Lichfield Gazette October 2014

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

October 2014 ISSUE 64

You shall go to the ball! see page 30

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

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CONTENTS

50

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

12 Central School in the 1950s & 60s Fantastic images courtesy of ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if ...’

14 A table less ordinary Fabulous vintage tableware.

20 Sheriff’s Ride Past and Present

48 Cinderella Interviews with the stars of the show.

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

Lichfield Literature Festival 2014 8 - 12 October for further details go to

www.lichfieldfestival.org or contact 01543 306270

CONTRIBUTORS

16

• Caz Jones

• Joss Musgrove Knibb

• Robert Yardley • Phil Preece

• Dave Gallagher • Laura Bowcutt

• Patrick Comerford • Richard Kiely

Contact the Gazette see page 62

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14

Letter Editor A

from the

Smash head on keyboard and continue

For those of you who don’t own a computer, or are not blighted with the infernal workings of the computer generation; I envy you. Yours is an uncomplicated world and your life will not be shortened by frustration and heartache caused by the little screen and box stashed in your back bedroom. Those of you who, like me are addicted and enslaved by the home computer know that feeling and you never seem to have a minute to yourself, EVER! I saw a cartoon the other day illustrating Quasimodo ‘hunched’ over a computer keyboard. The reason for his round-shoulderedness was probably the same as mine. The major frustration for me (and you may share this too) is the computer password for social media, for emails, for your favourite websites. As if telephone banking isn’t painful enough, access to your own details for the purpose of banking on-line can be harrowing.

Here we go: Please enter your new password: cabbage Sorry, the password must be more than 8 characters. boiled cabbage Sorry, the password must contain 1 numerical character 1 boiled cabbage Sorry, the password must contain no blanks 50bigboiledcabbages Sorry, the password must contain at least one upper case character.

50bigboiledcabbages_andIwilldoirreparableharmtothec omputerifyouDON’Tgivemeaccessright_NOW! Sorry, the password cannot contain punctuation.

OKpickawindow_becauseyouaregoingthrough1right NOW Sorry, that password is already being used.

My final indignation came when I screamed at the screen; “You’ve eaten all my files!” And the reply came back; “Well you shouldn’t have put them on the menu, should you!”

Yours truly Paul Oakley (Head-hitter)

Tempest-Ford are 'behind them' at Garrick Panto - see page 30

October 2014 Issue 64

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.

28th Oct 2014

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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.

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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 22 Oct 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 Mrs V Hyde of Friary Road, Lichfield who spotted Minster The Cat on page 26 of the September issue of the Lichfield Gazette.

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LGOCT2014

Meet the Tudors at Lichfield Cathedral Library

Q

uietly existing through the centuries, Lichfield Cathedral Library sits above the Chapter House and was completed in 1249. For over 700 years it has been a source of delight and wonder to its visitors, as they explored the treasures that it contained.

From now until mid-December 2014, the library is opening its door to the public, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of medieval scholars, Royalists and Parliamentarians.

Lichfield Cathedral Library really is a jewel, with a vaulted roof and a 13th century tiled floor that wouldn’t look out of place at Hogwarts! It is filled with a

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collection that contains both medieval texts dating back to the 14th century (and in the case of the St Chad’s Gospel, back to the 8th Century) and a fantastic selection of later medieval, Renaissance, Tudor, Civil War and eighteenth and nineteenth century books. Lichfield Cathedral’s library houses some very important books, and many of the best of

Libraries‘ manager Clare Townsend

these are being carefully unwrapped, ready to show during Lichfield Cathedral Tudor Library Tours.

The Library Tours this year have a Tudor theme. The Tudor period was rife with violence, intrigue and strife. One of the most remarkable books that visitors will see is a psalter (a book of psalms used for prayer) which it is believed may have belonged to Catherine of Aragon, the Spanish Princess and first Queen of King Henry VIII. It was as a consequence of King Henry’s desire to annul his marriage to Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn that England broke away from Rome, and the dissolution of the Monasteries took place.

It’s tempting to wonder just what this little book has been witness to.

Visitors on the Tudor Library Tour have the opportunity to see some very rare books, and to read the words and thoughts of people who lived centuries ago – truly a form of time travel.

Lichfield Library Tudor Tours cost £15 per person and include a visit to Chapters, The Café in the Close for tea, coffee and a slice of cake, plus 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop. Tickets can be purchased from the Cathedral Shop at 9 The Close, or by calling 01543 306150. The library is on the first floor.

Tours last around 1 hour and are not just fascinating to those who like old books, but designed to give a glimpse of the danger and glamour of the Tudor period.

Private Tours of the library can also be arranged (minimum 10 places) by contacting the Libraries’ Manager on 01543 306175.

Tour dates are Wednesday 8th October, Saturday 18th October, Saturday 8th November, Wednesday 19th November, Wednesday 3rd December and Saturday 13th December. Tours start at 10.30am and last for 1 hour. For more information go to www.lichfield-cathedral.org

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W

Money this Autumn

ith the weather taking on a decidedly cooler air and the nights starting to draw in, now could be the time to do a bit of a stock take and have a look at whether you are getting the money you are entitled to. Maybe you would like to get a bit of wellbeing and nutritional advice, ready for Winter, learn some nice Winter recipes or receive a free dietary plan from a qualified Dietitian?

For older people, if money is tight, and it often is, it’s worth talking to Age UK. Making ends meet might well be easier than most people think, if a careful and systematic examination is taken with regard to what you might be entitled to. Every year, millions of people miss out on money due to them, some aren’t aware that they are entitled to it, or mistakenly think they should manage without it. Others are worried about complicated forms or questions.

Age UK can help, in South Staffordshire you can telephone 01785 788 499 for our Information and Advice Helpline, but at other times, you can telephone 0800 169 65 65. You can also have a look at the website www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs or www.ageuk.org.uk/benefitscheck.

If you need additional information we may be able to supply you with some free booklets, factsheets or direct you to the section on the web

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if you need additional information.

Autumn is when we start to develop sniffles and think that maybe we wont go for that walk or make the gym as ‘it’s a bit colder’. We might not always feel like going out and if we are staying in, making ourselves a meal.

Age UK South Staffordshire is the lead partner in Eat Well Staffordshire and can provide older people over 65 with a free wellbeing check to include looking at ideas for cheap economical meals and diet options and how to make sure weight levels are maintained or increased (where necessary). The trained volunteer mentors can help with social support, signposting, access to transport, food delivery services and lunch clubs.

They will pop in every so often, have a chat and see how you are, providing a wellbeing check and looking at your nutrition at the same time.

Eat Well Staffordshire also offer a range of lovely recipes and can provide for the month of October a free folder containing a Winter Warmers advice booklet, Age UK Winter Recipe booklet and a free pocket diary and pen (whilst stocks last) for anyone interested in booking the free Eat Well service during October. Please phone 01785 788 496 for further information, or have a look at Facebook or Twitter. www.ageuk.org.uk/southstaffs

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Central School in the 1950s and 60s

T

hanks to Dave Gallagher of the local history group ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for these memories of Central School, Frog Lane in the 1950s and 60s. Maybe you were a scholar there yourself? For more images like these visit the group’s Facebook page.

The next meeting of ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ will take place from 7pm on Tuesday 7 October at Lichfield Social Club.

Central School 1st year in 1955. Kindly donated by Dave Elson.

Central School Class 4a in 1962. Kindly donated by Dave Elson.

Central School scholars in 1954. Kindly donated by Margaret Read.

In 1964 Central School moved to St Chad's Road and was renamed Nether Stowe High School. Thanks to Maurice Neville for this image of the school under construction.

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A Table Less Ordinary

ver the next few months many of us will be invited to Halloween events, Bonfire Night parties, Christmas lunches and New Year’s Eve extravaganzas plus family occasions, birthday parties and perhaps a wedding or two!

If you have an event to plan, a dinner party to throw or a family event to mark, you will probably be pondering what menu to serve and perhaps how to dress the table for maximum ‘wow’ factor.

Most people have at least a couple of antique or vintage items of tableware that may be languishing at the back of a cupboard – perhaps a set of ‘salts’ or a crystal decanter, that never see the light of day. Recently these items have seen a renaissance with tables set with gorgeous, elegant dinner services, crystal gasses and flatware becoming very fashionable again.

This is in part down to the ‘Downton effect’ – the rediscovery of Edwardian style that has been fuelled by the gorgeous sets of Downton Abbey. It’s also down to the huge interest in all things vintage that has seen delicate tea services and embroidered linens in great demand.

The great thing about creating a truly stunning antique or vintage table, is that it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Charity shops and car boots are a great place to hunt for vintage china, and the quality of these items is always stunning.

There’s no need to stick to all vintage items either, mix in modern plates, bowls etc with unashamedly floral china to make a breathtakingly pretty statement. There’s no need to match, go eclectic for a fashionable, contemporary take on all things retro.

Just take a look at these beautiful images for lots of inspiration…

The Victorian Table – for the family

The Edwardian Table – dinner for two

Antique white cotton tablecloth with napkins A selection of antique sterling silver and silver plated candlesticks (top tip - put your candles in the fridge for an hour before you light them to keep them burning longer) Kings Pattern silver cutlery C1895 Royal Doulton ‘Signature’ bone china Edwardian Aynsley china Sterling silver napkin rings Sterling silver Bachelor tea set with Aynsley cups and saucers

Antique white cotton tablecloth with napkins Royal Albert ‘Old Country Roses’ bone china dinner service Kings Pattern silver cutlery C1895 Vintage Stuart Crystal glassware ‘Glengarry’ Stuart Crystal glassware ‘Cascade’ Cranberry glass claret jug with silver mounts

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All of the beautiful porcelain, glass, silver and other tableware shown in these images were provided and arranged by Jan LeythamGain of The Pretty Little Parlour Company.

Jan told the Gazette: “Many people have that special antique, vintage or retro ‘something’ that inspires or brings fond memories.

They may have silver heirlooms that need displaying at a Christening celebration or want a perfectly decadent Bridal Shower. I can create the perfect day by styling an event to delight the senses, whether it’s a sumptuous Christmas Dinner party for ten or a Vintage Afternoon tea for 100.

“I invite my clients to my home where we talk through their dreams, wishes and ideas regarding styling, content and the practicalities of the day, tailoring everything to suit their individual needs and budget. They can hire all the ‘pretties’ from me and arrange and style themselves or I can bring everything and set up and style with my team. Some clients really do want to enjoy their own celebration and for them I arrange event planning, coordination and hosting. I can assist in so many ways to make a perfect day even more special and it is always completely unique to my client, working with the best of local business for floristry, photography and catering; everything that makes the celebration perfect.

“I have worked in many locations – hotels, on farms, in gardens, in barns, even in the middle of a field! Some of the loveliest events are in clients’ homes. Whatever the event and w h a t e v e r involvement they are looking for I bring their dreams to life and create memories to last a lifetime.”

Jan Leytham-Gain can be contacted at The Pretty Little Parlour Company on 07908 696383.

Images Richard Kiely Photography www.richardkiely.co.uk

The Swinging 60s Table

1960s red tablecloth Midwinter Stylecraft ‘Carmen’ dinner service 1960s cutlery Vintage glassware White cotton napkins (top tip, arranged in the glass this casual styling looks great) Retro hostess doilies Wedgwood retro crystal decanter and glasses

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Friary School students celebrate British Food Fortnight

A

group of students from the Friary School donned Chef’s hats and aprons at The George Hotel in Bird Street on Wednesday 1 October as part of the hotel’s support of British Food Fortnight which started on 20th September.

British Food Fortnight is an annual national celebration of British food and drink which aims to raise awareness of the diversity of delicious home-grown, locally sourced British food and drink.

The 12 Friary School year 10 students spent the day with chefs at the Bird Street hotel preparing a British themed three course meal, which included fillet of pork with spinach, locally sourced black pudding and ‘bubble and squeak’ for main course and apple pie with blackcurrant ice and cardamom custard for

pudding. They later served the meal to over 70 friends, family members and teachers in the hotel’s banqueting suite.

Mark Santy, General Manager, commented: “Each year our chefs really enjoy helping the pupils from The Friary learn some basic cookery skills and raising their awareness of the fantastic produce that is right on our doorstep.”

Family fun at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

T

he Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in the heart of the city centre has launched a programme of events for the coming months, with handson art and history workshops to inspire and entertain as the evenings draw in.

