Lichfield Gazette January 2015

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

JANUARY 2015 ISSUE 67

News • Competitions • Gazette Heritage • What’s On • Dining Out

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CONTENTS

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

14 The Lost Estate of Fisherwick

By Kate Gomez.

22 Shopping as it used to be Fantastic images courtesy of ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if ...’

36 Is this the next step for The Regal?

New plans for this iconic building.

40 City Scenes Images from the Heritage Collection.

41 Lichfield Weddings

47 Darwin’s at The George Competition Win a meal for two.

48 National Wedding Show Competition Win a pair of tickets.

40

49 What’s On/Dining Out Your guide to what’s on in Lichfield.

CONTRIBUTORS

41

36

• Caz Jones

• Joss Musgrove Knibb

• Robert Yardley • Phil Preece

• Dave Gallagher • John Gallagher • Amie Parlour

Contact the Gazette see page 52 Page 4 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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Letter Editor A

broken your old ones). Don't live the rest of the year feeling like you're underachieving! Lower the bar with these new, more feasible resolutions. (Don’t try this at home. Ed).

Do not open a Savings Account: Your dad thinks it would be a great idea, but he's from an era when a paper-round and a little patience could buy you a Mini Clubman.

Spare yourself the indignity of learning that your interest rate is a meager 0.003% and just put your money in a cup.

Stop paying your gym subscription: This one takes some mental preparation work, but you can do it if you believe in yourself. Listen to some heavy metal, get psyched up, and finally make that trip to the gym to cancel your membership. Many gyms won't let you quit over the phone, so make today the day you finally stop paying £25 a month to cringe every time you see that membership card in your wallet while reaching for cash to buy extra chocolates. Better still, buy those sweeties for someone else.

Don’t make any resolutions next year. Avoid the emotional rollercoaster altogether by cancelling your trip to the amusement park. As Bob Dylan once said: "when you A friend said to me; “This year I thought seriously about the evils of drink. My New Year’s ain't got nothin', you ain't got nothin' to lose." He was probably talking about his resolution is to give up thinking!” failure to buy a year planner and finally get organised. Remember: You can do January 1 feels like a long time ago and those wide-eyed, optimistic resolutions you made nothing if you really don't set your mind to it! are crumbling in your metaphorical fingers. What once seemed like a bright new year full of possibilities has already been soiled by your nasty habits - disorganisation, low willpower Yours truly, and greasy breakfasts. Here are some new, New Year's resolutions (now that you've Paul Oakley

from the

New New-Year's Resolutions

See story on page 25

January 2014 Issue 67

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 18,000 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield.

Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, Burntwood, Whittington and Little Aston.

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.

Subscription service available.

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WIN

FIND MINSTER THE CAT!

Win a Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience. As the venue of choice for many milestone celebrations, such as anniversaries, birthdays and weddings, Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant resonates to the sound of laughter throughout the year from guests indulging in a seasonal soiree and past well known patrons who have enjoyed doing just that include Sir Roger Moore, Helen Baxindale, Barry Norman CBE, Claire Sweeny and Idris Elba to name but a few. Netherstowe House are incredibly proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food awards, to have received an AA Rosette award for Culinary Excellence and to be recommended by the Michelin Guide. These coveted awards and accolades are testament to the dedication of their team who are incredibly passionate about delighting guests.

HAVE YOU BOUGHT “A SMALL PIECE OF HISTORY”

If so, have you thought how you are going to display it?

You could put in the garden!? - RISKY!?

You could put it in a vase!? - Equally RISKY!?

Of course, you could just keep it in the very nice box it came in and put it away, to hand down to the next generation?

With something so delicate and being “a small piece of history”, your poppy deserves to be displayed in a way that shows it off to its best – yet protects it from damage.

Our New Year order book looks like field of poppies!? We are amazed at how many of our customers have invested into their own “piece of history”!

Many people had their poppies sent before Christmas, even though deliveries were expected starting January 2015.

Sadly there have been some damaged ones arrive, but I believe there is some sort of replacement scheme to cover this.

Our brief is to come up with a designer box frame for the

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LUNCH

FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE

Express Lunch Menu: 2 Courses ~ £14.95; 3 Courses ~ £19.95 12 midday to 2:30pm (Mon - Fri), 1:00pm to 2:30pm (Sat) 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 15 January 2015 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). Netherstowe House is a beautifully renovated Grade II Listed property and Fine Dining Restaurant. This boutique hotel has the elegance of a fine old country house, excellent service plus the contemporary conveniences of every modern luxury you could possibly desire. The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next edition of Lichfield Gazette. Good luck!!

Congratulations to Jenny Lewis Churchill Road, Shenstone. Who found the cat on page 33 of the December issue. poppies our customers have bought.

We’re proud to say that each and every order we have, the customer has entrusted us to design the way we frame their poppy. It speaks volumes for the faith they have in our skills and expertise – and we are truly grateful. It makes our work all the more enjoyable and worthwhile.

There are some inclusions that customers have asked for which could give some ideas for yours? A combination of war medals and old photos are a favourite. If the photos are damaged, faded or torn, we can bring them back to their former glory.

Many people went to see the amazing display in London and have photos that they want included.

In the next issue of the Gazette, you will see one or two of our completed “Poppy Projects”, but in the meantime, why not pay a visit to our workshop and see what amazing things can be done to transform your home into an individual and personalised virtual gallery!?

“The Three Amigo’s” Duncan, Sue, and Dean are the experienced professionals offering help and guidance in a relaxed, creative and friendly environment. Between us we have all the artistic, photographic, computer, graphical and digital skills and qualifications needed to produce top quality images.

We also have many trade customers, a good percentage of them are photographers and artists for whom we create top quality giclee prints and frames. We work with schools, hotels and a variety of companies, including a recent project for IMI, who ran a photographic competition for their employees. Those photos selected were enhanced, printed, mounted and framed by us and now adorn the walls of their new offices in Birmingham. This is an ongoing project - as it proved so popular with the employer and staff - they are all out and about with their cameras, trying to capture a winning shot that will be selected for display.

In combined years of “The Three Amigo’s” I guess you could say we have a lifetime’s experience of what we do. So why not come with your ideas for creating something special and unique and we can work together to achieve it. You can park outside the door and walk into our “compact and bijou” workshop where you will see it all in action!?

In the meantime, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers – new and long standing – for the projects you have entrusted to us and for the referrals you have given to family and friends.

From “The Three Amigos” (if this old film comes on the telly – watch it – it’s hilarious!? My sense of humour –hope it’s yours!?) - we hope you had a wonderful Christmas and we wish you all the very best for 2015.

Keep reading the Gazette for further news of ongoing projects and new services that will be coming in this year plus features on artists and photographers work that will be available.

LGJAN15

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Lichfield Winter Beer Festival

f you’re suffering from those postChristmas Blues then why not get along to the Lichfield Winter Beer Festival on Friday and Saturday 23 and 24 January? The beer and ciders have all been ordered so you can look forward to enjoying fine ales and traditional ciders at the wonderful Guildhall.

The festival will feature over 30 real ales (most sourced from local and regional breweries) plus a range of traditional ciders, perry and specialist bottled beers. Brews on sale include Salopian Divine Comedy, Elland Catch the Rainbow and regular favourites Dark Raven, The Hoard, Palmers Poison and Staffie.

In addition there will be a choice of wines and fine quality food and our famous pork-pies, plus Jummy Cakes and a wide range of soft drinks.

There’s music all weekend with Radio Mary on Friday evening (who went down a storm at last year’s Fuse). On Saturday the very popular and aptly named local band Last Orders will play their very entertaining mix of covers.

The festival is open each day from 12 noon-11pm. Entrance is just £2 before 6pm and £3 after 6pm. If you are thinking of bringing a party you are advised to book your tickets in advance.

Further information and tickets are available at lichfieldarts.org.uk or 01543 262223

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Remi Harris Trio

Enjoy an of evening contemporary gypsy jazz with The Remi Harris Trio as they play a of selection o r i g i n a l compositions and popular melodies of jazz and swing.

The evening will also feature special guest, soprano saxophone specialist George Huxley.

All proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Chairman of Lichfield District Council's chosen charities. These are Lichfield Cathedral East End Appeal, the Friends of St Peters Church in Stonnall, and the Forces Children’s Trust.

Remi Harris Trio will play at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 16 January 2015 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling Lichfield Garrick’s Box Office on 01543 412121.

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New Deputy Lieutenants confirmed

even new Deputy Lieutenants for Staffordshire have been confirmed by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian James Dudson CBE CStJ Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant is the Queen’s representative in the County and made the presentations at a special ceremony on Friday 5 December at County Buildings, in Stafford.

The new Deputy Lieutenants will help the Lord-Lieutenant with his duties throughout the year. Mr Ian Dudson said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Staffordshire’s new Deputy Lieutenants. They have all been selected because of their roles within their communities and I am sure they will do an excellent job” Also present was the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Michael Beatty CBE TD DL, the High Sheriff, Mrs Ann Fisher DL and the Chairman of

Staffordshire County Council, Mr Ian Lawson and his Lady, Mrs Kay Lawson.

The new Deputy Lieutenants for Staffordshire are: Mr Graham Morley of Scholar-Green, Stokeon-Trent, Mr Pritpal Singh Nagi of Newcastle-underLyme, Mrs Barbara Hyde of Admaston, Rugeley, Mr Simon Clarke of Dunstall, Burton-uponTrent, Miss Susie Inge-Innes-Lillingston of Statfold, Tamworth, Mr Jeremy Cotton of Shenstone, Lichfield, Mr David Gage of Doveleys, Uttoxeter.

