning the arsenic and its purchase. Hannah Mason, a lady well known in the local area for her potions and cures for all types of illnesses, told the court that she had known Sarah Westwood for a number of years as her son, Samuel Phillips, had lodged with the Westwoods for several years. On November 1st Sarah Westwood had come to her wanting a cure for ‘the itch’, a skin condition which caused inflammation and irritation, which she had said some of the children had as well as her husband.

Hannah had taken her to Mr. Heighway’s shop in Walsall and there they had bought the potion, a

Cure for 'The Itch'

mixture which included arsenic.

Mr. Heighway then took up the story telling the court that in the following week, on November 8th, Sarah had come on her own to the shop and bought a further supply of the potion, only at that time she had been sold it as separate items and not unfortunately as a mixture.

Just to clarify why Sarah purchased the potion the judge asked both Eliza and Charles when they gave their evidence how long they had had “the itch”.

Unfortunately for Sarah both said they did not even know what it was let alone have had it. More damning for Sarah was the fact that Inspector Raymond who

Collapsed in court had escorted her to gaol after the inquest told the court that Sarah had bitterly denied ever having been to a chemist’s shop in Walsall in her life. It would seem that Sarah’s lying finished any chances she had of being found innocent and the jury had no problem in finding her guilty of poisoning her husband.

The case however had one last twist.

As the judge was about to pronounce the sentence Sarah shouted that she was pregnant – not that that would save her, but merely delay the inevitable. The judge immediately got various females in the court to take Sarah into another room and examine her. After half an hour they returned to say that it was a false alarm and the judge then went ahead and passed the death sentence. Sarah collapsed and was carried from the court.

While awaiting execution Sarah was visited by her son Charles who always believed in her innocence. Her last request to him was that he take care of the younger children. Unfortunately that was not to be. The relatives of John thought him too young and the family was split between them – an older brother of John continuing the nail making business. Strangely Sarah had another visitor disguised as a woman – Samuel Phillips, but he was recognised and refused admittance.

On Saturday January 13th Sarah was carried to her place of execution (she was too weak to walk) and she ended her life still professing her innocence. She was to be the last woman hanged at Stafford Gaol.

Christ Church, Farewell, near Burntwood where John Westwood was buried on November 22nd 1843.

More details of this and many other murder stories from the Cannock Chase area can be found in Anthony Hunt’s books Murder and Manslaughter Around Cannock Chase and More Murder and Mayhem around the Chase. They can be purchased from shops and post offices in the area or by telephoning Anthony Hunt on 01543 422891.

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Midland Air Ambulance Charity Karting Day I

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n Sunday June 15th Midland Karting will be holding an Endurance Race Charity Event in aid of Midland Air Ambulance.

Test your driving skills against your mates or colleagues and help raise funds to support this fabulous and life saving service!

Entry fees are £150 per team (a team can have up to six individuals) and there’ll be ten teams competing per race. For more information or to book your place (with a small deposit) call on 01543 418419 or email at sales@midlandkarting.co.uk More information is also available at www.midlandkarting.co.uk Entry fees cover safety briefing, all safety equipment and karts plus medals and trophies for the top competitors presented on the Winner’s Podium complete with bubbly!

There are two races to choose from, starting at 10.00am and 2.00pm, each lasting 2.5 hours (including 30 minutes practice session). Race for as long as you wish before handing on to your team mates. The team with the fastest overall time wins!

Midland Karting can be found at Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield WS13 8NF.

Midland Karting Competition Winner

Congratulations to Steve Langston of Peakes Road, Rugeley, winner of 60 minutes of karting for two at Midland Karting.

Concert in aid of Paul’s Fun Fund

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Image chaseorpheus.co.uk

he Cannock Chase Orpheus Male Choir will be performing for a local charity in Chasetown on April 26.

The concert, in aid of Paul’s Fun Fund, takes place at Chasetown Methodist Church, from 7.30pm.

Paul’s Fun Fund was set up in memory of Paul Lee-Davis from Norton Canes. Paul lost his battle against a rare form of leukaemia in 2011 aged just 37.

