Lichfield Gazette November 2015

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN THE CITY OF LICHFIELD

NOVEMBER 2015 ISSUE 76

Here comes Jack & the Beanstalk Page 59

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

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CONTENTS

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

32 Win tickets to the Clothes Show Explore the best of British fashion.

42 Christmas Gift Guide Gifts for the man in your life.

46 Listen to the Band Fantastic pictures from You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if...

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48 Dam Street Feature At the very core of Lichfield.

55 Tamworth Street Feature A street of Independents.

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

CONTRIBUTORS • Caz Jones

• Joss Musgrove Knibb • Phil Preece

• Robert Yardley

• You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs...

• Lichfield Museum

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Gazette Contacts

Editor - Paul Oakley 07875 475540 / 01543 302748 paul@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Deputy Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048 gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk

Distributors wanted contact 07548 682576 Advertising

Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Traci Calcutt 07999 430383 tracicalcutt@gmail.com Diana Gudgeon 01543 253633 diana@lichfieldgazette.co.uk National Sales - David Baker 01889 577891 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

About your Local Magazine

Gazette Magazine, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Lichfield Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 18,000 homes and businesses in and around Lichfield. Distribution area covers Lichfield City, Alrewas, Fradley, Shenstone, Stonnall, Hammerwich, Kings Bromley, Longdon, Burntwood, Whittington and Little Aston.

Cover image by Robert Yardley

See page 59

A limited number of the Lichfield Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from St Mary’s in the Market Square. All proceeds go to charity. We do not seek to sensationalise but to inform and entertain our readers. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the publishers. Lichfield Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other publication. Subscription service available.

Next issue of Lichfield Gazette - Saturday 28th November Page 4 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Letter Editor A

from the

Selfie or selfish?

What happens when practically every phone has a built-in camera? What happens when we’re constantly connected to Wi-Fi or the cellular network? We get some pretty great selfies to share with the world.

But are selfies a sign of selfishness, conceit or selfabsorption in a ‘me’ society that encourages instant fame and a get-rich-quick mentality with a needy urge to become recognised? It’s what Facebook has made us all into. Even the Prime Minister and Obama are indulging.

Now, many (older) people tend to look down on selfies, seeing it as a sign of being narcissistic or egotistical. What’s wrong with asking some friendly stranger to spare a few moments to take a picture of you? As you hand him your £300 camera he says ‘back a bit further, back a bit further’… then he high-tails down the road with it.

But really, selfies can also be a sign of self-reliance; you’re going out there and doing awesome things alone, because you don’t always have to be in a group to be at your best, and you want to record or share the memory: This is me with the statue of Samuel Johnson, me and my mum, me with measles!

And now the ‘selfie-stick’ has been developed to allow you to take larger groups. Who carries a selfie-stick around with them? I imagine the earth holding a giant selfie stick and shouting ’smile’ as the sun and moon converge behind it. My son bought me a selfie-stick for my mobile. Ah well, at least now I can hold the phone far enough away to read text messages.

Selfies have become so common that it’s not enough just to have a picture of yourself anymore.

Many people like to add some quote to sum-up their experiences, or maybe poke fun at what’s going on. It’s totally its own kind of humour, and like any other kind of humor, is something that needs to be developed. It’s a whole creative genre that we have rapidly come to accept.

A report this week reveals more people die in accidents while taking selfies than are killed by sharks.

It's a start.

Yours truly Paul Oakley Editor

1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP, 01543 255879 Page 5

WIN

FIND MINSTER THE CAT!

AFTERNOON TEA Win Traditional Afternoon Tea for Two people (Mon – Thurs) and enjoy the award winning Netherstowe House experience. As the venue of choice for many milestone celebrations, such as anniversaries, birthdays and weddings, Netherstowe House Hotel and Restaurant resonates to the sound of laughter throughout the year from guests indulging in a seasonal soiree and past well known patrons who have enjoyed doing just that include Sir Roger Moore, Helen Baxindale, Barry Norman CBE, Claire Sweeny and Idris Elba to name but a few.

Netherstowe House are incredibly proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at the Taste of Staffordshire Good Food awards, to have received an AA Rosette award for Culinary Excellence and to be recommended by the Michelin Guide. These coveted awards and accolades are testament to the dedication of their team who are incredibly passionate about delighting guests.

Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House: Traditional Afternoon Tea: £19.95 per person with a flute of Champagne: £30.45 per person Afternoon tea is served daily from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Last sitting is at 3:00pm.

Every Wednesday is Ladies Day – enjoy a Traditional Afternoon Tea with a Bucks Fizz aperitif on arrival for just £19.95.

Minster is a little rascal! True to form he has got lost again in this issue and we

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FOR TWO PEOPLE AT NETHERSTOWE HOUSE

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 20 Nov 15 to ‘Minster The Cat Competition’ PO Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ. Or by email to minsterthecat@hotmail.co.uk subject "Minster Comp". One entry only please (or disqualified). Netherstowe House is a beautifully renovated Grade II Listed property and Fine Dining Restaurant. This boutique hotel has the elegance of a fine old country house, excellent service plus the contemporary conveniences of every modern luxury you could possibly desire. The Editor will draw the winning entries and announce it in the next edition of Lichfield Gazette. Good luck!!

R O L L O V E R - Two prizes not one for November

Sack the editor! The very popular "Find Minster" competition took a dreadful turn last month and Minster wasn't in the magazine at all. In way of explanation, he was hiding on a page that was transposed last minute and was taken out of the magazine to make way for something else. We apologise if we had you all searching for that naughty rascal. So to make up for it we have a 'rollover'. There will be TWO winning prizes of Afternoon Tea at Netherstowe House instead of one. We can assure you he is in there this month (Ed).

LGNOV15

Bramshall Art Group Exhibition

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ramshall Art Group is holding an art exhibition in the Guildhall on Saturday 14 November from 10am until 4pm. Admission is free.

This is the first time that Bramshall Art Group has held an exhibition in Lichfield.

Approximately 100 paintings will be on show and all paintings on display are originals. For further information contact Bramshall Art Group on 07591-991684 or via email at bramshallartgroup@btinternet.com

We will remember them.

By Lichfield author Joss Musgrove Knibb

R.R.P. £9.99 Available from good bookshops including WH Smith and on amazon.co.uk Page 8 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Dementia – A Modern Dilemma

Statistics published by the Alzheimer’s Society reveal that there are presently around 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, a figure which is projected to rise to 1 million by 2025.

With legal disputes over Wills made by dementia sufferers on the increase, Helen Helen Bradin, Partner Bradin Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP based on Bradin, Partner at solicitors Bradin Beacon Street, Lichfield.

Trubshaw & Kirwan LLP, explains the importance of planning for the future: Dementia is a progressive illness which often develops over a long period and may not be obvious at first. As people live longer dementia is becoming more prevalent so it is really important to plan ahead, for example to make a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), to prevent disputes due to 'mental capacity issues’ - that a person who made or altered their Will lacked the mental capacity to create a valid legal document.

A Valid Will To make a Will a person must have ‘testamentary capacity’ which means that they understand what a Will is for and its effects; they comprehend the extent of assets they are giving away and to whom; they appreciate that claims may be made by people who expect to be left something in the Will and that their judgment is not affected by a mental illness which could impact on the disposal of their estate. A person who has been diagnosed with dementia may wish to make or change a Will and it does not necessarily mean that they cannot do so but they should seek legal advice from a solicitor who will conduct the appropriate tests to decide whether they have ‘testamentary capacity’ – often done after also taking medical advice. If it is concluded that the person who wishes to make or amend a Will does not have ‘testamentary capacity’ because of their dementia, then they cannot do so and no-one else can act on their behalf except the Court of Protection who in certain circumstances may make a Statutory Will. If someone wants to challenge a Will on the grounds of lack of capacity, then it is down to them to prove it.

Jointly Owned Property – The Considerations A point of consideration is that as many couples own their home ‘jointly’ i.e. each owns 100% of the property, any local authority assessment for the payment of care home fees will take the value of the whole property into account. What this means is that if one partner goes into care and the other dies first, then 100% of value of the surviving partner’s home will be assessed for the payment of care.

One option therefore is a Deed of Severance, severing the tenancy of the property, which means that both partners own 50% each as 'tenants in common’ – so a local authority seeking to recoup the cost of care is limited to that person’s share of the property.

A second possibility is to include a ‘life interest trust’ in a Will, whereby assets are directed into a family trust, so on the first death the deceased’s share of the property goes into trust and is then not means testable if the surviving partner goes into care.

Mirror Wills Thought should also be given to Mirror Wills - where a husband, wife, civil partner and same-sex married couple make almost identical Wills leaving, for instance, everything to each other - as if these take effect, all of the assets are transferred to the surviving partner, again meaning that 100% of the assets are available for payment of care fees.

Lasting Power of Attorney Making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) enables a person with dementia to give authority to someone they trust to make certain decisions on their behalf.

There are two types of LPA – Health and Welfare (decisions such as medical treatment, where someone should live) and Property and Affairs (managing a person’s money, property and affairs). An LPA must be made whilst a person is still able to make decisions for themselves and must be registered before it can be used.

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

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Totally Essential

romising ‘beautiful gifts for you, your family and your friends’ and supporting boutique British designers from across the Isle, the store offers a stunning range of gorgeous homewares, bath and beauty products and of course Christmas décor.

“I find people are interested in the story behind their purchase,” explained Totally Essential founder and Lichfield local Jo Southby. “It adds another layer of value knowing something is a labour of love, crafted with care by a real person! Customers feel good knowing they are supporting British designers.”

A Christmas paradise, exquisite decorations hang alongside sumptuous throws and cushions, festive candles and all things fragrant mingle with pure wool handbags, purses and shawls.

Gentlemen will be pleased to know Jo holds evenings especially for them.

“I have a lot of men coming to me at the last minute,” Jo laughs. “I can help them find matching handbag, scarf and gloves, or pretty shawls and beauty products for wives and daughters. We’ve got the most divine smelly candles which work well for anyone – friends, colleagues, family. All made with love and the best ingredients.”

The stores trademark pure wool throws (made in one of Britain’s oldest mills in Bronte country)are complemented by home lighting and signature furniture pieces from York, and unique, traditionally forged ironwork from Ayrshire (including candle holders and log racks to sit by the fire). Beautifully scented candles, pure bath and beauty products, eco-friendly greeting and Christmas cards, and twinkly Christmas decorations complete the wonderland.

“Everybody needs to feel special, it’s totally essential,” smiles Jo. “The gift of something beautiful helps achieve that.”

Totally Essential can be found in the courtyard at Heart of the Country, Swinfen,Lichfield, open from 10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Visit www.totally-essential.co.uk

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AFTER

BEFORE

Lichfield Smiles Award Winners for the Second Year Running

Matt Burnell BSc (Hons) Dip CDT RCS (Eng) (Clinical Dental Technician at Lichfield Smiles) and the whole Lichfield Smiles’ team are delighted to announce a double win at the recent British Association of Clinical Dental Technology (BACDT) Awards, after both the award for Best Patient Experience and the Extra Mile Award were presented to this highly-regarded clinic. The BACDT is the nation's leading professional association seeking to sustain and advance the ethical practice of clinical dental technology, and the awards are a way of marking outstanding performance amongst the BACDT’s entire membership. What makes the awards so meaningful, is that Matt and Lichfield Smiles gained their awards solely on the volume of nominations given by Lichfield Smiles customers from all over the world.

www.smiles.uk.com lichfield@smiles.uk.com

“Matt we would like to wish you all the very best for the future. Keep up the excellent work. In your profession you are the best. Also, thank you to Julie for always making you feel comfortable and welcome while you are waiting to be seen. Good cup of tea too!” R.B.

For a no-obligation chat or free consultation, just ring Matt’s clinic on 01543 415288 Lichfield Smiles can be found at 46 Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DX. www.smiles.uk.com Matthew Burnell BSc (Hons) Dip CDT RCS (Eng) GDC Reg No: 123633

LG Page 11

Local Man in Refugee Appeal

Local man Dave Simcox is raising money to allow him to make the journey to a refugee camp in Calais to help with the humanitarian effort there.

Dave told the Gazette: “I am going to Calais for a week to help construct shelters. I may also get to use my skills as a plumber but, in the end, whatever help I can give is a contribution.”

Dave has set up a Just Giving page to raise 50% of his travel costs (he’s paying the other 50% himself) plus funds to purchase construction materials, tarpaulins, screws and nails. To do this, and to transport donated blankets and clothes he needs to raise the sum of £1,000. The generous donations of local people have seen him already reach £750.

To donate to this worthwhile cause, just go to crowdfunding.justgiving.com/dave-simcox Dave will be keeping people update on his progress via his Facebook page - Bruford Low

A

Bert becomes Staffordshire’s Poet Laureate

t a special National Poetry Day inauguration at Stone Library, 14 year old Matilda HoustonBrown from Bagnall in the Staffordshire Moorlands and Bert Flitcroft, from Fradley, near Lichfield, officially took on the roles of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Young Poet Laureate and Staffordshire Poet Laureate respectively.

Matilda will serve for one year and Bert will stay in the role for two years. During their tenures Matilda and Bert will take on a variety of commissions to mark special occasions and events - and generally help to boost appreciation of poetry in people of all ages across the county.

Staffordshire’s lead for Learning and Skills, County Councillor Ben Adams, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome our two new Poets Laureate to these prestigious roles for local poetry. The appointments are great news for poetry fans and will continue to reinvigorate an interest and appreciation of poetry in all our residents. Both Matilda and Bert are very talented writers, and their efforts throughout the coming year will help showcase the diverse culture and creative energy that resides within our great county.”