People can find out more about the work of the Lord-Lieutenant by

Graham Morley, Pritpal Nagi, Barbara Hyde, Simon Clarke, LL, Susie Lillingston, Jeremy Cotton, David Gage, VLL - Col Mike Beatty.

visiting the Lieutenancy Website at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/yourcounci l/civicoffices/lieutenancy/lieutenancy .aspx

Keeping Warm this Winter

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ichfield District Strategic Partnership has launched an information pack to help older people keep warm and well in their homes at wintertime. The Keep Warm it’s Winter pack includes leaflets from a host of organisations that offer information on energy efficiency, eating well, keeping active and community meals. The leaflets also gives advice on money and debt, home adaptations and looking out for neighbours, as well as where to go for more help.

Through its Warmer Homes, Greener District initiative, Lichfield District Council has included a leaflet to remind residents of its free energy advice service and why it’s so important to keep warm over the colder months.

The Keep Warm it's Winter pack is free and available on request from Lichfield District Council’s Frog Lane reception. They are also available at a number of GP surgeries, pharmacies and from community groups across the district.

In the meantime, to access energy saving advice call Warmer Homes, Greener District for free on 0800 677 1543.

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Celebrate Special Occasions in Memorable Style…

W hen you have a special event to mark, there’s only one way to celebrate, and that’s in style. With two restaurants, sumptuous lounges, a charming bar and two private events suites, Netherstowe House in Lichfield resonates with the sound of laughter and celebration throughout the year.Their long-standing team can help you plan original and memorable celebrations and events, taking care of all the important details, so you can sit back, relax and cherish time spent with your guests.

Netherstowe House specialise in stylish and intimate events and exclusive use wedding parties. They can comfortably accommodate up to 30 guests for fine dining and up to 50 guests overnight in their boutique bedrooms and contemporary Courtyard Apartments.

The approach to this unpretentious gastronomic hot spot gives a real sense of seclusion which makes it the ideal venue for those looking to indulge in a seasonal soiree and past well known guests who have enjoyed doing just that include Sir Roger Moore, Helen Baxindale, Barry Norman CBE, Claire Sweeny and Idris Elba to name but a few.

Exclusively Yours…

Exclusive use of Netherstowe House means that the hotel, courtyard apartments, restaurants and grounds

will remain closed, and their discreet and dedicated team will become yours for the entirety of your stay - you will be Lord of the manor!

All that’s left is for you to tell them how and where you would like to dine, and their award-winning chefs will prepare the menus. Cocktails can be served in the lounge, garden or bar and beauty treatments can take place in your room.

They can also assist in the organisation of most activities and a chauffeur can be booked for small group tours.

With pretty gardens, elegant interiors and attentive personalised hospitality, Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant is simply the most impeccable backdrop for unforgettable gatherings

and romantic wedding celebrations.

They’d Love to Hear From You… The Netherstowe House Hospitality Team will be delighted to show you the venue and discuss your specific requirements in greater detail. Call 01543 254270 / email hospitality@netherstowehouse.com or visit www.netherstowehouse.com

Extraordinary Film Show

Roger Mott, Ron Plimmer with Archdeacon of Lichfield The Venerable Simon Baker

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film by Ron Plimmer was shown at St John's Church, Wall on the evening of 28 October. The film 'The opening of the Mott Room' was not only a record of the opening day of the extension to the 1843 parish church (complete with opening ceremony led by The Right Reverend Jonathan Gledhill, the 98th Lord Bishop of Lichfield) but was also a humorous and interesting insight into the church, its parishioners and the history of Wall itself.

Guest of honour was Roger Mott, a descendant of the original 19th century dynasty who were the benefactors of Wall and particularly the Church of St John.

The church was full and everyone appreciated the effort that had gone into the making of this film - a lasting record of the area of Wall to be watched and enjoyed for years to come.

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Lichfield Book of Days

ichfield author Neil Coley has launched his new book Lichfield Book of Days. The book features a story from Lichfield's history for every day of the year, providing a snapshot of some of the most important and notable happenings in Lichfield over the last 600 years. The book features hundreds of accounts including: January 28th 1916: On this date the Lichfield Mercury reported on the most serious measles epidemic to hit the city in 50 years with over 350 cases reported.

April 15th 1755: Samuel Johnson, who was born in Lichfield, published ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’. It is the most comprehensive dictionary ever made by this point.

June 27th 1902: Lichfield experienced ‘riotous behavior’ of the type ‘seldom witnessed in the city’ after two men began to fight and drunken onlookers refused a request from police to disperse.

March 1st 1643: Robert Greville, Lord Brooke, arrived in the outskirts of Lichfield with a Parliamentary force and prepare to besiege Lichfield Cathedral, which was a Royalist stronghold.

Lichfield Book of Days contains original research carried out through the Lichfield Record Office and local publications and covers the social, criminal, political, religious, industrial, military and sporting history of the city.

Neil Coley taught History, English and Media Studies at secondary schools for 35 years before his retirement in 2010. Since then he has completed a Master’s degree and enjoys researching and writing about local history. Lichfield Book of Days is published by The History Press.

Lichfield Arts presents The Sleaze Brothers

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ichfield Arts are kicking off their 2015 concert programme with a bang at Lichfield Guildhall on Saturday 10 January with popular local Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll band - The Sleaze Brothers Inc. The band formed in 1986 and played many times at Lichfield's Arts Centre. Following various line-up changes, and a seven year break, the original line-up (with added piano and backing vocals) came back together for a roof-raising performance at 2014’s Fuse Festival. With a rock solid rhythm section, spirited vocal harmonies and the heady mix of keyboards, saxophone and guitar, this is a band that promises a good time.

The band have agreed to play for a reduced fee so that Lichfield Arts can raise more much needed funds.

You can find further information or book at www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, by calling (01543) 262223, or visiting Lichfield Arts box office in Donegal House, Bore Street.

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Over 1,000 join together for Light up a Life

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ver 1,000 people joined together on Sunday 14th December 2014 for an inspiring service at Lichfield Cathedral, as part of St Giles Hospice’s annual Light up a Life initiative. Each Christmas, Light up a Life encourages people to reflect and share special memories of friends and relatives who have passed away.

Lights on a special Christmas tree (in memory of loved ones) were switched on during the outdoor service and a Book of Memories was also on display for visitors to view. The Landau Forte Academy brass band played moving Christmas carols during the service, followed by singing from the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Choir.

Linda Bridges, Corporate and Event Fundraiser for St Giles Hospice, said: “St Giles would like to thank everyone who has taken part in, and supported, Light up a Life this year. The Lichfield Cathedral service is always incredibly moving, and this year was no different. With more than 1,000 people crowded in the darkness, watching the lights which represent the people that they have loved and lost – it is a beautiful sight.”

Further information about St Giles Hospice can be found by visiting www.stgileshospice.com

“It was like the sun had just come out!”

Take those first steps to restore your hearing

Jackie Hunt lives in Sutton Coldfield. She is 44 years old, married with two children and a granddaughter. She tells in her own words her experience of hearing loss.

I’ve felt that I had a minor hearing problem for years, looking back, for between 10 -15 years. I always felt as though I had blocked ears and they needed to ‘pop’ to unblock them. I’m the kind of person that has an attitude that you ‘put up and shut up’ and so didn’t really question the problem - it didn’t cause me any pain. My girls had commented a couple of times on how loud the TV was and then my husband started to say the same thing.

For me the process of the hearing loss has been very gradual. I just thought that following a cold or suffering from extremely bad hay fever throughout my twenties had left my ears a bit blocked up and so just got on with things. My family noticed, over that past few years, for instance if I was driving, I couldn’t have a proper conversation with anyone sitting next to me or behind me as I would not catch all of the words they were saying, especially if they moved their head away from me.

Friends hadn’t seemed to have noticed or hadn’t said anything to me, I think I managed to work with it quite well when I look back now.

I would guess the response required or ask people to repeat themselves.

In social situations, I would pretend to join in the joke, laughing at the appropriate time, by copying my friends, which in a close-knit group is quite easy to accomplish. I would ask my husband at the end of an evening to fill me in on missing bits.

Apart from affecting the way I felt about my ability to do my jobs, I felt that my husband’s social life and mine had started to suffer. We had stopped going out to the pub as much; I just didn’t enjoy it because I felt embarrassed to ask people to keep repeating everything they said or just nodding! I’d started to dread these nights, as we would always have a big catch-up and chatter all night long over food and wine. I would constantly be watching people to make sure I could see what they were saying, but I hadn’t consciously noticed that I did this.

I didn’t enjoy going to the cinema - for me there really wasn’t much point. Sure, everything is really loud, but it just jumbles in to one sound and this becomes uncomfortable.

It was seeing the advert on the TV and answering all of the questions regarding hearing loss with a yes. I thought that was exactly me, and my mum, so I called Hidden Hearing in Lichfield and booked an assessment with Tony Vaughan, the resident audiologist for the pair of us.

Mum went first and found out she has 'pitch deafness' and I was sure that all I needed was wax removing. I was therefore astounded to find that I have a condition called, 'Otosclerosis' and about a 60% hearing loss in both ears.

We're not sure of the cause of this, but Tony Vaughan believes this could be due to an infection when I was little.

I felt that it was like the sun had just come out and it was really emotional. I had no idea I was going to feel like that.

When I had to hand them back (as they were only samples at that point) I wanted to sob my heart out, I felt bereft.

When I received my own hearing aids and came home with them, I walked into the kitchen and was immediately aware of a new sound - the ticking of our large kitchen clock - I never knew it ticked and we’ve had that clock for seven years!