The Fund provides treats and days out for young adult patients who are undergoing treatment at the haematology ward, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton.

Paul’s mum Janet Lee said: “When Paul was ill we realised there are charities which help children, but there is not much for young adults who are in financial need.

“Paul was a fun person who lived life to the full. The Fund was set up by his family and fiancée to provide a break for patients when their treatment allows.”

Tickets for the concert are £5 from 07895 565 668 or email pldfunfund@yahoo.co.uk.

Page 26 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Over one in three jobs pay less than the living wage

n some parts of Staffordshire one in three jobs (35 per cent) are paying less than the living wage, the TUC has revealed. TUC analysis of official figures from the House of Commons Library shows that nationally on average one in five jobs pays under the living wage, currently set at £8.80 in London and £7.65 across the rest of the UK, but in some parliamentary constituencies many more people working there earn less than this.

Across the UK, around five million people get paid less than the living wage. Stoke on Trent North tops the list of living wage blackspots in Staffordshire, with 34.9 per cent of the jobs based there paying less than the living wage. Stone has 32.8 per cent and Moorlands 31.4 per cent.

For working women the picture is even more worrying. Over two in five women working in five constituencies - Tamworth (43.1 per cent), Moorlands (42.5 per cent), West Worcestershire (41.8 per cent), South Staffordshire (41.6 per cent) and Stone (40.5 per cent) take home less than the living wage.

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New Cadets’ charity board meets

rustees of a charity which funds the Staffordshire Police Cadets service met for the first time in March.

The Cadet scheme was initiated by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. There are active units in Cannock and Stafford and a third unit will soon start meeting at Sandyford Community Fire Station in Stoke-onTrent.

Responsibility (CSR) registered charity.

Fund, a

Businesses are invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. More information is available at www.staffordshirepcc.gov.uk/police-cadets

Mr Ellis has vowed not to redirect money from frontline policing to pay for the service which is instead funded through the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Corporate Social

Easter Activities at the Museum of Cannock Chase

Tuesday 15 April & Wednesday 16 April – Easter Extravaganza!

Create everything ‘Easter’ - cards, crowns, baskets, bunnies, lambs, chicks and flowers!

Tuesday 22 April, Wednesday 23 April & Thursday 24 April.

Be inspired by the books of Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler to create your own monsters, mobiles, stick men, bookmarks, door hangers, animal masks and a witch on a broom!

The sessions take place from 11am to 3pm each day. Cost is £1.50 per child, adults go free (children must be accompanied). There’s no need to book – just drop in!

Visitors can also take part in quizzes, enjoy outdoor trails and take a look at the new mining gallery. The museum is open from 11am–5pm. Admission is free.

For more details e-mail the museum at museumofcannockchase@wlct.org or call 01543 877666.

The museum can be found in Valley Road, Hednesford, Staffs, WS12 1TD.

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Welcome to the Animal Zone and Farm

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By Joss Musgrove Knibb

outh Staffordshire College was created as a ‘Super College’ in January 2009, and has recently been confirmed as the most successful in Staffordshire for the third year running. The college has four campuses at Rodbaston, Cannock, Tamworth and Lichfield, offering academic and vocational courses ranging from art, sport, floristry and beauty to business, public services, engineering and agriculture.

‘A’ Level and Degree courses are also now available and there are numerous opportunities for students who want to excel in Arts, Sciences, Vocational or Environmental Studies. Over 4000 young people enrol at South Staffordshire College every year.

On a recent visit to Rodbaston campus I met David Riley, Manager of the Animal Centre and John Giles who runs the College’s on-site farm.

The Animal Centre encompasses all of the animals, living environments and teaching areas used by tutors and students at Rodbaston who are learning about animal care and welfare.The Animal Zone is a zoo that is made up of those parts of the Centre that are open to the public.

This covers some delightful, remarkable and extraordinary animals. I think we’ve all probably been to some zoos that leave you feeling a bit uncomfortable about the curtailed lives that the animals that live in them lead. At the Animal Zone, best practice is taught in all things, and every creature that I saw looked not just well-fed and healthy, but engaged and interested too. It’s a great place to take the whole family.

