Chase Gazette Dec 2013

CANNOCK • RUGELEY • HEDNESFORD

DECEMBER 2013 ISSUE 4

A SELECT MAGAZINE FOR THE CANNOCK CHASE AREA

COLLIS Est. 1957

FENCING, GATES AND SHEDS!

MAJOR SUPPLIER AND FITTER OF ALL TIMBER FENCING, GATES AND ALSO JOINERY GATES IN SOFTWOOD AND CEDAR WOOD. CALL FOR YOUR NO OBLIGATION QUOTE AND SITE VISIT. COLLIS DIY

All major cards accepted

ENING NEW OP FROM S R U HO TOBER C 28TH O

TEL: 01543 686370

FAX: 01543 675221

6 days a week delivery service available to all areas

QUEENS DRIVE, CHASETOWN, BURNTWOOD WS7 4QF

www.collissheds.co.uk

Monday-Friday 7.30am-5.30pm. Saturday 8am-5.30pm. Sunday 9.30am-1pm

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G azette contents Chase

6

Win lunch for two people

22 Rugeley Horse Fair

28 Photographers in a Winter Wonderland

32 Win karting for two worth £70

34 Subscribe to the Chase Gazette 35 Gazette Woman 39 Small Adverts

The front cover by Pete Bell.

A colourful winter visitor.

N.B. The front cover of the November issue was by Ian Garfield you can see more of his work at www.iangarfield.wix.com

Win lunch for two at Netherstowe House in Lichfield page 6

contributors

• Caz Jones • John Crowe • Michael Hewitt

• Joss Musg rove Knibb • Kate Gomez • Robert Yardley

ABOUT YOUR LOCAL MAGAZINE Chase Gazette is your local monthly magazine distributed to more than 15,000 homes and businesses in and around Cannock Chase.

Distribution area covers Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley.

A limited number of the Chase Gazette are available and can be purchased at 90p from our office.

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. Chase Gazette magazine is not a franchise or connected with any other group of publications.

contact the Gazette see page 39 Page 4 www.chasegazette.co.uk

December 2013

Editor’s Notes

Nothing is better than Christmas...

Hello Readers There is nothing better than that feeling on Christmas Eve of knowing that the shops have closed and there is no more queuing for this, that and the other. You have carried in your last plastic carriers from the car, filled with gifts that people don't want but tell you they do. What hasn't been bought remains un-bought, at least for eighteen hours.

Bring on Christmas! Let the festivities begin! The food-fest starts within hours. Shelves creak and groan under the weight of tonnes of Christmas grub. We’re set for a siege. More food than an average family can consume in a month. Pies, puds and cakes, cheeses and biscuits, spreads and sauces, jars and packets all piled up. Not to mention drink - wine, beers, spirits, mixers, fizzy pop, still water, cordials, hot beverages and Nan's pack-of-six Snowballs (five of which are emptied down the sink in June). There’s enough food in this kitchen to restock the Co-op in Hednesford.

There goes granddad standing on the kiddies’ toys. Dad’s trying to fathom and construct some complex toy - not once looking at the instructions. Nan’s trying to lip-read the Queen's Speech with the sound turned down on the TV while the perennial “I wish it could be Christmas every day…” blasts out from the rarely used hi-fi.

And what’s Mum’s role in all this? Mum is slaving away, keeping an eye on the oven and tackling a ‘Forth Bridge’ of washing up, whilst scooping up various pieces of discarded packaging and Christmas wrap into the pocket of her ‘Masterchef’ apron.

Never mind, there is always Boxing Day to look forward to. This is your chance to escape the house and join the queues down-town with your receipts and unwanted Christmas presents in plastic carrier bags you brought in from the car the night before. All the time complaining how you ate and drank far too much the day before.

Merry Christmas!

Yours truly, Paul Oakley. Editor

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A Real All Rounder!

hase Grammar Schoolgirl, Hannah Hampton (12) has been celebrating recent sporting success. She is currently in her fourth season at Stoke City Centre of Excellence for Girls at football, and she is the goalkeeper for the U15's side. She has also trialled for this season’s Staffordshire U14' s girls football team and she is now one of the goalkeepers in that squad. In September she was selected to attend a weekend at the FA Centre of Excellence, St Georges Park for an Elite Performance Training Camp for U15 girls.

Football is not her only area of sporting success. Hannah played for Chase Grammar School U13 Girls Rounders Team in a tournament for the Independent Schools Association and the team reached the final. An official at the tournament, having seen her play in this match, requested she attend a weekend

GazetteNews

of trials at Corby, in September, for the England U14 Rounders Squad. She was one amongst one hundred who had to practise drills and play matches. She has now been informed that she has been selected as a member of the England U14 squad and she will be involved in international games in the coming year.

Well done Hannah from all at the Gazette!

Thank you to Paul Kmiolek of Hednesford who sent us this mnemonic poem.

He hasn't provided a title, so we've decided to call it...

Let's look after what we've got.

EVERYONE CAN PLAY THEIR PART NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE VISIONS FOR THE FUTURE IDEAS FOR YOU TO GIVE

RECYCLING IS THE ANSWER

OR REDUCE OUR WASTEFULNESS

NEGATIVE REACTIONS

MIGHT LEAVE US IN A MESS EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT NATURE NEEDS A HAND

THINK OF WHAT WE’RE DOING TO THIS OUR

PRECIOUS LAND

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Mining gallery project takes next step forward

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n exciting project to bring a new, permanent coal mining gallery to the Museum of Cannock Chase took another step forward in October.

The current mining gallery has been closed since early November to prepare the site for refurbishment work, with the new gallery scheduled to open Museum of Cannock Chase around Easter 2014.

Lee Bellingham, Museum Services Manager, said: “We really appreciate people’s patience while the work is carried out.

Unfortunately the reference library will be unavailable for personal research appointments during this time, but staff will be on hand to assist with any enquiries about coal mining.

“We’re looking forward to the opening of the new gallery and are currently looking for items for display. If you have mining items relating to the Cannock Chase coalfield that you are willing to loan to the museum, please get in touch by emailing your contact details to s.reavey@wlct.org.”

Leisure and culture provider WLCT secured a £97,600 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which has enabled the project to go ahead.

The new gallery, Mining Memories, will allow visitors to experience a ‘day in the life’ of a miner and explore features of the mines. An education package will also be created to ensure people of all ages get the maximum benefit from their experience at the museum.

Culture and Sport Portfolio Leader Cllr Christine Mitchell said: “It is another exciting development at the Museum of Cannock Chase with thanks to the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new gallery will be a great addition and the education package will ensure that people of all ages can learn about mining.”

Fair Oak Academy students become Councillors for the day

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annock Chase District Council opened its chamber to the debating team from Fair Oak Academy in Rugeley this October.

Students aged between 11 and 16 were welcomed by the Council’s Chairman, Doris Grice and learnt about the work the Council does. They were then given a presentation by Staffordshire County Council’s Civil Engineering Team on the forthcoming Horsefair Scheme in Rugeley, which promoted a debate.

Students were given the opportunity to ask Portfolio Leaders for Crime and Partnerships, Health and Wellbeing, Housing, Corporate Improvement, Environment and Town Centre Regeneration some questions after learning what each role entails. Cabinet members were then put through their paces in a lengthy debate about local issues affecting them.

Chairman Doris Grice said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils from Fair Oak Academy into our Chamber. The questions they put forward to our Cabinet Members were well thought out and highlighted local issues. Students were asked what they would like to improve in their local area and if they would think about becoming a Councillor. The students were articulate and engaged well in the debate. We look forward to linking with the School Council in the future.”

Page 6 www.chasegazette.co.uk

WIN

LUNCH

FOR TWO PEOPLE AT Netherstowe House

Chase the Dog

Win a Lunch for Two (Mon-Thurs) and enjoy the Netherstowe House experience. A small, family owned and run boutique hotel and restaurant that strives to be the best, with a friendly, personal touch. The family and team are very proud to have been voted 'Restaurant of the Year' at this years Taste of Staffordshire Good Food Awards. To celebrate the forthcoming festive season the award winning restaurant has created a unique seasonal menu for guests to enjoy value and excellence at lunch or dinner throughout December. Priced at just £19.95 for two courses and £24.95 for three courses, the emphasis is on affordable luxury by creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest ingredients.

page he is on for a chance to win lunch for two people at Netherstowe House in Lichfield.

Write the page number on a postcard or the back of a sealed envelope along with your name and address and send it to us no later than 30th December to: Chase the Dog Competition Gazette Magazine P O Box 5414, Lichfield WS14 4EZ One entry per household only please (or disqualified).

The Editor will draw the winning entry and announce it in the next issue of the Chase Gazette.

Good luck!!

Chase is a naughty little puppy!

True to form he has scampered off and got lost again in this issue and we need your help to find him.

He might be in an advertisement or a story, can you find him?

When you have found him (he looks like the image at the top of this page) simply tell us which

Congratulations to Miss T Hunter of Newbury Road, Norton Canes who spotted Chase the Dog on page 28 of the November issue.

My Word

Call yourself a logophile?