Events begin with an Art Workshop Exhibition Day on Saturday 4th October, from 10.30 – 4.30pm. For beginners and the curious to experienced artists alike, there will be an opportunity to see artwork by workshop members, watch demonstrations led by artist Carole Collier and have a try yourself, all free of charge. For those inspired by the exhibition day, regular Art Workshops take place on the third Tuesday of every month with the new session on October 21st at 6.30pm (£10 including all materials).

The arty theme continues throughout the month with the ‘Big Lichfield Draw’: an activity available every day inviting visitors to help the Museum to build up a big picture of our city. Young visitors can also enjoy a Halloween themed ‘Half Term Fun!’ session on Thursday 30th October (11am – 2pm, just £2 per place, no booking required) and make some monster bookends!

History lovers will enjoy the special workshop ‘A Day in the Life’ on Saturday November 8th at 2pm, which will provide a glimpse into the daily life of the Johnson family home and Georgian Lichfield by exploring original documents. Bookings are being taken now for the fascinating session, which costs only £2.50 per place. For more information please call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or visit the Museum website at www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk.

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The Sheriff ’s Ride, Past and Present

The Sheriff’s Ride took place this year on Saturday 6th September, in continuation of a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. The ride was led by Sheriff of Lichfield, Councillor Bob Awty and over 100 riders took part, covering a 16 mile trek around the Parish that started at the Guildhall and ended at around 6pm at the Cathedral, where the riders were met by the Sword and Mace bearers and greeted

by The Dean.

Photographer Carl Knibb

Sheriff of Lichfield Mr Bob Awty

Thanks to The Heritage Centre for these fantastic photographs of The Sheriff’s Ride in the 1970s.

The Lichfield Heritage Collection holds 12,000 items, photographs old and new, maps, books, documents etc. all relating to Lichfield past and present - copies of which can be purchased.

The Heritage Collection is housed in the Lichfield Heritage Centre, St Mary’s Church, Market Square, Lichfield, Tel: 01543 256 611.

The collection is free to view, opening times Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.00am to 12.30pm.

If you have any photographs etc. relating to Lichfield, the Heritage Collection would be very grateful to receive these items for everyone to enjoy seeing them. Come and see our wonderful collection. All photographs copyright of Lichfield Heritage Centre Page 20 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

A New Look for Autumn

The experts at Francesco Group, Lichfield have got all the tops tips for a gorgeous new style this season.

This Autumn is all about fabulous colour; locks should be healthy and full of shine! Now is the time to tone-down tired Summer tresses and enrich your colour with tones of honey blonde, vibrant copper or rich chocolates. Throughout October and November we’re giving away a FREE Gloss Treatment with every colour service booked, to give your locks a healthy injection of shimmer and shine!

Style-wise, Fringes are going to be huge this season and are a great, simple way to transform your style. Fringes are a great way to frame your face and accentuate your features. There are many styling options available, so why not ask your stylist to recommend the best fringe to suit your face shape?

Our salon on Gresley Row is bright, modern and spacious, with a friendly atmosphere, providing the perfect backdrop to your pampering service. We offer in-depth consultations, complimentary refreshments, indulgent head massages, personalised recommendations for products and specialist tips about styling at home, at every appointment. So you will leave the salon not only looking great, but feeling great too!

Mayor and Sheriff at a recent charity promotion at Francesco Group.

Photograph courtesy of Robert Yardley

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Guide Dogs for the Blind Fun Day at Specsavers

Prolific fundraisers Specsavers in Lichfield will be supporting the ‘Glowing National’ Guide Dogs charity on their Fun Day Friday on 10 October.

Glowing National is part of a week long event to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Specsavers’ management and staff will be joining in with “Puppy Dogs in Store” by dressing in fancy dress and running their now famous Cake Sale along with a raffle with prizes generously donated by local shops in Lichfield. Donations will also be raised by a five mile charity sponsored walk. Every eye test on 10 October will have further £1 donated to the charity.

Editor opens exhibition

Gazette Editor Paul Oakley was honoured to open the Lichfield Society of Artists' Annual Exhibition on September 20, and to present prizes to artists for their superb work. The many creative exhibits included paintings, mixed media, sculpture and handiwork. The exhibition was held at Lichfield Library.

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Lichfield Food Festival 2014 best yet!

T

he third Lichfield Food Festival, which took place on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, attracted thousands of people.

Hoards of people flocked to the Market Square to see a series of pop up cookery displays by chefs that were overseen and compered by local chef and caterer, Simon Smith.

The Market Square was also packed with food and drink stalls as part of the Lichfield Food Festival Market.

On Saturday families enjoyed spotting cupcakes as they took part in the Cupcake Hunt. Then on Sunday, children got artistic at the sweetie box decorating workshop.

Over at Britannia Enterprise Park, Tippers hosted three free cookery demonstrations, featuring celebrity chef Rachel Green.

At Cakeydora in Upper St John Street, Christine Wallace, quarter finalist in last year’s Great British Bake Off, delighted the audience by baking her brandy snap ‘ninety niners’.

Lichfield Arts’ Best of Local Brewing event in the Guildhall’s Guildroom was a popular attraction with a steady stream of people sampling and buying Real Ale and cider from a range of local producers.

The Kitchen Shop had a busy weekend with cookery demonstrations by the QVC and Ideal World presenter, Mal Harradine. The team also organised cookery displays and food and drink stalls at The George Hotel.

Restaurants and cafés on the World Menu Trail, that offered £10 set menus, were packed with diners.

Many festival-goers also followed the Ale and Wine Trail, sampling wine and ale for £3 a glass at drinking establishments across the city.

Sunday saw the judging of the Baking Competition at Three Spires Shopping Centre.

New toddler slide for Beacon Park

T

hanks to a generous donation from the Lichfield Bower, a new slide has been unveiled in Beacon Park’s junior play area.

The colourful slide is already appealing to little-ones, as three toddlers from Humpty Dumpty Day Nursery & Pre-school demonstrated when they were let loose on it recently.

Called ‘Aladdin’s Cave’, the slide has a set of sturdy steps, a large platform, tall side panels and a long chute – all designed with the youngest age group in mind.

The slide was installed after the Lichfield Bower donated £2,240 to Beacon Park.

Beth Colley, Lichfield Greenhill Bower’s Beacon Park Organiser, said: “Beacon Park is at the heart of the Bower celebrations, and it’s great to have been able to give something back to this fantastic local attraction, following such strong support from local people over the years.”

To find out more about visiting Beacon Park, go to www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk

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Dove Hearing Centres - a listening, caring approach A new centre, but not new to Lichfield

technology to make your life easier and more comfortable, whether you are using an iphone, watching TV or socialising with friends and family. Dove Hearing Centres prefer the no pressure sales and professional approach to dealing with their customers.

N

eil and Rebecca Cross are celebrating their tenth anniversary as Dove Hearing Centres. In 2004 they started Burton upon Trent Hearing Centre. Over a decade later it is still a wholly independent family run business with over 35 years of combined hearing industry experience. The success of their business has been based upon giving impartial and professional advice concerning their clients hearing needs and the technology available.

At their Dove Hearing Centres they are able to offer a free hearing assessment within a soundproof environment to give an accurate hearing test which is then explained in detail and dependent on the results the decision is made to either have regular check ups or if a hearing aid is required they can talk you through all of the various available options.

Offering a money back guarantee and competitive prices, Dove Hearing Centres work with a wide spectrum of manufacturers and are not tied-in to a single supplier, unlike many of the national companies who tend to

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be affiliated to one or two. They can give impartial advice across the wide range of hearing aids, saving upto 40% from many other companies.

There are three main hearing centres within the company, in Lichfield, Burton upon Trent and Hanley, Dove Hearing Centres also have day centres across Staffordshire and Derbyshire. For nine years they were previously located within the popular David Arthur Opticians in Market Street. Neil and Rebecca have now found the right location in a charming building in Bore Street (next door to Salloways Jewellers).

Dove Hearing Centres have built their business on service, quality, value for money and aftercare, take a look at their testimonials for comments from many happy customers. Offering innovative services like Micro-suction wax removal, the safe way to clear earwax from the ear canal – the whole process done with magnification.

A whole range of devices can be discussed including wireless

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Services available at Dove Hearing Centres:

Free hearing assessments Independent expert advice Ongoing all-inclusive aftercare High standards of customer care Time to listen to your hearing problems Time to help you through your hearing rehabilitation All types and sizes of hearing aids from all manufacturers 30 day money back guarantee Battery service Repairs and adjustments to all makes of hearing aids Custom made noise, shooting and swimming plugs Industrial hearing tests and assessments Full manufacturer’s hearing aid warranty Save up to 40% off National Hearing Company prices Latest digital hearing aids from £599 Micro-suction wax removal The latest invisible hearing aids and spectacle hearing aids

Dove Hearing Centres 21 Bore Street, Lichfield WS13 6LZ Tel: 01543 262670

Pension auto-enrolment deadline looms for mid-size businesses

T

he deadline for the next stage of the government’s pension auto-enrolment means that contributory pensions for most employees are on their way.

The new laws on workplace pensions that came into force on 30 June 2012 are gradually being rolled out, requiring employers to enrol eligible workers into a pension scheme and make a minimum pension contribution.

Many larger employers who employ more than 250 people will already have been

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required to begin enrolling their employees.

However, an increasing number of employees will be enrolled over the next 18 months; as employers with 50 to 249 employees will be required to enrol by April 2015 and those employing less than 50, between 1st June 2015 and 1st April 2017.

Employers will be notified by their tax office of their “staging date” by which they are required to enrol their employees and eventually will be required to make a minimum

employer contribution of up to three per cent of earnings.

Most workers will be eligible to enrol provided they: • ordinarily work in the UK; • are aged between 16 and 75; and • work under a contract of employment or any other contract, whether or not there is a written contract.

However, not all job holders will have to be auto-enrolled in a pension scheme. To be eligible for auto-enrolment, a job holder must be aged at least 22 but below state pension age. This is currently age 65 for men and age 60 for women, though it is being incrementally equalised between the sexes.

The worker must also earn more than the earnings trigger in a relevant pay reference period (which is the same period used to assess qualifying earnings). The trigger has been set at £10,000 a year in the 2014/15 tax year.

Earnings include bonuses, overtime and statutory maternity, paternity or adoption pay.

Employers are required to provide specific information in writing to the employee, including their auto enrolment date, details of the scheme and the contributions required. Failure to follow the correct procedure or comply with the rules could see employers faced with enforcement action, notices and a penalty.

Ansons’ employment law experts advise both employers and employees about their obligations under the pension auto enrolment scheme to ensure they comply with the new requirements.

For further information on workplace pensions or any other employment law problem contact Martin de Ridder in the Ansons Solicitors’ employment law team, on 01543 431186 or email mderidder@ansonsllp.com.

Ansons Solicitors has offices in Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire.

St Stephen’s Primary School Fradley wins National Young Historian Award

A

s part of the ceremony to dedicate the new Normandy Campaign 1944 memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum on 24 September an award was made to St Stephen’s School in Fradley for winning this year’s national Young Historian Award for primary schools, given by The Spirit of Normandy Trust. The Trust gives three age-level prizes for projects specifically on World War Two and it was a perfect opportunity, with so many veterans present, to make this award to some of the young people who contributed to the winning primary entry.

Dr Trevor James, Director of the Young Historian Project, said: “The judging panel unanimously selected the St Stephen’s entry as the winner because it provided excellent examples of the children’s sensitive writing about the likely experiences of those involved in WW2 and comprehensive photographic evidence of model-making, together with local biographical material. It was a very impressive entry.”

The children took part in the Service of Dedication led by the Bishop to the Forces in the presence of HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Patron of the Normandy Veterans Association, had refreshments with many of the old soldiers and then received their award.

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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Lichfield Bower Cheque Presentations 2014 T

he Lichfield Bower Committee has announced record contributions to local charities from this year’s May Bank holiday event. The cheque presentation took place in the Guildhall on Tuesday 9 September. Cheques were presented to local charities by Lichfield Bower Queen Beth Daire and Sheriff of Lichfield Bob Awty along with Bower Committee Chairman Michael Mullarkey.

30 charities were in attendance on the night to collect cheques raised from the street collections on Bower Day. Bower representative Heath Rhodes commented: “It was a great night for local charities and I know I can speak for all the Bower Committee when I say how grateful we are to Lichfield people and others from the surrounding area for their contributions on Bower Day – it’s these contributions along with the tireless efforts of our committee that make it possible to give local associations and charities such well deserved and needed funds.”

This year’s Bower saw record attendances in Beacon Park and on the streets alongside the procession.

