Lichfield Gazette May 2013

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

MAY 2013 ISSUE 49

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

New home for

Francesco Group in Lichfield

COLLIS D.I.Y 10% OFF ALL SHEDS AND 20% OFF EX DISPLAY SHEDS

QUEENS DRIVE, CHASETOWN, BURNTWOOD WS7 4QF www.collissheds.co.uk TEL: 01543 686370 FAX: 01543 675221

Opening of new salon Monday 22 April with Francesco Dellicompagni (Founder), Alice Reeve (Franchisee), Ben Dellicompagni (MD)

See full story on page 15

ESTABLISHED OVER 50 YEARS SERVING THE COMMUNITY Mon-Fri 8am - 6.00pm Sat 8am - 5.30pm Sun 9.30pm - 1pm

Opening Times:

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May 2013 Lichfield

G azette

contents 6

Netherstowe House Competition

10

Lichfield Through Time Competition

14

Wake up Lichfield

24

City People

32

Debenhams Opens in Lichfield

42

Tamworth Street Feature

49

Gazette Woman

55

What’s On/Dining Out

62

Small Ads

The front cover image shows the 'Court Baron and View of Frankpledge', popularly refered to as the 'St George's Day Court'. The Court takes place at the Guildhall at 12 noon and is a lighthearted occasion.

Photo by Robert Yardley.

Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House page 6

contributors • • • •

Caz Jones Laura Bowcutt PG Mitchell Ann Mayo

• • • •

Joss Musg rove Knibb David Moore Dan Mitchell Kate Gomez

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 17,500 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, 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.

contact the Gazette see page 62 Page 4 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Editor’s Notes May Day? What a load of old Walpurgis!

May Day is an ancient Northern Hemisphere spring festival, and a public holiday in the UK. For the life of me I can never understand why in this country we have three Bank Holidays in the space of eight weeks, when we have none in the 21 weeks between August Bank holiday and Christmas!

Why can't we have a Bank Holiday in late September instead? Like me, you will probably remember having a Harvest Festival at school. This was Mum's chance to have a pantry amnesty for unwanted cans of foodstuffs that were in last Christmas' hamper with the likes of fish soup, artichokes in brine and Slid (whatever that is).

Seldom these days is May Day an occasion for popular and raucous celebration. In days gone by, traditional British May Day rites and celebrations included Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen and celebrations involving a Maypole. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Maypole, certainly not in Lichfield! Much of this tradition derives from pagan Anglo-Saxon customs. May Day is related to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the Germanic festival of Walpurgis Night.

As Europe became Christianised, the pagan holidays lost their religious character and either changed into popular secular celebrations, as with May Day, or were merged with or replaced by new Christian holidays as with Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and All Saint's Day. In the twentieth and continuing into the twenty-first century, many neopagans began reconstructing the old traditions and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival again. In Eastern Europe it is more of a political day.

Are you with me on this idea of a new holiday in the Autumn? Harvest festivals in the UK take place around the end of September to mark the end of the main harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the crops that have been grown and also to celebrate the end of the hard work involved in reaping them. This would be a better time for a bonfire evening celebration when the clocks go back but the weather is still reasonably mild, rather than a cold soggy November night. Or am I being very silly?

Yours truly, Paul Oakley. Editor

Mourners pay tribute to society stalwart

T

he Lichfield Operatic Society were among the mourners paying tribute to one of their longest-serving members at her funeral in March.

Beryl Clare, 81, passed away peacefully on February 21st in The Queen’s Hospital, Burton upon Trent, with her daughter Melanie at her side.

The funeral service at St Chad’s Church took place on March 14th and was followed by a celebration of Beryl’s life arranged by Melanie at The Cathedral Lodge Hotel where family and friends shared their memories of Beryl. Friends included Muriel Woodward who in 1951 was one of Beryl’s bridesmaids when she married Frank, who sadly died in 1993.

The service was conducted by The Reverend Wendy Dudley and included tributes to Beryl in words and music by her daughter and members of the Operatic Society.

Beryl was a member of the society for 54 years and took part in many shows and cabarets, as well as serving on the Management Committee for 30 years. She was made a Life Member in 1987 and was awarded a 50-year Long Service Medal from The National Operatic and Dramatic Association in 2009.

An Operatic Society spokesperson said: “She was a lovely, kind lady with a great sense of humour even during the most difficult times in her life.

Without doubt she will be sadly missed, but always well remembered with a smile.”

Beryl is pictured receiving her long- service medal from the then NODA President, Neville Cooke.

Antiques Valuation Day

in aid of St Giles Hospice 7th May 2013.

Have you ever wondered whether a particular painting, ornament or piece of jewellery is particularly special, and possibly valuable?

If so, on Tuesday 7th May, you have a chance to find out at the Ansons & Hansons Antique Valuation Day at Erasmus Darwin House, Beacon Street, Lichfield.

Ansons Solicitors has teamed up with Charles Hanson, of BBC2’s Antiques Road Trip, to organise the valuation day in Lichfield as a way to support local charity St Giles Hopsice.

Charles Hanson and the team from Hansons Auctioneers will be available between 10.00am and 4.00pm to provide an expert opinion on your antiques and an informal indication of possible value. There is no charge for coming, but visitors will be invited to make a donation to support St Giles Hospice.

Charles Hanson, auctioneer. www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk Page 5

GazetteNews

High Sheriff of Staffordshire

M

visits Lichfield Canal

rs Sarah Elsom, High Sheriff of Staffordshire has paid tribute to the dedicated volunteers working on restoring the Lichfield Canal. At a ceremonial planting of a Swedish Birch tree in Darnford Park, Lichfield, on Wednesday 3rd April, she praised those who have worked for many years to bring back this 200-year old waterway link across the Midlands. Cllr Ken Humphreys, also attended to give his support as Chairman of Lichfield District Council.

Meeting members of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, the High Sheriff was pleased to see how much has been done by so few who volunteer their time and expertise from many walks of life to undertake such public spirited work. With her own background as a Museum Curator, and as the Queen’s Representative for upholding law and order in Staffordshire, she recognised the value of restoring such a valuable public

LUNCH

FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE

FIND MINSTER THE CAT! The High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Mrs Sarah Elsom with Cllr Ken Humphreys.

The High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Mrs Sarah Elsom with Cllr and Mrs Humphreys, Eric Wood (President of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust) and Peter Buck (Engineering Director of the Trust) with volunteers and supporters of the Trust.

amenity in the County.

In dedicating the tree, Mrs Elsom said that it provided a focal point for the public to recognise Trust workers, past and present, who have striven over many years, often against difficult circumstances, towards putting Lichfield back on the waterways map of Britain.

She commented further that: “The whole fabric of community life would crumble without the many people who give their time and resources tirelessly to help others. There are so many organisations and individuals across the County who make a real difference to the lives of others.”

For information about the Canal Trust, visit their website at www.lhcrt.org.uk or phone 01543 671427.

Page 6 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

WIN

Win a Lunch for Two (MonThurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience.

A small, family owned and run boutique hotel and restaurant that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this years Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards. Head Chef and his Kitchen Brigade have created a new Express Lunch menu for you to enjoy Monday to Saturday. The emphasis is on creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest seasonal ingredients.

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 21st May 2013 to ‘Minster The Cat Competition’ PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Or by email to minsterthecat@hotmail.co.uk subject "Minster Comp". One entry only please (or disqualified).

The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next edition of Lichfield Gazette.

Congratulations to P Hetherington of Giles Close who spotted Minster on page 12 of the April magazine.

Good luck!!

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GazetteNews

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Meet your Museum in May

he Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is hosting three free ‘Meet Your Museum’ taster sessions for this year’s Adult Learners Week. Those keen to learn new skills, and to find out more about local history are encouraged to sign up to workshops being held on 18th, 20th and 22nd May. An Art taster session will take place on Saturday 18th May at 2.30pm where participants will be encouraged to find their inner artist, learning new painting and drawing

skills from award-winning local artist Carole Collier.

Beginners are very welcome.

On Monday 20th May at 2.30pm their entertaining guide will take a group behind the scenes of the Museum, explore the life and work of David Garrick and bring the Georgian stage to life. Those who would like to learn more about local women in the Midlands in Johnson’s time can attend their Women’s History session on Wednesday 22nd May at 2.30pm. Their enthusiastic guide will use the Museum’s collections and the stories of the women in Johnson’s life to explore the lives of women in the century.

For those feeling inspired by the free art session, regular workshops take place on the third Tuesday of every month and the next session will take place on Tuesday 21st May at 6.30pm, for artists of all levels.

Tickets for the regular workshops will cost £10, which includes expert tuition, materials and refreshments As always, the Museum has a lot going on for younger visitors in May too. The new ‘Bookworms United!’ book and activities club for children aged 7 – 12 continues fortnightly on 4th and 18th May at 10.30am (£4 per session). Families can join in a ‘Half Term Fun’ activity session in the half term holiday on Thursday 30th

David Garrick as Richard III May from 10.30 – 1.30pm. The session is drop-in and costs £2 per child. Standard entrance to the Museum is free for all ages, and activities including a cat hunt, colouring and dressing-up activities available for free everyday throughout the holidays.

For more information or bookings please call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk or pop into the Museum on the corner of the Market Square, Lichfield.

BBC’s Joanne Malin to play wicked queen

T

he Lichfield Garrick is proud to announce that BBC News presenter, Joanne Malin, will return to the theatre this Christmas to play the role of the Evil Queen Evilene in the pantomime, Snow White and the Magic Mirror.

Joanne Malin is known by many as a news presenter and radio broadcaster and can be seen regularly presenting BBC Midlands Today.

This year, Joanne is set to take on the role of the evil Queen Evilene, but is she the fairest of them all?

Joanne Malin said: “I'm delighted to have been asked to return to the Garrick this Christmas and be part of what looks set be a lovely family pantomime.”

Snow White and the Magic Mirror is playing at the Lichfield Garrick from Thursday 5th December 2013 to Sunday 5th January 2014, with a variety of schools, matinee and evening performances.

Tickets cost from £12.50 for children and from £20 for adults, and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.

The city theatre is offering a Hi Ho Early Booking special discount for public performance tickets on Friday 6th, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2013. Hi Ho Early Booking tickets cost £10 for children and £15 for adults and must be booked before 1st May 2013.

Page 8 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

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GazetteNews

New book highlights

‘Lichfield Through Time’

T

amworth based author Anthony Poulton-Smith has published a fascinating new book looking at the history of our city. ‘Lichfield Through Time’ is an intriguing selection of photographs that traces some of the many ways in which Lichfield has changed and developed over the last century.

Published by Amberley Publishing, this is the latest

T

title in Amberley’s extensive and highly successful Through Time series. Photographs are full colour throughout (except of course where the images are in sepia!) bringing history and memories to life.

Anthony Poulton-Smith is a prolific author, having written many books on a range of historical aspects,

Networking for Learning

he Community Learning Trust held its first networking lunch in April. This is a new and regular event for anyone involved in delivering training in a community setting, no matter how large or small. The Trust is a new initiative from Staffordshire County Council and is locally provided by Lichfield District CVS who arranged the event at Curborough Community Centre.

CVS Development Manager Philip Mantom commented: “What we are trying to do is bring learning providers together so that they can better plan their courses and share information about what works for the community. It’s great to see small community groups talking with national Training Providers from the Work Programme about how to change people’s lives through learning.”

The informal event is part of a new plan to ensure that funding for learning is spent at a community level and that courses are based on local need and to empower people to develop their own learning priorities. To find out more you can contact Philip Mantom on 01543 30 30 30 or www.communitylearningtrust.org.uk/, they are always looking for more groups who are interested in joining.

from hauntings to the derivations of place names.

Lichfield Through Time is available from S&J Music, 23 Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PW and retails at £14.99

Competition!

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a copy of this ‘heirloom’ book, just answer the following question.

Q. Who was Samuel Johnson’s famous biographer?

A. James Boswell B. James Lister C. James Swift Just send you name, contact details and answer to Lichfield Gazette Through Time Competition. PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk The closing date for entries is Wednesday 15th May, winners will be notified by Friday 17th May.

My Word Call yourself a logophile?

Test your vocabulary with our quiz. The prize is an inner glow of satisfaction and superiority.

Q. What is gymnophoria?

A. A sensation of euphoria caused by exercise.

B. The sensation that someone is mentally undressing you.

C. A kind of centrifugal force.

Page 10 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The answer is B. Gymnophoria is the sensation that someone in mentally undressing you!

Jill Charles, volunteer CVS, Philip Mantom, Development and Training Manager and Jenny Crosby, North Lichfield Initiative

Page 11

Mystery of the golden ring W

hat can only be described as a ‘treasure trove’ of antique to modern designer jewellery and watches has recently come to light and is to be offered for auction by Richard Winterton Auctioneers in Lichfield on 9th May. The haul of diamonds, gold, watches and post-war designer pieces were discovered hidden away amongst the cobwebs of a number of properties around the Midlands, including Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield and Solihull.

Highlights include post-war silver pieces by Georg Jensen and Karen Strand.

Vintage watches by Rolex, Longines, Bulova and Omega amongst others are also part of the consignment. Jewels of a more traditional taste such as diamond rings from Victorian to recent and a particularly impressive snow flake pendant set with diamonds.

The earliest and most unusual item is a gold mourning ring discovered recently by a metal detector in the field of a local farm. Verified and recorded by experts at Birmingham/British Museums, it is believed to date from the seventeenth/early eighteenth century.

The exterior is decorated with thistles, sunflower and a skull and is inscribed on the shank ‘Prepare to follow Da R.B’.

Brownies help to create wildflower meadows

O

n Saturday 16th March six Brownies braved the weather to help create two new wildflower meadows at Lichfield’s first Local Nature Reserve.

As part of the £100,000 Creating Lichfield’s Community Nature Reserve project, six girls from the 1st Two Gates Brownie troop joined Lichfield District Council's Countryside Team to spread thousands of wildflower seeds on two meadows.

The two new meadows at Lichfield’s Christian Fields Local Nature Reserve had been harrowed and scarified the previous week in preparation for the seeds to be scattered.

The fields were marked into grids so the girls, between the ages of 7 and 10, could sprinkle their wildflower seeds without going over the same area again.

Chris Walsh, Lichfield District Council’s Biodiversity Officer, said: “Many thanks to the Brownies, who, despite the rainy start, worked really hard throughout the day and managed to get both fields completely seeded.

“The new wildflower meadows will create a fantastic habitat for insects and butterflies as well as small mammals, reptiles and amphibians. It’ll also provide a beautiful burst of colour to the site throughout summer for visitors to enjoy.”

While some wildflowers may grow this year, the full effect is not expected until the summer of 2014.

Further works are planned at Christian Fields over the next few months, including the installation of benches, picnic tables, sculptures, information panels and bird boxes.

Christian Fields is remaining open to visitors throughout the works, which will continue into the spring and summer.

Creating Lichfield’s Community Nature Reserve project is led by Lichfield District Council, with support from the Forest of Mercia, GrowWell, Lichfield City Council, North Lichfield Initiative, Staffordshire Environmental Trust, Countryside and Parks Conservation Group, Natural England and Lichfield Wildlife Trust.

Page 12 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Happy Birthday

The Hidden Hearing Centre in Lichfield celebrates their 10th Birthday.

Tony with receptionist Rosie

L

oss of hearing can be one of the most distressing aspects of life, but an estimated third of all suffers fail to do anything about it.

Yet hearing aids can completely transform a person's file, enabling them to communicate fully again and hear sounds they had almost forgotten.

Hidden Hearing of Lichfield knows only too well how difficult it can be to take the first step and seek advice to solve hearing problems and are used to putting people at ease in their Bore Street consulting rooms.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, Hidden Hearing in Lichfield, is part of a nationwide company launched over 40 years ago. The group of 70 Hearing Centres across the UK, and the Lichfield branch prides itself on quality, individual service with time to listen and talk through clients' needs.

Registered Hearing Aid Dispenser Tony Vaughan carries out a thorough initial consultation with the client, discussing their history and lifestyle with regard to their hearing, following this up with tests both audio and electronic.

