CANNOCK • RUGELEY • HEDNESFORD
NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE 3
A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE CANNOCK CHASE AREA
COLLIS Est. 1957
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G azette contents Chase
6
Win lunch for two people
18 Win tickets to the Festive Gift Fair 18 Competition Winners 22 John Short and Son
30 Golden Tickets - Are You a Winner? 34 Gazette Woman
38 Win tickets to the Clothes Show 39 Small Adverts
The front cover by Ian Garfield Cannock Chase in Autumn
Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House in Lichfield page 6
contributors • Caz Jones • John Crowe • Michael Hewitt
• Joss Musg rove Knibb • Kate Gomez • Robert Yardley
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, Penkridge and Rugeley. A limited number of the Chase Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from our office. 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 Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk
November 2013
Editor’s Notes
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
Hello Readers Well it's issue three already and we are getting to know each other a little better. Welcome to those people who are reading the Chase Gazette for the first time. The joy of writing Chase Gazette is getting to know more about some of the fascinating places in our area, but more importantly perhaps it's also about getting to know the people that live here. For example, I was in a cafe in Hednesford last week looking for stories when I came into conversation with a retired teacher. He told me that since his retirement he has had four history books published and written countless stories. Most of the stories are of our local area around Cannock Chase. I read a couple of his paperbacks and I'm hooked. Anthony Hunt is a thoroughly nice man and his books are well researched and written. His most recent book (More Murder and Mayhem Around Cannock Chase) highlights how violent the Victorian and Edwardian eras were in contrast to today. Books like Anthony's tell us that nostalgia IS what it used to be, and that history ISN'T just a thing of the past! More of his work in future issues, including stories from The Great War. As we move towards the centenary of World War One next year, it is important we continue to remember and to annually buy our poppies to support today’s serving members of the Armed Forces, ex-servicemen and women, their families and dependants all year round. Most statistics to do with The Great War are staggering, for instance, the Somme in 1916 cost the British approximately 420,000 casualties, while the French incurred 200,000. German losses numbered around 500,000. During the campaign British and French forces advanced around seven miles along the Somme front, with each inch costing around 1.4 casualties. I am looking forward to meeting more interesting people on my travels; let me know if there is anyone you think I should meet. Yours truly, Paul Oakley. Editor
GazetteNews
Royal British Legion Women’s Section donate buggy
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n eight-seater buggy was donated in September by The Royal British Legion Women's Section (RBLWS) to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which is part of the Royal British Legion family of charities. The new buggy sports the RBLWS livery, a design gifted to the Women's Section in April by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen, and will benefit greatly less mobile visitors and those who wish to have a personalised tour of the Arboretum's 150 acres of maturing woodland and memorials. Amongst the nearly 300 memorials at the Arboretum is a stone plinth, with a surrounding garden and benches dedicated to members and friends of the RBLWS. It was officially opened
in 2005 by their National President, HRH The Princess Royal. The buggy presentation coincided with the autumn meeting of the RBLWS Central Committee which was also held at the Arboretum in September. The buggy has been funded from the RBLWS General Fund. RBLWS National Chairman Wendy Bromwich JP, attending the event said: "We're delighted to be able to continue to support the Arboretum, by donating this buggy, and hope it will prove useful to visitors, allowing them to visit areas of the site further afield." The Arboretum is open from 09.00 to 17.00 and entry is free, although donations are appreciated. For enquiries call: 01283 792333 or email: info@thenma.co.uk.
Members of the RBLWS present the new buggy to Sarah Montgomery, managing director of the National Memorial Arboretum (2nd right)
Wele Club is three!
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elephant, the big red elephant mascot of the Fire and Rescue Service, is celebrating the third birthday of his club in Staffordshire this
week. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service set up the club for younger members of the community three years ago and since then membership has grown to more than 2,050 four to eight-year-olds across the county. On joining the Welephant Club, children receive a free welcome pack, four newsletters a year and Wele never forgets to send Christmas and birthday cards. Welephant Co-ordinator Nicky Westwood, commented: “Welephant was the national mascot of Fire and Rescue Services and was later adopted by the Children’s Burns Trust. “Locally, Wele is a hugely popular character at the annual Staffordshire County Show and dozens of other open days, fetes and fundraising activities all year round. He is often booked up months in advance and he also made a special guest appearance in our Service’s Push the Button video dancing to the Sugar Babes. “Three years ago he launched his own club for children with the aim of raising awareness of fire safety amongst our younger residents in a fun way. Children who are club members receive a certificate, Wele gift, and newsletters packed with information on what Welephant is up to, games, competitions and quizzes. Wele also has his own section on our website with safety quizzes and videos and pictures for colouring in.” Children can join the club for free via Welephant’s page on the website www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk or by signing up at any public event where Wele appears.
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Chasewater to host Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition
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hasewater Country Park is preparing to welcome the new ‘Treasure - Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard’ exhibition. Chasewater, managed by Staffordshire County Council is just one mile from where the original hoard was discovered and will play host to the exhibition throughout October. Featuring high quality replicas of some of the treasure, video footage, and interactive displays, this new exhibition will retell the story of the world’s largest ever discovery of Anglo-Saxon treasure. Visitors can try their hand at detecting for treasure, cleaning a piece of the hoard, or simply dressing up like an Anglo-Saxon would have done in the 7th century. Staffordshire County Councillor, Mike Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Community, Culture and Localism said: "This is a wonderful exhibition that will bring the story of www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk the Staffordshire Hoard to many more people. “Many hundreds of thousands of people have managed to see the Hoard and this touring exhibition will give even more people the chance to experience the historic and wonderful discovery. There's something for everyone, including videos, an interactive game to find your own treasure, replica pieces and even Saxon warrior costumes that you can try on. “This is our heritage and we are extremely proud of our past. It is also fantastic that the original Hoard has returned to the county from which it came, where it is directly benefiting today’s economy.” The exhibition was developed by Staffordshire County Council’s museums team and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was launched in August and will spend the next three years touring community venues throughout the West Midlands. For dates and more details on the exhibition visitwww.staffordshirehoard.org.uk
WWI Heritage Presentation great success
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ver 50 people packed the Meeting Room at Pye Green Community Centre on Thursday 26 September to enjoy the latest in a series of presentations on local heritage sponsored by Hednesford Town Council.
Derek Davis gave a wide ranging talk on Hednesford’s part in the First World War and highlighted the names of several local people who had been involved. In order to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the war (taking place from 2014 to 2018) it was proposed that a project be undertaken to research in more depth the background of these local people, and produce a book setting out all the findings which would then be available for future generations. Several people with connections to Hednesford had received the highest military accolade for bravery – the Victoria Cross. Further consideration will be given to how these individuals should be commemorated. Anyone wishing to be involved in the WWI project or who would like to receive invitations to future heritage presentations is welcome to contact Peter Harrison Town Council Manager/Clerk peter.harrison@hednesford-tc.gov.uk Town Council Office, Pye Green Community Centre, Bradbury Lane, Hednesford, WS12 4EP Page 6 www.chasegazette.co.uk
WIN
LUNCH
FOR TWO PEOPLE AT Netherstowe House
Chase the Dog
Win a Lunch for Two People (Mon-Thurs). 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 Wednesday 9th October 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 Ms A E Armstrong of Langtree Close, Cannock, who spotted Chase the Dog on page 32 of the October magazine.
My Word
Call yourself a logophile?
Test your vocabulary with our new quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority. Q. What is a scanderoon? A. A type of shovel. B. A Scandanavian person. C. A homing pigeon.
The answer is C. A scanderoon is a homing pigeon
GazetteNews
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CG NOV2013
GazetteNews
• The historic former hospital at Ivy House, Cannock is under threat of demolition if plans by the Wrekin Housing Trust to build new homes go through. A presentation on the new development will take place from 6.30 – 7.30 at the Civic Centre Ballroom on Beecroft Road, Cannock on October 23rd. More information is available at www.wrekinhousingtrust.org.uk/cannock • St John’s Community Church, High Street, Chase Terrace will be hosting a performance of light classical music by the Walsall Symphony Orchestra on Saturday November 9th. Tickets are £7 and the evening begins at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm).
• Shop with a conscience, Shop Pink! - Leading retailers, Avon, M&S, ghd, Laura Ashley and Sainsbury’s have designed exclusive beauty, fashion and home ware products that all carry a minimum 10% donation towards Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s vital research. There are some fantastic hair and nail products, luxurious lingerie and charming interiors pieces for you to peruse - and even more fabulous items from additional retailers are yet to come! These products will raise vital funding to help continue Breakthrough’s life-saving work towards improving early diagnosis, developing new treatments and preventing all types of breast cancer. With 1,000 women dying from the disease each month in the UK alone, every penny raised is vital in order to help us create a world free from breast cancer.
Miners Memorial Update C
HAPS have been overwhelmed by the kind comments received and the response for named bricks to be added to the memorial to the miners situated in Hednesford Town Centre. Such was the demand for application forms leading up to the 31st August deadline that the committee decided to extend receipt of requests until the middle of September. CHAPS sincerely hope that this will have been of benefit to all those people applying and fair to all concerned. The extension of time, together with over 900 requests for named bricks – a figure which far exceeded CHAPS’ expectations – will result in a slight delay of the work commencing on site. It is hoped that the contract will now proceed in November of this year, weather permitting. CHAPS intend to organise a dedication of this latest phase sometime in April or May 2014, as close to the anniversary of the dedication of Phase II as possible. Bishop Nigel McCulloch has maintained a close interest in the memorial; he led the dedication service in April 2012. He has already been approached regarding the service to be held in 2014 and CHAPS is delighted that he has indicated his willingness to lead that service CHAPS thank everyone concerned for their support with this project and for their ongoing commitment to this worthy memorial.