We also went to the Munich Beer Festival last year with a group of friends. This is very rowdy and noisy, but I had a fantastic time and had confidence to use the metro rail system, listening for the stations over the loudspeaker.

I can confidently babysit my Granddaughter now, safe in the knowledge that I will hear the baby monitor when she has her nap.

I speak to all of my friends about my loss of hearing, I’m not embarrassed or ashamed that I wear hearing aids. I would urge anyone who has the slightest notion that they have a difficulty in hearing to have it checked out - after learning what I did, I think it’s important.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the same symptoms as Jackie, maybe you need to take that first step too, and book a check-up with Hidden Hearing.

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The Lost Estate of Fisherwick

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By Kate Gomez

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 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 JeanFrancois Rigaud, the stuccoist Joseph Rose and Thomas Gainsborough was commissioned to paint the Donegall family portraits.

The Marquess also spent a small fortune acquiring an eclectic collection of antiquities and 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 Page 14 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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!). A garden portico is thought 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 smallholding aimed at promoting the importance and benefits of local, seasonal food. Here, the old kitchen garden has been brought back to life by the tenant farmers Andy and Annamarie Stone, who grown fresh produce inside and along the grade II listed walls for a Community Supported Agriculture scheme. The farmhouse was once Continued on page 16

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The Lost Estate of Fisherwick the Gardener’s House, and over in the former cherry orchard you’ll find a Ha-Ha. 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 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 work or finding out more about the Community Supported Agriculture scheme at Woodhouse Farm and Garden can ring Annamarie Stone on 01543 432005. There is also a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Woodhousefarmandgardencic Anyone interested in local history should check out Kate’s fascinating blog at lichfieldlore.co.uk for intriguing stories and brilliant photographs of our city and county.

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)

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A Fresh Start for your Smile

truggling with an ill-fitting denture can affect your life in so many ways. Eating out becomes very difficult, as dentures that no longer fit well won’t stay put, allowing food to get caught between the denture and the gums. This can lead to the denture dropping; being painful to the gums. Left untreated this can also affect the jaw, shrinking and weakening the bone.

Poorly fitting dentures put the foods that you’d really like to eat off the menu. Tomatoes, apples, lettuce and all of the sweet fruits and crunchy fresh salads that we’re all craving after Christmas can be impossible to tackle if your denture no longer fits, and the lack of nutrient rich foods in the diet can have serious long term health implications.

A denture that doesn’t fit makes eating a slow process. It’s impossible to feel part of the action if you are still struggling with your starter or main course when the rest of your party has finished their desserts. It can be an isolating and upsetting experience.

People with problem dentures face these hurdles every day, leading to some refusing to eat in

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front of another person. Poorly fitting dentures can also lead to difficulty when speaking, as dentures move and come together when the wearer is speaking, causing a clicking sound, or simply don’t stay put without the application of unpleasant adhesives or pads.

So many lovely events and invitations are refused because of these issues. The good news is that these problems can be resolved.

• New Dentures

• Cosmetic Dentures

• Implant Retained Dentures • Improved Eating

• Improved Appearance

• Stable Dentures

Matt Burnell BSc Hons, Dip CDT RCS (Eng) Clinical Dental Technician and manager of The CDT Practice at 46 Upper St John Street is an award-winning CDT in the creation and fitting of dentures and dental prosthetics. He and his team understand that dentures and tooth loss can be sensitive subjects, and approach every customer with care, understanding and discretion.

Don’t struggle with an ill-fitting denture, missing teeth or an unflattering smile any longer. Matt and his team offer a friendly, considerate and professional service that takes everything at your own pace – there’s no hard sales pitch involved. Dentures start from just £550 and finance plans are available.

Recent comments from customers include…

“I found the whole experience extremely satisfactory. I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

L.S.

“My experience and treatment was at all times 100% professional both with Matt and Julie.”

S.C.

For a no-obligation chat, just ring the lovely people at The Smile Centre on 01543 415288 The Smile Centre can be found at 46 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DX. www.thesmilecentreuk.co.uk Page 17

What a picture!

Youngsters benefit from horse course

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Hammerwich-based horse riding school has completed its course to teach youngsters crucial life skills.

Gartmore Riding School was awarded a £2,810 grant from the People and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis’ People Power Fund which enabled the school to run a scheme where youngsters learnt tasks such as cleaning out the stables and learning how to ride.

As part of his commitment to local communities, the Commissioner is providing £500,000 in 2014/15 through the People Power Fund in the form of grants of between £100 and £3,000.

The fund is supporting locally-driven community safety activities in communities throughout Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

The school, which is located in Hall Lane, near Burntwood, works with young people, some of whom have disabilities or are from vulnerable backgrounds, from across Staffordshire.

Six riders attended the course and two have stayed on to volunteer at weekends.

Thanks to John Gallagher for this picture of a frost covered web, taken in Lichfield.

Mr Ellis said: “I am thrilled to hear how well the riding school has done and how the funding has benefited the young people.

Nathan Deeley, a young volunteer who attended the autumn course with the Riding for the Disabled Association, said: “I volunteer because it gives me an experience of what it will be like when I am looking for a job. Most of all I make new friends and I feel part of the team.”

Ella Westwood, age seven, with her rosette.

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Businesses across the district eligible to retail relief

etail relief packages were announced in 2013’s and 2014’s autumn statements, and mean that occupied retail properties with a rateable value of up to £50,000 could be eligible for £1,000 retail relief this financial year (2014/15), and up to £1,500 in the next financial year (2015/16).

Lichfield District Council is writing to more than 300 local businesses that are eligible to receive the relief on their non-domestic rates.

Eligible establishments include shops that sell goods and services and food and drink establishments.

Councillor Chris Spruce, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Democratic & Legal Services, said: “We want to make sure all eligible businesses are aware of the relief in their rates and so we’re writing to more than 300 local businesses to tell them about it and to ask them to fill in and return a form that confirms they are eligible to receive it.”

To find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/retailrelief or call Lichfield District Council on 01543 308900.

Travelling in style

Recently, The Sales Team at Tempest Ford were delighted when Lichfield Town Crier Ken Knowles came to collect his new car from the city centre dealership in his full formal regalia. Sales Manager Phil Whiting commented: "It was an honour to hand his new car over to Ken in time for him to drive to his next formal engagement."

Ken Knowles, Phil Whiting and Brian Carruthers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constant use

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

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

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

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

To book your free 30 day Lyric trial call 01543 262670

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Shopping as it used to be…

hanks to Dave Gallagher and the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for these pictures of our shops, pubs and cafes as they used to be. Many of these businesses were still trading until the 80s and we’ve had fun in the editorial office working out what’s trading on these streets and in these premises now.

For lots more pictures, reminiscences and memories of Lichfield visit the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ or go to their next meeting that will be held on 4 February at 7pm at Lichfield Social Club on Purcell Avenue. All welcome.

Shaden Café on St John Street. Closed 1975

Garratt bakery on Market Street (closed 1963).

Bird Street in the 1970s

Castle Inn on Market Street

Wade Street. You can just see the Lord Rodney pub on the left.

The Post Office on Bird Street (pic taken in around 1905) that became an Arts Centre. The Centre closed in 1995 and was demolished. The site is now shops, Ego restaurant and apartments.

Malt pub Conduit Street. Closed 1971

Garratt bakery staff in the late 1940s / early 1950s.

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Pearce on Bird Street. Closed 1969

Wade Street in the 1950s

Divorce D-Day: Things to Consider Before Calling Time on Your Marriage For some couples, spending a lot of time together over Christmas and New Year magnifies underlying major relationship issues. Which is why family law firms traditionally report seeing a spike in divorce enquiries during the month of January. But with more than 100,000 divorces granted each year, Helen Bradin, Partner at solicitors Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP, advises couples to first step back and fully assess their options before rushing to split up: The Christmas holiday season can be a Helen Bradin, Partner Bradin time when emotions run high and unhappy Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP based on partners feel pushed to breaking point. But in Beacon Street, Lichfield. my professional experience as a family law solicitor for 30 years, there are no winners when a relationship breaks down so it is vital to be sure that you have considered every aspect before calling time on your marriage.

Relationship Counselling When a client comes to see me for the first time I am frank about what divorce or separation means in terms of time, finances and cost. Also if there is a chance that the marriage/relationship can be saved I advise that relationship counselling could help - Relate, for instance, offers face to face, phone and online counselling – but both parties need to be committed to making it work.

Be Prepared to Compromise Splitting up is never easy. People experience a wide range of emotions from shock and denial to anger and hurt, disappointment and depression, self-doubt and failure, sadness, loss and guilt. Couples who work towards compromise however, particularly where children are involved, are most likely to come through the breakdown successfully. For instance, a parenting plan covering contact arrangements, holidays and schooling can help reduce the impact of a break-up on children.

Collaboration Some people choose to separate without using a solicitor or to take periodic legal advice throughout the process. Partners can work with their respective solicitors in meetings to reach an agreement rather than going through the Courts.

At Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP we are members of Resolution, meaning that we abide by a Code of Practice encouraging constructive and cost effective solutions to family problems.

Separation Options Divorce is not the only available option. When a marriage comes to an end partners can elect to separate informally (without going to Court) by drawing up a Separation Agreement or to end the marriage formally by getting a divorce. Be aware though that an informal arrangement could be changed if it went to Court in the future so it is always advisable to get things in writing. If you choose to draw up a Separation Agreement it is a good idea to work out in advance what you wish it to cover, for example property, child and financial arrangements. However, a Court Order is the only final way of dealing with finances and a Separation Agreement could mean paying legal costs twice as it will need to be transferred into a Court Order at a later date.