Cheque presentations were made to: Clic Sargent, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Trent Valley Community First Responders, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire and Shropshire Blood Bikes, Erasmus Darwin House, Voluntary Transport for the Disabled, Lichfield Churches Criminal Justice Forum, NSPCC Lichfield District, Friends of Sandwell Pumping Station, Macmillan Cancer Support, Francisco House, Lichfield City Football Club, Dan Berry, Lichfield and Tamworth Cats Protection, Saxon Hill School, Lichfield Golf and Country Club, Violets in Bloom, Tamworth Samaritans, Burntwood Sub Aqua Club, Lichfield 7th Scouts Group, Lichfield Army Cadet Force, Lichfield Cathedral, Soroptimists International, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Teenage Cancer Trust, Lichfield Ladies Circle 106, Lichfield Round Table and Lichfield Lions.

Lichfield Literature Festival 2014 8 - 12 October for further details go to

www.lichfieldfestival.org or contact 01543 306270

Page 28 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Norton Bathrooms Helps Local Youngsters Find Work

Norton Bathrooms MD Alison Mennell with Kieron Rose, Ben Smith, Cameron Stretton and Alistair McVinnie.

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n Tuesday, 30 September, Norton Bathrooms, of Walsall Road, Norton Canes held an open morning aimed at educating local youths and members of the bathroom, plumbing and tiling industries on the benefits of apprenticeships. The morning resulted in three previously unemployed individuals being offered work experience with a view to an apprenticeship placement.

Present at the event, which was held at the region’s largest bathroom showroom, were representatives from South Staffs College, The Princes Trust and Central Construction training as well as wetroom and tiling specialists Schlüter Systems, adhesive manufacturer BAL and Manhattan Showers Managing Director, Gary Campbell.

Professionals from within the bathroom and tiling industries attended the morning to watch live demonstrations from Schlüter & BAL, showcasing the latest products on the market. Everyone who attended was treated to free bacon sandwiches, refreshments and a selection of free products from BAL & Schlüter. In addition, a prize draw was held for over £500 worth of tiling products.

Norton Bathrooms Managing Director, Alison Mennell commented: “The purpose of the event was to bring together our experienced industry professionals and contractors with local young people looking to make a start within the construction and interiors industries.The result of our open morning has been fantastic and several of our contractors have expressed an interest in taking part.”

Partnership Alistair McVinnie of McVinnie Associates in Norton Canes has agreed to take on three individuals in partnership with Norton Bathrooms on a work experience placement. When asked about his decision to take on an apprentice Alistair commented: “I believe that there are a lot of young people who deserve to be given a chance.

I hope that by taking on these lads we will be able to give them a start in the industry and, in return, benefit from their hard working attitude and creativity.”

Both Alison and Alistair believe that their efforts should inspire other local businesses and tradespeople to follow suit and encourage fresh blood into their industries. Alison added: “As a profession, bathroom installation is extremely complex and there are fewer and fewer new experts emerging. There are also many young people in this area that deserve the chance to learn a trade that they will enjoy. With the recent economic upturn, now is an ideal time to be passing on skills & knowledge to the next generation of professional skilled tradesmen. Our aim at Norton Bathrooms is to give these young people a helping hand and to keep a valuable skillset within our community.”

Kieron Rose, Cameron Stretton and Ben Smith who are all students of Central Construction Training, an independent private training provider offering funded NVQ opportunities, will be joining Norton Bathrooms and McVinnie associates on a work experience placement, with a view to gaining an apprenticeship. Following the success of the event, Norton Bathrooms are already planning an open evening aimed at consumers as well as industry professionals and another of their subcontractors is already in talks with South Staffordshire College about future apprenticeship opportunities he could offer.

Norton Bathrooms and Sister Company Stafford Bathrooms are the West Midlands largest independent family run bathroom retailer, offering bathroom excellence since 1975. For further information please visit www.nortonbathrooms.co.uk www.staffordbathrooms.co.uk or call Cannock 01543 270 800 Stafford 01785 254 377.

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You shall go to the ball!

ichfield Garrick is proud to announce its most recent partnership with a local business as it welcomes Tempest Ford on-board as a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Garrick Christmas production, Cinderella. This is the magical family pantomime, headlined by ‘Allo, ‘Allo! star, Arthur Bostrom, in the role of Count Dandini De Tartare.

Tempest Ford is an independent family business based in St John’s Street, Lichfield dealing in new and used Ford cars. The business has been highly successful since its acquisition in 2006 by current Managing Director, Brian Carruthers, and has a strong local reputation for quality of service and high levels of customer care.

Page 30 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The theatre is very proud to be associated with the strong local brand that is Tempest Ford. Lichfield has an active local business community and the partnership between the theatre and Tempest Ford is the result of a working relationship that has developed through mutual attendance at the Lichfield Business Connect breakfast club, which meets every third Friday at Lichfield Rugby Club. Both the Lichfield Garrick and Tempest Ford recognise that businesses working together can achieve more for themselves as well as the local economy and it is hoped that the partnership will encourage more local businesses to form working relationships in Lichfield. Staff at the Garrick and Tempest Ford are very much looking forward to working with each other over the Cinderella production period.

Adrian Jackson, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at the Garrick, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tempest Ford as a Gold Sponsor of Cinderella.

Sponsorship of this kind helps us to constantly push artistic boundaries to produce bigger and more spectacular shows year on year that give a great deal of pleasure to the people of Lichfield for whom the shows are created. We look forward to welcoming the staff and customers of Tempest Ford to a performance of Cinderella and to introducing our own customers to the trusted brand that is Tempest Ford.”

Brian Carruthers, Managing Director of Tempest Ford, said: “We are

very excited at the opportunity to sponsor this year’s pantomime, Cinderella. Lichfield is so fortunate in having a theatre of the stature and quality of the Lichfield Garrick and we hope as many people as possible will be able to come along and enjoy the show. On a personal note, we are also looking forward to accompanying Cinderella to the ball!”

Over the coming months Lichfield residents should look out for the Tempest Ford Cinderella car in and around the city as well as a special addition to the Garrick’s box office foyer.

Cinderella opens at the Lichfield Garrick on 4 December and runs until 4 January 2015. Tickets for all performances are on sale now.

Tickets cost from £12.50 for children and from £21.50 for adults, and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.

Southwell Mott Solicitors Southwell Mott has taken part in Will Aid. Last year we raised nearly £4,500 for charity and we hope to beat that.

Southwell Mott offer a full range of legal services which include:• Conveyancing

• Matrimonial • Cohabitee • Employment • Children disputes • Trusts

email: lichfieldfactoryspecs@hotmail.co.uk

• Wills • Divorce • Probate • Civil

Southwell Mott 25 Lombard Street, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6DP. Tel: 01543 256098 Email: ssmallman@southwellmott.co.uk jmott@southwellmott.co.uk

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Jewel in the crown

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usband and wife team Steve and Emma established ES Jewellery at Blewitt Court in Bore Street in September 2004 and have now completed their move to a fabulously appointed new store at number 1 Tamworth Street, on the corner opposite Boots.

our fully equipped workshop.”

Steve is the goldsmith and carries out the majority of the work himself in the on-site, up-to-date workshop.

Emma specialises in Fit for a Princess fitted wedding rings. Fit for a Princess is an alternative to standard wedding rings and one in Emma said: “We chose this central which Emma and Steve will design and location as it offers the character of a craft your unique wedding ring to fit Grade 2 listed building, which we love. exactly around your engagement ring.

We see this move as a relaunch of our The effect is stunning and the fit business, offering all the popular extremely comfortable on the finger. ranges and products we never had space for before.

All work is carried out in the fully equipped workshop using all the “Steve and I started working for a latest techniques and equipment. manufacturing jeweller in the Attention to detail and craftsmanship Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and are built into the work as standard, together have about 45 years’ and, because all the work is carried combined experience in the jewellery out in-house, their pricing is trade.” extremely competitive.

Manufactured and repaired in-house

Emma went on to say how excited they were about the wider selection they were able to offer: “We have one of the finest selections of diamonds in the area. Our diamond range has expanded for all price ranges. We specialise in fitted wedding rings, jewellery design and remodelling. We also offer a full jewellery repair service with the majority of the work carried out in

ES Jewellery also offer some fantastic jewellery and watch brands, including internationally acclaimed Pandora jewellery, Thomas Sabo, Diamonfire and Bering watches, which won watch brand of the year in 2013.

Emma added: “We are also very excited to be launching some new brands including the iconic Fossil watches, My iMenso – a medallion pendent with interchangeable coins all made from 100 per cent sterling silver – and Engelsrufer, or Angel whisperer,

FOSSIL Page 32 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Family-run independent ES. Jewellery celebrated their tenth anniversary in style with the launch of their brand new store in the heart of Lichfield just two weeks ago. a pendent concept which includes a coloured sound ball of your choice, all with their own unique charm, used to call your guardian angel.”

we would want to be treated. Customer service is everything – that’s why we have become successful. We look forward to welcoming everyone into our brand new store.”

Emma and Steve are very excited to be able to offer their clients a more pleasurable shopping experience, with more space to browse the collections, a knowledgeable sales team and also a comfortable consultation area.

Emma said: “At ES Jewellery, we pride ourselves on our high quality service from the time you visit us right through to the exquisite packaging you receive when taking your precious piece home. We treat people how

ES JEWELLERY

1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield WS13 6JP

01543 255879

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Stories of scandal, snobbery and spite in The Cathedral Close

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By Patrick Comerford

s I was leading a recent walking tour of the Cathedral Close, organised by Kate Gomez and Lichfield Discovered, I found myself telling the engaging stories of scandal, snobbery and spite that surrounded the lives of residents of The Close over the centuries.

The best-known Close scandal is the story of the affair between the poet Anna Seward and John Saville, a married man who was a Vicar Choral in the cathedral. But I was also asked about the stories that have grown up around Selwyn House, which stands on the site of the mediaeval moat at the east end of The Close.

Selwyn House is often known as “Spite House” because of a popular Lichfield legend that the first house on the site was built by one of three sisters in the 1750s to block her sisters’ view of the cathedral.

Elizabeth Aston, daughter of Sir Thomas Aston, lived in Stowe Hill, later Stowe Hill House, and died in 1785. Her sister Jane, wife of the Revd Francis Gastrell, is linked with Stowe House. It was home first to the Revd Thomas Hinton of Saint Chad’s, who died in 1770, and later home to Richard Edgeworth and his family and Thomas Day.The third house was empty in 1777 and is never mentioned again.

The Falconer Monument in Lichfield Cathedral (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2014)

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A legend developed that a third, unmarried sister built Selwyn House to Selwyn House ... known as ‘Spite House’ ... but was spoil the view of the cathedral her sisters it ever built in spite? had from Stowe Hill and Stowe House.

(Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2014) She is said to have resented being shuffled between the houses by her sisters, and in Cathedral. a fit of pique built a house as tall as possible to When Marston inspected the deeds and block their view. And so it was called “Spite measured the distances, he concluded that the House” or the “Hate House.” story is no more than a “calumny, so often In 1930, in her biographical book, An repeated, against a person who never existed.”

Autograph Collection, Lady Charnwood, who But, as Annette Rubery says in her book lived at Stowe House, said the story had “no Lichfield Then & Now in colour, “Even though foundation, still less authority.” the facts have since been disproved, the tale Later, in the early 1970s, F Marston, a local still lives on.” historian, carried out an extensive study of the The truth is Selwyn House was built ca legal titles to the land, the building records for 1777-1780 for Canon James Falconer (1735the house, and measured the distances and 1821), Rector of Thorpe Constantine and later angels between Stowe Hill and Stowe House Archdeacon of Derby. He was a close friend of and both Selwyn House and the Cathedral. He Anna Seward’s father, Canon Thomas Seward. too concluded there was no foundation to the He was a Canon of Lichfield Cathedral but was legend. not assigned one of the houses for Canons in We can date the building of Selwyn House the Close. So Falconer may have built the because it does not appear on the Conduit house immediately after his appointment as a Lands Trust map of 1766. The deeds to the Canon of Lichfield Cathedral. house point to an initial lease around 1777 and A sad story illustrates the silly snobbery in it appears on John Snape’s map in 1781. It is The Close at the time. When Falconer’s eldest built at the southern-most edge of the site, as daughter, Elizabeth, became engaged to the close as possible to the canonical house that Revd John Batteridge Pearson, the Archdeacon later became Saint Mary’s House, and it is not and his wife opposed the marriage, believing possible that it ever blocked the view from Pearson was not their daughter’s equal in birth either Stowe House or Stowe Hill of the

Lichfield Cathedral can be seen from the area behind Selwyn House ... ruling out any legends of ‘spite’ (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2014)

Continued on page 36

The Oxjam music festival returns for its third year

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xjam festivals take place in cities across the UK, and are organised by a dedicated team of volunteers in celebration of the best of local talent whilst combating poverty and suffering around the world.

