February 2013 by Lichfield Gazette also Rugeley Gazette

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

FEBRUARY 2013 ISSUE 46

News • Competitions • Gazette Woman • What’s On

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Lichfield

G azette

February 2013

contents 6

Netherstowe House competition

Win tickets to the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show

Win a bouquet for your Valentine

The lost estate of Fisherwick

Gazette Woman

Dining Out

What’s On

FRONT COVER By Paul Oakley

Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House page 6

contributors • • • •

Caz Jones Laura Bowcutt PG Mitchell Robert Yardley

• • • •

Joss Musgrove Knibb John Crowe Dan Mitchell Kate Gomez

contact the Gazette see page 54 ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 17,500 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, Whittington, Armitage & Handsacre A limited number of the Lichfield Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from the Heritage Centre at St Mary’s in the Market Place. All proceeds go to charity. We do not seek to sensationalise but to inform and entertain our readers. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. Lichfield Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other publication.

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Editor’s Notes February: The Shortest Month

When I asked a bachelor friend of mine why he called each and every one of his numerous lady friends “Snowdrop”, he said it wasn't because he thought them to be spring flowers, it was simply that he could not remember any of their real names! (True story). The flower called Snowdrop appears in February and is a symbol of hope. According to legend when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden they were about to give up hope that the cold winters would ever end. An angel appeared and she transformed some of the snowflakes into snowdrop flowers, proving that winters do eventually give way to spring. The last few days before Lent is known as Shrovetide, and was the time of feasting and revelry prior to the six weeks of Lent leading up to Easter. When I was a small child I was asked what I was giving up for Lent, I though that this was a ridiculous thing to ask a child without any explanation. I think my response was “eh?” In Southern Europe the word Shrovetide means “carnival”. It seems a pity that we have let this tradition lapse! Or is it that Christmas and New Years’ have sapped our appetite to ‘party-on’ through February? Traditionally, in Christian households, Shrove Tuesday was the last time luxury foods could be used. All over Britain different Shrove Tuesday meals were made - sometimes it was broth or doughnuts, frying pan pudding or pea soup. The most unusual meal, and a meal that we still make today is pancakes. A Pancake Race is annually observed in Lichfield and this year will be held outside the Guildhall at 11.45am on Tuesday, 12 February. Why not turn up and join in the fun? Yours truly, Paul Oakley. Editor

Concert in aid of SSAFA Forces Help O

n November 27th a concert was held at St John’s Hospital, Lichfield on behalf of SSAFA Forces Help Staffordshire and SSAFA Norton House in Selly Oak. The evening was hosted by Reverend Cannon Andrew Gorman and his wife Anne, and ably assisted by Councillor Bernard Derrick and Mrs Judith Derrick. Many Staffordshire dignitaries were in attendance along with Civic representatives from Walsall, South Derbyshire and North Warwickshire. Guests were greeted by cadets from the 1206 (Mercian) Squadron ATC, who smiled their way through a very cold night. The evening opened with music from the Staffordshire Youth Orchestra (Lichfield) Strings. After a brief interval where guests could mingle in

The Masters’ House, the evening continued with a selection of Jazz from the Lichfield and Rugeley Youth Jazz Orchestra, lead by Mrs Jenny Mawdsley and assisted by the wonderfully animated Mr Paul Bennett. The audience tapped their toes though Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Livin’ La Vida Loca and left on a musical high. Elizabeth Kingsman said: “The evening was a wonderful success and over £1400 was raised for the Charities involved. Fundraising is extremely important for the work that SSAFA Forces Help do in the local area. In Staffordshire last year, our 50 Volunteer Caseworkers assisted over 1,050 clients with a variety of needs both practical and financial from electric scooters through new bathrooms to much needed companionship. To ensure that we can offer this level of support, we need to raise at least £20,000 each year and rely entirely on donations from the general public. It is hoped that the Concert will become a regular event and more people with have the opportunity to

Elizabeth Kingsman and Reverend Canon Andrew Gorman enjoy, what was a very enjoyable event.” For further details on SSAFA Forces Help, visit the National Website at www.ssafa.org.uk For details about SSAFA Forces Help in Staffordsire, how we may help, or information on becoming a volunteer contact STAFFORDSHIRE@ssafa.org.uk or telephone 01785 212680.

Market Street Competition Winner Congratulations to Ms Smith of Wissage Court, Lichfield whose correct entry was the first to be drawn and wins a £50 shopping spree at any of the featured advertisers on Market Street in the December issue. Just the thing to chase away those post Christmas blues!

OTHER COMPETITION WINNERS Congratulations to Helen Frew of Grange Lane, Rachael Davis of Victoria Gardens and Lisa Dean of The Leasowe, Lichfield, all winners of our fragrance competition. Also, congratulations to Elizabeth Jones of Gable Croft, Lichfield, who won a Christmas treats selection in the Midland Karting 'Identify Santa' competition. We hope that you enjoyed your prizes and had a happy and peaceful Christmas.

My Word Call yourself a logophile? Test your vocabulary with our new quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority. What is a Dactylion? A) The tip of the middle finger. B) An extinct flying reptile. C) The Latin translation of Dandylion.

£10 EYE TEST

Valid for one test booked within 3 months. Present voucher at time of test. One per person, at Specsavers Lichfield only. Cannot be exchanged for cash or used with other offers. FREE EYE TEST FOR OVER 60’S Code LG/01/13

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The answer is A - A dactylion is the tip of the middle finger.

GazetteNews

BALI Grand Award for Lichfield Historic Parks

Chancellor Law's Fountain in Museum Gardens ichfield District Council is London on Friday 7 December 2012. celebrating after Lichfield Historic Held annually to recognise excellence Parks project won two top awards at in landscape design, construction and the BALI National Landscape Awards. maintenance by members of the British In addition to winning the Principal Association of Landscape Industries, this Award, the British Association of year's awards were hosted by BBC Landscape Industries also chose presenter and newsreader Huw Edwards. Lichfield Historic Parks project as the Of Lichfield Historic Parks project, the winner of the coveted Grand Award at judges commented: "This extensive their awards ceremony this December historic park refurbishment project formed P Casey (Land Reclamation) Ltd, the an integral part of Lichfield District main contractor of the project, entered Council's Strategic Plan and required the Lichfield Historic Parks project into the skills of a specialist in the field of historic Restoration and Regeneration category. landscape restoration. The project scooped the Principal “P Casey (Land Reclamation) Ltd has Award for the Restoration and dealt sensitively in restoring elements of Regeneration category, and then went on the historic parks and open spaces to win the Grand Award at the awards running through the heart of the cathedral ceremony, held at Grosvenor House in city.”

From left to right, are: Huw Edwards, Tom Baigent (CBA), Paul Turner (Casey), Richard King (LDC), Michael Cafferky (Casey), Emrys Jones (LDC), Matthew Brennand (Casey), Ashley Myles (Casey), Henry Duck (CBA), Adrian Mathias (BHB). Page 6 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

LUNCH FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE FIND MINSTER THE CAT! Win a two course lunch for two people (Monday to Thursday) at this prestigious boutique hotel and restaurant. Time has stood still at this beautifully restored Edwardian House, one time home of two Members of Parliament and originally partly used as a working mill. It is full of period charm and elegance. Enjoy Netherstowe House for yourself and see why everyone is raving about it! Or why not enter our competition and win a delightful meal for yourself and a guest? Minster is a little rascal! True to form he has got lost again in this issue and we need your help to find him. He might be in an advertisement or in a story, can you find him? When you have found him (he looks like the image at the top of the page) simply tell us which page he is on for a chance to win. Write the page number on a card or the back of a sealed envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than 21st February 2013 to ‘Minster The Cat Competition’ PO

Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. or by email to minsterthecat@hotmail.co.uk subject "Minster Comp". One entry only please (or disqualified). The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next edition of Lichfield Gazette. Good luck!! Minster was on page 52 in the November issue well done to Mrs Stockdale, Sturgeons Hill Lichfield, for spotting the little rascal.

Inspired Accountants raise over £1000 for St Giles Hospice

ichfield and Leicester accountancy firm Inspired Accountants have presented St Giles Hospice with a cheque for £1,060 after hosting a quiz evening for clients and associates at Darnford Moors in November. The quiz was part of a year-long fundraising effort for St Giles Hospice that saw 56 people attend and fourteen teams enter on the night. Paul Bulzacchelli, Managing Director at Inspired said: “The quiz was a great success with such a good number of clients and business partners taking part and helping raise such a large amount of money.” In addition to the quiz, a raffle and a game of Paul Bulzacchelli MD Heads & Tails also generated cash for St Giles Inspired Accountants Hospice. Paul continued: “Everyone has been so kind in donating prizes. We had 15 raffle prizes including a pearl necklace & earrings set worth £175 from Nexus Pearls and Lime Computing Services very generously donated an Android Tablet worth £300, which was used for the Heads & Tails prize. I would also like to thank The Trophy Store for donating the winning trophies.” On the night the top three teams included, Fradley based Amtrain who came third, Ludgate Finance who took second place and Burton on Trent’s Mechatronics who finished first after a tense tiebreak. The quiz was such a success that Inspired have decided to make it an annual fundraising event and have confirmed Thursday 26th September 2013 as the date for the next quiz.

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LG J/F13

GazetteNews

Local Man to climb Kilimanjaro for charity

n September this year Lichfield resident James Cresswell will be attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in support of charity ‘Caring for Life’ and in memory of his father who passed away in 2010. This gruelling challenge will see the 41 year old travelling to Tanzania to climb 19,500ft to the peak of the highest free standing mountain in the world. James has been in training for the last two years and is hoping to raise a total of £7,000 for ‘Caring for Life’, an organisation that provides accommodation, daytime activities and support for homeless and vulnerable people. Specsavers Lichfield has supported the climb by donating Polaroid Protective eyewear, as the sunlight at high altitudes can be very damaging. So far a total of £700 has been raised and there will be additional fundraising events taking place over the next few months. For more information and details of how to sponsor James’ fantastic endeavour go to www.cflkilimanjaro2013.wordpress.com Or contact James at climbingforlife@jamesandhelena.co.uk for a sponsorship form.

Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance helps to boost National Memorial Arboretum’s Appeal

Specsavers Lichfield have donated protective eyewear for the challenge

Martin Grafton presents cheque to James Leavesley

ollowing its recent award from the Heritage Lottery Fund in November, the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has received a further boost to its £12 million Appeal, which was launched in April 2009 by The Duke of Cambridge to develop the Arboretum into a world-renowned Centre for Remembrance.

The latest in a series of donations made to the Appeal by the Royal Mail Group was a cheque for £25,000, presented by Martin Grafton, a director of the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance on behalf of the Royal Mail, to James Leavesley, vice chairman of the Appeal. The Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance was formed in 1950 as a tribute to Post Office workers who gave their lives in the two World Wars and it aims to provide free convalescence and holiday accommodation for members of both the Post Office and British Telecom. The Fellowship, which has a close relationship with the Royal Mail and British Telecom, has encouraged both organisations to make donations to the Appeal. As a result, the Royal Mail issued a sheet of ten first class commemorative ‘Poppy’ stamps set at the Arboretum for Remembrance, with the proceeds also going to the Appeal, while British Telecom also made a donation last year. In addition to providing convalescent and holiday centres for Post Office employees and their families, the Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance holds on trust two books of remembrance for the 12,659 GPO staff killed in the two World Wars. Dedicated by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1957, the books are seen as nationally important documents and the Fellowship has been in discussion with the Arboretum to find a suitable permanent home in which they can be displayed. Page 8 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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GazetteNews

“We Love Lichfield Fund” cutlery winners

Simon Price and Lichfield Gazette Editor Paul Oakley present prizes to Kelly Love (left) and Diane Banks. 2nd prize went to Laura O'Connor (not shown). Image by Townhouse Communications.

wo “We Love Lichfield” winners look forward to impressing their families this Easter after picking up their prizes courtesy of Arthur Price of England. Kelly Love from Kings Bromley and Diane Banks of Whittington were two of the three lucky winners of cutlery sets that were generously donated by Simon Price, CEO of Lichfield's own manufacturer of fine cutlery in a joint promotion with the Lichfield Gazette magazine. The Arthur Price factory shop on Britannia Way pledged a further 10% of sales in November to the fund. Simon Price is an enthusiastic patron of the “We Love Lichfield Fund”.