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

Q. What is ailurophobia?

A. A fear of lillies.

B. A fear of cats.

C. A fear of illness.

The answer is B. A ailurophobia is a fear of cats.

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GazetteNews

Characters of Old Hednesford

• If you have ever fancied trying your hand at wassailing The Staffordshire

Wildlife Trust will be holding their popular Wassailing Event on Sunday 12th January between 2.30 – 6pm. Present on the day will be Morris men, Clog dancers and wood themed stalls and activities. The event takes place at the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's Headquarters at The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge (nr Rugeley), Stafford, ST17 0WT. Call Tel: 01889 880100 for further details or go to www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk

• On Saturday 30th November the Church of the Holy Spirit, Church Lane,

Etchinghill, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2LY will be holding a Craft Fair from 10am – 2pm. There will be lots of stalls and snacks available!

•

Penkridge Market will be holding their Fine Food & Craft Market on

•

Staffordshire County Council has put forward improvements to street

Saturday 16th November, from 9am – 3.30pm. There will be a wide range of stalls in their indoor market, selling everything you need from Christmas presents to Christmas Wreaths and Brussel Sprouts to local cheese.

Admission is free and there’s ample free parking. There will be a wide selection of local produce on display including local cheeses, breads and olives, homemade cakes, chocolates, pies and pickles.

There will also be local farms represented, selling their meat, poultry, game, and pies, fresh from the farm. In addition there will be Craft Stalls selling lots of gifts including handmade jewellery, handbags and teddy bears. The Old Deanery Farm Cafe will be open, serving hot drinks and festive food, including a traditional Turkey Lunch with all the trimmings. There will also be two special ‘poultry auctions’ on Thursday 19th and Monday 23rd December, where you can buy dressed Turkeys; Ducks; Chickens and Geese, fresh from the Farm.

Penkridge Market is situated in the centre of Penkridge, and is signposted off the A449. It is easily accessible from Junction 12 of the M6 and is only 6 miles from Stafford; 7 miles from Cannock and 10 miles from Wolverhampton (postcode ST19 5AP). For further information please telephone 01785 714221 or go to www.penkridgemarket.co.uk parking arrangements in Market Street Hednesford, the main effect of which will be to increase parking times from 20 to 40 minutes

•

Network Rail are going forward with proposals to electrify the Chase Line

between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley.

A consultation event is being held between 10am and 2pm on 23 November 2013 at Tesco Hednesford when plans will be on show. All welcome.

Completion of the Beecroft Road Underpass

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annock Chase District Council and WLCT – Community Wellbeing Arts officially marked the completion of the Beecroft Road Underpass with a gathering of the people involved for an official opening event.

A

By Michael Hewitt of the Cannock Conduit Trust.

s the population of Hednesford and district grew in the mid 1800’s, (originally, in 1836, the population was only about 300) so did the number of small businesses. When rich seams of coal were discovered, miners came from the Black Country and Shropshire in search of work. Hednesford grew quite rapidly and many hastily built terraced houses sprang up. By 1860 the population of the town had risen from 800 to 9000 and as a result the demands from the people for goods of all sorts increased significantly.

New businesses began to thrive and one of the earliest such businesses was built in 1875 and was owned by Harris, Hawton and Heath. Sited at the junction of Station Road and West Hill it became known by locals as ‘The Beehive Corner’ because of a moulding of a Beehive on the building. It started life as a provider of Wines, Spirits, Poultry and Corn until it was acquired by Wighams around 1900 (when the photo below was taken) and it remained with them until 1928. From the image two young boys can be seen at the bottom left with a homemade cart and shovel. They were collecting horse manure and selling it on to local gardeners.

‘Where there’s muck there’s brass!’

A few doors further down Station Road towards Cannock was the business of William Shaw – a local undertaker. William was quite a character. He had two horses to pull the coffins. Unfortunately one was black and the other brown. Not to be put off William would cover the brown horse with Black lead on funeral days. His plan worked until it started to rain. No problem – after his first encounter of his horse turning from black to brown, he always carried a tarpaulin. One wonders where he kept it.

Another character of the time was a man who lived in a cottage next to The Plough and Harrow pub at Hill Top. He was nicknamed ‘Madman Smith’. He would be seen regularly delivering various provisions around the area by horse and cart.

The cart was fitted with an unusual seat – a coffin. He insisted on it being used on his funeral day and his wishes were carried out accordingly.

In their early days the link roads between Cannock and Hednesford were little more than single tracks. It meant that people wishing to visit these towns by road either walked or if they could afford it rode on horseback. No street lighting was available and in bad weather, particularly snow, the towns were completely cut off.

It was not until 14th September 1878 that the main street in Hednesford, Market Street, was first lit by gas.

Hednesford had its own Gas Company completely independent of Cannock until negotiations in 1896 to amalgamate both gas works began. Up until that time, after a lot of arguments, the Cannock gas boundary with Hednesford Gas terminated at Hightown.

Over the last few months the tired and dated underpass has been transformed into a welcoming entrance for visitors and shoppers to Cannock Town Centre.

The final art piece showcases iconic buildings and landmarks within Cannock Town Centre and the surrounding areas. This was put together with the help of the local community, designed by the Council and transferred to tiles using new technology from Tiled Space.

Not only have the tiles been replaced in this innovative project, but the underpass was also given a deep clean, repainted and improvements to the lighting and flooring were carried out.

The Changing Places project has been funded by the Council’s Town Centre Improvements Fund and from kind donations from CHAPS and Cannock Shopping Centre.

Pupils from Chaselea Pupil Referral Unit, Surjit Dhami – Poet, Cllr Diane Todd – Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration, Mark Wood – Tiled Space, Cllr Doris Grice – Chairman of the Council, Bob Allen – Staffordshire County Council, Charlie Rose – Charlie Rose Photography

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The Beehive Corner with the Beehive moulding above the door sign – Hednesford circa 1900

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GazetteGardening

Gardening Column Lichfield Garden Centre

H

Byron Lewis of Lichfield Garden Centre gives his tips to

CHOOSE A CHRISTMAS TREE

asn’t this year flown by! Already Christmas is upon us and with it, the time to decorate your home and garden for the festive season. Garden Centres will by now be taking delivery of thousands of Real Christmas Trees for putting into your lounge to give pleasure over the festive period – but how do you look after them for the best display?

There are many types of Real Christmas Trees, ranging from the traditional Norway Spruce through to the more popular Nordman Fir. The Nordman has become so popular because it is one of the best trees for needleretention (so that your carpet stays carpetcolour and not covered in tree!). It is also soft to the touch, so ideal if you have small children at home – it is also easy to decorate and generally very bushy, so giving good value for money.

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Whatever tree you choose, there are a few simple rules to follow: • Keep your tree watered. This is the most important part of the process. Once a tree has been cut, it is no longer able to find water itself – so you will need to water it regularly. There are numerous designs of Christmas Tree Stand which incorporate a water ‘reservoir’, so keep this full of water at all times. A medium tree can drink up to 3 pints of water daily!

• Select your tree early in December. This should give you the best selection in terms of choice of sizes and shapes. But once you’ve purchased it, keep the tree outdoors until you are ready to decorate – this will keep it looking better for longer.

• Keep your tree away from heat – if you can, turn off any radiators or fires that are alongside the tree. Again, this prolongs the life of the tree.

• If you want to grow your own tree year after

year, garden centres often sell Pot Grown and Containerised trees. Choose the Pot Grown option here, as containerised trees have previously been grown in open ground and are less likely to succeed when planted out as roots will have been cut to make it fit the pot. Another tip with Pot Grown trees is to keep them outdoors as long as possible. If you do take them indoors, acclimatise them after Christmas to the lower outdoor temperatures to reduce stress, and as before, water regularly and keep away from direct sources of heat.

Lichfield Garden Centre’s Christmas Shop is now open, with a huge selection of Cut and Potgrown Real Christmas Trees, as well as homemade wreaths and garlands.

Byron Lewis runs Lichfield Garden Centre, at Curborough Craft Centre, Lichfield. 01543 254306, www.lichfieldgardencentre.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter.

HERE’S SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT is celebrating their 2nd BIRTHDAY WITH 20% DISCOUNT

To help celebrate The Smile Centre’s 2nd birthday we are offering 20% discount* off denture treatments and dentures. Book your appointment now for dentures to be ready in time for Christmas.

There is really no reason for anyone to struggle with ill-fitting, poorly performing or unflattering dentures.

The right denture not only massively improves the quality of life of each customer, it improves self-esteem and even health as food can be properly chewed to release nutrients.

The Smile Centre dentures can look as good as or even better than your natural teeth, and customers soon think of them as simply part of them, not

tricky prosthetics that have to be considered when eating out etc.

So, for an informal chat with a lovely, friendly team led by Matt Burnell, who understand that this is a very personal process, why not follow the lead of customers who have come to visit The Smile Centre from as far afield as the USA. You’ll be so glad that you did.

Please remember, you don’t always have to see a dentist for any denture treatment. Here at The Smile Centre we have everything you need.

Book your free consultation today

*Consultation needs to be booked before 9th December.

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

CGZ

Quote code:

Discount only applies to dentures an Terms and Conditions apply.