To find out more about Staffordshire’s Poet Laureate, please visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/poetlaureate

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Lichfield Arts concerts at the Guildhall

ichfield Arts events continue in November with Sarah McQuaid who will be at the Guildhall on Saturday 14 November. She recently released her fourth album ‘Walking into White’ which showcases her virtuoso guitar playing and distinctive voice. Her repertoire ranges from 16th century lute music to Cuban jazz, as well as folk songs from across the world.

On Saturday November 28 Idiot and Friend take to the stage. This duo of Les Barker and Keith Donnelly are well-

known as individual performers, but their songcraft, witty poetry, word-play and easy stage manner make this an evening of fine entertainment.

For further information or to book go to www.lichfieldarts.org.uk, call on (01543) 262223, or visit Lichfield Arts’ box office in Donegal House, Bore Street.

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lubs, societies and voluntary groups in the City of Lichfield are invited to apply to the City Council for a grant from the Council’s 2016/2017 budget. Grant forms are available by email at: administration@lichfield.gov.uk, from the City Council Office, Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LU (telephone 01543 309858), and on the Council’s website at www.lichfield.gov.uk. Completed forms must be returned by 8 January 2016.

To be eligible, organisations applying must operate for the benefit of people within the boundary of the City of Lichfield.

Each year the Council makes available a sum in its budget to be given out to local voluntary organisations to assist in their work.

Organisations helped in the past have included youth groups, sports clubs, arts groups, charitable bodies, and various other societies and event organisers. Grants totalling over £27,000 were awarded in the current year. Grants ranged from £50 to £4,100, with 44 different groups receiving funding.

The Council is particularly keen to receive applications from organisations which have not previously applied.

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Applications invited for City Grants

Rebecca Wins ParaBadminton Gold

n September, Rebecca Bedford from Yoxall competed in the BWF World Parabadminton Championships in Stoke Mandeville and won three medals.

The World Championships was the first to have taken place in England. The event followed the news that badminton has now been included in the Paralympics for Tokyo 2020.

223 players from 37 countries competed across the various classifications – a record for the event.

Rebecca Bedford, who trains at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, won the gold medal in Women’s SS6 Doubles together with silver medals in the Women’s Singles and Mixed Doubles.

The England squad put in a strong overall performance gaining 4 of the 21 gold medals on offer, putting them equal with badminton giants India and South Korea.

Rebecca had to get through some tough matches during the four-day championships to reach the finals in all three of her events, and was delighted with her performance following major surgery in 2014.

The 17-year-old, who attends John Taylor High School, is now focussed on preparing for the Scottish 4-Nations Tournament in Glasgow next February, as she continues her quest to be selected for Tokyo 2020.

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Framing a Proud Family History

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ne of the first things that you notice as you enter the spacious openplan showroom and workshop at All Aspect Art & Print is the subtle smell of wood.

Because the workshops are open-plan, visitors can watch the craftspeople at All Aspect creating beautiful mounts and frames for everything from precious family photographs and pictures to sporting memorabilia, WW1 medals and poppies.

So many of us have photographs of grandfathers and greatgrandfathers who fought in

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WW1 and most have precious family memories attached to them. Sadly, due to natural wear and tear these images are often faded, damaged or torn.

One of the remarkable facilities on offer at All Aspect Art & Print is the repair and renovation of photographs, so that these delicate reminders of loved ones can be safely stored away from the light, and the exact but renovated copy framed up and displayed.

The digital artists at All Aspect are able to achieve some remarkable results, digitally manipulating photographs to bring a

faded image back to life.

In 2014, The Tower of London’s remarkably poignant art installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ saw 888,246 ceramic poppies planted in the grounds of the White Tower.

Many people purchased these evocative reminders and Duncan Mitchell, owner and proprietor at All Aspect started to be asked his advice on how to display them safely.

Duncan came up with the idea of mounting the poppies in a specially created box frame (in a range of finishes including a

reproduction studded metal ammunition box) that contains an image of the Tower of London, and around the interior of the frame a frieze of soldiers in silhouette. This makes a wonderful backdrop for the ceramic poppies, and the photographs and medals of family members who fought in WW1 can be included too.

Duncan told the Gazette: “I think that it’s important that we cherish and display these photographs and medals. Many young people have no idea of what their great-grandfathers went through, and by bringing these pictures back out into the light, we can make sure that their stories are told and understood.”

For those people who did not purchase a Tower of London poppy, All Aspect Art & Print have created a ceramic poppy with leaf, modelled on the flowers found even to this day in the fields of France and Belgium. Prices for a boxed poppy start at just £85.

All Aspect Art & Print also offer a full framing service, with a wide range of frames and mount examples to view at the showroom. The business has been trading for 28 years, and their decades of experience mean that they can offer advice and suggestions on what might suit a particular image or style of décor.

There’s no hard sell or rush to make a choice.

Duncan commented: “The most important thing to us is that the customer is happy. We make sure that every time the customer

walks past a picture framed by us they are delighted with the results.”

In addition to framing, All Aspect work with schools and businesses on framing presentations, and with the public, trade and artists who may wish to have Giclee prints or greetings cards made of their work. All Aspect can reproduce artists’ work or family photographs on to canvas or photo paper (to practically any size required).They also specialise in the cleaning and restoration of oil paintings, working with highly skilled restorers who will painstakingly repair damage or wear.

All Aspect Art & Print are open From Monday (9.30am to 5pm) to Saturday (9.30am to 1pm) and can be found at Grayson House, Lynn Lane, Shenstone, WS14 0DU. Call 01543 482 878; go to their website www.frameyourpicture.cou k or email support@printmypicture.c o.uk for more information.

The new website contains a gallery of images by artists and photographers and is a great one stop shop for inspiration and ideas.

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Christmas Celebrations at the Johnson Birthplace Museum

he Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum on the Market Square will be starting its Christmas celebrations on Sunday 29 November from 3.30pm – 6pm, providing activities and festive refreshments to help the crowds warm up while waiting for Santa and the big Christmas Light switch-on at 5pm. The Museum will again be holding a late night opening with family activities and a great view of the City being illuminated from the Market Square.

Festive refreshments will be available with all proceeds supporting the Museum and there’s also a chance to win a fantastic Christmas hamper.

Entrance and activities are free to everyone, so just drop-in!

The festive season continues at the Museum with ‘The Johnson Family Christmas’ on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December, 11am – 3.30pm. Join a big Christmas party in beautifully decorated surroundings with activities including carols by the Lichfield Singers and an elegant dance display from Regency Assembly on Saturday, along with Christmas crafts, quiz trails, refreshments and amazing automated machines over the whole weekend. Entrance to the event is free of charge. For more details on either event call 01543 264 972, email sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk, visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk or pop into the Museum on the corner of the Market Square from 11am – 3.30pm daily. For more information visit www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk

Life-saving AED for Grangemoor

The Committee of the Grangemoor Working Men’s Club have arranged for a lifesaving piece of equipment to be installed outside their Club on Cannock Road. Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device design to help save the life of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

The equipment, funded by the Club itself, is mounted in a secure box outside the Club so it can be used at any time by anyone who needs it in an emergency. In the event of someone suffering a Mandi Edwards, David Crowe, Cllr cardiac arrest, the device can be accessed after calling the emergency services on 999, and control Darren Ennis, Cllr Pamela Stokes, Cllr Keith Stokes, Paul Dadge room personnel will be able to talk to the user and tell them how to use the device.

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New History Centre Proposals

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he Gazette has received information on the proposed History Centre in Stafford that would see the closure of Lichfield Records Office, and all records held by them moved to the new facility in Stafford…

Under the proposals considered by the Staffordshire Joint Archives Committee on Thursday 22 October, the vision for the Staffordshire Archives Service would see the creation of a new History Centre on the existing Records Office site on Eastgate Street in Stafford.

Community activities and events, family history workshops, research space, and exhibitions would all be proposed as part of the plans. The proposals would see records currently held at the Lichfield Record Office and the William Salt Library being moved into the new centre. An additional 25 years of storage space would also be created to hold future collections.

The proposals follow consultation with the public, depositors and local history groups during the summer which saw 530 people have their say. People were asked to consider and choose from four options, with 53% of people opting for the development of a new centre on the Eastgate Street site in Stafford. If approved by the Joint Archives Committee, an application for funding would be made to the Heritage Lottery fund In December.

Ben Adams, Cabinet Member responsible for the Archives Service at Staffordshire County Council said: “This is an exciting time for the service and if the proposals are approved it means we’ll be able to provide a much more modern service that is sustainable for many years to come that allows more people to access and enjoy the records. A brand new centre with modern storage would also allow us to better preserve our collections while providing an extra 25 to 30 years of space for future collections as the service develops.

“We will continue developing our digital offer, making more records available online than ever before and at the same time, taking the service out into local communities and to schools and groups. The proposals would also see the creation of a community history centre within Lichfield Library, providing online access to records as well as access to a range of community activities.”

The next step will be to submit a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in December.

The Archives Service continues to work with family history website findmypast to digitise over six million records including parish registers, wills and marriage bonds. People have free access to these records from Staffordshire Libraries as well as the Archive Service offices. Over four million records are already available to search online with the remainder going on by the end of the year.

During the eight week consultation in the summer people were given the choice of four options. Option A received 53% of the votes and more than the other three options put together. Option B received 23%, Option C received 9% and Option D received 15%.

People can find out more about the proposals at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives

German Choir visits Lichfield

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s part of their 140th anniversary celebrations, members of Sängervereinigung Seckbach – Seckbach Association of Choirs, Frankfurt am Main – visited the Midlands between 26 September and 3 October, during which time they took in sights of the region and met local choirs for joint events.

On 2 October, the Choir visited the German War Cemetery at Brindley Heath, then went on to the Letocetum Roman site and Museum at Wall, followed by lunch at Fradley Junction. In the afternoon they visited Lichfield Cathedral.

They arrived at the Cathedral and were greeted by the Mayor of Lichfield, Cllr Andrew Smith, who accompanied them into the Cathedral to hear them sing a beautiful Italian folk song, Benia calastoria and an arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

They presented the Mayor and the City with an illustrated book about Frankfurt.

Burntwood presents Mini Mambos

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hildren under 5 years of age are invited to take part in a weekly Mini Mambos class. The sessions are packed full of games, movement, music making and story time.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, commented: “These classes are an excellent way to promote co-ordination, motor and social skills. They also offer parents a chance to meet other local families.”

Mini Mambos runs on Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. These parent/guardian sessions costs £2.70 and there is no need to book.

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New Operations Director for Cathedral

Southwell Mott Solicitors Since its inception we have raised over £20,000 for the Will Aid charity.

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

• Matrimonial • Cohabitee • Employment • Trusts

• Wills • Divorce • Probate • Children disputes

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

Lichfield Cathedral has welcomed a new Operations Director, Simon Warburton. Simon joins the Cathedral with a wealth of experience having spent four years working at Chester Cathedral. In his new role, Simon will oversee the Cathedral’s enterprises including Chapters, the Café in The Close; the Shop at No.9; and commercial events.

Looking for Information on the 1946 Trent Valley Railway Disaster Memorial

On New Year's Day 1946, 20 people were killed in a collision between a stationary goods train and the Stafford to Nuneaton commuter train at Trent Valley Station. Only six passengers escaped the train without injury. This tragic incident reached the national news as the collision caused such terrible loss of life, plus serious structural damage to the station, line and bridge.

We are looking for any information on a memorial plaque to those who lost their lives, which is believed to have been erected at Trent Valley Station, but subsequently lost sometime during the line closures and rebuildings that took place in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Do you remember that memorial?

We would also like to hear your family stories of the crash.

To get in touch, just drop me (Joss Musgrove Knibb, Deputy Editor) an email at gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk or call me on 07833 735048. We'd be delighted to hear from you as we are planning to explore the crash and it's aftermath in our January issue.

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Established 2004

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DGS Hygiene Services celebrate ten years

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arry Gwilt has been involved in the catering industry for many years and his work has taken him around the world. His extensive training and successful career have taught him that kitchen hygiene is the most important aspect of the job, and one that can never be compromised upon.

Ten years ago, these high standards led to his first catering and cleaning contract which in turn led to the launch of DGS Hygiene Services. Today it is a business that has a £500,000 turnover and an expanding workforce of 35 employees, plus a fleet of ten company vehicles with another five planned.

Barry confessed: “It wasn’t always a bed of roses. In the early days I did the cleaning myself during the evening, armed with my trusty Henry vacuum cleaner, as well as run a local pub in-between times. Everyone including my family thought I was mad!”

During Barry’s years in the catering business he has worked for Marriot Hotels in the USA as well as The Hong Kong Jockey Club. He has organised many functions, even an occasion for The Prince of Wales and Princess Ann. Barry has run five local pubs consecutively, which takes some impressive organisational skills! It is this organised and methodical approach that is the secret of his success.

Three years ago wife Denise joined Barry and original employee Sally Elkin at their new premises on Britannia Enterprise Park. The business now deals with a whole spectrum of services including: commercial and domestic cleaning; washroom rental services; builder cleans; carpet cleaning; kitchen deep cleans; home support services; and janitorial supplies.

The workforce are all uniformed and the cars are all liveried in black and gold. You cannot fail to spot them as they drive around the Lichfield area. Robert Jackson helped Barry devise the original branding for DGS and soon after starting out Barry also launched a sister company - BJ’s Catering, who provide pig roasts and all manner of catering for weddings and outdoor/marquee events. BJ’s Catering also provide the catering for Lichfield Rugby Club who host an array of events from breakfast meetings to gourmet dinners.