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Simon told the Gazette: "Although only in its second year the fund has managed to donate more than £7,000 to over 20 local good causes. " In a recent promotion to publicise the fund, Arthur Price of England gave away 250 Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen bone china mugs and three cutlery sets valued at £650, as well as selling nearly 200 “We Love Lichfield” calendars, which itself raised further funds. We aim to raise £500,000 by April 2016 which would mean up to £25,000 could be given away every year.” For further details on the fund visit: www.staffsfoundation.org.uk/welovelichfield

District Council Chairman's Charity Night

ichfield District Council’s Chairman, Councillor Ken Humphreys, is hosting a Charity Night at St Matthew's Sports & Social Club in Burntwood on Friday 8th February from 7.30pm. The evening will feature food, a raffle and performances by Impact Dance Company, Lichfield Garrick Youth Choir and Wildfire Folk. Councillor Ken Humphreys, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “I hope lots of people join me for my Charity Night. It’s a good way to have an evening out with music, dance, and food, while raising money for two important charities.” Tickets cost £10 each, which includes a dinner of either pie and chips or a vegetarian option and chips. The proceeds will be donated to the We Love Lichfield Fund and Midland Air Ambulance. To book your ticket, please call Jackie Jones, Executive & Civic Support Officer, on 01543 308003 or email jackie.jones@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Chairman Ken Humphreys and Chairman's Lady Maureen Humphreys

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GazetteCompetition

Win

a Spectacular Bouquet for your loved one this

s e n i t n e l a y a V D whatever flowers you wish, creating something that reflects a favourite colour or evokes a special memory. This year, why not go for a scented Spring bloom bouquet with the delicate fragrances of freesia, hyacinth and tulip? Or perhaps you prefer something more exotic with sculptural ‘bird of paradise’, anthurium and orchid flowers? It’s easy to choose when you can see each bloom and sample its Hannah Woolley fragrances before you select it for your he Lichfield Gazette is offering readers bouquet. If you want a bouquet with real ‘wow’ the chance to win a spectacular bouquet factor you can also add chocolates, balloons of a dozen red roses courtesy of Ivison the and even a teddy. Lichfield Florist, Bird Street, Lichfield. For more understated types a single red rose Ivison the Lichfield Florist have been trading or stem of orchids says a classic and elegant ‘I from the same picturesque shop for over 80 love you’. years and the business is now run by Hannah New to Ivison the Lichfield Florist is the Vera Woolley, the fourth generation of the family Wang wedding flower range. A collection of involved. bouquets and arrangements by couture During the Valentine’s Day period Hannah designer Vera Wang who is so acclaimed for her sells approximately 800 roses, and many of wedding dresses. these are red – the colour of love and romance. Should you wish to present your loved one To win a spectacular Valentine’s with an exquisite bouquet this year, Ivisons has a wide range to choose from ready to select bouquet of a dozen red roses worth from their catalogue. Bouquets are then made £44.99 simply answer the following up from a beautiful selection of fresh flowers so question...... each bloom is hand-picked for size and beauty. Alternatively you can just come in and choose

Q. ‘Damask’, ‘tea’ and ‘shrub’ are varieties of A. Violet B. Rose C. Tulip

Send your answer, name and contact details to Lichfield Gazette Valentine’s Competition PO Box 5414 Lichfield WS14 4EZ or email them to gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk. Competition closing date Monday 11th February. Winners will be notified on Tuesday 12th and the bouquet will be delivered to the winner’s home on Wednesday 13th. Ivisons the Lichfield Florist can be found on 18 Bird Street, Lichfield. WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 263173. Open Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm and on Saturday from 9am – 4pm. For more information go to www.Ivesonlichfieldflorist.co.uk

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GazetteCompetition

Win tickets to the

National Homebuilding and Renovating Show 21-24 March at the NEC

he Lichfield Gazette has teamed up with the National Homebuilding and Renovating Show to offer six readers a pair of tickets worth £24!

All the experts at the show provide credible commentary and recommendations for every aspect of your project ranging from design, finance, renewable, energy sustainability, restoration and legal issues. Additional experts This is Britain’s biggest self-build and to the show this year include Jason Orme (editor renovation event, returning for its 22nd year to of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine); the NEC to educate and inspire visitors Roger Hunt (award - winning writer and eco searching for new and imaginative ways to create their dream home. Whether you’re about expert); David Snell (self-build and plot finding expert); Chris Reeves (chartered builder and to embark on building your own house, or want to remodel your existing property, implement eco lawyer), Hugo Tugman (architectural designer and Real Homes magazine Design expert) and savvy technologies or undertake a major Bob Branscombe (chartered surveyor and extension, the show offers a wealth of design and expertise no matter the size, scale or stage builder). of your project. Visitors will be able to see and Standard tickets start from are £12 if booked touch the latest products, learn first-hand about before 3pm on 20 March 2013 or from £17 on the hottest innovations and trends for 2013 as the door (children under 16 go free). For more well as soak up advice from specialist key influencers including Michael Holmes, editor-in- information and tickets, visit chief of Homebuilding and Renovating magazine www.homebuildingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 581 1377. Opening times: and one of the country’s leading property 10:00am – 17:00 daily. experts.

Production to spice up winter nights!

ollowing their near sell-out production of Season’s Greetings in February 2011, the Lichfield Players return to Alan Ayckbourn as they present his hilarious comedy about four couples and their antics behind closed doors. ‘Bedroom Farce’, which promises a peek into not just one bedroom but three simultaneously, runs at the Lichfield Garrick from 30th January for four nights. Bedroom Farce has bedroom-hopping, celebrations, an illicit kiss and DIY catastrophe not to mention sparkling dialogue and a maelstrom of disaster left by dysfunctional couple Trevor and Susannah in their wake. The play focuses on four couples incident-packed antics over the course of one evening. Ernest and Delia come home after a disastrous meal to celebrate their wedding anniversary in bed with pilchards. Malcolm and Kate are getting ready for a big house-warming do. Jan’s invited but she’s at home with injured Nick who’s stuck in bed. Start the party and throw in the marital disasters of Trevor and Susannah and it’s not long before they weave in and out of other couples bedrooms with chaotic effect! The Lichfield Players present Bedroom Farce in the Main Auditorium of the Lichfield Garrick from Wednesday 30th January to Saturday 2nd February. Tickets are priced at £12 (£11 unwaged/ senior citizens; £8 students). To book call the box office on 01543 412121 or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com. Page 14 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

WIN TICKETS!

To be in with a chance of winning one of six pairs of tickets to the show, simply answer the following question. In what decade did the NEC open? A.

1970’s

1980’s

1990’s

Just send you answer and contact details on a postcard to Lichfield Gazette Homebuilding Show competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk One entry per household, multiple entries will be disqualified. Winners will be notified by 15th March 2013.

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GazetteFeature

THE SMILE CENTRE LICHFIELD GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Since opening in Lichfield in March 2012, The Smile Centre has gone from strength to strength. Situated in Upper St John Street, Lichfield's only clinical dental practice provides patients with dentures, dental implants and denture repairs. Headed up by Matt Burnell, The Smile Centre has already met the needs of several local people by providing hand made on-site dentures, together with first class denture repairs. In addition, dental implants are available.

D HANGE C E R T EN SMILE C V’S LIFE BE

Typical denture, unnatural looking teeth, unrealistic looking gums, feels unnatural.

Smile Centre Denture, teeth look natural, natural looking gums, feels true to the tongue, fits perfectly.

unable ev w as B s e r fitting dentu ose, ill- etained implant lo g r e in h v a h ue to lant r Before ally operly d ing imp r talk pr lains how hav e has dramatic o t a e p to tr x n e e v s . Be mile C denture tted by The S ving. fi f li s I had o e r d ndar dentu d before eth that I ta s re r te e n h u o d c te improve in problem I en wear the false ll of the "The ma was I couldn't st coming out a eating d ju e fitt ere ctically implants iven as they w was pra couldn't I , g in g th n om e I just had bee e I ate s came out, and y at all. Then m ti ry e v time. E have an uldn't eat ed, they just not . If I talk co the teeth , so I thought I'll eat properly - I 't m ny of my in e a ld t th u a r o e a c 't I n we as ld re u e o w c ts, I lems whole, b the prob ouldn't eat carro owing my food , th e te f to all Ic apples, rly. So I was sw ink they're a se nice pe t th av e a food pro though you jus ke you h thing." a m n t e s v ju cally. E 's every re than a lot mo 's confidence, it they do it , g 's eatin smile. It

The Smile Centre can fit dentures on to existing denture implants. Please note that the surgical fitting of dental implants or indeed any surgical procedure will be carried out by The Smile Centre's registered dentist. As well as implant retained dentures, The Smile Centre also make conventional complete dentures, partial dentures and chrome precision partial dentures. All with a committed emphasis on natural apearances and comfortable fitting. If you would like more information on The Smile Centre's hand crafted dentures and denture implants or would like a brochure please telephone 01543 415288 or email us info@thesmilecentremidlands.co.uk.

Smiling again: Crissy Rock is showing off her Smile Centre dentures after cancer made all her teeth crumble

“I have always been a smiley person, but now I'm smiling like I've never smiled before-thanks to The Smile Centre-I'm going to show them off. ‘My teeth were destroyed after I had chemotherapy-based drugs for vulval cancer back in 2003.The cancer treatment was successful, thank God. ‘I love my new teeth so much because they don't look false. They've been individually handmade and tweaked a bit to look worn and slightly crooked to appear more natural. Even the gums look real.” Crissy Rock

The Things That People Say “Thank you for all you have done for me and giving me back the confidence to smile again. I wish you good luck and best wishes in your new business. The Smile Centre has really lived up its name and helped me smile again.” Kathy “The Smile Centre cannot be praised enough, very friendly, very professional and I left there with the biggest smile on my face.” Paddy Ruske “Mr Burnell spent a lot of time explaining the options available to me. We discussed what I needed in the short term, but also explained future treatments available.” Susan

Matt Burnell BSc (Hons), Dip CDT RCS (Eng) GDC No 123633

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GazetteNews

Gardening Column with Byron Lewis from G Scapes Plant Centre in Lichfield

arly Spring marks the start of the gardening season, and there’s plenty to be done both indoors & outside in your garden to get ready for the long summer days ahead...

Contact Paul Oakley on 078754 75540 to advertise in the Lichfield Gazette

Indoors (and especially if you have a greenhouse), start to sow seeds of colourful annual plants such as Begonia, Petunia and Lobelia. These patio favourites take longer to grow and come into flower later than some others, so will need sowing early to ensure summer flowers. Start them off in a small seed tray and give them some gentle heat – be careful with the seeds as some are very small and can easily be blown off course! Once germinated – normally within 2-3 weeks, thin the seedlings out into larger trays or plant pots and keep warm. This is also the time to take a look at the vegetable garden. Seed Potatoes will shortly be available – buy them early for the best selection and keep them somewhere warm and dark (like an airing cupboard). This will encourage small shoots – or chits, to grow. When these are around an inch long they will almost be ready for planting into the garden. Out in the garden, and particularly in pots or window boxes, replace any tired looking patio plants with spring colour in the form of Primroses, Polyanthus and Spring Bulbs such as Crocus or Daffodils. These will be coming into flower now, through to late Spring. If you’ve got a greenhouse, now is the time to give it a good clean. Take out any benching and wash it thoroughly with a good disinfectant, wash all the glass (inside and out) for maximum light to get through and aid your growing. On the subject of cleaning, wash out any old plant pots so they can be re-used again this season. It’s also worth cleaning any pathways outdoors that may have become slippery over the mild winter. Again use a good disinfectant to remove any algae or slime! If you need to move shrubs around, now can be a good time to do it. As the plants are mainly dormant, they shouldn’t suffer too much if moved now. A few things to remember – dig the proposed hole first and enrich with some fresh compost and a little Bonemeal (a good root encourager). Then water the shrub you want to move, dig it out with as big a rootball as possible and pop it straight into the new planting hole. I think now is the ideal time to put the kettle on! See you next month! Byron Lewis is Retail Manager at G-Scapes Plant Centre at Curborough Craft Centre, Lichfield. 01543 254306. www.g-scapes.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter.