READ WHAT OUR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT THE SMILE CENTRE AND FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR SMILE AGAIN. THE PATIENTS BELOW DID JUST THAT WITH THE PROFESSIONAL HELP AND DEDICATION OF THE SMILE CENTRE, LICHFIELD.

Matt and Julie made me feel very comfortable. Matt knew exactly what I wanted but still let me tell him myself. Years of agony, a few visits to Matt and I am a very, very happy man. Thank you so much.

Robert Harrison, Polesworth.

Matt is very friendly and has time for you.

He explains in detail all the treatments available and puts you at ease. Julie has excellent customer service skills and makes you welcome at all times. Thank you for making me smile with confidence again.

Sharon Jakeman, Cannock.

Matt spent a lot of time with my dentures and with us. Thank you Matt and Julie.

Peter Cotterill, Rugeley.

The most comfortable dentures I have ever had. S L Redfern, Rugeley.

I am extremely pleased with my new dentures. I feel they are tailor made for me (which of course they are!). I didn’t realise that dentures could be so carefully crafted for an individual. Christine Harris, Burntwood.

Come directly to a Clinical Dental Technician - The Smile Centre is the only Clinical Dental Technician’s Practice in Lichfield. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Out of hours appointments by arrangement.

REPAIRS • DENTURES • FINANCE • RELINES • DENTURE STABILISTAION AVAILABLE Page 11

GazetteNews

Staffordshire Enjoy Art Exhibition Autumn Show S

taffordshire Enjoy Art promotes the creative talents of professional or semi-professional artists living and working in the county. The ‘Enjoy Art Exhibition Series’ for 2013 will display members’ work throughout the year with shows at Shugborough, Barewall and the Museum of Cannock Chase.

The exhibition is currently being hosted by the Museum of Cannock Chase and includes ceramics, illustrations, paintings, photography, sculptures and textiles. This Richard Bostock of Tixall

A

series of exhibitions will appeal to art lovers of all ages.

Come along to discover the styles, disciplines and inspirations behind some of Staffordshire’s most creative minds.

The museum, on Valley Road in Hednesford, is open Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm (last admission 3.30pm). The exhibition is open until 13th December.

The museum may change exhibition showings at any time. Please call 01543 877666 before visiting to check.

Anna K Warrington of Eccleshall

Mark Lippett of Stafford Paul Gooderham of Gailey Pottery

Bathroom Retailer Backs British

local bathroom retailer is backing British in a bid to ensure they provide the best quality bathroom products which deliver value to their customers, whilst also supporting home-grown design and manufacture.

Norton Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms are in the process of heavily revitalising their showrooms in Norton Canes near Cannock, and Stafford. The improvements being made will lead to a display of the best British products available with showcases from British Shower Manufacturer and Designer, Roman Limited; British Ceramic Manufacturer, Imperial and Freestanding Bath Specialist Manufacturer, Ashton & Bentley. All offer products which have been expertly designed and crafted within the UK. Alison Mennell, Managing Director for Norton Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms commented: “We were due to refurbish the showrooms with a range of new product additions, as we always strive to make sure we offer an unrivalled choice of the most up-to-date and stylish products available. Following customer feedback, we have found there has been a clear trend towards the support of British manufacturers as customers recognise the importance of investing in high quality products for their bathrooms. This inspired Page 12 www.chasegazette.co.uk

us to introduce a series of British suppliers who share our ethos for design led high quality products, which offer value to the customer.”

Norton Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms have been established for 40 years and are experienced in not only supplying products, but also bathroom design. They have one of the most experienced sales teams in Staffordshire who understand the importance of the quality of the products and service they offer and this is another key driver behind the company backing British made and designed products.

Showroom Manager, Michael Broadbent commented: “We offer a complete design service for our customers and we thrive on the challenges that this can pose us when redesigning spaces to suit our customers' needs. By working with British manufacturers and designers we know the products have been designed and engineered so that we can offer many options to our customers allowing us to create the perfect fit for their specification.”

Refurbishments are on-going and are expected to be completed by the New Year, in time for their popular sale period which commences on December 28th. Looking to the future it appears that 2014 will be a very exciting time for Norton

Senior Bathroom Sales/Design Consultant Michael Broadbent, in front of new Shower Enclosure display

by British Manufacturer, Roman Limited.

Bathrooms and Stafford Bathrooms and their suppliers and a re-launch event is planned for early spring.

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New development launched with a ‘royal’ turnout R

epresentatives from Cannock Chase Council and partners were joined by royalty for the community fun day at Monarch Park last week.

The fun day accompanied the opening of the children's play area at the newly-completed Monarch Park housing development at Elizabeth Road in Cannock. The guests included royal lookalikes for the Queen and Prince William, who joined residents to mark the completion of 150 new homes which have transformed an estate originally built 60 years ago and named to honour the Queen's coronation.

The £17 million housing redevelopment is the result of a successful partnership between Cannock Chase Council, Waterloo Housing Group and house builder Lovell, which has replaced worn-out concrete houses with 150 stylish and spacious new family homes.

Councillor Frank Allen, Portfolio Leader for Housing said: "I am absolutely delighted with the transformation.

The 2-year housing regeneration project has created homes which residents can be proud of and is to the betterment of the area. The community event marks the successful partnership working of all

‘Her Majesty the Queen’; ‘Prince William’; Councillor Frank Allen, Portfolio Leader for Housing at Cannock Chase Council; Connor (9) and Kieran (4) Roycroft.

agencies involved and is the way forward in the future."

The redevelopment has also provided attractive public open space, a children's play area and a newly laid road through the estate.

The community fun day was organised by Waterloo Housing Group with support from Lovell and local community groups and offered residents a host of information and free activities.

‘Prince William’; ‘Her Majesty the Queen’; Anthony Riley, Group Director of Development & Operations at Waterloo Housing Group; Kate Rees, Regional Sales Manager at Lovell; and Councillor Frank Allen, Portfolio Leader for Housing at Cannock Chase Council.

December Dining at Netherstowe House

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he inspired modern British cuisine and bespoke interiors of Netherstowe House in Lichfield make it a real treat at anytime of year, but its December Dining experience is something very special and not to be missed. To celebrate the forthcoming festive season the award winning restaurant has created a unique seasonal menu for guests to enjoy value and excellence at lunch or dinner throughout December.

Priced at just £19.95 for two courses and £24.95 for three courses, the emphasis is on affordable luxury by creating flavoursome, classic dishes with a modern twist, freshly produced on site using the finest ingredients.

From the moment you step into the

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entrance hall past the twinkling Christmas tree in the lounge, you and your guests will experience the warm hospitality that saw Netherstowe House awarded the title of Restaurant of the Year - attentive personal service, exquisite decorations, delicious cuisine, wonderful wines and accommodation so comfortable that you will not want to leave. Infact with its popular Dinner, Bed and Breakfast option you can indulge all you like safe in the knowledge that a good nights sleep is just a few steps away.

The approach to this unpretentious gastronomic hot spot gives a real sense of seclusion which makes it the ideal venue for those looking to indulge in a seasonal soiree and past well known guests who have enjoyed doing just that

include Sir Roger Moore, Helen Baxindale, Barry Norman CBE and Claire Sweeny to name but a few.

Whether you are looking to add a touch of glamour to your Christmas party or just a festive evening out for two, you are guaranteed to experience the warmest hospitality that comes from being a truly valued guest at Netherstowe House.

To reserve places for lunch or dinner at Netherstowe House this December, just call one of their friendly hospitality team on 01543 254270 or email reservations@netherstowehouse.com For more information, visit www.netherstowehouse.com

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GazetteNews

Two Staffordshire solicitors complete collaborative law training

One man's trash is another man's treasure!

W

hilst the super-rich frequently hit the headlines with divorces involving long, drawn-out expensive courtroom battles, couples separating in Staffordshire can now take a less stressful approach.

Experienced family lawyers Susan Davies and Laura Lambert from Ansons Solicitors in Lichfield and Cannock have now completed their training to offer an alternative way to settle family disputes, known as collaborative law.

Under the collaborative law process, each person appoints their own collaboratively trained lawyer and the couples and their respective lawyers all meet together to work things out face to face. Each person has their lawyer by their side throughout the meetings and so benefits from their support and legal advice when required.

Everyone involved, including the lawyers, signs an agreement that commits the parties to trying to resolve the issues without going to court and prevents the lawyers from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down. That means everyone is absolutely committed to finding the best solution by agreement, rather than through court proceedings.

The collaborative option is suitable for all aspects of family breakdown, including disputes over children or finances and is an ideal process for pre-nuptial and civil partnership agreements. It can also be used to resolve disputes arising from the separation of an unmarried couple.

“The benefits of the collaborative service are clear”, says Ansons family law expert Susan Davies. “Couples feel more in control and the process encourages openness and honesty instead of mistrust. By communicating face to face we can help each couple to find constructive solutions that suit their personal situation.”

During the negotiations, which take place over a series of meetings, other professionals such as accountants, pension experts and financial advisors can be invited to join the meeting to offer advice. The lawyers manage the whole process and help you to come to an agreement.