The festival in Lichfield alone has raised almost £5,000 in two years, contributing to the overall total of over £2.3 million.

The team have already had a jam-packed summer, having organised a variety of fundraising activities including a launch gig in the Lichfield Oxfam shop, a raffle, a sponsored walk, a bag pack and a quiz, raising almost £500.

Takeover manager Becky Slater commented: “We want the festival to remain at the heart of the community and be an event for everyone to enjoy.

We’ve worked hard to ensure there is lots of music variety that will be exciting and entertaining for all ages.

“The event is such an amazing way of raising awareness and funds for the incredible and vital work that Oxfam does. It’s touching to know that musicians, venues, businesses and volunteers have all donated their time and services to help the cause and make it an event the city can be proud of.”

This year the Takeover will be on the 18th of October across three of the most popular venues in Lichfield. The Malt Bar will host a day of relaxing acoustic tunes including Dan Boden and Lottie Phazey, the rock and pop acts will be found in the George IV, including Third Angle Projection and Fire and More Fire, and there will be funk, punk and more in the Paradise Lounge including The King’s Aces

(formally Usual Suspects) and Remember to Forget.

The full line-up can be found at www.oxjamlichfield.org.uk.Tickets can be purchased online at wegottickets.com for £5, at any of the three venues, or on the day for £6, and will give you access to all three of the venues.

Dan Boden performing at the launch gig in the Oxfam book shop. You can see him perform again on 18 October at The Malt Bar.

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Continued from page 34. Stories of scandal, snobbery and spite in The Cathedral Close - By Patrick Comerford

now a man of means – married Elizabeth Falconer in Saint Mary’s Church on 17 September 1787. On 20 March 1790, two weeks after Thomas Seward’s death, Pearson became a Canon in Lichfield Cathedral, but he never received a Canon’s house in The Close.

His eldest son, the Revd George Pearson, was baptised in 1791 in Lichfield Cathedral by his grandfather, Archdeacon Falconer, and the child’s sponsors included the Earl of Belfast, later Marquis of Donegall, who gave his name to Donegal House in Bore Street. Pearson’s third son, Captain John Pearson, was baptised in Saint Mary’s by Archdeacon Falconer, and his sponsors included Lord Donegall.

Pearson moved into Lucy Porter’s house when she died, and lived there with his family until he moved to Croxall in 1801.

Lucy Porter (1715-1786) ... step-daughter of He died in Croxall in 1808; his widow, who Dr Samuel Johnson survived him for almost half a century, inherited Selwyn or fortune, although he House when her was the Perpetual sister died. She Curate or Vicar of Saint stayed there until Michael’s, Lichfield.

1824, and died in However, when 1856 in Hill Ridware, Samuel Johnson’s stepaged 72. daughter, Lucy Porter, Incidentally, the left Pearson her fortune, fortune Pearson the Falconers quickly inherited from Lucy withdrew their Porter included her objections. A year after house and a number Lucy Porter’s death, the of valuable relics couple were married in from Dr Johnson, Saint Mary’s Church in including the 1787. But even then, Mrs manuscript of his Falconer was so annoyed dictionary – later put she lay in bed all day. in the loft in Lichfield Falconer was a (where it was forceful character who eaten by rats); was nicknamed ‘Dr the bust of Dr Impudence.’ In contrast, Johnson taken his son-in-law was after his death known as ‘a most The balcony is a later addition to Selwyn (it was displayed amiable and excellent House on a shelf over a man’ and was nicknamed (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2014) door but fell and ‘The Peacemaker.’ So what was Pearson’s connection with Dr broke when the door slammed); and his walking stick (lost when the family home Johnson? burned down accidentally ca 1917).

Johnson was also a friend of the two sisters at Stowe Hill and Stowe House. Pearson knew However, his writing desk, some of his Johnson since at least 1776, we know, for both letters and a signed copy of his dictionary Pearson and Canon Seward supped with survived.

Lucy Porter (1715-1786) was the Johnson and Boswell at the Three Crowns Inn daughter of Henry Porter, a Birmingham in Breadmarket Street on 25 March 1776. In mercer and wool merchant, and his wife 1779, Pearson became Vicar of Croxall, Elizabeth who, when she was widowed, Derbyshire, but he remained at Saint Michael’s married Samuel Johnson. She was just six in Lichfield.

Dr Johnson’s letters show Pearson was very years younger than her new stepfather, and intimate with Lucy Porter during her later their friendship grew increasingly warm as years, and even wrote her letters when she felt the years passed. She continued to live in disinclined to write herself. At times, he was the Lichfield after her mother moved to only person she would see, and in a letter to London, living with Johnson’s mother Boswell on 25 March 1785, Anna Seward tells Sarah, and helping her to run the him Lucy Porter is “now too ill to be accessible bookshop. Lucy inherited £10,000 on her brother’s death and built herself a large a to any of her friends, except Mr Pearson.” house on Tamworth Street that was A year after Lucy Porter’s death, Pearson – demolished in the 1920s.

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Meanwhile, what about Archdeacon Falconer, who had Selwyn House built or rebuilt for him?

About the mid 1780s, he built two cold baths near Parchment House north of Stowe Pool.

His nephew, Dr William Falconer of Bath, was an authority on cold-water cures. When the Archdeacon died in 1809, his widow continued to live in the house. When she died in 1821, the house passed to one daughter, Catherine Miles, widow of Colonel Edward Miles, and then to the other daughter, Elizabeth Pearson, widow of Canon HB Pearson. But the house passed out of the family in 1824.

The house was enlarged in the early 19th century, when an iron balcony was added on the north side. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was home to Harriet Selwyn, widow of a former Bishop of Lichfield, George Augustus Selwyn, who give his name to Selwyn College, Cambridge, and who is buried in Lichfield Cathedral.

After Harriet Selwyn died in 1907, the house became a hostel for students at the Lichfield Theological College, and it was named Selwyn House in her honour. For a brief period during World War I, Bishop Kempthorne lived in the house, but it became a hostel for theological students once again in 1918.

In 1922, the students moved out of Selwyn House and into the Bishop’s Palace, and Selwyn House was the bishop’s residence until 1931, when the students moved back in.

The theological college closed in 1972 and Selwyn House was divided into flats. But the legends about a Spite House persisted.

(The Revd Canon Professor) Patrick Comerford returns regularly to Lichfield, and has deep family roots here. www.patrickcomerford.com

Lichfield Cathedral ... John Pearson became Canon in 1790 but never received a Canon’s house in The Close (Photograph: Patrick Comerford, 2014)

PETS CORNER

Pool House Veterinary Hospital are pleased to introduce our purpose built, dedicated hydrotherapy and rehabilitation centre ‘Mobility Matters’. We are now able to offer hydrotherapy, physical therapy and acupuncture to help many pets, both pre and post-operative, overweight or suffering from congenital or acquired disease.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is the application of controlled physiotherapy and prescriptive exercise delivered in an aquatic environment, by a suitably qualified person. The therapeutic properties of water are utilised to improve range of motion, functionality, core strength and gait, in an environment that limits loading of painful, injured or diseased joints.

Who are we?

We are the only Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre in Staffordshire and the only facility offering hydrotherapy in the county to have an aquatic treadmill.

What is an aquatic treadmill?

An aquatic treadmill can be used to provide therapy in the form of gait patterning and sequencing, static and dynamic balance work, controlled exercise as well as practice of standing, walking and swimming. This can be tailored to be either low or high intensity, depending upon the reason for referral. The use of such equipment allows a therapist to perform treatment in a limited weight bearing environment, under greater intensity than that of just air.

Side panels within the unit allow our therapists to safely stand within the treadmill while therapy is conducted, allowing the provision of assistance, support, reassurance and encouragement during treatment. Its primary use in veterinary patients is to enable early return of function following limb, back or neck, injury or surgery. This occurs through improved muscle strength and core stability, in addition to improving the range of motion in compromised joints and aiding weight loss.

A benefit of this treatment when compared to traditional swimming is that an aquatic treadmill encourages a normal gait pattern, the variables (speed, resistance, incline, water depth) can be adjusted so the therapy can be more controlled and dynamic. In addition, the slow introduction to the water helps reduce fear enabling the patients to relax, therefore improving the results of the therapy session.

Benefits of hydrotherapy • Increased range of movement of joints • Improved proprioception • Aids muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration • Decreases pain during exercise • Decreases stress on healing tissues • Improved cardiovascular fitness • Reduces muscle spasm and tone • Increases speed of recovery • Aids weight reduction • Improves circulation and lymphatic drainage • Decreases swelling and joint effusion • Increases stability to unstable joints • Aids transition to land based exercises The conditions which may benefit from hydrotherapy are extensive and include: • Dysplasia of the hips – pre and post-operative.

• Elbow dysplasia • Legg- Calve- Perthes disease • Cranial cruciate ligament ruptures – Pre and post-operative.

• Patella luxations – pre and post op • Post-operative fracture repairs • Soft Tissue Injuries • Tendon Rupture • Muscle Strains and Ruptures • Spinal injuries – to include intravertebral disc disease and spondylosis • Fibrocartilaginous embolisms • Panosteitis • Osetoarthritis • Cervical Malformation syndrome (wobblers) • Chronic Degenerative Rediculomyelopathy (CDRM) • Osteochondritis Dessecans (OCD) • Obesity • Amputation For further information on our hydrotherapy and rehabilitation centre please contact us.

Fosseway Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 8JY 01543 262464 www.poolhousevets.com Email enquiries@poolhousevets.co.uk

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HIGHCLARE SCHOOL WELCOMES A NEW HEAD

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IGHCLARE School is embarking on a new journey as it welcomes the first male Headteacher since its foundation in 1932.

Dr Richard Luker took up his post at the beginning of the Autumn term and was keen to welcome all the pupils to the school for this academic year. The new Year 7 pupils were especially pleased to find him visiting their classrooms to see how they were settling in to their new school.

The Independent Day School, based in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington, said “Goodbye” this summer to Margaret Viles, who has retired as Head, after 11 years at the school. The new Head, Dr Richard Luker has taken up the post at the school which is based on three sites within Sutton Coldfield and Erdington. Highclare now has two thriving coeducational primary schools, feeding into a Senior School and Sixth Form, which will be fully co-educational by September 2015.

The school is looking forward to an exciting future under the leadership of Dr Luker. The appointment of the first male Head comes as a

Page 38 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

significant marker in the school’s history as it now moves to full co-education catering for both boys and girls from age 15 months to 18 years.

Dr Richard Luker, has a wealth of experience within the education field, as well as experience of working in industry, in sales and marketing.

He has been a keen sportsman throughout his life and currently enjoys cycling, walking and skiing. As a 12 handicap golfer he is also looking forward to getting to know the local courses – especially at The Belfry which he has never played but is relishing the opportunities to test himself against.

A believer in the philosophy of educating the ‘whole person’. Richard said: “I am very much looking forward to putting my experience to effective use as Head of Highclare School and continuing to cement the school’s regional and national reputation for academic and pastoral excellence”.

Lichfield Literature Festival 2014 8 - 12 October for further details go to

www.lichfieldfestival.org or contact 01543 306270

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Page 40 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Book-talk brings our local lads home and celebrates them

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n Sunday 12th October at 1pm, Joss Musgrove Knibb, Lichfield author of First Lines will be giving a free book-talk as part of a series of free events by local authors taking place at the Lichfield Literature Festival Hub. First Lines is a collection of previously unpublished letters, written by four Staffordshire Regiment

soldiers serving on the Western Front from 1914 to 1918.

Poignant, funny, bloody and utterly gripping, the words of Alfred Bull of Lichfield, Sydney Norton of Tamworth, James Stevenson of Stoke-on-Trent and Jake Armes on the remarkable 1914 Christmas Truce are as vivid and relevant now as they were when written 100 years ago.

Joss commented: “Alf, Syd, James and Jake are an extraordinary group of men who deal with the grim realities of war with courage, humour and great insight.”

The letters cover some of the greatest battles of the war with startling intensity, but are just as full of humour and yearnings for home and peace.

To bring this world of Alf, Syd, James and Jake alive Joss has set each letter within its context, explaining not just what the world was like in 1914, but how soldiers slept, ate and lived. Forming almost a “guide to the trenches”, First Lines is not a dry academic read, but a fascinating insight into the life and times of a First World War soldier.