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BBC Pops in to Ansons! I

t’s not often that a TV celebrity pops in to the office to purchase some of the furnishings, but that’s what happened in August last year when Charles Hanson and the Antiques Road Trip team visited Ansons LLP Solicitors in Lichfield. Charles and the BBC film crew had been out and about in Staffordshire that day, and were in need of an interesting story to finish off the day’s filming. It was then that Charles suggested they visit Ansons, situated in a historic and tardis like building at 5 Breadmarket Street. Charles already knew the staff at Ansons well as he regularly provides valuations on antiques that have been left as inheritances, but Dawn Ward, receptionist at the practice was still most surprised to see Charles and the film crew looking through the window at 4pm on that August afternoon. Charles then explained to Shelly Wainwright, Associate Solicitor that they were looking for an interesting story, and asked if they had anything they wanted to sell. Luckily, Simon James, Senior Partner knew of a large Victorian company seal from the South Staffordshire Colliery (a seal is a large round plaque made of metal, wood or wax used to authenticate or add gravitas to documents). This seal was cased and enormously heavy and had been used to decorate the offices but Simon was willing to part with it. As the deal was struck the cameras recorded the transaction, and Charles continued to film outside the building, discussing his find with the viewers. Ansons LLP Solicitors are located in a handsome building that was the birthplace of another great antiquarian, Alias Ashmole - born at number 5 in 1617. This fascinating man is perhaps most famous as the donator of the broad ranging collections housed in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. It opened in 1683 and was the first public museum in Britain. Going even further back the site was originally a priest’s dining hall for those clergy who were attached to St Marys. Series 6 of Antiques Road Trip started 7th January 2013. Shelly Wainwright

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Contact Paul Oakley on 078754 75540 to advertise in the Lichfield Gazette

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GazetteFeature

Lichfield Photographer’s Auschwitz-Birkenau exhibition returns to the NMA

etween Saturday 19 January and Sunday 3 February, as the National Memorial Arboretum remembers Holocaust Memorial Day, this nationally important centre will host another chance to see a moving collection of photographs taken by Lichfield photographers Robert Yardley and John Crowe, including some previously unseen Robert Yardley and John Crowe images. In October 2009 Robert and John travelled to Poland and visited the largest site of mass murder ever known to man Auschwitz-Birkenau. Both John and Robert were granted written permission by the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum to take photographs in areas within which photography would normally be prohibited. Both photographers described this as a ‘privileged and humbling experience’. They toured various buildings and the grounds taking photographs but found it hard to truly comprehend the sheer horror or scale of what took place on this spot over 65 years ago until they returned home and looked at the shocking and emotive scenes they had captured. Robert commented: “As I remember passing through the gates of Auschwitz with the words ‘ARBEIT MACHT FRE’’ (work makes free) above our heads. And we trod in the footsteps of those that had gone before but in very different circumstances, it makes my heart race and a sense of sadness wash over me.” Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January each year, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and is an international event. The day remembers the 6 million people murdered in the Holocaust that included Jews, gypsies and gay and lesbian people from all over Europe plus those with disabilities and members of trade unions. The exhibition opens at the NMA from Sunday 27 January from 11am to 3pm. Both John and Robert will be present if anyone should like to discuss the photographs with them. The NMA is open from 9am to 5pm and the exhibition is located in the Long Gallery of the Visitor Centre. There is no entrance charge but donations are appreciated.

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GazetteNews

The challenge is on to secure for Staffordshire additional and newly discovered ‘Hoard’ artefacts recently found by archaeologists in a field in Hammerwich. These additional pieces were unearthed during ploughing and include a helmet cheek piece and several other gold fragments in the shape of a cross, birds and animals. Staffordshire County Council has stated that it is working with its partners to try to secure the funding necessary to keep the artefacts in the county.

Work is underway to secure these new artefacts for Staffordshire

The Betfred Bookmakers outlet currently situated next door to the old TJ Hughes (and soon to be Debenhams) building in the Three Spires Shopping Centre may be moving in the near future. Plans are in place to transfer trade to new premises in Tamworth Street. Richard Winterton auctioneers are now open and trading in Quonians Lane off Dam Street. Trade looks to be brisk proving that the auctioneers have filled a niche in the city.

Peter Walker – Sculptor and artist By Joss Musgrove Knibb

his month we have expanded the remit of our regular ‘City People’ feature to include Peter Walker ARBS, a sculptor and artist who was born in Lichfield (spending his childhood in Burntwood) and now operates from his studios in Shrewsbury. Peter is the creator of two Lichfield public artworks, the new Erasmus Darwin statue ‘E conchis omnia’ in Beacon Park and ‘The Formation of Poetry’ – an artwork that references the work of Samuel Johnson, situated close to the Tesco superstore in Lichfield. Peter has built a reputation as an internationally significant artist who is widely collected. He has created public artworks and exhibited all over the UK and Europe and in Staffordshire his works include the Sir Isaac Walton Memorial in Victoria Park, Stafford, ‘Isis’ in Cameron Mews, Burton upon Trent, and a Mining Monument in Burntwood (a lifesize bronze monument due to be unveiled this year). Peter has also exhibited in many of the most prestigious galleries in the country including the Ashmolean Museum. Peter is the Chairman and Founder of the Lichfield Foundation for the Arts. Peter’s latest piece has recently been unveiled in Beacon Park and is a 1.5 times life-size bronze of Erasmus Darwin. The statue was forged at the fine art foundry of John Davies, who worked from a series of intricate clay models to forge (via the lost wax method) 18 separate bronze sections that were then joined together and the surface of the whole piece intricately finished by hand. This is a powerful piece that gives you a flavour of the energy and intellect of the man. He is holding both his commonplace book and a shell, a reference to the subject’s interest in the natural world. It is hoped that the shell will be rubbed by passersby ‘for luck’. The artist works in many different mediums and his paintings and drawings are just as powerful and masterly as his bronzes - another talented Lichfieldian making his name on the international stage. There is a brilliant video currently on Youtube entitled ‘E conchis omnia - The Evolution of the Erasmus Darwin Statue’ that takes you through the creation of this piece – it’s a brief insight into a very complex process.

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DECO’s players step into the spotlight

he Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra’s wind instrument players will take the spotlight in Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 16 February, 7.30pm, in a concert directed by internationally renowned oboist and founder member of DECO George Caird. As well as giving those handpicked talented wind George Caird players a chance to shine, Caird has selected a programme to intrigue as well as entertain. The concert will open with Mozart’s Serenade in C minor for wind octet followed by three arias from Mozart’s much-loved opera Don Giovanni before turning to Bohemia for Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds. George’s Caird’s distinguished performing career has seen him work with many leading UK orchestras and found an array of leading chamber ensembles including The Albion Ensemble, Vega Wind Quintet and Caird Oboe Quartet. He has combined this with leading posts in music education: he is currently Artistic Director of the Classical Music Academy, Codarts in Rotterdam, after a 17-year tenure as Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire. With Caird at the helm of DECO’s customary mix of players, both experienced professionals and younger musicians at the start of their careers, the audience can look forward to a lively and enthralling performance. ‘Written in the Wind’ takes place on Saturday 16 February 2013 at 7.30pm in Lichfield Cathedral. To book tickets: visit Lichfield Cathedral Bookshop, 9 The Close, Lichfield WS13, call 01543 306150 or email bookshop@lichfield-cathedral.org. Prices: £15 adults; £12 concessions (OAPs & students); £5 children (reserved numbered seats in the nave) / £12 adults; £10 concessions; £4 children (unreserved seats in the side aisles)

MP is new Festival patron

ichfield Festival recently announced that Michael Fabricant MP has been appointed a patron of the Festival. He joins the celebrated conductor Valery Gergiev in this prestigious role. Michael Fabricant is the long standing Member of Parliament for Lichfield, a post he has held since his election in 1992, following a career in radio and broadcasting. In addition to serving as Lichfield’s MP for almost 21 years, he has served on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and more recently has been a government Minister, serving as Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury. He is now national Vice-chairman of Michael Fabricant MP the Conservative Party. A Festival spokesperson recently commented: “ (Mr Fabricant is) a tireless champion of all things linked to Lichfield and its surroundings, Michael has said he not only feels compelled to check whether crockery is made in Staffordshire and toilets from the town of Armitage, but has also spoken warmly during debates in the Commons on the great value the Lichfield Festival brings to the artistic and community life of the City and the West Midlands.” Mr Fabricant said: “I am honoured to have been asked to be Patron of the Festival. It is already one of the country’s leading arts festivals with a varied programme. My goal will be to help expand its already wide reach both geographically and in relation to the audience it attracts. The Festival is a huge success for Staffordshire and the West Midlands. With Lichfield already expanding its hotel facilities, I want to help make the Festival a must-attend venue for London and other concert goers too.” The 2013 Lichfield Festival will run from 4 to 14 July. For further information contact 01543 306270 or go to www.lichfieldfestival.org You can also keep up to date at facebook.com/lichfieldfestival Twitter: @lichfieldfest #LichFest12

Contact Paul Oakley on 078754 75540 to advertise in the Lichfield Gazette

www.kepston.co.uk

Page 26 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteSchools Feature

NEW NURSERY OPENS IN LICHFIELD Footsteps Day Nurseries making great strides in the provision of nursery & pre-school education

ollowing a £100,000 refurbishment Footsteps Day Nurseries have opened the doors in Walsall Road, Lichfield of an exciting new addition to their family of nurseries & pre-schools across the region. The pre-school (two minutes from Waitrose) has a sunny, safe and friendly atmosphere with charming open farmland aspects through every window. A lovely place for happy, thriving little-ones! Already having children’s nurseries locally in Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield and a further setting in Stratford-upon-Avon parents may already be aware of this progressive company. Footsteps started in Dosthill, Tamworth ten years ago as a Children's Day Nursery with the aim of providing the very highest levels of

childcare in the area and this continues to be the driving force behind the business. Each nursery has been highly commended in Ofsted reports; testament to the care and attention that owners Catherine and Gavin Harvey and their hard working team of staff have committed to the business. Catherine has recently completed her Early Years Professional qualification; studying for her degree whilst planning and coordinating the operations of the nurseries and raising two young children. She obviously enjoys keeping busy! But as Catherine explains they have recently recruited a new member to the management team who will oversee some of these operational matters and give Catherine the chance to expand further Footstep`s inventive and forward-thinking ideals. This commitment to creative practice is best exemplified by the success of Forest Schooling throughout the business. Giving such young children the opportunity to use tools and build fires may seem a little too progressive to some but under the supervision of highly trained staff the opportunity to explore the outdoors is both safe and an incredibly valuable experience. Some of these benefits are discussed at www.footstepsnurseries.co.uk - their award winning website. “By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each participant has an opportunity to

Staff and children are already enjoying the new space

develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self-awareness can be developed to reach personal potential.” Further improvements to the site include a new security system with fingerprint entry, touchscreen computing available to all age groups, sensory theatre and a custom-built outside area. With great transport links and good car parking facilities on-site drop off shouldn’t be too much of a burden for busy parents but with the children`s home cooked meals prepared on site from fresh ingredients maybe you`d rather stay? Parents are invited to call in to see the facilities for themselves and talk to the fully trained and qualified staff about provision for children 0-5 years.

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GazetteFeature

Erasmus Darwin Statue Unveiled in Beacon Park

n Wednesday 12th December a new statue of Erasmus Darwin by sculptor Peter Walker was unveiled in Beacon Park. The unveiling ceremony was very well attended and included readings of the great man’s poetry and music from local school pupils. The following is an extract from the speech made at the unveiling by Nicholas Cambridge, Chairman of the Erasmus Darwin Foundation.

Erasmus Darwin Statue - A Gift to the People of Lichfield ‘Around four years ago Peter Walker and Alison Wallis sat down in Erasmus Darwin House and over a cup of coffee decided to make a statue of Erasmus Darwin. Finally, after a long gestation of four years, Erasmus's statue was finally born. Peter Walker was born in Lichfield and brought up in Burntwood. Over the past five years he has been working in Lichfield to develop the arts and promote the visual arts as a key component of daily life. He has created public art around the UK and in Europe and has artwork in private collections around the world. In 2010 he created "the formation of Poetry sculpture" - the first public statue in our city for 50 years. Next year Peter will be unveiling a monument to the mining heritage of his home town of Burntwood. He is also currently at the early stages of developing a significant public artwork for the area in relation to the Staffordshire Hoard, during which he will work with

local young aspiring sculptors to help develop the next generation of local public artists. If there is one thing that we learn from Erasmus, it is that you may travel the world to discover and to find beauty, but sometimes we only have to turn to the person standing next to us. The design of the statue is uncompromising. Erasmus was a remarkable figure in so many ways and the sculpture looks to symbolize this. The sculpture has been produced not as a beautification and idealisation of a historic character, but as a realistic interpretation of an individual of immense personal strength. Erasmus was a significant man- intellectually, creatively and physically and the artworks style, pose and indeed colouration have all been developed to relate to this. This is a strong physical sculpture. The seated pose itself is similar to that of Michelangelo's Moses who holds under his right arm, tablets of the commandments as a means of physical proof of belief. Furthermore the depiction of a seated figure is similar to statues of Erasmus's grandson Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury and the statue of Samuel Johnson in the Market Square. Therefore, links to these statues was a clear starting point for Erasmus's statue. However, one clear difference is that Peter has depicted Erasmus, not as coy, contented or arrogant, but purposeful, intent and moving forward, ready to offer proof of his theories to those who pass. In his left hand Erasmus holds a shell, an offering of proof to his theories of evolution. E Conchis Omnia 'Everything from shells' was Darwin's personal motto. The shell has been positioned in order that today a new tradition can start whereby as people enter the park they can interact with the statue and rub the shell as a symbol of good luck. Under Erasmus's right arm can be seen his commonplace book - the original copy of which is in Erasmus Darwin House. It was in this volume that Darwin's inventions, thoughts and philosophy were drafted.