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W

e should probably change that to ‘One person’s trash is another person’s treasure’ to keep the PC brigade happy but you’ll get the gist of the headline if you read on.

Hobbies can be expensive things but The Lichfield Scrap Barn is a local craft centre that aims to provide low cost solutions to keep your crafty mind busy.

The small scrap store based at Chasewater Innovation Centre (Unit 6 & 7, Pool Rd, Staffs WS8 7NL) has a big heart and the first thing that strikes you is just how colourful and fun it is when you arrive.

The stock is displayed in barrels that lean on their side inviting customers to rummage through material, card, paper, vinyl, haberdashery and the many other items you can find in the Aladdin’s Cave of scrap.

Alongside the donated scrap they have new lines of paints, crayons and other items that will help give your projects that extra something.

They operate by sourcing surplus materials for recycling and craft production from the local community and businesses with regular donators helping to keep the shelves stocked full of useful, exciting scrap. If you would like to become a donator, see their contact details below.

Providing opportunities The Lichfield Scrap Barn is not only a low cost arts and craft provider, they also provide opportunities for young people with a disability to gain valuable work based experience, skills and training by being involved in a friendly working environment at the heart of the community. These skills developed whilst at Lichfield Scrap Barn can be utilised later in life when applying for full or part time employment in the wider community.

This is how it works Lichfield Scrap Barn uses unwanted items and takes clean non-toxic waste materials from industry and local businesses, and recycle them for use as art and play materials. These items can be made use of in so many different ways within the world of arts and crafts for community groups and the public.

The primary aim is to provide training and supported work placements for young people aged 14 – 19yrs in compulsory education with learning and physical disabilities. The project will provide students opportunities with support and encouragement to learn new skills and to improve their existing ones. Lichfield Scrap Barn will also provide support to find meaningful employment within these placements.

There are many ways that you can help the Lichfield Scrap Barn and they are very grateful for any extra help that you can give; whether by donating surplus materials or buying some of their products. Like any other charity they are very much in need of your help so that they can continue to help people in need.

Please go to their website at www.lichfieldscrapbarn.co.uk, or call 01543 371200, or email admin@lichfieldscrapbarn.co.uk to find out more about this wonderful charity.

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Death of the 7th Marquis of Anglesey of Beaudesert

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he 7th Marquis of Anglesey, George Charles Henry Victor Paget (known as Henry) has recently died aged 90. He came from a family of distinguished soldiers, and honoured the memory of his ancestors by writing an eight-volume History of the British Cavalry, 1816-1919.

George Charles Henry Victor Paget was born on October 8th 1922. His father, the 6th Marquis of Anglesey, a farmer and sportsman, had served with the Royal Horse Guards during the First World War. His mother, the former Lady Victoria Marjorie Manners, was the eldest daughter of the 8th Duke of Rutland.

Lord Anglesey combined a nose for a good story with academic rigour, taking enormous trouble to be accurate in his facts and balanced in his judgments.

A diffident man, Lord Anglesey described the project which occupied him for 25 years as: “An amateur hobby in which I happen to have indulged”. He was inspired to write, he once explained, simply because it was a gap in our military history that needed to be filled and he had an interest in how men and animals behave in peace and war.

The marquisate had been created in 1815 for Henry Paget’s great-great-grandfather, William Paget, Lord Uxbridge, an outstanding cavalry commander, in recognition of the crucial part he played in the victory at Waterloo, in which he famously lost a leg.

According to tradition, Uxbridge exclaimed to the Duke of Wellington: “By God, Sir! I’ve lost my leg,” to which the Duke is supposed to have replied: “By God Sir! So you have”.

After the battle, he had the leg coffined and buried under a commemorative plaque, and was fitted with the first articulated wooden leg ever made. Later he distinguished himself as an able and liberal administrator.

Henry was educated at Eton, from where he went into the Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) and became a major in 1946 at the comparatively young age of 23. The following year he succeeded to the marquisate on the death of his father following an operation.

His first task on coming into his inheritance was to clear a massive bill for death duties amounting to some £2.5 million of his estate worth around £3.5 million. Of the family’s 650,000 acres, he sold all but 40,000, disposing of land and property in central

including London and Staffordshire Beaudesert. In 1976 he gave Plas Newydd, the family’s magnificent neo-gothic house overlooking the Menai Strait, to the National Trust, though he continued to live there.

Lord Anglesey took his place on the Conservative benches in the House of Lords, but took a relaxed view of his duties. He never spoke and only voted once on whether there should be an oil terminal in Anglesey: “It’s very important that peers should not turn up all the time,” he observed in 1996. “They’d soon abolish the Lords if we were all chattering away. Some of us are half-witted.”

In 1948 he married Shirley Morgan, who became well known in her own right as, among other things, chairman of the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. They had two sons and three daughters. Their eldest son, Lord Uxbridge, born in 1950, succeeds to the Anglesey title.

Reproduced from the Hazel Slade Local History Society Newsletter October 2013 by kind permission of Mr Derek Davies.

For more information visit www.hazelslade.org.uk

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GazetteNews

Competition Winners Festive Gift Fair Competition.

Congratulations to Sally Clatworthy of Burton Old Road East, Lichfield, Sue Bostock of Borrowcop Lane, Lichfield, Anita Sammons of Lynfield Road, Lichfield, Derek Myatt of Badgers Bank Rd, Sutton Coldfield, Jeanette Roberts of Uttoxeter Road, Hill Ridware, Samantha Thompson of Chichester Drive, Heath Hayes, Freda Ross of Shirehall Place, Cannock, Kathleen Griffin of Littleworth Road, Hednesford, Pat Tucker of Wordsworth Road, Burntwood and Trish Coley of Thomas Way, Rugeley, who are all winners of our Festive Gift Fair Competition.

Your tickets have been posted to you and we hope that you have a fabulous time!

South Staffordshire College hosts unique conference for women

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outh Staffordshire College has played host to a conference at its Lichfield Campus aimed at attracting more women into male dominated industries.

Organised in partnership with the Soroptimists, Staffordshire University and Entrust STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) the Skirting Science and Technology conference welcomed Year 9 girls from five local schools to listen to talks from young women with careers in Science and Technology.

The Conference was aimed at inspiring young girls to explore and pursue careers in these sectors, with speakers focusing on forensic science, computer game design and electronic engineering.

In an increasingly complex world connected by the internet and social media, there are more jobs created and available every day in science and technology based industries than in any other, and STEM graduates are amongst the most likely to find work in their chosen industry. The number of women working in these industries is dwarfed by the number of men, accounting for only six per cent of engineers and three per cent of engineering technicians in the whole of the United Kingdom.

The students were split into three groups and took part in five activities; A session with Smallpiece Trust, which involved making a speaker out of polystyrene; A university forensics lab where students analysed four tubs of sand to ascertain which tub came from a crime scene; A computer games workshop where students had to design a short videogame sequence and a robotic laboratory and a teambuilding exercise where students had to work together to put up a tent.

It is hoped that the Skirting Science and Technology conference will encourage more girls to choose STEM subjects at GCSE and will change their attitudes towards science and engineering as career choices, for example one student said that the workshop “gave her the confidence to pursue her real interests.”

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The Chase Business Start Up & Growth Show 2014

he Chase Business Start Up & Growth Show is an ‘Extravaganza Event’ designed to showcase Local Business within Staffordshire. The event includes talks from three key inspirational speakers, several workshops and seminars and a speed-networking event, all proceeds of which will go direct to two local charities: Midlands Air Ambulance and the Teenager Cancer Trust.

Local Business Entrepreneur Linda Whitehouse who is founder of the Chase Business & Growth Shows commented: “We are hoping that Stephen Sutton, an inspirational and remarkable individual will be able to speak at the event. Recently I was privileged to meet Stephen and hear about his achievements including a series of challenges he completed after being diagnosed with incurable cancer.”

Mr Fred Pritchard will also be supporting the event, and though semi-retired has taken time out to deliver a presentation to delegates.

Some Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer exhibitions stands are still available This brilliant event takes place on Thursday 30th January 2014 at The New Aquarius Ballroom, Hednesford.

Linda has a proven track record both locally, nationally and internationally for organising excellent events, backed up with effective PR, marketing and promotion.

She has witnessed first-hand how small businesses have struggled to survive over the past few years, and how markettowns have been especially hit. She added: “Small independent businesses are the back bone of our country so I was delighted to be asked present The Chase Business Start Up & Growth Show again. Especially as lack of resources locally have meant a lack of these useful shows taking place in the area.“ In 2009 Linda organised a similar event at Hednesford Football Club which was supported by Mr Fred Pritchard who officially opened the first event. It was a great success and organiser then asked if another could be set up. This event took place at the Ramada Hotel and was again very successful.

Thinking Of Starting Your Own Business?

Linda Whitehouse It can be quite a daunting prospect, especially as the hardest part is trying to decide what you want to do. Well, think no more!

We've done a round up of some of the best options available when it comes to being self employed. These 'Out of the box Businesses' are the perfect solution to anyone looking to test the waters without taking a huge risk. Call to register on our free workshop/seminar at the Chase Business Start up & Growth The Chase Business Start Up & Growth Show Show -Staffordshire 2014 tel: 01543 899 695 SPEED NETWORKING - Book your places early to avoid disappointment The Perfect Pitch

Can you comprehensively describe your business and intentions in just one minute?