Page 8 www.chasegazette.co.uk
Staffordshire County Council launches
‘through the eyes of a child’ adoption campaign
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ith record numbers of children placed in local authority care, Staffordshire County Council has launched an eye-catching new campaign asking people whether they have what it takes to be an adoptive parent. The County Council is currently seeking loving homes for more than 50 children across the county. The ‘through the eyes of a child’ campaign focuses on the qualities that children who are waiting for adoption have said they want in their future parents. These include ‘a mummy who likes cuddles and playing shops’, ‘a daddy who makes us laugh’ and a parent who ‘reads me stories at bed time’. The key message is that the County Council is looking for people from all ages and backgrounds to adopt who will be able to provide a child with a stable, loving home. Over the past year, Staffordshire County Council has speeded up its adoption application process and has introduced new ways of working. As a result, it can now process applications in under six months, where it is appropriate for both the adopter and child. At the same time the adoption service aims to put the child at the heart; the whole process has been designed from a child’s point of view, thus ensuring that the journey to a happy, stable family life is right for them as well as for potential adopters. Speaking about the launch of the campaign, Councillor Alan White, Support Cabinet Member for Care on Staffordshire County Council said: “We understand that adoption is a life changing decision for both parent and child, but like any parent, while it can be challenging, it can also be tremendously rewarding. “There is no such thing as the perfect parent, which is why the campaign focuses on what the children in care are looking for in a Mummy or Daddy. For example, children don’t care whether their new parent is single or part of a couple, rents or owns their own home or even whether they are straight or gay. All they want is someone to love them and do the every-day family activities they so desperately need to have a normal and happy childhood. “As a result, we are saying that there are no typical adopters; instead we just want to get the message across that we will support people from all backgrounds and ages to adopt a child with us. “ If you or someone you know is thinking about creating, extending or completing your family with adoption, they can find out more by visiting staffordshire.gov.uk/adoption or calling 0800 169 2061.
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Nicky Snazell’s Pain Relief Clinic at Wolseley Bridge has increased its MBST technology for the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, bone fractures, spinal discs and sports injuries to tendons and ligaments. It now has two of the three latest Open 700 systems available in the UK. MBST is a proven, safe derivative of MRI scanning technology. Developed in Germany, it has been highly successful across Germany and Austria with over 290 treatment centres and over 150 Orthopaedic Consultants trusting and using MBST on a daily basis. Over 150,000 patients have been treated and there have been zero reported side effects, making it risk free. MBST is unique in its ability to regrow cartilage, bone and heal spinal discs, tendons and ligaments. This highly complex technology is able to saturate targeted body tissue with energy, stimulating the cells to grow. A recent 10 year study of over 4,500 patients has proven its ability to reduce pain, reduce frequency of pain and improve mobility. It not only treats the symptoms, but also gets to the very heart of the problem, by treating the cause itself. We previously reported on Pip, the dog, who was able to walk for the first time in a year following just three MBST treatments. Pip continues to improve. Motorbike racing may not be your thing, but the ability to heal bones quickly could be. Michael Van Der
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Mark, a Dutch World Supersport racer, crashed in Italy in May and broke 4 bones in his foot. The specialists in Holland told him to rest for 8 weeks. Instead, Michael flew to England to be treated by us and within three treatments he was pain free and went on to race again the following weekend. Michael has since won the most important motorbike race of the year at Suzuka in Japan.
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GazetteNews
E
Enid’s Mercian March
nid Corker (71), a remarkable lady from Stokeon-Trent has recently completed a 200 mile walk in just 16 days, taking in the Mercian Regimental counties of Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire and Worcestershire. Enid has undertaken the walk (accompanied by Mercian personnel) to raise money for the Mercian Regiment Benevolent Fund, and to help re-enforce the strong links between the Regiment and the counties. The Mercian Regiment Benevolent Fund provides hands-on help to both wounded personnel, their families, and the families of the fallen. Along the way, Enid stopped her walk briefly in Chester, Derby, Lichfield, Nottingam and Worcester to present a memorial scroll to the Lord Lieutenant of each county. The scroll lists the names of 28 soldiers from the Mercian Regiment who have died in action since 2007. The scrolls are now displayed in the City or Guildhalls of each location. Enid started her walk in Chester on Saturday 31st August and arrived at Lichfield Guildhall on 10th September where she was greeted by applauding crowds, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, The Mayor of Lichfield Cllr Bob Awty, Chairman of Lichfield District Council Cllr David Laytham, members of the Regimental Association and local dignitaries, as well as Sgt Jim Fellows, The Mercian Regiment’s first Chelsea Pensioner who saw action with the regiment in Malaya.
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Enid arrives in Lichfield
Enid is greeted by the Mayor
Presentation of the scroll
Enid and team set off for Worcester
Enid told the Gazette: “It’s been great, especially as the weather has been a bit cooler. We’ve covered 135 miles so far, and we’ve got another 70 to go until Worcester. “I think it’s essential that we show our military that we support them, and that we are here for them. I hope that this walk will help provide practical support.
Thanks so much to everyone who has helped us along the way.” Enid completed her walk on Sunday 15th September, a remarkable achievement by an inspirational lady. Enid’s Just Giving page can be found at www.justgiving.com/Enids-MERCIAN-March
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GazetteNews
The Tale of Cannock’s Toll Roads
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By Michael Hewitt of the Cannock Conduit Trust.
he Crown Inn started life as a private house in Market Place, Cannock, and was sited where Martins Newsagent is situated. It was built during Queen Anne’s reign between 1702 and 1714. The First Lord Hatherton (1791-1863) formerly Edward Walhouse Littleton used one of the rooms in the house for various meetings. Owning many acres of land in and around Cannock and Penkridge, he turnpiked what is now New Penkridge Road from Cannock through Penkridge up to the main Wolverhampton – Stafford Road. Roads passing through land which was privately owned were controlled by the owners who got together and became known as Turnpike Trustees. They put up tollgates at the entry and exit of their roads and charged anyone wishing to use them. It was agreed in Parliament that some of the money would be used to improve the road surfaces, though this was not always carried out. As a Turnpike Trustee, Lord Hatherton would notify other Trustees of forthcoming meetings through The Staffordshire Advertiser. He would always state that they would meet at ‘The House with the sign of The Crown in Cannock’.
Walk in the park for charity fundraisers
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undreds flocked to Drayton Manor Theme Park on Sunday 29th September for the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes. Visitors put their best foot forward to help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). There was plenty to keep them occupied including a variety of entertainment and refreshments as they embarked on the four-mile stroll.
Approximately £20,000 was raised for the charity which will go towards crucial research into type 1 diabetes, a chronic, life-threatening condition that has a major impact on those diagnosed with it and their families. Type 1 diabetes affects an estimated 350,000 people across the country, including over 25,000 children.
Colin Bryan, CEO and Group Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park, said: “We’re extremely proud to support such a worthy cause. Type 1 diabetes affects the lives of so many people around the world, Page 14 www.chasegazette.co.uk
The owner would provide refreshments including wine and cheese and very soon The Crown became a Coaching Inn which was extended to include rooms and good stabling for horses and coaches during overnight stops. Passengers travelled from London to Manchester via Cannock, Penkridge and Stafford. 'The Red Rover' was a coach which left on appointed days for London at 3am and Manchester at 10am. During its journey the coach had to deal with the inconvenience of toll roads, which included Watling Street, with some coaches taking an alternative route to Manchester and staying overnight at The Four Crosses. The roads to Stafford, Walsall and Wolverhampton were also tolled. Lord Hatherton could see the benefits of keeping roads through his lands well maintained as income from the tolls came not only from the various coaching companies but from local farmers driving their livestock to and from the markets of Cannock and Penkridge. A well maintained road was faster and safer. A more direct route between Cannock and Stafford bye-passing Penkridge was not an option in Lord Hatherton’s day as his land and as yet there’s no cure for the condition. This is something that we must address.
“I would like to congratulate everyone who got involved; a fantastic day was had by all and the walkers contributed greatly towards vital research into finding a cure for this chronic condition.” Cara Rowbotham, Regional Fundraiser of JDRF, added: “It was great to see so many people at Drayton Manor Theme Park taking steps to bring us closer to a cure.
“For 40 years JDRF has been at the forefront of type 1 diabetes developments, funding research projects around the globe. This has helped lead to improved treatments and a better understanding of the condition and we thank everyone for their participation in such a fun day.”
Next year’s event will take place at Drayton Manor Theme Park on Sunday 28th September 2014. L - R Paul, Sienna, Olly and Rebecca MillionCanning with Rufus the JDRF bear
boundary did not include the road through Huntington (now the A34) which was poorly maintained and unsuitable for coaches. In 1766 the road between Walsall and Stafford through Cannock via Penkridge was turnpiked at various intervals (spiked rods were part of the design in the barriers to deter people from trying to get onto the roads without paying).Tollgates were built at Bridgtown and the north side of Cannock. During the early 1800’s some turnpikes also had houses built alongside the road for families to collect the tolls on behalf of the Trustees and they were paid from the collections. By the mid 1870’s the Government brought in an act to start the abolition of turnpikes and bring the control and maintenance of the roads under the umbrella of the Local and Parish Councils. By 1888 ‘The Local Government Act’ was passed through Parliament, thus abolishing toll roads. In 1890 Cannock Council took on the responsibility of the roads, financed through the rating system. Throughout the country all toll roads ceased on the 5th.November 1895; that is of course until the M6 Toll Road was constructed!