The ripples on the jacket have been produced to appear like waves upon the ocean and the vines around his legs acknowledge Darwin's poetic works and links to nature. It has been created to relate to nature and yet reflect the fact that through the Lunar Society, Britain's Renaissance gave way to industrialisation. Peter's vision is for Lichfield to become a City of Sculpture despite no legacy for public art funding. Therefore the development of Erasmus Darwin's statue with restricted funds would not have been possible without the generous support of John Davies from Autus Artwork. Thanks also go to Kathryn Harper for her endless support and belief and to David Harper for his constant support in the development of art in Lichfield. Also to Celia Houghton, Bernard Derrick and Lizzie Thatcher who have supported and continue to support Peter's work in the city. Thanks must also go to the 14 people who attended workshops at Erasmus Darwin House with Peter in 2009. Their ideas, thoughts and concepts were invaluable in the development of the statue and their contribution has been acknowledged permanently on the statue. Thanks also go to Mr Michael Dowd of St Stephens School who kindly posed for the statue during its development. We must also thank Alison Wallis and her team at Erasmus Darwin House; the development team at Lichfield District Council and especially Asmita Kathrani for her invaluable support and guidance throughout the project. Through S 106 funding from Lichfield District Council many great projects have been achieved in the City and this sculpture has been developed with a contribution from this scheme. Essentially this sculpture is a gift to the people of Lichfield - a celebration that in this city of many great figures, perhaps the so often forgotten Erasmus is now the greatest of them all and who will now surely be recognised’.

(From left to right) Peter Walker, Mrs Eileen Awty, Cllr Mr Bob Awty, Mr Christopher Darwin, Cllr Ken Humphreys and Dr Nicholas Cambridge Page 28 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Winner of our City Jewellers / London Road jewellery competition

Pamela Dales with her prize from Adam Hogg at City Jewellers

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PETS CORNER HMRC Behavioural warn development of the puppy businesses on late VAT returns...

by Pool House Veterinary Hospital

Puppies start developing behaviourally from birth and throughout all stages of their lives. At 3 weeks of age a puppy starts to develop the necessary sensory and motor abilities to be both aware of its surroundings and respond to things they encounter.

s many as 50,000 businesses that have failed to submit VAT returns will be targeted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this month with warnings that their tax affairs will be closely scrutinised.

John Southwell

More than 600,000 businesses have to put in VAT returns each month and most do so on time. But in a new campaign some 50,000 will be warned that, from 28 February, their tax affairs will attract greater attention.

The VAT Outstanding Return campaign is aimed at businesses that have one or more VAT return outstanding, and have been told to submit their returns but have not done so. Some will have received an assessment of VAT for these periods. These businesses are being given an opportunity to get up to date and pay the tax they owe by 28 February. After that, HMRC will target them and take a much closer look at their tax affairs. By using this campaign to come forward voluntarily, they might receive better terms, as any penalty they pay may be lower than if HMRC comes to them first. John Southwell, Partner said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If HMRC has sent you a VAT return and you have not yet taken any action, this campaign is a clear reminder to bring your tax affairs up to date promptly. HMRC can use its legal powers to pursue outstanding returns and any VAT that is unpaid plus Penalties, even criminal investigation, could follow. If you require assistance in bringing your VAT affairs up to date or would like to review your current processes to eliminate any inaccuracies- please contact us."

To arrange a free consultation contact John Southwell. Freephone: 0800 298 3899 or enquiries@dains.com St Johns Court, Wiltell Road, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9DS

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The environment in which your puppy was raised, the number of puppies in the litter and the temperament of mother, will have already made a significant impression upon him or her. We would always advise that, on collecting a puppy from a breeder, you meet the mother and you determine how your puppy has been reared. A puppy that has been raised in an outdoor environment with no litter mates and little contact with humans is going to require a great deal of work to address the lack of socialisation and habituation experienced. A very gradual program of socialisation must be employed in the hope that he or she will become appropriately accustomed to the new experiences necessary to develop into a well-adjusted house pet. A puppy raised in the home environment will already have experienced and become accustomed to many of the potentially frightening experiences we take for granted, such as the hoover, ringing telephone and door slamming. Why is this the case? Puppies have a special sensitive period at the start of their lives. During this time, they learn to accept things they encounter so that they are not afraid of them later in life. This window of opportunity closes at around 12-16 weeks of age. If handled appropriately, new experiences during this time will be tolerated, even enjoyed. After the window closes, unfamiliar people, objects and experiences are approached with caution and the pet may become fearful, which could ultimately result in an aggressive response. What is meant by the terms socialisation and habituation? Puppy socialisation involves meeting and having pleasant encounters with many adults, children and dogs of all ages during this critical period of their lives and continuing until maturity. Habituation of a puppy involves your pet becoming accustomed to nonthreatening environmental stimuli and learning to ignore them, these can be simple experiences like the door bell ringing or more intimidating occurrences such as the noises made by fireworks. To aid the process of socialisation and habituation and provide all the support and guidance we can to assist you in developing a well rounded family pet, we have revised and re-launched our puppy socialisation classes. What are Puppy socialisation classes? Puppy socialisation classes are an opportunity for you and your puppy to attend our veterinary hospital outside of our routine consulting hours; so whilst they get the chance to socialise and have fun, you can learn all about looking after your puppy now and in the future. Our puppy socialisation classes take place on a Monday evening from 8pm until 9pm. We invite a maximum of 6 puppies, from 8 weeks up to a maximum of 16 weeks of age, all of whom have had their primary vaccination. We have a consecutive, three week rolling schedule, which means we can introduce new puppies continually. We are hoping to encourage puppies to find visiting the veterinary practice a pleasurable experience, so we make attendance as fun and interactive as possible, while remaining educational. Each week our discussions will be interspersed with breaks for play and interaction between puppies. For further information on our puppy socialisation classes, please telephone Pool House Veterinary Hospital on 01543 262464.

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GazetteNews

Voyage Care Appoints Sales & Marketing Director

oyage Care, the UK’s largest provider of support for people with learning disabilities, is gearing up for future growth with the appointment of Rebekah Anderson as its sales and marketing director. A seasoned sales and operational management professional with more than 10 years’ experience in senior management roles, Rebekah will be responsible for driving business growth in both existing and new markets.

Based at Voyage Care’s head office in Lichfield, she will work with teams across the country to promote the company’s 360 care homes, day centres, respite and outreach services. She will also be tasked with strengthening existing relationships with commissioners and healthcare professionals. Commenting on her appointment, Voyage Care’s chief executive Bruce McKendrick said: “Rebekah has extensive experience of building strong links with commissioners and this means she is well placed to support our ambitious growth plans. “In the last 12 months, our business has expanded significantly both organically and following the acquisition of 91 Solor Care homes and we are committed to further strategic growth.” Formerly employed by the Allied Healthcare Group, which was acquired by Saga Homecare in 2011,

Rebekah was instrumental in helping the business develop and implement its sales strategy. She also managed the group’s £250 million contract portfolio.

Rebekah Anderson

Lichfield Winter Beer & Wine Festival G

ood news for lovers of Real Ales and Wines as the very popular Lichfield Arts Winter Beer & Wine Festival returns once again to the wonderful Lichfield Guildhall on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd February. There will be over 30 beers available from a number of local and regional breweries from up and down the country, plus a selection of continental beers, traditional ciders and wines from around the world. Food will be available with a wide range of bottled beers and a full range of soft drinks for drivers. Besides fine beers, wines, and ciders, there will be live music on both evenings, with the popular blues-rock three-piece ‘Stray Dog’ playing on Friday evening followed by the fantastic country-rock band ‘Knoxville Highway’ on Saturday night. Acting Lichfield Arts Director Dave Simcox said: “This festival is one of Lichfield Arts’ most popular events which attracts visitors from all parts of the country. Once again the famous pork pies will be making an appearance!” Special all day advance tickets can be purchased from Lichfield Arts Box Office (01543 262223) or from (www.lichfieldarts.org.uk) for £2 each day, alternatively tickets can be purchased on the door (£2 before 6pm/£3 after 6pm). For further information and to book your tickets visit Lichfield arts Box Office at Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield, ring the Box office on 01543-262223 or book online www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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GazetteHeritage

King Edward VI Grammar School The school takes its name from the Tudor boy king who reigned between 1547 and 1553. The school crest incorporates features of the royal Tudor coat of arms. The Latin inscription beneath, "Deo, Patriae, Scholae", is broadly translated as "for God, Country and School". In 1495 Bishop Smythe established the school as a free grammar school as part of the same foundation as St. John's Hospital, a home for the elderly. Every day prayers are said for the school in the tiny chapel which forms part of the St. John's almshouses in St. John's Street. Until the beginning of the twentieth century the school occupied the school house in St. John's Street, opposite St. John's Hospital. It can still be seen today, now forming part of the District Council premises. In 1903 the first building on the present site was opened. In the 18th century a number of eminent people were educated at the school. These included the great scholar and compiler of the first English dictionary, Dr. Samuel Johnson (the buildings of the former grammar school bear his name), David Garrick, the actor, and Joseph Addison, the essayist and politician.

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Lichfield Heritage Collection holds over 10,000 photographs of Lichfield past and present. If you are researching your family tree, one of these photographs may relate to you. Copies can be purchased. The collection is free to view and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12.30pm at The Lichfield Heritage Centre, St Mary's Church, Market Street, Lichfield Tel 01543 256611. If you or your family have old photos of places and events in Lichfield or old artefacts referring to the town, The Heritage Centre would be happy to receive them to make them available to Lichfeldians for generations to come.

Southwell Mott Solicitors Southwell Mott offer a full range of legal services which include conveyancing, wills and probate trusts, employment and both civil and criminal matters. Stuart Smallman our specialist Family Solicitor can offer FIXED FEE DIVORCE £495 (excluding financial matters) Plus vat and disbursements FREE FIRST HALF HOUR APPOINTMENT CHILDREN'S ACT FIRST APPLICATION inc first hearing £350 Plus vat and disbursements WILLS £60 Inclusive of vat (when either of the above is instructed) Southwell Mott 25 Lombard Street, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6DP Tel: 01543 256098 Email: ssmallman@southwellmott.co.uk jmott@southwellmott.co.uk

Authorised and Regulated by SRA (75589)

Contact Paul Oakley on 078754 75540 to advertise in the Lichfield Gazette Page 35

GazetteFeature

The Lost Estate of Fisherwick By Kate Gomez (lichfieldlore.co.uk)

n 1761, a young nobleman called Arthur Chichester, the Earl (and later Marquess) of Donegall, acquired Fisherwick Hall, a ‘very proper brick house’ built in the late 16th century by the Skeffington family. Within five years, Donegall had decided to transform his Tudor home into a fashionable and elegant mansion and enlisted the services of some of the best known architects and artists of the day to help him. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was employed to redesign and remodel the house and the surrounding parkland. Some of his additions to the Fisherwick landscape included ten thousand trees (earning his employer a medal from the Society of Arts!), a ladies botanic garden, an Orangery and the creation of a lake and a cascade. The mansion itself was built from white stone, with

1940’ Woodhouse Farm a huge Corinthian portico gracing the entrance. Lavish interiors were created by Joseph Bonomi (who is mentioned in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility), his friend Jean-Francois Rigaud, the stuccoist Joseph Rose and Thomas Gainsborough who was commissioned to paint the Donegall family portraits. The Marquess also spent a small fortune acquiring an eclectic collection of antiquities and

Fisherwick Hall

Woodhouse Farm Page 36 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

other objects. A letter written in 1788, reports that Donegall ‘expended £20,000 on books not yet open and £10,000 on shells not yet unpacked’. According to a list drawn up by the Reverend Stebbing Shaw, amongst the many curiosities in the private museum were ‘cases & drawers full of shells, fossils, stones, roman coins and medals’, ‘indian dresses and old books’, ‘a miniature of Mary Queen of Scots, painted from life for a gold locket’ and ‘a brass figure of Antioch with a Greek inscription around his hat’. The whereabouts of many of these objects is unknown, but we do know that one extraordinary item from the collection - a virginal previously owned by the Virgin Queen herself, Elizabeth I, is now kept at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Behind the ostentatious facade, the Chichester family finances were in jeopardy. Donegall’s eldest son, George Augustus, had a gambling problem and was running up debts faster than his father could settle them. In 1794, George found himself in a debtor’s gaol. He was released a year later, thanks to moneylender Sir Edward May. This solved the problem of his immediate situation, but left George with an obligation to marry the disreputable May’s illegitimate daughter Anna. Apparently, this was the final straw for Donegall and though he could do nothing about his troubled heir inheriting his title and much of the family estates, he left whatever he could to his younger son Lord Spencer Stanley Chichester, including the family home at Fisherwick. After just half a century, the Donegall era at Fisherwick was drawing to close. The Marquess died in 1799, and by 1808 the majority of the estate had been bought by Richard Bagot Howard, owner of Elford Hall. Fisherwick Hall was torn down and sold off to the highest bidder. The columns which had once held the portico over the entrance to the hall eventually found their way to the George Hotel Walsall in 1823, bought for next to nothing after being found disused and covered in moss (unfortunately as the George Hotel was demolished in 1934, the columns may lie somewhere in this state once again!). The porch is said to have made its way to Upfields Farm on the Elford Road, wrought iron gates featuring Donegall’s initials ended up at Bolehall in Tamworth, and a staircase and doors were made use of in a house in Beacon