To celebrate DGS’s ten-years in business, Barry has created a blue themed sign-written car, plus promotional balloons and ribbons to celebrate this milestone in the company’s history.

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Barry said: “I would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support over the years. Very many of those early customers have remained regulars. I would also like to congratulate all my team including Kevin Day, Area Supervisor, Shirley Boston, Home Support Supervisor, Tim Smith, Kitchen Deep Clean Supervisor. But most of all to Henry-the-Vac for sticking by me through thick and thin.”

Plans for the future include: adding new products to the DGS janitorial products range; developing the Home Support concept; adding more commercial contracts including those within the restaurant/pubs industry; and exploring business possibilities in the Tamworth area.

Dame Judy Congratulates Mysteries

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he Lichfield Mysteries have received a congratulatory message from Dame Judi Dench as they celebrate their 21st birthday this month.

Dame Judi has been Patron since the first production in 1994.

A bring and share party has been arranged and Dame Judi was informed of the celebration.

Unfortunately, Dame Judi will be unable to attend the party as she will be in the middle of the run of ‘The Winter's Tale’ in London, but she sent a message congratulating Lichfield Mysteries on this milestone birthday.

Chairman Peter Chell commented: “We would like to thank Dame Judi for her comments and we very much appreciate her ongoing support of the Mysteries.”

People who have been involved in any Lichfield Mysteries production are invited to the 21st birthday party on November 27. Please email jilltaylor@lichfieldmysteries.co.uk or go to www.lichfieldmysteries.co.uk for further details.

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Night in the Trenches

n Saturday 14th November the Staffordshire Regiment Museum will be holding Night in the Trenches – an extraordinary and immersive experience of WW1 trench warfare.

Night in the Trenches takes place under cover of darkness, when the trenches came to life. Visitors are taken down into the British and German trench system, to stand by the man on sentry duty; to watch the gas attack and the treatment of the wounded and to experience the crack, flash and boom of riffles and detonating munitions.

Night in the Trenches is an experience of ‘walking through time’, as visitors chat with serving men who are singing songs, carrying out duties and taking orders from their officers, before getting ready to go ‘over the top’ to assault the German pillbox and trench.

Standing in the open air at night and surrounded by these dedicated re-enactors, visitors will truly experience a taste of WW1 life and combat.

There will be 6 tours during the event - each taking up to 45 minutes, and running from 4pm until 8pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £7 for children over 5 years and senior citizens. Please note that the noise of rifle fire and some scenes within the reenactment make this event unsuitable for very small children. Please wear sensible footwear and clothing. The trench and the museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

This is one of the museum’s most popular events and tickets book up fast.To book your ticket drop in to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum or call on 01543 434394.

The Staffordshire Regiment Museum can be found at DMS Whittington, Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY. For more information go to staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

Lichfield’s Mystery Plays are back!

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he Management Committee of Lichfield Mysteries Community Arts is delighted to announce the event will go ahead in May 2016.

Plans have been drawn up to use indoor and outdoor venues and groups from all over the area have already committed to the project over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

Chairman Peter Chell commented: “We believe Lichfield Mysteries is the largest such event in the country which is free of charge to audiences and we wish this to continue.

We are extremely grateful for the support given to us by local trusts, companies and organisations and we are determined to present a production of which Lichfield can be proud.”

Between 600 and 700 people will take part in the Mystery Plays, performing over the two days of the Bank Holiday, May 1 and 2, 2016. The event attracts thousands of people to the city.

Any company or individual who would like to sponsor the event should email: jilltaylor@lichfieldmysteries.co.uk.

The George Celebrates British Food Fortnight

A

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group of pupils from the Friary School donned Chef’s hats and aprons at The George Hotel in Bird Street on Wednesday 30 September as part of the hotel’s support of British Food Fortnight which started on 19 September.

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

The 12 Friary School year 10 students spent the day with chefs at The George creating a British themed three course meal, which included bacon wrapped chicken breast for main course and apple and blackberry crumble and custard for dessert. They later served the meal to over 70 friends, family members and teachers in the hotel’s banqueting suite.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constant use

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

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

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

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

Tel 01543 262670 21 Bore Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LZ To book your free 30 day Lyric trial call 01543 262670

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The Blithfield Sallet

By Lichfield Museum at St Mary’s in the Market Square

n this month when we remember the fallen of two 20th century world wars, Lichfield Museum shares with us a remarkable artefact of wars and warriors in centuries gone by.

St Mary’s in the Market Square is home to the Lichfield Museum, reflecting the history of the city over the last 2,000 years. It is also the custodian of a fine collection of silverware housed in its Treasury.

On entering the Treasury, one is faced with a sparkling array of silver glinting in the reflected light. A rather large item, displayed on an elevated stand tends to catch the eye. On first sight not the most attractive of items, it is none the less an extremely important and interesting object which connects Lichfield to the Wars of the Roses and the rigours of medieval warfare.

It is that essential item of protective head gear worn not by the common soldier, but by the wealthier leaders of a medieval army who would have been in the forefront of the battle; a helmet.

Not just an ordinary helmet, this is a sallet.

They appear to have been derived from one of the many variants of the 14th century ”bescinet,” which were very close fitting helmets and they first appeared in England in 1430. However, references can be found to sallets in Italy as early as 1407. Here they were described by the Italian word “celata”.

T

Other sallets can be found in Europe, but there are only two other comparable ones in England; one in St. Mary’s Hall in Coventry and one in Wilton–le–Wear church in County Durham.

Our sallet was owned by the Bagot family of Blithfield, hence it is known as the “Blithfield Sallet”. It is made from steel and although no armourers mark can be found, it is thought to have been made in Italy. The keel like comb which extends along the top is pierced in the centre by a circular hole, originally intended for allowing a light war crest to be attached, but was subsequently enlarged to take a funerary crest.

It was owned by the Bagot family for centuries and is believed to have belonged to Richard Bagot (1420-1485) who wore it at the Battle of Bosworth. Unfortunately, he was killed during the battle fighting in support of Henry Tudor and his attempt to claim the throne of England. It was a period of turbulence and upheaval resulting in internal fighting in England commonly known as the War of the Roses, when the country was torn apart by the rivalry between the houses of York and Lancaster, who were both claiming their rights to the throne of England.

On the first of August 1485, Henry Tudor a Lancastrian returned from exile with the aim of challenging the Yorkist king, Richard the third

for the throne and thereby hopefully bringing the conflict to an end. Henry landed at Milford Haven with an invasion army. On his march through Wales, he collected an army of 5,000 men and moved east along Watling Street towards Leicester, where Richard was based.

The two armies met on the 22nd of August in a field near to Market Bosworth.

Richard, the young son of the local Bagot family, was killed during the course of the battle. No doubt wearing his sallet, he fell mortally wounded, unaware of Henry Tudor’s victory or of the proclamation that Henry was now the new king of England. The sallet was kindly donated to the museum many years later

by Nancy, Lady Bagot and represents an important local link to a key historical event.

This was a pivotal moment in the history of our country when the house of York gave way to the house of Lancaster and Henry through his marriage to Elizabeth of York, united the country in peace whilst at the same time firmly establishing the Tudor dynasty.

Lichfield Museum at St Mary’s in the Market Square can be found on the Market Square, Lichfield, WS13 6LG

Win Tickets to The Clothes Show

he Clothes Show returns to the NEC, Birmingham from 4-8 December 2015.

With over 350 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, manicures, beauty demonstrations and style advice, 2015 will offer an all-new fashion experience. Whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, fuel inspiration for a career in fashion, or meet your favourite celebrities, prepare to immerse yourself in the world’s largest fashion festival.

Visitors can take a stroll down The Clothes Show’s, new Boutique Boulevard, where they will be able to shop in pop up stores from the likes of Sugarhill Boutique, Playful Promises, Mink Pink, Wolf & Whistle, Little Mistress, Girls On Film, Prey of London and House of CB. Style savvy shoppers can mix high-street buys with the most sought-after labels in the Designer Outlet.

New to the show, Pringle, Mawi, MuuBaa and Bolongaro Trevor will sit alongside Gushlow & Cole to offer lust-have brands with a discounted designer price tag. Paul's Boutique, Oasis, South Beach, Motel, Religion, Jeffrey Boutique and Glamorous will also add to the line-up with their musthave AW15 collections.

Once you’re all shopped out, sit back and relax in The Lambrini Cocktail Bar in association with Reveal.

With every great outfit come the all-important finishing touches. A whole host of Hair & Beauty

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4-8 December at the NEC products from brands including NYX, Barry M, Models Own, Rimmel, Elemis, Ciate, Lee Stafford, THX Total Hair Experts, and The Beauty Store will be on show.

Back by popular demand the Saks Pamper Lounge will offer visitors the chance to sit back and enjoy a luxury blow dry or manicure.

Adding to the fashion-filled spectacular will be several must-visit stages. The Image Catwalk, presented by fashion expert Antonia O’Brien, will show the latest graduate and emerging designer collections while Let Us Find It will be hosting a scene, bringing the latest collections from a range of top high street brands. Fashion journalist and industry favourite, Hilary Alexander OBE, will be offering exclusive trend presentations and interviews from leading designers on the Olympus PEN Style Studio. Joining Hilary will be presenter and model Lilah Parsons who will host the stage across the 5 days. The Clothes Show’s Educational Ambassador, Caryn Franklin MBE has been part of the show from the beginning and continues to inspire the fashion talent of the future through The Clothes Show’s Educational Programme. Every ticket to the show includes a seat in the ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre showcasing a high-energy spectacle of fashion, music and dance. Expect to see some familiar faces this year as broadcaster and writer Rick Edwards,TV favourites Jamie Laing and Radio 1 presenters Alice Levine and Gemma Cairney

host the Fashion Theatre stage across the five days.

Join the celebrities in the THX Total Hair Experts Paparazzi Pen in association with Capital FM and NOW magazine, for the chance to snap that perfect celeb ‘selfie’! Watch this space for further celeb announcements as we count down to the hottest event on the fashion calendar. For more information, please visit www.clothesshow.com The Lichfield Gazette has teamed up with The Clothes Show in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH to offer two lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious fashion event, absolutely free! To be in with a chance of winning, email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk or write to Gazette Clothes Show Competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ with your name and address- if you are picked you will receive a free pair of tickets. Tickets are limited to one pair per winner and valid on Friday 4th December only.

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Lichfield Conduit Land Trust Charitable Grants

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ichfield Conduit Lands Trust has launched a new website to promote its work providing charitable grants to projects within the City of Lichfield. The site also provides information for potential applicants, who can now apply directly through the website.

The trust was founded in 1546 by Lichfield resident and guild master Hector Beane, when he conveyed guild land to six trustees. The income from rent went towards providing water to the citizens of Lichfield. Over the centuries the trust continued to offer donations to other local community projects, becoming the well-known local charity it is today.

Now the trust focuses on charitable donations to under 25s in assisting with their education, from funding local school trips to sports equipment. They also help organisations for the local community. In recent years the Lichfield Festival, the Operatic Society, the local Scouts and Girl Guides, are a just a few groups they have helped.

Simon James, warden of Lichfield Conduit Lands Trust, commented: “We hope the new website will encourage people to find out more about the vibrant history of the trust and what we do today. We would like to invite potential applicants to visit the site, where you can find out if we can help you.”

The board meets four times a year to decide on successful applicants. They will next be meeting on 2 December 2015. If you are interested in making an application please visit www.lichfieldconduitlands.org.uk.

For enquires please contact administrator Jane Bethell by emailing jbethell@ansonsllp.com.

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Kids in emergency care get new buddy

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hildren who arrive at emergency care refuge centres including the Lichfield Pathways Project are now receiving Buddy Bags stocked with essential items, thanks to a new foundation set up to support children at one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives.

Buddy Bags being delivered to

The Live Love Laugh Foundation was set up the Pathways Project, Lichfield

by Derbyshire entrepreneur Karen Williams in January this year, in response to the rising number of children in the UK who enter emergency care after fleeing violent situations at home.

“Currently over 48,000 children require emergency care in the UK each year,” Karen explains. “Children who arrive in emergency care often come with nothing but the clothes or pyjamas they are standing up in. At this point their whole world has been turned upside down, so you can imagine how daunting this period of their lives must be, especially for very young children.

“Restoring a sense of safety and security into a child’s life during a traumatic time is one of the first steps to recovery. Our Buddy Bags are something a child can call their own, no matter where they go. Tailored across a wide age range from new born babies to teenagers, they contain all the essential items a child needs straight away, such as toiletries, pyjamas, socks and underwear. They also include comfort items, such as a book, a photo frame and a teddy bear.”

Karen came up with the idea to set up a Buddy Bag scheme in the UK after a visit to Australia in 2014, where a similar scheme has delivered over 50,000 buddy bags to children arriving in emergency care across Australia.

“Starting in the West Midlands, our aim is to deliver 20,200 Buddy Bags to 300 refuges across the UK by 2020. To help support this aim we are looking for companies who would like to get involved in a community project.They can do this by either sponsoring Buddy Bags in their local area, by donating funds to help pay for the items we put in the bags, or by donating their time to help us fill the bags.

“We’re always on the look out for help from individuals too, so if anyone has any spare time, skills or items we can use, or cash to donate, all is welcome. For more information visit our web site www.lll.foundation.”

For further details, contact Karen Williams on 07976-962986

The Feathers Inn

Your award-winning Pub of the Year - 2nd year running

YOUR WEEK STARTS HERE!