David has been working with animals for 20 years.

For 8.5 years he was Senior Keeper and Presenter at Chessington World of Adventures, and he has shared his specialist knowledge and enthusiasm on Blue Peter, The Disney Channel and various national radio stations. David studied Zoology in America, and in 1999 was one of 1,000 people who applied to design and build a completely new zoo in Greece. After a rigorous interview process, David was appointed, and spent the next 2 years working 14 or 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, designing from scratch the new zoo.

He told the Gazette “It was a fantastic experience and an amazing opportunity to design environments for over 400 species of animal.”

On returning, David worked as Senior Advisor to a national chain of pet stores, before being offered a position at Wingham Wildlife Park that was followed by 7.5 years at Dudley Zoo. This led to his appointment as Manager of the Animal Centre.

The Animal Centre is dedicated to the training and education of its students in the diet, welfare and enrichment of the animals in their care. They look at the ethics of animal welfare and the food that the animals eat is just as good quality as you or I would buy from a supermarket - there are no seconds or

Pygmy Marmosets Page 28 www.chasegazette.co.uk

damaged goods.

“When it comes to food, animals, just like us, are what they eat. We won’t settle for second best and we aim for a very high standard. This means that we rival some of the biggest zoos in the world.We concentrate on the enrichment of animals lives, we have to make sure that they are mentally healthy and happy too, and this goes for all our animals. We make sure that animals have the kinds of natural plants in their environment that they would have in the wild.”

This care for the welfare of the animals has led to the Animal Centre and Zone leading some very successful breeding programmes with animals such as the cotton-topped tamarin and the world’s smallest primate, the pygmy marmoset.

Less cute but just as fascinating is the Zone’s amphibian collection that includes arrow poison frogs, newts, salamanders and axolotls. The Animal Zone is home to 200 individual animals from domestic through to exotic and includes endangered birds, reptiles, mammals and insects.

The meerkat mob (the official term for a group of meerkats) is one of the Zone’s most popular families.

Their area features an interestingly craggy and creviced structure for them to play and watch on, a heat lamp that meercats love to luxuriate under and a quiet, warm and clean area where they can burrow and sleep.

The Animal Zone is open to the public at weekends and school holidays from 10am – 5pm. Watch out for their regular events including the Easter Bunny and Chick Event coming soon. For further details on the Animal Zone and courses at the Animal Centre go to www.southstaffs.ac.uk or visit the Animal Zone facebook page for regular updates.

David Riley

Farm and Estates manager Jon Giles

The Farm at Rodbaston Campus.

Jon Giles is the Farm and Estates Manager at Rodbaston and he runs the farm and heads up the teaching faculty. On the farm students learn about agriculture, and look after a flock of over 200 ewes plus suckler cows and pedigree Hereford cattle (who have won awards at national championships).

John still runs a family farm, and so has immediate and practical experience to pass on to students on agricultural best practice.

He commented: “Food production is essential and farming has become very technical with new challenges to be met. The welfare of the animals and our environment is paramount. We teach good farming practice for productive agriculture.”

For more information of farming and agricultural courses go to www.southstaffs.ac.uk

One of the meerkat mob

Rainbow Lorakeets

Alpaca

Students Toby Mulgrew and Josh Lloyd

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Dedication of Miners’ Memorial

he Dedication of Phase 3 of the Miners' Memorial at Hednesford will take place at 2.00pm on Saturday 26th April 2014.

CHAPS (Chase Arts for Public Spaces) are delighted that the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, KCVO, former Bishop of Manchester, will again officiate at the outdoor service. The Rugeley Power Station Band will play before and after the service and Cannock Chase Orpheus Male choir will sing, amongst other things, the miners' hymn, ‘Take Me Home’, by Edwards and Hand.

Market Street will be closed to traffic from 12.30pm on 26th April. Parking in the town will be limited and so the use of public transport is advised wherever possible.

Limited seating will be available for blue badge holders and for those unable to stand for the duration of the service, which is expected to be around forty minutes. The event will be stewarded by members of CHAPS committee and members of Hednesford Lions Club.