The talk will take place at the Lichfield Literature Festival Hub, 44 Bakers Lane, Three Spires Shopping Centre (formerly the Yum Yum Sweet Shop to the right of Debenhams), at 1pm on Sunday 12th October. First Lines is priced at £9.99 and is out on October 4th. It is available at The Cathedral Bookshop - 9 The Close, at St Mary’s Heritage Centre – Market Square, at www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk and Joss Musgrove Knibb through Amazon.

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Science on Saturday!

or the past few years Erasmus Darwin House has run a successful monthly science workshop for children called Science on Saturday. The sessions aim to provide children with hands on, practical science which is based on the National Curriculum and delivered by an experienced facilitator. Over the years themes have varied widely, from learning about the science behind bread to understanding light and sound. Last year the group benefited greatly from support from the Education Team at Cosford RAF Museum who delivered a series on flight.

This year Erasmus Darwin House are holding sessions based on moths and butterflies, marine life and the weather.

The workshops happen approximately once a month during term time, usually on the first Saturday of every month, however some dates do change due to museum activities and Bank Holidays etc. They are aimed at children aged 7-11 and cost £4 each. Discounts are available for siblings.

For more information, or to book a place for your child, please contact Darwin House on 01543 306260 or email enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org The full programme is available to view on the museum website www.ersamusdarwin.org Erasmus Darwin House can be found on Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD.

‘Allo ‘Allo! star to speak at Cathedral Patrons’ Dinner

‘Allo ‘Allo! star Arthur Bostrom will speak at the 11th Annual Lichfield Cathedral Patrons’ Dinner on 3 October. The British actor and writer is best known for his role as Crabtree in the hit BBC comedy series, ‘Allo ‘Allo. More recently he appeared in the BBC2 comedy Hebburn and toured the UK and Ireland with the national tour of Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong.

The Patrons’ Dinner is a key event in the Patrons’ fundraising calendar. The black tie event includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, a four-course meal and coffee, and an after dinner speech by the comedic actor. Details for attending the event can be found at www.lichfield-cathedral.org.

The Patrons scheme was established in 2002 to support the essential work of preserving the beauty, traditions and fabric of the Cathedral. They enjoy a tailor-made social and cultural programme throughout the year, and know that their annual donation makes a valued contribution to the running of the Cathedral.

This Christmas Arthur will return to Lichfield to star as Count Dandini de Tartare in Cinderella, the Magical Family Pantomime at Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

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Lichfield Literature Festival 2014 What’s in a surname?

Surnames are much more than convenient identity tags; they are windows into our families’ pasts. Some suggest ancestral trades (Butcher, Smith, Roper) or physical appearance (Long, Brown, Thynne) and some offer a hint of something just a little more exotic or esoteric.

All are grist to the mill for David McKie who, in What’s in a Surname?, sets off on a journey around Britain to find out how such appellations have evolved and what they tell us about ourselves

David McKie formerly worked for the Guardian as a political reporter, deputy editor, chief leader writer and author of the ‘Elsewhere’ and ‘Smallweed’ columns. His much-praised account of a Victorian conman, Jabez: The Rise and Fall of a Victorian Rogue, was shortlisted for the Whitbread Biography Award. He has also written such widely acclaimed books as Great British Bus Journeys and McKie’s Gazetteer.

During his visit to Lichfield he will reveal how such appellations have evolved, celebrating not just the Smiths and Joneses, but the Chaceporcs and Swetinbeddes too.The event is Saturday October 11 at 10am at Winterton’s Auctioneers. Tickets are £10 from the Festival website at www.lichfieldfestival.org or call the Festival box office on 01543 306271.

Afternoon tea and poetry On Sunday October 12 at 5pm, Swinfen Hall Hotel’s legendary afternoon tea will be accompanied by tender, funny and inventive poems on love and friendship from four talented Emma Press poets: Amy Key, Liz Berry, Francine Elena and Jacqueline Saphra.

The delicious menu includes a selection of sandwiches, buttermilk scones with cream & jam and a selection of cakes and cookies with a pot of tea or cafetiere of coffee.

Tickets are £18 from the Festival website at www.lichfieldfestival.org or call the Festival box office on 01543 306271.

You Say Potato ...

Everyone has an accent, though many of us think we don’t. But how did all these accents come about?

Are regional accents dying out as English becomes a global language?

From reconstructing Shakespeare’s accent to the rise and fall of Received Pronunciation, actor Ben Crystal and his linguist father David travel the world in search of the stories of spoken English.

And they talk about their findings in their book You Say Potato, which celebrates the ways in which the English language is spoken and how our accents speak louder than words.

The event is at Winterton’s Auctioneers, The Lichfield Salerooms, Lichfield, WS13 6DN, is on Saturday October 11 at 11.45am.

Tickets are £9 from the Festival website at www.lichfieldfestival.org or call the Festival box office on 01543 306271.

The Lichfield Literature Festival runs from October 8 – 12.

For full event listing go to www.lichfieldfestival.org

Ben Crystal

David Crystal

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Trench Tour and Discovery Day at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum O

n Monday 27th October the Staffordshire Regiment Museum will be holding a Trench Tour and Discovery Day. This muchloved museum is home to extraordinary artefacts from the Staffordshire Regiment’s 300 year history. Medals, armoured vehicles, weapons, letters and much more are displayed, illustrating the important part that the Regiment has played in Britain’s history.

Earlier this year, the Museum’s WW1 trench system opened to the public.The trench is a recreation of 500ft of British Trench – an interpretation of the kind of trench that would have been familiar to many of our greatgrandfathers during their WW1 service.

During the Staffordshire Regiment Museum Trench Tour and Discovery Day, members of the Museum’s Education Team, dressed in period uniform, will take you down into the trench.

This extraordinary experience is made all the more evocative by the boom of heavy artillery and the crack of sniper bullets, original WW1 artefacts and signage, a First Aid station, Firing Step, Funk Hole and the Dug Out where visitors can sit in a re-reated Officer’s Dug Out (complete with furniture, rations and postcards from home) and watch a film of WW1 trench footage taken on the Western Front.

Visitors can also enter the trench tunnel, used to undermine the enemy’s trenches that were often such a short way away, but watch out, this is a dangerous place to be!

The Trench Tour and Discovery Day also includes the opportunity to try on uniforms and handle period weapons, and is designed to appeal to the whole family. On this centenary year, a visit to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum’s Trench Tour and Discovery Day is a great way to get closer to our own history.

Trench Tours start at 11am

Explore the Dug Out

and run approximately every 20 minutes until 3pm.

Ticket prices: Adults £4, concessions £3.

Tickets include access to the Museum’s main collection. The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at DMS Whittington, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS14 9PY. For further information on this and Museum’s events later this year (including Night in the Trenches and Carols in the Trenches) go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.com or Tour the trench with a WW1 soldier. Photographer Terry Fidgeon call 01543 434394.

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Samuel Johnson’s 305th Birthday Celebrations

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Cake

ichfield celebrated the City’s most famous son in style on September 20th, as the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum marked the 305th birthday of its former inhabitant with a day of cake, ceremony and activities. Despite the grey skies in the morning, an unprecedented 700 visitors came into the Museum over the weekend, many of whom enjoyed a delicious slice of cake created by local bakery Hindley’s (before stocks ran out!)

As part of Lichfield Heritage Weekend’s ‘Hidden Histories’ theme, the Museum explored the little known side of Johnson’s birthplace, with trails and activities about the history of the building on the Market Square – which was once a dentist’s surgery, a sewing shop, a coffee house and even the offices of the Lichfield Mercury in the 1820s. At midday on Saturday the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Norma Bacon, hung a wreath on the statue of Johnson on the market square during the traditional civic ceremony.

Civic dignitaries, visitors and members of the Johnson Society looked on, and joined in song led by the choirs of St Michael’s Church and Kind Edward VI School Band. The festivities continued throughout the afternoon with Intimate Theatre performing a new comedy for the crowds ‘All you never knew about Dr Johnson’, written by David Titley. Later in the day the market square also provided a venue for

Lichfield’s fourth Young Town Crier Competition, in which brave competitors proved they could shout almost as loudly as the city’s own award winning Town Crier Ken Knowles. The winner, chosen by the Mayor, was James Suttle. Elsewhere in the city, over 400 visitors enjoyed the Guildhall Prison Cell displays and the opportunity to ‘Meet the Macebearer’ and find out about Lichfield’s civic customs.

The Birthday celebrations ended with the Johnson Society’s Annual Supper, which took place in the Guildhall. Outgoing president Professor Peter Martin handed his President’s badge over to Canadian academic Professor Jock Murray, an expert on Johnson’s health who gave an entertaining and insightful address on the subject of Friendship.

Admission is always free at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, open 10.30am – 4.30pm until 30th September, and 11am – 3.30pm from October. For more information visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk

Ken Knowles & James Suttle

Dr Johnson & Frank Barber (Ken Knowles and Fidel Lloyd from Intimate Theatre) Page 46 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Mayor, Cllr Norma Bacon Signing Visitors Book

Mayor of Lichfield Laying Wreath

Burntwood in Bloom Awards

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n Friday 26 September the winners of the 2014 Burntwood in Bloom competition were announced at a reception at the Burntwood Community Memorial Institute. The annual event, now in its 7 year, attracted over 30 entries from individuals, shops, businesses, schools and community premises.

Councillor Sharon Banevicius, Chairman of the Council welcomed many of those who had entered the competition, and thanked them for helping the Town achieve a Silver Gilt Award in the regional competition, Heart of England in Bloom.

The winners of each of the categories, including Best Front Garden and Best under 12’s Project was announced with winners collecting their prize of garden vouchers, along with a trophy.

Presentation trophies were donated by Bromford Living, Staffordshire Police, Lichfield District Council, Burntwood Chase Heritage Group, Everall’s Fireworks, TechCare Ltd, inLife Design Ltd, TownTrader Marketing Ltd and former County Cllr Steve Tranter. The remaining trophies have were provided by the Town Council.

Councillor Banevicius commented “I’d like to thank everyone who entered this year’s competition. The flowers and displays make Burntwood look beautiful in the summer, and builds on our community’s pride. I would particularly like to offer congratulations to all our winners, especially, the Overall Winner of Combined Best Front and Best Rear Garden categories, Judy & Brian Littler, as well as a special mention to all our local schools who took part” Burntwood Town Council have on sale 2015 Calendars featuring photographs from the competition, available from the office at Lambourne House, Bridge Cross Road, for £2.50.

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The Count and the Dame

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do it enough and you love it. My degree was in geography so until then I’d seen myself as possibly being in the Forestry or Commission something like that.

It was difficult for my parents at first because no one we knew had been an actor and it seemed an impossible thing to do but they were very supportive.

JMK: How did you come to play Officer Crabtree in Allo, Allo?

AB: Before Allo, Allo, I did sundry small parts on TV. Allo, Allo came because I’d done a small part in Hi-de-Hi! with Sue Pollard, and David Croft who wrote that and Allo, Allo always liked to try people out, so if he liked the cut of your jib you’d get used again. It took about three years but then I was seen for the part of Allo, Allo.

JMK: Was it fun?

AB: I did enjoy it. It was scary at first because the series got very big, very fast and we were suddenly doing the West End and a stage version and touring in New Zealand and Australia. It was just great seeing the world but it is strange to be walking down the street and suddenly people recognise you when before they didn’t. Most people are lovely, and even now, you might be having a bad day and they can cheer you up and it’s lovely.

JMK: The accent, did you have to improvise it?

AB: No. The script was written that way.

They were using early world processors back then and the built-in ‘spellcheck’ in them would regularly throw out and reject the lines, causing no end of trouble. I saw what the joke was and I could see how to do it, which probably means that I am a very weird person.

I have played quite a few strange characters in my time! I could see what he was after.

JMK: Do you prefer comedy or straight acting?

AB: I like both. There’s nothing like being in a comedy and making people laugh. There’s an energy that comes back. In Cinderella I’m Count Dandini de Tartare. It’s going to be great fun.

JMK: Have you seen anything of Lichfield yet?

AB: It’s a beautiful place. I’ve been round the cathedral which is sensational, I shall really enjoying living here for a bit.

Interviews by Joss Musgrove Knibb

rom Thursday December 4th to Sunday January 4th the Lichfield Garrick presents its much loved annual pantomime, Cinderella.