•YUMMY SCRUMMY SUNDAY ROAST from £5.95

Roast Beef, Honey Roast Ham, Turkey, Pork and Lamb (£2 extra). Served until 6pm (Vegetarian options available) Plus In-house menu inc. Kids Choice.

•MONDAY PIE NIGHT our delicious homemade pies.

come and check out

•TAPPAS TUESDAY -

Try something different and… enjoy OPEN MIC NIGHT too!

•WEDNESDAY BURGER & BOTTLE topped with cheese and bacon and more!

•‘KURRY’AOKE THURSDAY•FEATHERS FRIDAY -

price! From 3pm.

•STEAK SATURDAY Meet and greet with

fresh homemade 8oz burger

Karaoke and a curry.

Any main menu meal and get starter AND dessert half

“Get your lips ‘round that!”

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SANTA

Coming Soon!

KARAOKE Back by popular demand

office party.

CHRISTMAS and his special helpers from ‘Frozen’ and FAYRE MENU ‘Despicable Me’. available from 1st – 24th Dec Bring Mum and Dad – – only a few places left for bookable in advance only.

Christmas Day Dining.

New Years Eve featuring Trip. £10 per ticket includes buffet. (ticket only limited availability) Doors open 7.30pm

GIG GUIDE - NOVEMBER Friday 6 - Britpop Reunion

Friday 20 - Old Raskals

Sunday 8 - Acoustic Open Mic with Pete Kelly

Friday 27 - West Coast Eagles

Saturday 7 - Absolute Blondie Tuesday 10 - The Parlotones Friday 13 - The Strangers Saturday 14 - Soup

Saturday 21 - Born Again Beatles Sat 28 - The Party Popperz

Sunday 29 - Acoustic Open Mic with Pete Kelly

• OPEN MIC NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY •

Internationally acclaimed

The Parlotones - Tuesday 10 November

BT & SKY SPORTS MULTISCREEN VENUE Why go anywhere else – we are your official outlet (with beer!)

www.feathersinn.co.uk Email: thefeathersinn@btconnect.com THE FEATHERS INN 118 Beacon Street, Lichfield WS13 7BA OFF ROAD PARKING-LARGE FAMILY GARDEN FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER FREE Wi - Fi

01543 417029

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Beacon Park is the Best in the Midlands – Officially!

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eacon Park has come twelfth in Keep Britain Tidy’s People’s Choice award and first in the Midlands. After being awarded its fifth consecutive Green Flag by Keep Britain Tidy in the summer, Lichfield District Council asked everyone to get behind Beacon Park and to vote for it to win the People’s Choice award.

The results are in, and although it didn’t win first place (that honour went to Victoria Park in London) the council is still celebrating after Beacon Park came twelfth out of more than 1,500 parks across the country.

Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Parks, said: “We’re all thrilled that Beacon Park has been voted the top park in the Midlands and twelfth in the country. It’s such a special park and we know how much locals and visitors enjoy the gardens, playground, sport facilities, woodland and programme of events.

Thank you so much to everyone who voted for Beacon Park.”

To find out more about what’s on offer at Beacon Park, visit www.lichfieldhistoricparks.co.uk

That's quite some garden feature Carl!

Commemorating Ten Years of Service

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n Wednesday 21st October a celebration to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Very Rev Adrian Dorber taking up the role of Dean of Lichfield Cathedral was held at St John's House hotel. Over 80 guests attended the event that saw The Mayor of Lichfield - Andy Smith, The Sheriff of Lichfield- Mike Sheldon and his lady - Stevie Sheldon, the Chariman of Lichfield District Council - Norma Bacon plus prominent local business people, family and friends of the Dean express their appreciation for all that the Dean has done for the City over the last decade. To mark the occassion the Dean was presented with a gift voucher for £400 (funded by donations made by friends and colleagues) to spend at Emporium Gallery - Lichfield.

Remembrance Sunday Commemorations and Parade

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s Carl Stokes stood in his kitchen on the morning on Monday 20th October "bleary eyed - waiting for the kettle to boil" he was surprised by a fully-grown stag that jumped into his garden in the Charnwood Close, Brownsfield Road area. After quite some time (not knowing what to do about this wellarmed "mobile hatrack" that was taller than a man and didn't look in any hurry to leave) Carl called the Police, who sent round two community support officers - upon which the stag made his escape back over the fence!

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n Remembrance Sunday 8th November, the Parade will form up from 9.15 at the Friary car-park. The Parade will be made up of representatives of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Navy, the Prison Service, Cadets, the Scouts and other community groups. The Parade will be led by a band to the Cathedral where a service will take place. The service will conclude at 10.45am and the Parade will move to the Gardens of Remembrance where the laying of wreaths and two minutes' silence will take place. Lichfield is one of the founder members of the Royal British Legion. It was created in 1921 and is the oldest branch in Staffordshire

y t i VIEW C

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - NOV 2015

Christmas Lights Switch-on show SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Photo courtesy of Robert Yardley

Councillor David Smedley, Leader of the Council

It is now just a few weeks until our traditional Christmas lights switch on event on 29 November and I hope that you will join us for what has become an extremely popular event for all the family.

There will once again be a programme of entertainment on the Market Square from 2:30pm until the switch on itself at 5pm.

The entertainment includes local bands and the cast of the Garrick Theatre’s Christmas Pantomime production, Jack and the Beanstalk. There will also be a festive market around the City centre and special events at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.

My thanks as always go to the many individuals, groups and companies who support this event, both in its planning and on the day itself.

In response to business demand and to boost the night time economy, the newly incorporated Business Improvement District (BID) is contributing to the costs of powering the Christmas lights, allowing them to remain switched on until 2am, rather than midnight. The BID is an exciting opportunity for Lichfield and I look forward to working with them over the coming years to ensure we maximise the vibrancy and appeal of our City.

The City Council and its partner, Navigus, will be holding a Neighbourhood Plan Consultation event at the Guildhall on 27 November.

There is more information within this edition of City View, but I want to take this opportunity to invite all interested parties to attend. This is your neighbourhood plan with a focus on economic and commercial matters, so if these are matters of importance to you then please come along and have your say.

I would like to draw your attention to the article about the Donegal House clock. After 87 years as a local landmark, an overhaul was both needed and well deserved. It is due to return to its rightful place, looking as good as new, imminently.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

The ever popular Christmas Lights switch on event will once again include music on the Market Square provided by some of the best musicians in the area from 2.30pm up to the big switch-on at 5pm.

The switch-on of the Christmas Lights has always been an exciting family event, and since the change to a Sunday the event was proven to be more popular than ever before.

As well as our musicians and singers the Mayor of Lichfield, Councillor Andy Smith, will be joined on stage by other civic guests, cast members from the Garrick Theatre’s Christmas Pantomime ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and two local children - the winners

The Jeeps put their own stamp on classic songs, making them their own and taking on some songs that most duo’s would never even contemplate. You can guarantee with the Jeeps that you are getting a highly experienced, wellseasoned musical act that can entertain in almost any environment.

of the City Council’s Mercury newspaper competition - to help with the big switch-on.

During the afternoon from 2:30pm till around 4.30pm the audience will be entertained by performances from The Jeeps and Blast Off. The Christchurch School Choir will lead traditional Christmas Carols from 4.20pm followed by a special appearance by the Jack and the Beanstalk panto characters immediately before the countdown to the big switch-on at 5pm, and Santa might pay us a visit, too!

Marshals will assist with crowd control so please follow their instructions and arrive in good time.

Blast Off is Lichfield Arts’ latest community project and since their formation they have earned the reputation of being Lichfield’s Funkiest and Grooviest community big band! The 23 piece band, led by local musician Nick Dewhurst, features musicians of all ages and backgrounds playing a broad selection of instruments Blast Off will take you on a musical journey to all corners of the world!

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CityVIEW

Coming soon at the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - NOV 2015

Bookworms United!

Read, explore and enjoy popular titles in our Fortnightly book and activity club for 7-10 year olds. New Bookworms always very welcome! £4 per session including books and refreshments, discounts for family groups.

Birthplace Book Club

Friendly and informal group reading along with Radio 4’s Book Club show, new members very welcome. First Wednesday of the month, 1pm Free entry

Samuel Johnson’s Christmas Light Night Sunday 29th November, 3.30pm - 6pm

Warm-up with festive refreshments and activities before the Lichfield lights switch-on Free entry

The Johnson Family Christmas Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December, 11am – 3.30pm

Festive music, refreshments and activities for all in a Christmas party in beautiful historic surroundings Free entry For more details or to make a booking: call: 01543 264 972 write: sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk click: www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk visit: on the corner of the market square

Weddings at the Guildhall

Located in Bore Street in the heart of the City, the Guildhall is a beautiful historic building and is a magnificent setting for civil ceremonies, receptions and other celebrations. Two rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies: The main hall has oak panelling and a high beamed roof giving a fine mediaeval appearance, and can accommodate up to 160 guests; and the Guildroom, on the ground floor, has paneled walls and timber ceiling and can seat up to 70 guests.

A number of smaller rooms are also available to hire, and are ideal for conferences, seminars or small meetings.

For more information, to enquire over availability, or to arrange a viewing please contact Sarah Wallace at Lichfield City Council.

Tel: 01543 309850 or e-mail: sarah.wallace@lichfield.gov.uk

Dates for your diary:

Friday, 13th Charity Ball Friday, 13 November 7.00pm – dancing ‘til midnight The Mayor and Sheriff will be hosting a spooky evening, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Trust and Lichfield First Responders. Why not make up a table of 8? Come in fancy dress or evening wear, there will be a photographer to capture the moment.

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE IN THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE, LICHFIELD On Sunday, 8 November, at 11.00am The Mayor will accompany the Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in the wreath laying ceremony in the Garden of Remembrance. Anyone wishing to attend or lay a wreath or poppy are welcome to do so.

CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS, 7.00pm, Wednesday, 15 December in the Guildhall The Mayor invites you to join him for a traditional Christmas Carol Service, with local choirs leading the singing, and mince pies and mulled wine to follow. This is a free event but seats are limited.

For more information about any of the above events, please contact the City Council on 01543 309854, or email civic@lichfield.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Plan Consultation Event

Neighbourhood planning was introduced by the Government as part of its Localism agenda and is a new way for communities to decide the future of the places where they live and work, in general conformity with the strategic policies in the Local Plan. The principal aim of this Neighbourhood Plan is to increase the number of employment opportunities in the City so the focus is very much of economic and commercial matters.

A Neighbourhood Plan is produced through several separate stages. We have now completed the process of evidence gathering and have started to draft policies. The next step is to engage with stakeholders and the community through a series of workshops and exhibitions to explain the proposals and to invite feedback.

These events will be hosted by our partner, Navigus and will be held at the Guildhall on 27 November. The first will run from 11.30am to 1.30pm and the second from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. If you wish to attend one of these workshops then please sign up by contacting 01543 309850 We would like as wide an audience as possible to listen to what has been developed so far, and to comment, suggest and where necessary criticise. This is an important document for the parish of Lichfield City, so please come along and share your views on what has been prepared so far. This is the key opportunity for you to shape what goes into the final Neighbourhood Plan.

Grants to local organisations

Each year the City Council awards grants to support the invaluable work carried out by local voluntary groups, societies and clubs operating in the City.

Any organisation whose work is of benefit to the residents of the City is eligible to apply and all applications are then considered by the Council when it meets in March of each year.

For the current financial year over £25,000 in general grants was awarded to local groups to help their work in the City.

Forms for the 2016 grants round are available from the City Council’s offices or off our website. Remember all applications must be submitted by 8 January 2016

Donegal House Clock

The Guildhall dressed for a wedding Page 40 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Originally presented to the City by Mrs M A Swinfen-Broun on 5 November 1928, the Donegal House clock has, for the last 87 years, been a local landmark. However, you may have noticed that it had recently become unreliable and that since mid-September the clock has been removed.

During the ongoing refurbishment of the front of Donegal House, the opportunity was taken to inspect the clock closely. It was found to be in very poor condition, so was transported to the world renowned Smith of Derby for refurbishment.

The newly refurbished clock is due to be returned to its rightful place imminently, almost 87 years to the day since it was first installed.

CityVIEW

Lichfield Markets

The Newsletter of Lichfield City Council - NOV 2015

Christmas Lights Switch On: Sunday 29 November – Market stalls in Market Street, Lower Bore Street and at the bottom of the Shopping Precinct selling scrumptious hot and cold food and Christmas lines and gifts - 11am to 6pm Markets for Christmas: Thursday 3 December - Monthly Farmers’ Market on Market Square Thursday 17 December – Extra Farmers’ Market for Christmas on Market Square Friday 18 December – Final Friday Market before Christmas Saturday 19 December – Final Saturday Market before Christmas Tuesday 22 December – Final Tuesday Market before Christmas NB: There will be no General Markets on Friday 25 December, Saturday 26 December or Friday 1 January and Saturday 2 January For further information on extra markets over the Christmas period please contact the City Council’s Markets Officer.

The Market Square is also available for hire on a commercial or charitable basis on non-market days and for more details, or for any queries relating to Lichfield Markets, please contact the Markets Officer, Rachel Clive. Tel: 01543 309853. e-mail: rachel.clive@lichfield.gov.uk

OUR WEBSITE: www.lichfield.gov.uk

Have you visited the City Council’s website recently? It offers a wealth of information about the work of the City Council; including details of all Council meetings and associated documents. In addition it contains useful information about the City, its history, festivals and major events, and its many unique customs and traditions.

The right Council…

Lichfield City Council is the ‘parish’ authority for the City and is the smallest of the three councils serving the City area. Within the City we deal with local matters such as the markets, maintenance of open spaces and churchyards, civic and mayoral events, the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum and public lettings of the Guildhall.