Professional Advice At Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP we appreciate that relationship break-ups can be complex – particularly where domestic violence is an issue – and that each is unique. Our extensive experience means that we understand what our clients are going through and can guide them through the process as pain free as possible to secure a fair and satisfactory outcome.

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Emily joins the team

mily Snaith (18) from Swinfen, has achieved her dream job after completing a two-year with apprenticeship Anthony John Salons.

Emily will now take to the salon floor as a stylist.

As well as the in-house training apprentices receive from the awardwinning team, Creative Stylist Vicki holds a City and Guild’s assessor’s qualification (and is in the process of working towards her DTLLS teaching certificate), so apprentices have to ensure they hit the highest of all possible standards before they can progress.

Anthony John Salons holds its apprentice training sessions on a Tuesday afternoon from 2pm. The salon is always looking for models so please contact the salon on 01543 481900 if interested.

Concert for Chairman’s Charities O

n Sunday 30 November Lichfield Sinfonia played in Nether Stowe School Hall and, due to the concert’s success, donated £1,000 to three local charities.

The concert was played in aid of the Chairman of Lichfield District Council’s charities.These include Lichfield Cathedral East End Appeal, the Friends of St Peters Church in Stonnall and the Forces Children’s Trust.

The concert was also sponsored by Tempest Ford, Lichfield.

On the night the audience was treated to the Spanish concert pianist, Mario Mora, playing Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No 2. The concerto has been used many times for film scores, most notably in the classic Brief Encounter.

Lichfield Sinfonia, under the direction of Sara Birchall, also played Dvorak’s Symphony No 8.

Councillor David S Smith, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, said: “The concert was beautifully played and enjoyed by all. I am so grateful to Lichfield Sinfonia for choosing to support my charities. Their donation of £1,000 is really generous and I’d like to thank them once again for their support and for a wonderful evening of entertainment.”

To find out more about Lichfield Sinfonia, visit www.lichfieldsinfonia.co.uk

For advice on family and other legal matters contact Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP on 01543 421840 for a consultation or email hcb@btksolicitors.com Page 24 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

David Smith (left) shaking hands with concert pianist Mario Mora. County Cllr Janet Eagland is on the right.

Celebrities Love Lichfield!

The We Love Lichfield Fund, which raises money and donates it back to voluntary organisations in the district is getting the seal of approval from a host of celebrities. The fund is hoping to get as many celebrity signatures as possible on a special We Love Lichfield T-shirt and then auction it.

So far the likes of Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen and Tony Christie have signed the shirt together with ex-England cricketer Ashley Giles.Comedians Jasper Carrott and Jason Manford have also made their mark.

The We Love Lichfield Fund needs the help of people from across the area to get as many signatures as soon as possible so that the auction can take place quickly and the money find its way back into society.

Fund patron Simon Price said: "If anybody knows a celebrity through work or socially, through a charity or via social media it would be great if they could approach them and ask if they could sign the shirt. The We Love Lichfield team will do the rest.

We'd take a photo of the signing and it would appear on our website. It would be fantastic to cover all of the T-shirt in signatures and auction it and in doing so raise more for the amazing good causes across the district."

For more information visit www.welovelichfield.com Tony Christie

Jason Manford with Adrian Jackson

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Cyclists - Stand up and be heard!

s a cyclist, the last thing you want is to be pushed around by other road users.

So when it comes to claiming compensation for an accident, why should you settle for any less?

With over 19,000 cyclists injured on UK roads last year, including 109 deaths cyclists Adam Penn of Ansons Solicitors urges cyclists to “stand up and be heard” if they are involved in an accident.

Adam is a personal injury specialist at Ansons Solicitors in Cannock and Lichfield Adam Pike has almost 20 years of experience of representing cyclists and motorcyclists with injuries from road collisions ranging from minor cuts and bruises to brain damage and even death.

“Cyclists tend to come off worse from any collision, and their injuries are usually more serious,” says Adam. “It is vital to assess the long term medical needs as a result of these injuries, which can be life-changing and cause financial hardship. We address these issues as early as possible, arranging independent medical assessments and securing early interim compensation payments to cover the cost of your treatment.”

Cyclists should not be deterred from reporting an accident because they are worried about being wrongly blamed. We can help you establish who was at fault and gather evidence, including witness statements from pedestrians and people travelling in other vehicles.

If you have been involved in an accident, taking legal advice as soon as possible will help you present the best case. We offer an initial interview free and offer many options for funding your claim including no win, no fee.

For further advice on cycling injuries or any other type of personal injury contact Adam Penn in the personal injury department on 01543 431196 or email apenn@ansonsllp.com. Ansons Solicitors has offices in Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire and are able to offer a home visit if you prefer.

Christ Church School Wins Best Menu Award

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n Thursday 27 November 2014, Blakemore’s Catering Company hosted their annual catering awards. After visiting a number of different schools and County Councils across the UK, they managed to narrow down all the entrants for the best Primary School menu in the UK to a final three, and it was Christ Church C of E (c) Primary School, Christ Church Lane, Lichfield, that won first place. The award was presented to the four members of their fantastic catering team by the comedian Rob Brydon.

Christ Church took over their catering 5 years ago as they wanted to provide their children with healthy, nutritious meals, using locally sourced ingredients and with a menu which was guided by talking to the children about what they liked to eat.

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Fusion’s Record Savings Balance

n November Fusion Credit Union reached an incredible milestone when the total amount of savings in their members’ accounts came to over a quarter of a million pounds.

The total loans taken out via Fusion is also at a record high of nearly £75,000. The membership has grown to over 700, with over 100 new members joining in the last year.These figures are all the more impressive as Fusion is entirely run by volunteers.

Fusion’s President, Peter Selwyn commented: “We are making a real difference for people in Lichfield and Cannock Chase Districts, making it easier to save and providing loans which they can afford. Our borrowers can pay less than £45 per month for a 12 month loan of £500. That’s less than £35 in interest for the whole year.”

Membership of Fusion is open to anyone living or working in Lichfield or Cannock, and affordable, low-rate loans are available to all members. However, they will not make things more difficult for those struggling with debt and members can only take out a loan which they can afford to pay back. For more information go to www.fusioncreditunion.co.uk or call 01543 415032 Story reproduced from the Fusion newsletter.

New tenant sought for Hospital Road Playing Fields

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ichfield District Council and Hammerwich Parish Council are seeking transfer talks with local sports clubs and other organisations to take control of a popular sporting venue in Hammerwich.

Lichfield District Council and Hammerwich Parish Council jointly own Hospital Road Playing Fields and are keen to find a suitable club or organisation to run the site as a sporting facility for the people of Hammerwich and Burntwood.

The green space contains five grass pitches, a modern four-team changing block which includes a kitchen and refreshment area, a large car park, and a play area that was opened in 2012.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “We know Hospital Road Playing Fields is a much loved and used resource by local people, which is why we’re keen to find a club that not only manages the site well, but that will boost sports participation in the area.

“It’s really important the site remains open to all, and we will only choose a club or organisation that agrees to keep public access to the fields unrestricted.”

The tenant should have local connections, and will be expected to use Hospital Road Play Fields to promote sporting and leisure opportunities for all local residents.

If you are a sports club or leisure organisation and interested in leasing Hospital Roads Playing Fields, please contact Lichfield District Council’s sports development team on 01543 308835 or email hospitalroad@lichfielddc.gov.uk The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 13 February 2015. It is hoped that the successful club will be in place by the start of the new season.

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St Giles Hospice wins Special Award

t Giles Hospice has won an award for a sixmonth art project at its facilities in Whittington and Sutton Coldfield. The Arts into Health project (which saw a group of St Giles patients, carers, staff and volunteers working alongside professional artists, including photographers, a graphic artist and a writer) was selected as the winner of the Judges’ Award in the West Midlands Arts Health and Wellbeing Awards 2014.

The project involved a series of sessions held over six months and encouraged participants to share their feelings and memories, including the people, places and things that meant something to them, and their fears, sorrows and joys. The poetry which resulted from the project is published in the book ‘Being Here’ alongside specially commissioned photos and paintings, some of which are displayed around St Giles’ hospice facility in Whittington.

Writing workshops were led by the writer David Calcutt and the sessions inspired artists Dominic Pote and Peter Tinkler to create photographic images and illustrations for the book whilst Ming de Nasty took documentary photographs. Six of Dominic’s images have become artwork installations at St Giles

Hospice.

The Day Hospice and Therapies services operated by St Giles play a major role in supporting local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses who continue to live at home, and among the valuable services offered are artistic and creative activities, which give patients the chance to discover a positive outlet for their feelings. Those who took part in the project described ‘a deeper understanding and a strength of shared emotions’, enjoyed ‘the noise of people chatting and laughing’, the ‘happiness of

Sold Out Event Commemorates Christmas Truce

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ver 150 people braved the frosty weather on the evening of Saturday 13th December to commemorate the Christmas Truce at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.

Carols in the Trenches is a yearly commemoration that takes the form of carol singing and readings by uniformed members of the Museum’s Education Team on the subject of the truce, down in the on-site WW1 trench system. The readings are all taken from the original letters and reminiscences of soldiers who took part in the truce, adding an extra level of poignancy to this evocative and uplifting event.

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

The event was fully sold out, and attracted visitors from as far afield as Canada.

The evening concluded with a re-enactment of the truce, as German, British and Allied soldiers met in No-Man’s-Land to shake hands.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum is planning a packed and varied programme of events for 2015 to be announced soon. For more information on the Museum including opening times and prices go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

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different ideas’, the ‘courage of the human condition’ and the ‘richness of people’. One said: “Whilst we were working together… I forgot I had cancer.”