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Military advisor visits Messines model to help plan New Zealand Great War Centenary
War the site was once again used as a military training camp and the area became overgrown Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for and eventually buried. communities with Lt Col Mike Beale from the New Lieutenant Colonel Zealand Defence Force Mike Beale from the New Zealand Defence Force met the team behind the New Zealand military advisor who is helping coordinate the country’s Great project this week. It is being led by War centenary commemorations has visited Staffordshire County Council and will form part of the area’s Great War centenary a unique historic site in Staffordshire. Archaeologists on Cannock Chase are commemorations. Lt Col Beale said he felt excavating a model of the Belgian town of honoured by the dedication of everyone Messines which was built by the New involved in the project and also laid a wreath Zealand Rifle Brigade in 1918. The model on the site. He added: “It is incredible to see the helped to train officers and troops in battlefield tactics and was also built to scale, perspective and detail of the commemorate the successful Battle of the Messines model and this is a fantastic example of how the Great War can be Messines Ridge in June 1917. The Messines Model was built by German commemorated.The importance of the local prisoners of war at Brocton Camp on support cannot be understated and seeing Cannock Chase in 1918 and is the only so many people working here to uncover the surviving replica of its kind in the United history of the site is moving. We can see Kingdom. The model represents the town of cobbled roads, the dimensions of the trench Messines in Belgium and its surrounding system and the topography of the land. The
A
landscape. In 1917, the Messines Ridge formed an anchor in the German front lines, but a week-long offensive of infantry attack, aerial bombardment and heavy shelling in June resulted in an Allied victory. The battle was fought in the build-up to the much larger Passchendaele offensive which would begin in July of that year. Following the return of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade outfit to Brocton Camp, they had the scaled replica of their sector of the battlefield built to serve as a training aid and as an act of commemoration. The prisoners of war, under the guidance of the rifle brigade, built the model and rendered it in concrete. Fossilised in the concrete are trench railway lines, trenches and roads; contour lines are also represented and the model was properly aligned to the compass. With the outbreak of the Second World
Messines model shows the level of training was quite high; and how the instilling of drilled tactics and techniques helped the troops achieve their objectives.” The scaled terrain model has now been almost completely uncovered with project team members saying how excited they are about the scale of preservation. Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities Mike Lawrence, who met Lt Col Beale on site, said: “This is a unique site and very much part of New Zealand’s history as it is ours. It has been really rewarding for the whole team here to welcome Lt Col Beale as it means so much to him and the people of New Zealand. We will be maintaining strong links to ensure they can access information about the Messines model and the wider history of the Great War links with Cannock Chase and Staffordshire. We will be planning further commemorations up to 2019 – the centenary of when the New Zealand troops left this county for home – and very much hope Lt Col Beale will visit again soon.”
The Messines model
GazetteNews
Competition Winners
• Wedding Show Competition. Congratulations to Liz Ryley of Foxtail Way, Cannock, winner of a pair of tickets to the National Wedding Show at the NEC.
• Midland Karting Competition. Congratulations to David Tucker of Wordsworth Road, Burntwood, winner of 60 minutes of karting at Midland Karting. • Lightworks Competition. Congratulations to Mrs J Buttery of Foxfields Way, Cannock who correctly answered the quiz question on Page 10 of the October magazine and wins £50 to spend at any of the business at The Lightworks, Hednesford.
Prestigious arts organisation to hold half-term workshops at NMA
A Stoke-on-Trent based arts education organisation, The Cultural Sisters, will be hosting art and craft style workshops for families at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this half-term. Crafty parents are encouraged to join in the sessions, which will run twice daily from Saturday 26 October to Saturday 2 November, costing only £1 per 2 hour session. The sessions will take place in the Poppy Room at the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities. The Cultural Sisters' experienced professional artists will show children how they can make felt poppies and memory bangles as well as how to create their own prints in the spirit of Remembrance. Managing Director of the Arboretum, Sarah Montgomery, said “The National Memorial Arboretum is a great venue for families to visit, as it’s in a beautiful setting, has an abundance of wildlife, and provides a rich learning experience. We look forward to welcoming families with children of all ages to participate in our special creative events this half term.” For further information visit the Arboretum website: http://www.thenma.org.uk or call 01283 792333.
Business Awards winners decided ahead of presentation evening
A panel of distinguished local judges that included Newlife CEO Sheila Brown OBE picked the winners of the 2013 Cannock Chase Business Awards in early October. Over 75 nominations were received for the 11 prestigious awards on offer, each of which was created to recognise excellence shown by a local Cannock Chase business. Local people were encouraged to nominate businesses by completing an on-line nomination form and businesses were able to enter themselves by detailing their achievements and successes. The winning businesses will be announced at an official ‘Winners Reception Evening’ on Friday 25th October at the Premier Suite in Cannock. This year’s event is the second instalment of the hugely popular Business Awards, organised for the first time ever last year by the Chase MP Aidan Burley in partnership with The Best of Cannock’s Steve Mallows. The Awards aim to recognise and reward the important work and success of local businesses, big and small, across Cannock Chase. Last year over 75 businesses took part, winning awards in 12 categories, presented at a sit down dinner for over 250 local businessmen and women by TV Host Llewela Bailey. Aidan commented: “I would like to thank all those businesses who have entered this year’s awards. I have been overwhelmed by the reaction and I know that the judges found it extremely difficult to pick the 11 winners. “These Awards are my attempt to highlight the unsung businesses in Cannock Chase which are the life blood of our economy, and I look forward to seeing all the entrants at the presentation evening later this month.” Steve Mallows added: “The entries have come in from businesses of all sizes from Hednesford, Rugeley and Cannock, it's great to hear about successes, and reward those businesses that are flourishing despite recent economic difficulties. Cannock Chase really does have some excellent businesses and acknowledging them Judges Mark Shipp, Editor of the Cannock Chronicle, Mark Ellse, Principal of Chase Grammar School and is, I believe, very important." Sheila Brown OBE CEO Newlife Foundation with ‘The Best of Cannock’s, Steve Mallows.
Page 18 www.chasegazette.co.uk
Win Tickets to the Festive Gift Fair!
J
oin in the fun as the fabulous Festive Gift Fair, the biggest and best Christmas Shopping Fair, returns to the NEC for four days from 21 – 24 November. The run up to Christmas Day involves lots of planning and the hardest and often most time consuming part is buying presents. There’s no need to be stuck for ideas, Festive Gift Fair makes it so easy. From the moment you arrive, you’ll get into the Christmas spirit, and be caught up in the excitement of browsing round over 325 stalls hunting for your perfect gifts. When your bags are full, you can drop them off at the ‘Present Crèche’ and continue to shop, stop for a bite to eat and enjoy some great Christmas music by bands and choirs. It’s no wonder this is one of the most popular events at the NEC! Eat, drink and be merry! Christmas entertaining is the time to indulge in tempting chocolates and delicious cheeses sample before you buy at the Festive Gift Fair. For the women in your life - Mum, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Girlfriend, you’ll find a special thoughtful surprise they will love at the Festive Gift Fair For the men in your life - Chaps can be notoriously difficult to buy for but you’ll find Whisky, woollies, watches, clever gadgets and silly stocking fillers galore at Festive Gift Fair. Set the scene for a magical Christmas - Dressing your table, your hall, your mantle-piece can all help make Christmas Day really special. Light lots of twinkling candles, use elegant glasses, colour coordinated linen… you’ll find lots of inspiration at Festive Gift Fair. Find out for yourself why so many people come every year! The Festive Gift Fair opens 09.30 – 17.00 from Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 November at the NEC. Adult tickets from just £8.50 For more information on Exhibitors and Visiting the Fair, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk. Book by phone – The Ticket Factory on 0844 581 0808/0809 or Book online at www.theticketfactory.com
WIN WIN WIN!
We’ve got ten pairs of tickets to give away to Chase Gazette readers in our Gift Fair Competition. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question... Q. A. B. C.
The Festive Gift Fair is taking place at ...
The NIA St George’s Park The NEC
Just send your name, answer and contact details to Festive Gift Fair Competition PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of Wednesday 13th November. One entry per household please. Duplicates will be disqualified.
Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday A
ll over the country Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday events will be taking place in November.
• On Monday 11 November, an outdoor service will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum to commemorate Armistice Day. To apply for a limited number of tickets for the Armistice Day service please download the ticket application form on the NMA website. The format for the event has yet to be confirmed, but as in previous years, the site will be open to non ticket holders who will be most welcome to view the proceedings via a large screen.
• On Sunday 10 November, a service will be held for Remembrance Sunday. All are welcome to attend the Arboretum's annual outdoor Remembrance Sunday service from 10.30am. The service is free, but donations are appreciated. No advance booking is required unless arriving as part of a group of 10 or more persons. Contact: www.thenma.org.uk 01283 792 333 or info@thenma.org.uk for more information. The National Memorial Arboretum can be found at Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire, DE13 7AR
• Armistice Day Hednesford. On the 11th November a parade will start at St Peter’s Church at 10.30 am, Hednesford and proceed down Church Hill to arrive at the War Memorial in the town centre before 11am.
GazetteNews
Netherstowe House Awarded AA Rosette For Culinary Excellence
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urther to being voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards and being recommended by the latest Michelin Guide, Netherstowe House in Lichfield has been honoured again with a prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. AA Rosettes are awarded by AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspectors in recognition of highquality cooking and the overall dining experience. These selected restaurants achieve standards Jennie Moseley - Hospitality Manager, Teresa Herriman - HR that stand out in their local area by preparing food Manager, Steve Garland - Head Chef, Ben Heathcote - Proprietor, Betty Bialasinska - General Manager, Kamila Bialasinska - Head with care, understanding and skill, using good Waitress quality ingredients. Proprietor, Ben Heathcote commented that: "At Netherstowe House our core purpose is to make people happy. We therefore genuinely put a premium on, and take great joy from, all our guests being truly nourished and experiencing sincere hospitality. This award is testament to the passion of our fantastic team and we look forward to continuing to offer value and excellence in the most inclusive, accessible and genuine way possible by nurturing a great dining experience where the welcome feels loving and the cuisine is delicious." The exquisite food and tranquil surroundings of Netherstowe House in Lichfield make it a must-see dining and accommodation destination at any time of year but with evergreen floral displays from the garden, a genial atmosphere and inspired menus it is a unique retreat that captures the very essence of Christmas. Commencing in early December, the award winning hotel and restaurant celebrates yuletide in customary fashion by offering the best seasonal cuisine. Whether you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your Christmas party or just a festive evening out, you are guaranteed to experience the best seasonal cuisine and the warmest hospitality that comes from being their valued guest. You can enjoy festive lunch, dinner or afternoon tea at Netherstowe House or celebrate Christmas Day in the award winning restaurant. They cannot promise you a white Christmas but if you love a traditional festive season and service with a relaxed, caring style we can't think of anywhere better for you to spend it. To celebrate in style with Netherstowe House's Christmas Party Menu priced at just £19.95 per person or to purchase one of their popular Christmas Gift Vouchers call 01543 254 270 or email reception@netherstowehouse.com or visit www.netherstowehouse.com for more details.