Frances Brown, also a registered Hearing Aid dispenser, specialises in the fitting of hearing instruments and in rehabilitation and a lifetime of free aftercare.

It is advised that a close family member accompany the person being tested as Hidden Hearing believes this is vital for getting the full picture of the problem. Experience has told Hidden Hearing that the more information they gain at the consultation the better the final outcome.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY: “Mr Vaughan the consultant was very friendly and explained the test to me. The hearing test was very interesting and informative and very thorough.

Everything was explained to me as we went through different tests. It was found that I had lost some of my hearing and was advised to have a hearing aid fitted.

There were several options I could take and prices quoted to me. The choice I made was a digital hearing aid, which I have found marvellous, I did not realise how much I had missed!

“Mr Vaughan came to the house and soon put mother at ease. He had a lengthy chat with her before making the test just to explain what he was going to do. He found that she had lost 70% of her hearing. He then chatted with her about her loss of hearing and how she would be able to hear so many sounds that

she had not heard for a long time. He explained about the different options and the cost.

“She has now had her hearing aids for approximately 2 weeks and is getting on fine and they are so easy to fit. She is able to hear the television and when we have visitors she can hear what they are saying and join in the conversation with them. It is wonderful and she is really getting on with them well.

We both are.

“The staff at Hidden Hearing are excellent very professional but very friendly too. They make you feel completely at home, with tea and biscuits too. I would recommend anyone who feels they have lost or are losing their hearing to pop in and talk with them at Hidden Hearing. You are never too old. Just think what you could be missing.”

Recommendation From this consultation, the professionals can recommend which solution is best for each individual.

Being independent, Hidden Hearing dispensers can prescribe virtually any hearing aid available - there is normally a solution for everyone.

The actual hearing aids themselves vary widely and Hidden Hearing is up to date with the very latest digital technology.

Hidden hearing Lichfield helps over 500 clients a year with problems ranging from those with a slight hearing loss to people with severe deafness, many of whom come to them through recommendation of family and friends.

On going service is also an important part of the process at their friendly branch. Every client benefits from a full range of after care which includes regular checks of both their hearing and the hearing system - which is all part of their client package.

"Each year the number of clients being fitted at our Lichfield branch had continued to grow and we have met the demand by increasing our staff number to five and continuing to improve our services.”

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GazetteNews

WAKE UP LICHFIELD!

By Paul Oakley

I

’d like to draw to your attention to the plight of four buildings in the City that are quickly coming into the ‘use it or lose it’ category in my humble opinion.

Reading this article you may get the impression that there is some finger wagging or finger pointing going on. However, my intention isn’t in any way to apportion blame, just to point out a few home truths about dilapidated buildings that we might all be well aware of, or maybe we’re so used to we just don’t see any more There are no doubt some good people working in this City in either a private, corporate or council capacity who are trying their very best under increasingly difficult financial circumstances, or even political restraints. Nobody has a magic wand or a few million tucked away for key projects.….. Or have they?

The Old Art School

space for professional artists to display their work?

Alternatively maybe it could become a permanent home for the Lichfield & District Arts Society, who have yearned for somewhere since the closing of the Old Post Office site in Bird Street (now Ego restaurant)?

Ask anybody who is seemingly in the know about this building and there is shrug of the shoulders and a ‘don’t ask me’ response. Increasingly curious, I asked the County Council about it. Jamie MacDonald, Head of Strategic Property at Staffordshire County Council said: “Staffordshire County Council own the Friary Building which is currently occupied by the Public Library and Lichfield Record Office. The part of the building that formerly housed South Staffordshire College’s Arts Department is currently vacant.

“To the best of our knowledge there is no covenant stating that the building must be used for education purposes.

“Given that part of the building is unoccupied we are currently exploring different options for the site."

Sounds promising!

Davidson House The other Johnson House Ever noticed the attractive Regency building in Upper St John Street, now sadly boarded up? This early 19th century house was home to Thomas Johnson who was a well-respected local architect. It was at one time the South Staffordshire Regiment Museum (now at Whittington), and in more recent times home to a collective of professional artists in the City.

It is alleged that this building lost its car-park to development making it less of a commercial offering to possible investors, and hence has been left empty for at least six years. This is another project unlikely to see any prospect of renewal during the current recession, but could it be turned into dwellings maybe? Have you seen Muckley Corner recently?

Angel Croft Hotel

The Old Art School During a visit to Lichfield Library in The Friary my attention was drawn to the right-hand wing of the building that was originally used and known to all as ‘The Old Art School’. Sadly, the building looks abandoned and tired. There’s a pane of glass broken in one of the windows that it appears hasn’t been repaired or cleaned up in more than twelve months.

The sandstone façade is beginning to crumble and there is a feeling of neglect that contrasts increasingly with the well maintained half used by the library.

The running costs of The Friary building with its security issues, constant upkeep and housekeeping needs must come to an unimaginable sum of money.

You only have to think how much your own home takes to run and clean. This building is only a tiny part of the massive portfolio of property owned and managed by the County Council, which includes the £38m Staffordshire Place Council headquarters opened in Stafford in 2011, Shire Hall and of course Shugborough Hall (leased from The National Trust).

It has been alleged that the Old Art School building was left in the capable hands of the Council on the proviso that it was only ever used in the future as an educational establishment. Could the Old Art School be a permanent art gallery for the Lichfield Society of Artists who lost their own home some years ago? Or a Page 14 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The Feria - Hasn’t done Tapas in years A review on the Internet reads, “The Feria Atmosphere poor”. Well it would be, wouldn’t it. The review concludes, “Tapas Bar in the day, two floor dance venue by night - chill out area downstairs and dance floor upstairs. Two bars with regular drink offers.”

Situated at 3 Bore Street, this pub/bar was a popular venue in the 80’s and 90’s but lost its way and eventually closed around ten years ago. In that time I have never seen a ‘For Sale’ sign go up. My contacts have told me that some work to the kitchen area may have taken place in the intervening years, but there’s been no sign of life recently. Although commercially someone could perhaps breathe life into it once more, it remains mothballed and closed to the world. Others have alleged that it is internally unsound, but there is no evidence of that. Someone, somewhere is paying council tax, water rates and possibly rent and insurance I would hope.

We have written about this much loved building in The Gazette during the past twelve months (see piece

by John Gallagher in Feb 2013 edition) and I do not want to continue with that debate here, but we now understand that the interior is in as bad a state as the exterior. Much of the copper and lead both on the roof and internally has been stripped out by metal pirates and the front walls, railings and garden itself is slipping on to Beacon Street. This was a functioning hotel six years ago, applying for planning permission for a new lift, but without some much-needed TLC I can’t see that Angel Croft will be with us in the next couple of years.

Quite frankly all these buildings are running a real risk of disappearing if we don’t ‘wake up Lichfield!’

Paul The Gazette contacted Michael Fabricant MP for his comment on this story. He told us: "I once remember putting William Hague up at Angel Croft Hotel and he said he enjoyed his stay there. It is sad to see such fine buildings begin to deteriorate.

Each of them has their own particular histories and problems, let's hope new solutions are found in an effort to restore them."

SALON EXPANDS AND RELOCATES TO NEW PREMISES

Francesco Group in Lichfield has moved to new, larger premises in the Three Spires Shopping centre which is centred in the heart of the city. Now open at 1 Gresley Row, the salon has been enjoying their stunning new surroundings with a celebratory launch event.

The event was enjoyed by guests, including company directors, local business owners and clients, to toast the opening and offer their best wishes and good luck messages to owner, Alice Reeve and her team. The Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Mrs Janet Eagland, officially launched the salon and guests enjoyed a glass of bubbles and nibbles to celebrate.

The new salon now sees the franchise as the largest hairdressers in Lichfield. It has 14 new styling chairs and a team of 14 stylists and technicians working on the salon-floor.

The new look is contemporary in-style, with a relaxing atmosphere. The new space allows clients to move around the salon with ease and will give the potential space for the business to expand further in the future.

The Francesco Group is all about beautiful hair and fabulous customer service. To achieve an ultimate appointment the salon has to be stunning in surroundings so that clients can be given the best hairdressing experience possible.

Owner, Alice has been looking for some time for new premises that would be large enough to allow for salon expansion because the previous location was becoming too small to service the growing client base. With a bigger salon and bigger team she is in a great position to welcome clients old and new to the salon.

Lisa Prokopiou, Three Spires Centre Manager, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Francesco Group to Three Spires.

The salon is a fantastic addition to Gresley Row and we’re sure that the expansion of the salon will be hugely popular with our customers.”

Lisa Rushton, relationship manager at

Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses like Francesco Group are an asset to the local economy, bringing jobs to the area and providing a quality service to the community. Alice has worked hard to build and train a skilled team of hairdressers which now have the most up-to-date facilities to work with.”

The salon has had a fantastic business year, and would like to thank all of their existing clients for their support and also to welcome the new clients who have most recently joined them. They look forward to meeting many more during the year ahead.

Official opening by Councillor Janet Eagland Mayor of Lichfield

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GazetteNews

Sunday April 7th 2013.

The Bower Queen Selection Evening Lichfield Mercury Bower Queen 2013 Savannah Bennett

T

he Bystander was in the audience at Lichfield Golf & Country Club on Sunday April 7th for the Lichfield Mercury Bower Queen 2013 selection evening.

Due to ice and snow the evening had been moved forward from March, the first recorded time that this had occurred. Happily the evening of the 7th proved a mild one as the entrants walked down a catwalk and introduced themselves to the judges and audience.

All of the competitors were excellent (and there was some gorgeous dresses on show) but in the end Savannah Bennett won the coveted title of Lichfield Mercury Bower Queen 2013. Savannah lives in Lichfield and is a keen scuba diver and member of the Girl Guides.

She also enjoys running and jujitsu.

On her name being announced she was

presented with a coronet, sash, and bouquet.

Savvanah also won £1,000 worth of hair and beauty treatments courtesy of Obsession Salon & Spa, and Cure Boutique (Lichfield) provided a pair of Vivienne Westwood earrings.

The title of Deputy Bower Queen 2013 went to Charlotte Aspley whose friends and family had even made banners in support of her.

Charlotte was also presented with a coronet, sash and bouquet.

Both Queen and Deputy were greeted with great applause by the assembled audience.

The Bower Queen judging panel was made up of Leonie Barker (Humpty Dumpty Nursery) Karen Wharton (Obsessions Salon & Spa), John Martin (Lichfield Golf & Country Club) Rosie Smith (Bower Queen 2012), and Roy Deakin who has been involved with the Lichfield Bower for many years.

VIP guests included the Mayor Cllr Janet Eagland, Deputy Mayor Cllr Bob Awty, Sheriff of Lichfield Cllr Brian Bacon and many others.

During the evening the current Bower Queen Rosie Smith made a speech and described becoming the Bower Queen as: “One of the best things I have ever done”.

Savannah will be officially crowned on May 27th 2013.

Well done to all involved and congratulations to Savannah and Charlotte from all at the Lichfield Gazette.

The judges panel

Savannah Bennet and compere Lee Roberts VIP Guests.

Page 16 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Savannah Bennett, Sarina Jones & Jasmin Anslow

Page 17

See what’s new at Curborough Craft Centre. If you haven’t been down to this popular craft and antique centre for some time, you are in for a treat! The resurfaced car-park and pergola features outside are only a part of the story. There are plenty of new faces and plenty to see.

Eden Gallery - new start

Newly opened in the Hexagon Centre at Curborough is Eden Gallery, run by Chris Smith. Chris has many years experience in the art field having owned a successful gallery in Tamworth.

Eden Gallery specialises in framed fine arts, limited edition prints and a bespoke framing service.

Contemporary and traditional images to suit all tastes are on display in the gallery. As Fine Art Trade Guild members. Eden Gallery can provide a professional framing service to high standards and advice on all aspects of your art and framing requirements. Open Tuesday-Sun 10am - 5pm Telephone : 01543 268393 Lichfield Garden Centre A new name for an old favourite Now under new management, Lichfield Garden Centre (formerly Gscapes Plant Centre) stocks the widest range of plants in the area. Their Garden Club offers discounts and special offers to members and also runs a program of coach trips to gardening destinations throughout the country. They are also active on social media with their own Twitter and Facebook pages.

Garden Centre Manager Byron Lewis commented: “Gscapes Landscape Specisalists remain unaffected and are open for business as usual.”

Lichfield Falconry and Hawking Centre Newly Opened Run by Graham Rees of NBC, Lichfield Falconry and Hawking Centre will be open at Curborough Craft Centre from May Day weekend. Come and see

magnificent birds of prey, from owls to eagles. Hands on experiences available, hawk walks, owl handling, educational visits and much more.

Up & Running natural healing for pets “My name is Maria and I am on a very special journey that leads me into many people’s lives, helping them to understand themselves and work towards emotional and physical healing. The Hexagon Centre, Curborough - is the perfect place for me to welcome both animals and people to share that journey with me.

“I am very blessed with the ability of being able to understand the emotional upsets of dogs and horses and I am able to help them release their emotional upsets thereby helping them with behavioural challenges and/or on-going ailments and illnesses.

Sometimes animals reflect the emotions or ailments of the people within their lives so I work closely with both the owner and their pet.

“Find out more about me on my website www.lifeisliving.co.uk Get to know me by meeting me and experiencing who I truly am by calling 07967 841355 and having a cuppa and a chat.”

Essential Heallth - New to Curborough Sally Rosemary, formerly of Primrose Cottage Retreat, Whittington, has now relocated to the Hexagon Centre, Curborough. She is offering Holistic Counselling Sessions to help anyone suffering from stress. If you are worried about your health, your job, your relationships, your family's wellbeing, or where you are heading in your life, make an appointment to see Sally on 07711649175 for a 30 minute Maria Tucker and introductory session, for Sally Rosemary only £10 - valid until end May 2013.

She also offers a range of Health & Wellbeing Holistic Therapies including Reflexology, Precision Reiki, Flower Remedies and Iridology as well as

Body Contouring Treatments for Men & Women.

Further details can be found on her website: www.escentialhealth.co.uk.

Hair By Tilly – new salon Tilly has now opened a bright and stylish new salon on the ground floor of the Hexagon Centre at Curborough.

With over twenty y e a r s experience, Tilly is a fully qualified stylist who has worked at many of the areas major salons. She has a sizeable loyal core of ladies, which speaks volumes for the high esteem she is held in the hairdressing industry in Lichfield.

From Tilly’s new salon she provides a full service of treatments including cutting, colouring and styling.

She uses top products like Wella Koleston, Schwarzkopf Osix and Moroccanoil. A popular and friendly salon with ample free parking.

Hail by Tilly is open 5 days (closed Wed /Sun) Appointments 01543 256913 Studio Valentine – new studio It’s a new studio in the Hexagon Centre for artist Peter Valentine and his students. This is a great new place to get the creative juices flowing.

Peter has spent many years c r e a t i n g commissioned portraits for the people of Lichfield.

He is a prolific painter and his many originals are available to purchase. This is your opportunity to choose from a variety of subjects from Devon seascapes to canal water scenes.

If you are interested in the prospect of picking up a paintbrush and learning from a master, Studio Valentine are about to start new “Life Class Workshops” every Sunday from May. Ring Peter for details 07807 786371

Page 20 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cost Effective Advertising Advertise in the Lichfield Gazette and www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk and you will reach a potential 40,000 readers in and around Lichfield.

Tel: 01543 302748

Page 21

GazetteHeritage

A Bitter Taste

ag Herit

By Kate Gomez

A

s the nineteenth century drew to a close, brewing was the most important industry in Lichfield. The three main breweries - the Lichfield Brewery, the City Brewery and Oldham & Langworthy’s Old Brewery on Sandford Street - were some of the city’s largest employers. However, in November 1900, an advert for the Old Brewery appeared in the Lichfield Mercury. As well as emphasising that their ales were pure and brewed entirely from the finest quality malt and hops, the advert assured readers that there had not been one single case of illness amongst their brewery staff. Something in the industry was obviously amiss.