Lichfield District Council (Tel: 01543 308000) is the larger local authority dealing with such matters as planning, environmental health, refuse collection, housing, car parking, arts and tourism, and leisure services.

Staffordshire County Council (Tel: 0300 111 8000) is the responsible authority for wider services such as Education, Social Services and Highways.

Public Participation

City Council meetings are held in the Guildhall, Bore Street. Dates and times of meetings can be found on the notice-board outside the Guildhall, and on the City Council's website at www.lichfield.gov.uk Meetings are open to the public, with public participation sessions held at full Council and at the Planning Committee.

Advance notice needs to be given to the Council of the subject matter of each question, and any person wishing to speak must contact the Council Offices at Donegal House, Bore Street (next to the Guildhall) before NOON on the day of the meeting.

Our offices are open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Thursday, 19 November, 2015

6.30pm

Planning Committee

Thursday, 10 December, 2015

6.30pm

Planning Committee

Monday, 30 November 2015 Thursday, 7 January, 2016

Monday, 25 January, 2016 Monday, 29 January, 2016

6.30pm 6.30pm

6.30pm 6.30pm

COUNCIL

Planning Committee COUNCIL

Planning Committee Page 41

Christmas Gifts for the Man in Your Life

W

hen it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gifts for the man in your life, Lichfield has got it covered. Take a look at our selection of perfect presents and stocking-fillers available on your high street for lots of Christmassy inspiration!

Lichfield Cathedral vintage print £10, ‘The Midlands’ poster art calendar from the National Railway Museum Archives £8.99, Piano bone-china mug £7.99 and Cathedral paperweight £10 – Available from The Cathedral Shop

Stockists Additions of Lichfield,Tudor Row,Wade St, Lichfield,WS13 6HH, 01543 418030 The Cathedral Shop, 9 The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD, 01543 306150 Graeme Hewes Menswear, 7 Market St, Lichfield, WS13 6JX, 01543 418514 Michael’s Menswear, 12B Market St, Lichfield, WS13 6LH, 01543 262264 E S Jewellery, 1 Tamworth Street, Lichfield, WS13 6JP, 01543 255879 City Jewellers, 39 Market St, Lichfield, WS13 6LA, 01543 416412 Salloways Jewellers, Bore St, Lichfield, WS13 6NA, 01543 262244

Pheasant pattern silk scarf

by Fox & Chave £65, leather gloves £27, Felt trilby by Susquehana Hat Company £79 and wooden handled umbrella £17 – Available from Additions of Lichfield

A selection of Viyella Christmas themed socks £6.95, a selection of ties by Posh & Dandy £29.95 and cufflinks £29.95 – Available from Michael’s Menswear Puzzles from the ‘Great Minds’ range from £5, inspired by the work of Darwin, Newton, Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci etc. – Available from The Cathedral Shop

Red jacket £150, chilli and jigsaw pattern ties £19.95 and Olymp shirt £42.99 – Available from Graeme Hewes Menswear

Shirt by Maddox Street £59.95 and leather gloves by Profumo £39.95 – Available from Michael’s Menswear

Sporting range handkerchiefs £8, coaster £8, mugs £10 and socks £6.75 – Available from The Cathedral Shop

Tartan lambswool scarf £41, tweed ‘urban’ cap by Olney Harris Tweed £49.95, shootingstick from £28 and Spanish leather hip flask £28 – Available from Additions of Lichfield A selection of scarves by Profumo from £14.95 to £39.95 – Available from Michael’s Menswear

Raymond Weil Freelancer bracelet watch with an automatic open balance wheel £1,525 Available from City Jewellers

Page 42 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Brakeburn canvas satchel £34.99, Pachamama Fair Trade chullo £14.95, sheepskin fleece-lined gloves £25 and brushed silk scarf £45 – Available from Additions of Lichfield

Black Leather Manicure Set £30 Available from Salloways Elliot Brown, Canford collection watch £375 - Available from ES Jewellery

Raymond Weil Freelancer bracelet watch with an automatic movement. £1,495 - Available from City Jewellers

A selection of bow ties from £9.99 available from Graeme Hewes Menswear

Gucci Dive Quartz Watch £695 - Available from Salloways

Paulo Milan Spanish leather shoes both £89.99 – Available from Graeme Hewes Menswear

Ansons present £4,457 to Blood Bikes O n Tuesday 18 August, the team at Ansons Solicitors were delighted to p r e s e n t Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes with a cheque for £4,457 at their Cannock office. The Ansons team have been involved in a number of fundraising events throughout the year to support the great work of this local charity and this donation represents a culmination of their fundraising efforts so far.

Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes are an emergency volunteer service that aims to provide emergency transportation of life saving medical supplies to local NHS Foundations across our region.

Head of personal injury Adam Penn was there to present the cheque to Phil Sutton, who volunteers for the charity.

Adam commented: “It is an honour to support the tireless work of the volunteers involved in Shropshire and Staffordshire Blood Bikes. With an increasing need for the NHS to save money, volunteer services like the Blood Bikes provide a priceless lifeline for the continued wellbeing of our local community. We hope that this money will support their admirable work and help them reach their aim to be operational every night of the year.”

Ansons Solicitors are long-term supporters of the local charity. This year this included raising £2,300 from a wills marathon in March.

J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS

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

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

A truly personal service from a caring family.

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

PARKING DIRECTLY OUTSIDE

Page 43

Romanian Rugby World Cup Team visits Midland Karting

O

n Thursday October 1st Midland Karting, Fradley Wood, hosted the Romanian Rugby Wold Cup Team 2015, as they took a little time to relax and recharge at the track between matches.

The entire team arrived at Midland Karting in their 2015 Tour Bus, and (apart from those who were recovering from injuries) the whole team kitted up, listened to their safety briefing and headed out on to the International Circuit.

The team had specifically chosen Midland Karting, and paid for the session out of their own funds.

They showed the same fearlessness and attack out on the track as they do on the pitch, and both the players and the staff had a brilliant day.

The players received medals and bubbly at the end of the day, and were delighted to pose for photographs with Midland Karting staff.

Five days later they beat Canada when they scored 17 points in the final 28 minutes in what the BBC described as “the biggest comeback in World Cup history.”

For more pictures of the Romanian Rugby World Cup 2015’s visit go to www.midlandkarting.co.uk

Page 44 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The Master of Horror

By Charles Hanson of Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers

W

ith Halloween f a s t approaching one could not imagine that the pair of watercolour paintings illustrated could have any connection with the ghosts and ghouls that this time of year brings about. You would be wrong though for there is a sinister connection.

The idyllic charm of the landscapes have a close association with terror and intrigue. They are in the hand of one of cinema’s greatest masters of terror and suspense – Peter Cushing OBE (1913-1994).

Peter Cushing is regarded as cinema’s ‘gentleman of horror’ who came to worldwide fame in the 1950s with British Hammer Horror films whose heyday was the 1950s to the 1970s. Cushing appeared in countless horror films including playing Sherlock Holmes a number of times, notably in the 1959 version of The Hound of the Baskervilles. He also portrayed Victor Frankenstein and Dracula’s nemesis Van Helsing. He continued playing suitably sinister roles in many iconic films such as The Mummy, Asylum, The Ghoul and The Creeping Flesh where his gentlemanly portrayal of the macabre earned him great fame and fortune on both sides of the Atlantic. He once said ‘I’m actually a gentle fellow, never harmed a fly and I am a keen birdwatcher’. He went on to say, ‘I do get tired of the neighbourhood kids telling me my mum wouldn’t want to meet you in a dark alley’.

He was often cast alongside his lifelong friend the recently deceased Sir Christopher Lee – the British actor best known for his portrayal of Dracula in Hammer Films.

Born in Kenley, London, Cushing’s first job was as a surveyor’s assistant, (the time when he painted these pictures in the early 1930s). However he had bigger aspirations and after working in repertory theatre in Worthing he left for Hollywood in 1939 where he appeared alongside Laurel and Hardy. Returning to England in 1941 he appeared in a few minor film and television roles. It was his signing to Hammer Films which was to be his leap into cinematic history and he never looked back. He once said ‘who wants to see me as Hamlet when millions want to see me as Frankenstein - so that’s what I do’. He dipped his toe into comedy too and regularly appeared as a special guest on Morecambe and Wise proving his versatility. However, it is horror that made him a household name.

In later years, after the death of his beloved wife Helen and a prostate cancer diagnosis he retired to the peace and quiet of Whitstable Kent where he continued his love of birdwatching and painting in watercolours – a far cry from tackling monsters on screen.

The two watercolours can be traced in the current vendor’s family directly to Cushing and show his sensitivity in execution and talent with a brush. His paintings now fetch many hundreds of pounds on the rare occasion they appear at auction. This pair will be offered with a signed postcard from the man himself and are expected to fetch £400-600 when they appear in Hansons 2nd December Fine Art Auction.

Please contact Adrian Rathbone, Head of Paintings at Hansons on 01283 733988 for further details and picture valuations.

Page 45

T

Listen to the Band!

hank you to the local history group ‘You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’ for these wonderful pictures of Lichfield City Military Band, and to group member Fay Meacham who has allowed us to share these evocative images.

Fay’s grandfather was George Venables, Bandmaster of the Lichfield City Military Band. These are his pictures, and they date from 1935 and 1936, just a few years before the outbreak of WW2.

A hand-bill for a concert in 1936

To see lots more pictures and share your memories of the city, go to the group’s Facebook page ‘You’re Probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…’, or go along to their next group meeting on Tuesday 10th November from 7pm at Lichfield Social Club, Purcell Avenue. This lovely, informal group meeting is open to everyone and a great way to meet old friends and maybe make some new ones!

Also, on Tuesday 8th December, a special Christmas Group Meeting is taking place.

Tickets are £2 and entry includes a buffet and quiz. There’ll be more details in our December issue, or go to the group’s Facebook page.

Outside St Chad's Church

Beacon Park

Outside Lichfield Gardens of Remembrance, Bird Street Page 46 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

City Ghost Walks

V

isit Lichfield’s Gruesome and Ghostly tours are a highlight of Lichfield’s autumn and winter calendar. Led by Green Badge tour guides, the walks take in the Guildhall prison cells, the history of the Market Square burnings, the ghosts sighted at Dam Street, The Close and more. The walks are rounded off with a visit to a local pub for a glass of mulled wine and a hot sausage roll.

The tours will run from 7pm to 8.30pm on 10, 18, 19, 25 November and 3, 7, 9, 14 December 2015.

Gruesome and Ghostly tours need to be booked in advance, and cost £6.25 each. They can be booked at the Tourist Information desk at St Mary’s in the Market Square or by calling the team on 01543 256611.

National Pet Show Competition Winners

Congratulations to Mrs S Owen of Shenstone, Mrs Jenny Smale of Rugeley, Pat Redpath of Lichfield, Ellen Stokes of Rawnsley and Mrs J G Aldridge of Lichfield, all winners of a pair of tickets to the National Pet Show. We hope you have a great day!

Page 47

Dam Street the very core of Lichfield

One of the most famous streets in Lichfield is Dam Street, where the English Civil War was fought and Lord Brooke was slain by a shot from the gun of a soldier known as Dumb Dyott, taken from the spire of Lichfield Cathedral.

Today you can find a wealth of businesses, including cafes and tearooms together with a range of interesting and charming independent shops, such as Body Beautiful where their Spa and Salon can be your retreat, with facials, eye treatments, body wraps and manicures etc. At Dame Oliver’s you will find a unique ladies’ shop offering beautiful clothes and accessories, including hats and scarves of affordable individuality.

The Little Curio Shop sells vintage items and jewellery, there’s so much to see so why not come in and browse?

At Querqus of Quonians you will find a unique and large display of quality antiques at sensible prices. Querqus is at 2 Quonians just off Dam Street alongside The Little Curio Shop.

The Olde Nook Tearooms is in a beautiful old building, where the surroundings help you to enjoy sumptuous luncheons, teas, sandwiches and superb coffees.

Fortescues of Lichfield is a ladies’ clothing and lifestyle emporium. This delightful shop (see interior photo in the advert) stocks luxurious clothing ranges, footwear and accessories including handbags.

Keely’s Solicitors is a long established and experienced specialist family law firm, offering expert and caring advice.

Keely’s Solicitors

Page 48 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The Olde Nook

Dam Street - Quercus of Quonians

Antiques & Collectables

Dame Oliver’s

Body Beautiful

Querqus of Quonians

Quality Antiques at Sensible Prices 2 Quonians, (off Dam Street) Lichfield WS13 7LB 07971 051042

Page 49

Dam Street Gazette Feature

Fortescues of Lichfield

Page 50 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

The Little Curio Shop

Mapple Hayes Students Learn Dragon-Taming

P

upils at Lichfield’s Maple Hayes Dyslexia School have been inspired to enjoy books after meeting ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ author Cressida Cowell. Ten pupils from the school were given the opportunity to meet with the famous author at the opening of the Foyles bookshop in Grand Central Station, Birmingham. The pupils from Years 6 and 7 brought along pictures of their own dragons.

Maple Hayes pupil, Christian Carr (10) from Rugeley, said: “It was really exciting to come here today. I am a huge fan of the movies and now I can’t wait to read the books too.”

Maple Hayes Dyslexia School was founded in 1982 by Dr Neville Brown, the school Principal and was given the royal seal of approval in April when it was visited by Princess Beatrice, who herself is Dyslexic.

Poppy Appeal Launch

L

ast year the generous people of the Lichfield area raised over £40,000 through Poppy Appeal donations.