St, Lichfield. Donegall was buried in a mausoleum at the church of St Michael’s in Lichfield but did not rest in peace for long. Rabbits found their way into the coffins, and then restoration work in 1842/3, saw the family mausoleum go the same way as the family home. According to the church booklet, the present location of Donegall’s remains is unknown. There have been many changes to the landscape Capability Brown created almost two centuries ago. However, traces of that decadent era do still remain, if you know where to look for them! Many can be found at or near Woodhouse Farm, a not-for-profit community smallholding aimed at promoting the importance and benefits of local, seasonal food. Here, the old kitchen garden has been bought back to life by the tenant farmers, who grow fresh produce inside and along the grade II listed walls for a Community Supported Agriculture scheme. The

Gate Pillars farmhouse was once the Gardener’s House, and over in the former cherry orchard you’ll find a HaHa. Brown often included this feature in his landscapes as a way of keeping grazing animals off the lawn without spoiling the view! In the corner of the orchard, what was once the

Walled Garden

Orangery Orangery is now a very grand cow shed! The surrounding woodland hides the remains of the Great Lake and the stew ponds and pools, created by Brown but now overtaken by nature. There are crumbling bridges and dams and if you listen carefully, you can still hear the echo of Brown’s cascade, once described as a ‘dashing surge.... inconceivably majestic and picturesque’, but these days more of a trickle. Wildlife thrives in this habitat, including otters, an animal once hunted for ‘sport’ by Donegall. A little further afield, a pair of gate pillars displaying two carved coronets, amidst two hundred years’ worth of graffiti (ironically including a ‘lucky’

horseshoe!) have been reassembled on Fisherwick Green. Many people express sadness when they hear what has been lost at Fisherwick. We cannot change the past, but together we can give it a future. Anyone interested in getting involved with restoration or conservation work at Woodhouse Community Farm can find out more information at www.woodhousecommunityfarm.co.uk Sources: Brief Appearance of a Stately Home (William Maguire) ‘The Natural History of Staffordshire’ (Robert Plot, 1686,) A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 14: Lichfield (MS Greenslade) Living Like a Lord: The Second Marquess of Donegall 1769 – 1844 (W A Maguire) The Complete Peerage (GE Cockayne) The History and Antiquities of Staffordshire (Stebbing Shaw) St Michael’s Church Lichfield: A Short History (Rev. Carpenter MA) http://theboroughblog.wordpress.com (Stuart Williams)

Bridge Bricks Page 37

Gazette Woman

Congratulations! So, one of you has popped the big question and the other has said, “YES”! ow all you have to do is plan the wedding! And if you think this is just a question of choosing a fabulous wedding dress and deciding which shade of pink nail varnish to wear on the big day, then think again! Having the wedding of your dreams takes a huge amount of planning.

“

There are a million ways to plan a successful wedding on a sliding scale from telling no-one, wearing jeans and trainers and grabbing 2 strangers off the street as witnesses, to booking Lichfield Cathedral with bell ringers, 15 bridesmaids, 500 guests and a horse and carriage. Of course many of your decisions will depend on your budget so you shouldn’t be seduced by the idea that the more money you pour into your big day the better or more successful it will be. After all, a wedding is a joyous occasion and just the first day of your married life. Although it should be special and memorable it shouldn’t leave you in debt or feeling that the ‘big day’ has eclipsed the whole purpose of marrying and making a commitment to someone you love. A lot of people start their wedding plans by deciding on the date, but if you do this you might be left with a restricted choice of locations to host your wedding reception. It’s much better to choose your preferred venue first and consider their available dates.

When you are booking within a short time frame, venues will often give you a really good deal rather than be left with a gap in their schedule so it makes economic sense too. Some venues will also be approved to perform civil marriages, such as The George Hotel on Bird Street. To find other venues in Lichfield Page 38 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

with this approval, take a look at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/lifeevents /marriage/approvedvenue/ Contrary to popular belief, by law, civil marriages and civil partnerships cannot be

One of the most important considerations on your big day is the ceremony itself.

“

held in the open air, marquees or in movable objects, including most forms of transport. One of the most important considerations on your big day is the ceremony itself.

Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives as well as the church in which you are to be married if that is another parish. You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is often done over three consecutive Sundays but does not have to be. If you are planning a civil marriage, Lichfield Register Office is the most popular Register Office in the county, set in an old library building, adjacent to the magnificent Beacon Park and Minster Pool. The 30 seat Marriage Room is richly furnished in plum-coloured upholstery with deep purple drapes and a mahogany wedding table. You can plan your own personal civil ceremony, ranging from a simple ceremony with just two witnesses, to a ceremony with bridesmaids, personalised readings and video recording. Although many things are common to all weddings you can still bring your own individual requirements to create a day that is unique to you but you should be aware that you are not allowed to include religious elements. Other Register Offices in the region are at Cannock, Tamworth, Newcastle under Lyme, Wombourne, Stafford, Leek and Burton upon Trent.

If you would prefer a church (or other place of worship) wedding, you will need to contact the minister or leader of the place of worship where you want the wedding to take place - he or she will be able to guide you through the process. There is usually a lengthy registration process to go through and quite a lot of paperwork to complete, so it’s always advisable to contact them as soon as you have set a date. If you get married in a church you must have your banns read. They are an announcement of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place.

continued on page 42

Exclusively Yours - a dream wedding at an affordable price

winfen Hall Hotel is undoubtedly a glorious venue for a Summer wedding. The view from the cocktail terrace overlooking the formal gardens and ornamental ponds and sweeping on down to the deer park and lake is beautiful. But as we’ve seen this Summer – cobalt blue skies and wall-to-wall sunshine are by no means guaranteed. You simply can’t bank on good weather so why not think outside the box and go for a romantic Winter or early Spring wedding. Moving from the “peak” summer season to “low” season can produce savings in excess of 35%. Alternatively, moving from a Summer weekend wedding to a weekday is another clever move and will likewise result in huge savings. And for teachers and other academics – a weekday wedding during the school holidays make perfect sense. There is only ever one wedding on any given day at Swinfen Hall Hotel but exclusivity gives you the entire hotel and

grounds to enjoy your day in unashamed luxury. But surely the cost must be prohibitive? Not at Swinfen Hall Hotel. Although there are 100 acres of beautiful grounds and stunning public rooms there are only 18 bedrooms and suites to fill. Want to know more? Please contact Ruth, the Weddings Manager on 01543 481494 or go to www.swinfenhallhotel.co.uk Swinfen Hall Hotel, Swinfen, Nr Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9RE

Page 39

Alrewas Hayes The Ultimate Venue

ituated in the heart of rural Staffordshire, Alrewas Hayes is a Grade 2 listed Queen Anne residence. With contemporary and period furnishings, a beautiful enclosed Courtyard Garden and five star boutique style accommodation Alrewas Hayes provides luxury for any wedding or event whatever the occasion. From an intimate dinner to a lavish celebration our dedicated team turn your ideas into reality and add those finishing touches to make your event a truly memorable occasion. Our five star boutique style accommodation is perfect for your family and friends. The

Coach House offers 4 double bedrooms all with ensuite. The Bently Suite including ensuite has stunning views across the grounds of Alrewas Hayes. Enjoy your first night as Mr and Mrs in the luxurious Honeymoon Suite overlooking the lake, including ensuite bathroom with a walk through shower and Castello Slipper Bath. The Gallery (used for Civil ceremonies) is flooded with natural light, fantastic for photo opportunities during the ceremony and throughout the day. The Hall has a beautiful Minstrel Gallery overlooking the room, perfect for romantic photographs and live musicians. The beautiful Courtyard Garden set in the centre of Alrewas Hayes is the perfect backdrop for your day. Alrewas Hayes dedicated wedding coordinators work alongside each couple every step of the way ensuring everything runs smoothly and everyone enjoys the day. The ultimate venue for any celebration.

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GazetteWoman

Lichfield Jeweller Announces Unique ‘Fit for a Princess’ Wedding Ring Service

sjewellery of Bore Street, Lichfield, have launched a unique wedding ring service aimed specifically at women who wear or have chosen an unusually shaped engagement ring that can’t be worn with a traditional wedding band. This service, known as ‘Fit for a Princess’ offers an alternative to ‘off the peg’ wedding rings as esjewellery’s in house designers, Emma and Steve, design and craft unique wedding rings to fit exactly around any engagement ring. The effect of two complementary rings is stunning as each emphasises the beauty of the other, and each is guaranteed to fit and feel comfortable on the finger. The first stage in the ‘Fit for a Princess’ process is for the designer (Emma) and the

Many of us wear unsually shaped engagement rings

customer to look at their existing engagement ring and decide on the basic shape of their new wedding ring. Emma then creates a wax model ring so that each can be seen to fit together exactly. During this process they do not send anything away and need to keep your engagement ring for only one hour. This makes the process a much more personal and pleasurable one by taking away the stresses associated with third party involvement. With a wax model completed, the customer then has the opportunity to see exactly how the wedding ring looks on the finger and against their engagement ring. It is here that you can make adjustments to the design and this process will be repeated as many times as you wish until you are satisfied that you have the perfect wedding ring. However, even at this

A wax model is created to perfect the design

stage you are not under any obligation to proceed with the purchase. esjewellery recognises how a piece of jewellery that you intend to wear for decades to come needs careful consideration, and will keep the wax model in their workshop for up to a year so you can return at a later date should you wish to proceed. If you do decide to proceed, the wedding ring then is manufactured in gold or platinum to a very high standard It takes a minimum of 6 weeks to produce a set of wedding rings and as an added extra, esjewellery will polish and, if necessary, rerhodium plate your engagement ring for FREE (this is a process carried out to maintain the clarity of white gold). For further information on ‘Fit for a Princess’ email esjewellery at esjewelleryltd@tiscali.co.uk or call in to 8 Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LL. Alternatively call on 01543 255879 or go to www.esjewellery.co.uk

Two rings combined to stunning effect

continued from page 38

When you book your ceremony, you will be given all the information you need about fees, arrival times, witnesses, registration of your marriage, the duration of the ceremony, photography/filming restrictions, confetti and parking facilities. And did you know that both the bride and groom have to be interviewed by the registrar in private before the ceremony takes place? This can either be done individually or together. The registrar will need to make sure that all of your details are correct and will collect any fees that have not yet been paid.

It is a legal requirement to give notice of your intention to get married so you should have decided on a venue and date before you attend to give notice. This is detailed on the marriage notice and cannot be altered. Both bride and groom need to have lived in the district for at least 7 full days before you can give notice. Once you have given notice you can marry within a year, but not before 15 clear days have passed. If for some reason you have a change of venue you will both have to give notice again and wait for a period of 15 clear days before the ceremony can take place.

Booking the ceremony takes you on a whole rollercoaster of legal requirements, paperwork and form filling. There are essentially three criteria that determine your legal capacity to be married or enter into a civil partnership. These are your age, whether you have previously been married or in a civil partnership and your relationship to the person you wish to marry.

So you can see how important it is to get venues and dates organised and synchronised. When you give notice to get married you need to prove your identity and nationality. Passports and full birth certificates are the only documents that are suitable for this purpose.

Page 42 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

If you were born before 1st January 1983 then you will need to provide either a UK

passport or a standard birth certificate. If you were born after 1st January 1983 you will need to produce a UK passport or a standard birth certificate as well as your mother's UK passport or standard birth certificate For more detailed information about giving notice, the legal documents you will be required to produce and all the associated fees and charges go to www.staffordshire.gov.uk/community/lifeevents/ marriage/

GazetteWoman

Two vital checklists for any bride from Jane Dayus-Hinch class wedding and event planning service for more than 25 years and has earned International recognition as a veritable wedding guru. Here she shares with us two check lists that will prove invaluable to anyone planning a wedding.