Recently, I meet up with Arthur Bostrom who stars in this year’s show. Arthur became a household name as Officer Crabtree in TV sitcom Allo, Allo, where his tortuous mispronunciations (“Good moaning everybowdie”) were in no small part responsible for the shows international and enduring popularity.

Arthur will play Count Dandini de Tartare, and was in full costume when I asked him about acting, geography and all things pantomime… (“Oh no you didn’t! Oh yes I did!”).

Arthur Bostrom JMK: Where are you from originally?

AB: I’m Midlands, Rugby born, just down the West Coast Line.

JMK: What made you want to become an actor?

AB: I didn’t want to originally. I did a lot of drama at school and I knew there was something there. I was looking for something I could do and I did know that I could act, but I didn’t get going until university really… in my third year, final year. I think I’d been away from home and met so many good people from different walks of life that I suddenly realised that you can do anything really, if you want to Page 48 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Inspired to know more, I managed to chat to Ian Adams, writer and director of Cinderella, and much loved ‘Dame’, who joins the cast as Madame Zulieka, Queen of the Gypsies.

Ian Adams JMK: Do you like playing at the Garrick?

IA: The Garrick really looks after us, the people are just lovely. It’s fantastic, it’s my second home really.

JMK: Where are you from?

IA: I live in London now, but I was born in Sheffield and then moved down to London when I got a job abroad that rehearsed there.

I worked abroad for two years as a dancer, then came back to London and I’ve been there ever since.

JMK: How did you start out?

IA: I was at college and I came down for an audition for acting school. I didn’t get it but while I was down there I thought I’d have to go to an audition. There were two listed in The Stage, one for West Side Story and one for this act that was going abroad. Westside wouldn’t see me as I didn’t have Equity and so I went to the other one, and I got it, and that was it really.We had the 30 year reunion 3 weeks ago.

JMK: What inspired you to want to act?

IA: Hollywood musicals. It was all about Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. We’re doing a little recreation of one of Gene Kelly’s routines in Cinderella. The whole show is set in Paris.

When I was writing it I thought I’d go back to the original Charles Perrault story, so I looked at it and I thought well why not set the whole thing in Paris and make it quite French? I thought… American in Paris… all those lovely songs. The whole premise goes back to movies from when I was a kid.

JMK: What makes the perfect pantomime?

IA: It’s got to be a cross between a Carry On film and an MGM musical, for the glamour.

Pantomime and Carry On are the two things that nobody can do like we do.

JMK: Is it good to be back in Lichfield?

IA: I love Lichfield, it’s like coming home.

Three Spires combats shoplifters

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etailers at Lichfield’s Three Spires Shopping Centre are joining forces to combat shoplifters and petty thieves.

Codenamed ‘Watchdog’, the new campaign will be targeting thieves, many of them believed to be professionals who plan crimes in advance.

At Three Spires Shopping Centre stores will be working to pinpoint Three Spires Shopping Centre Lisa Prokopiou with Harry potential thieves, block illegal activities and warn Hyde, security supervisor at the centre, plus retailers and other centre staff other traders to be on their guard by flashing an alert via a private radio network. The centre’s CCTV camera control room, where operators keep a constant watch on Lichfield’s streets, has a direct link with Staffordshire Police to alert officers to potential crimes. It is also the base for the city’s Storenet radio network, which allows retailers to keep in close contact with neighbouring traders and security staff patrolling the centre, to observe and track suspicious activity in stores, find a lost child or even a mislaid bag.

A British Retail Consortium survey showed that shoplifting cost UK businesses £511m last year, with the crime on the increase as more organised gangs turn their attention to the country’s High Streets. The research revealed that organised shoplifting gangs are now travelling all over the UK to seek out targets like retailers of branded electrical goods, designer clothes, handbags and power tools.

Anyone with information about shoplifting, purse thefts or other business crimes, can contact Lichfield police station telephone 0300 123 4455 or, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free from landlines and callers do not have to leave their name or give any information which may identify them.

Hansons to Auction contents of Castle

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ansons Auctioneers are delighted to be selling contents from Kilcoy Castle, Black Isle, Inverness-shire in their November Antiques and Collectors Auction on 20th, 21st and 22nd of November.

Charles Hanson commented: “We are delighted to have been instructed to sell a super collection of antiques and works of art at our Auction Centre in Etwall, Derbyshire. The collection from this late 17th Century castle in Scotland includes a fine array of silver and jewellery.”

Kilcoy Castle, built in 1618 for the Stewart family, fell into a ruinous state during the late 18th and 19th Centuries and was restored by Mrs Ann Robertson in the early 20th Century. Ann’s father, Edward Kunhardt Warren, was an American industrialist. The family were members of the New York Yacht Club and the collection comprises Georgian and later silver, including trophies from the New York Yacht Club, together with many salvers with engraved family dedications.The collection is full of family history which has a real poignancy and tells a wonderful story of times past. Highlights in the sale include a wonderful silver Edinburgh casket inlaid with local stones, which is expected to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000.

For further details, contact Hansons Auctioneers on 01283 733988, or email Charleshanson@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.

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Gazette Style

Lichfield Ladies Charity Challenge Day

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aturday 6 September saw 16 teams of enthusiastic participants from Lichfield businesses and social groups slip on their harnesses and helmets for a day of adrenaline activities in a Charity Challenge Day at Whitemoor lakes near Alrewas. The event organised

by Lichfield Ladies Circle, brought out the competitive spirit in the 64 contestants as they conquered their fear of heights in activities such as rock wall climbing, crate building, leap of faith and zip wiring whilst raising money for the National Hereditary Breast Cancer helpline. Local business team 'Central Garage' were the overall winners.

The National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline was founded in 1996

by Wendy Watson, at a time when little or nothing was generally known about Hereditary Breast Cancer. The main aim of the helpline is to ensure that those worried about their family history have access to full information on all the options currently available, referrals where appropriate, and full peer support for whatever management option is chosen. The Helpline is manned up to 24 hours per day, every day, with an answering service also available. To date many thousands of calls have been taken worldwide. The charity is an invaluable asset to anyone going through the process of genetic testing and preventative surgery for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. As the helpline is not government funded, Wendy Watson and her team of volunteers have also set up 20 charity shops around the UK to ensure there are enough funds to keep the helpline going.

Last week, Lichfield Ladies Circle Chair, Sue Kershaw, handed over a cheque for ÂŁ1,040 raised from the challenge day and a car-boot full of generous donations to the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline.

Michelle Gracey, Manager of the NHBCH charity shop, Newcastle Under Lyme said: "I am delighted with the donations for the charity shop, people’s generosity can make a huge difference."

If you are concerned about hereditary breast or ovarian cancer you can contact the helpline on 01629 813000, www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk.

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Rotary Club Donation to Children’s Hospice

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or the second time in less than 18 months Lichfield Rotary Club has handed over a further donation to the Donna Louise Hospice Trust.

The Hospice is based in Trentham, North Staffordshire and is the only one in the county that offers admission to children. The Hospice has eight bedrooms and numerous playroom areas all with children in mind who are suffering from severe illnesses.

On Thursday 4 September a cheque for £1000 was handed over to the Hospice representative Lisa Courtney who was pleased to accept the donation, which is in addition to the £6000 raised by Lichfield Rotary Club’s “Cakes and Ale Walk”. This extra donation cheque was presented by Richard Davis.

Peter Sharpe, Lisa Courtney, Richard Davis and David Kershaw. Image by Brian Darby.

Clothes Show Live 5-9 December 2014

Win tickets to the ultimate fashion & beauty experience for the perfect day out!

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lothes Show Live, in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH, will return to the NEC Birmingham once again this December to offer a unique fashion experience. With non-stop catwalk shows, make-overs, manicures, beauty demonstrations and style advice, this shopping haven makes for the perfect day out. Open from 5 – 9 December, Clothes Show Live is sure to provide something for everyone as it showcases home designer and boutique collections, emerging designers, next generation talent, vintage finds and affordable fashion. With an endless Beauty Hall filled with gift bags and goodies, you can enjoy the ultimate shopping spree to tick off that Christmas list.

This year’s fashion experts are Hilary Alexander OBE, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Henry Holland, and the Clothes Show’s original presenter Caryn Franklin MBE. They will feature across the show including the Fashion Theatre, designer catwalk and educational seminars.

Your favourite celebs including stars from the world of music and reality TV will be returning to the show. Don’t miss the likes of Ryk Edwards and Neon Jungle as well as your favourites from the cast of TOWIE, Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs, along with the Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Millie Mackintosh ...and many more!

Take time to relax between shopping and pamper yourself at one of the many hair and beauty stations around the show that are also offering tutorials and make-over transformations.

The event’s highlight is the award-winning ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre, which this year plays homage to the Fashion Capital of 2013, New York! Every ticket includes a dedicated seat to be mesmerised by the high octane explosion of models and dancers, bringing the vibes of the Big Apple to Birmingham for the world’s largest catwalk performance. Expect some familiar faces to join the action as a sprinkling of celebrity guests and top music acts join the inspiring cast of international models and dancers for the 45 minute extravaganza.

This stylish day out is not to be missed, and here’s how to get your hands on some tickets…

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

win win win

To be in with a chance of winning email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk or send a post card to Gazette Clothes Show Competition. PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ with your name, address and preferred date of attendance - if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!

You can buy tickets to the show by visiting the website clothesshowlive.com. For the best seats in the house, book early and upgrade to platinum to be closer to the catwalk action. For group bookings of 10 or more please visit: clothesshowlive.com/groups or call 0800 358 0058 to reserve show tickets and catwalk seats today for free.

Standard - £29 Entrance to Clothes Show Live featuring shopping, catwalks, demonstrations, activities, and celebrity signing areas.

Standard Seat in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre for a 45 minute performance.

Platinum - £42 Entrance to Clothes Show Live featuring; shopping, catwalks, demonstrations, activities and celebrity signing areas. Platinum seating in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre, up-close to the action for a 45 minute performance.

Souvenir Show Bag and Show Guide (Worth £5).

University Student Discount - £26 Entrance to Clothes Show Live featuring shopping, catwalks, demonstrations, activities and celebrity signing areas. Seat in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre for a 45 minute performance. * University ID card will be required to gain entry* NOTE: All ticket comps exclude Saturdays For more information, visit the Clothes Show Live website: www.clothesshowlive.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClothesShow Twitter: @Clothesshow Page 54 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Autumn / Winter Season

Everyone loves the 'All New'

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Bustle

Now in its 10th Year

ince Bustle Exclusive Ladies Fashions has doubled in size it has become one of the ‘must visit’ dress boutiques in the Lichfield area. Pauline Yeomans and Lorraine Smith took over Bustle, the ladies designer-wear shop in Lichfield’s Market Street, ten years ago this month. During those ten years they have developed the ability of choosing what the ladies of Lichfield want and what they will love. Much of what is on offer at Bustle won’t be readily available elsewhere in the area.

A re-organisation in store means the entire premises has been expanded, so there is so much more to see.

A recent Joseph Ribkoff Promotion Day was a triumph and was extremely well attended by very many of Bustle’s valued customers, and it has introduced new customers to this range. The Joseph Ribkoff range has become a favourite with returning customers enjoying the style, versatility and variety this designer of global recognition has on offer.

Bustle’s friendly and experienced staff are readily available to lend a helping hand. They offer a wide selection of dresses, eveningwear, coats and separates by Joseph Ribkoff, Oui, Betty Barclay, NYDJ, Gina Bacconi evening wear, Ruby Ray eveningwear, Leo Guy knitwear and Little French Collection (tops and knitwear). Sizes range from 8-18. There is always an exquisite range of accessories including bags, shoes and jewellery.

The new ranges that Bustle have introduced into their expanded shop have been a great success.

They include Falke Hosiery, Naomi & Nicole Shape-wear as well as Vanilla nightwear and Mey tops. A courtesy giftwrapping service is available for gentlemen – ideal for Christmas (hinthint!).

Pauline and Lorraine join together in saying MANY THANKS to all our customers and here’s to the next ten years!

Pauline and Lorraine

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

Something to suit all tastes and pockets

By Phil Preece

The autumn’s always my favourite time in the theatre.

The gloomy days are short, the dark nights are here and all the new productions, some after being in preparation for a year or more, take to the stage. And this autumn there’s a bumper crop of treats on offer locally with something to suit all palates and pockets.

Starting a very musical November off with a sophisticated bang Chris Pemburton returns to the Garrick Studio following last year’s sell-out on Saturday 1st with his popular Michael Buble tribute concert, while Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th sees WBOS bringing their

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production of Lionel Bart’s classic musical Oliver! to the main house.