The Mayor of Lichfield - Andy Smith and Cllr Norma Bacon - Chairman of Lichfield District Council were joined by Michael Fabricant MP at the launch of this year's appeal.

Photograph by Robert Yardley

END OF SEASON

SALE

OF SELECTED ITEMS, BOOK CASES, OCCASIONAL CHAIRS, SIDE TABLES ETC.

• Upholstery • Real wood furniture • Curtains • Soft furnishings • Paint • Wall coverings

100% British made - Bespoke solid wood Furniture - in a colour and finish to suit you.

We offer an unrivalled UPHOLSTERY SERVICE. Your choice of upholstery will be locally manufactured to your requirements from any of our fabrics. From a single chair to a complete suite.

NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS

Bromley Hayes Garden Centre, Shaw Lane, near Kings Bromley WS13 8HW, on the A515 Lichfield to Kings Bromley road, just past Kings Bromley Marina.

www.purestyleinteriors.co.uk Tel: 01543 493628

Page 51

Making sure the bank of mum and dad is safe

A

s house prices continue to rise in Staffordshire and across the UK, a recent report has revealed that one in 20 homebuyers now rely on financial help from their parents, or grandparents, to buy their home.

However, extra precautions should be taken when borrowing Julie Tomasik or lending involves relatives.

Unsurprisingly it is first time buyers, needing to raise funds for a deposit to get them onto the first rung of the housing ladder, who receive the greatest amount of help from kindhearted relatives.

According to the latest house price index figures from The Land Registry, released at the end of September 2015, the average house price in Staffordshire is now £140,884. With most mortgage lenders now asking for a minimum deposit of five per cent, buyers need to find an average deposit of £7,044 before they can even start to dream of picking the curtains.

Julie Tomasik, partner and head of residential property at Ansons Solicitors in Staffordshire, warns that buyers using money from relatives to fund part of their purchase need to alert their conveyancer and get their paperwork in place from the outset.

“Buying a house is stressful enough without delays because the proper procedure has not been followed,” says Julie. “Using an experienced conveyancer, who knows what is involved and can ensure that the necessary consents are in place at an early stage, is the best way to achieve a smooth transaction.”

Anyone contributing towards a property purchase will have to undergo several legal checks to comply with the money laundering regulations and provide evidence of their identity. Some lenders also ask for a letter of consent and clarification whether the contribution is a gift or a loan. You will need to make sure you have original documents, not copies, which can be problematic if the giver lives abroad or is on holiday.

The question of whether the contribution is a gift or a loan should be carefully considered. Affordability is just one factor, but you should also consider what happens if the property is later sold, for example as a result of a divorce, will you want your money back? An option is to make a formal agreement, such as a pre-nuptial agreement or a cohabitation agreement to clarify the terms for everyone involved.

There could also be tax implications to consider too, if the amount of the gift exceeds your personal allowance it could later be subject to inheritance tax. It might be an idea to review your will or make a codicil in light of the gift, if you are helping one child and not the others.

Taking independent legal and financial advice at an early stage is vital to protect everyone’s interests. Let your conveyancer know how you are funding your purchase from the outset and they can advise you accordingly.

For more advice on buying a property contact Julie Tomasik, head of residential conveyancing at Ansons Solicitors on 01543 267 988 or email jtomasik@ansonsllp.com. Ansons Solicitors has offices in Cannock and Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.

Page 52 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

P

Prize Winning Author Visits Academy

rize-winning children’s author, Harriet Goodwin Harriet Goodwin will be visiting Erasmus Darwin Academy on Wednesday 4 November. The day will involve Harriet delivering a presentation and creative writing classes to year 7 students in the academy.

County Councillor - Jeff Sheriff has contributed £400 from his Staffordshire Local Community Fund allocation to help students learn about story structure, openings, character development and how to get their writing to spring off the page. It will also give students the opportunity to ask questions and have books signed.

The Staffordshire Local Community Fund is an initiative which supports communities directly through local county councillors. Each councillor has £10,000 a year to allocate to groups and organisations in their division to provide and improve locally important services and promote community pride.

More information on the Staffordshire Local Community Fund is available at the www.staffordshire.gov.uk

Hamley Heath House Creative Courses

Christmas Cookery, Friday 27th November: 'Exciting & Easy Entertaining for Christmas' Demonstration by renowned chef Simon Smith.

We are promised a full day with lots of tastings, demonstrations and recipes. Chef will prepare lunch and complimentary wine will be served.

This day will be great fun, come with friends and share in the Christmas atmosphere. Chef Simon Smith is back from his world travels cooking for the rich and famous Hamley Heath House and we are promised a very entertaining day. He will show us a number of different ways to cook and serve the humble turkey; plus how to get prepared in advance for Christmas. Learn how to take all the pressure off on the big day, and lots of beautiful presentation ideas. Also included in chef’s programme is a demonstration of a variety of canapés ideas. Easy and impressive Puds too!

Goody bags to take home. Day starts 10am finishes around 4-4.30pm. £75 pp.

Floristry School Christmas Flowers: Thursday 10th December or Friday 11th December.

Come and join me and learn how to create your very own door-ring to welcome your guests.

Also design a splendid table centre-piece for your home to grace your Christmas table. Choose from an array of candles, fabulous ribbons and decorations to enhance your designs. Full day includes all materials, lunch and complimentary wine. These days are always popular and buzzing with excitement. Day starts around 10.30am and finishes around 4.30pm. £80 pp.

Deliciously all things Chocolate: Friday 6th November with master baker and cake decorator Charlie. Come and join our half-day workshop to create your own chocolate decorations, truffles, cupcakes and more with our own Master Baker Charlie. £49 pp.

Friday 4th December: Take the stress out of Christmas. Charlie our Master Baker is back in the morning to help you create your own beautiful fully-iced and stylishly decorated Christmas fruit cake. Join us for this really fun half-day. £59 pp.

Friday 4th December: Christmas Decorated Biscuits and Sweet Treats. Why not join us for the afternoon? Join us and decorate your own fun, and stylish biscuits, mini cake, truffles and tempting Christmas sweet treats. Learn a variety of icing techniques followed by the gift wrapping of all your creations. £49 pp. If you wish to stay for the day a light lunch can be provided.

Hamley Heath House, Hamley Heath, near Rugeley.WS15 3LS T: 01889 577887 M: 07710 043741 www.hamleyheathhouse.co.uk

Page 53

Lichfield Heritage Parade!

O

n Saturday 17th October local community and history groups treated visitors and locals to a fantastic display of music, dance and costume in the annual Heritage Parade – part of Lichfield Arts’ Festival of Folk (L2F).The Festival of Folk took place from the 16th to 18th October, bringing some of the best folk music talent to the City.

Townwomen's Guild Fashion Show Success

M

any ladies gathered together to enjoy a fashion show event at St Mary's in the Marketplace on Saturday October 17. Well done to all involved in this venture organised by Lichfield Townwomen's Guild, now celebrating its 100th year. The newly reformed TG Lichfield group were supported by many ladies' businesses including M&S and Gymophobics who provided clothing and models for the catwalk shows.

Page 54 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

Tamworth Street a street of independents!

Tamworth Street is a thriving street with a fantastic array of independent shops, restaurants and businesses, including Framework, a gallery full of artistic expression, bringing you all that’s new in art and framing.

Lee Garden Cantonese Restaurant is famous in Lichfield and the surrounding area for its high class cuisine and customer service, now taking bookings for Christmas.

Lichfield Factory Specs has been helping the local population’s eyesight for many years providing the finest frames, designs and service. NHS vouchers accepted.

For solid wood furniture visit Paraphernalia and see their splendid range on display inside this large shop - furniture with style and quality from contemporary to rustic. Have a mooch in Mooch Kids for the most superb selection of quality children’s and babies’ clothes, shoes and toys alongside playroom and bedroom furnishings.

A true taste of Italy can be found at Pizza by Goli, with traditional handmade pizzas and Italian specialities. Why not try an Italian style Christmas meal?

Mooch Kids

Pizza

by Goli

Lichfield Factory Specs

Lee Garden Cantonese Restaurant

Paraphernalia

Framework

Page 55

Come and visit the AWARD WINNING

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

Tamworth Street

Established over 20 years

Surrounded by 3 car parks.

All free after 6.30pm

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

• Experienced chefs from Hong Kong & Malaysia.

• Open 12 noon till late.

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

01543 300625

49A Tamworth Street, Nr Greenhill, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6JW Page 57

Alice Raises Thousands for Cancer Research

A

L i c h f i e l d businesswoman who opted for life-saving surgery after discovering the same faulty cancer gene as Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is now raising cash for charity.

Alice Reeve tested for faulty positive cancer gene BRCA1, after her mum and sister were both diagnosed with cancer – meaning she was highly at risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Ten years ago Alice first underwent a hysterectomy, then six months later had a double mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery. During this time the opportunity arose to buy the Lichfield Francesco Group salon, a UK wide hairdressing group with over 40 salons across the UK, where she’d worked as a manager. Originally in Bolt Court, Alice was tested for BRCA1 after her mum Marie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer – from which she later died. One of Alice’s eight sisters also contracted breast cancer, though she has since made a full recovery.

Movie actress Angelina Jolie also chose to have extensive surgery after discovering she carried the gene variant, while other celebrities including Kelly Osborne have revealed they too have it.

Alice decided on the surgery to reduce the risk of contracting cancer. She commented: “For me it was an obvious choice as the alternative was to have the threat of cancer hanging over me indefinitely. I believe if you can do something about it, do it. Life is short and we have to do all we can to make the most of it. Also, I thankfully can’t pass the faulty genes to my sons so it stops with me.”

After the major surgery mum-of-three Alice (then in her early 30s) decided to make the most of life and took over as boss of Francesco Group salon in Lichfield. She’s just marked 10 years at the helm at the hair and beauty salon, where she first started as a manager, but can’t raise a glass to celebrate – as she’s given up booze for a month to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Alice lives in Burntwood, and has previously raised thousands of pounds for research into cancer (through sponsored night-time MoonWalk marathons and other events) and is now tackling Go Sober for October.

Alice decided to start fund-raising when she turned 40 and completed three MoonWalk marathons in London - walking, rather than running, the capital’s streets.

“I thought the time was right to do something I wouldn’t normally do. The MoonWalks were really hard going as you walk through the night so you’re tired to begin with, though it was good fun. I enjoy life and don’t fret about things that don’t really matter.

I have a job where I’m surrounded by mirrors but I don’t worry about appearance, putting on a little weight and so on. We have customers who have cancer and are undergoing chemotherapy.

Some have lost their hair and we work with them to fit a suitable wig. Even though I didn’t get cancer I do all I can to offer them support and encouragement, particularly about concerns they may have about their appearance.”

To mark Alice’s 10 years at Francesco Group, the salon is offering customers the chance to win a free hair treatment or restyle. More details are on the salon’s Facebook page.

Lichfield’s Three Spires Shopping centre is home to more than 40 stores offering fashion, health and beauty to food and drink. It is easily accessible by car as it’s surrounded by a number of local authority car parks. More details at www.threespireslichfield.com Page 58 www.lichfieldgazette.co.uk

New Developments at St John Without the Barrs

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he Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new construction of 18 flats at St John Without the Barrs will took place earlier this year on 22nd July.

St John’s Hospital was established in 1495 when Bishop William Smythe authorised the construction of an Almshouse for 9 men ‘who through no fault of their own had fallen on hard times’. The distinctive Grade 1 listed Tudor brick building is now nationally famous for its chimneys, some of the first domestic chimneys in the West Midlands.Today, St Johns occupies two locations, in St John Street and in the Cathedral Close, and has 24 flats and 34 residents. St Johns provides accommodation for single older men, women and married couples who can live independently. The provision of a further 18 flats (4 double bedroom and 14 single bedroom) will be a significant increase of residents in an area where there is a noticeable rise in the need for accommodation for older people.

The Trustees of St John’s Hospital commissioned the award winning Worcester based Architects, KKE, to design a building which resonated with the Tudor building, using innovative 21st Century building techniques.

The new buildings, forming a second quad at St Johns Without the Barrs, will be built using Passivhaus technology. Passivhaus buildings provide a high level of occupant comfort while using very little energy for heating and cooling, according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. In effect, the heat losses of the building are reduced so much that it hardly needs any heating at all. Heating bills will be minimal. The grounds are also being landscaped to provide secure, comfortable and affordable accommodation.

The Chairman of St John’s Trustees, Mrs Kathryn Duncan Brown said: “This is a very exciting time for St John’s. The Trustees are acting in the spirit of those who founded St John’s in the fifteenth Century in providing flats for older people who have need for such accommodation. We are proud that this Christian Foundation will expand to play an active role in this City and its districts.”

Initial earthworks uncovered up to 50 skeletal remains. It is thought that the remains date from the 14th – 16th Century. It is unclear who they may be. Pilgrims, victims of the plague, or members of the monastic community who looked after St John’s. Further testing is taking place and it is hoped to have a clearer picture when results are know at the end of the year.The site where the remain were found will be the car park for the new development. Also found were shot pellets front the English Civil War and Georgian coins. A significant amount of medieval pottery was also discovered.

The Big Draw 2015

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ver a hundred people of all ages braved the bad weather and got creative at a series of city centre art workshops on Ruby, 4 and Ellie, 7 Saturday 24 October. Lichfield District Council invited shoppers and passers-by to have a go at three drop-in art workshops as a part of the world’s biggest drawing festival, The Big Draw. This year’s theme was ‘Every Drawing Tells a Story’, which saw children and adults making artwork that celebrates storytelling. Two artists offered activities at Lichfield’s Three Spires Shopping Centre and another was stationed at Speakers’ Corner on Dam Street.