The project was funded with the support of grants from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Albert Hunt Trust, the Lord Austin Trust and Staffordshire County Council Community Arts Fund. Further information about the St Giles Day Hospice is available by visiting www.stgileshospice.com.

Shoppers support fight against Ebola

To support the campaign against the Ebola virus in West Africa, Lichfield Rotary Club took the opportunity of a last minute vacancy at the Boley Park Co-operative store on December 13 to raise funds for the Medecins sans Frontieres [MSF] nursing and care programme. Shoppers were incredibly generous and ÂŁ510 was collected for dispatch to MSF's current appeal. The President of Lichfield Rotary Club, David Kershaw commented: "We do pay tribute to the generosity of local shoppers in being so ready to donate for this humanitarian and potentially life-saving cause."

Competition Winners First Lines Competition Congratulations to Nick Dale of Gorsey Lane, Cannock, winner of a signed copy of First Lines.

Stocking Fillers for Him Competition Congratulations to Iva Davies of Beacon Street, winner of a box of Continental by Thorntons chocolates.

10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERTISMENT. Terms & conditions apply.

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Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman

Enjoy an evening of contemporary gypsy jazz with The Remi Harris Trio as they play a selection of original compositions and popular melodies of jazz and swing.

Well known Fellow of the Royal College of Music, Professor of the London College of Music, former Yes keyboard player, Watchdog presenter and renowned Grumpy Old Man, Rick Wakeman has led a rich and varied life.

Join Rick in his one-man show as he displays his virtuosity on the piano and recounts hilarious and unlikely anecdotes from his considerable career, which includes musical collaborations with David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Elton John, and worldwide tours with his own bands.

Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman will play at the Lichfield Garrick on Saturday 17 January 2015 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £28 and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling Lichfield Garrick’s Box Office on 01543 412121.

Remi Harris Trio will play at the Lichfield Garrick on Friday 16 January 2015 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15 and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling Lichfield Garrick’s Box Office on 01543 412121.

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We Love Lichfield Grant Giveaway

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All grant recipients, the We Love Lichfield advisors and the cast of Garrick Theatre panto Cinderella.

ood causes across the Lichfield district received the perfect Christmas gift in December 2014 from We Love Lichfield. The fund, which gives grants of up to £1,000 to local district based voluntary groups, made its presentations at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre with recipients joined by the cast of the panto Cinderella.

Patron and advisor of the We Love Lichfield Fund, Simon Price, said: “The aim is to give away money to people who make a difference in our community. The volunteers in this district are fantastic and we simply couldn’t do without them.

“The fund is really now starting to gather some momentum. We have given over £30,000 away to 80 plus organisations since we started three years ago. Our next step is to get more people to pledge money to the We Love Lichfield whether it be a fun run, car wash or whatever. An interesting development is the number of businesses who have made We Love Lichfield their 2015 ‘Charity of Choice’. Having the support of local businesses is a great coup for a young and growing fund and I’d like to thank amongst others Acorn Group and Darnford Moors Golf Club for their support during the coming year.’

For a full list of all of the recipients go to www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The Lichfield Gazette supports We Love Lichfield

What is there in Lichfield for teenagers?

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ere, Lichfield aspiring journalist Amie Parlour (16) who is a student at King Edward VI School, gives us the lowdown on life in our city for the under 20s.

Lichfield is a lively city with many tourist attractions such as the Cathedral, the cobbled streets and the history and statue of Samuel Johnson. While tourism is good for the city, what does it offer to its local teenagers?

It is a city that has a range of activities for young people to be involved in, through a variety of clubs, shopping, sport and much more. With four secondary schools (one of which is private) and three state schools, each has its own achievements recognising the success of its pupils. While some teens will spend their time studying at home or playing on electronic games, there are more that participate in a large selection of activities on offer in and around Lichfield.

Many events are held in Lichfield throughout the year from the Bower and Proms in the Park, to music festivals and fayres which are all local and are easy to get to. These attract many teenagers who join in with the events going on. The Bower held once a year provides rides, floats, stalls and a range of different entertainment, appealing to many teenagers. It is an opportunity to perform on the floats, volunteer for fundraising or just meet with friends, go on rides and have fun.

Many sporting facilities are available for energetic teenagers, from the Friary Grange Leisure Centre (which has a varied weekly programme with the swimming pool and the exercise rooms), to Beacon Park and its new skate park (attracting many young teenagers), plus its tennis courts, crazygolf and lots of football pitches for everyone to use. King Edward’s Leisure Centre also provides badminton and squash courts. There are many sports clubs within Lichfield including hockey, cricket, golf, tennis, rugby, swimming and football, with regular competitive activity where Lichfield is represented by each team who compete in many matches and competitions to win seasonal trophies.

The Garrick in Lichfield has a Youth Theatre, mainly aimed at teenagers aged 12 to the maximum age of 21, who seek opportunities to shine. The cast can perform popular shows of exceptional talent to the public. The Lichfield Garrick Youth Theatre aims to “provide the youth of Lichfield and the surrounding areas with an educational musical theatre experience.”

This experience could lead to promising careers in the future, knowing what a stage production involves and being recognised. Oliver, Les Miserables, Fame the Musical and Phantom of the Opera are only a few of many successful, popular productions.

For teenagers who just like to socialise, there isn’t much to do as the shopping facilities are fairly limited, with minimal, high-profile shops.

Lichfield is great for transport links all around Staffordshire with Sutton

The Lichfield Gazette Magazine is delighted to announce that we have made We Love Lichfield Fund our charity of choice for 2015.

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continued on page 35

and the Coldfield Birmingham Bullring being only 35 minutes by train.

This is very convenient for young teenagers who prefer a wider range of shops such as Hollister, Jack Wills and Selfridges, which are very popular with the younger generation.

The city has a main bus station and a mainline train station located next to each other in the city centre, which are very accessible. With a Staffordshire bus travelcard, this allows teenagers to travel anywhere within the county for £1 which is affordable for most teenage pockets.

Cafés and restaurants are plentiful and very popular in Lichfield, where well-known chains such as Ask and Costa Coffee are situated next to the smaller independents, which are great for socialising with friends.

However, Lichfield lacks a cinema as entertainment for teenagers who have to travel elsewhere to watch the latest films. A local cinema would be great to meet up with friends to chat about the upcoming movies. It would provide them with something to do, as there aren’t many places to chill with friends. Youth Clubs are also restricted in Lichfield, as the council are cutting costs to run them. Netherstowe Youth and Community Centre and The Minster Hall Youth Centre are both under threat of closure resulting in a loss of venues for teenagers to hang out.

Explorers, Scouts and Guiding are associations that teenagers can participate in and at the same time gain Duke of Edinburgh Awards or volunteer their services to help run the units.

Amie Parlour

J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS

NOW LICHFIELD’S ONLY FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS 24 hours a day

Jonathan says: “We are a proud family business in Lichfield, we offer a wide range of choices to suit people’s requirements, including horse-drawn, all religions/non-religious catered for, floral tributes, and memorials. Also pre-paid funeral plans available.”

A truly personal service from a caring family.

TELEPHONE : 01543 255776 Situated 116 Netherstowe Lane, Lichfield WS13 6TS

PARKING DIRECTLY OUTSIDE

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Is this the next step for The Regal?

azette readers will no doubt be interested to hear about plans that are afoot regarding the old Regal Cinema building (formerly Kwik Save) on Tamworth Street. Plans have been submitted to the council’s planning department for: ‘Demolition of existing building and retention of existing façade. Redevelopment of site to include open A1 Retail unit, 5 Apartments and 10 Dwellings, including car parking and highway areas. ‘ The application for planning permission has been made by the Davis Weatherill Partnership and The Friary Group. Davis Weatherill Partnership Chartered Architects are agents of The Friary Group who are based in Tamworth. The planning application includes: ‘the demolition of the Cinema, retention of the existing facade, and the construction of a new A1 retail unit with 5 apartments above and 10 dwellings to the rear. Residential car parking is provided within a courtyard and additional spaces (for the apartments) on

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remote land on which the Applicant has an option to purchase.’

It also mentions that: ‘A permission was granted in 2010 for the demolition of the building (retaining the facade) and the erection of 87

bedroom hotel, bars and restaurants. The body of the existing Cinema / Retail conversion is too tall to be economic or operationally effective. It is also old and would require prohibitive cost to restore. However, the three storey Art Deco facade is well worth keeping and contributes to the variety of the built form in the area.’

‘A mix of 2 and 3 bed units with 2 or 3 storey forms add to the variety of the elevation (as any organic street development) and generate interest by their juxtaposition.

There are references to the Art Deco Cinema elevation which helps make the development more cohesive. The ten units forming, on one hand the shield to The Tanneries and adjacent service yards and on the other the definition of the private shared courtyard space shows respect the Georgian urban grain and scale of the environmental setting. It is this scale and urban environment which has generated the articulation of the elevations where well-proportioned windows are set quite formally (as Georgian architecture) yet with a modern twist by the use of surrounds and linking them horizontally and vertically.’

Should the plans be agreed, and the demolition go ahead the applicant proposes that: ‘Due to the location of the site being in a historic City and relatively close to the Cathedral, it is accepted that any excavations of the ground be monitored by an Archaeologist appointed by the Applicant / Developer and agreed by the Planning Authority. At this stage a watching brief is identified and any items of archaeological interest be notified to the Authority and action taken in conjunction to ensure protection or recording as necessary of any form of historical artifacts.’