Perfect for those chilly northern winter nights is something with a touch of the supernatural and Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th of November is when Robert Lloyd Parry brings two connoisseur’s choice stories from among horror writer M. R. James’ catalogue of chilling tales to the Garrick Studio, featuring one of my special favourites, the genuinely terrifying “Casting The Runes.”

Tuesday 11th to Saturday 15th November sees something from the other end of the spectrum in the Garrick’s main house with the feel-good Stand Up & Rock featuring veteran Midlands rockers Bev Bevan and his band, Trevor Burton (The Move), Geoff Turton (Rockin’ Berries) and Joy Strachan-Brain (Quill), plus it has the one and only Jasper Carrot doing the funnies. Sounds like a great night out to me.

Talking of stars, Tuesday 18th sees legendary American soul artists The Stylistics (You Make Me Feel Brand New) for one night only in the

main House and the next night, the 19th sees the same venue offering Holly at Christmas, an evocation of the great man’s hits by Buddy Holly and the Cricketers (geddit?) featuring Buddy’s hits, other songs of the period and some Christmas crackers in a fast and funny feast of entertainment. So there’s plenty going on this season even before we start getting towards panto-time.

Christmas theatre outings are currently more popular than ever - last year I know some of the Midlands’ biggest Christmas shows were sold out for their entire runs even before Press night.

This year’s Garrick offering Cinderella starts on the 4th of December, so my advice is – book early for Christmas.

See you there!

Phil Preece You can read Phil’s regular online theatre reviews in the What’s On section of LichfieldLive

The Real taste of Italy - Margheri Pizzaria

Sara and Alessandro have created a little bit of Italy here in the heart of Lichfield. For the couple from Naples have chosen our city, from all of the West Midlands, to create their perfect pizzas.

Here at Margheri, you will find not a restaurant but a genuine Pizzaria with authentic healthy Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a traditional wood fired oven.

Sara said: “We always use the finest ingredients, hand pick our vegetables to select the best from our suppliers and make our dough, fresh every day. We use only Italian Mozzarella cheese bought twice a week, not full fat grated cheese, which is very greasy and fattening. We are a small family business, who care about what we do and know what our customers want…a great tasting pizza!”

Sara said she always wanted to live in England. Her great aunt had emigrated here when she was a young lady, and Sara said she thought it would be great to realise a long held desire to recreate that adventure herself. “We looked around a few towns, but fell in love with Lichfield, the people are so nice and polite and the premises at 39b Tamworth Street are perfect for our needs.” The surroundings are simple and effective, and once inside you genuinely feel that sense of being somewhere in Italy.

There are nearly 30 delicious varieties of pizza available, such as: Ripiena – stuffed pizza with buffalo ricotta, buffalo mozzarella and salami topped with fresh tomato and basil.

Prices start from £5.95.

Party style – Margheri Pizzeria bake a unique 80cm long pizza up to three flavours a great treat for all the family to enjoy at the table.

Why not find out how good Margheri is for yourself?

MARGHERI – 39b Tamworth Street, Lichfield WS13 6JW Telephone 01543 897570

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD If you have a community or fund raising event that you’d like to have included in the monthly What’s On pages, please send an email to caz@lichfieldgazette.co.uk quoting the date, event title, times, venue address and brief description. For commercial events please contact a member of the sales team for advertising prices.

Tue 7 Oct Neaten and Natter 11.00am to 1.00pm at Beacon Park. Our volunteer group is a great way to meet new people and help keep Beacon Park looking at its best. Tasks include litter picking, weeding and more.

The Doghouse Folk Club 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at the Royal British Legion Club, Alrewas. The autumn craic starts here folks with Martin, Stef and assorted dubious characters and ne’er do wells (sorry, like-minded singers and entertainers!).

As usual, no charge at the door but please support the raffle which helps with travel expenses. With a repertoire of some 230 songs, as Martin says “How could the evening not be enjoyed?”

Tue 7 – Sat 11 Oct In The House...& In The Garden…

7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Sat) at The Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio).Brought to you by the Lichfield Players and Different Animal Theatre Group. Amateur Production. One cast two stages. Two versions of the same day. Alan Ayckbourn's critically acclaimed masterpiece of timing, House & Garden.

Wed 8 Oct Lichfield U3A October meeting 2.00pm at The Guildhall. Lichfield U3A is an active group with over 300 members that welcomes new people who would like to lead an interesting and active life after retirement. We have over 30 diverse groups ranging from Art to Science and Technology. Each group is self-organised and new members are welcomed to join a group or start a new one. Guest speaker Jolyon Maclaine on the “Ups and downs of a Helicopter pilot”.

Wed 8 – Sun 12 Oct Lichfield Literature The George Hotel, Lichfield Library and Various City locations. 5 days of author talks, lectures and special book-related events for the whole family. We are also holding a ‘The Great Lichfield Book Swap’ at a location in Three Spires Shopping Centre. For full information our Festival Guides can be picked up from various retail locations throughout the city. The Box Office is at Lichfield Library and via 01543 306271. You can also book online at www.lichfieldfestival.org If you have any enquiries please email us at info@lichfieldfestival.org George Hotel, Lichfield Library and Various City locations. (Also see page 42)

Festival Hub - Pop Up Bookshop 10.00am to 4.00pm at Three Spires Shopping Centre. An event for Lichfield Literature Festival. Call in for coffee, purchase your tickets for Festival events, browse the bookshelves and purchase books and enjoy some of the free activities on offer throughout the week.

Fri 10 Oct The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes 7.30pm at Middleton Hall. A theatre night with a difference to raise valuable funds for the continued restoration work at Middleton. Presented by Don’t Go Into The Cellar! Theatre Company. Tickets are £12 and include a welcome drink and refreshments during the interval.

Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society 8.00pm at St Mary's in the Market Square. A talk by Dr Trevor James, ‘St Wilfrid: the First English Saint’ by Dr Trevor James. Visitors welcome, £3 at the door. Refreshments available from 7 30pm. For more info call 01543 416144.

Sat 11 Oct Bonnie Dobson At Lichfield Guildhall. The renowned Canadian singer-songwriter will be performing a rare concert with her band of internationally acclaimed musicians.

Festival Antiques & Vintage Market 10.00am to 4.00pm at Richard Winterton Auctioneers. Take a break from the weekly shopping and list of Saturday errands to browse for hidden treasures.

Lukue Steam Case In-Store Demo 11.00am to 3.00pm at The Kitchen Shop.

Come and see how easy it is to eat healthily and how useful these cases are!

A simple way to cook dishes in the oven or microwave.

Sun 12 Oct Zumba-thon in aid of Violets In Bloom At St Matthews Sports and Social Club.

Three hours of non-stop Zumba action.

All proceeds go towards the Children’s Memorial Garden at Fradley crematorium. £5 (includes small online booking fee) email info@violetsinbloom.org for details.

Tue 14 – Sat 18 Oct Half A Sixpence 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

A Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company production. Amateur Production. Kipps and Ann were childhood friends who parted as children.

Kipps cut a sixpence in half and gave half to Ann to remind her of him. This is the new version with all the familiar storylines and characters of the original show. With show stopping numbers such as ‘Flash, Bang, Wallop’ and ‘Half a Sixpence’, this has something for everyone.

Wed 15 & Thu 16 Oct It’ll all be over by Christmas 7.45pm to 10.30pm at The George Hotel.

Intimate Theatre presents a selection of words and music to commemorate the centenary of WW1. The show celebrates the courage and patriotism of the British people with a selection of the great writing of the time interspersed with some familiar and popular songs of the period. To book please call 01543 414822.

Thu 16 Oct South East Staffordshire Association of National Trust Members 7.30pm at St Mary's in the Market Square. The Life of Sir Christopher Wren

by Malcolm Astley. A talk about Wren's life from his birth in Wiltshire, his period as an MP, to his death in 1723. Members

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 Autumn’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 Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Party Menu.

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

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD £2, non members £4. For more info call 01543 416144.

Well you haven’t started decking the halls with boughs of holly, and we having bobbed the red-red robin – but if you hadn’t noticed, it’s very nearly time to start dreaming of…well you get the picture.

What could be nicer than having a get together with friends and family during the Christmas period at a traditional English pub?

The Swan at Fradley (The famous Mucky Duck) not only is a lovely tranquil canal-side setting, it has the food menu that is the envy of many contemporary pubs. None of the fancy nouvelle cuisine here, just great food with a unique twist. The award-winning chef serves mouthwatering lunches and dinners every day, and during December he will be pulling some crackers out of the bag.

CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU In addition to the usual fayre you can enjoy the 4-course Christmas Menu, catering for up to 30 people.

Booking is essential for this Christmas Set Menu (available throughout December)

Why not visit this delightful, unhurried and cosy canal-side pub and enjoy their fine fayre with that ‘home-cooked’ style and the customary selection of superb guest ales?

Rick & Tracey welcome you to: The Swan at Fradley, Fradley Junction DE13 7DN Tel: 01283 790330 A dog friendly pub

CHRISTMAS PARTY TIME AT THE RUBY

The Ruby Cantonese and Chinese Restaurant is a fantastic place to host your Christmas parties and meals.

With 3 generations of experience making sure that you are happy and well fed, there is no other logical choice! Large round tables for a more sociable atmosphere, a private function room with screen and projector for added festivities.

The Ruby is somewhat of a landmark in Lichfield. So, “don’t just have a Chinese... have a Ruby.”

For Bookings or to discuss your requirements, please call

01543 251144

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

Page 58 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Thu 16 – Sat 18 Oct Rattle Of A Simple Man 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Opus Theatre presents this delightful comedy!

Whilst visiting London from Manchester to see a big football match Percy is challenged to prove himself ‘one of them'. He accepts, and meets Cyrenne who invites him to her flat. One thing stands in his way - courage.

Fr 17 & Sat 18 Oct It'll all be over by Christmas 7.00pm at Middleton Hall. See above. To book call 01827 283095.

Sat 18 Oct Comedy Night in aid of Violets in Bloom At Fradley Village Hall. The comedy night is being held to raise money towards the Children’s Memorial Garden at Fradley crematorium. £10 each (can be purchased from Fradley pharmacy but will include booking fee if purchased online) or £15 on door.

Lichfield Wildlife Group 11.00am at the New Fishing Lodge.

Free 1½ walk at Fisherwick Lakes.

The walk will be led by Peter Jackson. Bat Walks are held each year at Fisherwick Lakes. This walk will be a good opportunity to see and learn about the wildlife that can be seen here during the day. For more information please contact Ray Allen.

01543 251654.

Kaleidoscope Community Choir Vocal Workshop 10.00am to 4.00pm at Boley Park Community Hall. Only 68 Singing Days til Christmas! Vocal Workshop with a Christmas theme for female voices to be led by Anne Geoghegan (voice consultant for soloists and choirs). Hot and cold drinks will be available. The cost is £12, and to reserve your place please contact Marilyn on 01543 300176 or e-mail tickets@kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk'.

The Shee 8.00pm at the Guildhall. Welcome back the exceptional all female band, The Shee, who will be playing music from all their albums.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct Oxjam Lichfield 2014 2.00am to 2.00pm at Paradise, George IV and the Malt Bar. Music festival that happens across cities in the UK to celebrate local music talent whilst raising money for Oxfam. To perform, volunteer or get involved, email oxjamlichfield2014@gmail.com.

Sun 19 Oct Antiques & Collectors Fair 10.00am to 4.00pm at Middleton Hall.

To help raise funds for the on-going restoration. Stands will be available in its delightful interior which includes a fine Great Hall and Ballroom of Georgian origin. Stall holders will offer an interesting variety from

furniture, paintings, ceramics, gold & silver ware, books, objects d’art and much more. Refreshments will be available in Brittons Tea Rooms. £2 admission. Free parking.

The Sooty Show 11.00am and 2.30pm at The Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Izzy Wizzy Lets get busy - Sooty heads into town in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief. There's also a chance to meet Richard and Sooty after the show.

Mon 20 Oct Gruesome and Ghostly Tours 7.00pm at Lichfield City. An evening to make your blood curdle and your spine tingle! The tour is rounded off with a visit to a local pub for a glass of mulled wine and a sausage roll. £6.25 per person to include refreshments at a local pub after the tour. Tel: 01543 256611

Lichfield Branch of The Embroiderers Guild.

7.30pm at Lichfield Methodist Centre.

Gurpreet Dhouper is speaking on felt making methods with an insight into contemporary felt surface & interior furnishings. Visitor (£4) and new members welcome. The guild meets on the 3rd Monday of each month.