Jane Dayus – Hinch is one of the UK’s top wedding planners and the host of TV show ‘Wedding SOS’ which features overwhelmed couples in dire need of expert help. Jane has maintained a first-

Financial checklist & planner Planning a wedding can be very daunting – it’s a big day! And a very expensive day To help you plan and ensure that you keep track of all the costs involved in the running up to - and including your special day, use this simple

budget planner to keep track of your deposits and the final amounts so that you don’t go over your budget. Leading up to the wedding… WEDDING PLANNER STATIONERY Day invitations Evening invitations RSVPS Thank you cards Place cards Table plan CHURCH Fee(s) Bells Organist Choir Civil Ceremony Registrar fee(s) WEDDING DRESS Veil Accessories Shoes Jewellery BRIDEGROOMS ATTIRE Shoes

Accessories (cufflinks) BRIDAL PARTY Bridesmaids dresses Accessories Shoes Gifts Ushers suits Accessories Shoes Gifts

RINGS Sizing of WEDDING CAKE Cake knife Stand Topper DÉCOR Room décor Table linens

TRANSPORT Cars to ceremony Cars to reception Guest transportation Taxis

ENTERTAINMENT Live Band DJ MC / Toastmaster Fireworks

PHOTOGRAPHER

MUSICIANS Ceremony Reception

VIDEOGRAPHER FLOWERS Bride’s bouquet Bridesmaids Buttonholes Corsages Church flowers Reception flowers / Table centrepieces Presentation bouquets

RECEPTION VENUE Room hire Welcome drinks on arrival Canapés on arrival Wedding breakfast Table wines Champagne toast Evening buffet Continued on page 45

Page 43

Gazette Weddings

ABOVE Name of Bride: Roselle Hill Name of Groom: Charles Allsop Date of Wedding: Friday 21st December 2012 Wedding venue: Lichfield Register Office Wedding reception: Netherstowe House Honeymoon: New York Photography by Robert Yardley

BELOW Name of Bride: Angela Smith Name of Groom: Alec Hickman Date of Wedding: Saturday 22nd December 2012 Wedding venue: Lichfield Register Office Photography by Robert Yardley.

Page 44 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Continued from page 43 ACCOMMODATION Bride and Bridegroom wedding night Guests HAIR AND BEAUTY Trials FAVOURS Bonboniere / gifts for guests HONEYMOON Book and pay deposit Calculate what is your budget for the wedding breakfast and reception. How many guests?

Buy shoes and accessories Start planning honeymoon Discuss playlist for ceremony/reception with musicians Order wedding rings

2 - 4 Months

Take formal engagement picture Order wedding cake Send out invitations Obtain marriage license Order stationery, balloons, confetti and disposable cameras etc Purchase gifts for Bride Groom and wedding party

6 - 8 Weeks

Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be very daunting! To help you plan and ensure that the events leading up to your special day run as smoothly as possible use this simple planner to keep on top of each event and when they should occur!

9 - 12 Months Select a wedding date Hire a wedding planner / consultant Determine wedding budget

6 - 9 Months Select and book a caterer Select and book photographer Decide on number of day guests Decide on number of evening guests Choose your witnesses Book transport for the wedding day Book dressmaker if necessary Select florist Register for wedding gifts

4 - 6 Months Purchase wedding insurance

Make a record of RSVPs and early wedding gifts Book hairdressers/beauticians appointments Maintain a record of wedding gifts Select and reserve wedding attire for all gentlemen Arrange transport and hospitality for out-of-town guests Organise Stag/Hen nights Select the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Something old, new, borrowed and blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

2 - 6 Weeks Make a wedding day itinerary Pick up wedding rings Collect wedding dress Ensure the speeches are prepared Confirm final number of buttonholes with florist Create reception seating plan Give photographer a photo checklist and wet weather plan Practice trial with hairdresser/beautician Print out place cards

1 Week Pack for honeymoon Give caterer final guest numbers Arrange a place to store gifts at the reception

Wedding Day

Eat breakfast! Check wedding day itinerary Page 45

GazetteWoman

Dressing for style, confidence and comfort Look fantastic in 2013 By Joss Musgrove Knibb

Ann Skidmore is a highly regarded style makeover consultant and business psychologist who regularly helps her clients to discover exactly the right style for them, be they a Mum looking for a Mother of the bride outfit, or a company board of directors needing advice on ‘branding’. Ann, who lives in Lichfield, runs ‘Ann Skidmore Colour Me Beautiful’ enabling people, no matter what their age, budget or body shape to develop their look through a personal style makeover where clients.. • Find out what colours are perfect for them. • Learn which shapes and fabrics will flatter. • Discover their style personality and how to enhance it. • Add the finishing touches, with useful tips on make-up, hair, accessories and choosing the right wardrobe. Style makeover TV programmes have perhaps given the public the idea that discovering what looks good on you can be a painful process – in fact the opposite is true. Visiting and talking to Ann is like chatting to an old friend (albeit a highly professionally qualified and astute one) who has the magical ability to help each client

confident and comfortable. Recently, Ann explained to the Gazette the six body types and seven style ‘personalities’ that all of us fall into. Read on to see what type you are.... Style types for women 1. Hourglass - Your bust is well defined and you have soft curves to your hips, bottom and tummy. Most styles will suit you as long as the proportions are balanced. 2. Full Hourglass - You have a full bust, a well defined waist, full hips and possibly a curvy bottom. If you get a good fit on the hips you will often find that the waists of skirts and trousers are too large. Close fitting designs are your best bet. This shape is typified by Nigella Lawson or Vanessa Feltz. 3. Triangle - Your bust may be minimal or full, and your shoulders probably narrow. You will have difficulty finding a shift dress that fits properly. A dress with a full skirt will work well, as will separates. 4. Inverted triangle - You may have a minimal or defined waist. Dresses that show off your shoulders are great for your shape. Straight line styles work well for you, but avoid frills and flounces. You have the perfect shape to add details to your hips and bottom if you wish. 5. Column - Your appearance is lean and long. You need to consider a dress that really enhances your body shape. A boned bodice and a fuller skirt will work well for you. 6. Rectangle - You may be full or smaller chested and your ribcage seems to go straight down to your waist. Your hips and bottom are less curvy and you may carry a little weight around your middle. Straight styles work best for you so look for a dress that emphasises the waist. Discover your style personality... Your clothes should be an extension of you and complement your colouring, bodyshape and personality.

Nicole Kidman is a ‘romantic’ crystallise in their mind just what they like and what suits them. Crucially, it gives clients the tools to understand why certain colours and styles look good, enabling them to shop with confidence in the future. Choosing a bridal dress can be a minefield and it’s so often the case that those dresses that appeal in wedding magazines are not 100% flattering when physically tried on. In addition styles of headdress, hairstyle and even makeup all need to be balanced into the perfect bridal look. The good news is, if you have the skills it’s so much simpler to make sure that you look your absolute best from service to evening reception. Be you a bride, mother of the bride or bridesmaid, this is a day when you will be photographed a lot so you’ll want to feel stylish, Photos styleguru.com contactmusic.com blogspot.com and annskidmorecmb.co.uk Page 46 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Gwyneth Paltrow is a ‘natural’

Ann Skidmore Anne advises on these three aspects of your personal style (whatever shape, age or gender you are – Ann regularly advises grooms, best men and father of the bride too). There are seven personality types, and we are all a combination of two or three. Take a look at the following and see if you can recognise your own style personality... 1. Creative – You like to put individual pieces together creatively to make your own look – think Vivienne Westwood 2. Dramatic – Dramatics like to be noticed. They are happy to wear bright colours and bold statement pieces – Think Victoria Beckham. 3. Romantic - Romantics like flowing feminine styles – lace, chiffons and tulle – Think Nicole Kidman. 4. Classic – Classics like to buy an outfit that they have seen put together in the shop. They like good quality ageless styles – Think Michelle Obama 5. Naturals – Naturals like to feel comfortable in their clothes, they like natural fibres and will often check the care label in a prospective piece before purchasing it. – Think Gwyneth Paltrow. 6. City Chic (for women) International (for men) – This is a luxe, high end, urban style. It has elements of power dressing. – Think Carla Bruni So, did you recognise yourself? If you would like a preliminary chat to Ann about your style, or your outfit for an upcoming event, get in touch on 01543 416242. You can also contact her through www.annskidmorecmb.co.uk Extracts taken from interview with Ann Skidmore and from ‘Be a Beautiful Bride – Walk up the Aisle in Style with Colour me Beautiful’ by Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw.

Carla Bruni is a ‘city chic’

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GazetteWoman

Perfect Wedding Packages at Netherstowe House Special occasions deserve equally special settings and there is no occasion more special than your wedding day. Hosting your wedding guests at Netherstowe House in Lichfield adds the final sparkle to an already extra special occasion. From bridal-themed afternoon teas to complete hotel exclusivity, their exquisite venue is totally dedicated to providing the complete, idyllic wedding experience. Renowned for its exceptional customer service, Netherstowe House affords the perfect setting for any discerning bride and groom's wedding. Its quirky period charm and vintage dcor provides a sumptuous slice of Gosford Park-style house party for the couple's nearest and dearest. With fine dining for up to 30 and luxurious bedrooms for up to 50 guests, Netherstowe House is also the A-list destination for an intimate pre-wedding dinner, luxurious wedding night accommodation or sophisticated hen weekends. From bridal beauty treatments in the comfort of your hotel room, to chauffeur services and wedding cake deliveries, Netherstowe House has partnerships with the best suppliers in the region. Attention to detail is paramount at the hotel, they understand that the smallest touches make the biggest difference. In fact they will help you plan everything to the last detail because making your day makes theirs. A place for weddings in all seasons, you can enjoy aperitifs on the lawn during the summer months or the glow of an open fire for a warm welcome during the winter. This authentic Country House Hotel offers a range of beautiful en-suite boutique guest rooms individually designed to marry traditional elegance with wonderfully British eccentricity. A selection of contemporary serviced apartments are located in a separate wing to the main house and combine the luxury of a hotel with the freedom of home. Their award winning chefs can provide a selection of menus to choose from with perfectly matched wines and they can also supply your wedding cake. Family and friends staying the night before can indulge in Afternoon Tea, the Fine Dining Restaurant or perhaps Private Dining. Their 'To Have and To Hold' afternoon tea is very popular, featuring delicious tiers of bridal themed sweets. They can also assist in the organisation of most activities and a chauffeur can be booked for small group tours. Most importantly, the location lends itself to indulging in interesting and romantic itineraries, supported by a highly experienced team. Netherstowe House is a perfect venue for up to thirty guests requiring dining (parties totalling fifty can be accommodated overnight). Booking exclusive use of the whole hotel means that you have your own house party for your special and memorable day. Netherstowe house is family run, and we pride ourselves on providing a truly professional service with a warm and caring style, tailored to your individual needs. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this years Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards and being the only establishment in Staffordshire to be recommended by The Good Hotel Guide.They know the importance of making your day special and always aim to do what we do best; host a sophisticated, stylish and intimate event on your behalf creating priceless memories. The Netherstowe House hospitality team will be delighted to show you the venue and discuss your specific requirements in greater detail. Call 01543 254270 or visit www.netherstowehouse.com Page 48 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GazetteDining Out

Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day at Lichfield’s favourite Chinese Restaurant For more than a quarter of a century, the Ruby restaurant in St. John Street, Lichfield, has satisfied the palates of thousands of discerning customers who return time and time again. With the Chinese New Year almost upon us, Monday 18th February and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and also not forgetting Mothering Sunday 10th March, it’s time to make your table reservations. The Ruby is still offering the popular ‘eat as much as you like’ menu. This cooked to order option is available Monday to Thursday for only £11.95 per head and Friday and Saturday for £14.95 and Sunday all day buffet from £8.95. The Ruby’s comprehensive menu, using the freshest produce has something for everyone, or choose from their comprehensive a la carte menu. Gluten free meals are available together with gluten free organic beer. No other restaurant in Lichfield is serving gluten free beer.

For full details of menus and facilities telephone 01543 251144 For takeaways and home deliveries telephone 01543 419899

If you are holding a party or special event, the Ruby has a large first floor room for your function.

GazetteDining Out

Ma Ma Thai – for “exquisite atmosphere!” Ma Ma Thai on Bird Street has been open for several years now and continues to provide customers with excellent food in an exquisite atmosphere. As you enter the brightly decorated restaurant you can’t help but be impressed with the fabulous chandeliers and the stunning wallpaper. But look again. It’s not wallpaper, the walls and door panels have been hand painted by an artist from Thailand who was flown in especially to share his art with us. Ma Ma Thai though is a restaurant of two halves – towards the back of the initial restaurant is another room which is equally sumptuous but with an altogether different atmosphere. Here the effect is a more softly lit, cosy intimate space with darker furniture and large plants; this is an ideal room for larger family gatherings or work outings. The staff, beautifully dressed in Thai costumes and as elegant as their surroundings, are discreet, polite and efficient, who were there when we needed them but didn’t intrude on our evening. There is a comprehensive menu with reasonably priced dishes to suit any taste and there are also set menus sometimes the best option when you just can’t decide what to eat. We were greeted by Surachai, the enthusiastic and cheerful manager/maitre’d who helped us with our menu choices and rather than laughing as we tried to pronounce some of the dishes, he politely corrected the words we’d got wrong.