The plans were submitted on 24 September 2014. Under usual circumstances the council will reach a decision in 12 weeks from application, so a decision should be announced imminently. So view the plans go to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/planningapplications

Help from The Mary Slater Charity T

he Mary Slater Charity is a Lichfield based charity that was founded in 1898 through a legacy from Mary Slater who lived in Bore Street. Mary Slater left a Will making provision to the Lichfield Nursing Institution and Invalids Kitchen which had been established some years before for the relief of the sick and poor of the city and neighbourhood and was funded solely by voluntary contributions.

Over the years and still today The Mary Slater Charity’s purposes has continued to remain the same - to help the people of Lichfield if they need assistance because they are either poor or sick.

There are criteria that need to be met in order for the trustees of the charity to be able to consider an application for assistance. These are • Location. The applicant must be a resident of the city of Lichfield or within 2 miles of Lichfield Cathedral (which includes Elmhurst and Streethay).

• Poverty. Qualification on this ground is a need for assistance because of temporary or long term hardship but also anyone who does not have access to the normal things of life which most people take for granted (as defined by the Charity Commission).

• Sickness. Qualification can be on the basis of physical ill health but also includes people suffering from mental health issues or an addiction.

The Trustees of the charity can agree to give the assistance that they think is most appropriate in the circumstances and this can include the supply of special foods and medicines, medical comforts, medical surgical appliances, extra bedding and fuel, the provision of domestic help and money to defray the cost of convalescence.

Grants can be given to individual applicants or to institutions or organisations who provide or undertake to provide services or items of facilities that will provide assistance or benefit to individuals.

An application can be made at any time, but the trustees only meet four times a year.

Marie Tisdale is a partner of Ansons Solicitors is the clerk of the charity and all application should be made to her in the first instance. Marie commented: “The Mary Slater Charity is a relatively modest charity whose aim is to alleviate some of the problems that the people of Lichfield face on a day to day basis. The Trustees consider each application on its merits. They may not always be able to help meet the full amount wanted and not all applications will be successful, but the Trustees do consider carefully all applications received.”

Contact for further details: mtisdale@ansonsllp.com

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Page 38 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

L

Fuse festival takes a break until 2016

ichfield Arts, the organisers of Lichfield's Fuse festival, have announced that the event will be taking a year off in 2015 but that it will return in 2016.

The free community arts festival, which features 3 days of music, arts, workshops, family and children's events is run mainly by volunteers and normally takes place each July in Beacon Park.

Lichfield Arts have announced that the break is due to the lack of a suitable Fuse coordinator. This role is vital to the running of a safe and successful Fuse. Following an internal reorganisation the Lichfield Arts' management team is currently working to recruit a new Fuse coordinator willing to work on a mainly voluntary basis who has the enthusiasm, skills and experience necessary to lead the planning and running of the festival. A suitable candidate has yet to emerge and time is now getting short to prepare for the event.

In addition, although admission to Fuse is free for all, the event costs over ÂŁ30,000 to put on and this has to be raised from grants, sponsorship, donations and other revenue. Raising funding this year is proving to be particularly challenging given uncertainties regarding the organisation's future funding from grants.

Lastly, Fuse is reliant on a very large team of volunteers and all the planning and preparation needed means the event is now a major year round task. Lichfield Arts' management team believes that after running Fuse continuously for 14 years, it is time to give the hardworking Fuse volunteers a well deserved break.

The Fuse festival taking a year off is not unique. Other festivals, notably Glastonbury, regularly take a year off to maintain their standards and vitality.

Lichfield Arts' intention is to regenerate and revitalise the event for 2016 with a key aim of making it an even more family friendly and exciting event for all the community.

In the meantime, as well as planning for the return of Fuse in 2016, the organisation will be working throughout 2015 to develop a year round programme of community outreach projects; continue its usual programme of concerts at Lichfield Guildhall; stage the Lichfield Festival of Folk; present a new Blues, Jazz and community festival in the city centre in June and continue to be involved in other community events in Lichfield.

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City Scenes

Thank you to the Lichfield Heritage Centre for these pictures of four very busy businesses that are no longer around in Lichfield. Can anyone put a date on them?

Herbert Larkin Tobacconist - St John Street

Pocklington's City Mill, Station Street

Edgar Bates Photographers Bore Street

HERITAGE COLLECTION - The Photographic collection housed at St Mary’s in the Market Place hold 12,000 items including new and old photographs, maps, books and documents relating to Lichfield past and present – copies can be purchased.

The Photographic Collection is free to view opening times are Mon/Wed/Fri 10.00 – 12.30. If you have any photographs etc. relating to Lichfield the collection would be grateful to receive these items for everyone to enjoy for generations to come. Call in and see the wonderful collection.

All photograph copyright of the collection.

Old Crown Pub corner of Bore Street and Bakers Lane Page 40 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

MUSEUM – Entry to the museum is also FREE – open 9.30 – 4pm (final entry at 3.30pm)

I

Wedding Fayre at The George Hotel

f you are involved in the planning of a wedding you should make a date to visit The George Hotel’s Bridal Fayre on Sunday 18th January.

From 11am until 3pm you’ll be able to meet the experts from a wide range of businesses all ready to inspire you with ideas for flowers, photographs, music, wedding dresses, menswear, chair covers, cakes, jewellery, cars and beauty treatments- all essential to the perfect wedding. The George’s experienced wedding co-ordinators will be on hand at the Wedding Fayre to show you around the rooms and advise you on menu selections, costs and availability. Plus, every bride who attends the Fayre will be entered into a draw to win £100 to spend with one of the exhibitors!

The George is set in the heart of Lichfield and offers an elegant and relaxed setting for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies of up to 90 guests (evening receptions of up to 110 guests). The hotel’s all inclusive wedding package is now available on selected dates in 2015 and includes a 3 course meal with coffee, evening buffet and lots more for 50 day guests and 80 evening guests; at just £3,800 in - it’s really great value, and in the words of a recent TripAdvisor reviewer: “Looking for a wedding venue? The George Hotel is the place to have it!” Please call The George on 01543 414822 if you’d like to know more.

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Wedding Belles Stephanie Haywood and Connor Taylor were married on 1 November at St Luke's Church, Cannock. They held their reception at the Oak Farm Hotel, Cannock.

Photography by Robert Yardley Lisa Summerfield and Alan Stokes were married on 26 October at the George Hotel, Lichfield. They also held their wedding reception at the George Hotel.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Cheryl Emery and Ben Johnson were married at Lichfield Registry Office, on 29 November with a 4pm ceremony. This was followed by a meal with guests at the Mama Thai restaurant, in Bird Street, Lichfield.

Photography by Robert Yardley

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Get Beautiful in time for your Big Day this 2015*

Here, highly experienced facial therapist Amanda Elias gives us her tops tips for radiant bridal skin.

• If you suffer with blackheads or hormonal spots on your chin, try using a salicylic acid product daily. This will help to exfoliate the skin and clear out the pores, salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect so it’s great for spots that can also become inflamed.

• Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about redness left over from acne; a short course of hydrocortisone can dramatically help to reduce discolouration.

• Make-up sits better on exfoliated skin, using a cleanser that contains AHA’s daily can help to remove the dead skin so that your foundation lasts longer on the big day.

• Do you suffer with red spots accompanied by rough skin on your upper arms and thighs? This is a condition called Keratosis Pallaris and although not curable, it can be kept under control by using a moisturiser containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid daily.

• There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands on your big day, to keep your hands and nails in peak condition, massage sweet almond oil in to your hands and nails daily, a month before the wedding. By your big day your nails will be stronger and your hands will be supper soft.

If your hands tend to be flaky, mix a little olive oil and sugar, gently massage in to your hands, wash away and then apply your sweet almond oil.

• Don’t forget your lips, wear a good quality lip balm and re-apply regularly throughout the day, especially before bed. Do this for at least a week before your wedding and your lips will be super soft and ready to kiss!

• Stress can cause breakouts and the run up to your wedding can be an extremely stressful time. Download a meditation app or get a CD and meditate daily to try and keep your stress levels under control. Yoga can also help to calm the mind and balance the body, as well as improve the figure!

• Want to lose a few pounds before your wedding? Ensure that you use a nourishing moisturiser all over your body daily; weight fluctuations can cause stretch marks so it’s important to keep the skin well nourished- look out for ingredients such as Vitamin E. • If you are dieting remember to take a good multi-vitamin supplement.You may well have lost weight, but if you aren’t having the correct amount of nutrients that your body needs, your hair, skin and nails will be compromised. Omega oils are also great for your skin and body.

• Drink Green Tea daily, not only can this help with weight loss alongside a good diet and exercise, but many people swear by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps to brighten the skin and reduce acne. *Please be aware that some products can cause allergic reactions. If you suffer from allergies or have sensitive skin please consult your GP before use.

Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant

Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant is the perfect wedding venue for all seasons, you can celebrate your special day sipping aperitifs in the picturesque walled garden or in the comfort of their romantic firelit lounges. Renowned for its charm, luxury and personalised hospitality, Netherstowe House offers an irresistible blend of modern comfort, vintage décor and award-winning fine dining. Their friendly team believe that every wedding celebration deserves to be truly original, so prefer to build a tailored wedding package that is ‘uniquely you’ rather than having inflexible, onesize-fits-all hotel wedding packages. Netherstowe House are also renowned for vintage afternoon teas, which is perfect if you are seeking an original approach to the traditional wedding breakfast. If you wish, the hotel can be hired as an exclusive use wedding venue, which means that the enchanting country house will be exclusively yours, for your very own sophisticated house party.