For more information please call 01543 415204

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Mon 20 & Tue 21 Oct Shakespeare Schools Festival 7.00pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Come and party with Shakespeare and celebrate the achievements of your local schools in a wonderful evening of entertainment. Amateur Production.

Marking Shakespeare's 450th birthday 35,000 young people will take to professional stages across the UK. 130 theatres will be hosting a party to remember. Over 1,000 primary, secondary, and special schools to stage abridged Shakespeare productions in their local professional theatre. Each night four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays. Come and party with Shakespeare and celebrate the achievements of your local schools in a wonderful evening of entertainment.

Wed 22 & Thu 23 Oct Ha Ha Hood & The Prince of Leaves 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Starring Su Pollard and Cannon & Ball. Original, clever and laugh out loud funny.

Wed 22 Oct CPCG Beacon Park 10.30am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park.

Help us improve green spaces across the district. CPCG is a friendly crowd who roll up their sleeves to help Lichfield District Council’s countryside and parks team. The volunteer days are open to anyone over 18. To book your free place

please call 01543 308183. In this session we will be maintaining a newly planted hedge by planting new whips and removing rabbit guards.

We will also be re-stocking the Golf Course & woodland trees.

Wedding Open Evening 6.00pm – 8.30pm at The George Hotel. Meet our wedding coordinators and see just how lovely your wedding day could be at The George.

Admission free, by ticket only.

Gruesome and Ghostly Tours 7.00pm at Lichfield City. See Mon 20 Oct for details.

Whittington Flower Club 7.30pm at Whittington Village Hall. A demonstration by Amanda Punter "From Constance to Mary". For more information call Rosemary Smith 01543 432848

Thu 23 Oct – Sun 2 Nov Halloween spooks, half term and fireworks At various venues across Lichfield District. From scary trails and spooky tales through to ghost train rides and ghoulish goings on there's plenty to do this half term. To view all spooky events go to www.visitlichfield.co.uk.

There are also half term craft activities with excellent value for money.

Thu 23 Oct Lichfield Civic Society 7.45pm at St Mary's in the Market

Square. Talk on "Peru Land of the Incas" by Ray Sturdy FRGS in association with the Royal Geographical Society. All are welcome to this meeting of the Lichfield Civic Society. Members free.

Non Members £3 at the door.

Fri 24 – Sun 26 Oct The Lichfield Festival of Folk Various times at The Guildhall. Folk festival with great headliners including Oysterband in the Cathedral, Home Service in the Guildhall and many others.

Exceptional value. Tickets from £12.50.

Qmin

Limited seats available call 01543 255000 www.qmin.co.uk

Back by popular demand Milly Munroe as Tina Turner Friday 14th November

Fri 24 Oct Swinfen Venison Gourmet Dinner featuring estate reared venison 7.15pm to 11.59pm at Swinfen Hall Hotel. The evening begins with Champagne Palmer Rosé and canapés at 7.15 pm and then it is through to the ballroom for a very sociable dinner hosted by Stuart, our Operations Manager who will explain the rationale behind our food and wine pairings. Full details of the menu and wines can be found at swinfenhallhotel.co.uk. £88.00 per person to include a champagne reception, seven course dinner and coffee and petit fours Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society 8.00pm at St Mary's in the Market Square. A talk by John Bishop, ‘Chinese Labour Corps’. Visitors welcome £3 at the door.

Come and visit the AWARD WINNING

Qmin Introduces for a limited period only

Bookings now being taken for CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR Function room available, seats up to 65. Ideal for private parties.

Established over 20 years

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 For t&cs please check website

Thaali Night

Sunday & Wednesday All Night from £9.95

Surrounded by 3 car parks.

All free after 6.30pm

• Enjoy high class cuisine in a great atmosphere and luxurious surroundings • Superb menu with a vast choice selection.

• Experienced chefs from Hong Kong & Malaysia.

• Open 12 noon till late.

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

Vegetarian Thaali £9.95

Onion Bhaji, Vegetable Bhuna, Sag Aloo, Tarkha Dall, Pilau Rice & Naan

Meat Thaali £10.95

Chicken Tikka, Lamb Sag, Chicken Tikka Mossola, Tarkha Dall, Pilau Rice & Naan

Seafood Thaali £11.95

Pink Salmon Tikka, Fried Garlic Prawns, Prawn Sag, Tarkha Dall, Pilau Rice & Naan For t&cs please check website

www.qmin.co.uk

Page 59

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Refreshments available from 7 30pm.

For more info call 01543 416144.

Patsy Cline 50th Anniversary Tour 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. An evening of song, laughter and legendary stories, some 50 years since Patsy Cline left a great legacy of hit records. Features unforgettable hits including; ‘Crazy’, ‘Sweet Dreams’, ‘Walking After Midnight’, ‘I Fall to Pieces’ and many more. Starring the fabulously talented Sandy Kelly from the West End production 'Patsy'.

Sat 25 Oct – Sun 2 Nov Half Term Crafts 11.00am to 4.00pm at Erasmus Darwin House. Drop in crafts for kids in addition to the exciting museum interactive displays. Free Entry Beacon Park’s Halloween Puzzle Trail 10.00am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park.

Follow a Halloween themed puzzle trail around Beacon Park, solve the

clues and claim your small prize. £1 per child.

Sat 25 & Sun 26 Oct The Great Bulb Plant 10.00am to 4.00pm at National Memorial Arboretum. 15,000 native bluebell bulbs will be planted in two areas of woodland at the NMA over two weekends in Oct and Nov. The bluebells will act as a living memorial to commemorate WW1, enhance the beauty of the grounds and encourage a variety of wildlife to this special site; helping to ensure that the Arboretum remains the special place where our Nation remembers. All tools will be supplied, and packs of bulbs will be available to purchase for £3. Just put on your wellies and help with the planting! Onsite parking charges also apply.

Sat 25 Oct Community Drop In 11.00am to 12 noon at Beacon Park.

Talk with members of the parks team about how local parks could be

improved. We want to hear your concerns and suggestions. We will be based in the Lakeside Bistro or just outside on dry days.

Feed the Birds 11.00am to 3.00pm at Beacon Park.

Drop in to this fun workshop to create a bird feeder to help birds to survive the winter. Go to the Discovery Hub in Beacon Park Lichfield. £1 per feeder.

A Vision Of Elvis 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. One the world's leading touring Elvis productions. Celebrating all the music of Elvis Presley from Sun Studio's through to '68 Comeback with the finale being the Concert Years engaging audiences with an uplifting and authentic Elvis experience. On stage, the award winning, Rob Kingsley has the total package - the look, the sound, the charisma with his spectacular live 10 piece band.

Sun 26 – Thu 30 Oct Rapid Round Golf Offer At Beacon Park. During half term come down to Beacon Park and enjoy a 9 hole round of golf at a reduced rate. Equipment hire is available from the ranger station.

Ideal even for a change for your lunch break. Price from £2.60. Tel: 01543 308867.

Sun 26 Oct Sunday Luncheon With A Touch Of Magic 12 noon to 5.00pm at Swinfen Hall Hotel. Master magician David Oakley is back to entertain with his amazing close-up table magic. Sunday lunch is pretty amazing too with all the traditional favourites and a few surprises as well. Please ring reception on 01543 481494 to book your table. £35.00 3 courses, £28.00 2 courses. Children 2-12 years half price.

Mon 27 Oct WWI Discovery Day Tours start at 11am, 12 noon and 1pm at Staffordshire Regiment Museum. Uniformed guides will take you on a detailed tour of the Museum’s fantastic WW1 trench system, and describe what life was like for soldiers during the Great War. Go to www.staffordshireregimentmuseum.c om for details.

Tue 28 & Wed 29 Oct Gruesome and Ghostly Tours 7.00pm at Lichfield City. See Mon 20 Oct for details.

Tue 28 & Wed 29 Oct Keep The Home Fires Burning 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Written and performed by Amy Hamlen with James Church on the piano. The history books are full of the brave exploits of the nearly six million British soldiers who served in World War II. But what of the women they left behind? Apollo Theatre Company present this brand new show with real accounts of women who lived through the war, punctuated beautifully with enduring music and Page 60 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

songs.

Tue 28 Oct – Sat 1 Nov Fiddler On The Roof 7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Sat) at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Lichfield Operatic Society Amateur Production.

Thu 30 Oct Half Term Fun! 11.00am to 2.00pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Get creative with hands-on arts and craft activities for the half term holiday.

An Evening with Lola Lamour 7.30pm to 10.30pm at The George Hotel. An evening of good food followed by nostalgic entertainment from a glamorous vocalist who specialises in music from the 1920s to 1950s. Singing songs from Gershwin to Cole Porter, from Dance Band melodies to the music of the movies. To book please call 01543 414822.

Philip Dyson - Popular Piano Classics 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio).International Concert Pianist Phillip Dyson is a world class pianist and great entertainer and he returns with a programme of popular piano classics.

Fri 31 Oct Haunting Halloween 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Erasmus Darwin House. An evening of spooky trails, tales and activities for all!

Sausages and burgers will be served all night. £2.

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). These stars of stage, screen & YouTube bring you a new show of songs, sketches, socks and violence on topics far and wide.

Lizanne Knot 8.00pm at the Guildhall. This Philadelphia-based songwriter and singer has joined forces with LAbased songwriter and singer Bill Reveles.

Sat 1 & Sun 2 Nov Drayton Manor Fireworks At Drayton Manor Theme Park. A weekend of spectacular fireworks will bring Drayton Manor Theme Park’s 2014 season to a close. The display will be accompanied by music and will set the night sky alight with all the colours of the rainbow. Displays start at 7pm with the last admission into the park at 6pm. Many park rides will be open until 9pm. For more information go to www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 472 1950.

Sat 1 Nov Family Bonfire and Firework Display At Elford Hall Garden. Enjoy a family bonfire and firework display set in a beautiful historic walled garden with a barbeque and bar. Tickets cost £6 adults, £3 under 16s, under 5s free and are available from Lichfield Tourist Information email info@visitlichfield.com or call 01543 253311.

Chris Pemberton is Michael Bublé 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Chris delivers his Michael Bublé tribute with unbelievable accuracy, energy and crowd involvement.

Tue 4 – Sat 8 Nov Oliver!

7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Sat) at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. WBOS Youth Theatre return with the timeless musical Oliver, one of the most loved musicals of all time.

Venue Contact Details

Beacon Park - Swan Rd, Lichfield WS13 6QZ. Tel: 01543 308867

Elford Hall Garden - Church Rd, Elford B79 9DA.

Erasmus Darwin House – Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD. Tel: 01543 306260

The George Hotel – Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 414822

Fisherwick Lakes - Fisherwick Wood Lane, Whittington, Lichfield WS13 8QF. Tel: 01543 433606 (office)

Fradley Village Hall – Church Lane, Fradley, Lichfield WS13 8NL. Tel: 01543 449069

The Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU. Tel: 01543 262223

The Kitchen Shop – 5 Market St, Lichfield WS13 6JX. Tel: 01543 268602

Lichfield Garrick Theatre – Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412121

Lichfield Methodist Centre Backcester lane, Lichfield WS13 6JH Middleton Hall – Middleton, Tamworth B78 2AE. Tel: 01827 283095

National Memorial Arboretum – Croxall Rd, Alrewas, Burton on Trent DE13 7AR. Tel: 01283 792333

Royal British Legion Club - Rykneld St, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7AX

Staffordshire Regiment Museum – DMS Whittington, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434394

St Matthews Sports & Social Club – St Matthews Rd, Burntwood WS7 9TH. Tel: 01543 449069

St Mary’s in the Market Square – Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 256611

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum - Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 264972

Swinfen Hall Hotel – Swinfen, Nr Lichfield, WS14 9RE. Tel: 01543 481494

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Burntwood School Lit Up

by Donation S

tudents from Erasmus Darwin Academy, Burntwood, are celebrating after receiving ÂŁ5000 from Central England Cooperative for new lighting for its theatre.

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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

Lichfield Literature Festival 2014 8 - 12 October for further details go to

www.lichfieldfestival.org or contact 01543 306270

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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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Competition Winners

National Wedding Show Competition.

Congratulations to Sophie Randal of Lichfield, Sophie Bullock of Rugeley, Catriona Smallman of Hednesford and Maggie Causer of Rugeley, all winners of a pair of tickets to the show.

National Pet Show Competition.

Congratulations to Jane Tabberer of Brereton, Chris Durose of Brereton, Grahame Lea of Rugeley and Cath Wraxton of Cannock, all winners of adult or family tickets to the show. We hope that you all had a great time!