Illustrator and animator, Francis Lowe, ran the ‘Witches, Woods and Riding Hoods’ workshop, where participants created brand new stories and characters using illustration, animation and comic book art.

Artist Danielle Phelps ran a ‘Match Box Art’ workshop, where she asked shoppers to create their own magical, miniature world inside a matchbox. The third workshop was led by artist Lisa Broughton who helped participants to create a large map of Lichfield. Taking influence from ‘Mappa Mundi’, places of interest, local streets and buildings were plotted to create one huge map.

Here Comes Jack and the Beanstalk!

T

he cast came together on Thursday 3 September to officially launch the Garrick theatre’s Christmas pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. The classic will be magically brought to life in the Lichfield Garrick’s own giant family pantomime this winter.

The cast arrived at the theatre to meet each other for the first time and then took to the stage for photos.

Passers-by were treated to a first glimpse of the cast in their fabulous costumes.

This year The Bill star, Graham Cole makes a welcome return to star as the ‘evil’ Hemlock. For the ninth successive year, the pantomime is written and directed by Ian Adams. Ian also returns as Lichfield’s favourite Dame in the role of Dame Mary Trott.

The timeless classic tells the story of a young wayward Jack who his keen to find his fortune to help his poor mother to make ends meet. Jack trades his last dime for a handful of magic beans in the hope that his dreams come true. Jack then goes on a ‘giant’ adventure which will all be revealed in true Lichfield Garrick panto style.

After a successful debut year, Lichfield based car dealership Tempest Ford build on their existing relationship with the Garrick as the Gold Sponsors of the pantomime. Tempest Ford has kindly provided a Jack and the Beanstalk themed Fiesta which is currently seen on the roads around Lichfield.

Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are already on sale and are expected to sell quickly following last year’s record breaking show, Cinderella. Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Lichfield Garrick from Thursday 3 December 2015 to Sunday 3 January 2016, with a variety of schools, matinee and evening performances. Ticket prices start from £12.50 for children and £21.50 for adults, and can be booked online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com or by calling the Box Office on 01543 412121.

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

It’s Nearly Panto Season (Oh no it isn’t!)

It seems autumn’s well and truly underway with chilly winds and frosty mornings but the clever folk running our theatres have thought up a cunning plan to keep our minds off winter with a series of cosy nights in – in the theatre that is. It’s called their autumn/winter programme, and this year there’s even more on offer locally to help us beat the cold.

The really big news is that incredibly the panto season’s almost upon us again, and although it still seems a long way off I know tickets are selling fast so get booking now. The big one locally is the Garrick’s Jack and The Beanstalk billed as “The Giant Family Pantomime” (get it?) which runs from 3rd December until 3rd January 2016.

Ian Adams returns as the show’s writer and

director. Also known as one of the best ‘Dames’ in the business he stars as Dame Mary Trott, Jack’s mother, in what promises to be a colourful romp suitable for all the family. When I caught up with him recently he told me, “It’s the traditional story with loads of old gags as you’d expect, but with lots of surprises especially in the second act.

There’s plenty of singing and dancing and it’s visually stunning as well. Plus it’s got a great cast including Graham Cole of The Bill playing against type as a baddie - the giant’s henchman Squire Hemlock.”

There are plenty of matinees making it suitable for those all-important Christmassy family outings. I love what I call a proper old-fashioned panto, and this one sounds just what the doctor ordered.

But for those willing to travel further afield there’s a wealth of Christmas cheer on offer throughout the region including Birmingham Royal Ballet’s

What’s On

production of The Nutcracker from Friday 27th November to Saturday 12th December (this one really is the business) followed by Aladdin from Sunday 19th December to Sunday 31st January 2016. So theatrically we’re into the new year already! And if you’re not already panto’d out there’s a Cinderella at Cannock’s Prince of Wales Centre from 19th December to the 29th and then from 10th December to 10th January 2016 another Jack and The Beanstalk billed as “the rock and roll panto” (you have been warned) at the Gatehouse Stafford!

So, plenty of Christmas cheer for everyone.

See you there!

Phil Preece Follow Phil’s regular online theatre reviews in the What’s On section of Lichfield Live

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

Wed 4 – Sat 7 Nov Les Miserables 7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Sat) At Lichfield Garrick Theatre. West Bromwich Operatic Society Youtheatre return with their production of the much loved musical from Boublil and Schonberg, Les Miserables, Schools Edition.

Thu 5 Nov Simon Smith Cookery Demo November 2.30pm and 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio).

Mouth-watering recipes with Masterchef Simon Smith. With Xmas on everybody's mind it's time to come back home for this show. Prepare in advance and save hours of work so that you can enjoy the day itself and join in with the festivities.

Fri 6 Nov Murder Mystery Evenings At The George Hotel. Put your investigative skills to the test and enjoy an evening of murder, mystery and intrigue, courtesy of Murder Mystery Productions. From £32 per person. To book please call 01543 414822.

Low Noise Firework Display Gates open at 5:30pm and displays at 7pm at Saxon Hill Community School. Just for

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those who don't enjoy the noise.

There will be a raffle, side stalls, rides and games to enjoy. Food and drink will be available from the Community Cafe. Tickets Adults £4.50 Children under 14 £3.50 Under 3 No charge.

To ensure your place book today on 01543 414892.

Bonfire Night at Lichfield Rugby Club The gates will open from 6:30pm with firework displays at 7:30pm and 8:30pm. This ever popular event is taking place at Cooke Fields. There's loads of things to do for all the family, including the famous fun fair.

Ticket prices: Adults - £6 Children - £4. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Extra security will be on hand to ensure your family's safety.

Fri 6 & Sat 7 Nov Top Ten Beatles 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). The Midlands Premiere Beatles Tribute create a spectacular show with all the hits from the greatest band of modern times.

Sat 7 Nov History Workshop: Charitable Lichfield 2.00pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Friendly discussion and archive session

giving a glimpse into the history of the city’s charities. £2.50 per person – booking recommended call 01543 264 972.

An Evening with Christian Reilly 8.00pm to 11.00pm at The Guildhall. Presented by Lichfield Arts. Fast rising musical comedian makes his debut. He has used his musical and comedy skills to good effect, being part of Rich Hall’s band during his side project of satirical country singer Otis Lee Crenshaw, whilst also appearing in Bill Bailey’s band.

Sun 8 Nov Marty Wilde and the Wildcats 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. A fantastic evening awaits as Marty and the band entertain you on this stunning musical roller coaster, which has become one of the most acclaimed shows in the country today.

Remembrance Sunday at the National Memorial Arboretum Visitors are requested to assemble at the Royal Naval Review at 10.15am and Sunset Ceremony at 2.15pm. For more details go to www.thenma.org.uk. Our normal daily act of Remembrance will not be taking place on

Remembrance Sunday. The Remembrance Sunday service will include the 2 minute Silence. Cost FREE but donations accepted

Mon 9 Nov The Lichfield Waters 7.30pm at St. Mary’s in the Market Square. Richard Greene and Mike Stone from the Lichfield Waterworks Trust, (formerly Friends of Sandfields), will be introducing us to some of the people associated with the story of Lichfield’s water supply over the years from St. Chad to the 20th century. No charge but voluntary donations to St. Mary’s appreciated.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival 7.00pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Welcome local talent to the stage as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival.

Each night (also Mon 16 Nov) four schools will perform four different Shakespeare plays.

Come and celebrate the achievements of our local schools while enjoying a wonderful evening of entertainment. You will see Shakespeare performed as you've never seen it before!

Tue 10 Nov Gruesome and Ghostly Tours

7.00pm around Lichfield City.

Hear about the many ghosts that haunt the streets and houses of Lichfield and be terrified by gruesome tales of the city’s past! The tour includes a visit to the scary Guildhall prison cells and, to calm the nerves afterwards some light refreshments at a local pub. £7.25 – booking essential. Call 01543 256 611

Raga Garage 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). A unique blend of Indian Carnatic and European Classical music, topped up with exotic and ethnic rhythms!

Wed 11 Nov Stephen K Amos: The Laughter Master 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. The maestro of feel-good comedy is back on tour with his new show. Find out what the K stands for!

Chris Pemberton Is Michael Buble 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Chris returns to the Garrick for one night only bringing back Buble's classics along with his new popular hits.

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

Thu 12 Nov Bags2 School At the Bell Inn. Whittington PTA are having a bags to school collection. If you have any good quality clothing or paired shoes please bag them up and drop them to the Bell Inn car park before 11am.

Jim Davidson - Charlton Nil 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

Guaranteed to be an irreverent, outrageous and truthful night. The people's favourite and one of Britain's greatest ever comedians, Jim Davidson OBE takes to the road with his brand new show Charlton Nil.

Lichfield Wildlife Group 7.45pm at St Marys in the Market Square.

Kate Dewey, from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, will be giving a Talk entitled “HS2 and Other Staffordshire Wildlife Matters” providing information about how HS2 is likely to affect Staffordshire Wildlife; and other Wildlife Projects in which the Trust is involved. Admission is Adults £3.00; Children Free. Refreshments are available during the Interval and there will be a raffle.

Craig Morris - Spiritualist Medium 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Spiritualist Medium has worked to make that spiritual connection stronger and pushed the boundaries of his mediumship Fri 13 Nov George Huxley Jazz Night 7.00pm at Middleton Hall. Back by popular demand George Huxley & his Jazz Men will be raising the roof of the Great Hall with their renditions of old jazz favourites.

George Michael Tribute Evening 7.30pm Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. Since winning his heat on Stars in Their Eyes,

Rob Lamberti has become one of the hottest tribute acts around.

Bee Gees Fever Show 7.30pm at Tamworth Assembly Rooms.

Soulful ballads to high-energy classics, recreating the songs that made the Bee Gees musical legends.

Buddy Holly and the Cricketers 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. 23 Years of Rock ’n’ Rolling The World! This breath-taking show has rock 'n' rolled audiences across the globe and is guaranteed to have everyone singing along to the music and dancing in the aisles.

Old Haunts 7.30pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). When Bram Stoker's widow welcomes lawyer Mr Leech into her home, there begins a tale of the most feared vampire of all time, of his un-dead life and times. An original stage-play concerning the actual story of Count Dracula - prepare for nothing but the bloody truth!

Sat 14 Nov Night in the Trenches At Staffordshire Regiment Museum.

Experience a soldier’s life in the WWI trench system. Uniformed re-enactors take you back to evoke the conditions experienced by our troops during the Great War.

Wild about Lichfield, Wildplay session 10.00am to 12 noon or 1.00pm to 3.00pm at Christian Fields. Come and join us for some family friendly wildlife themed activities in the great outdoors. Activities may include: Arts and crafts, games, shelter building, bug hunting, natural art, bush craft and seasonal activities.

Suitable for all ages, a Parent/guardian must accompany children throughout the

FREE session.

Comedy 42 - November 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre (Studio). Comedy 42 brings you the best comedians from across the country and around the world. This month features Rory O’Hanlon, Ross Mulligan and Pat Monahan.

UK Salutes Frank!

7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. A Centenary Concert Featuring ‘Live From The Sands’ and ‘The Main Event’ performed in their entirety by a full orchestra and singers.

Narrated By Leo Green from BBC Radio 2 Christmas Fayre 10.00am to 3.00pm at Burntwood Library.

Be inspired by the beautiful objects and friendly community groups at this popular festive fayre. Free entry.

Vocal Workshop for Female Voices 10.00am to 4.00pm at Whittington Village Hall. An African and gospel themed workshop led by Themba Mvula, leader of Lichfield Gospel Choir. £15 – call 01543 300 176

Extra-ordinary Art Exhibition by Bramshall Art Group 10.00am to 4.00pm at the Guildhall. The Bramshall Art Group has a reputation for producing high quality original paintings and this is the first time the group have held an exhibition in Lichfield.

Approximately 100 paintings will be on show at the exhibition featuring many different subjects, styles and media. All paintings on display will be original work, signed by the artist and will be for sale at affordable prices. That’s well in time for that special Christmas present! For further information please call 07591 991 684 or email

bramshallartgroup@btinternet.com

Sarah McQuaid 8.00am to 11.00pm at the Guildhall.

Presented by Lichfield Arts. A leading singer and guitarist will makes her debut.

Raised in Chicago and now residing in rural England, her musical roots are as varied as her upbringing, going from classic folk songs to 1930s Cuban jazz, music from the lute repertoire to her own emotive originals.

Sat 14 Nov– Thu 24 Dec Christmas at Blithbury Reindeer Lodge At Blithbury Reindeer Lodge. Visit Santa and all his reindeer at this magical, authentic and award winning Christmas experience. Go to www.blithburyreindeerlodge.co.uk for more information.

Exhibition of Festive Treasure 10.00am to 5.00pm at Emporium Art Gallery (closed Sundays & Mondays). An exhibition of Christmassy creativity and festive festoonery!

Sun 15 Nov NCT Nearly New Sale.

11.00am to 12.30pm at Nether Stowe High School. Entry £1.50. Sale items include; Maternity items, baby equipment, toys, books, games, puzzles, clothes and shoes for babies and children under the age of 5.

Sounds of the Glenn Miller Era 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an unmissable evening of music and song’ Mon 16 Nov Lichfield Branch of Embroiderers’ Guild 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start at Lichfield Methodist Centre. A talk by Julia Jowett on her work in Wire, Print and Stitch.

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YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

Visitors (£4) are welcome. For more information please call 01283 813 320.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival 7.00pm at Lichfield Garrick Theatre. See Mon 9 Nov for details.