Halloween & Bonfire Night Events.
• Halloween Spooktacular at the Museum of Cannock Chase 29th October to 31st October - A week of spooky crafts and activities for all the family! For more information please contact the Museum on 01543 877666 • Half Term Halloween Haunting at Cannock Chase Visitor Centre, Marquis Drive Wednesday 30th October 4pm to 6pm - Wand making, broom making and stories by the fire await those who are brave enough to try the trail! For more information please contact 01543 876741 • Halloween Spooktacular at Shugborough Estate Thursday 31st October. Back by popular demand - the region's largest and spookiest family friendly event. Always a sell-out so book early! For more information please visit: www.shugborough.org.uk • Bonfire Night Sun 3 November – Cannock Car Boot Annual Bonfire Night. Wellington Drive in Cannock (WS11 1PU). The fun starts at 5pm. The bonfire will be lit at 5.45pm. There will be a mini firework display at 7pm followed by a major display at 7.30pm. • The Stafford Roundtable Bonfire & Fireworks 2013 - Saturday 2 November 2013 at the Shugborough Estate - The Stafford & District Round Table 2013 Charity Bonfire & Firework Extravaganza will be taking place on Saturday 2nd November 2013. Hosted by Stafford FM, with a variety of family fair rides, stalls and catering outlets for all the family. The Shugborough gates will open at 4.30pm and the Fair and food outlets will also open at this time. The Bonfire will be lit at 7.00pm and the event will end at 9.00pm. More information www.shugborough.org.uk • Hednesford Hills End of season race and firework spectacular – Sun 4th November 1:30pm Would you like to have seen your event listed here? Why not drop us a line with your event details and we’ll do our best to publish it in the next edition.
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A Potted History of Hawkesyard By Kate Gomez
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View towards the High Altar at Hawkesyard Church by Rev Steve Walters
osiah Spode was six years old when his father died a pauper in 1739. Despite this inauspicious start in life, Spode would go on to establish the famous pottery manufactory in Stoke on Trent, where his son and grandson, both also Josiah Spode, would continue the family business. By coincidence his great grandson, Josiah Spode IV was also only six years old when his father died in 1829. However, the only connection that this Spode would have with the business that carried his family name, would be to inherit the wealth arising from it, giving him a starting life that was a world apart from his great grandfather’s humble beginnings. The young Josiah and his widowed mother left Stoke on Trent and moved to an estate originally known as ‘Hawkesyard’ in 1839. Hawkesyard had originally been in the ownership of the Rugeley family, apparently from the time of Henry III until Simon Rugeley, a colonel in the Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War, sold it to Sir Richard Skeffington (whose son later sold it to Michael Biddulph of Elmhurst). In 1759, the estate had been purchased by Nathaniel Lister who had renamed it ‘Armitage Park’, replacing the decaying moated manor house, with a new mansion built in the Gothic Revival style. Nathaniel was a poet and also the Tory MP for Clitheroe, between 1761 and 1773, holding the seat for his nephew until he came of
Hawkesyard Hall.
age. His grandson Thomas Henry Lister also enjoyed a literary career before being appointed the first Registrar General for England and Wales, a post created by the Births and Deaths Registration Act of 1836. Lister was the commissioner of the 1841 census which according to the Office of National Statistics was ‘the first truly modern census’, recording the name, sex and occupation of every individual member of every household in the UK for the first time. However, some have suggested that Lister obtained the post at the General Register Office (GRO) thorough nepotism, rather than ability, and he was simply not up to the job. After Lister’s death from tuberculosis in 1842, his successor at the GRO discovered that the Office’s accounts were in chaos and that there was a backlog of nearly two years in the compilation of the registers of births, marriages and deaths. On moving to Hawkesyard, Mary Spode made several alterations to the property, including the addition of a billiards room, as a birthday present for Josiah. Eventually, Mary gave Josiah the entire estate as a wedding present, on his marriage to Helen, daughter of William Heywood and niece of John Reynolds of The Stone House, Rugeley, in July 1848. Mary Spode died in 1860, and Josiah’s wife Helen died eight years later. Both are buried at St John the Baptist in Armitage, the Anglican parish church where the family worshipped and where Josiah was appointed the organist in 1866. However, in 1885, together with his niece Helen Gulson, who lived with him at Hawkesyard, Josiah Spode converted to Catholicism at St Dominic’s Priory in Stone. On his death in 1893, Spode requested that Helen should continue to live at Hawkesyard until her death, after which the estate should be passed to the English Dominican Order of Friars. However, Spode’s vision of a Dominican Priory at Hawkesyard was realised much sooner, when Helen decided to move out of the hall and into a cottage on the estate, allowing work on the new Priory and Church to begin almost immediately. Some say that this decision was inspired by a vision of the Virgin Mary appearing to Helen in the grounds of the estate, with the altar of the new Priory Church of St Thomas Aquinas supposedly erected over the site of the a p p a r i t i o n . Whether down to divine inspiration or Helen’s desire to implement the
wishes of her Uncle during her lifetime, the foundation stone of the Priory Church was laid in June 1896 by the then Roman Catholic Bishop of Birmingham, Dr Edward Illsley. The stone was also designed to be a time capsule, containing coins and newspapers of the time, along with a scroll with a Latin inscription giving details of the ceremony. Hawkesyard Priory was occupied by nuns, until the early twentieth century when it became a monastery. The hall itself was renamed ‘Spode House’ and used as a boarding school and theological training centre. However in the 1980s, the Dominicans decided to sell the estate, leaving behind the earthly remains of many of their brethren, together with those of their benefactors Josiah Spode (reinterred in the priory church after originally being buried at St Dominic’s in Stone) and his niece Helen Gulson. During Josiah Spode’s time at Hawkesyard, the gardens were open to the public who, for a small fee (all proceeds to the Rugeley District Hospital), could wander around the picturesque grounds. There were heated conservatories growing a variety of rare and unusual plants from all over the world, sunken walks, stone arches and grottos created from the natural rock. A later visitor to the site in the 1930s, describes one of the grottos as containing three saintly figures, carved beautifully from white stone, but decaying and rotting with age. Not all visitors to the estate were welcome though! There is a story that in 1845, a notorious gang of local poachers descended on Hawkesyard one moonlit night, only to find that the estate’s gamekeepers were waiting for them. A huge fight between the two groups of men ensued, ending with one the poachers being accidentally shot in the thigh. Worse still, the shot apparently ignited a flask of power that the poacher was carrying, engulfing him in flames. Other members of the gang managed to douse the flames, and carried him off into the night, apparently unable to resist bagging a plump pheasant as they retreated. Perhaps they escaped via one of Hawkesyard’s underground tunnels? There are said to be six passages running beneath the estate, constructed to allow workers to move around the locality with ease. A visitor to Hawkesyard in the 1950s recalls being shown the opening to one of these tunnels which she was told went all the way to Lichfield Cathedral with quite a few exits and entrances along the way! Today Hawkesyard is a venue for weddings, conferences and events, owned by the Whorton family who bought the estate in 1999, carefully restoring both the hall and its grounds to their former glory, with the help of old photographs. Tours of the hall and its grounds are also available for groups interested in the heritage and history of the estate. For more information, visit www.hawkesyardhall.com Sources http://www.hawkesyardestate.com http://www.armitagewithhandsacre.co.uk The Tablet, 20th June 1896 Lichfield Mercury Archive
Hawkesyard Hall. Image Copyright Roger Kidd. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic Licence.
GazetteNews
Strictly, X-Factor or... Volunteering? W
hy not think about this w i n t e r becoming a vital link in y o u r community? Heritage Centre - Older Person's Day - Winter is always a difficult time for lots of people, and if you would like to make your own impact, gain new skills and get the feel good factor – even improve your CV if you are looking for work – what you can bring to your community will be really welcomed at a time where lots of people, animals and causes need help. Volunteers make a massive difference to people and communities in Lichfield, Burntwood, Fazeley and the surrounding area providing advice, friendship and information, assisting as part of a team in the local community hospitals, helping children to read at school, or empowering older people to live independently in their own home, even delivering exercise classes or helping in day centres and local retail shops – and lots more besides! You can be, for many volunteering opportunities, 18 to 90 (plus). There are lots of active volunteers in their 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s! (and many younger as well!). Volunteers will get as much out of the experience as the people and communities they help. Eat Well Staffordshire, a new partnership project is looking for people with an interest in health that would be prepared to help older people in a research project, looking at their diet and nutrition and helping them to make diet and lifestyle changes. It is particularly focused on older people who are not eating enough nutrients often for lots of different reasons. It is a project funded by the Department of Health through the Health and Social Care Volunteering fund, and provides recognised training, support, mentoring, review, expenses and regular opportunities to get together. You will be providing assessment, support and interventions to older people over 65 who may be at risk from malnutrition or undernutrition. Volunteers who successfully complete the training will be matched with older people at risk from undernutrition, or who are not actually Eating Well and under-nourished. They will provide an assessment and then mentoring and other support, building relationships over time and making a real difference. They will have a chance to make contact with other agencies to provide interventions and support. Volunteers can contribute a flexible number of hours per month, and can have one client or a number of clients. There are regular training opportunities arranged on a bimonthly basis, to book your place or to find out more please phone 01785 788 483 or 496. Information can be found on www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs. It is one opportunity where you stand a real chance of saving a life and improving the lives of many more at what is a very difficult time for many older people – where they go out less, if at all, and often receive fewer visitors, limiting the potential for social eating and drinking and for food shopping! Everybody has something to give, and to gain. www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs (look for the Eat Well section).