The third phase of 913 named bricks brings the total to 3,534, some built into the wall around the Giant Davy Lamp whilst phases 2 and 3 are around the flower beds surrounding the clock tower in Hednesford Town Centre, where the dedication service will be held.

CHAPS are delighted that so many have wanted to remember friends and family members by purchasing bricks, they are also

delighted that the end result has been met with such warmth and praise.

Copies of the book "A Lasting Tribute" will be on sale after the service with inserts containing the names of all included in this latest phase available for everyone.

CHAPS is a completely voluntary organisation, with members giving many hours of their time for something they believe in.

They have organised several pieces of artwork in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley. Project manager for all phases of the miners’ memorial was and is Mike Mellor who is also Treasurer of CHAPS, the administration of this latest phase has been carried out by secretary Sheila Harding with other committee members assisting.

Trench Life comes to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum this Easter

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he Staffordshire Regiment Museum will be holding a WW1 Trench Tour and Discovery Day on Easter Bank Holiday Monday April 21st. The last Trench Tour and Discovery Day was held in February and was a great success, with lots of families exploring the Museum’s remarkable 500ft trench system.

On the day, you’ll be greeted by a ‘WW1 Officer’ who’ll take you down into the trenches of France during 1916. The crackle of sniper-fire and the boom of big guns will accompany each visitor as they are guided past First-Aid Stations, into the Officer’s Dug Out and down into the darkness of the tunnel built to undermine the German trenches.

Parents and children will also get the chance to try on uniforms, as well as handle weapons and equipment from the time, plus explore the Museum and its fascinating collections of medals (including VC’s) weapons, uniforms, recordings of real WW1 soldiers talking about their experiences and much more.

Discovery Day tours start at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm. Adults £3, children and concessions including senior citizens £2.

WW1 Discovery Days take place on all bank holidays, every Monday during school half term holidays and every Monday during school summer holidays.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at, Whittington Barracks, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434394. Go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com or Facebook: The Staffordshire Regiment Museum for further details.

The Museum is holding a series of fascinating WW1 events in 2014 including an Edwardian Fete and Fair on Sunday August 3rd.

Contact the Museum for further details.

Images copyright Terry Fidgeon.

Page 30 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Awards keep coming for Kingfisher Holiday Park A holiday park in Fradley has once again scored top marks in the annual tourism Oscars following a recent inspection by the official tourism body Visit England.

Kingfisher Holiday Park, at the idyllic Fradley Junction near Lichfield, has recently been awarded a five star rating for the tenth year in succession. It is officially rated as ‘Excellent’.

Commenting on this year’s award, a report by the tourism inspector said: “With marks being extremely high, suggestions for improvement are difficult to come up with.”

Park boss Jim Collins said: “Myself and all the team here work very hard to keep our standards high and we are very proud to have reached this important milestone, especially when the bar is being continually raised by the inspectors.”

The holiday park, which is home to around 100 holiday homes, is located at Fradley Junction, which is the meeting point of the Trent and Mersey and Coventry Canals and is one of the most picturesque water-side scenes in the Midlands.

Parking is free at the Kingfisher Café, which

offers a wide choice of homemade meals with daily specials and homemade cakes. Also available are gifts and souvenirs and an information point, also on offer is fishing, woodland walks, tennis court, bowling green and free Wi-fi. Holiday homes can be bought or hired with short breaks available from two nights upwards.

Walking, cycling and boating

This beautiful location offers much in the way of appeal and attracts walkers, cyclists and boaters in droves, especially at weekends in the summer. A number of walks are on offer in the area. Some along local towpaths and others on public footpaths through local fields and woods. For those in need of refreshment there are two cafes and a pub.

Adjacent to the holiday park and accessible from there is Fradley Pool, a reservoir built in the 1780s and now a nature reserve. It has an interesting history which reveals another dimension in the development of the canal age and is physical evidence of the feud between the two local canal companies.

When the original canal was built, Trent and

Mersey Canal Company did not want to lose any of their excess water to the then rival Coventry Canal Company. Subsequently they set about diverting the water via an overflow ‘by-weir’ and channel around the junction, this by-weir drops underground in the garden at Kingfisher Café and re-emerges in Fradley Pool where surplus water is held until required again by the Trent and Mersey canal.