For further information call 01543 254 270 / email weddings@netherstowehouse.com or visit www.netherstowehouse.com

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Win a meal for two!

Chase away the Winter Blues - win a meal for two in the stylish new Darwin's Restaurant in the popular George Hotel on Bird Street.

Just answer the following question...

Who was the Restaurant in the George Hotel named after?

To be in with a chance of winning send your answer, name and contact details to Gazette Meal for Two Competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of Tuesday 20th January 2015.

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Win Tickets to The National Wedding Show Spring 2015

P

Birmingham NEC 27 February – 1 March

lan the day of your dreams at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring. With inspirational feature areas and over 300 experts specialising in everything from designer dresses and dazzling venue décor to fabulous floristry and honeymoon hideaways, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate destination to try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day.

See the hottest bridal trends come to life at the must-see Catwalk Show, where you can discover the latest collections from the very best in bridal, including Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Ivory & Co, Zaeem Jamal, Qiana Bridal, Eliza Jane Howell, Justin Alexander, Alfred Angelo, Enzoani, Ronald Joyce, Claire Pettibone, Debenhams, Berketex Bride and many more.

Browse and try on more dresses than you ever imagined in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area, which together house the largest collection of dresses under one roof from the nation’s finest designers, retailers and boutiques. Meet your favourite designers who will be on hand throughout the weekend to discuss your bespoke requirements and transform your dream dress to reality.

Don’t miss the Top 10 Tips at The Wedding Theatre, where the show’s glam squad will arm you with invaluable beauty, hair and style advice.

Produced by renowned wedding show and TV producer Jane Galpin, the Top 10 Tips sessions will feature demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom in an exciting countdown.

Covering everything from how to achieve complexion perfection to choosing the best dress

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for your body shape, the Top 10 Tips will provide you with everything you need to know about big day beauty and style.

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where the nation’s finest florists will create spectacular displays featuring everything from enchanting centrepieces to beautiful bridal bouquets for all wedding themes and colour schemes.

Meet the experts from your favourite brands and high street names who will be on hand to help make planning your perfect day easier than ever before.

Whether you need to register for a gift list, book your honeymoon, or find unique favours for your guests, you can shop ‘til you drop with Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Young’s Hire, John Lewis, Jon Richard and many more.

End an exciting day of shopping and wedding planning at the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat yourself and your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to The Champagne Bar to toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly and enjoy a mouthwatering selection of seafood salads, sushi and bagels.

Experience the show in star style with VIP Tickets, which include fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, access to the exclusive VIP area, a complimentary glass of bubbly, a goody bag full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day and a copy of Be A Beautiful Bride, an essential guide which is packed full of useful style and beauty advice that is guaranteed to ensure you look fabulous on your wedding day!

WIN, WIN, WIN

The Lichfield Gazette has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer three lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk or send a post card to Gazette Wedding Show Competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ with your name and address and if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner.

So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £5 off the door price*.

To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. (*Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 at midnight the day before opening).

What’s on & Dining Out YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

A Fantastic Start to the New Year

The new year’s already well under way but the days are short and nights are long. So what better way to pass the cold winter evenings than sitting in a nice warm auditorium enjoying top-flight entertainment?

Because that’s exactly what’s on offer locally throughout February with some really top names appearing at the Garrick, starting on February 4 with Iranian cult comedian Omid Djalili. He’s been described by the Guardian as “one of the most subversive, let alone funniest comedians around,” so expect laughter with an intellectual twist.

Thursday 5 sees a visit from award-winning musician Curtis Stigers whose classic soul hits have been covered by stars including Elton John, Eric Clapton and Rod Stewart. There’s more music the following night in the shape of Quill, featuring the legendary

Bev Bevan as they play their violin-influenced versions of rock classics plus their own unique songs.

Saturday 7 sees the ever-popular gold and silver disc winner and impressionist Joe Longthorne in the Garrick’s main house, while the next night sees a speedy return visit of this year’s panto personality Arthur Bostrum with an evening exploring the perils and pleasures of his long theatre and television career plus a close-up and personal Q & A session.

If you’re a fan of Eva Cassidy, Songbird on Friday 13 is a concert telling the story of this late great twentieth century singer starring Sarah-Jane Buckley supported by a live band and video footage. One for the true fans.

Not forgetting the kiddies either, the fairy tale Mother Goose, starring Garrick panto dame Ian Adams and

Julie Paton as Belladonna the Demon Queen brings half-term family entertainment at an affordable price.

For those rather more grown-up Wednesday 18 brings topical singing group Fascinating Aida currently celebrating over thirty years in showbiz with their new offering Charm Offensive. Expect outrageous new and vintage songs as they grow old disgracefully. There’s the lovely Barbara Dickson, (Thursday 18), Forty Years of Showaddywaddy (Friday 20) but the big one for me, from Tuesday 24 until Saturday 28 is crack local amateur theatre company Different Animal’s version of George Orwell’s 1984.

See you there! Phil Preece

What’s On January 2015

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 caz@lichfieldgazette.co.uk quoting the date, event title, times, venue address and brief description. For commercial events please contact a member of the sales team for advertising prices

Saturday 3 Jan January Party Night Celebrate the start of 2015 with a delicious 3 course meal and a disco at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822. £22.50 per person.

Lose the Blues Menu at Netherstowe House.

Feeling exhausted after all that festive fun? Why not start the New Year as you mean to go on, with a bluesbanishing dose of you-time that won’t cost the earth? Throughout January 2015, Netherstowe House will be serving their delicious Express Menu priced at £16 for 2 courses / £20 for 3 courses between 6:00pm and 9:00pm, Monday to Thursday. Saturday 3rd – 31st January To book call 01543 254 270 or visit www.netherstowehouse.com Thurs 8 Jan Free boxing sessions at Burntwood Leisure Centre.

Held by Positive Futures, which provides social and leisure opportunities for young people who live or go to school in Burntwood. The sessions will be run by British Boxing Champion Wayne ‘Mad Dog’ Elcock’s Boxclever coaching academy. The sessions are being held at Burntwood Leisure Centre’s tennis courts, but will go indoors if it rains. Every Thursday.

8.00pm to 9.00pm. There is no need to book.

Sat 10 Jan January Party Night Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and a disco at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 . £30 per person.

Bookworms United at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Read, explore and enjoy popular titles

in our fortnightly book and activity club for 7-10 year olds - new members always welcome! £4 per session including books and refreshments, discounts for family groups. For more information and bookings call 01543 264 972 or visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk Royal National Lifeboat Institute Hope In The Great War Exhibition.

This is an overview of the role of the RNLI during WWI, examining how lifeboats helped support Britain’s war efforts. The exhibition is part of a national touring exhibition from the RNLI Museum in Norfolk, it focuses on heroic rescue stories from around our coasts during the war.

10th January 2015 to 15th March 2015. 9.00am to 5.00pm in The Long Gallery.

The Sleaze Brothers at The Guildhall 8:00pm until 11:00pm. The Sleaze Brothers at The Guildhall, they last appeared in a packed marquee at Lichfield Fuse Festival 2014. The Sleaze Brothers bring you a superb evening of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll classics played with verve and a real sense of fun. Tickets - Adults £9.00, Members £8.10, Under 16's £4.50.

Cupcake Class at Netherstowe House Join Netherstowe House’s professional cake maker for a hands-on opportunity to develop your cake decorating skills in a fun, practical and supportive learning environment whilst relaxing in beautiful surroundings. Due to the popularity of our cupcake classes advance booking is essential. £59.00.

To book call 01543 254 270 or visit www.netherstowehouse.com Sun 11 Jan Wedding Open Day 12pm – 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird

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 15th to 17th February 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

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Move over Grande Canal The best Pizzas are not in Italy… they’re in the ‘Mucky Duck’ at Fradley Junction!

The Swan or ‘Mucky Duck’ at Fradley Junction has a huge reputation for good food, but now it is “move over Venetian Grande Canal” and “enter the Coventry & Trent & Mersey Canal”, because this famous old pub has a treat in store.

To supplement its already extensive menu their ‘National Award Winning Chef’ (2013) is baking awesome freshly made mouth-watering hand-stretched Pizzas.

The like have never been seen in these parts.

The chef uses his skills to produce 9 and 12 inch pizzas throughout lunch and evening (also take away available). Great on a fresh Winter’s night with a glass of Italian wine with varieties such as: ‘Bitter Sweet’ with Mozzarella and caramelised onion; ‘All-day-Pizza-breakfast’ with bacon, egg and black pudding; Americano, Hawaiian; and Calzone. Follow that with coffee made from real Lavazza beans Something for everyone It’s easy to enjoy Fradley Junction with all its colour and tranquility and its nearby nature reserve, which features in a couple of published British Waterways trails, or just sit with a beer (or a cup of tea) and watch the world float by.

Over the past six years Rick & Tracey have resisted the urge to make The Swan into a trendy ‘gastro pub’ and kept it as a traditional canalside-socialising pub that folk have loved for well over two hundred years. Open 7 days a week, The Swan has something for everybody – it’s a retreat from the hurly burly of everyday life. It has a Sunday Carvery every week 12-3 with five meats and fresh vegetables for £10 inc. sweet and coffee. Lunch is served Mon-Sat 12-2.30 with a full menu available every evening 5.30 – 9pm.

If your fancy is for traditional and homemade foods then The Swan is the place to enjoy a mixed grill, sirloin steak, beer battered cod, pork-belly & black pepper plus homemade curries and pies. Plus freshly made sandwiches, snacks and much more.