The same edition of the newspaper featured an article reporting on the latest developments in the spate of illness that had broken out in Manchester. In the previous six months, there had been a huge increase in cases of what doctors had originally thought to be alcoholic neuritis. Excessive drinking among the working classes had initially been blamed for the epidemic, despite many patients claiming to consume only moderate amounts of beer. When it became apparent that some patients were exhibiting additional symptoms not normally associated with alcoholic neuritis, alarm bells started to ring. If an excessive consumption of alcohol wasn’t to blame for the epidemic, then what was?

The only common factor amongst cases was beer. Dr Ernest Reynolds of the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the Manchester Workhouse Infirmary, suspected arsenic contamination and when samples from Manchester breweries were analysed, these suspicions were

a Herit

on llecti o C ge

Lichfield Brewery

Page 22 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

confirmed. Beer drinkers were being poisoned.

On publication of these findings in the British Medical Journal, it soon became apparent that the problem was more widespread than initially thought.

Doctors in towns and cities across the North and The Midlands realised that they too had been misdiagnosing patients.

The Manchester Beer Scare was no longer confined to Manchester and Dr Reynolds advised

ction e l l o eC Lichfield Brewery

a ge Herit

ctio Colle

n

Lichfield Brewery, St John Street

immediate recall and destruction of all their potentially dangerous beers.

They also took out their own advertisement featuring the certificate issued by Birmingham analyst Dr A Bostock-Hill confirming that samples of their recently brewed ales were ‘pure and arsenic free’. The Mercury came out in support of the brewery, commenting that the incident would only have a temporary effect and that ‘the commercial value, importance and position of the Lichfield Brewery Jasper Capper, Brewery Foreman is quite unshaken’. centre, front.

It seems they were right. Despite the poisoned beer episode, brewing the public to avoid drinking beer, continued at the Lichfield Brewery for another especially the cheaper varieties, ‘until the thirty years, until the company was taken over accidental impurity be removed’.

by Samuel Allsopp & Sons of Burton upon The following week, the Mercury Trent. Although many of the brewery buildings carried an advert for the Lichfield City have since been demolished, the red brick Brewery announcing that ‘THE BEERS office buildings with a plaque bearing the MADE BY THIS COMPANY HAVE NOT company’s name still stand near the railway BEEN CONDEMNED AND ARE bridge on Upper St John Street.

GUARANTEED TO BE ABSOLUTELY The Old Brewery, with their commitment to PURE’. Oldham and Langworthy at the ‘pure ale’, seemed to flourish after the beer Old Brewery not only doubled the size of scare. By October 1901, the company had their previous advert, but also offered invested three thousand pounds in updating one thousand pounds to anyone who and expanding their Sandford Street premises, could prove their assurances about the and were brewing five times a week. After purity of their ales to be false, inviting purchasing additional land and doubling the readers to inspect their Sandford Street size of their yard, they were able to increase premises at anytime during working their delivery fleet from two horses and one hours. float to five horses, four floats, two travellers However, some of the beers brewed by ponies and traps and a horse lorry! There was the Lichfield Brewery in Upper St John also an off-license at the premises, where it Street were found to contain arsenic. As was reported that people from all over the city at other affected breweries, the source of came to buy their beer. However by 1916, the contamination was traced to glucose owners Oldham & Langworthy had sold the supplied by Bostock & Co, a Liverpool business to the Dawes Bros. Shortly firm who had been producing the brewing afterwards, Davenports took ownership of the sugar using a process that utilised Old Brewery, using it as a distribution centre for sulphuric acid, creating glucose for their ‘Beer at Home’ delivery service, up until industrial use, rather than of a food grade the late 1970s. quality. The Lichfield Brewery ordered the

ag Herit

llec e Co

tion

GazetteHeritage The year 1916 would also mark a turning point for the City Brewery. In the early hours of an October morning, a fire broke out at their Birmingham Road premises. After raging for ten hours, the blaze destroyed all but the manager’s house, offices and part of the malthouse. These surviving buildings were taken over by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, with the malthouse operating as one of the country’s last remaining floor maltings until 2005. The building is currently being converted into apartments, which will hopefully retain some of the original features relating to the malthouse’s industrial past.

During the arsenic in beer scandal of 1900, there were an estimated six thousand cases of poisoning across the North and the Midlands.

It’s estimated that around seventy people died.

Here in Lichfield, ninety one cases of poisoning were reported. Dr Bostock-Hill described the Lichfield Brewery as ‘victims of circumstances’, but the city’s real victims were those who bought their beer, and ended up paying for it with their health.

Sources: Lichfield: Economic History, A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 14: Lichfield (1990) pp 109-131 The old pubs of Lichfield by John Shaw Death in the beer-glass: the Manchester arsenic-in-beer epidemic of 1900-1 and the longterm poisoning of beer by Matthew Copping The 1900 arsenic poisoning epidemic by Peter Dyer Lichfield Mercury archive – Accessed at Lichfield Record Office

a Herit

ollec ge C

tion

Draymen at Lichfield Brewery

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.

c

All photographs copyright of Lichfield Heritage Centre

Page 23

GazetteNews

Charles Darwin brought to life in museum talk On Thursday 2nd May at 6.30pm Erasmus Darwin House will be holding a talk entitled Charles Darwin at Down House: An ordinary Life for an Extraordinary Man. Charles Darwin spent forty years living and working at Down House. It was here that he spent nearly a decade studying barnacles, experimented Perisphinctes ammonite with plants in the gardens and bred pigeons to explore his theory of natural selection. He also raised a large family with his wife Emma. Curator of Down House, Annie KemkaranSmith, will explain how Charles' early life and influences, voyage around the world and his family life all played a part in his work.

Tickets are now available at the museum for £5 each. Booking is advised as spaces are limited. For more information please contact the office on 01543 306260 or enquiries@erasmusdarwin.org Erasmus Darwin House can be found on Beacon Street, Lichfield, WS13 7AD.

City People Competition Fancy winning a pair of tickets to see Educating Rita at the Lichfield Garrick on Tuesday 4th June at 7.30pm, plus a programme signed by the cast?

Just answer the following question.

Q. Willy Russell is one of our most loved playwrights, but where was he born?

A. Liverpool B. Poole C. Glasgow Just send your name, contact details and answer to Lichfield Gazette Educating Rita Competition. PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or to gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk One entry per household please. Duplicates will be disqualified.

Page 24 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

City People

Tom Roberts – Actor in Residence, The Lichfield Garrick Theatre

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

M

eeting Tom Roberts, Actor in Residence at the Garrick Theatre is rather like meeting an old friend in that his face in immediately familiar. Tom has been a professional actor for over 20 years, and his CV reads like a list of our most loved British TV drama series, including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Eastenders, Doctors, Waterloo Road, Hustle, Holby City, and 5 years as ‘Tony’ in 2 Point 4 Children, hailed by one critic as ‘one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time’.

Tom was born in Walsall and attended Queen Mary’s Grammar School before completing his degree in English and Drama at Liverpool University. Tom’s parents were both teachers, and for a while Tom followed in the family tradition by teaching at a comprehensive school in Toxteth.

Although he thoroughly enjoyed teaching, Tom’s first love remained performance, leading to a decision to leave Liverpool to take a post-grad course at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

This took him to London, and the greater opportunities that were available there for a new actor.

His first job was in a touring production of ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ where he played ‘James’ and ‘Toby’. This turned out to be a great opportunity as it earned him his Equity Card. After this Tom worked non-stop for two years in Musical Theatre, with parts in ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘Blood Bothers’ – a production that played in the West End for 12 months.

Tom commented: “Fiddler on the Roof was my big break as this was my first part in a proper theatre and Rep season, it got me noticed and got me an agent.”

This in turn led to TV and theatre parts in shows including The Bill, Boon and Soldier Soldier and a successful career that naturally followed on from these hugely popular shows.

When we met, Tom had recently finished filming an episode of Casualty where he plays a recalcitrant Prison Governor involved in a riot. He joked with me that he always seems to get cast as authority figures and this does seem to be the case with Detective Inspectors, Police Officers and doctors cropping up regularly on his resume.

“With TV you don’t get to extensively rehearse, you’re introduced to the director and the cameraman and then you’re on. During the filming of Casualty, when I was on set, 100 people dressed as riot police had to pelt down the corridor behind me. If you mess the line up they have to do it all again. That takes a lot of setting up so you need to get it right first time as much as possible!”

Tom is ‘Actor in Residence’ at The Garrick Theatre, where Lichfieldians will have seen him in many critically acclaimed Rep performances including ‘On Golden Pond’ alongside Stefanie Powers.

From May 31st to June 22nd The Garrick presents the hugely popular play ‘Educating Rita’.

This is one of Willy Russell’s most beloved plays,

exploring the relationship between Dr Frank Bryant, a world weary academic and Open University Lecturer (played by Tom), and Rita, the young, working class woman he has agreed to tutor. Their honest, challenging, hugely funny and moving conversations have held theatre goers spellbound for over 30 years. It is indeed quite a coup for The Garrick to have been given permission by the author to stage the play, as he is very careful about where and how often his work is performed.

‘Rita’ will be played by established actress Tupele Dorgu whose vivid portrayal of Coronation Street siren ‘Kelly Crabtree’ is still remember three years after she left the show.

Seven years ago Tom established the Garrick Rep School of Acting, providing learning and performance opportunities to young people from age 11 to 18 who are interested in stage and TV acting. More information on the School of Acting and Garrick Acting Summer Workshops are available at www.garrickrepcompany.com After many years living in London, Tom has returned to Walsall, where he has joined together with old friends to form blues band ‘Route 51’ (the number of the bus they used to catch as kids) who are building up a hugely loyal following. Tom also writes for the theatre review site www.behindthearras.com

TOM ROBERTS

A GREAT EVENT

L

You Can Bet On It!

adies, get your hats at the ready and start planning your outfits as Ladies Night is coming soon to Uttoxeter Racecourse. On Thursday 13th June Uttoxeter Racecourse will once again see thousands of Ladies arrive in style to the country racecourse, dressed to impress with fabulous outfits and of course extravagant hats.

It’s the perfect opportunity to gather a group of friends, family or colleagues together to get glammed up for a girlie night out.

As most of the Ladies will tell you it’s as much about the outfits as it is about the racing and there will be prizes on offer for Best Dressed Lady and Best Hat, so it's worth dusting off your high heels or perhaps splashing out on a new outfit to make sure you feel fabulous as you allow yourself an evening of indulgence sipping PIMM'S and celebrating with

champagne.

As well as all the thrill of the 7 races throughout the evening, there will be live music after racing which is sure to keep the party going long after the horses have gone home.

You can enjoy racing without having to gamble, but if you do fancy a flutter then don't be afraid to have a go. All of the horses in each race are listed in the racecard, with the colours of the jockeys' silks next to them. You can study the form, pick a name that means something to you or simply go for your favourite colour.

David MacDonald, Executive Director at Uttoxeter Racecourse said: "Ladies Night is always a big hit at Uttoxeter and the atmosphere is fantastic. The live music after racing is really popular and it's great to see everyone turn out in their best outfits, and although it's Ladies Night, of course the gents are more than welcome too!"

Visit www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk for further details. Prices from £9. Why not book our special Premier Pimms Package for only £35. With exclusive access to the Pimms Village, a Premier Admission ticket, Racecard & a £5 tote bet it’s great value for money. Call 01889 562561 or book online now at www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk.

Gates Open 4.00pm, First Race 6.00pm and last race 9.00pm.

WIN AN EXCLUSIVE ‘LADIES NIGHT’ HOSPITALITY PACKAGE FOR TWO, worth £280 Plus - Two runners up prizes 2 x Premier tickets to be won.

EXCLUSIVE LADIES NIGHT HOSPITALITY PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Shared competition table in final furlong marquee • Premier admission ticket • Glass of PIMM’S on arrival • Four course gourmet meal • All drinks included* • Raceday programme *All drinks inclusive - beer, wine house spirits and soft drinks. Drinks are served until half an hour after the last race.

Here is what you need to do to enter this Lichfield Gazette exclusive competition: Answer this question and fill in the details on the competition form provided.

Question: How many races will be held on Ladies Night?

Answer:.......................................................................................................

Name…………………………………………Tel. No………………………….

Address………………………………………………………………………….. ………………..................................................Postcode.............................

Email.....………………………………………………………………………….

Would like to receive offers from Uttoxeter Racecourse in the future Post to: Uttoxeter Racecourse Competition, Lichfield Gazette, PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Closing date: 20 May 2013. Good luck!

Email paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Page 25

GazetteFeature

Past, present and future

of the Lichfield Canal T

he lock chambers of the old Wyrley & Essington Canal (Ogley Locks Section alongside Tamworth Road in Lichfield) came to life 216 years ago as proclaimed in Aris’ Birmingham Gazette of 8th May 1797. Remarkably, King George III only gave Parliamentary Assent to extending the canal from Catshill (Brownhills) in 1794, but in three years, the 7mile canal, now identified as the Lichfield Canal, cut a meandering industrial transport corridor through open countryside, skirting south of Lichfield City to connect with the Coventry Canal near Whittington. The difference of 247 feet between top and bottom required 30 locks, spaced along its length, some grouped in flights according to the contours of the land. What a fantastic achievement without any modern machinery—even before the days of steam power!

Alas, the coming of steam railways and the development of road networks accelerated transportation, leaving the canals to gradually lose their toll income and fall into disuse. Winter weather also negatively impacted on the popularity of canals when boats held fast in ice could not deliver their loads in time. The death knell came in the British Transport Commission Act 1954, that effectively abandoned the Ogley Locks Section (and many others in the country), leading to their final closure in the late 1960s when many parts were in-filled or left to lie derelict.

View from Lock 25

L&H in Midlands

Skilled work

Post-war concern for heritage breathed new life into Britain’s waterways, and they became used for leisure with some 2,000 miles of canals now enjoyed by millions. Proposals for the M6 Toll which threatened severance of the Lichfield Canal were successfully countered when a Trust was formed to restore both it and the Hatherton Canal past Cannock.

The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust has campaigned tirelessly to re-open both canals, with volunteer groups giving their time and expertise to undertake physical work where possible and fundraising for contractors to do complex tasks. The section between Locks 25 and 26 was returned to water in 2011 with work now progressing on the next section. Last year, massive diversion works around the A38 started in Darnford Park as the first phase to reconnect Lichfield to the national waterway network at Huddlesford Junction. Meanwhile, plans are in hand to form a Heritage Towpath Trail along much of the route.

As a unique cultural fund-raising event, the Trust has engaged the Morriston Orpheus Choir to perform in Lichfield Cathedral on 4th May. Tickets and details of other events are available on the website www.lhcrt.org.uk, or by phone on 01543 671427.

Page 26 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Excavation in Darnford Park

Aris's Birmingham Gazette 1797

Two Local Lichfield Businesses ........... announce an exciting new partnership offering a high quality bespoke funeral package.

J

Howell & Daughters Ltd, Funeral Directors and Flower Design By Kate Ltd are delighted to be offering a package that will provide customers with a one stop service to take the stress out of organising a funeral.

The two highly respected local businesses have partnered to ensure a second -to-none service can be offered at what is a very difficult time.

This service is being fronted by three Lichfield people who are proud to have been born and bred in the City. Kate Miller, Jonathan Howell and Lily Semple are all well known within the City and are absolutely aware of the importance of their respective businesses within the community.

Kate comments: “We want to provide this service to all of Lichfield. The partnership leverages the synergy of two vibrant locally operated businesses solely focused on providing a hassle free top quality service.”

Jonathan adds: “Our link up will utilise all of my years of undertaking experience and complement Kate and Lily's fantastic floristry skill. Contact us and we will arrange absolutely everything in a sensitive manner at extremely affordable prices. Our combined expertise will ensure that we can always come up with a package to reflect your budget and requirements.”

Lily sums up this special new service succinctly adding:”We all want to make such a sad occasion as special, memorable and personal as possible.”

Please contact Jonathan on 01543 255776 to arrange a free personal consultation where, in one visit, we can make all the arrangements for you.

Page 27

GazetteNews

Open Door Event

Lichfield Cathedral On June 4th, 7th, 10th and 14th 2013 Lichfield Cathedral will be hosting ‘Open Door’ events that invite primary school children to come and spend a day at the cathedral. These events have been running since 1978 and are just as popular now as they were then.