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Back to the ‘dark, satanic mills’, Minister?
new bill which comes into force on October 1st; “Will place employees back in the same situation last faced by workers in the Victorian era” says personal injury lawyer, Adam Penn from Ansons Solicitors. The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 has created a great deal of controversy as it wipes away over 100 years of legislation that protects employees in the workplace from being injured. From October, employers will only be liable for accidents at work where the employee can prove that they had been negligent. In other words, the employee will have to provide evidence, often from experts, that apparatus was faulty or that safety procedures were not followed. Adam Penn, who regularly advises people who have been injured at work, asks clients to: “Try and gather as much information as possible at the time. This could include contact details of potential witnesses, details of apparatus or machinery, photographs and documentary evidence.” Getting the right legal representative is vital too, as the onus is now on you to prove your case. A good lawyer will be able to help investigate your accident and put you in touch with experts to support the evidence you will need to put forward your claim. If an accident does happen, seeking legal advice as soon as possible might make all the difference to getting the compensation you deserve.
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GazetteFeature
John Short & Son -
A proud tradition stretching back nearly 150 years
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ince 1866 John Short & Son has been located at 3 High Street, Chasetown in the heart of Staffordshire. The premises were originally used by a butchering firm. In the garage the hooks can still be seen where the carcasses were lifted, and occasionally the plasterwork shows signs of salt penetration.
Originally known as ‘W F Morgan’, the name was changed in the early 1930s, when Miss Alice Morgan married John (known as ‘Jack’) Short. The business was one of the first in the area to be connected by telephone. The number was ‘Brownhills 4’ – a far cry from the 11-digit numbers we are used to today.
The company grew, supplementing funeral work with a thriving taxi business: taking local folk on holiday to Rhyl and other parts of North Wales; to hospital (many to North Staffordshire where the TB Sanatoriums were located); and to the maternity hospitals at Walsall (Sister Dora) and Lichfield (Victoria Hospital). Wedding hire was also undertaken when motorised vehicles were introduced, and many families would literally call
on the Shorts for ‘Hatches, Matches and Despatches’.
Prior to World War 2 and before motorised vehicles were the norm, John Short and Son had a team of black Belgium horses which were stabled in a large field behind the business premises (now a housing estate). The horses were sold to a firm in Coventry, together with the harness and equipment, and sadly were killed during the worst of the bombing in Coventry.
Built an ambulance Jack Short was an accomplished engineer. He converted a Daimler limousine into a hearse using original glass from an old horse-drawn hearse. He also built an
Front Mary and John Short with daughters Felicity and Catherine
ambulance for the local miners’ welfare.
After the second-world- war, Maurice Short took over the running of the business from his father. In January 1946 he married Beryl Cotton, a girl from Cheltenham whom he had met while stationed at Fradley, near Lichfield. Their son John, the present owner of the business, was born in December of that year. The wood for the coffins at that time was supplied in rough-sawn sets and much midnight
(L to R) Mary Short with Maurice and Beryl Short in 1973
Page 22 www.chasegazette.co.uk
John Short (left) with Grandparents Jack and Alice in eary 1950’s
oil was spent in handproducing elm and oak coffins, each one custom made. How did they find the time?
GazetteFeature
The interest in horses continued, with John Short representing Staffordshire in show jumping competitions through the 1960s and 1970s. Maurice continued his love of horses and took part in many horse driving events up to his death in 1980 at the age of 58. Maurice’s widow Beryl passed away in 2009 aged 96. Since 1980 the business has been owned and run by John Short and his wife Mary, who are both very proud of their independent family business which has been part of the Chasetown and surrounding communities for over 147 years. Horses have given way to a smart fleet of Mercedes and Daimler hearses and limousines, now carrying out in excess of 400 funerals each year. Over the last 25 years the changes seen in the funeral business are huge, an example being the rise of the multi-national corporations. Also, clients are so much more aware of the options available and are far more knowledgeable. To pre-pay for a funeral today is quite the norm, it is considered sensible and far-sighted.
John Short & Son are triple award winning agents for Golden Charter Funeral Plans. John and Mary’s elder daughter Catherine (31) joined the company in 2009 and is the sixth generation of the family to take on the mantle of this proud, independent business. Who knows what the next 147 years may bring?
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GazetteHistory
Murder or tragic accident at Norton Canes 120 years ago?
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By Paul Oakley
n Saturday 1st July 1893, William Masfen, a 29 year old farmer was found shot to death. He had been out since the early Walking Stick handle hours in an attempt to keep poachers off his land. His body was found lying in a ditch. A trail led police to the house of a known local, 19 year old suspected poacher John Thomas Hewitt. He was found with the incriminating evidence of a rabbit ready for the pot and a recently fired shotgun. In a statement to police the young poacher claimed that he was making off with a rabbit he had shot earlier when William Masfen confronted him and demanded he hand over his gun. Hewitt said that the farmer could have the rabbit but not the gun. He then claimed that in the ensuing struggle the gun had fired accidentally, shooting the farmer in the head. Post mortem results however showed that the gun
name the person who was doing the poaching at Hole Farm. He
Edward Buckley then pointed the finger of suspicion at Hewitt, and that is why the farmer rose at 3 a.m on the morning of the murder to confront him. The mob waited in the pouring rain until Pearce came out of court, and there were yells of "Lynch him, lynch him". He took refuge in a nearby hotel. Friends of the condemned man made strenuous efforts to secure leniency from the Home Secretary, but Asquith refused, and the execution date was fixed for Tuesday August 15th. It seems that renowned local wood-carver Edward Buckley knew the 19 year old condemned man, and chose to use his unique skill to fashion a walking stick that would preserve the story for posterity. This stick is now on display to the public thanks to the generosity of a local businessman.
Both sticks are ingeniously fashioned and are exhibited alongside probably the most amazing example of Buckley's work - an unbroken chain, made from a nine foot-six inch plank of wood, comprising of 1,123 links and two hooks, every link moving independently from the rest. The chain is 132 feet long, and has been on permanent show (alongside the craftsman’s penknife) at Lichfield Heritage Centre since 1990.
Harry's generosity
Walking Stick detail had been fired from more than eight yards away. In the trial that followed Hewitt was found guilty and was hung at Stafford Gaol. There was a great deal of anger amongst the local mining population after the death sentence was announced, and this manifested itself in demonstrations outside the court at Stafford. A local youth George Pearce was blamed for 'grassing' on Hewitt, and the miners claimed that this led to the fateful confrontation between the murder victim and the poacher. Pearce had a few days earlier been caught in one of the farmer's cherry trees. He begged for mercy and promised to Page 24 www.chasegazette.co.uk
Mr Harry Wiggins has very generously loaned for public display two walking sticks carved by Heath Hayes wood carver Edward Buckley 120 years ago. These walking sticks are on show at Lichfield's Heritage Centre at St Mary's in the Marketplace, Lichfield. The sticks were carved by hand, with nothing more than a penknife. One shows a pictorial report of a local football match that took place early in the sport’s existence (Aston Villa and Walsall FC were only formed five years before the stick was made), and the other commemorates the notorious Masfen murder (described above) that took place in 1893 in the small mining village of Norton Canes. Mr Wiggins bought the sticks at Winterton's Fine Art Auctioneers of Lichfield in 2007 for an undisclosed amount, thought to be a four-figure sum.
Harry Wiggin loans walking sticks
Hednesford tennis courts are a smash hit
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annock Chase District Council unveiled the new tennis courts at Hednesford Park on 25th September as part of a £3.1M Heritage Lottery Fund project. Representatives from Cannock Chase District Council, Staffordshire Environmental Fund and Friends of Hednesford Park officially opened the brand new tennis courts at Hednesford Park, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. This is the first phase of the project part funded by Staffordshire Environmental Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund which has seen the five adult tennis courts being replaced with four adult tennis courts and four junior courts all on one level with a new drainage system and new fencing with gates to allow access for all. Cannock Chase District Council recently obtained £3.1M of Heritage Lottery Fund grant as part of the improvements to Hednesford Park and War Memorial. The full project will take several years to complete. Councillor Christine Mitchell, Culture and Sport Portfolio Leader said: “I am really pleased with the work that has taken place on the new tennis courts, they look fantastic. This is a great start to a really exciting project for Hednesford Park. I hope this investment will help inspire the next generation of tennis stars and give this District the next Andy Murray.”
Hednesford Park tennis courts reopens
GazetteNews
The Sights and Sounds of Trench Life come to Staffordshire.