In recent years the reservoir site has developed into a nature reserve and now has a bird hide as well as tree sculptures (carved using chainsaws), together with willow weave panels designed by local children under the guidance of an artist. There is a boardwalk, (suitable for wheelchair access) which traverses the reservoir in one part whilst pools and benches add interest elsewhere.

Opening times: Caravan Park March 1 to early November each year. The café is open from 9am until 5pm every day throughout the season and then weekends only (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) during November to February.

For details visit: kingfisherholidaypark.com or telephone 01283 790 407

Page 31

10K run for Stephen Sutton and Teenage Cancer Trust

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teven Sutton was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 at the age of 15. Since finding out that his cancer was incurable in January 2013, he has raised over £160,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

In 2014, Norton Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms will be raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust and Stephen Sutton.

Stephen’s achievements since being diagnosed with incurable Cancer are awe inspiring. From obtaining fantastic A-Levels to establishing himself as a renowned public speaker, Stephen has never once allowed his cancer to define him.

Stephen’s attitude has inspired Norton Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms to continue their fundraising this year.

On May 11th 2014, Marketing Consultant, Jonathan, will run a 10K race around Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Jonathan’s goal is to finish in the top 100 of around 400 entrants.

The company are looking for support from their customers, suppliers and business partners. Money can be donated through their Virgin Money Giving Page and they are offering their suppliers and business partners the opportunity to feature their business logo on Jonathan’s running top and shorts. Trentham Gardens will be full to capacity on the day offering an exciting opportunity for your business to be seen supporting a very worthwhile cause.

Please contact jonathan@staffordbathrooms.co.uk for more information.

Page 32 www.chasegazette.co.uk

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Irresistables Begian Chocolate Truffles £5.99 Only for the true chocoholic! These perfectly dusted Belgian chocolate truffles are the ultimate in indulgence and melt-in-the-mouth.

Once you've had one, they're simply too good to put down.

horntons have been tempting us with delicious confectionary for over one hundred years. The very first shop was opened in Sheffield by travelling confectioner Joseph William Thornton in October 1911, who handed the keys to his teenage sons Norman and Stanley and said: “Make this the best sweet shop in town!”

In the past few years Thorntons has been extending its range to cater to the dedicated chocoholic with gourmet chocolate ranges that include blocks of Eton Mess, Espresso Dark, salted pistachio and 70% dark chilli chocolate, to name but a few .

Searching for the perfect gift? Just step inside the doors is to be inspired. Thorntons is a name that many of us grew up with and they stock a wonderful selection of continental inspired chocolates, fudges, toffee and other treats, and really push the boat out when it comes to gift wrapping your purchases. We visited the Thornton’s store in the Three Spires Shopping Centre recently, and here for your delectation we present just of few of the fantastic treats we found there.

Whisky Hamper £30 A great gift for him, each bag contains 15 delicately smooth truffles, made from real single malt whisky and drenched in rich, dark chocolate. Also contains Johnny Walker Whisky 35cl.

A Taste of Thorntons Chocolate Hamper £20 The Taste of Thorntons Hamper is a perfect for someone who wants to explore the different flavours and textures of smooth chocolate, creamy fudge and chewy toffee. Discover timeless tastes and new twists on traditional favourites.

Dreamy Desserts £9.99 Combining Dessert and Chocolate – what could be better? Dreamy Desserts are layered with delicious flavours in a decadent miniature form. Including favourite flavours like zesty Lemon Meringue, Banoffee Pie and Rasperry Cheesecake.

There’s not room here to cover everything available in Thornton’s, but the lovely staff at your local Thorntons store will be glad to chat to you about the ranges, and help you chose what’s right for you.

Kelly Morton, Manager of the Lichfield store commented: “If you can’t see what you’re looking for on our shelves, please just let us know as we are likely to have it in our store-rooms.”

You can have your purchases gift wrapped or presented in a wicker basket for added glamour. The Lichfield store is open from 9am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday. Check the website for your local store’s opening hours.