During each day the children take part in a number of fun activities and workshops as well as join in a service and get to The interior of know children from other Lichfield cathedral schools.

Open Door events usually see at least 200 children take part who get the opportunity to experience the wonder of this beautiful building and its treasures including the Lichfield Angel, Gospel and stained glass, organ and bells etc.

The Open Door project is always looking for volunteers to help run the workshops and day. Those interested should contact Glenis Washburn on 01538 754846 or Andrew Howard at andrew.howardatstjohnscommunitychurch.org.uk for further details.

New Book Publication Wyrley & Essington Canal

Through Time

T

he Wyrley & Essington Canal began as an independent waterway, carrying coal from Essington and Wyrley Bank to Wolverhampton. It was a popular route, in high competition with the mines at Bilston, Coseley and Tipton, which were served by Birmingham Canal Navigations.

In 1792 and ’94 the canal was extended, creating routes to a number of new areas – five locks were used for a branch canal to Essington ‘New’ Colliery, the highest point on the Wyrley & Essington Canal.

Although useful in supplying water to adjacent navigations, trade on the Wyrley & Essington Canal failed to achieve its full potential, which led to closures along the canal throughout the period. Despite this, trade improved in 1840 when the waterway merged with Birmingham Canal Navigations. In this illustrated book, author Ray Shill details the development of the Wyrley & Essington Canal and delves into its fascinating history.

The author Ray Shill has been researching and writing about transport and industry in the West Midlands and elsewhere since 1980 and has produced various books and articles on the subject. These include works on canals, Birmingham industries and South Staffordshire ironmasters.

Ray lives in Birmingham, and this is his second publication by Amberley Publishing, the first being West Midland Canals Through Time: Severn, Avon and Birmingham.

St Giles Hospice Annual

‘Bed Push’ C heering crowds lined the streets of Lichfield to support the teams taking part in St Giles Hospice's 30th anniversary bed push on Friday 12th

April.

Twenty teams (made up of staff from St Giles and local businesses) each took on a leg of the journey, pushing a bed from the hospice in Fisherwick Road, Whittington into the centre of Lichfield and back again.

Many of the teams donned fancy dress for the fundraising event, which was held to coincide with the day of the hospice's 30th anniversary.

St Giles Hospice's next anniversary fundraising event is the Solstice Walk, which takes place in Lichfield on Saturday 22nd June.

The Solstice Walk is the charity's biggest single fundraising event and has raised more than £500,000 for hospice care since it was established in 2007.

This year's walk will see St Giles aim to break the world record for the largest number of people dressed as fairies in one place - the current record stands at 786.

The 2013 Solstice Walk is sponsored by Florette and will see women from across the region gather together to complete either one Page 28 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

St Giles Hospice Group Chief Executive Peter Holliday, centre, with hospice staff before the bed push.

or two 4.5 mile laps of Lichfield's streets from 10pm.

Entry is £15 per walker, and participants are also encouraged to raise extra funds for St Giles Hospice through sponsorship. Although the event is open only to women aged 16 and over, men are welcome to join in the fun by volunteering as stewards.

St Giles Hospice was established at the former vicarage of St Giles Church in Whittington after the then vicar, the Reverend Paul Brothwell, became concerned about the quality of care available in local hospitals to

patients with terminal illnesses.

The hospice opened its doors for the first time on 12th April 1983 with nine in-patient beds and two community nurses, and cared for 167 patients during its first year.

Today, in a typical week, St Giles provides its wide range of specialist caring services for 500 local people at its three centres in Whittington, Sutton Coldfield and Walsall and in patients' own homes across a wide area of the Midlands.

In 2012, the hospice cared for almost 4,000 patients.

Lichfield ladies fly high in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust Five brave women from the Lichfield Ladies Circle recently took to the skies over Lincolnshire and took a giant leap of faith to raise money for a cause being supported by local teenage cancer sufferer Stephen Sutton.

The ladies braved the cold and completed tandem skydives at Skydive Hibaldstow, dropping from 15,000 feet and raising £5,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Lichfield Ladies Circle has been closely following the efforts of Burntwood teenager Stephen Sutton, who is currently living with incurable cancer, in his bid to raise £50,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Julie Manser, one of the brave ladies to take part in the jump said: “This has been one of, if not the most thrilling experience of my life, an absolutely magnificent adrenalin rush! What an amazing experience and all of the girls loved doing it for such a worthwhile cause.”

Julie Manser

New Partner at

Ansons

M

artin de Ridder has been promoted to partner of Ansons Solicitors, and heads the dispute resolution and employment department at Ansons in Cannock and Lichfield.

HS2 - tax advice for property and landowners...

Following the government’s release of the proposed route for HS2, Dains are advising affected landowners on how to maximise potential compensation payments.

Property and landowners affected by the impending high speed rail link (HS2) should plan ahead in order to secure compensation, particularly given the various Phil Pelligrini tax charges that can be levied on such payments.

There are various types of payment that can be made. Firstly, a compulsory purchase order (CPO) can be served whereby a market value payment is made in return for the compulsory acquisition of land.

However, if your property or land is not subject to a CPO, you may still be entitled to make a claim for compensation if your property is affected by HS2.

This can be due to noise, building disruption or blight on the landscape.

The tax consequences of the receipt of payment under a CPO or under compensation are complex. However, there are a number of specific reliefs available and, with careful planning, it is possible to structure your affairs in such a way that any relief is maximised.

Many compensation packages are made up of several different components, all of which are taxed differently and it is therefore vital that the appropriate advice is sought.

Another key factor here is land valuation. It is important for landowners to realise the maximum value of their land in order to benefit from any CPO or compensation payment.

If you would like to discuss how HS2 affects you, please contact Phil Pellegrini on freephone 0800 298 3899.

Martin de Ridder

Since joining in 2004 as a newly qualified solicitor, Martin has moved up through the Ranks, advising a range of business and private individuals both in the local area and beyond. Martin specialises in intellectual property and shareholder disputes, and has recently launched an employment law retainer service for SMEs in Staffordshire. He has previously been recognised in the Legal 500 Directory as one of the leading disputeresolution lawyers in the West Midlands.

Martin was educated locally at Cardinal Griffin School in Cannock and has always lived in Rugeley where he is the Secretary of Rugeley Rugby Club and Rugeley Open Spaces Association.

Senior Partner Simon James said: “I am delighted with Martin’s appointment to the partnership which recognises the outstanding contribution he has made to the firm and his commitment to excellence and sound commercial skills.”

Page 29

GazetteNews

Karting Day

O

in aid of Air Ambulance Life Savers

n Saturday 8th June Midland Karting is inviting the people of Staffordshire to roll up to help raise funds for Midland Air Ambulance, and have a lot of high octane fun at the same time!

Midland Karting is an open air karting centre in Fradley Park, just a few miles from Lichfield.

On the 8th they will be running three endurance karting events, where ten teams of up to six people will race to achieve the fastest times and win medals and trophies presented on the Champion’s Podium.

Races start at 10.30, 1.30 and 4.30 and last for three hours, with each team member racing for as long as they wish before handing on the challenge to their team mates. Entry fees are £125 per team (plus £25 deposit).

The Midlands Air Ambulance is the only Charity responsible for funding and operating three Air Ambulances serving the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. Any funds raised on the 8th June will go directly to help the Staffordshire crews of Midlands Air Ambulance.

Since 1991, the Charity has responded to more than 38,000 missions averaging 3,000 per year or nearly ten each day. If a patient reaches hospital within 60 minutes of injury (referred to as the ‘Golden Hour’) their chances

Page 30 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

of survival are dramatically increased. That is why the rapid response of the Midlands Air Ambulance is so vital in an emergency situation.

The importance of this rapid response is illustrated by the story of Helen Turner from Burntwood in Cannock, who was in the final stages of her pregnancy when she fell ill at home. Suffering from severe breathing difficulties, the alarm was raised and ambulance crews rushed to her assistance.

The Staffordshire based Midlands Air Ambulance was also scrambled from its base at Tatenhill Airfield near Burton on Trent.

The health of Helen was giving serious cause for concern as Paramedics made attempts to stabilise her condition, before the decision was taken to airlift Helen to the nearby New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

The situation took a dramatic turn for the worse during the final stages of the helicopter journey, when Helen stopped breathing and flight Paramedics needed to start resuscitation procedures as they rushed her from the helipad to the emergency suite.

Thankfully, Helen responded successfully to further treatment and has since fully recovered.

Recently she visited the Cosford base of Midlands Air Ambulance to meet the medics who helped save her life. Helen also brought

Garry Mitchell, Midland Karting & Jo Bailey, Midlands Air Ambulance. along Alexandria who is now eight weeks old and suffered no ill effects from the dramatic events.

To ensure that these life saving air ambulances keep flying, Midland Karting is asking teams of friends, family or colleagues to enter the Midlands Air Ambulance Karting Event.

For more details go to www.midlandkarting.co.uk or contact them direct on 01543 418419.

There will also be a silent auction running both on the day and via the website from 1st May 2013. Go to www.midlandkarting.co.uk to leave your bid on some fabulous prizes!

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

You'd Be Mad as a Hatter to Miss Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House

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he culinary capability of the team at Lichfield's premier fine dining establishment Netherstowe House, gets curiouser and curiouser. After serving the most popular afternoon tea in the region for the last three years, the award-winning hotel and restaurant is offering a luxurious alternative tea this summer for those willing to mix the traditional with the truly intriguing.

Guests are encouraged to step into a whimsical Wonderland when enjoying the all new Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea. The menu features some of Netherstowe House's most fantastical creations including Rainbow Cupcakes and Queen of Hearts Jam Tarts. But if sweet treats like these are not enough to leave you grinning like a Cheshire Cat, this fairytale tea also includes delicate sandwiches, homemade scone, Devonshire clotted cream and seasonal preserve.

Places are limited for the Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea, which is priced at £24.95 per person, or, for those who can't resist 'Drink Me' Veuve Clicquot champagne, you can enjoy a glass with the Celebration Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea for an additional £10.50 per person. Reservations must be made at least four days in advance and service takes place 1:00pm 5:00pm (Monday – Saturday) and 3:00pm - 5:00pm (Sunday) when guests are politely requested not to be late for their very important date.

To experience the same dreamy high tea at home, why not join one of Netherstowe House's legendary Cupcake Classes? Running throughout 2013, this is the cake-lover's opportunity to learn the secrets of perfect cupcakes that will wow family and friends. At the hands of Netherstowe House’s professional cake maker, the complete novice through to the experienced enthusiast will have fun learning essential skills, using simple cake decorating tools. For full info and class dates see: www.netherstowehouse.com Originally built in 1180, Netherstowe House is a retreat like no other offering affordable luxury to Lichfield locals and visitors alike. Just over a mile from Lichfield city centre, it has quickly acquired a reputation for delightful interiors, superb cuisine and exceptional customer service.

Netherstowe House is the only establishment in Staffordshire to be listed by The Good Hotel Guide 2012. It has received awards in both 'Restaurant of the Year' and 'Outstanding Service' categories at Taste of Staffordshire's Good Food Awards.

To reserve places at your very own Mad Hatter's Tea Party, just call one of the friendly hospitality team on 01543 254270.

For more information, visit www.netherstowehouse.com Page 31

Debenhams

team get community garden blooming.

The team from Debenhams Lichfield took a day out from the new store preparation recently to take part in a community team building day.

The group of 13 colleagues spent a day at Houlbrooke House sheltered accommodation where they gave the garden a colourful makeover, just in time for spring.

The group tidied, planted, made new pots and even donated a new bird feeding table for the residents. In addition, store manager, Sam Zeen, has invited residents to a coffee morning in the store’s restaurant once it is open.

Julie Walker, Head of Neighbourhoods at Bromford, said: “Bromford is committed to helping people be the best they can be and a key part of this is connecting our customers to local employers and job opportunities. The new Debenhams store is fantastic for Lichfield and the surrounding area and as a key community stakeholder in Lichfield we really appreciated the chance to work with them and aim to build a long lasting partnership for the future.”

Competition The Lichfield Gazette has teamed up with Debenhams to celebrate the new store opening by giving away two shopping sprees worth £75 each.

Based in the heart of Lichfield city centre at the Three Spires Shopping Centre, the store will be spread over three floors. The prize can be chosen from any of the store’s departments which include a sparkling cosmetics and fragrance hall, homewear, womenswear, menswear, lingerie, accessories and children’s wear.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question: Which shopping centre is the new Debenhams store in?

A Two Spires Shopping Centre B Three Spires Shopping Centre C Four Spires Shopping Centre Page 32 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Debenhams Store Manager Sam Zeen

Meet the store manager Sam Zeen How long have you worked for Debenhams?

I’ve worked for Debenhams for 18 years and loved every minute.

Before Lichfield I worked at a number of stores including Nuneaton and Coventry.

What do you love about Lichfield?

I love the community spirit and the fact that everybody is so welcoming and passionate about shopping.

People seem genuinely excited about the new store opening which is lovely and gets me excited too.

What will Debenhams offer the Lichfield shopping experience?

It will be the only department store in the city with a great cosmetics hall and the chance to get designer brands at high street prices.

What is your proudest achievement in business?

I would say it was being appointed Lichfield store manager. In your career you don’t get to open many brand new stores so I feel very privileged to be in the position I’m in.

What items do you always have with you?

Lipstick, mobile phone and a cup of coffee!

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GazetteFeature

Portrait Mystery of Swinfen Hall

Paul Oakley investigates.

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painting known to have hung at Swinfen Hall entitled ‘Portrait of lady in black dress holding a fan’ was last sold to a buyer in Ireland from Bonham’s Auction rooms in Knowle, Solihull (formerly Phillips) on 29 June 2004.

It was described as oil on canvas 55 x 43 inches and signed Samuel Lane 1860. However, Lane died in 1859 and the painting, attributed to artist Samuel West, sold for £869.

The mystery is that no-one knows the current whereabouts of the painting today.

Local historian and author Howard Clayton and his co-author Kathleen Symmonds made a millennium pact to find the missing painting. Howard Clayton wrote an intriguing book entitled ‘The Great Swinfen Case’ about Patience Swinfen and how she came to national prominence in the 1850s.

The last of the family to live at Swinfen Hall, was Colonel Michael Swinfen Broun who died in 1948 leaving the proceeds of the estate to the Cathedral and city of Lichfield.

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Swinfen Hall Hotel today

From auction catalogue

The surrounding land was subsequently sold and the Manor House stood empty for over thirty years.

I spoke to Helen Wiser, who bought the hall in 1989 with her husband and created Swinfen Hall Hotel. She told me that the original sale of the painting was in 1948 when a servant at Swinfen Hall was bequeathed the painting, but she sold it by auction because she thought it too big for any wall in her house.

Celebrated Kings Lynn artist Samuel Lane was a full member of the Royal Academy and his works include the most famous portrait of

Horacio Nelson. Other works were predominately of the rich and famous of his day including William IV, George III and Queen Caroline (who Queen Street is named after) and Thomas Telford as well as countless Dukes and Earls.

But why is the painting signed by one artist but believed to be the work of another? I can only assume Lane started the portrait and died before it was completed, and West finished it and magnanimously signed it ‘Samuel Lane 1860.’

Patience Swinfen’s portrait once graced the wall in the entrance lobby of Swinfen Hall. But today only a mystery hangs there. The

mystery remains of this portrait of the intriguing widow who once inherited Swinfen Hall in bizarre circumstances when her husband Charles predeceased his father by two weeks thus leaving the estate to her.

An early no win, no fee landmark Patience was both a beautiful and formidable lady born into a working class family in a village in Wales. She went to London to be a maid along with her younger sister in a house were she met and fell in love with the young master Charles Swinfen. They were married and spent more than ten years traveling the world until his father Samuel Swinfen became ill and they moved into Swinfen Hall to look after him.

The Swynfen (or Swinfen as it later became known) Will Case was one of the first notable instances of a no win, no fee claim in British legal history.