Here are our 7 Top Tips for Speed Networking.

1) Be genuine, don't exaggerate or embellish.

2) Be concise, don't digress or waffle.

3) Know your goals, what you want to say and achieve.

4) Know your business, what it can offer,what it needs.

5) Understand why your business is Mr Fred Pritchard delivering a presentation to delegates. special.

6) Bring an abundance of quality business cards.

7) Follow up! Schedule time in your diary to return calls and catch up with fellow networkers. If you don't it'll be a waste of everyone's time.

Book you place Now! £10 per delegate all funds raised from this speed networking event goes to our two chosen local Charities.

The Chase Business Start Up & Growth Show

Probably the liveliest and most exciting pub in Lichfield, The Feathers in Beacon Street (voted Best Community Pub 2013) has something to offer everyone. It’s a family pub with great food, it’s a live music venue and it’s a great pub to have a beer with hosts Mike and Tracey.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE…LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND NIGHT – FAMILY FRIENDLY & more…

Absolutely Fantastic News!

GREAT FOOD – “BETTER FOR LONGER” BAR SNACKS & MEALS - As a result of the continued support of our customers we are thrilled to announce that we have now extended our Kitchen Hours : Mon-Wed lunch 12 - 3 & evening 5.30 – 9; Thurs to Sat 12 – 9; Sun 12 – 6. We now have two top chefs Justin & Steve cooking an awesome range of fresh home-made food.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL (NEW) – live music that features soloists, duos and trios every Thursday from 8.30pm WEBCAST – coming soon – “they said it couldn’t be done” streaming live music

podcasts to your home computer from our pub - next best thing to being there. (All you need is the great draught beer piped in!).

REGULAR FEATURES – Open Mic Night (Tuesdays); Poker Club (Wednesday); Family Sunday Roast.

ALL THE SPORT – all the time (you’d better believe it!)

CHRISTMAS IS GOING TO BE GREAT! – Christmas party bookings now being taken - Christmas fayre is available 1 24 December (Book early for Christmas Day – menu available at bar or website) NEW YEAR’S EVE – Limited availability – if you loved last year’s you won’t be disappointed – live band/buffet only £10 – tickets now on sale.

LIVE MUSIC IN DECEMBER Fri 6th Broken Promise Fri 13th The Ant Hill Mob Fri 20th Roar Fri 27th The Copyrites Tues 31st OTC

Sat 7th The Durkins Sat 14th Gambler Sat 21st Last Orders Sat 28th SI-FI

The Feathers Inn, Beacon Street, Lichfield WS13 7BA Tel:01543 417029 Website:www.feathersinn.co.uk email: thefeathersinn@btconnect.com Twitter – Facebook – “Feathers Inn Lichfield”

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GazetteFeature

Rugeley Horse Fair W

e at the Chase Gazette would like to express our thanks to the Landor Society for sending us these wonderful images of Rugeley Horse Fair from the 1890’s onwards.

The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley and its surrounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and was named in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local and county historian, who became the Society’s first President. More information is available at www.landorlocalhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk The re-development of Horse Fair is very much in the news at the moment. We hope that you enjoy these images. Maybe they might also provide some inspiration for the planners!

The Horse Fair, held each June, with the Pleasure Fair in the middle of the road. This view, looking towards the The Bridges is dated to around 1890.

Postmarked 1905 this clearly shows the posts used to tether horses and to rope off the pavement during the Horse Fair.

Williss’ moved into No 9 about 1900. They closed in 1970. The iron gates now lead to the Fairway Motel.

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A close up of Elizabethan cottages with Mrs Astbury holding her son Herbert in 1904. The thatch was replaced by tile in 1911 and the cottages demolished in the 1960’s.

GazetteFeature

Williss’ was a grocers and on the other side of the entry is Jack Hill’s toy and bicycle shop.

The large brick building is the Globe Hotel, recently converted to an estate agents. The black and white cottages were demolished before the 1st World War.

The new cinema was built in 1934, to replace The Palace in Anson Street (Rugeley Library is now on this site). The name was changed to The Plaza in 1937/8 and is now a Wetherspoon’s ‘theme pub’.

Looking towards The Globe in the early 1950’s

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Nicky Snazell’s Pain Relief Clinic at Wolseley Bridge has increased its MBST technology for the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, bone fractures, spinal discs and sports injuries to tendons and ligaments. It now has two of the three latest Open 700 systems available in the UK. MBST is a proven, safe derivative of MRI scanning technology. Developed in Germany, it has been highly successful across Germany and Austria with over 290 treatment centres and over 150 Orthopaedic Consultants trusting and using MBST on a daily basis. Over 150,000 patients have been treated and there have been zero reported side effects, making it risk free.

MBST is unique in its ability to regrow cartilage, bone and heal spinal discs, tendons and ligaments. This highly complex technology is able to saturate targeted body tissue with energy, stimulating the cells to grow. A recent 10 year study of over 4,500 patients has proven its ability to reduce pain, reduce frequency of pain and improve mobility. It not only treats the symptoms, but also gets to the very heart of the problem, by treating the cause itself.

This month’s story is about a patient with a broken arm who was briefly visiting from Spain. The patient’s time constraints prevented us from providing more than 2/3 of the treatment

Page 24 www.chasegazette.co.uk

required, so it wasn’t ideal.

The heat in Spain was causing non-stop inching a getting on with a normal life was proving difficult wearing the cast, made worse by considerable non-stop pain.

Three weeks after returning to Spain, the patient went into hospital for check up and the doctors were amazed that the bone had healed so well and so quickly, enabling the cast to be removed three weeks early. Needless to say, the patient was absolutely delighted that life had returned to itch-free normality. What’s more the pain had reduced by almost 90% to the odd twinge.

GazetteFeature

Messages from the past at the Four Crosses Inn

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By Kate Gomez

oaching inns have always been associated with the telling of stories. In fact, many believe that the phrase ‘a cock and bull story’ may have originated when coaches passing through Stony Stratford, a town in Milton Keynes and an important staging post on Watling Street, brought travellers to either the ‘The Cock’ or its rival ‘The Bull’, where the stream of gossip and rumour between the two establishments flowed as much as the ale.

Eighty miles further north along Watling Street, passengers journeying through the Midlands may have stopped off at the Four Crosses, a well known coaching inn near Cannock.

Although the arrival of the railways largely brought the coaching era to an end, it seems it may have continued for a while longer at the Four Crosses. Walsall solicitor and historian William Henry Duignan described how in 1861, an elderly lady still travelled from London to Wales via coach, changing horses there. In April that same year, Lord Hatherton (whose family owned the pub and kept a suite of rooms there until the inn was sold to Bank’s brewery in the 1950s) was enjoying an ale and porter when Mr Lovatt, the innkeeper, asked him whether he could give up posting.

Lord Hatherton agreed to the request and noted in his journal, ‘Here was an end of the last effort to maintain posting on the old Roman and Saxon Road’.

Although many years have passed since the final coach left the Four Crosses, the place is still full of stories and legend. Some say that the presence of some of the inn’s long-departed guests can still be felt. Recent newspaper cuttings displayed around the entrance tell of paranormal investigations and celebrity psychics and last year the pub even made an appearance on the television series ‘Great British Ghosts’. An older newspaper article on display dates from the 1950s when workmen discovered an oak door, carved with the date 1638, behind a layer of plaster in a small passageway. Of course, rumour has it that there are other secret rooms and underground tunnels still waiting to be found!

Photographs of past punters and past managers also hang on the walls, including one of Miss Lovatt, who died in 1940 aged 91 and was said at the time to be the oldest licensee in England. The Lovatt family had run the inn for around two hundred years before the tenancy passed over to Miss Lovatt’s great-nephew Harry Roland Tomlinson, also a local farmer. It was during Mr Tomlinson’s time at the Four Crosses that an old coachman’s uniform, consisting of a velvet top and a pair of buck skin trousers was discovered at the inn. According to local folklore the uniform was found up a chimney, but records show the uniform was actually found in a trunk in an attic by Mr Tomlinson’s daughter Mary. The uniform is believed to date from around the late 1820s and a letter held in the County Museum archive suggests that it may have belonged to someone working on the mail coaches in the Birmingham area between about 1815 and 1827.

The uniform is now kept at the County Museum at Shugborough, where it can be viewed on request, but there are other items of historical interest on display at the inn itself, including a page showing the account entry for the Page 26 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Four Crosses Inn, Watling St

night Lord Hatherton entertained the Committee for the Assessment for the Liberty of Hatherton and old handmade nails that once held together some of the building’s wooden beams.