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GazetteDining Out

Extra Special Valentine’s at the Qmin

A fresh new approach to indian cuisine Make valentines extra special this year by visiting Qmin, Lichfield’s leading Indian restaurant. Sample Qmin’s wide ranging Indian and fusion cuisine, served in perfect surroundings and by the most attentive staff. Established in Lichfield for 10 years, Qmin caters for the most discerning diners. Qmin offers a relaxed, modern and clean dining space and continues to introduce a range of new concepts in its menus. We feature the popular and traditional Indian dishes alongside some contemporary and creative menu items. Many of our customers and food critics view Qmin as ‘one of the finest Indian restaurants in Lichfield’. We invite you to experience our brand of Indian cuisine and promise you a feast for your senses! Qmin captures India's diversity, sampling more than 120 authentic recipes from across the country. The recipes are made new for the modern cook, with a contemporary twist, but always remain true to India's ancient culinary wisdom. Make your Valentine’s celebration an occasion to remember, with an intimate meal in Lichfield’s finest Indian restaurant

Call Qmin on 01543 255000 www.qmin.co.uk

Come and visit the AWARD WINNING

Enjoy high class cuisine in a great atmosphere and luxurious surroundings Established over 20 years

• • • • • •

Surrounded by 3 car parks. All free after 6.30pm

Celebrate Chinese New Year 10th - 13th Feb. Book now for St. Valentine’s Day. Superb menu with a vast choice selection. Experienced chefs from Hong Kong & Malaysia. Open 12 noon till late. Superb function room, seats up to 65.

Visit our website: www.leegardenrestaurants.co.uk 50 Tamworth Street, Lichfield WS13 6JJ Tel: 01543 418515/01543 254388 Page 50 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

IN LICHFIELD JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013 If you have a community or fund raising event that you’d like to have included in the monthly What’s On pages, please send an email to caz@lichfieldgazette.co.uk quoting the date, event title, times, venue and brief description. Sat 19 Jan Derrin Nauendorf 8.00pm at The Guildhall. This hugely talented singer, acoustic guitar player and songwriter is embarking on the most extensive tour of his career to date. Sat 19 Jan – Sun 3 Feb Photographic Exhibition: AuschwitzBirkenhau 9.00am to 5.00pm at the National Memorial Arboretum. Holocaust Memorial Day is an international event on 27 Jan each year, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The day remembers the 6 million people murdered in the Holocaust. As part of Holocaust Memorial Day, this exhibition features a stunning collection of photographs taken by local photographers Robert Yardley and John Crowe in 2009 and will include some previously unseen images. On Sun 27 Jan photographers Robert and John will be available to meet and talk to visitors about the background to their exhibition - Free admission but donations appreciated. No booking required - just drop in. Sun 20 Jan Wedding Fayre 11.00am to 3.00pm at The George Hotel. From 11am to 3pm a wide range of exhibitors will be on hand to help you organise your very special day. Free admission & £100 worth of vouchers to be won! Flowers, stationery, honeymoons, photographs, wedding dresses, menswear, favours, wedding cars, chair covers, jewellery, entertainment, balloons, wedding videos, bridal beauty, cakes and much more! Pink'd Up Wedding Fayre 11.00am to 3.00pm at Erasmus Darwin House. The house will be decked with beautiful stalls to help and provide service for a future bride's most special day. Gift bags for ‘brides to be’ (whilst stocks last)! The Spark Quiz Night 6.00pm to 8.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. Come along with your team of up to 6 players to compete in The Spark Quiz Night. There's also the chance to compete in Play Your Cards Right for the chance to win the cash pot. £1 per player. Mon 21 Jan Story Circle 12 noon to 2.00pm at the National

Memorial Arboretum Millennium Chapel (or onsite if weather permits). Maria Whatton, award-winning professional storyteller, returns once again leading the popular Arboretum Story Circle. This is a space were once a month participants can tell stories, myths, legends and folk tales from life. The group is open to those who want to tell stories as much as to those who want to listen to them - no obligation to speak, just come along and listen. New members are most welcome. Free admission but donations appreciated. Wed 23 Jan John Cahoon Art Exhibition 5.00pm to 9.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. Self-taught artist John Cahoon hosts an exhibition of his works inspired by nature and the outdoors. During the exhibition, limited edition prints of John’s original works will be available for purchase. Thu 24 Jan The Strumtroopers 8.00pm to 11.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. The first uke-ing of the New Year! The Strumtroppers are back, armed with new songs and old favourites to help us get through the January blues. Lichfield Civic Society Meeting 7.45pm at St Mary's Centre. The Annual Meeting with the District Council - To be addressed by Councillor Alan White, LDC Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder for Development Services. Non-members welcome (£3 at the door). Fri 25 Jan The New Year Gourmet Dinner At Swinfen Hall Hotel. A New Year, a new start but an old favourite. Log fires, warm company, fine food and some excellent wines - what better way to dispel the winter blues? A very sociable evening hosted by Stuart, Operations Manager, who will explain the choice of menu and wines with a light-hearted mix of fact and anecdote. £80 per person. Burns Night Carvery 6.00pm to 9.00pm at The George Hotel. Come along and enjoy a three course carvery dinner with a real Scottish flavour to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s most loved bard, Robbie Burns. The menu for the evening includes all the traditional carvery favourites plus a delicious selection from the north of the border! £16.95 per person. Burns Night Celebration 7.30pm to 11.59pm at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Join us as we celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s best loved bard. The evening includes all that is best from the north of the border a traditional piper to escort the

haggis, a delicious four course dinner with a Scottish flavour and dancing to an authentic ceilidh band. £39 per person. ColvinQuarmby 8.30pm at The Guildhall. Lichfield Arts are delighted to welcome back the awardwinning ColvinQuarmby after several years’ absence. A unique and unforgettable event so this is show you should definitely not miss! Sat 26 - Sun 27 Jan Big Garden Bird Watch 10.00am to 2.00pm at Beacon Park. Help the RSPB with their annual bird watch. Simply pick up your recording sheet from the Ranger Station (near the crazy golf) and record all the birds you see in the park in 1 hour. Sat 26 Jan Be a Chorister for a Day 11.15am to 6.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Calling all girls aged between 9 & 13 years old. Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to sing in Lichfield Cathedral? Why not come and learn about life as a Chorister and sing with the Lichfield Cathedral Choir during Evensong. As part of the day, you'll also enjoy arts and sporting activities. There are also cathedral and school tours for parents. Admission is free, and includes lunch, but places are limited. Please contact Lesley Bannister on 01543 306168 for more information. Holocaust Story Walk 2.00pm to 4.00pm at National Memorial Arboretum. Based on this year's Holocaust Memorial Day theme, an onsite story walk will take place reflecting on reconciliation and forgiveness. Walk leaders will be Maria Whatton, professional storyteller, and leader of the Arboretum's monthly Story Circle, and Richard Thorpe, volunteer guide and regular contributor. Cost: free, but suggested donation of £3.00 per person. Information: advance booking for limited places recommended on 01283 792 333 or info@thenma.org.uk Sun 27 Jan Family Fortunes Quiz Night 6.00pm to 8.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. Come along with your team of up to 6 players to compete in the Family Fortunes Quiz Night. There's also the chance to compete in Play Your Cards right for the chance to win the cash pot. £1 per player. Ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day 10.40am to 12noon at the National Memorial Arboretum, Millennium Chapel. The anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp will be commemorated as part of the

Arboretum's daily act of remembrance. The short programme will include the reading of the Statement of Commitment and a candle lighting ceremony. Cost: free, but donations appreciated. No advance booking required for this event, but for details of HMD visit www.hmd.org.uk Wed 30 Jan Francis Poulenc - Celebrating a Musical Life 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The French composer and pianist Francis Poulenc died 50 years ago on 30 January 1963, having established himself as one of the twentieth-century's most individual musical figures. Soprano Jacqueline White and pianist Clive Matthews began working together in 2011 after discovering a shared love for Poulenc's music - their recital is entirely devoted to his music. Wed 30 Jan - Sat 2 Feb Lichfield Players present Bedroom Farce 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The action occurs in three bedrooms simultaneously. Ernest and Delia are celebrating an anniversary with pilchards on toast after a disastrous meal out. Malcolm and Kate prepare for a house-warming party to which Jan is invited, while unfortunately her husband Nick has to rest his injured back in bed. Meanwhile the marital disasters of Trevor and Susannah weave in and out of the other couple's bedrooms. The Churchfitters 8.00pm at Wade Street Church Hall. A folk band like no other. The four virtuoso musicians from England and France strut their stuff on a stage that bristles with instruments. Throw in some exquisite harmonies, a slew of startlingly original songs and a few jokes that create instant rapport and you’ve got a high energy show that always leaves audiences cheering. Thu 31 Jan Live Music: Acoustic Night 8.00pm to 11.00pm at The Spark Cafe Bar. Take to the stage during The Spark's monthly Acoustic Night. Three songs per act, sign up now by emailing info@thesparkcafebar.co.uk. Fri 1 - Sat 2 Feb Winter Beer & Wine Festival 12.00pm to 11.00pm at The Guildhall. This popular Community event gets bigger every year due to fine beers, wines and the wonderful venue. With over 35 beers from mainly small Midlands Breweries, a fine selection of European draught beers, traditional Ciders and a choice of over twenty wines from around the world. What better way to get rid of those Xmas blues and the credit crunch? Live music will be Page 51

GazetteWhat’s on provided on both Friday and Saturday. For ticket prices and advanced bookings please see the Winter Beer Festival Event Page on the Lichfield Arts website. Friday 1st February – Stray Dog: Since forming 3 years ago this all singing all rocking 3-piece have been treating local audiences to their own interpretations of Rock and Blues classics. The perfect accompaniment to a beer and wine festival! Saturday 2nd February – Knoxville Highway: Following a great set at RAFF 2012, Lichfield Arts are pleased to welcome Knoxville Highway back to the Guildhall. This Birmingham based Country Music band, perform a repertoire of classic songs that are great for dancing or just listening. £2 before 6pm; £3 after 6pm on the door (£2 all day ticket if purchased in advance!) Fri 1 Feb Afternoon tea and concert by Repton Preparatory School Chamber Choir 3.00pm at Swinfen Hall Hotel. The chamber choir at Foremarke Hall, the preparatory school for Repton, has built a remarkable reputation for their musicmaking. Hear this talented group of youngsters perform both as a choir and an instrumental chamber ensemble. After a wonderful afternoon of uplifting music from these gifted young musicians, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea. £15.95. £10 from each ticket sold will go to Saxon Hill School in Lichfield, which helps children with physical disabilities and complex needs. Veuve Clicquot Champagne Dinner 7.30pm at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Hosted by Owen Davies of Veuve Clicquot, this exclusive evening features champagne and canapés on arrival followed by a five course gourmet dinner. Each course will be accompanied by a glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne or fine wine, specially selected and introduced by our expert. £79 per person or £215 per couple to include an overnight stay in a superior double room. Sat 2 Feb Robbie Williams Tribute Evening At Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. An evening of Robbie’s greatest hits with the UK’s foremost Robbie tribute act, the flamboyant Ollie Hughes, who has all the attitude, stage presence and energy of the real man himself. Including all of your favourite Robbie hits, so come along and “let him entertain you”! £39 per person, includes 3 course meal, entertainment and disco until 12.30am (bar until midnight).

will present a spectacular showcase of dancing, singing and drama with special effects and stunning costumes. Fairy Tale Fudge Fantasy 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Nether Stowe School. The latest cooking adventure from the Gypsy's Cooking Pot. Create your own scrumdiddlyumptious fudges and sweet treats, then present them in a fairy tale landscape during this Wonka inspired workshop! For more information, please find us on facebook or call 07989 857277. Tue 5 Feb Neaten and Natter 12 noon to 1.00pm at Beacon Park. Monthly volunteer event (1st Tue of the month). Make friends and help to keep Beacon Park beautiful. Tasks include litter picking and weeding. Live Music at The Doghouse 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at the Crown Inn, Alrewas. On the first Tue of the month Martin Ryan and Stef Dziuba (and assorted guests) can be relied upon to provide an excellent evening of sing-along songs and wonderful music of yesteryear. There was standing room only at the event in Jan so get there early if you want a seat! No admission fee but you will be encouraged to buy a £1 raffle ticket; the proceeds cover the expenses for the evening. Aimed at a mature (ahem!) audience, you’ll be provided with lyrics to join in the chorus but beware – there are unavoidable consequences of attending which include excessive foot tapping, spontaneous clapping and big smiley faces! Belly Dancing classes 8.30pm every Tuesday at the Guildhall and Thursday at Boley Park Community Hall. For ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes welcome at this fun, friendly class. Wed 6 Feb Countryside and Parks Conservation Group 10.30am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park. The Countryside and Parks Conservation Group (CPCG) volunteers carry out a variety of conservation tasks across the district. This month the group will be in Beacon Park. Please contact us for further details.

Science on Saturday 10.00am to 12 noon at Erasmus Darwin House. Science club for children aged 711. This month's meeting is A Taste of Chemistry. £4 per child.

Conservation at Twycross Zoo 7.45pm at St. Mary's Centre. An illustrated talk given by Amy Moore from the Zoo. Refreshments are available during the interval and there will be a raffle. Admission: Adults £2.00 Children Free.