The case arose after Samuel Swinfen (a very wealthy man) died in 1854. In his will he left £60,000 (equivalent to around £5 million in today’s money) to Patience Swinfen, his widowed daughter-inlaw. The dispute centered on the issue of another substantial estate that had not been bequeathed to anyone in the terms of Swinfen’s will, with both Patience and Samuel Swinfen’s nephew, F.H Swynfen, each claiming it as theirs.

Since the two both made full claims on the estate, a mediated settlement proved impossible. As a result, litigation followed. Both claimants sought the very best lawyers available. Sir Alexander Cockburn was recruited to represent F.H Swynfen, while Patience chose to employ Sir Frederick Thesiger to argue on her account.

Further problems arose when Thesiger, against Patience’s instructions, negotiated an out-ofcourt settlement with the nephew’s lawyer. Infuriated by this, Patience terminated Thesiger’s employ and immediately set about organising a new trial.

In a move that confounded many legal minds of the time, Patience then instructed a virtually unheard of lawyer called Charles Rann Kennedy to represent her on a no win, no fee basis. She assured him

that if he were successful in arguing her interests, she would pay him £20,000 (around £1.5 million in today’s money). By this stage the case had gained a very high media profile, and in a surprise to many, Kennedy succeeded in winning his client’s claim. So extraordinary was the case that the City of Lichfield held a homecoming in the marketplace for Patience, their newfound celebrity.

In his book Howard Clayton suggests more than a client/solicitor relationship had existed between Patience and Kennedy, but it would appear all was not as it seemed as the liaison soured some time later.

Either way he was already married with four children.

Clearly not as virtuous as her name would suggest, Patience then reneged on her promise and told Kennedy that she would not be paying him a penny.

Understandably furious, Kennedy then sued Patience for breach-ofpromise, won, but then had his success overturned in the appeal courts.

At this point, Patience, buoyed by her success and feeling invincible in the courts, decided to sue her original lawyer for professional misconduct, but for once met with an unsuccessful outcome.

Conclusion With regards to the painting, I have spoken to Sotherby’s and Adams Auction Rooms in Dublin who cannot for obvious reason disclose its whereabouts and also the National Portrait Gallery of Ireland, and Crawfords Gallery in Cork who are not aware of the painting. It would be nice to think this artwork isn’t just hanging in some hallway, with the owners unaware of its past and maybe it was bought and taken to Ireland for some reason. If any of Lichfield Gazette’s readers know, or can suggest how we can reunite Patience Swinfen’s portrait with its history we are open to suggestions.

Thanks to Helen Wiser of Swinfen Hall Hotel and to author and publisher Kathleen Symmonds for their help in compiling this article.

Source: The Great Swinfen Case by Howard Clayton.

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The Road to Recovery The First Step

Charity Walk Celebration on Sunday 9 June 2013

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sponsored walk in aid of the ‘Support Our Soldiers’ (SOS) charity will be taking place on Sun 9 June. The starting point for walkers is the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham at 08.00am and after 26 miles and some 8 hours later it will end at Whittington.

To welcome the fund raising walkers there will be a celebration event at the Sports Pavilion at Whittington (near to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum) from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. This promises to be a great afternoon of entertainment for all the family. There will be a Pig Roast, Bar, Refreshments, Brass Band, Clown, Tombola plus many more attractions for all age groups and better yet – it will be free entry for all with a large free car park!

Commanding Officer Lt Col Ian Harper explained that the Defence Medical Services (Joint Forces Command, Whittington) is a newly formed unit made up of medical personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. As a new unit they do not have the privilege of resources associated with a larger and more mature unit so they find themselves with a paucity of welfare facilities for personnel and patients. He went on to say: “The Unit has been the very fortunate benefactor from kind and generous donations from Service orientated charities like SOS, Troop Aide, SSAFA and the Veterans Charity who have helped with items like board games, televisions and a small selection of white goods and garden furniture. There is a welfare flat which has been frequently used by Service personnel returned to the UK from overseas locations (Brunei and Asia minor for example) and the facility provide welcome relief, even though modestly stocked.”

With only a small fund to provide treats (a pizza night or a trip to the cinema) to lessen the burden for service personnel receiving treatment at Whittington, he is nonetheless hoping to develop a multi-purpose welfare, cyber café, health visitor, rehab patient recreation and welfare/community centre: “This has received very generous support from SOS but could use a little more to further expand its services to our community.”

The sponsored walk and celebration event are being organised by David and Pat Woodward from Riverside, Tamworth. All proceeds of this charity fund raising event and sponsored walk are donated to supporting injured service men and women. No administrative costs are deducted.

If you want to get involved in the sponsored walk or obtain a sponsorship form you can get in touch with David and Patricia on 01827 60012. They would also be delighted to receive items from individuals or companies who would like to help improve the facilities for wounded Service personnel at the Defence Medical Services Unit at Whittington.

Map Point *1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 **9 10 11 12 13 Finish

Starting Point: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Priory Road, Edgbaston Smallbrook Island, Holloway Head Great Charles Street Snowhill Interchange Island Aston Cross ‘Clock Island’ Gravelly Hill Interchange Erdington High Street Island Sutton Coldfield Parade Island Mere Green Village Island Canwell Estate Mile Oak – A5 traffic lights Sainsbury’s Island Whittington – Via Fox Inn Hopwas

Start Time: 08.00 09.00 10.00 10.20 10.40 11.20 11.40 12.20 13.00 13.40 14.20 15.20 15.40 16.20

Gardening Column with Byron Lewis from Lichfield Garden Centre Welcome to the first of my Gardening Columns as owner of my own Garden Centre! As you may have read in last month’s Gazette, Lichfield Garden Centre is now open for business, but what a season us gardeners have had so far. As I write this, the weather is still far from normal but there is still plenty of time for a long hot summer….lets hope!

There are still lots of gardening tasks that can be done when we get a decent fine day. Most of you are only now seeing bulbs come into flower – enjoy the colour but don’t be in too much of a rush to dig them out and make space for summer flowers. Instead, simply remove the dead heads and allow the plants to die back naturally. As the stems go brown, the bulb stores food ready for next year. It’s also worth giving all your bulbs a feed now – a handful of Bonemeal around your clumps of bulbs will help to bulk them up, giving an even better show next spring.

Tidy up, cut back and weed borders after the long winter we’ve had – apply fertiliser around shrubs and especially on established plants. Lots of people forget that older plants need food too. Use a liquid food which is faster acting – this will help the older plants thrive!

Your lawn is probably ready for a cut (if you’ve not already done it!) – Once cut, you can apply a weed and feed product to improve the grass. If you’ve got a moss problem, apply a specific Mosskiller product. This is stronger than the combined weed and feed product, so is more likely to be successful.

Once applied, the iron content in the Mosskiller will work quickly – you can then rake out the dead moss a couple of weeks later.

It’s also worth trying to improve the drainage in your lawn by aerating it – using a garden fork and putting lots of holes in it. Then fill in the holes with some sand, which will absorb any excess moisture and hopefully reduce future moss problems.

Finally start looking to plant your hanging baskets and pots up with summer colour, but don’t be tempted to put them outside just yet, as they may suffer with cold winds or frost – they can safely be put outside towards the end of the month. The garden centre will be full of colourful patio plants so you’ll have a riot of colour this summer!

Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre at Curborough Craft Centre, Watery Lane, Lichfield. Tel : 01543 254306 or visit www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk.

Miles Walking Time 3 3 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 3 1 2

1 hour 1 hour 20 mins 20 mins 40 mins 20 mins 40 mins 40 mins 40 mins 40 mins 1 hour 20 mins 40 mins

* No. 1 walker starts at map Point 1. Completes ‘Full Walk’ (approx. 26 miles) in 8 hours ** No. 2 walker starts at Map Point 9. Completes ‘Part Walk’ (approx. 10 miles) in 3 hours 20 mins Page 39

GazetteNews

Norman retires at 90

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orman Barber from Hill Ridware was 65 when he started work at the Tudor of Lichfield. Most of us would have embarked on a well-deserved retirement, but Norman looked for a ‘little job’ for a few afternoons a week, and went on to do a further 24 years!

Norman started at the Tudor of Lichfield as their maintenance engineer, working on the machinery, electrics, plumbing, and heating etc for the Tudor Tearooms, the Tudor Row complex of retail shops, the Tudor Bakehouse and a chocolate factory in Alrewas.

Many colleagues and friends joined to toast him and wish him well at the end of his final day’s work. He was presented with an engraved silver framed watercolour of the Tudor’s lovely frontage, handyman cufflinks and a glass decanter.

Tudor director Adam Burns-Mace said: “It is a bitter-sweet day to see Norman leaving us, he has kept the cogs and wheels of our business turning and we will be eternally grateful!”

At 90 years of age Norman has decided to ‘up sticks’ and move closer to his two daughters in Tunbridge, Kent and pursue his passion for steam trains. Previously a chief engineer for an air conditioning company, Norman was born in 1923 in London’s Euston Fire Station where his father was a fireman.

Note to the ‘King of Rock & Roll’ up for auction A unique piece of rock & roll memorabilia will be offered in Richard Winterton’s Fine Arts Auction in Lichfield on 9th May. The pre-sale estimate is £500-600 for this crayon portrait of Elvis Presley. It is owned by a Sutton Coldfield lady who is a lifelong fan of ‘The King’ and drew the portrait in 1967, then deciding to send it to Elvis in Memphis.

She wrote on the portrait: ‘To Elvis, I hope you like it, I do. Good luck in whatever you do in the future. I will be your fan always.

Hurry and come to England. Best wishes Barbara, aged 15 years.’

On the front is an arrow through a heart and the words ‘Golden Boy Elvis’. Upon receipt of the portrait Elvis was clearly impressed as he signed it: ‘Best Wishes, Elvis Presley’ and sent it back to the delighted Barbara in a Memphis headed envelope. Her joy on discovering this prized document on her doormat back in 1967 can only be imagined!

Stop Press!

We’d like to offer our congratulations to Councillor Bob Awty (Deputy Mayor of Lichfield) at the announcement that Mr Awty will be the new Mayor of Lichfield. He takes over from the incumbent Mayor Mrs Janet Eagland, who has done such sterling work during her time in office.

Mr Awty will be officially appointed on 13th May 2013.

Gadget Show competition winners Congratulations to Anne Anderson of Sunbury Avenue, Lichfield, Janet Bundy of Spearhill, Lichfield, Geoff Lakin of Lime Grove, Lichfield, Darren Hanson of Forrester Close, Fradley and Helen Board who all won a pair of tickets to see The Gadget Show Live at the NEC. We hope that you all had a great day.

Lichfield Cathedral School welcomes new Headmaster

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upils and staff at Lichfield Cathedral School are delighted to welcome Mr David Corran as their new Headmaster.

Mr Corran joins the school from St Edward’s School, Oxford where he taught Modern Foreign Languages and was a senior House Master. A graduate of Christchurch College, Oxford, his earliest teaching experience was in Zimbabwe before joining Radley College as a teacher of French and Spanish. David is a keen sportsman with squash, hockey, golf, rugby and cricket being real enthusiasms. Musically he is an accomplished flute player and used to sing in his Chapel Choir.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a vibrant school and Cathedral community and everyone has been Page 40 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

extremely welcoming,” said David Corran. “My wife, Florence, and my two daughters are equally excited to explore the rich cultural heritage of Lichfield.”

“The Cathedral School continues to flourish and grow in a challenging economic environment, which is testament to the school’s commitment to high quality teaching, small class sizes and a broad curriculum.”

When asked why he wanted to become Head, Mr Corran replied: “As a convinced and practising Anglican, I feel very drawn to the School’s unique ethos and place. The combination of focus on absolute excellence in teaching and learning in a purposeful environment where Christian values are embedded in everything from policy making to charitable fundraising, is inspirational.”

David Corran, new Headmaster of Lichfield Cathedral School, and his wife, Florence

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GazetteTamworth Street 6 page Feature

Incomparable Tamworth Street

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amworth Street is one of the most precious shopping streets in Lichfield. Running into the town from the east, it is like a long string of diamonds, each shop an independent gem – all offering something different.

In years gone by Tamworth Street lead up to the wholesale market at Smithfields (where Tesco is now).

The Street had many pubs to entice the folk who frequented the market, or the thirsty farmers who had come up to town, sold their cattle and had some cash in their pockets.

This feature represents some of the great selection of trades and retailers in Tamworth Street - all with something to entice you. Local retailers and services are vital to the prosperity of our city, please make sure they don’t disappear!

standard of customer service.

Funeral tributes are made with great attention to detail, and the whole process of choosing floral arrangements during this difficult time is completed with empathy and professionalism.

For birthdays, anniversaries, thank you gifts or just ‘because’, Heaven Scent create the most stunning bouquets and arrangements for every occasion. At the moment there is 25% off Bridal Bouquets if you book your wedding flowers with Heaven Scent at 20 Tamworth Street, during June and July. Heaven Scent offers a bespoke, stylish design service, whatever your wedding size.

The Gallery at Framework

And now for something completely different!

Paraphernalia is an Aladdin’s cave on two floors with some surprising treasures that include solid hardwood furniture for every room - dining sets, bedroom furniture, TV units, coffee tables, sideboards, much more. There’s a huge range of Indian Sheesham furniture, plus chunky rustic pine, white shabby chic, teak root outdoor furniture and just in; light mango furniture.

Add to that Paraphernalia’s exceptional choice of gifts for the home: wooden boxes, animal carvings (owls are very big this year!), colourful mosaic bowls, heart photo frames, big wall clocks and message plaques, lanterns, flower lights, mosaic egg lamps, striking floor standing lamps and much more.

There’s free local delivery too – so why not call in and be amazed at what’s available at Paraphernalia.

Mooch Kids

Mooch Kids celebrate our Fourth Birthday and our First Anniversary on Tamworth Street.

As a thank you to all our lovely customers we are offering twenty lucky readers a chance to receive 20% off your next purchase from our new summer ranges.

All you have to do is like our facebook page www.facebook.com/moochkids.

Just mention facebook and we will be able to tell you if you are one of the lucky ones to receive your discount.

Good luck

Heaven Scent

Right in the heart of Lichfield, Heaven Scent is a florist with great expertise in creating all kinds of floral displays, presentations and tributes plus bouquets that are always received with delight. The blooms used are of the highest quality and each arrangement is put together with real design flare, complemented by the highest Page 42 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Framework has been bringing art in many mediums to Lichfield for over 25 years. Why not take a look around the Gallery to see original paintings, prints and sculptures in styles ranging from contemporary to traditional? Currently showing is the new collection of originals by Roz Bell and Kenny Darlington plus Doug Hydes latest limited editions and a remarkable collection of bronzes by Richard Cooper.

A first class framing service is also available. See Frameworks’ websites for further details (as shown in the advertisement with this feature). Why not view their fabulous collections for yourself at 13 Tamworth Street, Lichfield?

Pizza by Goli

On June 16th, why not treat your Dad to an Italian Father’s Day experience at Pizza by Goli? Pizza by Goli was established in 1987 and welcomes families, couples and friends to enjoy excellent food alongside a range of fine wines and superb customer service. Goli is an authentic Italian restaurant with the warm and friendly atmosphere you’d expect in a traditional Italian eatery.

Their pizza dough is made on the premises every day and they only use fresh ingredients for their meals. They have many vegetarian options on the menu and will cater for other dietary requirements on request.

For reservations and Father’s Day bookings, please call 01543 250916

Hindleys Bakery

This year is very special for Hindleys Bakery, as it is their 120th birthday! It was back in 1893 that their great grandfather set up their original bakery, delivering bread to local residents by horse and cart. Hindleys have had a shop in Tamworth Street for years, but it was not until 2007 that they decided to renovate their three storey historic building into a self contained working bakery.

Today, four generations on, brother & sister Duncan Hindley & Jackie Beaumont lead a dedicated & skilled team of bakers producing handmade bread, cakes & pastries.

Hindleys are going to be celebrating their birthday by sponsoring the Lichfield Festival Vintage Tea Party on Saturday 13th July on the cathedral lawn. As part of the Vintage Tea Party they will be Launching the ‘Great Lichfield Bake Off’ competition. Giving the people of Lichfield their chance to show off their own baking skills, so why not give it a go? Further details will be available shortly.