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WWI trench system that offers one of the most authentic ‘Great War’ experiences in the UK is to open in Staffordshire this November. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is the highly regarded and much-loved museum of the Staffords and Mercians. It holds nationally important collections of not just weapons, vehicles and medals but letters home from the front written by ordinary soldiers who travelled over to France during 1914-18. This large archive of first-hand material has allowed the team at the museum to re-design the on-site trench system (that was already hugely popular) with the kind of attention to detail that only a military museum can capture. This 500ft trench system contains ‘scrape’ holes, living quarters with interactive exhibits, gun positions, a first aid station and even a tunnel used during the period to undermine the enemy trenches that were often just a short way away. Ammunition boxes are strewn around, sandbags line the walls, original signage points the way and the visitor is immersed in a professionally created soundscape that evokes the trenches of WWI France. The museum is staffed by serving and ex-army personnel, and volunteers, who know the reality of military combat. This has allowed a soundscape to be created that truly reflects what many of our Grandfathers and Great-Grandfathers would have heard every day almost 100 years ago. For instance, if you were being fired at by a sniper, you would hear the report of the gun very differently to how it’s usually portrayed in the movies and on TV. Rather than just hearing the weapon going off or rounds whining past, if a sniper has you in his sights, you will hear the passing round before you hear the round being fired. This is called ‘crack and thump’. The ‘crack’ is the sound of the round passing your ear and the thump is the rifle being fired in the distance. This strange noise is created because a bullet flies faster than the speed of sound. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is planning a series of fascinating events from August 2014 to commemorate WWI. There are also regular events taking place in the run up to the commemorations. Night in the Trenches Saturday 23rd November One of the most popular events in the Museum’s calendar is ‘Night in the Trenches’ which will be taking place this year in the remarkable new trench system. This is an opportunity to experience a soldier’s life in the trenches in WWI. Uniformed re-enactors take you back to evoke the life lived and conditions experienced by our troops during the Great War. Guided tours take place from 4.30 – 7.45pm and pre booking is essential. Adults £6, all concessions and children under 16 £4. Family ticket £15. Good wheelchair access. Please ring 24 hours in advance for event confirmation. Please go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.co.uk for further details. WWI Carols in the Trenches Saturday 7th December Carols in the Trenches is an evocative re-enactment of the 1914 Christmas Truce. Come along to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum for an evening of Carols set in the Museum’s WWI trench system, concluded by a re-enactment of the Christmas Truce where British soldiers emerged from the trench to shake hands with their German counterparts who were dug in just yards away. A thoughtful, festive and uplifting evening. From 7-8.30pm Adults £3, all concessions and children under 16 £2, family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £6. The museum is home to a team of brilliant volunteers (with both military and civilian backgrounds) who get involved in everything from gardening to helping with the archives and collections. If you have a few hours to spare and would like to join the volunteer team please contact the Museum on 01543 434394 or go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.co.uk The team have recently had their outstanding contribution recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteers! The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at Whittington Barracks, Whittington, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434394 www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com Page 25
GazetteFeature
Norton & Stafford Bathrooms
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“SECOND TO NONE”
re you thinking of updating or improving your bathroom? Then you’ll probably want someone with years of experience in planning, designing and fitting the bathroom of your dreams? And at the right price? This is where Norton & Stafford Bathrooms come in, an independent and family run business. Established for 40 years, Norton & Stafford Bathrooms provides all the experience, reassurance and choice that you’d expect from a top class team of sales people, designers, craftsmen and installers. To begin with there are two fantastic showrooms, one in Norton Canes and one in Stafford, undoubtedly the largest showroom in the area with more than 70 displays. Browsing around the showroom is a fantastic way to help you make the all-important final decision about style, colours and design, which is why Norton & Stafford Bathrooms regularly update their displays ensuring the widest choice possible. Their team of experienced staff monitor the latest industry trends and only select ranges that meet their own exacting standards in terms of quality and style. This is not an internet service; it’s a personalised individual service which is tailored to customers’ needs and they pride themselves in providing excellent customer service. Consequently, a lot of their success is due to customer recommendations and repeat business. Whilst choice is important, Norton & Stafford Bathrooms strive to support British brands whenever possible and they aim to support local businesses by being part of the ‘Buy Local’ scheme. Those Finishing Touches Of course it’s not just about choosing a new suite; there are so many other things to consider and this too is one of the many strengths of Norton & Stafford Bathrooms. With the latest bathroom accessories from brands like Bossini, Bristan, Imperial, Inda, Keuco, Rena and Smedbo you’ll be able to add those finishing touches which will see your new bathroom bang on trend with a modern twist or perfectly suited to a more traditional setting. Very soon there will also be the launch of the ‘Roman @ Home’ accessory range. When is a radiator not just a radiator? When it’s also a towel warmer or a functional, yet stylish and effective addition to give the smallest room in the house that ‘wow’ factor. Norton Bathrooms has a radiator area displaying stylish radiators for the whole home, and at competitive prices too. Sometimes the most simple bathroom suite can be beautifully enhanced by the choice and style of wall and floor tiles and there is a wide range on display for you to choose from. If you find it all a bit overwhelming then you can rely of the friendly staff here to help you with your choices. Pick up great ideas on how to use tiles to create stylish new looks too. Maybe you dream of changing your bathroom to a wet room? No problem. Norton & Stafford Bathrooms are also experts in all flooring solutions, under floor heating and wet rooms. They offer a free home survey and complementary design no matter what your bathroom requirements are. Page 26 www.chasegazette.co.uk
You will be assigned a personal designer whose professional 3D CAD designs will allow you to see the future of your bathroom before committing to buy. Norton & Stafford Bathrooms is a company with a heart, and they work with the local community. This year they held a fundraising Ball on behalf of The Teenage Cancer Trust and raised a massive £5,500. In addition to this they support local schools with work experience programmes and they are also sponsors of Berkswich FC, a boys football team in Stafford.
Peace of mind With experienced quality bathroom fitters for your total peace of mind and the added bonus of strong relationships with the biggest names in bathrooms, it means you can enjoy a reassuring touch of luxury in your home at an affordable price. And if you’re still not convinced, here are some testimonials from some very satisfied customers: "We were impressed with the design, planning and installation. Nothing was too much trouble; a truly excellent service"- Mr & Mrs Mercer, Sutton Coldfield "We have lived in this area for a number of years and our impression of Norton Bathrooms was that you would be too expensive for us to use. However we were seriously mistaken. We cannot recommend the staff and Norton Bathrooms highly enough..." Mr & Mrs Williams, Cannock "Having travelled across the West Midlands to many showrooms, we obviously made the right choice. The quality of your product, design service, fitting and after sales have been second to none. We will be recommending your team to all our friends." Mr & Mrs Knapton- Rugeley
GazetteFeature - A Chase Ghost Story for Halloween
The Spine Tingling Tale of the Miller’s Children
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By Joss Musgrove Knibb
taffordshire is a strange place. For such a landlocked county we have played a central part in many of the most important events in history. I think it’s this depth of history and the folklore that surrounds it that has led to practically every village and hamlet having its fair-share of ghost stories. Cannock Chase and the surrounding area seem to be a particular hotspot. Ye Olde Windmill is a 400 year old country pub and restaurant in Gentleshaw, overlooking a beautiful common that is home to lots of rare creatures and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. In the grounds of the pub stands a disused windmill, built in around 1790. Made of local red sandstone and
brick it no longer has its ‘sails’ that rotated to run the milling machinery, but at 40 ft tall it’s still pretty impressive. Visitors can walk inside and look up to where the trap-doors once were. Inside the pub hang pictures of Edward Bonnell, who is the son of the first miller John Bonnell. John had a large family, but in 1807 two of his children were tragically killed in a mill accident, with many of the details recorded in the Christchurch Parish records for Gentleshaw. It appears that the children were working in the mill the day of the accident, portioning out the freshly milled flour into sacks. This job took place on the first floor where a heavy weight and pulley system would lift
bags of grain from the ground, through trap-doors to the floors above. Mills would take the grain of local farmers and mill it for them for a fee, transforming the seed into saleable flour. It appears that the milling was finished for that day and the trap-doors were firmly closed when somehow the children fell through to their deaths below. How this accident happened is still a great mystery 206 years later. These trap-doors only opened one way and were so immensely heavy that they could not have been lifted by the children. The deaths were so inexplicable that an open verdict was returned during the inquest into their deaths In Lichfield. Since that day forward, owners and staff at the pub have reported hearing the long since disappeared trapdoors slam shut, and the sound of children playing. The two children, covered in white flour-dust have been seen by local people, peering down at them from the first floor as the temperature plummets and sometimes when it snows it's also said that two sets of small footprints can be seen circling the mill. Regardless of whether you believe in ghost stories, Ye Olde Windmill pub in Gentleshaw is a great spot to visit. I’ve been there myself and the atmosphere is anything but spooky, with great cask ales and good food. More information is available at www.yeoldewindmill.co.uk Sources: wix.com yeoldewindmill.co.uk lichfieldlore Images: lichfieldlore yeoldewindmill.co.uk
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Cannock Chase Ladies Probus Club
GazetteNews
n September the Cannock Chase ladies Probus Club held its monthly luncheon meeting at The Barns Restaurant.
Mrs. Pat Elwell, Chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a special welcome to Mr. Peter Martin and Mrs. Annette Martin, Special Guests for the afternoon. Mrs. Clare Breeze said grace after which the ladies enjoyed their luncheon.
After the Loyal Toast Mrs. Elwell introduced Mr. Peter Martin who then entertained the ladies by showing the video films of their visit to India and Nepal. The talk described their journey that commenced in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, known as ‘The Golden Triangle’ and included various sites including the memorial garden to Gandhi. They then rode on an elephant to Amber Fort and went into Jaipur on the first evening of the festival of Divali which had a tremendous atmosphere. A visit to the Taj Mahal was truly spectacular and they were told the story behind its building. They flew on to Nepal and visited Katmandu. The highlight of their travels was being able to spend a night within sight of Mount Everest with an early morning light aircraft flight over the mountain itself.
Mrs. Eileen Cryer, Vice Chairman, gave the ‘Vote of Thanks’ to Mr. and Mrs. Martin for bringing along this wonderful film. The pictures and sounds captured were amazing. The scenery of Mount Everest at sunrise was something that the ladies would be able to happily take home with them and remember.
Trinity Pop In
Mrs. Annette Martin, Mrs. Pat Elwell, Chairman, and Mr. Peter Martin A short meeting took place in which the Social Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Stephenson, read out the forthcoming monthly trips. On the 17th October it is planned to return to The Carvery at Far Forest, near Bewdley. There is a shopping trip to Touchwood, Solihull on the 7th November and Christmas Decorations at Attingham Park on the 19th December. There are seats still available on the coaches to these venues. Mrs. Pat Elwell thanked everyone for attending and wished them a safe journey home.
The Cannock Chase Ladies Probus Club is for retired, professional ladies and meets on the last Thursday of each month at The Barns at 12.00 noon. Membership enquiries to Club Secretary, Mrs. Norma Hutchinson on 01543 505183
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hen Hednesford Town Council received a donation of £1000 from the Tesco Charity Trust, the Council added a further £400 and this enabled a much needed professional cooking range and oven to be purchase for Trinity Pop In.