Sun 3 Feb Showtime 2.30pm and 6.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. Featuring pupils from the Julie Johnson School of Dancing, based in Sutton Coldfield. Pupils aged from 3 to 23 years

Tony Christie 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. By popular demand, the Lichfield Garrick

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is delighted to welcome back Tony Christie, who has arguably made the finest album of his impeccable career, showcasing his iconic status as one of Britain's greatest singers. Wed 6 - Fri 8 Feb Elsie & Norm's Macbeth 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The wonders of no less a personage than "The greatest playwright what ever lived" - William Shakespeare - has found a secure home in Laburnum Avenue. What's more, the neighbours have been invited round to share in Elsie and Norm's newly discovered acting talents as the intrepid pair take on one of the most difficult tragedies the great man ever wrote Macbeth - and they're going to play ALL the parts! Thu 7 Feb Lichfield Farmers' Market 9.00am to 3.00pm at Lichfield Market Square. A delightful Farmers' Market takes place on the first Thursday of every month. The markets boast a fantastic range of beautiful stalls, selling wholesome locallyproduced food and other goods, including an excellent choice of hand-made arts and crafts. So, whether you want a handmade treat or something delicious and wholesome to take home for tea, why not make the first Thursday of every month a date in your diary! Worbey and Farrell 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. Worbey and Farrell - previously known as Katzenjammer - are internationally acclaimed concert pianists with a wicked sense of humour. They perform everything from Rachmaninov's 18th Variation to Highland Cathedral, from Carnival of the Animals to Bumble Boogie. Not even Lady Gaga has escaped the Worbey and Farrell treatment! Belly Dancing classes 8.30pm every Tuesday at the Guildhall and Thursday at Boley Park Community Hall. For ladies of all ages, shapes and sizes welcome at this fun, friendly class. Fri 8 Feb Voice of the Heart 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. This stunning two hour show will recreate and celebrate the music of The Carpenters. All the hits that every fan of the Carpenters adores plus great medleys. With superb vocals from Carole Gordon and outstanding talent from the brilliant Blue Jeans band and singers, a sparking night to remember. Sat 9 Feb Purple Zeppelin 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The dream gig that never was - until now! Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute to the two greatest rock bands of all time, Deep Purple and Led

Zeppelin. Purple Zeppelin will take you back to the magic, the excitement and the sheer raw energy generated by those incredible musicians in a full-on two and half hour show, complete with costume changes for each band, you'll hear more than 30 classic songs, basically the best bits, all of the time! Sun 10 Feb Sheriff’s Darwin Walk The Sheriff of Lichfield, Cllr Brian Bacon, will lead the annual Darwin Walk. Walkers will meet in the Beacon Park Car Park (Bunkers Hill) at 10.00am. The full walk takes about 4 hours with refreshment stops along the way. For more information about the walks go to http://www.darwinwalk.org.uk/. Wedding Fayre 11.00am to 3.00pm at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. A wide range of exhibitors will be on hand to help you organise your very special day. There is a fashion show at 12pm so you can see the very latest wedding dresses, mother of the bride outfits and men’s formal suits. Free admission & £100 worth of vouchers to be won! Valentine Craft Event 11.00m to 2.00pm at Beacon Park. Make woven paper heart baskets and Valentine's cards for your loved ones. £2. For more info Tel: 01543 308867. The Military Wives Choir with The Bank of The Royal Anglican Regiment 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The Military Wives is a choir comprised of wives and girlfriends of British military personnel located throughout the UK. The evening will commence with The Band of The Royal Anglican Regiment, which will also include other RAF feature artists. BBC Radio's Howard Leader will compere the show, with proceeds going to The Military Wives Choirs Foundation, Help for Heroes and selected RAFA charities. The Military Wives will close the second part of this very special evening with their guest choirmaster. Tomasso Starace Quintet 8.30pm at Wade Street Church Hall. Saxophonist Tommaso Starace and his quintet comprising Damon Brown on trumpet, Neil Angilley on piano, Will Collier on bass, and Chris Nicholls on drums perform a concert dedicated to the great French pianist Michel Petrucciani mixing the repertoire with a few originals. Tue 12 Feb Shrovetide Fair and Pancake Races At 12 noon in Bore Street. Pancake races followed by civic procession to the Market Square and the opening of the Shrovetide Fair. Wed 13 Feb Tannahill Weavers 8.30pm at Wade Street Church Hall. One of Scotland's premier traditional bands playing Scottish traditional music at its very very best.

GazetteWhat’s on Thur 14 - Sat 16 Feb Valentine’s Romantic Breaks At Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Includes dinner in the Oak Room restaurant for two (on Fri 15 & Sat 16 to the value of £26 per person, food only), an overnight stay in a standard double room, a bottle of wine, a silk rose and a small box of chocolates in your room, plus full English breakfast and use of the extensive leisure facilities. From £102 per couple. Thur 14 – Sun 17 Feb Valentine’s Breaks for Two At The George Hotel. Includes a three course carvery dinner for two (Valentine’s carvery dinner on Thursday 14th February) in the restaurant with coffee, an overnight stay in a standard double room, a half bottle of champagne, a silk red rose and a small box of chocolates in your room, plus full English breakfast. From £88 per couple. Thu 14 Feb Valentine’s Carvery Dinner At The George Hotel. Enjoy canapés on arrival followed by a delicious three course carvery dinner in the restaurant on the most romantic evening of the year! £15.95 per person. Valentines Dinner in the Oak Room At Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Enjoy canapés and a glass of Buck’s Fizz on arrival, followed by a fabulous four course dinner in the candlelit Oak Room restaurant. £45 per person or £159 per couple to include an overnight stay. Valentine Special At Swinfen Hall Hotel. Enjoy a glass of Champagne and canapés served on arrival followed by a superb six-course gourmet dinner. Offered with or without wines and you shouldn't be disappointed with the carefully-chosen selection. Why not stay and turn a memorable evening into a fabulous night out? Guests attending the Valentine dinner will be entitled to a 50% accommodation discount on all room rates. From £90 per couple. You can view the range of bedrooms and suites at www.swinfenhallhotel.co.uk The Bon Jovi Experience 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The Bon Jovi Experience is an outstanding tribute to Bon Jovi. They are the only Bon Jovi tribute band in the world to have actually shared the stage and played with Jon Bon Jovi himself! The Bon Jovi Experience showcases all the great hits. Fri 15 Feb Dura-Europos, Pompeii of the Syrian Desert 8.00 pm at St Mary's Centre. Meeting of the Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society. Dura-Europos is an ancient city in Eastern Syria, destroyed by war and abandoned in the third century AD. Excavations in the 1920s and ‘30s, renewed since the 1980s, have revealed spectacular remains of elaborately decorated buildings (including a painted

synagogue and a very early Christian shrine), and astonishingly well-preserved artefacts. These famous finds led to the city being dubbed the ‘Pompeii of the Syrian desert’. (http://www.le.ac.uk). Visitors welcome, £3. Refreshments available from 7 30 pm. For more info call 01543 416144. Murder Mystery Evening - ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ At The George Hotel. Our popular Murder Mystery evenings allow you to put your investigative skills to the test and enjoy an evening of murder, mystery and intrigue, courtesy of Murder Mystery Productions. The story of ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ will unfold during dinner and it will be up to you to work out “whodunnit” by questioning the characters and examining the clues. The evenings are great fun, but be warned, they sell out frighteningly fast! £32 per person or why not stay overnight? From £120 per couple. A Feast of Gilbert and Sullivan 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. A fun selection of favourites from the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, performed by ex-singers from the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, presented with short scenes of dialogue and stories of times spent in the D'Oyly Carte. An evening of fun for all the family and you may just have to be in great voice yourself to join in a couple of numbers too! Fri 15 - Sat 16 Feb The Lichfield Mysteries 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. Presenting two short plays from the pen of local writers Carolyn Scott-Jeffs (Tarnished Angel) and Lizzie Wofford (The Reduced Mysteries). Featuring young actors from the Garrick Rep School of Acting, the plays give a modern take on age-old themes. Also, The Garrick Acting School answers the questions you never thought to ask, such as, "What would happen if Noah won the lottery?" and, "What did Adam and Eve really do with their time?” This is a fastpaced comedy for all the family. Sat 16 Feb Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. An evening of classical music in the cathedral at DECO's spring concert. £15, £12 concessions, £5 child Sing-a-long-a Grease 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The brand new sing-along screening of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The evening begins with your host leading a vocal warm-up before they show you how to use your free goody bag. You'll even get a chance to learn how to hand jive. Then just sit back and watch Danny and Sandy and the gang, while singing and dancing along to the lyrics as shown on the screen. It couldn't be easier... or more fun! Fancy dress is strongly encouraged and full audience participation essential. Sun 17 Feb Barry Manilow's COPACABANA The

Musical 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The Adlib Theatre Company is back with another exciting full-scale musical. COPACABANA! Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl... a musical packed with great music by Barry Manilow! Dervish 8.00pm at The Guildhall. County Sligo’s finest exports Dervish are one of the greatest bands ever to have come out of Ireland. As complete a band as are to be found anywhere within the tradition, as they continue to travel the globe, flying the flag for great Irish music wherever they go. The Gypsy's Cooking Pot presents Chocolate Heaven 2.30pm - 4.30pm at Boley Park Community Hall. Create your own beautiful selection of handmade truffles in their own chocolate basket. £18 per adult, refreshments and chocolate fountain trips included! Booking essential, please email thegypsyscookingpot@yahoo.co.uk for more information. Tue 19 – Sat 23 Feb The Adventures of Red Riding Hood 1.00pm and 4.00pm Tue & Thur (2.30pm only Wed & Fri and 1.00pm only on Sat) at Lichfield Garrick. Follow Red Riding Hood on her adventures in the forest as she meets Silly Billy, Woody the Woodcutter, and other colourful characters in this lively, captivating production for all the family. With colourful costumes, sing-along songs, comedy, fun and lots of joining-in, this is great entertainment. Wed 20 Feb Hobby Horse Workshops 10.00am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park. Bring an old (clean!) sock and go home with a beautiful hobby horse. Hourly workshops in the Discovery Hub behind the bowling greens. Limited places available so booking is essential. Most suitable for 7+. £3 per horse. Dickie Bird - Not Out! 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. An evening with a national treasure! Dickie Bird MBE is not only the world’s most famous and best-loved cricket umpire; he is also one of the most entertaining public speakers of our time. Now in this special show, hosted by BBC Radio's Paul Harris*, join Dickie for an evening full of anecdotes about the game he loves so much - and has served so well. There will also be an opportunity for audience questions. * Host may vary. Fri 22 Feb Hits from the Blitz with Five Star Swing 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. Enjoy this unique feel-good 1940s show, as featured at Dame Vera Lynn's Charity Gala Nights. Famous wartime tunes and sing-along songs are brought to life by the singers and multi-instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing Band. This is great entertainment for everyone who remembers the war, and those who don't!

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys 8.30pm at The Guildhall. King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys are more than just the world’s greatest swing band, they are an institution! The band have been on the road for two decades playing every European country as well as the USA and Russia and recording ten CDs. Dazzling musicianship, riveting stage performances, more than 50 TV appearances (including, somewhat bizarrely, five episodes of Teletubbies) and 75 radio broadcasts have established them as the Kings of Swing. Winter city ghost walks Dress up warm and join a tour to find out where ghosts have been spotted across Lichfield City Visit Lichfield is inviting everyone to book a Gruesome and Ghostly walking tour round Lichfield City to hear the spooky tales behind Lichfield’s ghost sightings. Councillor Louise Flowith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, said: “Our Gruesome and Ghostly tours are always really popular as they are a fun way to find out more about the city’s fascinating history.” Tours are running on Wednesday 16, Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 January, and on Wednesdays 6, 13 and 20 February 2013. The city walks set off at 7pm and cost £6.25, which includes a glass of mulled wine and a sausage roll at a local pub to finish off the tour. To book a Gruesome and Ghostly tour, please call Lichfield Tourist Information Centre on 01543 412112 or book in person at the TIC, based in the Lichfield Garrick. If you attend one of the events listed in this section please make sure you tell the organiser where you saw it! Contact details for listed venues: Beacon Park – Lichfield WS13 6QZ. Tel: 01543 308869 Boley Park Community Hall - 7 Ryknild St, Lichfield WS14 9XU The Crown Inn – Post Office Rd, Alrewas DE13 7BS Erasmus Darwin House - Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD. Tel: 01543 262331 The George Hotel - Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 414822 The Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU. Tel: 01543 262223 Lichfield Cathedral - The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD Lichfield Garrick Theatre - Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412121 Moor Hall Hotel & Spa - Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN. Tel: 0121 308 3751 National Memorial Arboretum - Croxall Rd, Alrewas DE13 7AR. Tel: 01283 792333 Nether Stowe School - St Chads Rad, Lichfield WS13 7NB The Spark Café Bar - 19 Tamworth St, Lichfield WS13 6JP. Tel: 01543 898252 St Mary’s Centre –Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 256 611 Swinfen Hall Hotel – Swinfen, Nr. Lichfield WS14 9RE. Tel: 01543 481494 Wade Street Church Hall - Wade St, Lichfield WS13 6HL Page 53

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