Tue 17 Nov Lichfield Civic Society 7.45pm at St Mary's in the Market Square. “Remembrance in other countries” – a talk by Christine Gregory. Nonmembers welcome (£3 at the door)

The Erasmus Darwin Memorial Lecture 2015 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. The Evolution of the World Wide Web. Dame Wendy Hall DBE, FRS, FREng is Professor of Computer Science and Executive Director of the Web Science Institute at the University of Southampton. The Web is barely 25 years old but in that time it has changed every aspect of our lives.

Wed 18 Nov The Mirror of the Age At Lichfield Cathedral. ‘The Mirror of the Age Tour’ explores books and manuscripts which

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mirror the time in which they were written, spanning the 13th to the 18th century. Amongst the incredible selection of items showcased on this tour, visitors can see a 13th century Canon Law manuscript, a Geneva Bible from the time of the Reformation, a manuscript containing signatures of Charles I, and an 18th century book on the history and antiquities of Staffordshire. Tickets £18 per person, and include a free tea or coffee at Chapters, The Café in The Close, Tickets are available at the Cathedral Shop at No.9. Library tour numbers are limited, therefore early booking is advised.

Wed 18 & Thu 19 Nov Gruesome and Ghostly Tours See Tue 10 Nov for details.

Brummegem Pals 7.30pm (and 2.30pm on Thu) at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

The summer of 1914 heard the threat of war rumbling around Europe and by August Britain was at war with Germany. This new play, written by Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean, is the story of best mates Jackie Moore and Danny Arrowsmith, seventeen years of age and intent on abandoning their

apprenticeships in favour of adventure.

Fri 20 Nov Supper and Autumn Show 7.30pm at Whittington Village Hall. Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust event featuring ‘Dandy’ from the ever entertaining Black Country Show - supper included and affordable licence bar. Tickets £15, call 01543 683 586.

Abbamania - The Official ABBAMANIA Tribute Show 7.30m at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Join us for a fabulous night out dancing in the aisles.

Sat 21 Nov Beginners’ Rag Rug Workshop 3 sessions at 10.00am, 12 noon or 2.00pm at Beacon Park Discovery Hub. Learn how to make a rug out of old scraps of material. Please bring along a few items of old clothing to include in your rug. The hessian and rug peg will be provided. £5 Booking Essential - Call 01543 308 869.

The Junior Branch of the Embroiderers Guild 10.00am at the Curborough Community Centre. For more information call Phil Dolmedo

01543 253 869.

Lee Mead - Some Enchanted Evening 7.30pm at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Lee brings this enchanting era to life with haunting melodies and lyrics from another time.

Sun 22 Nov Beginners’ Decoupage Workshop 3 sessions at 10.00am, 12 noon or 2.00pm at Beacon Park Discovery Hub. Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing coloured paper cut outs on to it in combination. All the materials will be provided. £5 Booking Essential - 01543 308 869.

Chrysalis Craft & Gift Fayre 11.00am to 3.00pm at Darwin Hall. Showcasing creative people’s talents and selling beautiful unique gifts and handcrafted products for you or someone special. Free Entry.

Free Parking. Refreshments.

Alrewas LIVE AND LOCAL 8.00pm at the newly refurbished Alrewas Village Hall. The After Hours Quintet - Roaring 20s Swing Band! Enjoy an evening of retro jazz and swing classics.

Tickets £8.50 from Lorna Lewis on 01283 790799.

Wedding Open House 1.00pm at Middleton Hall.

Couples planning on getting married in 2015 or 2016 are invited to see the Hall dressed for a wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast, and begin the creation of their own unique and special day.

Johnson Society Winter Lecture 2.30pm at Martin Heath Church Hall. Michael Bundock on the ‘Life of Francis Barber’, Samuel Johnson’s black butler.

Michael’s book had excellent reviews. £3.50 including tea and splendid cakes.

The Ben Poole Band 8.00pm to 10.30pm at the Guildhall. Presented by Lichfield Arts. At only 25 years old, Ben Poole has been a veteran of the live blues circuit for many years now, having toured relentlessly over the years, throughout the country, and also overseas, playing to packed concert halls and festival audiences.

Tue 24 Nov Are you living with Arthritis?

If so, why not come along to the

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD

monthly meetings of the Lichfield Branch of Arthritis Care at St Mary's Centre on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm, and offer support, signposting and social activities.

Transport is provided for a small contribution. For further information please contact 01543 263347 or 255698.

Tue 24 & Wed 25 Nov Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstrations 10.30am to 3.00pm at The George Hotel. Anne Brown of Tiaras & Flowers will inspire you with some stunning yet simple ideas for decorating your home this festive season with table arrangements, wreaths, posies and garlands. £23 per person includes coffee on arrival, a flower arranging demonstration and a three course carvery lunch plus coffee. Please call us on 01543 414822 or email: mail@thegeorgelichfield.co.uk to book your tickets.

Wed 25 Nov Gruesome and Ghostly Tours See Tue 10 Nov for details.

Fri 27 Nov Murder Mystery Evenings At the George Hotel. See Fri 6 Nov for details.

Magical Christmas Twilight Tours 6.30pm and 8.00pm at Erasmus Darwin House. Guided candlelit tours of Darwin House dressed for Christmas. Refreshments available. £2.50 booking essential – call 01543 306 260.

Lichfield Twinning Skittles Evening 7.30pm at Holy Cross Church Hall. Lichfield Twinning Association hosts a skittles evening with a fish and chip supper. Fun for all the family!

Call 01543 419 543 for prices.

Sat 28 Nov Christmas Fayre 10.00am to 3.00pm at Lichfield Library. Be inspired by the beautiful objects and friendly community groups at this popular fayre! Free entry.

St. Chad’s Church Xmas Fayre 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Chad’s Church Hall. Quality Bric-a-Brac, Lots of Xmas Stalls, Decorations,, Home Made Cakes and Produce, Tombola, Raffle, Games and Entertainment.

Come and enjoy a Xmas Family Fun Afternoon with Free Admission

Idiot & Friend at the Guildhall 8.00om at the Guildhall. Les Barker and Keith Donnelly first formed this unholy alliance when they decided to share the stage at the Australian National Festival in front of 55,000 people! They were billed as “The Laughing Stock of Great Britain”.

The audience was treated to a very special fusion of two VERY great comedy talents, and simply refused to let the dynamic duo off the stage.

Sat 28 & Sun 29 Nov Food & Craft Market 10.00am to 4.00pm at Middleton Hall. An abundance of stalls showcasing the very best of local handcrafted items and locally produced food. You’ll find artisan crafted accessories and vintage items and delicious food to enjoy on site or take home. All proceeds go to support the restoration of the hall and grounds to ensure this very special piece of local history can be enjoyed for generations to come.

and trips for all the children who attend the school.

Sun 29 Nov – Mon 1 Dec Christmas Voices At The George Hotel. Intimate Theatre presents Christmas Voices, now an essential part of the Christmas celebrations at the hotel. The show is a specially designed compilation of light hearted poetry, music and drama for the festive season. The admission price of £10.25 includes a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine! To book please call 01543 414822 or email: christmas@thegeorgelichfield.co. uk Tue 1 Dec Neaten and Natter

1.00pm to 3.00pm at Beacon Park. We invite volunteers to help us look after Beacon Park.

This could include litter picking and weeding paths. Equipment provided. Call 01543 308869 to find out more.

Tue 1 & Wed 2 Dec Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstrations At the George Hotel. See Tue 24 & wed 25 for details.

Thu 3 Dec – Sun 3 Jan Jack and the Beanstalk At the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

The classic tale is magically brought to life in the Garrick’s own giant family pantomime.

Thu 3 Dec

Gruesome and Ghostly Tours See Tue 10 Nov for details.

Fri 4 & Sat 5 Dec St Mary's Pantomime – Olly and our Ivy At St Mary's in the Market Square. 3.00pm on Fri admission £6 (refreshments not included) and 7.30pm on Sat – admission £8 (incl mulled wine & mince pie) at Lichfield Museum in St Marys on the Market Square. Christmas entertainment to put you in the mood for the festive season presented by the St. Marys players. Tickets available now from the T.I.C desk in St.Marys. For further information tel. 01543 256611 Sat 5 Dec

Sun 29 Nov Lichfield Christmas Lights Switch On 7.00pm at Market Square. Come to Lichfield City for the switch on of the Christmas lights, with family entertainment, carol singing, a visit from Santa and stalls selling food and Christmas gifts. For more information call 01543 309 850.

Samuel Johnson’s Christmas Light Night 3.30pmm to 6.00pm at Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum.

Warm up with festive refreshments and activities before the Lichfield lights switch on.

Whittington Primary School PTA Christmas Fayre 12 noon to 3.00pm at Whittington Primary School.

There are plenty of things to do for the whole family. We have lots of games, entertainment and a wide variety of stalls from face painting to craft stalls. We have special guest stalls with Santa as our star guest. Raffle tickets will be available to purchase for our Grand Prize draw with a variety of exciting prizes to be won. Entry price is £2 for adults and kids go free! All adults get a free hot drink. There will also be a variety of food available to buy and enjoy as well as plenty of yummy cakes for all. All the proceeds go to Whittington Primary School PTA which funds a diverse range of equipment Page 63

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH IN LICHFIELD Lichfield Cathedral Chorus 7.30pm at Lichfield Cathedral. Lichfield Cathedral Chorus perform: Proclaimed

by Angels Bach: Magnificat in D, Vivaldi: Gloria in D, Bach: Double violin concerto.

Tickets available on the door or call 01543 412 121.

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Dec Stories with Santa At National Memorial Arboretum. A magical children’s storytelling event. All children will receive a special present from Santa: a first garden kit. Booking essential.

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Dec Lichfield Christmas Festival 2015 At Lichfield Market Square & surrounding streets, Lichfield Cathedral, Minster Pool Walk, Beacon Park, St Mary's in the Market Square, Erasmus Darwin House & Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. A weekend of festive events and activities throughout Lichfield City. Visit the Twinkly Market on Minster Pool Walk, St Mary's in the Market Square and at the Lichfield Chamber of Trade Christmas Fayre. There will be plenty of activities to keep the children entertained with free face painting, craft workshops and a Santa's Grotto at Beacon Park on Saturday and St Mary's Chapel on Sunday. On Sunday there will be a Lantern Parade at Lichfield Cathedral, where there will also be the lighting of the Cathedral Christmas tree.

Christmas Food and Gift Fair At National Memorial Arboretum. The opportunity to find the perfect, unique or festive treat whilst enjoying the Arboretum’s wintry landscape.

Holly Wreath Making Masterclasses At National Memorial Arboretum. The perfect festive activity. All materials, mulled wine and mince pies are provided. £27 booking essential.

Sat 6 Dec – Sun 3 Jan Jack and the Beanstalk - The Giant Family Pantomime At the Lichfield Garrick Theatre. Ian Adams returns as Writer, Director and of course, Lichfield's Favourite Dame in the role of Dame Mary Trott. The action takes place in the good old Wild West where Jack and his mother struggle to make ends meet.

Venue Addresses

Alrewas Village Hall - Wellfield Rd, Alrewas, Burton-on-Trent DE13 7HB Beacon Park - Swan Rd, Lichfield WS13 6QZ The Bell Inn - 27 Main St, Whittington, Lichfield, Staffordshire

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County WS14 9JR Blithbury Reindeer Lodge Uttoxeter Rd, Rugeley WS15 3HY. Tel: 01889 504300 Burntwood Library - Sankeys Corner/Bridge Cross Rd, Burntwood WS7 2BX. Tel: 01543 510 700 Christian Fields - Eastern Ave, Lichfield WS13 7JU. Tel: 01889 880106 Curborough Community Centre Reynolds Close, Lichfield WS13 7NY Darwin Hall - Heathcot Place, Lichfield, WS13 6RQ Emporium Art Gallery - 32-34 Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR Erasmus Darwin House - Beacon St, Lichfield WS13 7AD The George Hotel - Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR The Guildhall – Bore St, Lichfield WS13 6LU. Tel: 01543 622 23 Holy Cross Church Hall – Chapel Lane/Upper St John Street, Lichfield WS14 9DX Lichfield Cathedral - The Close, Lichfield Staffs WS13 7LD

Lichfield Garrick Theatre – Castle Dyke, Lichfield WS13 6HR. Tel: 01543 412 121 Lichfield Library - The Friary, Lichfield WS13 6QG Lichfield Methodist Centre Backcester Lane, Lichfield WS13 6JH Lichfield Rugby Club - Cooke Fields, Tamworth Rd, Lichfield WS14 9JE Martin Heath Church Hall Christchurch Ln, Lichfield WS13 8AY Middleton Hall – Middleton, Tamworth B78 2AE. Tel: 01827 283 095 Moor Hall Hotel & Spa – Moor Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN. Tel: 0121 308 3751 National Memorial Arboretum – Croxall Rd, Alrewas, Burton-onTrent DE13 7AR Tel: 01283 245 100 Nether Stowe High School – St Chads Rd, Lichfield WS13 7NB Saxon Hill Community School Saxon Hill, Kings Hill Rd, Lichfield WS14 9DE St Chad’s Church Hall – The Leasowe, Lichfield WS13 7HG St Mary’s in the Market Square Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG. Tel: 01543 256 611 Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum - Breadmarket St, Lichfield WS13 6LG Staffordshire Regiment Museum Defence Medical Services, Lichfield WS14 9PY. Tel: 01543 434395 Tamworth Assembly Rooms – Tamworth B79 7DN. Tel: 01827 709 618 Whittington Village Hall – Langton Cres, Whittington, Lichfield WS14 9LR

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