It has been suggested that some of the timber used to build this ancient inn originally came from even more ancient ships. Many inns and old buildings across the country also make this claim, and it seems that whilst reuse of timber was common, it is unlikely that the wood came from old ships, both here at the Four Crosses and elsewhere. This wooden part of the building is the oldest, with the date 1636 carved on to one of the beams. A more curious inscription in Latin can be seen above a ground floor window, which old accounts transcribe as follows: ‘Fleres si scires unum tua tempora mensem, Rides cum non sit forsitan una dies’ However, the inscription appears to read slightly differently these days, and seems to have an ‘N’ where the ‘F’ and ‘L’ of the word ‘Fleres’ should be. Another dated inscription tells us that the building was restored in 1925 and so perhaps this is when the error occurred? The Latin epigram is attributed to Sir Thomas More and in his book on the Old Inns of England, Charles Harper translates it as: “Thou wouldst weep if thou knewest thy time to be one month, thou laughest when perchance it may not be one day.”

A story regarding yet another inscription has been linked to the pub. During his travels, Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels and Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, is said to have scratched a verse into a window pane. The inscribed glass appears to have long since disappeared and there seems to be no agreement on the exact wording but it is thought to have said something along the lines of “Fool to put up four crosses at your door; Put up your wife she's crosser than all four!”. Apparently Swift’s verse was inspired by his dislike of the landlady and his accommodation, but whether this was at the Four Crosses in Cannock, or at the Four Crosses in Willoughby near Rugby as has also been suggested, is an ongoing matter for discussion!

Within the last month, reports have appeared in both the local and the national press that the pub is up for sale.

Close-up of Latin inscription

Four Crosses

Whoever the new owners of this remarkable historic building may be, let’s hope that this new chapter in the story of the Four Crosses inn will be a long and happy one.

Sources: Uriconium, Thomas Wright The Old Inns of England, Charles Harper http://www.timespast.org.uk The Works of Jonathan Swift: Miscellaneous Poems, Jonathan Swift and Walter Scott Information on coachman’s uniform provided by Museum Development Officer, Staffordshire County Council

Four Crosses Fireplace

Four Crosses Snug

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GazetteFeature

Photographers in a winter wonderland

We at the Chase Gazette know what a talented and creative lot our readers are, so we were delighted to be sent this very Christmassy selection of images by local photographers. If you're not feeling festive yet, they're guaranteed to make you feel full of good cheer (if a little chilly). Curl up on the sofa with a cuppa and enjoy! (Joss, Deputy Ed).

Lanes near Hatherton, Cannock ©Ann Mayo

In the bleak midwinter on Cannock Chase ©Ted Duffield

Lanes near Hatherton, Cannock ©Ann Mayo

Blackbird in the snow. ©Jim Boden

Autumn colours in the snow. ©Pete Bell

A snowy day at Wolseley Gardens, Rugeley ©Jim Boden

A winter walk on Cannock Chase ©Pete Bell

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GazetteFeature

Cannock Chase. ©Geoff Allsop

Cannock Chase. ©Geoff Allsop

Fern in the snow ©Graham Williams

These beautiful wintery pictures were taken by members of Rugeley’s Phoenix Photography Group. The group has been running for eight years and attracts beginners and more experienced photographers. Members are encouraged to take pictures each month and these are reviewed in a friendly session during one of the afternoon sessions.

Advice and instruction on many aspects of photography are given on a weekly basis, so there’s something for everyone. The Photography Group meets every Monday between 1.45 and 3.45pm at Etching Hill Community Centre. Photography is just one of the activities for the over 50s run under the Rugeley and District Phoenix Activities Club banner.

A path through Grin Woods near Buxton ©David Robinson

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GazetteNews

The miraculous story of baby Jacob

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hen Susan Stanley contacted us about the remarkable story of her daughter Pippa and grandson Jacob we were amazed by what her family had been through. Below, we print Susan’s story of Jacob’s miraculous ‘fight-for-life’.

My daughter was like any other when she started at Blake High School, Cannock. Not long after she went to Blake she joined the St. John Ambulance Service. Pippa (who lives in Stretton with husband Tim Reed) didn’t know when she joined what lay in store for her.

14/9/10 Pippa miscarried after 5 months and she and her husband was devastated, but on 14/9/11 (exactly one year tothe-day later) she found out she was pregnant again. On 29/9/11 Pippa went to see her doctor who gave her a scan and he said: “Pippa I think you are carrying twins.”

8/11/11 Pippa miscarried again.

9/11/11 the doctors at the hospital gave Pippa another pregnancy test and, wonders of wonders, found she was still pregnant. When they gave her a scan they found one little sack was empty where she had miscarried but the other little sack still carried a little bundle of joy! I cannot describe the highs and lows my daughter or we as a family went through devastation, elation and then wonder of wonders!

9/12/11 Pippa was re-admitted to Burton Hospital. Everything is checked out and things are OK. Pippa is allowed to come home but is ‘on the box’ for two weeks with strict orders not to do any work. She must have complete rest if she wants to keep this baby.

19/12/11 Pippa is rushed back to hospital again. Being pregnant is supposed to be the happiest time for you, but when you’re up and down and have to keep being rushed back to hospital you cannot enjoy the moment. Pippa was again sent home.

21/12/11 Today Pippa was rushed back into hospital as her waters had broken. Pippa was immediately offered a termination. However after losing two of her babies she was determined to hang on to this one.

22/12/11 Today we went to see Pippa. She was very grey and looked really ill. Despite being offered a termination and being told the baby’s lungs would not develop due to lack of amniotic fluid, she still refuses to terminate her baby.

26/12/11 Pippa is back home.

28/12/11 Pippa is rushed back into hospital in a critical condition. Pippa is put ‘on the box’ for the remainder of her pregnancy. She must not do any work and have complete bed-rest.

30/12/11 Pippa is rushed back into hospital again.

5/1/12 Today Pippa has to go to Birmingham Hospital for a detailed scan. After she has had her scan the consultant said: “I don’t hold out much hope for your baby. The prognosis is not good. I would terminate if I were you!” Once again Pippa declines the termination.

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Jacob and cousin Chloe

9/1/12 Pippa is back at Burton Hospital where they have to measure the amniotic fluid! Once again the fluid has reduced.

Pippa has been told to drink as much as she can.

10/1/12 Pippa has to go back to Birmingham Hospital to have her baby measured. The little baby is not quite a pound in weight.

23/1/12 Pippa is re-admitted to Burton Hospital 26/1/12 Pippa has a scan at the hospital. The doctors do not hold out much hope and only give the baby a 10% chance of survival. They offer Pippa a termination. To say she is at breaking point is an understatement. She so wants this baby and with tears rolling down her face she once again declines a termination.

10/02/12 Heavy snow is falling today. Pippa is bleeding badly and Burton Hospital have to find a hospital to take her who can deal with her problem. In the end Pippa is transferred to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Pippa is told that if the baby doesn’t show signs of life they will not try to resuscitate or assist it. His chances of survival are estimated at 3%.

29/02/12 Today Pippa was rushed into theatre and was delivered of a little boy at 3.57a.m. weighing 2lbs. 10.5oz (Jacob was born at 28 weeks and 2 days gestation) and to prove everyone wrong Jacob cried. Pippa saw him once and because she knew he was a sick child said: “Help my baby please.” We drove down to Oxford to see Pippa and Jacob and because he was so tiny he was in an incubator with little black shades on the blue lights so that they didn’t hurt his eyes.

7/3/12 Jacob had a bleed on the brain.

13/3/12 Jacob had to have a lumbar puncture.

16/03/12 The results from the lumbar puncture came back fine but the doctors told Pippa not to expect to go home in the near future as Jacob’s condition was baffling them.

20/03/12 Pippa held Jacob for the first time. Doctors have told Pippa they may send her home as she is missing her family so badly!

21/3/12 Pippa has a real cuddle of her son three weeks after giving birth.

28/03/12 Jacobs’s jaundice is down to 135 today which is not good but better than it has been.

28/03/12 I hold my grandson for the first time. It is wonderful!

01/4/12 Pippa came home today and had to leave her little son behind because they didn’t have a room where she could stay.

7/4/12 Pippa is going to see Jacob for the weekend and the hospital have offered her a bed.

Finally Jacob is transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital and Pippa is given a flat at the Ronald McDonald Dept.

Jacob had little tumours on his body, and when they gave him a scan they found that these tumours were affecting his vital organs and no-one knew what was happening. They also found that Jacob had two cracked ribs and had a shadow on his right leg due to the bone marrow test which he had had.

He has been found to have an umbilical hernia and also suffers from stomach acidity. The biggest concern remains his mystery liver problem.

24/5/12 Mother Pippa gives baby Jacob the kiss-of-life (thank heavens she joined St. John!) Jacob was eventually returned to the children's ward after being stabilised but has since been plagued by falling oxygen levels.

On Jubilee Tuesday Jacob is allowed home for the first time.

We thought this day would never come.

On Thursday Jacob has to go to the Gem Centre in Wednesfield. Jacob has to be rushed back to Birmingham Children's Hospital for major surgery to his eyes. On Saturday we wait to see the outcome of Jacob’s operation. He has had laser surgery to his eyes. We are told the surgery has been successful.

My daughter is given a room again in the Ronald McDonald suite. Once again she is in hospital with her little boy. After this Jacob has to undergo four further operations, one lasting five hours.

The tension and strain of waiting for the phone to ring is terrible, and how Pippa can keep going I do not know. One thing she is grateful for however are the friends she has made while in hospital. How the parents all pull together is remarkable. I think that in times like this each parent gains strength from the other parents.