Trinity Pop In, based in the Methodist Church in Station Road, Hednesford, is run by local volunteers who cook and serve up to 80 hearty lunches to needy locals on Wednesdays and Thursdays of each week. The meals are free but users are asked to contribute anything they can towards the cost.
As well as providing a great meal the Pop In also provides an opportunity for people to meet and socialise. There is also a food bank at the Pop In providing much needed support to local people. For more information on Trinity Pop In call 01543 871221
Chairman of the Town Council (Alan Pearson) and Town Council Members with Trinity Pop In Volunteers. Page 29
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Respect and Remember
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he Royal British Legion Women’s Section is a membership organisation for women which provides care and support to the Serving and ex-Service community. For over 90 years, their welfare schemes have helped thousands of men, women and children within the Armed Forces community who are in financial hardship or in need of extra support. The RBLWS welfare services range from educational sponsorship and annuities to family welfare breaks and are available to the entire Armed Forces family; from service personnel and veterans to military spouses and children. For more information, please visit: www.rblws.org.uk To support the work of the RBLWS Arthur Price has created the Remember range of gifts including an ipad cover, two umbrellas, a tote bag, journal book and a china mug. The range has been designed by Laurence LlewelynBowen and proceeds of the sales will go to the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion. Simon Price, Arthur Price CEO said: “I’m humbled to be part of this project. The work done by our Servicemen and
Women deserves credit, admiration and support and I hope that this new gift range will help contribute to the lives of these brave people via an amazing organisation, the Royal British Legion Women’s Section. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen designed the range said: “I’ve always been a great supporter of our armed forces and the work of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section is fantastic and I’m delighted that my new designs will be bringing not just a smile but financial gain for this worthwhile organisation.” Anthony Beattie, National Secretary of RBLWS said: “I’d like to thank Arthur Price and Laurence for their passion and support, and for creating this amazing range of wonderful gifts to help our organisation to both raising awareness and contribute financially to our worthwhile cause.”
For more information on Arthur Price visit www.arthurprice.com or pop into the Arthur Price Factory Shop, Britannia Way, Lichfield for discounts of up to 70%.
Golden Tickets
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Chase Gazette has teamed up with local cutlery and gift designer Arthur Price to create yet another amazing offer.
ust like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, inside ten of this November’s edition of the Chase Gazette is a golden ticket worth £199. Flick through the pages now and if you can see a sparkle of the gold, you have won an Arthur Price Invitation cutlery set worth £199. The special edition Invitation cutlery set is for 6 place settings, is made of 18/10 stainless steel, is dishwasher safe and as with all Arthur Price cutlery comes with a 50 year guarantee. Stylish and contemporary, the Invitation design is perfect for that special occasion or just a TV dinner on your lap This is a genuine opportunity and no purchase is necessary. The 10 winners will be notified and verified and no cash alternative is available. The Editors decision is final. Page 30 www.chasegazette.co.uk
Brereton gets additional litter bins
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esidents in Brereton are enjoying the benefits of having additional litter bins in their local area. Approximately 10 new litter bins will be installed in key locations across the Brereton area as part of a clean-up initiative that is being led by the local ward Councillor Alan Dudson. These bins accept general litter and dog waste and also offer residents the facility to Image: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk dispose of cigarette ends. Carl Bennett, Leader of the Environment said: “One of the top priorities for the Council is to keep Cannock Chase a clean and safe place for those that live, work and visit the District. I am extremely grateful to Councillor Dudson for his dedication and commitment to keeping Brereton clean. By adding more bins to the area, residents will now have more options to dispose of their litter when out and about.”
Another business opens in Cannock town centre
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Image: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
welve months since the launch of the business rates discount scheme, another business has opened in Cannock town centre, with help from Cannock Chase District Council’s scheme. UK Computer Line owned by Damian Whittaker, located on Market Hall Street, sells laptops, pc's, monitors, vapour kits, liquids, antivirus and much more, they also carry out repairs. They officially opened on 25th September 2013 following help from Cannock Chase District Council via the business rates discount scheme. St. Modwen have also assisted the business through an initial rent free period. The Town Centre Business Rates Discount Scheme (TCBRDS) was introduced in September 2012 and has seen four new businesses and ten business expansions taking up the offer of the scheme. This in turn has seen 20 new jobs created and many more protected. Footfall in the town is on the increase and early indications show that the new businesses are trading well.
GazetteNews
Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House
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etherstowe House have had a huge success entertaining the ladies with their very popular traditional afternoon teas so they thought it was long overdue that they put a little something together for the eclectic Lichfield gent and their very own 'Rat Pack'. Designed for men wanting to relax and indulge, the new Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House promises to provide the perfect midafternoon escape. Served in the exclusive and extravagant playpen of the city’s only vaulted cellar restaurant boasting gentlemen’s club-like surroundings - old wooden walls covered in historical pictures, memorabilia faded with age, unusual and authentic furniture, original pictures, news clippings and archive photographs – it’s a thoroughly manly affair, with steak and onion slice, ploughmans bites, chunky chips, homemade scotch egg, pickled onions, hunters pork pie and maple syrup popcorn. As ever they will throw in as much tea as you can drink, but we also know you gents sometimes appreciate a bottled beverage so why not also add a round of their locally brewed beers from Burton Bridge Brewery located just ten miles from Netherstowe House. If that doesn’t do it for you, you can always try a large glass of one of their fine wines or prestige whiskies. Just over a mile from Lichfield city centre, Netherstowe House is a small, family owned and run hotel that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards and remains the only establishment in Staffordshire to be recommended by The Good Hotel Guide. It’s informal but special: that highbrow / lowbrow sweet spot that everyone aims for but few hit. Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea is served between 1pm and 5pm, Monday to Sunday and is priced at £24.95. You can also add a locally brewed beer for £4.50. To reserve your table for Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House call a member of their friendly Hospitality Team on 01543 254 270 or email reservations@netherstowehouse.com Page 31
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PCC Presents Criminal Justice Award
New Group for Older People in Burntwood, Chasetown and Chase Terrace
new day support service aimed at those who may be living with short term memory loss or dementia has been launched in the Burntwood area. Burntwood Live at Home’s new ‘Friday Focus Group’, runs Edna, Margaret and Nelly October 2013 from 10am to 4pm each Friday at the Old Mining College on Queen St Chasetown. Scheme manager Sue Meehan told the Gazette: “Our original Wednesday Focus group is incredibly popular. Whilst members spend the day with us enjoying a range of activities, their relatives and carers are able to have some time to themselves. We are delighted that we can now extend this service and offer an additional group on a Friday.” The Burntwood Live At Home Scheme is part of a national network of organisations supported by Methodist Homes. It provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of older people in the Burntwood area. The scheme was founded in 1990 and since then has grown considerably to include lunch clubs, interest groups, day trips and even annual holidays. It is open to members and non-members and has one sole aim – to enhance the quality of older people’s lives in the Burntwood, Chasetown and Chase Terrace areas. The scheme is always looking for new volunteers to help run its services, in particular Volunteer Befrienders willing to visit an older person in their own home, and Volunteer Drivers, who are able to transport older people to and from the scheme’s services. For further information on the Friday Focus Group, or to find out more about volunteering with Burntwood Live at Home, please contact Sue Meehan on 01543 674 257.
Armistice Day Service to Remember Working Dogs Page 32 www.chasegazette.co.uk
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Ellis and Adam Simmonds with Innovation Award winner Annys Darkwa, Managing Director of Vision Housing
taffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis joined partners at a national event to unite criminal justice agencies and promote change this October. The No Offence! annual Redemption and Justice Awards took place in Leicester last Thursday, 3 October. The Commissioner attended with Staffordshire’s Deputy PCC Sue Arnold and joined Northamptonshire PCC Adam Simmonds in presenting the Innovation Award to Vision Housing. Mr Ellis commented: “There was a great diversity of ideas that came out of the evening about work by criminal justice organisations which is having a clear effect on people’s lives. “We presented the Innovation Award for a project which saw an ex-prisoner start a social enterprise to re-house prisoners once they’ve been released. “Fifty-eight prisoners had been re-housed and every single one of them had stayed out of prison and not been involved in re-offending. “The focus was on rehabilitation which is critical to our work to reduce crime and re-offending in Staffordshire. “No Offence! has a really important vision of bringing criminal justice organisations together in one place to effect positive change. We need to look at how we can apply these ideas in Staffordshire.” No Offence! is an award-winning Community Interest Company with a vision ‘to be the leading cross sector criminal justice community in the world’. For more details visit www.no-offence.org
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annock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is once again inviting working dogs and their owners to a special service to commemorate Armistice Day on Friday November 8th at 2pm. The annual service has been inspired by Freda, a Dalmatian-type dog that was the New Zealand Rifles’ mascot, when the regiment was stationed on Cannock Chase during the First World War. She died in 1918 while the regiment was training on Cannock Chase, and is buried there. In memory of Freda, and dogs like her, the AONB is holding a service at her grave, which is off Chase Road, near Stafford. In previous years over 50 dog owners and handlers, along with 40 dogs, have gathered at Freda’s grave to take part in the ceremony. This included listening to readings and poems, and laying wreaths on the grave. The efforts of our working dogs is sometimes forgotten, and so this Armistice Day service is a chance to remember them and to thank them for their loyalty and service. Whether you are remembering the bravery of a military or police dog, or a missed service dog, everyone is welcome to come to this short service. They are also keen for any working dogs to be there, and are sure they will enjoy a walk in the beautiful surroundings of Cannock Chase. Freda’s grave is 0.6 miles south east of Brocton Village, near Stafford. It is marked ‘Meml’ on the Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 244 – Cannock Chase and its grid reference is SJ978188. For further information go to www.cannock-chase.co.uk
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Fancy a game of Chess?
ugeley Chess Club meet every Tuesday at the Lea Hall Social Club at 7.30 pm. The club plays chess socially for fun, and also participates in local leagues playing chess at various competitive levels. Whatever your aim is, and whatever your level, why not pop down and give the club a try? For further information contact Catherine at rugeleychessclub@hotmail.com or go to www.rugeleychessclub.co.uk Lea Hall Colliery Sports & Social Club can be found at Sandy Lane, Rugeley, WS15 2LB
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Harvest Festival Gives to Charity
ood glorious food was the theme at Chase Grammar School's Harvest Festival Assembly in October. Students and parents gave generously and the tables were groaning under the weight of lots of lovely food. The Sixth form gave the assembly and reminded us that we are a society that wastes too much food. Wasting food costs the average family with children £680 a year and if we all stopped wasting food the CO2 impact would be equivalent of taking one in four cars off the road. The food will be donated to local charity Addiction Dependency Solutions who regularly have to give out food parcels to people having difficulties and who cannot afford to buy enough food to feed their families.