Bijou at No. 15

Bijou at No.15 is an independent fashion and lifestyle boutique. In September 2012, Gemma Ramage, the designer behind the Bijou Boudoir brand, along with her friend and business partner Nikki Neal, set up their first boutique, Bijou At No.15. With a working studio in store, Bijou offers their bespoke service to all Bijou at No.15 customers.

Along with Bijou Boudoir the shop showcases a host of independent UK fashion brands, jewellery and fascinators handmade locally, plus specially selected home and lifestyle products. Head to their facebook page (BijouAtNo15) for all the latest collections, news and competitions.

House of Minster

Be inspired by our extensive range of unusual gifts.

There is something for everyone with high class brands, exclusive fine fragrances and gifts for all occasions.

Whether it is cosmetics and skincare or superb spa beauty treatments, trained consultants are on hand to help you make the right choice. House of Minster are specialist stockists of cosmetics and skincare by Christian Dior, Estee Lauder, Clarins and Elemis, and in the House of Mister Beauty Salon treat yourself to Elemis Skincalm or SOS Facials, Guinot Liftosome Facials, or why not indulge in a relaxing Indian head massage. Call in to 26 Tamworth Street, Lichfield or telephone the shop on 01543 263404, or call the Beauty Salon on 01543 257384.

Nu Yu

Nu Yu at Thrales House on Tamworth Street have taken on a new brand, AVEDA, which is exclusive to this exciting new salon in Lichfield.

The salon has now extended to the whole top floor of Thrales House creating 5 new hair stations, 2 new beauty rooms and a 6 station nail bar and Lounge with bar and a comfortable seating area which is ideal for pamper days, wedding parties and girls evenings.

Also new is the Lynton ND:YAG laser treatment which is approved and used by the NHS and ideal for tattoo, blue vein and hair removal as well as acne treatment and rosacea removal.

At the moment there are treatment rooms available to rent within the salon.

GazetteTamworth Street Feature Tan

Look healthy and feel great when you visit Tan in Tamworth Street.

New Tubes on all sunbeds are being fitted May 1st. Book now. Not only look good with their renowned Sant Tropez spraytanning but also the beautiful Nouveau semi permanent lashes and also the Letsgo lashes as worn by stars such as Britney Spears and the Saturdays.

Tan are also specialists in waxing, manicures, facials, O.P.I gel nails and pedicures. Tan are well established in Lichfield because they know how to make you look good and feel great.

D J and Ward

Style, quality, service, expertise - all are found at D J and Ward.

The finest hairstyling can be found at 55 Tamworth Street. D J and Ward at the moment have a superb offer of Proffesional Dip Dyeing Techniques available exclusively at D J and Ward priced from only ÂŁ40. In fact great colour happens at D J and Ward. Also you can find the superb D J and Ward on Facebook. David Ward has been styling hair in Lichfield since 1989 and opened his Tamworth Street salon two years ago welcoming clients old and new.

Lichfield Factory Specs

You can choose from thousands of frame styles many of which are unavailable to the high street francises. They include names like D & G, Dior, Prada, Fendi, Guess, Gant, Gucci and many more. Because of their low overheads Lichfield Factory Specs can offer their range of quality frames and lenses at discount prices together with friendly one to one service from start to finish. So put them to the test and call along with your prescription and save money today.

Mankind Menswear

For the latest Spring and Summer mens fashion come to Mankind.

Mankind Menswear has become a focal point of Tamworth Street with its distinctive shop frontage as shown in the advertisment within this feature. This inside of the shop is extremely customer friendly, full of quality mens clothing and accessories. Well known brands such as Brax jeans, Sand suits and casualwear, Eaton shirts, Without Prejudice suits and casualwear, Roy Robson suits and casualwear as pictured in the advertisment, Lacuzzo shoes, Jimmy Bees shoes and many more quality items can be found right here in Lichfield at No. 30 Tamworth Street.

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GazetteTamworth Street Feature

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GazetteTamworth Street Feature

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GazetteTamworth Street Feature

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GazetteTamworth Street Feature

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GazetteNews

Mayor and Sheriff’s

New Managing Director

Afternoon Tea

for NMA

S

Mayor and Sheriff serving tea to Mrs Beaulah Russell and Mrs Pearl Wain

pring may have seemed at the time to have deserted Lichfield but there was definitely a warm welcome for guests at the Mayor and Sheriff’s Afternoon Tea Party on Wednesday, 20th March. Guests were received at Curborough Community Centre by Lichfield’s Mayor, Cllr Mrs Janet Eagland and the Sheriff, Cllr Brian Bacon. Following afternoon tea, which was served by local councillors, guests were entertained by Lichfield Singers whose popular, foot tapping repertoire included many good old sing-along songs. PCSOs Hilary Barrett and Margaret Griffiths were present and chatted with guests about general safety in the community.

The afternoon closed with thanks from the Mayor to all the voluntary helpers, including St John Ambulance who also supported the event.

Sarah Montgomery The National Memorial Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities, has announced that Sarah Montgomery has been appointed as its managing director. Sarah, who was previously general manager of Chatsworth House Trust, had been performing the managing director role in an interim capacity since last December.

The appointment is key to the charity building visitor numbers past the current 300,000 per year and achieving its ambitious development goals.

Sarah will lead the team responsible for the creation of a world-class Centre for Remembrance at the Staffordshire site, and her recruitment comes ahead of the start of building work later this year.

Sarah is a senior manager with over 18 years’ commercial and not-for-profit experience in the tourism and heritage sectors. In previous roles, including general manager of Warwick Castle, she was involved in the sensitive management and restoration of nationally-important buildings, grounds and gardens while creating outstanding days out and events for visitors.

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St John Ambulance in full voice

The Lichfield Singers

Gazette Woman

"Stubborn" men in danger from not seeing a doctor

V

ery few of us relish a trip to the doctor, often only booking an appointment if that sniffle or cough hasn’t cleared up by itself. Many of us also know how particularly difficult it is to get partners, husbands and sons to visit the GP’s surgery. So are men putting themselves at risk by not following up on ill health?

New figures show that men are twice as likely as women not to visit a doctor, even if they are feeling ill.

The survey suggested that men are far more likely to delay a trip to see their GP in the hope that their illness is not serious, increasing their chances of being admitted to hospital. According to the figures, seven out of ten men don't even check themselves for such easily detectable conditions as testicular cancer.

The top reasons given by both men and women for not visiting a doctor when feeling ill included: Fear of discovering a more serious illness - 45% Not having time - 39% Too embarrassed to talk about symptoms - 33% Too lazy / Can't be bothered - 23 % Worried the doctor will nag you over your lifestyle - 21% Think they're invincible - 18% Shrugging it off / "It's not as bad as it looks" - 17% "I know I'm ill, but I'll run it off" - 16 % Self-diagnosis through Wikipedia - 12% Don't trust the medical profession - 7% When men were asked if they regularly checked themselves for detectable conditions such as testicular cancer they responded Yes 30%. No 70% When both men and women we asked whether if they thought they were ill, would they visit the doctor for a check-up they answered: - Women - 78% yes.

- Men - 38% yes.

See, even though we are all encouraged not to bother the doctor with mundane things, it appears that men need to keep a closer eye on their own health, and seek medical advice at an earlier stage.

Survey conducted for Socked.co.uk picture - myhousecallmd.com

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GazetteWoman

Knitting for the uber cool

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

M

any years ago, in a bid to impress a new boyfriend I told him that I could knit an Arran jumper in a matter of days. In reality, my only completed knitting project so far had been the creation of a rather holey scarf aged 12. Inevitably, the boyfriend (being no mug) requested the jumper for his birthday that fell in a matter of days. Panicked, I begged my lovely Mum to wear her knitting needles to the bone and produce the fabled sweater. It was a work of art and even though shortly after this the boyfriend and I parted company, I still have that jumper 20 years later (and have since of course apologised profusely to my Mum!) Mum had taught me the basics of knitting; I know how to ‘pearl’ and ‘cast on’, but for many years knitting and crocheting were the preserves of our Mothers and Grandmothers, and young women wouldn’t be seen dead with a bag of wool and a pattern.

Over the past two years however knitting has been undergoing a quiet renaissance, a fact that is backed up by some quite remarkable statistics. In 2011 the department store John Lewis reported that its sales of yarn and other haberdashery goods had, in some cases, more than doubled over the previous year.

Google has also reported that in the UK the numbers of people searching the word ‘knitting’ has increased by 150%, and this jumps to 250% for the term ‘knitting for beginners’.

What then has driven this remarkable rise?

1.

Fashion.

It can be no co-incidence that knitted textiles have seen a real renaissance on the catwalk. Missoni have always waved the flag for wool, and their scarves and dresses are achingly lovely and real heirloom pieces.

Many other designers have now caught the woolly bug. Oversized jumpers, shawls and chunky scarves (not just worn in winter, but thrown over vest tops and jeans a la Alexa Chung) are real objects of desire and very on trend.

2.

It’s better looking & greener.

Many knitters are attracted to the craft by the lovely yarns on offer. These allow you to create whatever garment you wish (whilst avoiding unpleasant manmade fibres) at a fraction of the cost. A cashmere scarf can cost several hundred pounds, a one-off hand knitted version, in a design and colour of your choice will always cost less. It’s also better for the environment as choosing a British yarn will always have less impact in terms of carbon footprint that buying yet another low cost manmade fibre jumper that won’t last and has been made thousands of miles Page 50 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

outside of the UK. Just as importantly, you’ll also help our farming community.

3.

It’s fun All over the country social knitting gatherings where friends meet for a chat and, at some evening events, a drink, give knitters new and old a chance to relax in a hassle-free and laid-back environment. It’s a great way to meet new people as you are all there for the same activity and there’s always something to talk about. Afternoon events, known as ‘crafternoons’ are enormously popular, and we have examples of both afternoon and evening knitting groups taking place in Lichfield.

4.

It’s so much easier than you remember.

Anyone who has ever looked at the diabolic machinations of a traditional knitting pattern will know that they are utterly incomprehensible to the uninitiated.

However, if you’re a new knitter, thousands of blogs, forums and Facebook clips have demystified the whole process for even the most ‘un crafty’ type.

5.

Celebrities love it!

Knitting has been a celebrity pastime for many years and was beloved by actors as iconic as Bette Davis, Joan Cranford and Audrey Hepburn. It’s the ideal hobby for an actor as you can simply put your needles down when it’s time for the cameras to roll, and pick them up again during the interminable wait for your next scene.

Modern celebs who are regularly spotted with needles and wool are Geri Halliwell (who knits on the beach!) Sarah Jessica Parker,

Missoni Silk Mix sweater

Kristin Davis, Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, Dakota Fanning, Katherine Heigl, David Arquette and Ryan Gosling who learnt the craft on the set of ‘Lars and the real girl’.

6.

It’s affordable Unlike so many hobbies knitting will only cost you exactly as much as you want to spend, be that a few pounds or a few hundred.

7.

It’s an art-form!

Bus in Mexico City by Magda Sayeg.

An underground movement known as ‘yarn bombing’ has developed over the last 12 months, as evidenced by more and more examples of this ‘guerrilla art’ online and in the media. Yarn bombing is where everyday objects out on the street are fitted with a knitted ‘cosy’ or cover. It can be subversive (covering a tank), political (filling cracks in the pavement with colour) or just plain uplifting!

If you’re inspired to give knitting or crocheting a try, there are many excellent knitting supply shops and groups in our city.

Just take a look online for further details.

Geri Halliwell knits of the beach

Images from time.com and lifestyle.ninemsm.com

REGISTERED NURSE

is required to work permanent or bank night duty. Two to three nights per week, mostly weekends.

9pm to 8am.

Please contact Irene Peters, Home Manager.

SHENSTONE HALL NURSING HOME, Shenstone. Tel 01543 480222 day time

Simply THE Salon

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Lichfield is the blissful escape of Simply THE Salon. Delivering expert treatments, whether it’s a deeply relaxing Elemis Chakra Balancing Full Body Massage, or a maintenance necessity leg wax, this urban paradise is sure to fit the bill.

Highly trained therapists offer a range of treatments and extensive product knowledge from Elemis, Clarins, Orly and Fake Bake, providing you with everything you need to indulge yourself or someone special with a well deserved treat, and carry on the benefits at home with your recommended products.

Always keeping up to date with the latest advances and technologies, Simply THE Salon offer facials that are scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 94%, waxing treatments using the latest wax for the most effective treatment, and a brand new lash treatment that will give you gorgeous length and volume with results lasting up to two weeks.

Their latest offer is for a Bejewelled Ring Finger Manicure, adding sparkle to your Orly GelFX Manicure or Pedicure, for the incredible introductory price of only £5 extra to your manicure. (After introductory period, price will be £8, offer available until 31st May). Please call 01543 263738 for more details.

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Gazette Weddings Chantel Mayo and Nick Holloway got married November 2012 at The Guildhall in Lichfield. The winter colours of the Memorial Garden offered some gorgeous backgrounds for inspirational photography. By Amanda from Pink'd Up Design and Photography.

Cuba Wedding.

Lichfield couple Stephanie Minshull and Ben Steward were married on 5th March in the beautiful island of Cuba, and Lichfield photographer Robert Yardley was chosen as their wedding photographer. With blue skies and lots of warm sunshine the wedding took place in a white pergoda on the beach, with close friends and family alongside them. Later that evening the couple enjoyed a barbeque on the beach, along with their guests. With a two week relaxing stay in Cuba, Stephanie and Ben enjoyed a fantastic memorable wedding and honeymoon.

Photography by Robert Yardley Claire Gabbitass and Darren Constable were married on the 22nd February at St. Stephen's Church, Fradley, and held their reception at Packington Moor, Whittington.

Photography by Robert Yardley

Jodie Sheasby and Lee Lawler were married on 2nd February in a civil ceremony at the George Hotel, in Lichfield. After photographs at the nearby gardens alongside Minster Pool, they continued their reception at the George Hotel along with friends and relatives.

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GazetteWoman

Petal Pretty own up glamour gr

By Joss Musgrove Knibb

Shell pink tassel box bowler bag £22 available from New Look

Pauls Boutique Natasha large patent and suedette shopper - £69 available from ASOS

Blush glitter scallop clutch £15 available from Dorothy Perkins

So here we are in Spring at last. The birds are nesting, the daffodils are out and for women everywhere it’s time to undertake that other great seasonal activity - the changing of the Winter bag to the Summer version! Personally, this usually involves the realisation that my habitually used Ralph Lauren black patent leather bag now looks too dark and heavy, and it’s time to transfer keys, purse etc into something a bit more seasonally appropriate.

Following on from the ‘Top Spring Trends’ piece in the April edition, here are some of the loveliest examples of sheer arm candy available from high street retailers and independent boutiques in and around our city. If in doubt, go for white, cream or the palest shades of pastel. They’re on trend for 2013 and will take you stylishly through to autumn.

White stud saddle bag - £14.99 available from New Look

Mango patent quilted cross body - £22.99 available from ASOS O.S.P Osprey coral luxury grained leather grab bag - £76 (RRP £95) available from Debenhams

J by Jasper Conran designer cream tote bag - £119.20 (RRP £149) available from Debenhams Page 54 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Orla Kiely leather Iris cross body bag - £228 available from ASOS

What’s on

Dining Ou

t

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD What’s On May 2013 If you have a community or fund raising event that you’d like to have included in the monthly What’s On pages, please send an email to caz@lichfieldgazette.co.uk quoting the date, event title, times, venue and brief description.

Tue 23 Apr – Sun 12 May Revealed Exhibition by artist Phil Ordidge ARBSA 10.00am to 4.00pm at Emporium Gallery Lichfield Phil’s current work explores the often magical interplay between land, sea and sky. By using high horizons with little sky or brilliant sunlight juxtaposing intense shadows and textures he creates the

mood.

www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cpcg.