Jacob has been diagnosed with JXG Juvenile Xanthogranuloma, a rare disease in which an excess of white blood cells cluster together to form bumps which attack different organs.

Finally Jacob is home again November 2012 - Jacob is taken into Burton Hospital where it is found that he has pneumonia. My husband is with Pippa and baby Jacob when he starts turning purple. Doctors at the

Jacob and Pippa hospital have to incubate Jacob and then he is once again taken by ambulance with his mother Pippa to John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford. We have come full circle. We pray so hard and so many people are praying with us. It was a terrible time.

Jacob is incubated for four weeks while doctors try to make him well. Finally just before Christmas 2012 Jacob is allowed to come home.

It was such a traumatic time last year and such a strain on everyone that Christmas was not its usual one. We had Jacob home which was a wonderful miracle.

30/10/13 Jacob and Pippa have come to our house today for tea. When I walk in through the front door Jacob is sitting up in the middle of the floor and turning round in a circle. Last week he couldn’t quite sit-up on his own and now he is turning round.

6/11/13 Today Jacob is saying “woof-woof” and “mom-mom” and doing a ta-ta.

Do you believe in miracles for a little boy who shouldn’t have been born....who was supposed to be disabled? He is one wonderful marvellous little boy.

Cannock & District Men’s Probus Club

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Santa Clause is not the only one planning treats at this time of year!

annock & District Men’s Probus Club is busy arranging a number of events for its members.

Following recent visits to the Rolls Royce Heritage Collection in Derby and Birmingham’s Assay Office, a joint Christmas carol Service – for its own members and those of neighbouring clubs – is being held at St Stephen’s Methodist Church (Bideford Way, Cannock WS11 1QD) on 6 December.

Then, in the New Year, outside events include the Chairman’s Annual Lunch at Shugborough and a behind-the-scenes tour of the BBC Studios in Birmingham.

The club has members who have retired from a wide variety of working backgrounds and holds fortnightly meetings with talks from speakers on a wide range of subjects.

“We meet on alternative Monday mornings at the Unionist Club in High Green, Cannock, and are always keen to welcome newcomers,” said chairman Stan Williams.

“Anyone who is interested is invited to come along to one of our meetings without any commitment to join until they are satisfied it is something they would like to do.”

5 bedroom property available in Heath Hayes with PLANNING PERMISSION FOR TWO FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSES TO SIDE GARDEN. Harrigan Sales are pleased to offer this five bedroom detached family home. gas central heating, double glazing, entrance porch, entrance hallway, guest cloakroom, living room, games room, kitchen, dining

room, utility room, five bedrooms (four being double), bathroom, shower room, driveway to front, mature rear garden and patio area. PLANNING PERMISSION FOR TWO FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED HOUSES TO SIDE GARDEN. Features: Detached Family Home. Five Bedrooms (Four Double). Games Room. Two Bathrooms.

To find out more, contact secretary Barry Dowell on Tel: 01543 503 320

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GazetteNews

O

Award of the Arctic Star

n Wednesday 24th October Mr Edward Hancox (89) of Burntwood received the Arctic Star from Mr Ian Dudson, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, at a ceremony held at the Stafford County Buildings.

The Arctic Star is granted for operational service of any length north of the Arctic Circle from the 3rd September, 1939, to the 8th May, 1945. The Arctic Star commemorates the Arctic Convoys and is designed primarily for the ships of the convoys to North Russia and their Escorts.

Congratulations to Mr Hancox from all at the Lichfield Gazette. Image by John Crowe.

Chase Harmony hits the right note

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annock's unique four part harmony singing group, Chase Harmony, are on the lookout for new 'harmonisers' to join their ranks, in particular they are keen to encourage male vocalists to join the Tenor and Bass sections now, ready for their next show ‘Musical Memories’ in March 2014.

'Musical Memories' includes well-known, feel-good, favourites such as songs from Calamity Jane, West Side Story, Grease and Fiddler on the Roof to name but a few.

Chase Harmony are very diverse and while their speciality is music from the shows, they do challenge themselves with different genres such as Jazz, Disney, Motown and Rock. They are a very friendly, mixed age group who enjoy singing and socialising at their weekly rehearsals. They perform each year at The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock as well as other venues, and perform shows throughout the year at a variety of events, from churches to weddings and larger concert venues.

The group meets on Monday evenings, 7.30 until 10pm at Mill Street Methodist Church in Cannock. You can find out about them on their web site chaseharmony@weebly.com. All budding harmonisers interested in finding out more or in joining Chase Harmony please contact either Ann on 07989 362980 or Maggie on 07971 968424.

Page 32 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Win karting

M

for two worth £70!

idland Karting is one of the UK’s premiere karting centres, located just a few miles from Cannock Chase and Rugeley, offering one of the best karting experiences available right here on your doorstep.

Midland Karting has two outdoor tracks that are regularly redesigned to give the ultimate adrenalin pumping drive. Karting starts from eight years up, with full safety equipment including race suit, gloves and helmet and video safety briefing included in the ticket price.

10 minute taster sessions start at just £10 for ‘arrive and drive’ and they guarantee that once you try it you’ll be hooked!

Midland Karting is ideal for stag and hen celebrations, corporate events, birthday parties or just a day out with friends and family, as the on-site cafe can provide whatever menu you require, from burgers to restaurant quality dining.

The kid’s room has access to a free playstation to keep young children amused, and with free air hockey and on-site party tunes it’s also a great place for a children’s birthday party as it provides a track side view of the action.

With karting tuition, adult and junior leagues and regular karting events, it’s always worth taking a look at their website to see what’s on.

You can also finish your karting in true F1 style with photos, trophies and champagne on the winner’s podium.

Fancy a meal at Frankie and Benny’s to finish your perfect karting session?

They can book you in in advance.

They’ve also teamed up with local attractions to provide fabulous activity packages that combine karting with archery, rafting, high ropes challenges, abseiling and even helicopter treasure hunts.

Midland Karting have announced their Christmas party packages, go to www.midlandkarting.co.uk for further details or call 01543 418419.

Midland Karting can be found on Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8NF. Tel: 01543 418419.

WIN WIN WIN Competition

We’ve teamed up with Midland Karting to offer our readers the chance to win 60 minutes of karting (including all safety equipment and briefing) for two people (8yrs and older) worth £70!* To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question.

Q Where is Midland Karting based?

A. Fradley Park B. Sutton Coldfield C. Stoke on Trent

Just send your name, answer and contact details to Midland Karting competition, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 7LE or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of Friday 20th December. One entry per household please, duplicates will be disqualified. Good luck! *If the date required is not possible, others will be suggested. Cannot be exchanged for cash.

GazetteNews

Animal Zone celebrates its fifth birthday

S

outh Staffordshire College’s Animal Zone, on its Rodbaston Campus, is celebrating its fifth birthday this month.

Opened by wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan in 2008, the Animal Zone has seen its collection grow dramatically and is now home to over 750 animals, from meerkats to monkeys and rabbits to alpacas. It welcomes in excess of 19,500 visitors each year.

The Animal Zone has received recognition as one of the Midland’s best tourist attractions, achieving a Visitor Attraction award for the third year in succession. It works in co-operation with other zoos and animal collections to preserve endangered species, including cotton top tamarins, black lemurs, red ruffed lemurs and Egyptian tortoises. It has also recently taken delivery of some very rare Brahminy mynah birds from Asia to help educate the students on soft billed birds.

The Animal Zone is open to the public at weekends and college holidays and visitors can enjoy the daily ‘Animal Encounters’ or ‘Meet the Keeper’ sessions where they have the opportunity to handle animals and ask questions.

The Rodbaston Campus can be found in Penkridge, Staffs, ST19 5PH. For more information go to www.southstaffs.ac.uk

Rugeley Lions and Rotary Clubs are bringing Santa to the Rugeley area!

Rugeley Lions Club are once again this year joining with Rugeley Rotary Club to bring their Santa Float around the Rugeley District with Santa and Christmas music, collecting for their respective charity accounts.

The evenings start on Monday 9th December at Little Haywood, followed on Tuesday 10th Dec by Woodcock Road area and Slitting Mill. Wednesday 11th Dec covers the Lower Birches and Draycott Estate areas, moving to Old Eaton Road on Thursday 12th Dec, finishing the first week on Friday 13th Dec at Station Road/Chadsfield area.

The second week starts on Monday Mon 16th Dec at Priory Avenue (behind Ash Tree Pub) and Upper Longdon and on Tuesday 17th Dec we cover the Springfields. Wednesday 18th Dec sees coverage of the Bower Lane area of Etchinghill followed by Western Springs on Thursday 19th Dec and finally on Friday 20th December Pear Tree Estate gets the opportunity to see Santa.

Evenings start around 6.30 and finish by 9.00 latest. Further details can be had by speaking to any Lion or Rotary member.

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Subscribe to the Chase Gazette

GazetteNews

We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of the Chase Gazette.

If you do not currently receive the Chase Gazette, we offer a popular subscription service. For a yearly fee (that includes postage) we will send you your preference of either five or all ten issues of the Chase Gazette.