GazetteNews
Event encourages local businesses to apply for grant opportunities
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Image: www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk
ocal businesses were given an exclusive networking opportunity at the Cannock Chase District Council’s Open for Business Breakfast event in October. Fifteen businesses attended the business breakfast at the Ramada Hotel on 2nd October to learn about the grant available from the Business Development Programme (BDP) and also find out about the 'great200leaders' Coaching and Mentoring programme. The event was opened by Councillor Gordon Alcott, Economic Development and Planning Portfolio Leader who advised businesses that the average amount of grant awarded to Cannock Chase businesses from the BDP is £14,800. The BDP is administered by Birmingham County Council's Business and Innovation Team and is funded through the ERDF. Cllr Gordon Alcott commented: "The key message I want to convey is that the Council is here to help Cannock Chase businesses access funding and other support. The Economic Development Team is currently helping several businesses to apply for grants and I would encourage all businesses to contact the team to find out about the wide range of financial and other support that is available." The Business Development Programme provides financial assistance by way of a grant, to existing businesses (SMEs) who have been trading for more than six months and have expansion plans ready to implement that will safeguard existing jobs or create new ones. The programme, funded through the European Regional Development Fund runs until June 2015 and businesses in Cannock Chase District can still apply. The BDP, which is designed to help more than 400 qualifying existing small and medium-sized businesses with their growth plans, operates across the whole of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP area, meaning firms in the Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Redditch, Solihull, Tamworth and Wyre Forest local authorities are able to apply. The programme also offers a unique coaching and mentoring scheme 'great200leaders'. This has been implemented by business improvement consultancy Winning Moves. For more information on Winning Moves visit www.winningmoves.com/g200l The businesses also heard from Lawrence Gameson, Managing Director of Thomas Gameson Ltd, which is one of the six Cannock Chase businesses to have received a BDP grant to date. Lawrence explained how straight forward the grant application process was and complemented the support available from the Economic Development Team at Cannock Chase Council. Businesses can contact the Economic Development Team on 01543 464219 or email econdev@cannockchasedc.gov.uk Page 33
Beauty • Competitions • Wedding Feature • Fashion
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The office Christmas party is a time to shine. Here, we’ve picked some of the best metallic jackets, dresses, bags, and accessories available on our high street and online this season. Why not go for subtle glitter with sequin accessories, or full on Studio 54 glamour with head-to-toe shimmer! New Look Parisian Navy & Silver Aztec Vest - £19.99
OASIS Gold Print Faux Fur Jacket £85
Kastur Jewels 22kt Natural Agate necklace - £100
Orelia Tiny Teardrop Hair Crown (ASOS) - £18
New Look Gold and Silver Box Clutch £10 ASOS Sequin Stripes Dress - £120
SYLK Monda Gold Sequin dress (ASOS) £195
Kastur Jewels 22kt Gold Plated Amethyst Bracelet - £70
Stockists www.newlook.com www.asos.com www.kasturjewels.com www.oasis-stores.com www.motelrocks.com
Next issue look out for perfect Christmas Day Lunch dresses
Motel Gabby Iridescent Sequin Dress - £58
GazetteWoman
Verity Stone and Carl Probert were married in a civil ceremony at the Oak Farm Hotel, Cannock, on 16th August. The wedding reception was also at the Oak Farm Hotel. Photography by Robert Yardley
The wedding has been announced of Jack Whitmee of Lichfield to Miss Gemma Hunt on 22 June at St Peter's Church, Stonnall and the reception was held at The Premier Suite, Cannock. The couple honeymooned at Cape Verde Islands.
Jane Palmer and Ashley Colbourne were married on 14th September at The Oak Farm Hotel, in Cannock. The wedding reception was also at the Oak Farm Hotel. Photography by Robert Yardley
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Win tickets to the Clothes Show Live!
6th – 10th December at the NEC, Birmingham
ashion, beauty, celebs and music all under one roof what more could a girl want? This year Clothes Show Live will take place between the 6th-10th December at the NEC, Birmingham. The show is set to be the hottest ticket on the fashion calendar, with over 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, gorgeous celebrities, tempting bars, and inspirational fashion demonstrations over five days. Fashion Fireworks Start the day in the ultimate shopping heaven with the best in high-street fashion, unique boutiques, vintage collections and new designer labels. You and your friends can spend the ultimate girl’s day out being pampered and receiving top tips from hair and beauty stylists. Take your seat in the spectacular ALCATEl One Touch Fashion Theatre, in association with Company Magazine, and watch as more than 40 models and dancers showcase the latest high-street, designer, boutique and couture fashion collections on the world’s largest catwalk. Hosted by fashion icon and designer Henry Holland, you’ll be immersed in a fashion carnival. Don’t miss an appearance from this year’s Face of Clothes Show Live, Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model winner Jade Thompson; if you love fashion, you’ll love this! Watch hair and beauty demonstrations from the backstage teams, and learn how to recreate that Fashion Theatre style. You can also shop the gallery of trends as seen on the catwalk with ALCATEL tablet devices – fashion at your fingertips! Shop ‘till you drop Teaming A-list runway collections with high-street musthaves, the High-Street & Designer Catwalk in association with Cosmopolitan will treat you to the ultimate fashion frenzy. As will the Image Catwalk, where you can see upand-coming graduate collections from colleges and universities across the UK, and discover the latest trends from designers leading the way in British fashion and design.
Beauty Bonanza Enter a world of beauty, pick up expert tips and stock up on the hottest hair and beauty brands including Clarins, Bare Minerals, Elemis, Models Own and Rimmel. The Beauty Hall will play home to the Style Studio, where visitors can see hair demonstrations, expert fashion interviews and make-up how-to’s. Find the tools and techniques to shimmer, shine and gloss with make-overs, style transformations and inspirational trend reports. Having launched the careers of many top models over the past 25 years including Oliver Cheshire, Rosie Tapner, and Erin O'Connor, all of whom were spotted by model scouts at Clothes Show Live, you can pay a visit to the Select Model Management stand for the chance to win a modeling contract.
The Future of British Fashion Continuing its support for the future of British fashion, Clothes Show Live will be hosting its Creative Awards Programme where students will have the chance to win educational bursaries and fantastic work experience placements.
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Celeb Alert Clothes Show Live will once again play host to loads of your favourite celebs including stars from the world of music and reality TV. Already confirmed to be appearing at the show are Peter Andre, TOWIE’s Amy Childs and Made in Chelsea stars Oliver Proudlock, Jamie Laing and Caggie Dunlop, plus all of the presenters from the recently launched Clothes Show TV, including BINTM star Annaliese Dayes. Paparazzi Pen The Pap Pen in association with Capital FM will provide visitors to Clothes Show Live with the chance to have their picture taken with their favourite celebs. The ultimate profile picture for Facebook or Twitter, you’ll be the envy of all of your friends so leave enough time in between all the shopping to bag yourself a great snap!
Take Me Out Live Hit primetime TV series Take Me Out is set to launch its first ever live stage show at Clothes Show Live this December. The king of dating, Paddy McGuinness, will be playing cupid to 30 single girls all looking for their Mr Right10 of which will be chosen at Clothes Show Live every day! Hoping to impress the line-up of gorgeous girls, a new selection of bachelors will be pulling out all the stops as they take to the stage after Clothes Show Live concludes each day. Get ready for more lighty and lots more likey! As Clothes Show Live celebrates its 25th year as the UK’s largest fashion and beauty event, get ready to embrace the party season with us! Put Clothes Show Live into your diary now, 6th-10th December, for the ultimate girl’s day out! 27/4, 365 - Clothes Show TV Also don’t forget to check out the newly launched Clothes Show TV for up to the minute exclusive behind the scenes access, makeup and hair tutorials, as well as style advice and trend forecasting from the glamorous world of fashion. Visit: youtube.com/clothesshowTV
Get Your Ticket
To book your tickets visit: clothesshowlive.com or call 0844 5811 256 For group bookings of 10+ please visit: clothesshowlive.com/groups or call 0800 358 0058 Ends.
Standard ticket: £28 includes entrance to clothes show live and a dedicated seat in the alcatel one touch fashion theatre. Platinum ticket: £40 includes entrance to the show, fast track entry and a platinum seat in ALCATEL one touch fashion theatre, plus, official show guide and show bag filled with fantastic goodies. NUS student ticket: £25 includes entry to clothes show live and a dedicated seat in the ALCATEL one touch fashion theatre. only with a valid NUS card which must be shown on entrance. Win a pair of tickets to the Clothes Show Live!
We’ve teamed up with the clothes show live to offer two readers to win a pair of tickets to this glamorous event. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question:
Coco Chanel, creator of the haute couture fashion house Chanel was born in: A. B. C.
France Italy Sweden
Just send your name, answer and contact details to Clothes Show Live competition. PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of 25th November 2013. One entry per household please, duplicates will be disqualified. Good luck!
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Gazettecontacts Editor
Paul Oakley 07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@chasegazette.co.uk Deputy Editor
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