Wed 1 May Beacon Park Stream Improvement Works 10.30am to 3.30pm at Beacon Park by the Swinfen Broun Pavilion. Our Countryside & Parks Conservation Group (or CPCG for short) plays an important role in local nature conservation and we're always looking for volunteers to help out. Help improve our park even more by joining with the CPCG as we work to improve the habitats along the brook that flows through the west of the park. To book your free place, please contact the countryside team on 01543 308183. For more information about the CPCG, visit

The Swinfen Saga - The Later Years 2.30pm (£5) or 7.30pm (£7.50) at Lichfield Heritage Centre.

The saga continues with the tempestuous relationship between Patience Swinfen and her lawyer Charles Kennedy. Price includes refreshments.

Chris Dean's Syd Lawrence Orchestra - In Concert 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Chris Dean leads the orchestra, showcasing their finely-blended sound and conjuring memories of the glittering and glamorous days of the Big Band era. The atmosphere is exciting, the

music dynamic and vibrant, and Chris' spontaneous, wry humour is a high point, adding a little spice to the occasion.

wholesome locally-produced food and other goods, including an excellent choice of hand-made arts and crafts.

Thu 2nd May Moth Recording Morning 8.30am to 10.00am at Beacon Park. Join us first thing to try and ID moths caught in the trap from the night before.

Presence of moths cannot be guaranteed. Ring 07931 891086 from 8am to confirm.

Lindy Hop dance classes 7.00pm beginners and 8.15pm improvers at Lichfield Methodist Church. Learn to dance Lindy Hop with Chico. £5 per class or £8 both classes. No partner necessary just shoes to dance in and some water. You leave the class with a routine and a big smile. Tel: 07734815151

Lichfield Farmers' Market 9.00am to 3.00pm at Lichfield Market Square. A delightful Farmers' Market takes place on the first Thursday of every month (except January), boasting a fantastic range of beautiful stalls, selling

Wine tasting with local experts 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Arthur Price Factory Shop. If you can't tell your Merlot from your Pinotage they you need to

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD book on this wine tasting evening. Richard Worth from Worth Brothers Wines will discuss with you the best European & New World wines available. Tickets are £7.50 available from the Factory Shop or Worth Brothers Wines.

Fri 3 - Fri 17 May Saving a century - a photographic exhibition by The Victorian Society At Lichfield Cathedral. Saving a Century shows the Victorian Society's most remarkable campaigns, among them the battles for St Pancras, Liverpool's Albert Dock, the Foreign Office and the muchregretted Euston Arch. The exhibition's curator is leading architectural historian, Gavin Stamp. Using archive photographs and material from throughout the Victorian Society's fifty years of fighting for historic buildings across England and Wales, the exhibition charts the successes and defeats of the organisation that has done so much to change public attitudes towards the best of nineteenth century architecture. Free entry.

Fri 3 May Foodie Fridays 11.00am to 3.00pm at The Kitchen Shop. If you love kitchen gadgets you'll love Foodie Fridays! See some of the best, most unusual & innovative gadgets in store every Friday. You get to try them out before you buy them!

High School Rocks 7.00pm at Lichfield Garrick. A high-energy, foot-stomping,

totally interactive production featuring all the very best hits from High School Musical films, Hannah Montana, Camp Rock and Glee! Join the superb cast for a rollercoaster ride of fun, as they invite you to the ultimate party.

Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society Meeting 8.00pm at Lichfield Heritage Centre. Misunderstanding, Myth or Might Be? Palaeolithic rock-art in south Wales. £3 visitors.

The Jaywalkers 8.30pm at the Guildhall. The past year has seen Jaywalkers – BBC Young Folk Award finalists 2009 – cement their place as one of the most exciting, virtuosic and entertaining young bands working on the British folk scene.

Sat 4 May Henhouse Children's Art School 10.00am to 12 noon at St Michael's Church Hall.

Saturday morning art classes for 5 yrs to teens.

Professionally run classes by experienced artist educators a fantastic opportunity to gain national Arts Award accredited qualifications. First trial session is pay as you go, after which pre-booking is essential.

Conveniently placed near the city centre to drop your kids off and shop or stay and join in.

Morriston Orpheus Choir Charity Concert 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

The Lichfield and Hatherton

Canals Restoration Trust is pleased to present the internationally acclaimed choir to give a memorable performance in support of the Trust's Silver Jubilee Year.

Featuring soprano soloist Ros Evans. Proceeds to aid the restoration of the Lichfield Canal. Tickets, £17.50, available from the Cathedral Bookshop 01543 306150, or from Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust 01543 671427 The Barron Knights 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Back by popular demand and probably the most entertaining group to come out of the 60s and 70s. Their musicianship, their harmonies and of course their humour makes them what their peers call them ‘The Guv'nors`.

Sun 5 May Darwin Dawn Walk 4.30am at Bunkers Hill car park. An early morning walk to hear the dawn chorus in pleasant surroundings. Meet at Bunkers Hill car park. For more information go to www.darwinwalk.org.uk Cycle Rides for All 11.00am at Freedom Cycles.

Join in the 9 mile led cycle ride for all members of the family to Whittington for lunch and back again. A cafe stop is included in the ride or, if you prefer, bring along a picnic lunch and some water. Bikes will receive a free safety check at the start of the ride. Cycle helmets and appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions are recommended.

The Waitrose Lichfield HalfMarathon Start 10.30am at King Edward VI School. Finishes Stowe Fields, Lichfield. Entry Fee £20 Club Runner/ £22 Non Club Runner. Go to www.kpevents.net/enter-anevent for more details. No entries on the day except Mini Marathon. Goodie Bags for all finishers. Trophies to the first 3 men and first 3 women Mon 6 May The World's shortest fun run record attempt 10.00am at Prince’s Park.

Event to raise money for the charity We Love Lichfield, staged around the UK’s smallest park, Prince’s Park off Church Road and Farewell Lane in Burntwood. It will only take around 55 strides to get around Princes Park in approximately 25 seconds and everyone who takes part will, once verified by the Guinness Books of Records will be a ‘record-holder’. Forms part of a running-themed May Bank Holiday weekend across the Lichfield District’ Tue 7 May Neaten and Natter 11.00am to 1.00pm at Beacon Park. Monthly volunteer event (1st Tuesday of the month except January). Make friends and help to keep Beacon Park beautiful. Tasks include litter picking and weeding.

Live Music at The Doghouse 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start at the Crown Inn, Alrewas. Martin Ryan and Stef Dziuba, along with assorted guests, will be raising the rafters again at

Big Green Fair comes to town

T

he Big Green Fair (a crowd-puller in Whittington village for the past five years) - is moving up a gear for 2013. This year's event will take place in Lichfield Guildhall on Saturday 4th May, bringing attractions to a wider audience. Organisers, Low Carbon Lichfield and Whittington and Fisherwick Environment Group, aim to add the Big Green Fair to the City’s growing calendar of annual festivals.

Celebrated Lichfield nature Page 56 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

on Saturday 4th May

lover and educationalist, Wildlife Kate, will be the star attraction at this year's Fair. Kate, who lives close to Lichfield City, has captivated viewers of SpringWatch and Gardeners' World with her webcams of garden birds and mammals. She will be giving talks and workshops through the day and demonstrating her range of bird feeding techniques and cameras, as well as showing recordings of the wildlife in her garden.

Alongside Kate will be the

talented Penney Poyzer, one of the country's leading experts on home energy and winner of the Government's Retrofit Pioneer Award last year with her architect husband Gil Schalom. Penney will be giving talks about her Nottingham Ecohome, a Victorian terraced house which has been described as the nation's most extensively retrofitted home. Heating bills have been reduced by over 60%, and major water savings made with rainwater harvesting. A

fascinating and inspiring journey which Penney is keen to share with others.

In addition to the star attractions will be a whole range of colourful entertainment and a wide range of stalls including local crafts, renewable energy and energy-saving, local food and drink producers, wildlife organisations and many others, all guaranteed to put a spring in the step of visitors. More attractions and entertainment will be announced nearer the time.

their inimitable sing-along music session. Get there early for one of the best free nights out in the region but make sure you buy a raffle ticket!

Fri 10 May Murder Mystery Evening ‘Diagnosis For Murder’ At the George Hotel. Put your investigative skills to the test and enjoy an evening of murder, mystery and intrigue. £32 per person, or £120 per couple with an overnight stay.

To book call 01543 414822 Foodie Fridays At The Kitchen Shop. See Fri 3 May for details Forty Years of Showaddywaddy 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Showaddywaddy have long been established as Europe's most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll. Twenty-three Top 40 hit singles, including ten Top 5 hits - Under The Moon of Love, When, You Got What It Takes, Three Steps To Heaven, Hey Rock & Roll.

The Born Again Beatles 8.30pm at the Guildhall. Local tribute band bring the fab four’s music alive.

Sat 11 May Henhouse Children's Art School At St Michael's Church Hall.

See Sat 4 May for details.

Chocolate Truffle Class at Netherstowe House Chocolate Truffle Classes at Netherstowe House make an ideal gift or day out for any

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD chocolate fan. In this hands-on class you will enjoy a welcoming environment whilst learning how the tempering of chocolate is done before tasting chocolate and teaching your taste buds how to really pick up on flavour. Under expert guidance from our chocolatier you will discover which ingredients work best and by the end of the class you will have your own range of gift wrapped hand-made chocolates to take home. £55.00 per person (including lunch) To book call 01543 254 270 www.netherstowehouse.com Spring Fair in aid of The Brooke Hospital 9.00am - 5.00pm at Boley Park Community Hall. Come and browse the stalls - over 20 to tempt you including Jewellery, Greetings Cards, Chocolate Gifts, Candles, Toiletries and Cosmetics as well as a chance to get pampered with manicures and mini facials.

Our Coffee and Cake Stall offers tea or coffee and a slice of cake for £1.50 as well as sandwiches.

Admission is free and there will be a Raffle, Tombola, Lucky Dips and Face Painting for the children - a fun day out for all the family that will help a very worthy cause. See www.thebrooke.org for more information about the UK animal charity.

Explore the hidden treasures of Lichfield Cathedral 10.30am at Lichfield Cathedral.

Limited tours return for 2013!

Lichfield Cathedral invites you to explore the hidden treasures of the historic main library (above the Chapter House, built in 1249).

Visitors can take a tour of the library and obtain a rare glimpse of the incredible treasures housed here.

The collection includes Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (c1420) and Henry VIII’s ‘Great Bible’ (first edition-1539) and includes not just theology but literature, geography, philosophy and the natural sciences. The tour will be conducted by a trained guide and will last approximately 1 hour. Canon Anthony Moore, Chancellor of Lichfield Cathedral and said about the tours: “It is only on very rare occasions that we are able to give the general public access to this atmospheric space. The range of rare manuscripts and early printed works in our library is quite staggering. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone with a love of architecture, history or books.”

Please call the Cathedral Shop on 01543 306150 or call in to No. 9 The

Close to book your tickets in person.

Please note tour numbers are limited, access is restricted and bags cannot be taken into the library. £9 per person. Photograph Copyright Lichfield Camera Club.

The ‘Mucky Duck’ at Fradley Junction

An Evening of Bach 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra will perform Bach’s Double Concerto for oboe and violin and two of the greatest solo cantatas.

Paul Vernon Chester & Nick Mellor - Note for Note 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Foremost acoustic guitarists Paul Vernon Chester and Nick Mellor delight audiences throughout the UK with their unique take on the musical legacy of Django Reinhardt. Prepare to be moved, uplifted and inspired this is guitar playing at its absolute best.

Hormonal Housewives 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The girls return with hilarious all-new sketches, as well as all the very best bits from last time round. The show looks at everything that makes today's woman tick (or ticked off) from the joys of teenagers to the hell of IKEA, the madness of holiday reps and the insanity of DIY. Is your man more James May than Christian Grey?

Sat 11 May Under18s Battle of the Bands 7.00pm at the Guildhall. Final of the Lichfield Under18s Battle of the Bands.

Winners of the heats battle it out for the prize of playing at the FUSE festival in Beacon Park Sat 13 July.

A Lichfield Arts event. £2 entry on door. All ages welcome!

Sun 12 May Annual Plant Fair 2.00pm at St Chad's Church. All sorts of plants from bedding to vegetables.

This year also homemade cakes and jams, jewellery and crafts, and refreshments.

Lichfield Sinfonia 7.30pm at the Guildhall. Spring concert, programme includes Borodin - Unfinished Symphony and Schubert - Unfinished Symphony. £8 adults £4 children.

Tue 14 – Sat 18 May Oliver!

2.30pm and/or 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. From the award-winning

You can forget all your swanky foreign holidays. Living abroad has never appealed to me. I just smile when I think of all those miserable sweltering ex-pats wishing they were in England sitting outside a real traditional pub with swans and ducks on the canal, the occasional chugging boat, and most importantly ‘real beer’!

The Swan, known to all far and wide as the ‘Mucky Duck’, is a friendly, family style pub in a beautiful setting on the crossroads of the Coventry/Trent and Derby canal, which is Fradley Junction. You really ought to rediscover Fradley Junction, ideal for a relaxing day out for dog walkers, ramblers, cyclists and canal boat enthusiasts.

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, Pedigree, Black Sheep, and guest ales such as Timothy Taylor, Sarah Hughes ‘Dark Ruby’, Woody’s Shropshire Lass and Holden’s Black Country Special. 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 Page 57

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD company that brought you The Producers, we are bringing you more. A timeless British classic, written in London and set in London, Oliver! is THE British musical.

Wed 15 May The Pampered Chef 7.00pm to 10.30pm at Whittington Village Hall. Come and enjoy an entertaining 'Ready Steady Cook' themed fundraising evening with The Pampered Chef. 15% of gross sales will be donated directly to Cats Protection.

Enjoy a fun packed charity cooking show. See, test and buy the kitchen tools, then

taste the food. Bring your apron and enter the Best Pinny Parade! For more details or to buy a ticket call 07873 484664 or email lichfieldcats@gmail.com or call in to Bromley Hayes Cattery, Holly Cottage, Common Lane, WS13 8HR. £3 in advance, £4 on the door.

Thu 16 May Fab Friends Network Meeting Create Your Vision Board.

9.30am -12.30pm at Hawkesyard Estate. Fab Friends is a self development group for women ready to say yes to life! see

www.fabfriendsnetwork.com or email dawn@dawnpetherick.com Andrew Dee 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. A well-travelled former military officer who served his country for 23 years, Andrew will astound you with his accuracy when he connects you with your family and friends to bring you messages of love and upliftment. His sincerity will leave you feeling that you have truly been touched by spirit.

Fri 17 May Light the Fuse Quiz Night

Performing Arts students

F

return to Garrick with Broadway Production

resh from a sell-out production of ‘ShowStoppers’, Performing Arts students from South Staffordshire College’s Lichfield Campus will be returning to The Lichfield Garrick with the Tony Award Nominated Broadway musical adaptation of ‘The Wedding Singer’ – the hilarious 1998 movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.

Set in 1985, The Wedding Singer tells the story of rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart, who falls in love with waitress Julia Sullivan.

The show has recently been cast, with Performing Arts students Daniel Roberts, age 17 from Tamworth, stepping into Adam Sandler’s shoes to play Robbie Hart and Jessie Morris, age 20 from Lichfield, costaring as Julia.

Laurie Asher, Head of Performing Arts at South Staffordshire College and Director and Choreographer of The Wedding Singer commented: “Our production pays tribute to Daniel Roberts and Jessie Morris play the the original Broadway production, while also lead roles in The Wedding Singer giving our Performing Arts students a fantastic opportunity to reach out into the community.

“With an original score that pays homage to the pop songs of the 1980s, The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room.”

Performances take place on Tuesday, 21st and Wednesday, 22nd May at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at £10 each via the Box Office at The Lichfield Garrick Theatre or you can book online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com. To make block bookings of 10 seats or more and receive two free tickets, contact the Box Office direct on 01543 412121.

Page 58 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

8.00pm at Wade Street Church, Lichfield. General knowledge quiz raising funds for Fuse Festival. Give your brain a work-out! £5 per person (up to 4 per team) Finger buffet, fun & laughs included.