Beer and entertainment The Swan has a superb selection of beers on draught such as Abbot and Pedigree, with four guest ales on all the time (So there’s always something new available) And of course all your popular ciders and lagers.

And talking of something for everybody – why not call and enjoy the evening entertainment. Every Thursday evening is Folk Night, with Open Mic on Sunday evenings together with other events on throughout the summer months. And something unique is the Curiosity Shop, now open at the rear of the Mucky Duck selling all manner of things where you are welcome to have a mooch-around.

Rick & Tracey extend a warm welcome and suggest you rediscover Fradley Junction and The Swan this weekend.

The Swan at Fradley Canalside eating at its best DE13 7DN Telephone 01283 790330 We are a dog friendly pub

Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822. Come along and see just how lovely your wedding day could be at The George!

Admission free. See the Charter Suite dressed for a wedding, wander the grounds and chat to our wedding coordinators.

Wed 14 Jan Introduction to Bread Making at Hindleys Bakery Join our Introduction to Bread Making Course at Hindleys Bakery. This course gives you the opportunity to learn basic bread making skills within an informal and friendly environment. The course lasts 3 hours and is suitable for beginners. All ingredients & equipment, apron, hat and afternoon tea are supplied. Time 1.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost £55.00.

Fri 16 Jan Pride & Prejudice Dances - New Members Evening Introductory class - learn Regency period dances that the author Jane Austen would have loved. 7.30 start. Venue: Lichfield Golf & Country Club Prices: £6 per person Remi Harris Trio at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. Remi Harris Trio at Lichfield Garrick with special guest George Huxley – Soprano Saxophone.

The Remi Harris Trio is a young contemporary gypsy jazz trio featuring the guitar of Remi Harris, playing an exciting selection of jazz, swing and bebop standards, original compositions and popular melodies. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Chairman of Lichfield District Council's chosen charities. Tickets £15.00.

Sat 17 Jan January Blues Party From 7.30pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751 Banish the January Blues at our January Blues Party which includes a 2 course hot & cold buffet and a disco. £22.50 per person, or £114 per couple to include an overnight stay and full English Breakfast.

Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman 7:30pm until 10:30pm. Yet Another Evening with Rick Wakeman at Lichfield Garrick with support from - The Cadbury Sisters. A Fellow of the Royal College of Music, Professor of the London College of Music, In his one-man solo show, he recounts hilarious and unlikely anecdotes from a career which has included musical collaborations with David Bowie, Cat Stevens and Elton John. Tickets £28.00 Sun 18 Jan Wedding Fayre 11am to 3pm at The George Hotel, Bird Street, Lichfield T: 01543 414822 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!

Tues 20 Jan Art Workshops at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Third Tuesday of every month, 6.30pm.

Small and friendly sessions led by awardwinning local artist Carole Collier, beginners very welcome. £10 including all materials and refreshments, booking essential.

Wed 21 Jan Introduction to Bread Making at Hindleys Bakery See Wednesday 14th for details ‘Allo ‘Allo at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. A Lichfield Players production of ‘Allo Allo' at Lichfield Garrick. Come along for an evening of comedy gold, full of farce, innuendo, and familiar catch phrases. Based on the hugely successful British TV sitcom that ran for eighty five episodes, all your

favourite TV characters are here including Gestapo Officer Herr Flick and Michelle from the Resistance. 21st to 24th January 2015. Tickets £14.00 (concessions £13.00 & £10.00).

Thursday 22nd January Lichfield Civic Society. At St Mary's in the Market Square. Talk on "The Role and Activities of the City Council" by Peter Young. All are welcome to this meeting of the Lichfield Civic Society. Members Free.

Non members £3 at the door. 7.45pm start.

Friday 23rd January 2015 - Saturday 24th January Lichfield Arts Winter Beer Festival At Lichfield Guildhall. With the Christmas decorations packed away for another year, why not dispel the New Year Blues by coming along to the Lichfield Arts Winter Beer Festival? This long-established favourite in the beer festival calendar is known for its friendliness and takes place in Lichfield’s majestic Guildhall. Enjoy a wide selection of real ales from some the country’s best breweries, a choice of fine traditional ciders and a good range of wines. To accompany the beers, enjoy fine food and good company in a convivial atmosphere. Live music will be provided on both Friday and Saturday. Friday 23rd January – Radio Mary Saturday 24th January – Last Orders. £2 before 6pm (on the door) £3 after 6pm (on the door) Friday 23rd January Burns Night Celebration Moor Hall Hotel & Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 308 3751.

Celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s best loved bard with a 3 course meal and dancing to an authentic ceilidh band.£39.50 per person, or £145 for two people to include an overnight stay with full English Breakfast.

Comedy 42 at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. Come and have a fun evening with Comedy 42 - January at Lichfield Garrick Comedy 42 brings you the best comedians from across the country. Your host for the night is Chris Purchase. With Carl Donnelly, Star of Mock the Week and Russell Howard's Good News. John Gordillo - One of our finest stand ups, Jon Wagstaffe - A naturally sharp & funny comedian. Tickets £15.00 Saturday 24 January Bookworms United at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum Read, explore and enjoy popular titles in our fortnightly book and activity club for 710 year olds - new members always welcome! £4 per session including books and refreshments, discounts for family groups For more information and bookings call 01543 264 972 or visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk Saturday 24th to Sunday 25th The Big Garden Bird Watch At Beacon Park. Help the RSPB with their annual bird survey. Get your recording sheet from the Ranger Station and record the birds you see in the park in one hour.

10am till 2pm.

Monday 26th January Thalgo Promotion Day At Moor Hall Hotel’s Spa, Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield T: 0121 334 2323 Book a Thalgo Absolute Hydration facial for only £30 (normally £38) and buy the Source Marine Gift Set for the special price of £15 (worth £103)!

Thursday 29th The Barber Of Seville at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. The Barber Of Seville at Lichfield Garrick presented by The Merry Opera Company. The Merry Opera Company presents Rossini's great masterpiece of comic opera, fizzing with musical brilliance, bold humour and

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

famous tunes. This is opera for people who don't like opera, a great evening out, with a terrific cast of talented young singers. Tickets £21.00, and £19.50 Friday 30th and Saturday 31st January Two by Jim Cartwright at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. Two by Jim Cartwright at Lichfield Garrick Presented by The Mockingbird Theatre Co. Ltd. Jim Cartwrights ‘Two' is sure to be a night of laughter, tears and great revelations. One man, one woman and fourteen different characters each with a story to tell and secrets to reveal.

Tickets £14.00, £10.00 (Students) Friday 30th January The Upbeat Beatles at Lichfield Garrick 7:30pm until 10:30pm. The Upbeat Beatles at Lichfield Garrick - Whether you are a Beatles fanatic or simply a lover of good music don't miss this brand new Show. The Upbeat Beatles recreate the sheer fun, excitement and magnetic power of The Fab Four and their unforgettable music, with their attention to detail and stunningly precise reproduction. Tickets £19.50.

Fairport Convention at Lichfield Cathedral 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Fairport Convention at Lichfield Cathedral an event for Lichfield ArtsOne of the country’s, most popular and hard working folk-rock bands, Fairport Convention will be appearing at Lichfield Cathedral as part of their forthcoming Winter tour.Lead vocalist and guitarist Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg on bass, violinist Ric Sanders, Chris Leslie, lead vocal, fiddle, bouzouki and mandolin) and Gerry Conway on percussion and drums sell out venues throughout the country, and on an

international level. Tickets £22.00 Mayor and Sheriff's Charities Quiz Night. Quiz to raise funds for the Mayor and Sheriff's Charities - We Love Lichfield, Lichfield Stroke Club and Friends2Friends. 7.30pm at the Guildhall. £5 per team of four. For more info or to book a team contact Kate Durrant on 01543 309854 or email kate.durrant@lichfield.gov.uk Saturday 31st January Chocolate Truffle Class at Netherstowe House Chocolate Truffle Classes at Netherstowe House make an ideal gift or day out for any chocolate fan. In this hands-on class you will enjoy a welcoming environment whilst learning how the tempering of chocolate is done before tasting chocolate and teaching your taste buds how to really pick up on flavour. Under expert guidance from Netherstowe House’s chocolatier you will discover which ingredients work best and by the end of the class you will have your own range of gift wrapped hand-made chocolates to take home. £59.00. To book call 01543 254 270 or visit www.netherstowehouse.com Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra 007 - The Music Of James Bond 7:30pm until 10:30pm. Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra - 007 - The Music Of James Bond at Lichfield Garrick. Every Bond song is an event in itself - Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra plays Goldfinger, Thunderball, Diamonds are Forever, You Only live Twice, The Man With the Golden Gun, Golden Eye, Casino Royal, Live and Let Die, Skyfall and many, many more, so come along and enjoy. Tickets £21.50.

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

You Choose Menu Monday and Tuesday 6pm-9pm £9.95

From our ala carte menu, choose 1 Starter, 1 Main meal, Pilau Rice & Naan bread Thaali Night Sunday & Wednesday All Night from £9.95

Gazette contacts Editor

Paul Oakley 07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Deputy Editor

Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk Production

Helen Smith 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk

Distributors wanted contact Marie 07548 682576 Advertising

Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca.lichfieldgazette@gmail.com Traci Calcutt 07999 430383 tracicalcutt@gmail.com Sarah Price 07872 165695 sarahpricegazette@hotmail.com National Sales David Baker 01889 577891 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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That Was the Year that Was

2014 was a great year here at the Gazette, and we're confident that 2015 will be even better! We'd like to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers for their support over the last 12 months. We couldn't do it without you!

A very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you all.

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

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