For more information go to www.thorntons.co.uk

Win Win Win!

We have a fantastic 220g box of Irresistables Belgian Truffles to be won in our Thorntons Treat Competition.

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

Milk Chocolate Clutch Bag £5.99 This chic little ‘clutch bag’ is made of delicious milk chocolate.

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Yummy Mummy Gift Bag £20 Inside you’ll find delicious milk, white and dark chocolates, with both traditional and delicious new flavours - from caramel and chocolate hearts to delicious Vanille truffles. The gift bag is also a great keep-sake to remind any Yummy Mummy how much she is loved.

Q. In which year was the first Thorntons shop opened?

A. 1911 B. 1912 C. 1913

Just send your answer, name and contact details to Thorntons Treat Competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of Wednesday 30th April. One entry per household please.

Duplicates will be disqualified.

B

Burton Sailing Club

urton Sailing Club may have celebrated their most successful year ever in 2013. But the Foremark Reservoir club is refusing to rest on its laurels as it bids to get even more local people out on the water in another recordbreaking effort.

The local community, including schools, Sea Scouts, Cubs and Scout troops, plus many families and Loughborough University students, contributed to three times as many people learning to sail at Burton SC last year compared to 2012.

The club’s success was thanks in part to the opening of its new training centre, as well as efforts to foster innovative and mutually beneficial relationships with local authorities and community groups to make sailing as accessible as possible for all.

On Bank Holiday Monday 26 May, Burton SC is offering you and your family the chance to try sailing for FREE, as the club hosts an all-comers welcome Open Day. And on 21 September, Burton will bid to get as many people out on the water as possible as part of ‘Bart’s Bash’, a global attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for 'The Largest Sailing Event in the World'. This is organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation in memory of the muchloved Olympic champion sailor, Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who lost his life in a training accident last May. For full details of everything going on at Burton SC this year, and how you can get involved, visit www.burtonsailingclub.co.uk

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Sleeveless Bardot dress £25 – Available from asos.com

Lace midi dress £40 – Available from asos.com

Gone are the days when mums-to-be had to reconcile themselves to forgetting their personal style for six months. Maternity clothes are now as stylish and individual or as chic and casual as you wish.

Dressing you and your bump for an event however can still be a little tricky.

Got a wedding, corporate dinner or party to attend? Take a look at some of these gorgeous options.

Floral print maxi dress £30 – Available from next.co.uk

Red flower tea dress £22.99 – Available from newlook.com

Dover leather maternity leggings £239 – Available from isabellaoliver.com

Red floral jersey dress £28 – Available from next.co.uk

Salina maternity jacket £299 – Available from isabellaoliver.com

Portofino sequin top £135 – Available from isabellaoliver.com

Ruched one shoulder dress £115 – Available from isabellaoliver.com Page 36 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Oyster knot-front silk dress £169 – Available from seraphine.com

What’s the best eyebrow shape to flatter your face?

H aving your eyebrows shaped can do miraculous things to your appearance. Just this simple treatment can give a more youthful and well groomed appearance. The right brow will help open up the entire eye area and work to improve the face’s overall symmetry. giving a fresh, rested, young, healthy and more attractive look.

Gone are the days of pencil thin eyebrows, there is now a whole industry dedicated to giving us the perfect arches. Having your brows waxed, sugared, threaded or plucked into the perfect shape for you is a relatively inexpensive way to instantly look younger.

Eyebrow shapes aren’t one-size-fits-all, your shape will be as individual as you are. The perfect brows depend on the dimensions of your face. The right shape will emphasize your eyes and allow you to create your ‘look’ using less cosmetics.

So how do you go about achieving this? Firstly, go to a reputable cosmetic or beauty therapist. They will have the experience to know just what suits you.

You may be one of the following, or perhaps a subtle combination of several shapes.

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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 Marie 07548 682576 Advertising

Vic McClure 07872 165695 vic@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca.lichfieldgazette@gmail.com National Sales David Baker 01889 577891 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GAZETTE MAG AZINE PO Box 54 14, Lichfie ld, WS14 4EZ

www.chase gazette .co.uk

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