Just fill in the form below and post it to us at Chase Gazette, PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ along with a cheque for the correct amount made out to Chase Gazette.

Choose from either 10 issues of the Chase Gazette (covers a 12 month period) for £22 (fee includes VAT and postage) 5 issues of the Chase Gazette for £11 (fee includes VAT and postage)

Your details Name:

Address:

*Contact telephone number: *Email:

*(please note, we will only contact you about your subscription and we do not share your details with any other organisation) Please make sure that you include your cheque made out to Chase Gazette. Your first issue will be sent out as soon as your cheque has cleared.

Would you like to pay by direct bank transfer or monthly subscription?

Just send us your details to Paul@chasegazette.co.uk and we will be in touch to arrange.

Pizza Hut Delivery joins £50 million Hednesford regeneration

C

annock Chase Council has welcomed the news of another letting at the Hednesford Town Regeneration Scheme, Chase Gateway.

Pizza Hut Delivery is the latest tenant to open up as part of the £50 million Hednesford Town Centre Chase Gateway Scheme.

Other retailers include discount foodstore Aldi and Mark Watkins - St. Modwen, Cllr Diane Todd, Hednesford Bingo.

The Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration and nearby Victoria Shopping Kulvinder Kandola - Pizza Hut Delivery.

Centre is also home to Phones 4 u, Lloyds Pharmacy, Pets Corner, discount UK, Costa Coffee and Tesco.

Pizza Hut Delivery officially opened on 14th October.

Councillor Diane Todd, Portfolio Leader for Town Centre Regeneration said:"The transformation of Hednesford Town Centre is near completion with nearly all of the units at Chase Gateway now let. Hednesford is now a thriving town which can offer residents a good shopping experience and bring more people into the town centre of the benefit of other businesses."

Mark Watkins, Senior Development Surveyor at St. Modwen said "We are really pleased to have welcomed a new tenant to our retail scheme in Hednesford. We are working alongside the District Council and agents to ensure that we provide visitors to the town centre of the town with a vibrant, high quality shopping experience, which will help with our aim to create a more prosperous area for local residents and businesses."

Page 34 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Calling all Time Travellers The Parish of Brereton & Rugeley is pleased to announce that the annual Stable Trail will be held on Saturday December 14th at St. Augustine’s Church, Rugeley.

Come and travel back in time to Bethlehem and witness the events for yourself.

Experience the real magic of Christmas.

Guided journeys can be taken between 10am & 12 noon and 2pm & 4pm.

No passport required!

All journeys will begin in the Church Hall (adjacent to the church).

Refreshments and plenty of Christmas crafts and activities! All ages welcome Further details available from Parish Office 01889 574157 (Tue & Fri am)

Both of the above are reproduced by kind permission from the Bereton and Rugeley Links newsletter.

GazetteWoman

Win Tickets to the BBC Good Food Show

T

he BBC Good Food Show Winter is running from 27 Nov – 1 December 2013 at the NEC in Birmingham and to celebrate we have teamed up with the organisers to offer you this fantastic prize!

We’ve got ten pairs of general admission tickets* for you to win, giving you and a friend the chance to enjoy a day at the Show. The Show will feature over 50 chefs and experts from across the country on 7 different stages, so this is the perfect place to prepare for Christmas! The nation’s favourite TV programmes will be brought to life with Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry live in The Great British Bake Off, James Martin live in Saturday Kitchen sessions and John Torode and Gregg Wallace live in MasterChef cook offs in the Supertheatre, sponsored by Tesco finest. Visit The Great British Bake Off Village where you will find The Great British Bake Off Stage featuring some of the most popular past contestants and winners including the 2013 winner.

T h e MasterChef Masterclass will h o s t demonstrations from current champion N a t a l i e Coleman as well as Celebrity MasterChef winner Phil Vickery. Plus Marks & Spencer will be bringing some Christmas sparkle to the Show at the Christmas Theatre. The Producers’ Village will be packed with some of the best artisan producers in the country including ‘our pick’ in the Good Food Champions area as well as the Bursary Award Winners – perfect for picking up tasty stocking fillers and unique ingredients for the festive season.

To book tickets and for more information on the BBC Good Food Show Winter please visit bbcgoodfoodshowwinter.com or call 0844 581 1341 To enter just answer the following question: Q. The Great British Bake Off judges are Mary Berry and Paul.......

A. Halliday B. Hollywood C. Perkins

Just send us your answer, name, address and contact details to BBC Good Food Show competition.

PO Box 5414, Lichfield, WS13 4EZ or email gazetteeditorial@hotmail.co.uk by the competition closing date of Saturday 23rd November. Good Luck! * Please note that tickets are general admission excluding Saturday and are non refundable and nonexchangeable. Ticket terms and conditions apply.

Tickets do not include a seat in the Supertheatre.

Chloe IS Beauty-licious

How many times have you heard older people say “I wish I knew what I know today, when I was younger.” Many people never get to fulfil their dreams, but it’s great to hear of someone who has.

School days at Blake Valley Technical College were not necessarily the best of times for Hednesford girl Chloe Bowdler as she struggled with dyslexia, however she overcame her set-back and went on to Cannock Chase College where she studied beauty therapy. Chole started in the beauty industry in 2009 through work experience at school. Staying within the industry part time, she studied on a full time course and completed it to a high standard getting high grades.

She gained much valuable experience and she entered into beauty competitions, and in 2012 she got first place in the WorldSkills heats. Chloe was able to progress through to the semi-final held at Birmingham’s NEC.

Page 36 www.chasegazette.co.uk

Due to changing work circumstances from her job she had the prospect of advancing her skills and then a quite unexpected opportunity arose that enabled her to own and run her own salon by the age of 19!

Now working from her own salon Chloe’s Beauty-licious within the stylish Lightworks in Hednesford, she offers a range of manicures and pedicures, eyelash tinting and brow shaping, full body waxing (back waxing for men), holistic massage (inc Hot Stone), Spray body tans. Then you will find a selection of packages. Packages include “Mums-to-be” pampers and relaxation, also “Little Diva” packages (ask for details.) Gift vouchers are also available and make a great Christmas or birthday treat for a loved one. Appointments available out of hours can be catered for to suit busy lifestyles.

Chloe said: “I love working for myself and in time I'm looking forward to developing the business further.”

Chloe’s Beauty-Licious Services offered:

Hand & Feet Enhancements * Eye Enhancement * Waxing * Holistic Massage * Hot Stones * Spray Tans

10% OFF

(Ends 5th December)

Like us on Facebook No.4 The Lightworks, Market Street, Hednesford WS12 1AD Tel: 01543 423300 chloesbeautyliciuos@outlook.com

GazetteWoman St. Augustine’s Church Choir Needs Members!

MEN: Men to sing tenor or bass BOYS: Aged 8yrs – 10yrs able to read.

We will teach them to sing.

GIRLS: Teenagers please LADIES: To sing Soprano and Alto Come and join us at one of our Friday practices (in church from 7.30 pm) or for more information please contact the Organist and Choirmaster.

Mr Paul Geoghegan at paul@musicmakers.demon.co.uk Reproduced by kind permission from the Bereton and Rugeley Links Magazine.

St. John’s Church, Slitting Mill COFFEE MORNING First Wednesday of each month at 10.30 am £2 including coffee/tea, biscuits/home-made cake Raffle Bric-a-Brac December - additional stalls with a Christmas theme!

Reproduced by kind permission from the Bereton and Rugeley Links Magazine

To advertise in the Chase Gazette please contact Paul Oakley on Tel 07875 475540 01543 302748 Email. paul@chasegazette.co.uk

Page 37

GAZETTE small ads Services

Vacancies

Calling all domestic tradespeople and service providers!

Services

Do you have gaps in your diary that need to be filled?

Would you prefer to work for clients on your doorstep rather than travelling all over the county?

Are you looking for advertising opportunities to grow your business?

Leaflets distributed

Why not ask about our leaflet distribution, leaflet design and print services?

We cover 15,000 homes and businesses every month.

Enquiries to Paul Tel :- 01543 302748

If you’ve answered YES to any of these questions then maybe the Chase Gazette is just what you’re looking for?

Covering 15,000 homes in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford, the Chase Gazette can provide you with affordable advertising to your local domestic market – and we’ll even design your advert at no extra cost!

Contact one of our sales team to discuss your advertising requirements or check out our website at www.chasegazette.co.uk to find out more.

Magazine distributors wanted in your area.

Earn extra money in your spare time... Delivering leaflets and magazines Contact Marie

Tel :- 07548 682576

Gazettecontacts Editor

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

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

Helen Smith 07967 154187 pebblesdesignagency@hotmail.co.uk

Distributors wanted contact Marie 07548 682576 Advertising

Vic McClure 07872 165695 vic@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Steve Brown 07740 166497 steve@lichfieldgazette.co.uk Rebecca Hill 07535 634794 rebecca.lichfieldgazette@gmail.com National Sales David Baker 07818 686015 david@lichfieldgazette.co.uk

GAZETTE MAGAZINE PO Box 5415, Lichfield, WS14 4EZ

www.chasegazette.co.uk

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