Sat 18 & Sun 19 May World War Two Wartime Whittington 10.00am to 4.00pm at Staffordshire Regiment Museum. Come along to commemorate the men of the Staffordshire Regiments and Whittington's contribution to the events of WW2. Visitor attractions include mock battles provided by ‘Living History’ groups representing British, US and German armed forces. Displays include SSAFA Forces Help and a Home Guard demonstration. £6 adults; £4 concessions; £15 family ticket (2 adults and 3 children).

Sat 18 – Thu 23 May Meet Your Museum At Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Discover more at the museum in taster activities and tours for Adult Learners’ Week. Free entry.

Sat 18 – Thu 30 May National Forest Walking Festival Join in the biggest ever festival with 100 walks of varying lengths for all abilities across The National Forest.

From a gentle stroll, walks for the whole family, walks suitable for wheelchair users, to longer more strenuous rambles for keen walkers, our packed programme has something for you! Go to www.thenationalforestwalkingf estival.org.uk or call 01283 222848 for more information about the programme of walks.

Sat 18 May Radiance Christian Spirituality Day 10.00am at Lichfield Cathedral. A spirituality day open to all, with workshops and speakers on many aspects of faith.

Cliff... As If! 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Will Chandler is regarded by many as Europe's top Cliff

Richard lookalike tribute. It is uncanny - he looks like the man himself and his show complements the vast and varied material we are all so familiar with.

Music from Les Misérables, West End musicals and Opera 7.30pm to 11.00pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa. Enjoy an evening of fine food and musical entertainment from Emporia Opera. £29 per person or £115 per couple with an overnight stay. To book call 0121 308 3751 Tue 21 May Art Workshop 6.30pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Create striking paintings and drawings in the monthly mixed media workshops led by award winning artist Carole Collier.

Individual attention in small, friendly sessions with a different theme each month.

Workshops take place on the third Tuesday of each month.

Advance booking essential. £10 per session including all materials and refreshments.

Wed 22 May bareMinerals Evening 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Moor Hall Hotel & Spa. Discover what makes bareMinerals make-up so special. You’ll enjoy a glass of wine on arrival, a full make-up demonstration, a complimentary make-up consultation and 15% off selected products. £5 per person, redeemable against any products purchased. To book call 0121 308 3751 Thu 23 May Richard II, The Bishop and Lichfield 7.45pm at St Mary's Centre, Market Square. Lichfield Civic Society Meeting with speaker Patricia Scaife. Non-members welcome (£3 at the door).

Fri 24 May The Bohemians - A Night of Queen 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

The Bohemians re-enact the glory days of Queen including the craziness of the 70s and the magic of the 80s, proving them to be the most dynamic

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD and exciting Queen tribute band currently touring the UK, Europe and the world!

Sat 25 – Mon 27 May Lichfield Greenhill Bower At Lichfield Guildhall, street procession throughout the city, Beacon Park, street markets and Pat Collins fun fair in the city centre. On Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, after the Court of Arraye, the newly elected Lichfield Mercury Bower Queen is crowned at 12noon outside the Guildhall by the Mayor of Lichfield. This is then followed by a traditional street carnival which originates from the 12th century, and is a lively procession consisting of floats, bands, stilt walkers, cheerleaders, Morris dancers and mascot Boswell the Bower Bear! Come and join in the fun at Beacon Park for an afternoon of family entertainment featuring FREE Radio, live music, children's chill out activity tent, fun fair, charity stalls and much more. A fantastic day out for the whole family!

Sat 25 May Plant Hunters’ Fair 10.00am to 4.00pm at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Free entry to this popular plant fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species and old heritage varieties. Simply something for every plant lover.

Come for a great day out, find some lovely plants for your garden, get expert advice from the enthusiastic nurserymen, and take time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, the trees, the memorials, and the parkland walks. Pay & display car park.

Cupcake Class Join Netherstowe House's professional cake maker for a hands-on opportunity to develop your cake decorating skills in a fun, practical and supportive environment whilst relaxing in beautiful surroundings.£55.00 per person (including lunch) To book call 01543 254 270 www.netherstowehouse.com Lichfield Cathedral Chorus 'Come and Sing' 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral.

Enjoy a day in the stunning Lichfield Cathedral singing this well-known piece. Rehearsals 1.30pm - 4.30pm, with a tea and

cake break all included in the price. Audience tickets available on the door. On-site parking for disabled badge holders only. £12 singer, £8 audience.

The Ragdolls 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Jersey Boys and Four Seasons tribute. The Ragdolls are four sensational harmony vocalists who recreate the magic of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This production features many of the band's worldwide hits, including Beggin', Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry and many more.

My Boy Jack 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick. The year is 1913. War with Germany is imminent. Rudyard Kipling's determination to send his myopic son to war trigger a bitter family conflict which leaves Britain's renowned patriot devastated by the warring of his own greatest passions: his love for his children and his devotion to king and country.

Sun 26 May Family Fun Day At Uttoxeter Racecourse. Come along to our first Family Fun Day of the year! There'll be loads of activities and entertainment for children during the afternoon. For the grown ups, there's seven exciting jump races! A days racing is a perfect day out for the whole family, and Children under 18 are FREE when accompanied by an adult. Gates open at 12 midday. First Race: 1.55 pm Last Race: 5.25 pm. £25 premier, £20 grandstand and paddock.

Andy and Mike's Tick Tock Time Machine!

2.00pm at Lichfield Garrick. The dynamic duo bring you another brilliant adventure, and this time they have a time machine! Andy Day, BAFTA-nominated BBC presenter and star of Andy's Wild Adventures (CBeebies), features alongside his comedy partner, Mike James. Their trademark infectious energy and irrepressible sense of fun promise to make the show a treat for the whole family.

Mon 27 May Half Term Free Guided Trench Tours Page 59

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD At Staffordshire Regiment Museum. Experience life in the trenches during WWI, try on uniforms and handle the weapons. Tours free of charge, normal admission charges apply.

Court of Arraye and Crowning of the Bower Queen 10.30am at the Guildhall.

Humorous assembly of men at arms, traditional start of Bower celebrations. Crowning of the Bower Queen at 12noon. The origin of the Court of Arraye or View of Men at Arms is unknown, but the custom of holding the annual assembly to review local defence forces existed in the 12th century and was confirmed by the Statue of Winchester in 1285 which commanded that "every man between 15 years of age and 60 years shall be assessed and sworn to armour" according to their wealth and means. The statues of Arraye were repealed in the reign of James I but the Court has continued to be held, albeit in a light-hearted manner, being described even in 1806 as "an idle and useless ceremony adapted for the amusement of children".

An assembly of men in medieval amour is inspected by the Mayor, Sheriff and City Officials who then bear the reports of the Dozeners as to the state and preparedness of the defences of their area of the City. The Mayor, Sheriff and High Constables then join the Bower Procession through the City. (Admission free, but space limited).

Wed 29 may Explore the hidden treasures of Lichfield Cathedral See Sat 11 May for details.

Blood Thirsty Lichfield 2.00pm at Lichfield Tourist Information Centre. This tour is based on the very popular Gruesome and Ghostly tours but is designed especially for children and is an ideal way of keeping them entertained during the school holidays! All children must be accompanied by an adult. £1.65 Billy Ocean 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Don't miss this unique Page 60 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

opportunity to see one of the world's greatest recording stars who has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Live with his fabulous band of musicians and singers.

Thu 30 May Mini-monsters Bug Hunt and Pond Dipping 10.00am to 12 noon or 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Beacon Park. Family pond dipping and bug hunting as part of National Family Week. All children must be accompanied. Booking is essential. £1.65 per child.

Half Term Fun! 10.30am to 1.30pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.

Drop-in craft activities for children. £2 per child. No booking required.

The Counterfeit Stones 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Mixed cocktail of classic hits, retro costumes and humour continues to intoxicate young and old alike - 100% proof that a good shot always hits the target. This hooky masterpiece, hilariously 'mockumenting' the history of The Rolling Stones from 1962 onwards, will take you back if you were there - or make you wish you were, if you weren't.

Fri 31 May – Sun 2 Jun The Acoustic Festival of Britain At Uttoxeter Racecourse, Market Place and Uttoxeter Town Hall. A great family friendly festival offering four stages of entertainment with or without camping at Uttoxeter Racecourse, plus various events held within the town centre. Go to www.uttoxeterracecourse.co.uk for more details.

Fri 31 May & Sat 1 Jun Lichfield Summer Beer and Wine Festival 12 noon to 11.00pm at the Guildhall. After a gap of over 20 years the Lichfield Summer Beer and Wine Festival returns to the City Centre at the wonderful Lichfield Guildhall on Friday 31 May and Saturday 1 June. The festival which has been running for over 23 years features no less than 30+ Real Ales most sourced from local and regional breweries plus a

range of traditional ciders/perry and specialist bottled beers. In addition there will be a wide choice of wines from across the world plus the now “Famous Pork Pies” and quality food. For those who enjoy music with their beer, they can enjoy the classic blues on Friday evening, and hear classic covers from “Three’s Company” on Saturday. If you are thinking of bringing a party, it is advisable to book tickets.

Fri 31 May – Sat 22Jun Educating Rita 7.30pm (and 2.30pm matinee performances each Sat) at Lichfield Garrick. The Garrick Rep Company presents this award-winning play. Star cast to be announced!

Sat 1 Jun Julian Smith 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick.

Julian has been seen and heard by millions across the world via his television appearance, YouTube hits and album sales. His style of saxophone playing draws on classical crossover, Latin and easy listening light jazz music.

Sun 2 Jun Car Boot Sale 7.30am at Wood Farm Car Boot, Curborough. Chance to bag a bargain and recycle unwanted items. All proceeds to local charities. Free entry and car parking Mini-monsters Bug Hunt and Pond Dipping At Beacon Park. Se Thu 30 May for details.

Contact details for listed venues: Arthur Price Factory Shop Britannia Way, Lichfield WS14 9UY. Tel: 01543 409810 Beacon Park – Lichfield WS13 6QZ. Tel: 01543 308869 Boley Park Community Hall 7 Ryknild St, Lichfield WS14 9XU The Crown Inn – Post Office Rd, Alrewas DE13 7BS Emporium Gallery - 32-34 Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 256624 Erasmus Darwin House Beacon St, Lichfield WS13

7AD. Tel: 01543 262331 Freedom Cycles – The Bus Station, Birmingham Rd, Lichfield WS13 6HU. Tel: 01543 411633 Friary Grange Leisure Centre – Eastern Avenue, Lichfield WS13 7EW. Tel: 01543 308 842 The George Hotel - Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR. Tel: 01543 414822 The Guildhall - Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU. Tel: 01543 262223 The Kitchen Shop - 5 Market St, Lichfield WS13 6JX. Tel: 01543 268602 King Edward VI School Upper St John St, Lichfield WS14 9EE Lichfield Cathedral - The Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD. Tel: 01543 306100 Lichfield Garrick Theatre Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412121 Lichfield Heritage Centre – St Mary’s Centre, Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 256611 Lichfield Methodist Church Backcester Lane, Lichfield WS13 6JH. Lichfield Tourist Information Centre - Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412 112 Moor Hall Hotel & Spa Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN. Tel: 0121 334 2323

National Memorial Arboretum – Croxall Rd, Alrewas DE13 7AR. Tel: 01283 792 333 Netherstowe House Netherstowe Lane, Lichfield WS13 6AY. Tel: 01543 254 270 Prince’s Park – Off Church Rd & Farewell Lane, Burntwood RSPB Middleton Lakes – Near Tamworth B78 2AE. Tel: 01827 259 454 Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum – Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 264 972 St Chad’s Church – St Chad’s Road, Lichfield WS13 7ND St Mary’s Centre –Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 256 611 St Michael’s Church Hall – Church St, Lichfield WS13 6SN. Tel: 01543 251 940 Staffordshire Regiment Museum - Defence Medical Services, Lichfield WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434394 Uttoxeter Racecourse Wood Lane, Uttoxeter ST14 8BD. Tel: 01889 562561 Wade Street Church – Wade St, Lichfield WS13 6HL. Whittington Village Hall Langton Crescent, Lichfield WS14 9LR. Wood Farm – Wood End Lane, Curborough, Lichfield WS13 8ET. Tel: 01543 491802

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

Fake Festival rocks Lichfield for the first time on 10th August

N

ow in its seventh year, the Fake Festivals tour will be calling at Beacon Park for the first time bringing with it performances from some of the best and internationally acclaimed tribute bands in the world, including Kazabian, Blondied and The Total Stone Roses.

Hosted inside the Fake Festivals’ marquee that boasts a main stage with a state of the art sound and lighting system, 2013 will see Fake Festivals visiting more places in the UK than ever before.

Jez Lee, founder of Fake Festivals commented: “Every year the tour just seems to go from strength to strength and because of the huge success of the licensing system which launched last year, more parts of the country are going to get to experience it thanks to Fake Festival goers wanting to put ones on of their very own.”

Also performing at the community led event will be five local up and coming support bands handpicked for their talent, as well as a secured area featuring food stalls, face painting, a bucking bronco, bungee run and a bouncy castle.

Lee Storey, licensee of the festival, is thrilled that Lichfield is to be part of the Fake Festivals tour once again: “I am the license holder for Ashby de la Zouch Fake Festival, and due to the success of the sold out Fake Festival in 2012 I held there, we have something to live up to and maintain for Lichfield.

“We've put together a great event, with three superb tributes to cover everybody's music taste, together with five local support bands, and it is guaranteed to be an excellent day of live music.”

With previous tours selling out, people are encouraged to grab their tickets now at an Early Bird discounted rate (available until July 10th) either online at www.fakefestivals.co.uk or from local outlets including....

• • • • • •

A unique taste of real Indian cuisine at Qmin Since Qmin opened over eleven years ago, the restaurant in Lichfield has become synonymous with high quality Indian cuisine together with polite and attentive staff.

All dishes chosen from the extensive menu are prepared by Qmin’s award winning chefs. Qmin’s delicious menu is now famous for offering a unique taste of real Indian cuisine and diners are assured that Qmin chefs only use the freshest of high quality ingredients, which helps to create authentic Indian food based on a classic formula with a modern and imaginative approach. To illustrate both taste and quality, chefs at Qmin recommend their signature dish - Qmin Supreme Chicken. This is a marinated breast fillet of chicken roasted in a clay oven. The cooked fillet is delicately placed on a slightly hot jalfrezi sauce, topped off with sauteed onions, red and green pepper, served with fragrant pilau rice.

The cooking at Qmin has taken Indian food into a new age innovative, well thought out and beautifully light - even the desserts are excellent.

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

Lichfield Tourist Information, Lichfield Garrick, Castle Dyke The Feathers Inn, 118 Beacon Street, Lichfield Lichfield District Arts, 32a Bore Street, Lichfield Lakeside Bistro, On Beacon Park, Lichfield Chandlers Restaurant, Conduit Street, Lichfield Keith Hall Hairdressing, 29a Market Street, Lichfield

Lichfield’s Fake Festival’s line-up this year includes Kazabian, Blondied and The Total Stone Roses.

For further information about the festivals and to order early bird tickets, please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk Early bird tickets bought before July 10th 2013 are priced at: Adult (18+ years) £15.00, Young Person (10-17 years) £8.00, Family (2 x Adult, 2 x YP) £38.00.

Tickets bought from July 11th 2013 onwards are priced at: Adult (18+ years) £20.00, Young Person (10-17 years) £10.00, Family (2 x Adult, 2 x YP) £50.00.

On the day door ticket prices are as follows: Adult (18+ years) £25, Young Person (10-17 years) £15, Family (2 x Adult, 2 x YP) £70.

Competition!

We’ve got together with the Fake Festival to offer readers the chance to win 6 pairs of tickets to this great event. To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question...

Q. ‘Blondied’, a brilliant tribute act to the band ‘Blondie’ will be playing in this year’s Fake Festival. Who is the lead singer of Blondie?

A.

Debbie Kerr

B.

Debbie Harry

C.

Debbie Jones

Just send your name, contact details and answer in to Lichfield Gazette Fake Festival Competition. PO Box 5414. Lichfield, WS14 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk One entry per household please, duplicates will be disqualified. The competition closes on Friday 17th May. Winners will be notified by Saturday 18th May. Page 61

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